Here's a look at what's happening this month...
Through February 17
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, hosts a Writing Contest: Exploring Identity and the first, second, and third-place stories will be published through Press Play Salem. Entries are being accepted through February 17 at cityofsalem.net/library. Click here for more info.
Through February 22
Pentacle Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace, a farcical black comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from Mayflower settlers but now composed of maniacs, most of them homicidal. The show runs through February 22 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Tickets are $20–$41. Discounts available for students & Oregon Trail Card holders. Click here for tickets.
February 1
As part of Salem Reads, take in a high-octane performance with Pachanga Latin band, 2-3:30 p.m. Feb 1 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
Tom's Elton Tribute — Tom Cridland, playing the part of Elton John on lead vocals and piano, will play the hits and classics with his band, in a show that recreates the music and fabulous costumes of Elton John & His Band, 7 p.m. February 1, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $30. Click here for tickets.
February 2
St. Paul's Music Guild presents "We'll Be There!" Evensong Concert — This is the most recent in Boston Camerata’s long series of Early American musical productions, draws on early songbook sources, as well as oral traditions, to tell the story of American spiritual singing, North and South, black and white, during a crucial century of our country’s history. “The concert title evokes the struggles of the Civil War,” comments Artistic Director Anne Azéma, “but it also stands for the shared musical and spiritual experiences of America’s peoples. It also provides a unifying theme for Camerata’s ongoing work in these challenging modern times.” The program draws extensively on original, 19-century printed sources, as well as ongoing oral traditions, juxtaposing in many instances Black and White versions of songs found in both communities. A reservation is required to attend and may be secured by email with all names included at: stpauls.music.guild@gmail.com. Concert begins at 4 p.m. February 2, at 1444 Liberty St SE. It is open to the public with a suggested donation of $25/person gratefully accepted.
February 3
Whose Live Anyway? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages are welcomed, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used during the performance. 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 3 at Elsinore Theatre. $37.50+ Click here for tickets.
February 4
As part of Salem Reads, meet with other adults at the Brown Bag Book Discussion for conversations about Why Didn't You Tell Me?, 12-1 p.m. Feb 4 in the Collaboration Studio at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
February 5
Salem Reads presents Empowered Choices, during which local financial planner Brenna Baucum will teach you how to create a personalized strategy to build and maintain your financial independence, 11 a.m. Feb 5 in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
February 6
"Evening Songs from a Neighboring Village" is a brand-new program from Zingaresca Ensemble that taps into the classical Eastern European guitar heritage along with Romani ("Gypsy") and Jewish traditions. This concert is sure to leave you speechless, as the members of Zingaresca include the renowned Romani virtuoso Vadim Kolpakov, the innovator in the revival of the seven-string guitar Oleg Timofeyev, the Juilliard-trained baritone Anton Belov, and Alina Nazarevich, a Romani singer and dancer from Kyiv, Ukraine. 7 p.m. February 6, at Temple Beth Sholom, 1274 Cunningham Lane S. Click here for tickets.
February 7
As part of Salem Reads, join Why Didn’t You Tell Me? author Carmen Rita Wong for a virtual discussion. 11 a.m. Feb 7 in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library and on Zoom. Sign up to receive Zoom link by email. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
Hell's Belles: An All Female Tribute To AC/DC will play an electrifying, high-voltage night of rock ‘n’ roll. Endorsed by none other than Angus Young himself, these fierce and talented musicians deliver an authentic AC/DC experience with unmatched passion, precision, and power. 8 p.m. February 7, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $30 in advance; $35 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Enjoy an early Valentine's Day Celebration with a tasting flight and chocolate pairing, themed-charcuterie board buffet style, chocolate fondue, and flowers, plus raffle, of which you can increase your odds of winning by wearing red to earn a bonus ticket, 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 7, at Kuenzi Family Vineyard, 7975 Spring Valley Rd NW. $30/person at the door. Reserve your spot here.
