The Playlist — Things to do Nov 13-16, 2025

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A Note from the Instigator....

Hello, Friends! Concerts, stage shows, art, film, markets...there's a whole lot of creativity unfolding across Salem this weekend, and there's no better time to get out and explore! 

— Carlee, The Instigator

PS: Want your event or business seen by Salem’s most engaged arts and culture readers? Send me a message and let's chat! 

Concerts, stage shows, art, film, markets...there's a whole lot of creativity unfolding across Salem this weekend, and there's no better time to get out and explore! 

THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Living Studios + Hallie Ford invite you for a free All Abilities Art Making Workshop, 12 to 3 p.m. Nov 13 at Hallie Ford. This month, artists will be creating leaf collages to welcome the changing of the seasons and you are welcome to participate, too. No charge. 

Breit+Hill Home Christmas Open House — Celebrate the start of the holiday season by exploring beautifully curated holiday decor, thoughtful gift ideas, and fresh inspiration for your home, 2 to 6 p.m. Nov 13 at 1120 Commercial Street SE, Suite 130.

Holiday Open House — Pop in to Furbish for local vendors selling artisan goods, holiday treats and candy canes, hot chocolate from Offbeat, raffle drawings until they are gone, and 10% off everything in Furbish, 3 to 7 p.m. Nov 13 at Furbish Salvage, 1185 12th St SE 

Jazz 2: Willamette Singers and Willamette Jazz Combos — Experience the spirit of jazz as the Willamette Singers perform alongside small jazz combos in an engaging evening of vocal and instrumental music. Celebrate the talent and collaboration of our student musicians and faculty mentors. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov 13 in Rogers Music Center @ Willamette University, 900 State St.

Redshift Trio — Trumpeter Josh Deutsch and guitarist Nico Soffiato have been playing together as a duo since 2006, when they met in Boston. Over the years, the musical relationship born through this collaboration has resulted in a set of music composed specifically for this ensemble, including many co-written originals and reinvented arrangements of music from jazz, classical and popular worlds. 7 p.m. Nov 13 at Christo’s. Click here for tickets.

Björnson Winemaker Dinner — An indulgent evening of fine wine and flavor awaits with Björnson Vineyard. Savor six courses thoughtfully paired to highlight the vineyard’s best pours, with the option to elevate your night with a premium bottle-and-glass set. Guests must be 21+. 5 p.m. Nov 13 at The Cozy Taberna. Tickets required, $198 ($125 additional for premium package). Click here for tickets.

⭐ FEATURED PICKS

Auction for Art

Step into an old-timey, barn-stomping afternoon as Artists in Action hosts a lively in-person auction to support Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery. Expect art, antiques, vintage finds, whimsy, collectibles, and plenty of surprises up for bid—all to help sustain the gallery’s nearly 40-year legacy. Enjoy acoustic music from Constant Billy as you browse during the viewing period, then settle in for a spirited evening of bidding led by auctioneer Amanda Thornton of Nest Egg Estates. This is a festive, community-driven event with deep local purpose. Viewing 1 to 4 p.m., Auction 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 16 at Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE

A Night of Live Music

Major Hex celebrates the release of its third album Everyone Dies at Night with a high-energy night of local rock and punk. Happy Death Men bring their raw, raucous sound, with City of Pieces kicking things off. Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m. Nov 15 at Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge. 21+ $12 at the door.

Give Artfully

Enjoy live music, festivities, and treats while browsing a carefully curated selection of unique, meaningful art perfect for thoughtful gifts. This holiday-themed gift-giving showcase features more than 20 artists at all price levels. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov 14 at Stefani Art Gallery. stefaniartgallery.com

ON STAGE

Evil Dead: The Musical

Don't miss your chance to see Evil Dead the Musical as it splatters onto the stage in a blood-soaked mix of horror, comedy, and camp. Demons, catchy songs, and over-the-top effects keep the action outrageous, with the infamous “Splatter Zone” guaranteeing fans go home covered in gore. Equal parts parody and party, it’s a wild ride for anyone who isn’t afraid of a little blood. 7:30 p.m. Nov 13–15, plus 2 p.m. Nov 16 & 23 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets $26.50; $41.50 splatter zone. Ages 16+. Get your tickets here.

LAST CHANCE

Ride the Cyclone

Willamette Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone, a hilarious and outlandish musical about six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir who find themselves in limbo after a freak rollercoaster accident. A mechanical fortune teller offers them the chance to compete for the ultimate prize: a return to life. Funny, heartfelt, and thought-provoking, Ride the Cyclone explores what it means to truly live. See it on stage, 7:30 p.m. Nov 12-16, and 2 p.m. Nov 15-16 in the Pelton Playhouse at Willamette University. Click here for tickets.

This weekend at Salem Cinema...

Dance

Get out and dance to live music at the Second Friday Ceili. Ceili of the Valley Society hosts this no-experience, no-partner-needed event featuring live music by Bob Soper, Elizabeth Nicholson & Preston Howard-Wilde, and dances called by Geraldine Murray. Even if you are not a dancer, you can do it. But really, the live music alone is worth it! All dances are taught before the live music begins. The motto of every dance is to have fun, so wear comfortable shoes, bring some water, and try out something new. Doors open at 7 p.m. followed by a short dance lesson and live music from 8 to 11, Friday, Sept 12, at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Cost: $10; $5 student, $30 family. Click here for more info.

