The InstigatorIt may be a short month, but there is no shortage of things to do in Salem. Here’s a look at what’s happening in February.
All month long
Read the Book. Discuss the Topics. Enjoy the Programs. Salem Reads, the community-wide reading project that invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take part in discussions, and enjoy related programs, runs throughout the month of February. The 2022 selection is the acclaimed, award-winning novel A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, which tells the stories of two lives entwined across the Pacific Ocean. Learn more at splfoundation.org. Click here for the Press Play story.
February 2
The Elsinore’s Cult Movie Series features Monty Python & the Holy Grail. It’s hard to beat this campy 1975 film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles. Comedy indeed!
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10 (includes 2 free kids age 12 and younger per ticket) Click here for tickets.
The Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series features Pulitzer Award-winning composer Caroline Shaw. A New York-based musician — vocalist, violinist, composer, and producer, Caroline was the youngest recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013 for Partita for 8 Voices, written for the Grammy-winning Roomful of Teeth, of which she is a member. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition, Narrow Sea (Dawn Upshaw, Gilbert Kalish & Sō Percussion) which will be announced at the 2022 Grammy Awards show. Her collaboration in Salem with New Music at Willamette will include a world premiere by the composer, commissioned for the Zeller Chair in Dramatic Vocal Arts, Katherine Skovira. The program involves many musicians: students, faculty, artist associates and guest artists including The Delgani String Quartet, cellist Valdine Mishkin, pianist Jean-David Coen, and The Salem String Quartet. The concert will also be livestream here.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 2
Where: Hudson Hall, at the Rogers Music building, Willamette University
Cost: $25. Click here for tickets.
Step up on stage (or just watch) at Infinity Room Comedy Open Mic. Every Wednesday at 8, comics take the stage to work out new material. All ages are allowed until 9, but material will not necessarily be clean. Sign up to perform by messaging the Infinity Room Comedy Open Mic Facebook page. If you do not have Facebook,sign up by emailing comedy@irsalem.com. Sets are 5 minutes long. No hate speech or harassment will be tolerated. Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if you are seated at a table.
When: 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 2. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: Free but two item minimum for audience members and comics.
Take a break with Yoga + Libations with a 60 minute, all-levels, yoga class in the Dye House, led by Y+B Founder, Mikki Trowbridge. After class, yogis are encouraged to stay and support Taproot by enjoying a meal or a beverage. Masks required for the duration of your practice. Read mask policy here.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 2
Where: Taproot’s Old Mill Cafe, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per yogi. Click here to register.
February 2 to 26
Salem On the Edge hosts Erotica: An Exhibition to Arouse, an art show juried by Portland artist and curator Jen Brown.
“Found in Paleolithic cave paintings and carvings, erotic art is as old as art itself. Human beings have a long-standing fascination with sex and erotic love; it has inspired reliefs on ancient churches and temples, words by celebrated poets, and visual artists today. It is truly amazing that even just a few simple lines in a drawing can provoke such excitement and intense emotion in the viewer.
The Oregon artists in this exhibition have heeded the call to express that intense feeling. Here you will find simple nudes, sexually suggestive shapes, and outright graphic imagery. Some of the art depicts gooey, dripping substances, while some portrays timeless, romantic love. Whatever your kink, there is sure to be something to tickle your fancy.” — Jen Brown
Additionally, see Susan Napack’s Heart of the Matter/Matter of the Heart, a multimedia exhibit of work that “represent my attraction to the textures of materials and the texture of life as seen through the lens of representations of the heart, mind and other images and objects that catch my eye.” — Susan Napack
Salem on the Edge is located at 156 Liberty St. NE. Info: www.salemontheedge.com Watch for a Press Play Salem feature story about the exhibit coming soon!
February 3
Infinity Room’s Music and Poetry Open Mic is a monthly evening of songs and stories happening on the first Thursday. Hosted by Brina Lorentz. To sign up to perform, click here. NOTE: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if you are seated at a table.
When: 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb 3
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
February 3 to 12
North Salem High School Theater Arts presents The Little Mermaid, based on the animated 1989 Disney film and the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love. Filled with music, dance and a cast of unforgettable characters, this is a show you will not want to miss.
