A Note from the Instigator....
How is it already more than halfway through March? I was thinking maybe I wanted a pause button to slow things down a little, but then I remembered, it's not yet Spring — uh, wait...it IS officially Spring now — but still, maybe let's not pause just yet (unless we are talking about the kind of Pause that involved making your own Salem BINGO card...) And while I may jest, I really don't want a pause button, even if that means I can't make it to every event on the weekend (although I did make it to a handful this past one. How many you ask?...scroll way down to find out.) And until next time, how many events will you make it to this weekend? Here are a few to get you started...
— Carlee, The Instigator
Vicki Woods
Pentacle Theatre presents Big Fish
"Big Fish" opens at Pentacle Theatre this Friday. Scroll down for details (and a link to our Press Play feature story)
Thursday Highlights
Salem Poetry Project presents Jamye Sue, 7 p.m. Thursday at Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE. A local of the Canyon Valley Area in Oregon, poetry has been a lifetime passion for Jamye and she continues to write as a way to communicate more succinctly and emotively with others. After the featured reader is the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. For more information contact Marc Janssen at mrcjanssen@msn.com.
Fox and Bones featuring The Quick & Easy Boys — Experience the soul-stirring harmonies and infectious energy of Fox and Bones live. The dynamic duo of Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort bring their signature blend of retro-tinged folk and modern Americana to the stage, delivering a night of uplifting melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Fresh off the success of their award-winning album Long Time Honey, hailed as one of the best Americana records of the year, Fox and Bones continue to captivate audiences worldwide, 7 p.m. March 20 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $20 | Kids Under 12 Free (must have chaperone). Click here for tickets.
Spirit Night is a guided tasting of spirits with a thoughtfully paired meal designed to enhance the flavors of the tasting flight and elevate your dining experience. Each month features a different spirit. Upcoming events feature Don Julio, 6 p.m. Mar 20 at The Cozy Taberna, 249 Liberty St NE #140. Click here for tickets.
Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté — Get a headstart to your weekend every third Thursday with Salem's fabulous drag mother RiRi Calienté and a night of dazzling drag entertainment, 8 p.m. March 20 at Infinity Room. $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Take in a free Winter Concert with the Chemeketa Community College Choirs, 7:30 p.m. March 20 in the Chemeketa Auditorium in building 6.
Willamette University Theatre presents Bloom Bloom Pow
Cheers to a Grand opening
Prismatic Coffee Roasters and Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails present a Grand Opening celebration, 8 a.m. to midnight March 22 at 3996 Cousteau Dr SE. With hourly raffle prizes, specialty coffees, food & drink, cheesesteaks by Jon, a Lattee Art throw down and more. Hosted by Leroy Firwood. Check out our feature story about Prismatic & Epilogue in the Spring edition of Press Play Salem here.
Another Grand Opening
Cherry City Bagels will host its Grand Opening, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Beehive Station Food Truck Pod. The event will feature games, raffles and bagels, of course!
On Stage
The magic of storytelling takes center stage at Pentacle Theatre this spring with Big Fish, a heartwarming musical that explores the complex, deeply personal relationship between traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his son Will. This charming tale of fantasy and family aims to captivate theatergoers March 21 through April 12. Click here for tickets. And get a preview of the show in Press Play Salem spring edition feature story here.
PLUS, tune in to KMUZ Theatre Talk 9 a.m. March 21 (see details below) to hear an interview with Director Jill Sorensen and actors Natalie Pate Gwin and Noah Miller from Big Fish.
KMUZ Theatre Talk comes your way at 9 a.m. the first and third Friday of the month on KMUZ Community Radio at 100.7 and 88.5 FM, also on KMWV-FM-Dallas at 98.3 HD2, and streaming worldwide at KMUZ.org and on the KMUZ mobile app.
A Night Time Experience
Take in the Yozakura, a nighttime viewing of the Cherry Blossoms happening at the State Capitol State Park through March 31. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has decorated the trees with Japanese lanterns and lights that illuminate the evening until 10 p.m. nightly. No alcohol is allowed in the park and it closes at 10 p.m., however the public is invited to bring a blanket or beach chairs, a picnic, and practice “hanami” or blossom viewing.
Hunt…for Truffles
Truffle Hunt & Wine Pairing — Spend the morning with Assistant Winemaker Will Craigie and his dogs, Maeva and Blu, for an authentic truffle hunt through the Oregon woodlands, followed by a decadent four-course wine and food pairing. 9 a.m. Mar 22, at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW. Register at brynmawrvineyards.com
Learn
Salem Art Association presents the second of two free lectures by local Art History teacher Philip Nickel. Philip has been teaching Art History for the last 22 years at Sprague High School. He describes his experience with developing an art history program at Sprague as a unique opportunity that’s been incredibly rewarding, adding that, “Having been dragged to museums from the time I could walk, I discovered that art The lecture theme is “Identity Politics – Resistance and Rebellion,” 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Bush Barn Art Center. Free but registration requested. Learn more and register here.
Laugh
Take in a night of Stand-Up Comedy with Jeremiah Coughlan featuring Cameron Peloso and Chad Johnson. 8 p.m. Friday, March 21 at The BAD Space, 2544 19th St SE. Age 21+ Click here for tickets.