Catch up and hang out at the Moon Mixer/Listener/DJ42 Birthday Party, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb 7 at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St. The Astronauts will be there and it will also celebrate the birthday of The Moon’s very own DJ42. (He will be the DJ, too)
Dance holes in your shoes during Lindy Swing Night. The night begins with a Lindy Swing dance with Mz Jitterbug Debra Seeck, followed by live music featuring Ginger & The Tonics at 8 p.m. No partner? No problem! They will still get you moving your feet. Don’t feel like dancing? Go and enjoy the live music. Ginger & The Tonics are an eclectic, vocal jazz/swing ensemble from Portland lead by vocalist Heather Lynn and guitarist Twayn Williams playing a wide-ranging modern swing style — from straight renderings of classic swing dance tunes, punk jazz, surprising swing renditions of classic pop, original jazz compositions and beyond. 7 p.m. Friday, February 7, at The Bad Space. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Oregon Symphony in Salem presents Brahms & Bruch: Romantic Reimaginings — Inspired by a simple chorale attributed to Haydn, Brahms breaks the bounds of his musical imagination with variations that span an ocean of undulating moods. Plus, Oregon Symphony Concertmaster Sarah Kwak captures the high spirits of Highland fiddling in Bruch's Scottish Fantasy, and music meets psychology in Nielsen's Second Symphony, the Danish composer's exploration of human emotions and personalities. 7:30 p.m. February 7 in Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. Tickets starting at $37. Click here for tickets.
February 7 & 21
Tune in to KMUZ Theatre Talk and learn all about what’s on stage in the mid-Willamette Valley at 9 a.m. the first and third Friday of the month on KMUZ Community Radio at 100.7 and 88.5 FM, also on KMWV-FM-Dallas at 98.3 HD2, and streaming worldwide at KMUZ.org and on the KMUZ mobile app. Plus catch KMUZ Theatre Talk episodes anytime — wherever you get your podcasts.
February 8
Lifesource Natural Foods presents Self Care Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. February 8 where there will be giveaways, free samples, and flash sales, plus wine, chocolate, coffee, skincare and more.
As part of Salem Reads, Preserving Our Culture and Traditions: An Oregon Humanities Conversation explores the importance of cultural heritage and its preservation. 11 a.m. Feb 8 (Spanish); 2 p.m. Feb 8 (English) in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
Prepare for a laughter-filled root canal with "Oral Fixation: Dental Comedy without a Pre-Auth"! Join Dr. Brady Smith and Dr. Bert Walpack, two dentists turned comics, as they extract humor from the depths of the dental world. With their infectious humor and razor-sharp wit, Dr. Walpack and Dr. Smith promise an evening of side-splitting laughter that will leave you smiling brighter than a freshly polished set of teeth.
Two shows: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 8, at Infinity Room. $20 in advance; $25 day of show. All ages welcome to the early show but material may not be clean. Late show is 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
VorteXs: A Sensual Collision of Pole, Aerial, and Rock! — Get ready for VorteXs, a seductive, high-energy performance from eXs, a unique collaboration between Empowerment Pole & Fitness and Salem Aerial Dance Company. This show fuses pole, Lyra, silks, heels, and more with the raw power of late ‘90s and early 2000s rock, while the lights pulse and flash with every beat, pulling you deeper into the experience. 8 p.m. February 8, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $50 for VIP; $30 general admission for this 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
Pitch Your Friend: Dating Event — Got amazing single friends? Pitch them at this event that aims to provide laughter, entertainment and maybe even a match! Plus there will be prizes. 6 to 9 p.m. February 8 at Xicha Brewing North, 2221 Hyacinth St NE
February 8-9
Pop in to Briarwood Acres for an Open House where you can feed the animal, see spinning demonstrations, tour the farm and shop local goods, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 8 and 12 to 4 p.m. February 9 at Briarwood Acres, 4150 Briarwood St NE. Click here for info.
February 9
Take part in a Valentine’s Day-themed cake decorating class, 12 to 2 p.m. Sunday, February 9 at Sweetly Baked, 680 Hawthorne Ave SE #140. Light bites and beverages served plus you’re taking home dessert! $70 per person. Call 503-508-2444 or swing by the shop to reserve your seat.
