The InstigatorHello, New Year! Here’s a look at some of the highlights happening in January 2018 in Salem, Oregon.
January 5-7
Pentacle Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring 53 actors, singers and dancers playing 97 roles, takes to the Elsinore stage this weekend. After selling out, they added another show then more seats so embrace the opportunity to take in this musical delight.
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 6; and 2 p.m. Jan. 7
Cost: $25 adult; $20 youth 17 and younger. To get tickets, call or visit Pentacle Theatre’s Ticket Office, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday: 503-485-4300, 145 Liberty St NE, Suite 102, Salem.
January 6
Step “Through the Looking Glass” at TEDxSalem V, a full-day of activities, talks, interactive “recess” sessions, swag, entertainment, lunch and snacks, and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 6
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE
Cost: $55, $45 for university, college and high school students in advance and $5 more at the door. Get tickets at tedxsalem.eventbrite.com.
Info: www.tedxsalem.com
January 11-20
SKIT Theatre presents “The Wizard of Oz,” the classic tale will come to life on stage featuring the the talents of local singing and dancing teens. There is a public dress rehearsal on Jan. 11 for $5, following by two weekends of regular performances.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 12-13 and 18-20
Where: Salem First Free Methodist Church, 4455 Silverton Road NE
Cost: $10, $8 students and seniors, and $6 children
Info: 503-689-7588
January 12
Experience the “G3 Tour 2018” featuring guitar superstar Joe Satriani who will be joined by fellow six-string legends John Petrucci of Dream Theater and Phil Collen of Def Leppard.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $52 to $127
Info: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com
January 12
Ceili of the Valley Society’s Second Friday Ceili features live music by B.F.D. (Betsy Branch, Fran Slefer, & Dan Compton) and called dances by Geraldine Murray, an accomplished dance instructor and flute player. No partner or experience necessary so what are you waiting for? BONUS: Cast members from the Pentacle Theater’s production of Dancing at Lughnasa will be doing a short performance during intermission, a teaser promoting their upcoming play.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Live music and dancing begins at 8 p.m.
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10; $5 student; $30 family
Info: ceiliofthevalley.org
January 13
High St. Gallery’s next exhibition “Suicide Widow Etiquette” kicks off with its opening reception on Saturday. The exhibit is a guide to healing that looks past grief, shame and society’s conventional expectations. It is also a fundraiser sponsored by Keep Salem Sane raising awareness and funds for Salem’s Crisis Chaplaincy Services.
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: High St. Gallery, 700 High St. NE Suite 180. Gallery entrance is located at the back of the building.
Cost: Free
Info: www.TheBruinCo.com
January 13
“Heroes & Rebels: A David Bowie Tribute” will take the stage for its final show this month. The performance, which spans decades of David Bowie’s career, features a rotating line up of notable Salem musicians including members of Sleep Millennium, The Pumps, Orchards, Brides, Rhinestone Halo, EC3, Bonafide, City of Pieces, Jamalia, The Merchants of Venus, Black Francis, and more.
When: 8 p.m. January 13
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 50% of every ticket sold is being donated to the American Cancer Society.
Info: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com
January 13
The Traxxas Monster Truck Tour is stopping in Salem. This 2-3 hour show features five monster trucks, Galactron VS Reptar (two transforming robots engaging in an intergalactic duel) and a tuff truck challenge. There are also opportunities to ride a truck and join a VIP Pit Party. Visit the website for details.
When: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 13
Where: Oregon State Fair & Expo Center, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: Adults starting at $20; Kids 3-12 starting at $10. Ticket prices increase on day of show.
Info: www.MonsterTruckTour.com
January 17
3 Doors Down is stopping by Salem on their “Back Porch Jam” tour, an acoustic interpretation of the band’s hits, fan favorites and deep album cuts, with opener Las Vegas-based band Elvis Monroe.