When: 7 p.m. Feb 3, 4, 5, 11 and 12 and 2 p.m. Feb 12
Where: North Salem High School Auditorium, 765 14th St NE
Cost: $9 adults, $6 students. Click here for tickets.
February 4 to 26
Pentacle Theatre is back on stage and starting their 2022 season with the family comedy Over the River and Through the Woods, written by Joe DiPietro. Directed by Jo Dodge.
Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn’t mean his family isn’t still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he’s been offered a dream job. The job he’s been waiting for—marketing executive—would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around.
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, and 2 p.m. Feb 6, 13 and 20. Doors open 45 minutes before curtain.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Cost: $25 (reserved). Click here for tickets. Frontline healthcare workers and people who hold an Oregon Trail Card are eligible for a 50% discount.
Watch for a feature story in Press Play Salem coming soon!
February 4
First Friday of the month = The Salem Art Walk! From 5 to 7 p.m. Friday throughout downtown Salem, gather your friends and enjoy local art & happenings in the heart of the city. Learn more here.
Take in an evening of comedy with Monica Nevi, Tory Ward, and Hunter Austin. Hosted by Jane Malone. Monica has performed at numerous comedy festivals, been a headline solo performer at Bumbershoot and opened for comedians such as Michael Ian Black, Ari Shaffir, Sarah Colonna and Nick Swardson. She is co-host of the HugLife Podcast, has appeared on FOX’s nationally syndicated TV show ‘Laughs’ and released a documentary series ’80 For 80′ on Amazon Prime Video. She debuted two albums in 2020: her first standup album, Mostly Finger Guns followed by her debut comedic guided meditation Chill. Both went #1 on the comedy charts. NOTE: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if you are seated at a table. 18 and older.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 4. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 5
Don your wildest costume (and maybe your warmest swimming attire) and prepare yourself for the most chilling, thrilling winter fundraiser. The Capital Polar Plunge will help raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) athletes on Feb 5 at Illahe Hills Country Club. Participants raise money in support of those living with intellectual disabilities – the largest disability population in the state. With water temperatures registering below 40 degrees, this rambunctious annual event continues to make a splash and this year it’s growing. In addition to the plunge, this year’s event includes two runs: a 5K and a 10K. Runs start at 9:30 a.m., check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. Plunge starts at 11 a.m., check-in opens at 9 a.m. Get all the details at www.PlungeOregon.org.
When: Saturday, Feb 5
Where: Illahe Hills Country Club, 3376 Country Club Drive S
Cost: $10 registration. Raise $50 to participate and earn the 2022 Polar Plunge t-shirt. Sign up here.
Willamette Valley Wedding Professionals Winter Showcase brings together more than 40 wedding professionals to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb 5
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE
Cost: $10. Kids age 12 and younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Infinity Room presents a night of metal with Renascentia, Morbid Fascination and Dead Thrall. Renascentia is a progressive metalcore/deathcore band formed in 2015 by guitarist Patrick Goehring and Elijah Reiter. Their commitment to their craft along with talents of their band make them a must-see experience for fans of these genres. Morbid Fascination is a Salem Technical Death Metal band. Dead Thrall opens the show with their own gruesome brand of metal. ***graphic lyrical content warning*** All ages welcome.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 5. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance; $18 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Evensong All Bach Concert brings together orchestra members from ensembles such as the Portland Baroque Orchestra, the Portland Opera Orchestra and the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra. Soloists include violinist Adam LaMotte and oboist Kelly Gronli. The concert will feature Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major, BWV 1049, Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor, BWV 1060R, Orchestra Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069. Free, but you must be on the sign-up list to attend. Click here to join. Proof of vaccination and masks required to attend. Donations are accepted. It will also be available on YouTube.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb 6
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
February 7
Blast Off Vintage hosts an all-ages punk show featuring live music from A.O.D., The Doug Fury’s and Boss’ Daughter. 8 p.m. Monday, Feb 7 at Blast Off Vintage, 860 High St NE. Masks required.