Book Bin presents Feminist book club will be meeting 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 9. They will be reading Sisters In Hate by Seyward Darby. Click here for more info.
Delgani Quartet presents Beethoven Reimagined featuring one of the most ambitious works ever conceived for the string quartet: Beethoven’s Op. 130. The heartbreaking Cavatina moved Beethoven to tears as he was composing it, and the 15 minute Grosse Fuge finale was so challenging to audiences that Beethoven published his quartet with an alternative ending. The first half of this program features short new works inspired by Beethoven’s remarkable quartet, from a collaborative call-for-scores with Cascadia Composers, 3 p.m. Feb 9 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Click here for tickets.
February 11
Launch Mid Valley, an initiative led by SEDCOR that supports entrepreneurs and startups in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill County hosts Salem Coffee Club for Starups and Entrepreneurs, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb 11 at Willamette Valley Bank, 481 State St
February 12
As part of Salem Reads, enjoy Dominican-style appetizers and a lively discussion of the book Why Didn’t You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong. Snacks provided; buy your own drinks. 7-8 p.m. Feb 12 at Xicha Brewing Norte, 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
February 13
Savor a local experience at the Domaine 524 Winemaker Dinner — The Cozy Taberna and Domaine 524 will present the six-course meal which has been thoughtfully paired with complementary wines, enhancing the flavors and creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. 5 to 9 p.m. Feb 13, at The Cozy Taberna, 249 Liberty St NE #140. Starts at $198 per person. Click here for tickets.
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special brings you the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience themed around songs of love performed by Listeso String Quartet, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 13 in the Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center. Tickets start at $23. Click here for tickets.
As part of Salem Reads, Pet Party for Kids: A Thinking Money Activity will teach kids in grades 3-5 about financial literacy. Space is limited. Advance sign-up needed. 4-5:30 p.m. Feb 13 in Story Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
Active B!tch Face is a comedy show featuring improv and stand-up that bites back at the patriarchy featuring stand-up and improv comedy by badass b!tches from right here in Oregon, 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb 13, at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 18+ show.
Lacy Productions presents Booklover's Burlesque: Erotica Edition, the world’s sexiest literary salon which matches titillating, inspiring, and empowering book readings with burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque performances all in one show. Professional readers, actors, and/or local authors & writers read aloud a piece of poetry, fiction (from any genre), memoir, non-fiction, etc, which is then followed by a burlesque, boylesque, and/or draglesque performance inspired by the piece. Join us as we raise our glasses by sharing and interpreting classic and beloved erotica as only Booklover's Burlesque can. 7 p.m. February 13, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 13-16
Bridgetown Conservancy presents The Man in the Ceiling, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Jules Feiffer, directed by Vincenzo Meduri. 12-year-old Jimmy Jibbett wants to be a world-famous cartoonist. His father disapproves, his mother is clueless and his uncle writes flop musicals. Who can Jimmy turn to for inspiration and hope? Maybe The Man in the Ceiling can lead him to his true destiny. On stage February 13-16 at The Verona Studio Theatre in the Reed Opera House. Click here for tickets.
February 13-23
Willamette University Theatre presents Far Away — This hour-long futuristic nightmare envisions a world where the promise of violence broods and nothing is to be trusted. Written by the celebrated author of Top Girls and Cloud Nine, this innovative work consists of three brief scenes. In the first, a young girl spending her first night in her new guardian's house witnesses a bloody slaughter. Next, the girl, now grown, is spending her first day working in a hat factory. There, she and a young man concoct funny and elaborate hats that are to be worn for a horrific purpose. In the final scene, the boy and girl, now wed, are seeking refuge from a global conflict – even the animals are on one side or another. On stage 7:30 p.m. Feb 13-15, 19-22 and 2 p.m. Feb 16, 22-23 in Putnam Studio at the M. Lee Pelton Theatre, Willamette University. Cost: $9 to $15. Click here for tickets.
February 14
Common People Yoga host Day of Love Feb 14 featuring free classes all day long plus an afternoon pop up from 3 to 5 p.m. featuring local small women owned businesses.