And Laugh Some More
Leave Your Troubles at The Door is a stand-up comedy showcase hosted by Chris Hudson where the audience's problems are the topics of the jokes on stage. Audience members write their problems/troubles down on pieces of paper, put them in a box before the show and then many of the best & up-and-coming comedians from the Pacific Northwest and beyond take on those issues with their on-the-spot jokes. It's a rare comedy show where instead of the comedian joking about their problems, they joke about yours! You're more than likely to walk away from the show feeling at least slightly better about your problems. Just leave 'em by the door, 7 p.m. Friday, Mar 21, at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door for this 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
For the Family
Fly Through Time with Leapin' Louie — A comedy cowboy circus about animals who fly featuring cowboy tricks, 6-foot unicycle, juggling stunts, crazy comedy and animal science. 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22 in Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Building 6. Tickets $8 to $16. Click here for tickets.
More than a Bike Show
The Cherry City Classic is a 2-day event featuring an invitational bike show, live flat track racing, live music, tattoo expo, vendors and more. It’s a celebration of everything great in the world of power sports. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Click here for tickets.
A Roller Derby Tournament
Salem Slam III — Concussion Roller Derby hosts a 2-day Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) sanctioned tournament featuring teams from Concussion Roller Derby, Puget Sound Outcast Derby, Aftershocks, Tremors, and Denver Roller Derby. March 22 and 23, at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. $30 All weekend pass. Age 10 and younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Walk for Peace
Highland Peace Walk — Salem Peace Walks are community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering unity and reducing violence through collective engagement and peaceful demonstrations in local neighborhoods, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Highland Park, 2025 Broadway St NE
Salem Symphonic Winds: The Princess and The Wind
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This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema March 21
MUSIC
Dueling Pianos: Elton John VS Billy Joel — Two masterful pianists go head-to-head, playing iconic hits from these legendary bands. Sing along to timeless classics like Rocket Man and Piano Man as you cheer for your favorite. It’s a high-energy, interactive showdown where the audience helps pick the winner, 8 p.m. March 21 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Power and Precision: Beethoven’s 5th & Brandenburg No. 6 — Take in a captivating evening of music as Amanda Grimm and Charles Noble of the Oregon Symphony perform Bach's 6th and final Brandenburg Concerto alongside the McKay Chamber Orchestra. All proceeds from this event directly benefit music programs at McKay High School to ensure all students have access to instruments and enriching educational experiences regardless of their ability to pay. 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. $5 to $25. Click here for tickets.
Joanne Broh Trio featuring Garry Meiere and Jon Brand — blues rock ‘n’ roll, 9 to 11 p.m. March 22, at Taproot Lounge and Cafe
Bit Brigade Performs "Super Mario World" + "F-Zero" LIVE — Combining the dread and daring of a live video game speed run with the spot-on technique of a live band covering the musical accompaniment to everything you're seeing on-screen in real time, Bit Brigade will have you swinging between the two mediums, 8 p.m. March 22 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Click here for tickets.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra — With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. It’s one of the most popular and sought-after big bands in the world today. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
RiverCity Rock Star Academy presents The Royals, Salem Orchestra, and The Hypnatwists coming together for a mind-blowing tribute to Bowie’s legendary 1972 album, 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Funds raised will support Make Music Day (June 21) Get tickets here.
Lynch Oz at Salem Cinema
On Going Events
Salem Saturday Market featuring a rotating line-up of 150 vendors selling local produce, hand-made products and more, is now open for the season. Shop 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through October in the parking lot at 865 Marion St NE. salemcommunitymarkets.com
Traveling Wheelz hosts Open Skate starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, 21 and 28 at The Mad House. Learn more here.
Seat up for the Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride on Saturday, March 15 (and recurring every Saturday). Meet at the bottom of Soap Box Derby Track at Bush Park at 11 a.m. Wheels down at 11:30.
Scarecrow at Salem Cinema
Plus Explore Art
The Art Hall at Salem Public Library
The Art Hall at Salem Public Library
Such as...
- Nationally recognized mixed-media artist Brenda Mallory: The North Star Changes at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
- Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
- New Energy: New Work by M. Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek at Level 2 Gallery on the Second Floor at Salem Convention Center | 503-589-1700, oregonartistsseries.com (Plus see an extension of this exhibit in the Art Hall at Salem Public Library)
- Featured artist April Waters’ “Sheroes” plus guess artist Cedar Lee at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
- Special feature of the work of co-op member Michelle Myers, watercolor, at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this March.
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Read the Spring Edition
Press Play Salem issue 023 Front Cover
Press Play Salem issue 23 | Spring 2025 featuring cover art by Melissa Rivers
Got an event? Submit it here.
All in a Weekend...
Last weekend, I checked out/popped in to/visited at 10 (and a half) events/activities/businesses over two days.
Friday was all about art! First, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, then Salem on the Edge (you MUST go see Sheroes: Water, Women, and the Environment by April Waters — they are incredible!), then Salem Art Association to see Art Teachers After Hours; Salem, Cherry City; and the Youth Art Show — so much talent! In the evening, I popped in to check out the art at Salem Auction House, then danced my way over to visit with folks from the Ceili of the Valley at the Second Friday Ceili. I also stopped in at Salem Cinema to drop off the Spring edition!
Saturday started with a visit to Salem's Riverfront Carousel, followed by the St. Patrick's Walk-About and then a wet-but-worth-it moment at the Cherry Blossom Festival at the State Capitol State Park followed by some tots at Venti's then a pint of Guinness at Kraftworks. And Sunday, well, that was spent doing homework.
All that, and I even got to sleep.