February 10
Infinity Room presents Portland-based stand-up comic Amanda Arnold. A self-proclaimed “chubby not ugly” joke slinger who delivers the funny from the very start, Amanda’s fast-paced, extremely funny comedic style earned her a bi-monthly show at Portland’s Helium Comedy Club. 18 and older.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 11
Infinity Room presents Portland comedian, writer, actor Shain Brenden. Named one of Willamette Weekly’s “Funniest Five” and an “Undisputable Genius of Comedy” by the Portland Mercury, Shain has performed in the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Cape Fear Comedy Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, Memphis Comedy Festival, Laughing Skull, Red Clay and the Limestone Comedy Festival. He co-hosts the podcast ASSVILLE on the Helium Comedy Presents Network, and you can also hear him on “The Best of Helium Comedy Album Vol. 1,” Sirius XM radio, and wherever you stream music. 18 and older.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 11 to 13
Enlightened Theatrics presents Cinematastic: The Music of the Movies. The greatest hits from the silver screen to the mainstream, this show is a song and dance extravaganza featuring hits from Gentlemen Prefer Blonds and Top Hat to Toy Story, The Bodyguard, Moulin Rouge, and more.
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb 10, 11, 12 and 2 p.m. Feb 13
Where: Salem’s Grand Theatre, 191 High St SE
Cost: $25 adult; $12.50 student. Click here for tickets.
Info: https://enlightenedtheatrics.org/
February 11-March 27
A fantastical, poignant comedy about Jane, an emotionally-numbed new widow, and Harrison, an inattentive, self-sabotaging fiancé. In seeking escape, these two strangers collide – both literally and figuratively – tangling their lifelines and setting them on a time-bending journey involving an intercontinental plane crash, a magical forest, and a choice that leads them both to an unexpected destination.
Tickets: $9 to $20. Click here for ticket and viewing information.
February 12
It’s Oregon’s 163rd Birthday! Celebrate Oregon’s Statehood and celebrate 100 years of Oregon State Parks. This online event will feature a variety of virtual performances and activities. Sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb 12
Watch www.oregoncapitol.com for more details.
Comedy: The Musical is a stand-up comedy & musical improv show. A comedian tells jokes, then musical improvisers sing a funny song inspired by their punchlines. The musicians make up every song on the spot after hearing the comic’s jokes for the first time. And this month’s musical theme is grunge, with comedy from Armando Santoyo, David Kildal, Eliza Butler and Ty Boice and musical improv by singer Heidi Davis and guitarist Ken Bussell. Hosted by Chelsea Burns (CRACKED, All Jane, Ha-Ha-Harvest, HIGHlarious, and the NW Women’s Comedy Festival) and Jaren George (Sketchfest 2020, NW Black Comedy Festival, Spec Script, IT Pod Desk, Settled on Catan, Optimism Comedy Showcase, and Cute Background Reporter for Shrill on Hulu Seasons 2/3)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb 12. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 13
Visit the Bright Spot Pop-Up to shop local artists and makers from prints to candles to apothecary, plus don’t forget the flowers and plants. Dog and kid-friendly.
When: 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb 13
Where: Windowsill, 4910 Turner Rd. SE
February 14
Watch for our special Valentine’s feature story coming soon!
February 16
The Elsinore Cult Film Series presents Clerks, the classic 90s flick about a day in the lives of two convenience clerks Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof. Written and directed by Kevin Smith and featuring Jayson Mewes as Jay and Kevin Smith as Silent Bob.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10 (Kids 12 and younger free with paid adult (limit 2 children per paid ticket)) Click here for tickets
February 17
Infinity Room presents Sam Miller, Eliza Butler and Curtis Everetts. Olympia comedian Sam Miller was a finalist in the 2021 Seattle International Comedy Competition and won the Comedy on Trial Competition in 2017. He has opened for Nate Jackson and Laurie Kilmartin and performs regularly up and down the west coast. 18 and older
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 18
Experience Beethoven & Brahms. Grammy Award-nominated German pianist Lars Vogt makes his Oregon Symphony debut performing a sparkling, early Beethoven concerto. Brahms’ Third Symphony, hailed as the equal of Beethoven’s “Eroica,” delivers Brahms at his most robust and potent.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 18
Where: Smith Auditorium at Willamette University.