Ceili of the Valley Society hosts its Second Friday Céilí featuring live music and called dances so no experience and no partner are needed. There is a dance lesson at about 7:15, followed by live music from 8 to 11. And you don’t even need to dance — just go for a night of music! Bring water. 8 p.m. February 14 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Tickets start at $10. Click here for more information.
Sexy Talk — This Valentine's Day, let's talk about sex, baby! Enjoy a steamy stand-up comedy show where hilarious comics riff on audience questions about sex, love, and relationships. Audience members will be able to anonymously text their spicy questions before and during the show. Featuring Amanda Lynn Deal (Willamette Week's Funniest 5), Rachelle Cochran (Willamette Week's Funniest 5), Billy Chambers, Tina Hogstrom, and Juan Denmark! Hosted by Tony Meyer and Jane Malone (Vancouver's Funniest Person)! 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 14 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door for this 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
Date Night: A Comedy Dating Show For Couples — What’s Date Night? It’s a comedy show for couples (and anyone) that features a variety of improv, stand-up comedy, and interactive games that give you and your date the chance to win prizes! Hosted by Tina Hogstrom & Tony Meyer, and featuring Amanda Lynn Deal. 8 p.m. February 14, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $15 single; $25 date night package (2 person admission). Click here for tickets.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweet and zesty adventure by exploring the perfect harmony of sugar and acidity as you blend Rieslings to create your ideal flavor profile with the winemakers of Vitae Springs. This experience promises to be both fun and education for both the beginner and professional. How sweet will your Riesling be? 12 to 4 p.m. Feb 14 at Vitae Springs. $50. Click here to sign up.
Brindar: Food + Beer Pairing features a 4-course dinner inspired by el Caribe, 8:30 p.m. February 14 at Xicha. Tickets are $65 per person. Click here to reserve.
February 14-17
Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while being surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus Rex, February 14-17 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Click here for more info.
February 15
As part of Salem Reads, make family history more colorful at Genealogy and Genograms, a drop-in style crafting program. 2-4 p.m. Feb 15 in the Collaboration Studio at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
An Evening with Mike Love — Mike Love is a musician devoted to revolution through sound. Born in O’ahu, Hawaii to a family of musicians, Mike has used music as a conversation for as long as he can remember. He comes from a unique convergence of influences, yet all are bound by their common ambition to inspire positive change in the world. He releases his music independently on his own Love Not War Records label, and his sound, while rooted in the spirituality and message-based music of roots reggae, fuses a variety of influences including progressive and classic rock, soul, blues, flamenco, jazz, classical, and more. E.N Young & Imperial Sound will open the show. 8 p.m. February 15, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $33 for this all ages show. Click here for tickets.
Rhythm & Flow and Side Hustle Bar presents R&BAE starting at 10 p.m. Saturday, February 15, at Side Hustle Bar 145 Liberty St NE Suite #101. Featuring sounds by Inferno + Friends + Special Guest Performances to be announced, with the best hits from the 2000’s, a full themed bar, free Y2K photobooth and more. Click here for info.
Valentine's Bistro Dinner — Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the historic Governors House with a 4-course prix fixe dinner by Chef Derek. Start the evening with a glass of bubbly, and enjoy live music by Molly & Wayne. It’s the perfect romantic evening in an intimate setting, where love and great food come together. Saturday, February 15 at West Hills Vineyards, Governors House, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW. Tickets are $95 per person. Click here to reserve.
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts My Bloody Valentine: A Mash-Up Double Header, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. This annual event features the league's friends from Concussion Roller Derby in bout 1 at 4:30 p.m. and Cherry City’s adult skaters in bout 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; and start at $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
February 15-16
Salem Philharmonia Orchestra presents Rediscovering (Marie) Jaëll featuring Diane Chaplin, cello, 7 p.m. Saturday, February 15 and 2 p.m. Sunday, February 16 at East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Avenue NE. The orchestra will perform:
- Bizet – Jeux d’enfants – Petite Suite
- Jaëll – Cello Concerto in F major
- Mozart – Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”)
- Rimsky-Korsakov – Capriccio Espagnol
There will be a free pre-concert talk 45 minutes prior to each show. Tickets are $30 adults; $20 seniors and college students; and free for youth up to age 17. Click here for tickets.
