A Note from the Instigator....
What happened to March?! I am a little stunned at how quickly this month is passing us by - or maybe it's just me? But the good news is Big Fish at Pentacle Theatre runs through April 12 — it's a lovely heartfelt and humorous show and the cast, crew and creatives involved have done a wonderful job bringing it to life on stage — plus, the April calendar will be out later this week/end and it's just as full as March, if not more! But until then, here are a few of the events you can experience this weekend...Enjoy!
— Carlee, The Instigator
The Wellerman
Hear The Wellermen Thursday night at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre.
Thursday Highlights
Kids and your grown-ups are invited to a free Family Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Prashant. Whether you dance all the time, or have never danced before, you will have a great time in this high-energy event for all ages. 2 p.m. March 27 in Story Rooms at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free
Salem Talks Science presents Science Pub, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault. The gathering features biologist and Willamette University professor David P. Craig presenting "The Decade of the Oak: Oregon's Mighty Tree for Common Ground."
Laughs & Lyrics is a comedy show with special guest Robotic Torres, 7:30 p.m. March 27 at The Shack Bar & Grill, 2865 Liberty St NE
The Wellermen bring a night of powerful harmonies and seafaring spirit to Salem. This bass-driven folk group took the world by storm during the viral Sea Shanty trend of 2021, and their debut album has already garnered over 85 million streams. With an enormous online following, Jonny Stewart, Sam Pope, Luke Taylor, and Bobby Waters are now thrilling audiences live after debuting together in June 2023. 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $22. Click here for tickets.
Salem Poetry Project presents Carolyn Adams and Trina Gaynon. Nominated multiple times for a Pushcart and Best of the Net, Carolyn’s full-length collection Going Out to Gather has been published by Fernwood Press. She edits and publishes the Oregon Poetry Calendar. Trina Gaynon leads a group of poetry readers and a writing salon at the Senior Studies Institute in Portland. Her publishing credits include a number of anthologies, among them: The Grace of Oregon Rain and A Ritual to Read Together: Poems in Conversation with William Stafford. The Salem Poetry Project starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Each week presents a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
Willamette University Theatre presents Bloom Bloom Pow
Here's what's happening this weekend in Salem...
A Note from the Instigator...
What happened to March?! I am a little stunned at how quickly this month is passing us by - or maybe it's just me? But the good news is Big Fish at Pentacle Theatre runs through April 12 — it's a lovely heartfelt and humorous show and the cast, crew and creatives involved have done a wonderful job bringing it to life on stage — plus, the April calendar will be out later this week/end and it's just as full as March, if not more! But until then, here are a few of the events you can experience this weekend...Enjoy!
— Carlee, The Instigator
Hear The Wellermen Thursday night at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre.
Thursday Highlights
Kids and your grown-ups are invited to a free Family Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Prashant. Whether you dance all the time, or have never danced before, you will have a great time in this high-energy event for all ages. 2 p.m. March 27 in Story Rooms at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free
Salem Talks Science presents Science Pub, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault. The gathering features biologist and Willamette University professor David P. Craig presenting "The Decade of the Oak: Oregon's Mighty Tree for Common Ground."
Laughs & Lyrics is a comedy show with special guest Robotic Torres, 7:30 p.m. March 27 at The Shack Bar & Grill, 2865 Liberty St NE
The Wellermen bring a night of powerful harmonies and seafaring spirit to Salem. This bass-driven folk group took the world by storm during the viral Sea Shanty trend of 2021, and their debut album has already garnered over 85 million streams. With an enormous online following, Jonny Stewart, Sam Pope, Luke Taylor, and Bobby Waters are now thrilling audiences live after debuting together in June 2023. 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $22. Click here for tickets.
Salem Poetry Project presents Carolyn Adams and Trina Gaynon. Nominated multiple times for a Pushcart and Best of the Net, Carolyn’s full-length collection Going Out to Gather has been published by Fernwood Press. She edits and publishes the Oregon Poetry Calendar. Trina Gaynon leads a group of poetry readers and a writing salon at the Senior Studies Institute in Portland. Her publishing credits include a number of anthologies, among them: The Grace of Oregon Rain and A Ritual to Read Together: Poems in Conversation with William Stafford. The Salem Poetry Project starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Each week presents a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
Vicki Woods
Big Fish
Pentacle Theatre presents Big Fish. Photo by Vicki Woods
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 through April 12. Click here for tickets. And get a preview of the show in Press Play Salem spring edition feature story here.
