Encore! a concert for arts & culture

Support the arts through music and more as two of Salem’s most notable cultural organizations team up to present a unique evening of entertainment.

Encore! a concert for arts and culture brings an eclectic line-up of performers to the Elsinore stage to support World Beat and Salem Art Association.

“We are thrilled to partner with World Beat,” Mathew Boulay, Executive Director of Salem Art Association, said. “There is a natural affinity between our organizations.”

“Our missions are complimentary,” Kathleen Fish, Executive Director of World Beat, said. “We are really excited to collaborate. It will bring some fresh air into both organizations and a great concert for Salem.”

“This is an opportunity for us to do something really special,” Matthew said. “It’s a new event with a big line-up and by doing it with a partner, we can do more than if we did it on our own.”

The idea for the collaboration, said Matthew, came out of the pandemic. “Like so many organizations, we struggled during the pandemic and emerged realizing that we are better off when we are together. That means joint programming and mutual support and that we need to have different types of fundraising events.”

Between the World Beat Festival and the Salem Art Fair, two of Salem’s largest cultural events, there is a shared connection.

“We are working together as a way to strengthen our ability to bring this concert to the Salem community.

“So many of the people who come to enjoy World Beat come to enjoy the Art Fair and so much of the spirit of one event is shared in the other,” Matthew said.

Yes, the concert is a fundraiser, Matthew said, but it aims to be different. “It’s about music, culture and art, and the power they have to bring us together, to heal, to help, to be entertained. It’s meant to be pure joy.”

Headlining the show is Grammy-nominated Amythyst Kiah, a Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter bridging alt-rock with roots/old-time music. She was recognized by Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets.”

“Amythyst Kiah is amazing,” Kathleen said.

“She’s got this original sound,” Matthew said.

In addition to Amythyst, the concert also features Latin beats from Pachanga, an opera song performance from Ellie Niver and a musical land acknowledgment from Jan Michael Looking Wolf and Robin Gentlewolf plus Bend artist/musician MOsley WOtta will emcee.

Bend artist/musician MOsley WOtta, Emcee

Jan Michael Looking Wolf and Robin Gentlewolf

“It’s what the people have told us they want, new music, a younger crowd and high energy, but with social context and response to contemporary issues and events,” Matthew said.

“Salem’s demographics have changed so much over the past five to 10 years. This programming reflects that,” Kathleen said.

“And the Elsinore, if you haven’t been to the Elsinore, it’s a special place, a beautiful historic venue and it helps build community. Share experiences in public spaces brings the community together,” Matthew said.

Buy early to get the best seat in the house. All tickets are $52. Funds raised go directly to championing arts and culture in Salem by supporting the educational activities and cultural programs of World Beat and the Salem Art Association.