February 16
Hey comedians! Got material to work on? Looking to improve your stage presence and mic technique? Just wanna hang out with other comedy weirdos? Then don't skip Joke Lab with Tony & Emma who welcome you to practice stuff and exchange feedback. It's chill and there's no crowd, just comedians. Bring your own N/A beverages and snacks. Water provided. No cover, no audience. Comedian observers welcome but this is not a show. All attendees must be comedy performers. All ages welcome but material does not need to be clean. 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb 16 at Infinity Room
Book Bin presents Horror book club will be meeting 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 16. They will be reading Dark Water by Koji Suzuki. Click here for more info.
Salem Capitals Basketball hosts the Pink/Black Scrimmage 3 p.m. Feb 16 at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE
February 17
The Book Bin sci-fi book club will be meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 17 at F/Stop Fitzgeralds. They will be reading Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Click here for more info.
February 19
The Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series 2024-25 Season presents Cantores in Ecclesia Vocal Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February at Willamette University's Hudson Concert Hall. This evening concert is dedicated entirely to the diverse and extraordinary music of Josquin de Prez (c. 1450-1521). This innovative, compositional genius wrote not only sacred music, but also secular songs in the major languages of the day—Latin, Italian, and French. His expressive musical style led to the development of the madrigal, a quintessential form of the Renaissance. Highlights of this special program include some of Josquin's most famous works including El grillo, Nymphes des bois, and the monumental Missa pange lingua. The music will be interspersed with insightful commentary by Kerry McCarthy, one of the preeminent scholars on music of this period. Cantores in Ecclesia, directed by Blake Applegate, is a specialized vocal ensemble dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony in liturgical context within the Latin Mass of the Catholic Church.
Tickets start at $10 and are available online at the Box Office, at the box office in the lobby the night of the performance, or call the box office at 503-370-6221. Click here for tickets.
Experience a night of Storytelling with Nakeezaka Suloostu Jack, 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, at the Bush Barn Art Center. The Salem Art Association welcomes visiting Indigenous Art Co-Teachers-in-Residence from Chemeketa Community College, Nakoosa Jack and Nakeezaka Jack for this evening of culture. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Click here to RSVP
Book Bin presents Mental Fitness book club will be meeting 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 19. They will be reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk. Click here for more info.
February 20
As part of Salem Reads, learn about Rafael Trujillo and the Dictatorships of the Caribbean, 4 p.m. Feb 20 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
Take a guided tasting of Macallan Whiskey during Spirit Night with industry professional Matt Holtgreve. The evening begins with a specialty cocktail, Apricot Collins, followed by a thoughtfully paired meal from The Cozy Taberna, designed to enhance the flavors of the tasting flight and elevate your dining experience. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb 20, at The Cozy Taberna, 249 Liberty St NE #140. Starts at $165. Click here for tickets.
February 21
Take in a night of live music with Nevermind: Seattle`s Tribute To Nirvana & Fighting Foos: Portland's Foo Fighters Tribute, 8 p.m. February 21, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Relive the grunge revolution with Nevermind, Seattle’s premier Nirvana tribute band. This powerhouse trio, born in the legendary Studio 7 rehearsal spaces, has been electrifying audiences across the Pacific Northwest. With a frontman who shreds vocals and guitar, a towering 6’8” bass legend, and a drummer who channels Dave Grohl’s raw energy, Nevermind delivers an unforgettable performance. Journey through Nirvana’s groundbreaking catalog—from Bleach to Nevermind, Unplugged, In Utero, and beyond. Expect intense energy, authentic sound, and even a splash zone of smashed guitars. Come as you are for a night of pure rock nostalgia! Click here for tickets.
Launch Mid Valley Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs aims to provide a morning of inspiration and connection, 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Feb 21 at Rofe Designs & CreativiTee, 100 Commercial St NE. Network with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences, and gain valuable insights to fuel your business journey in partnership with venue sponsor CreativiTEE & rofe designs and coffee partner The Governor’s Cup Coffee.