Laugh

Next Stop Comedy features Dylan Jenkins, Armando Santoyo, and Tony Meyer. Whether you need an exciting date night, you're a die-hard comedy fan, or you're just looking for a fun night out, Next Stop Comedy guarantees big laughs, great vibes, and an experience you won’t want to miss.7 p.m. Nov 15 at 2475 25th St SE. Click here for tickets.

Skate

Get your skate on during Traveling Wheelz’ Pool Party Night, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Nov 14 at The Mad House. Click here for more info.

Coping with the Holidays

Connect with others as you learn how to navigate the holidays through your individual grief journey. We will honor loved ones through a memorial craft. Youth ages 6+ are welcome and will participate in age-appropriate activities separate from adults for part of the event. 9 to 12 p.m. Nov 15 at Willamette Vital Health, 1015 3rd St NW. There is no cost, but please register to ensure adequate supplies. Register here.

Get Crafty

Pet Portrait Wine & Watercolor: Paint with Magenta — Explore your creative side and enjoy some wonderful local wine while you create a painting that is uniquely yours. No experience necessary, artists of all levels are welcomed and encouraged. For this Pet Portrait Watercolor Class, bring a black-and-white printout or photocopy of your favorite photo of your pet on 8.5 x 11 printer paper. Head shots work best. All materials, instruction, and hors d'oeuvres are included in price. Wine, beer, cider or non-alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately in the tasting room. 1 to 3 p.m. Nov 15 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW.$40. Click here for tickets.

Needle Felt a Snowman — Learn to needle felt a snowman made 100% out of wool with Audrey Comerford of Wee Woollies Fiber Arts. This class will teach you how to make basic shapes with needle felting, enabling you to create more complex pieces in the future. Needle felting is fun and a great way to expand your fiber arts knowledge. All supplies included. Wine by the glass, beer, cider, non-alcoholic options, and light bites are available for purchase in the tasting room, which is open 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The class takes place 2 to 4 p.m. Nov 15 at  Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW. $55. Click here for tickets.

Holiday Shopping

Shop the Holiday Market in Deepwood’s historic Queen Anne Victorian home and find the perfect gift. Wreaths, chocolates, holiday decorations, tea, jams, jewelry, and so much more await. A portion of all proceeds supports the care, preservation, and programs of Deepwood. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov 15 and Sunday, Nov 16 at Deepwood Museum and Gardens, 1116 Mission St SE.

Hudak House is hosting a Market in the Vines featuring local artisans, vendors, and businesses. Enjoy a slice of pizza and special holiday mulled wine. There will also be live music 12 to 2 from The Feel Good YaYa’s. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5737 Orchard Heights Rd NW.

Watch & Listen

Elsinore Theatre's Silent Film Series presents...Go West, an American silent Western comedy film directed by and starring Buster Keaton. Keaton portrays Friendless, who travels west to try to make his fortune. Once there, he tries his hand to bronco-busting, cattle wrangling, and dairy farming, eventually forming a bond with a cow. Eventually, he finds himself leading a herd of cattle through Los Angeles. With live organ accompaniment by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 2 p.m. Nov 16 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Click here for tickets.

MUSIC

Barracuda – Heart tribute is an incredibly accurate tribute to the Seattle Rock Hall of Fame band, featuring the powerhouse vocals of DL Car. Barracuda delivers worldwide hits with style and passion for audiences across North America. Heart founding member/guitarist Roger Fisher has endorsed Barracuda and has even joined them on stage for several performances. 7:30 p.m. Nov 14, at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Click here for tickets.

Jan Michael Looking Wolf — With a blend of authentic indigenous and contemporary music that shares a story of everyone’s connection to each other and Mother Earth, this is an uplifting experience for audiences of all ages. Award-winning flutist Robin Gentlewolf will join Jan Michael on stage. 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in Loucks Auditorium @ Salem Public Library. Free.

Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley presents Thunder & Starlight, a sweeping musical journey through rivers, storms, comets, and the quiet awe of the night sky. Musicians from the Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra A Far Cry lead a program spanning Finnish folk, Golijov’s celestial Tenebrae, Deena Grossman’s Songs of the River Po (performed side-by-side with Salem-Keizer high school orchestra students), and Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral in an intimate string sextet arrangement. All ticket proceeds support private instrumental lessons for SKPS students. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 15 at Hudson Concert Hall @ Willamette University. Click here for tickets.

🎨 ON EXHIBIT

The Space Between Earth and Sky by Christina Stefani

Explore art from prints to paintings...

  • At Hallie Ford Museum of Art, see Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art
  • At Stefani Art Gallery, see Restoration – New Paintings by Christina Stefani
  • At Artists in Action Gallery, November brings a dual celebration: guest artist James Southworth’s vibrant pastels and AiA’s inaugural Fiber Arts Show. Southworth’s expressive works, inspired by Oregon and abroad, capture color and texture with award-winning finesse. Meanwhile, the fiber exhibition showcases the breadth of textile artistry, from traditional techniques to wearable fashion, marking an exciting new chapter for AiA and the region’s fiber arts community.
  • At Salem Art Association, see High Fiber Diet | A Sense of Place, Shine On | Jo Hamilton, plus shop Small Wonders and the Holiday Show.
  • At World Beat Gallery, a new exhibit about Dolls of the World is now open.
  • At Roy John Jewelry, 315 Court Street NE, see Inner Spirits, featuring work by Susan Appleby.

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