When: 7:30 p.m. January 17
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $23 to $75
Info: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com
January 19 – February 10
Take a magical journey into memory and illusion during Pentacle Theatre’s production of “Dancing at Lughnasa,” by Brian Friel and directed by Loriann Schmidt. It’s a step back in time to Ireland 1936 and the story of the five Mundy sisters. This play won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Visit the Pentacle website for information about ticket deals and promotions.
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan 19-20, 25-27, 31 and Feb. 1-3, and 7-9, plus 2 p.m. Jan. 21, 28 and Feb. 4 and 10.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW (off Highway 22, about 6 miles west of downtown Salem)
Cost: $24-$29. Advance tickets are available at Pentacle’s downtown ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE or by calling 503-485-4300 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or online anytime at www.pentacletheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each performance.
Tickets for low-income persons: In partnership with Salem for All, Pentacle Theatre offers half-price tickets to Oregon Trail Card holders. For information, go to www.salemforall.org.
January 20
Tippy Toes Dance Studio presents “Memoirs,” a show that takes a glimpse into a day at the park for the characters as they run, play, fly kites, take pictures, and interact. See how each of the character’s stories come together as one to create the world we live in.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $14 in advance; $16 at the door
Info: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com
January 20-February 25
Salem Art Association hosts Nancy Lindburg – Images of Time: 65 Years of Art and Life. The exhibition showcases a exploration of the power and energy of color. Nancy, a multi-faceted career artist, arts administrator and tireless arts advocate, was Executive Director of the Salem Art Association from 1973-1978, and Artist Services Coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission from 1978-1991. As first manager of Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places Program, she oversaw the placement of hundreds of works of art in state buildings. Nancy’s decades of community involvement has included serving on numerous Boards on both local and statewide levels. In 1995, she was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Arts Award.
When: Jan. 20 through Feb. 25. Opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org
January 20-April 1
The Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University presents “MK Guth: Paying Attention,” featuring the work of nationally recognized Portland, Oregon, artist MK Guth, who over the past 15 years, has brought people together into cultural conversations with one another, through her photography, video, installations, performances, and mixed-media works.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St.
Cost: $6, $4 seniors and $3 for students 18 and older. Students 17 and under and children are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays.
Info: 503-370-6855 or www.visitwillamette.edu/go/hfma
January 26
Take in Brahms’ First Symphony featuring Conductor David Danzmayr and violinist Benjamin Beilman, plus Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 and “Turkish” Brahms: Symphony No. 1 as performed by the Oregon Symphony.
When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 with pre-concert reception 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 900 State St.
Cost: $35 to $50
Info: 503-364-0149 or www.orsymphonysalem.org
January 26-27
Calling all foodies! First Taste Oregon is here to whet your appetite with an array of local food, drink, art, entertainment, and more. It’s not just about what you eat and drink (although there is definitely an opportunity at this event) but there’s also entertainment, art, vendors and more.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center, 2330 NE 17th St.
Cost: $10, $8 senior. Children 6 and younger are free.
Info: www.firsttasteoregon.com
January 26-27
Varsity Vocals hosts two-nights of a cappella. On Friday, nine high school a cappella groups compete, followed by eight college a cappella groups on Saturday
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25 to $35; $20 to $30 students.
Info: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com
January 27
Local Americana quartet True North is hosting an all-ages concert in honor of the group’s new album release, “Open Road, Broken Heart.” The show features award-winning singer/songwriters Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, who will be joined by special guests Martin Stevens, on vocals, fiddle and mandolin, and Josh Adkins, on bass and vocals.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St. NE
Cost: $10
Info: 503-362-9185
January 28
Camerata Musica features James Shield on clarinet, Kenji Bunch on viola and Monica Ohuchi on piano.
When: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where: Loucks Auditorium, Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: 503-588-6315
January 31
Salem Winter Brewfest kicks off with a preview night on Jan. 31. We’ll focus on that event in the February calendar, but you can learn more now at www.salemwinterbrewfest.com
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Carlee Wright