Salem Symphonic Winds: The Princess and The Wind
Laugh
Stand Up Comedia Kermet Apio has performed in 47 US states, 7 Canadian provinces, as well as Hong Kong, Israel, Aruba, and Pakistan. He has his own special on Dry Bar Comedy and can be heard regularly on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He is a past winner of both the Seattle Comedy Competition and the Great American Comedy Festival. He has showcased at comedy festivals in Aspen, Vancouver, Grand Rapids, Boise and Las Vegas, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Mar 28 at Infinity Room. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door for this 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
Spring Shopping
Shop Spring/Easter Marketplace for unique crafts, homemade items, artwork, jewelry, home decor and more from 150 plus vendors. Plus there will be hourly door prizes, food and drink for purchase, and photos with the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30 in Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Register in advance for free tickets. $5 day of event. Click here for tickets.
Got Trivia?
A new bracket of Trivia on the Go with Ro begins 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30 in the Beer Vault at Venti’s Cafe. The highly entertaining Ronan curates all the quizzes for this 21 and older trivia night that recurs every second week. Winners get chance to win a golden ticket into our exclusive Beer Vault!
Dance
Noche de Baile is your monthly opportunity salsa dance. Following a group lesson with Orlando, DJ Cavaliere will play all the tropical hits, 8 p.m. March 29 at Xicha Brewing North, 2195 Hyacinth NE #162
Watch
Salem Cinema presents Columbia River Canoe Project — An inspiring adventure film, documentary COLUMBIA RIVER CANOE PROJECT follows Robert Lester and his 18-year-old cousin Braxton Mitchell as they embark on an ambitious 1,300-mile canoe journey from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Oregon. Along the way, they navigate both the river’s challenges and their own personal growth. The film delivers a trek filled with breathtaking landscapes and unexpected obstacles and explores their trials and triumphs while raising awareness of the ecological challenges affecting the Columbia River Watershed.A Q&A with Robert Lester will follow the film screening, 5:30 p.m. March 29 at Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE. Click here for tickets.
And on Monday
Welcome to the Circus of Horror, a circus like no other, where terror takes the spotlight, and every act will give you a thrilling experience. Enter if you dare! Starting at 6 and 8:30 p.m. March 31 in Columbia Hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Admission is $30, and $10 per car for parking. Click here for tickets.
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This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema
MUSIC
Friday
Bailey Heide Featuring McKayla Marie — Bailey Heide is a rising star in the country music scene, known for her captivating songwriting and storytelling that strikes a chord with audiences. With a natural warmth and an effortlessly genuine demeanor, Bailey draws listeners in, making every performance feel like a personal experience. Whether she’s sharing the heartfelt stories behind her original songs or delivering witty commentary between tunes, her stage presence is both entertaining and relatable. 8 p.m. March 28, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost is $15 advance; $20 day of for this general admission show. Click here for tickets.
Röthaí Presents: Nathan Myers & Company LIVE — Nathan Myers is known for performing unique, acoustic based arrangements of familiar songs, spirited original music and occasionally unforgotten, B-side numbers. Rachel Phelps is a longtime friend of Nathan Myers that has been performing with him vocally at select events over the past ten to fifteen years. The evening will conclude with a short set from Alt-Country Rock Band, Amaranthÿne. 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 at The Bad Space. Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Saturday
Piano Queen with Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi — Drag artists Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi bring you live vocals and piano, mixed with comedy and storytelling. Don't miss this spectacular night of drag, music, and comedy! Two showtimes — 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar 29, at Infinity Room. Click here for tickets.
Randy Hansen: The Hendrix Experience with Lords of Blackpool — Featuring Northwest drumming icon Rick Spano, the Randy Hansen Band delivers electrifying performances, blending passion and precision honed over decades with legends like Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Miles. Local favorites, Lords of Blackpool, provide the perfect opening act with their harmony-rich, story-driven songs inspired by British rock of the 1970s. 8 p.m. March 29 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $25 General Admission. All Ages. Click here for tickets.
Sunday
Oregon Opry presents Jenny Don't & The Spurs with Tyson Oliver of The Wandering Outlaws — Get ready for a high-energy night of rockin’ Western music with Jenny Don’t and the Spurs! For over a dozen years, this powerhouse band has been carving their own path in the country music scene, blending their outlaw spirit with electrifying performances that captivate audiences worldwide. 5 p.m. March 30, Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. General admission tickets — $15 Pre-Sale; $20 Day of Show. Kids age 12 and younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Salem Cinema
On Going Events
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.
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 28 at The Mad House. Learn more here.
Seat up for the Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride on, uh, Saturday (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.
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)
PS — Tune in to Talking about Art with Joel Zak, 9 a.m. Friday, on KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5FM for an interview with Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek about their Level 2 Gallery exhibition "New Energy"
- 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.
Salem Cinema
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.