February 22
Explore art in a Conversation with Jeremy Okai Davis, Gwen Carr and Tammy Jo Wilson. Artist Jeremy Okai Davis has spent the last three years working on portraits of Oregon Black Pioneers commissioned by the Salem Art Association and Bush House Museum. The conversation will explore Okai Davis’ own research and process and discuss how the project came to be realized and the future of the project. Other panelists include Gwen Carr, Oregon Black Pioneers Emeritus and Tammy Jo Wilson, Exhibit Curator, Director of Bush House Museum Exhibits & Programming. Space for this free event is limited. A RSVP is kindly requested to reserve your seat. 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 22, at The Bush Barn Art Center & Annex. Click here to reserve.
Dentalium Earring Workshop — The Salem Art Association welcomes visiting Indigenous Art Co-Teachers-in-Residence from Chemeketa Community College, Nakoosa Jack and Nakeezaka Jack for a dentalium earring workshop, 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22. Dentalium was used as a form of currency for Native Americans along the coast and is still widely used today among different native tribes to show wealth, status and lineage. Earring kits will be pre-made, the workshop should only take about an hour to complete earrings, beginners are welcome and encouraged. Materials for the workshop are $40. Sign up here.
Dance the night away with Orquestra Pacifico Tropical, Portland’s electrifying Cumbia powerhouse. This tight-knit group of musicians brings together decades of experience to deliver an unforgettable performance, blending the golden-era sounds of ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s Cumbias from Colombia and Peru with fresh, original tracks crafted right here in the Pacific Northwest. Their high-energy show is a celebration of rhythm, connection, and living energy that will have you moving from start to finish. 8 p.m. February 22, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $20. Click here for tickets.
Book Bin presents Katie Kulla, author of Farm-Raised Kids and illustrator of Edible, in conversation with Elizabeth Miller of Minto Island Growers, 5 p.m. Saturday, February 22. Click here for more info.
Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group has sold out so if you got yourself a ticket to the Feb 22 show at the Elsinore Theatre — Lucky you!
February 23
Camerata Musica presents a free concert with Trio PNW, 2:30 p.m. February 23 at The Unitarian Universalist Church.
February 24
Like board games? Like tacos and beer? If your answer was something along the lines of "DUH", "Yaaaaas", "Ugh, who doesn't" then do we have an event for you…Grab your friends and tell them you guys have plans to play Lotería, 6:30 p.m. February 24 at Xicha North Salem
February 26
Book Bin presents Romantasy book club will be meeting 5:30 to 6;30 p.m. Wednesday, February 26. They will be reading A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya.Click here for more info.
February 27
Gasp at the eye-opening discoveries experienced by those who have participated in DNA testing during I Survived DNA Testing: The Stories as part of Salem Reads, 7 p.m. Feb 27 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Learn more about Salem Reads here.
February 27-March 1
Oregon Quilt Festival is one of the largest quilt shows in the Pacific Northwest which brings together quilters from all over, who gather to admire beautiful quilts, arts, and fabrics. It features quilts from outstanding artists and collections, exceptional classes from nationally-renowned teachers, daily seminars, and hands-on classes. The purpose of The Oregon Quilt Festival is to preserve the heritage of quilting, to be a source of information and inspiration, to perpetuate a high quality of excellence in quilting and related arts, and to coordinate an annual exhibition of this art form. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb 27 and 28 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $12 per day or $30 for a 3-day pass. Parking is additional fee. Learn more at oregonquiltfestival.com
February 28
In connection with Salem Reads, Salem City Club presents Finding Home in a New Culture and Country with Salem for Refugees, 11:30 a.m. Feb 28 at Willamette Heritage Center. Click here for more info.
The Storyteller’s Lounge presents Let the Light In, a night of storytelling and music during the gloomiest part of the year. Crack up and crack open, together — discovering the light that only comes from celebrating the beauty and grit of the human experience. 7 to 9 p.m. February 28 at Offbeat Coffee & Records, 1190 12th Street SE. $25. Buy Tickets here.