Tracy TorresWith Press Play Salem celebrating its inaugural year, I thought it was high time we get to know the publisher: Carlee Wright.
You may not always see her in the forefront — you usually won’t — but that doesn’t prevent her from working tirelessly to make this capital city the most vibrant and exciting she can. I am sure you have seen her — galavanting around downtown in her funky shows with her magazine dolly in tow, but do you really know how many things she has been a part of?
TEDxSalem, Cherry City Roller Derby, Halloweek. Make Music Day. Upcycle Oregon. Stories from the Darkside, live storytelling event. Before I Die wall, art installation. The Moxie Initiative, community building nonprofit that hosts events and creates pro-Salem merch. And, of course, Press Play Salem. These are just a few of the fantastic things has helped bring to Salem over the years. The list could go on and on and it does.
It took some convincing to get Carlee to agree to be the STOP profile for this issue, the one-year-anniversary issue, of the magazine she dreamed and made a reality for all of us Salemites. That’s how much she avoids the spotlight, but I think it is time we stop and take a peek behind the curtain to see what this advocate for the arts really thinks.
Why Salem? Why do you love this city so much? Salem today reminds me a lot of the city where I grew up – Victoria, BC. I’ve seen how much Victoria has grown since I left, and it gives me hope to where Salem can go. I also believe Salem is a wonderfully prime location because while I will shout its praises from the rooftops all day long, I also grew up on an island and can never be too far from the ocean.
What is your favorite thing about Salem? It’s potential. Since I moved here more than 15 years ago, Salem has changed — grown — so much and it’s experiencing a new renaissance. It’s flourishing and I’m thrilled to watch it, to be a part of it.
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem? I have too many favorites — way too many favorites. There are endless opportunities for things to do in Salem. Movies at Salem Cinema. Plays at Enlightened Theatrics, Pentacle Theatre and The Verona Studio. Concerts at the Elsinore. Comedy at Capitol City Theater. Happy hour! Meandering through Hallie Ford Museum of Art (It’s free on Tuesdays!) Brunch at The Space. Coffee from Isaac’s and The Gov Cup. Dessert from Sweetsmith. Festivals at Riverfront Park.
What is your favorite part of publishing Press Play Salem? The excitement of delivering a new issue. It’s exhilarating. Watching people pick it up, flip through its pages and get engaged inspires me. Knowing how people are looking forward to what’s to come means a great deal. It’s a shared excitement.
What kind of shoes do you wear? Fluevogs…always Fluevogs. Designed by Canadian shoe designer John Fluevog, they are my go-to because they are not just unique, but also comfortable. They are my jewelry. I got my first pair when I was 13, hand-me-downs from a friend a few years older. It didn’t matter that they were nearly worn out, they were Fluevogs.
Would you rather have dinner with John Fluevog or Frank Turner? Talk about a difficult question! While I have been fortunate enough to meet both, I’ve had more opportunities to bend John’s ear at various events, so I would have to say, Frank Turner. My introduction to Frank was a bar show in 2012. He was on tour with Social Distortion and on their night off, he and his band drove up from California just to play in Eugene. It was a super small audience, but such an experience. Between his music and engagement with the crowd, I quickly became a fan. I’d love to wax poetic with him about songwriting, heartbreak and world travel.
Is there anything that scares you? You seem to be Fearless! I am far from fearless, but I am not afraid to take on a challenge or feel uncomfortable. As for what scares me, it’s a cliche: scary movies. I’m not afraid of the dark, but the tension of what hides in the dark in a horror film stresses me out. Really, I’m a wimp.
Where do you find your inspiration for creating upcycled clothing? A lot of my inspiration for creating upcycled clothes comes from my materials…and Crown Royal bags are among my favorite. Although there is significant work in deconstructing before reconstructing, I love the challenge of turning a flannel bag into not just something wearable, but also fashionable. I’ve also had some fun creating with burlap coffee sacks, plastic rice bags and used gift cards and expired credit cards.
Cake or Pie? Cake, especially chocolate. Guinness Chocolate Cake from Wild Pear. Barney’s Blackout from Gerry Frank’s Konditorei. Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte from Venti’s. Pirates Booty from Sweetsmith. And for those non-chocolate cravings: Sweetsmith’s 24 Karrot.
Coffee or Tea? Right now, caffeine-free tea, but I have a great appreciation for a traditional macchiato.
Too hot or too cold? Too cold. You can always add layers.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 7 (Jun/Jul 2019)
The Instigator