Click here for tickets.
Welcome to A Drunken Night Out! Comedian Ken Hamlett of Chicago hosts a lineup of comics from all over the country as they discuss their worst drunken nights out, do standup, and eventually end the night and perform a set…not so sober with an additional catch. The comics will be forced to do improv on crowd sourced topics. It’s part hangout, part show, part live podcast, and totally a fantastic time. It’s not a comedy show, it’s a Comedy Party! Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if seated at a table.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb 18. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 19
Infinity Room presents Susan Rice & Friends. Susan Rice is an Oregon comedy legend. She appeared on HBO and Showtime, was voted Portland’s Funniest Person and produced the St. Johns Comedy Fest. This show also features Ryan Danley and Elena C. Hayden. Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if seated at a table. 18 and older.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb 19. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 19-20
Salem Philharmonia Orchestra presents “Master Composers A Century Apart!” featuring Mozart – Symphony #41, C Major – “Jupiter” and Tchaikovsky/Cassado – Cello Concerto with Diane Chaplin on Cello.
When: Saturday, Feb 19 (Pre-Concert Talk at 6:15 p.m.; Concert at 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Feb 20 (Pre-Concert Talk at 2:15 p.m.; Concert at 3 p.m.)
Where: East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. NE
Cost: $18-$20. Children/Youth are free. Click here for tickets.
February 23
The Elsinore’s Family Film Series features Harry Potter, the 2001 film based on the book of the same name, about an orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris and Maggie Smith.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10 (includes 2 free kids age 12 and younger per ticket) Click here for tickets.
February 24
Salem Poetry Project features Caroline Holm. Caroline is an Oregon-based writer, illustrator and mother striving to heal with the earth and live a more wild life. Her first self-published book of poetry and original art, Woodland, will be available in February at many local retailers and on carolineholmpoetry.com. The Salem Poetry Project continues virtually. Each week presents a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 24
Where: On Zoom. Contact Marc Janssen at mrcjanssen@msn.com for details.
Where: Santiam Brewing, 2544 19th St. SE
February 25
Hear the Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Tribute. The year 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic passing of singer-songwriter John Denver. To commemorate this special year, Rick Schuler, America’s top John Denver tribute artist, has produced a special performance of his Rocky Mountain High Experience® to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of John Denver. The show includes special stories of John centered around John’s exposé song and title to his first hit album, “Poems, Prayers, and Promises”. It will also include favorite Denver hits including Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Take Me Home County Roads,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” just to name a few. Schuler wondrously weaves in John’s heartwarming inspirational stories of how some of the songs came about from Denver’s many memorable TV specials and appearances.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb 25
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $55. Click here for tickets.
February 26
Hear Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as brought to life by the McKay Chamber Orchestra alongside guest artist Hal Grossman on violin. Hailed by critics for his “tremendous virtuosic technique and outstanding artistic sense,” Grossman comes to Salem from Eugene, where teaches at the University of Oregon. Profits from this concert support the school’s music program.
When: 7 p.m. February 26
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $30. Click here for tickets.
Willamette Master Chorus presents Songs of Gratitude. This special concert will feature of songs that speak of gratitude and love for one another. The chorus will thank the Wi-Fi and electric line workers who restored the internet and electricity during the February 2021 ice storm.
When: 3 p.m. Feb 26. Box office opens at 2:15 p.m.
Where: Hudson Hall, Willamette University
Cost: Free. Reserve your spot here.
Miss Smith Presents Sam Kinney in “Consider Yourself at Home” to benefit the Miss Smith studio. Joined by Erin McGrath, this livestream is fun for the whole family. The puns are guaranteed to be truly terrible. Watch here. Donate here.
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26
February 27
Haley’s Heroes Foundation presents RUN FOR THE RARE, a 5k & 10k run to support Rare Disease awareness. Did you know that Rare is everywhere? So, let’s run or walk everywhere! The run will begin at the pavilion in the North Meadow.
When: 10 am. To 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb 27
Where: Salem’s Riverfront Park
Cost: $35 includes a t-shirt. Click here to sign up.
