Things to do in January 2023 in Salem, Oregon

Happy New Year! Here’s a look at what’s happening in the month ahead —

January 1

Explore nature during the free First Day hikes at Oregon State Parks. Oregon Parks & Recreation Department is offering free guided hikes in 21 parks across the state on the first day of the year. In addition to the free hike, day-use fees are waived.
When: Sunday, January 1
Where: Oregon State Parks
Click here for more info.

Start 2023 with focus during New Year’s Day Yoga 9:30 a.m. Jan 1 at Resonance Yoga Collective. Mikki will lead a 90-minute, all-levels flow practice that will include meditation and pranayama to ground you in the new year, and a flow practice to inspire intention and connection for the year ahead.Sliding scale of $5-20. Click here to reserve your spot.

Start New Year’s Day with play — Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is offering free rides with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item to support Marion-Polk Food Share. The fun takes place 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 1. Click here for more info. 

Celebrate the last bit of the holidays with Christmas Music from St. Paul’s Trinity Choir Sextet at the Evensong Concert, 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 at 1444 Liberty St SE. There will be Solos and Ensemble music sung by Megan Miller, Madison Hall, Leah Brakebill, Nicholas Ertsgaard, Ryan Amend, Barry Nelson.

January 5

Salem Poetry Project presents Portland’s Emmett Wheatfall. Emmett reads, writes, records, publishes and performs lyrical poetry to music. Three of his book have been published by Fernwood Press, an imprint of Barclay Press. His new poetry book With Extreme Prejudice, Lest We Forget is now available. Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
When: 7 p.m. January 5
Where: Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE

Hear the George Colligan Trio 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 5 at Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge. $15 cover charge.

January 6

The First Friday Art Walk aims to promote local businesses, emerging artists and engagement with our downtown community. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, it is a free, leisurely opportunity to explore the heart of Salem and discover new shops, artwork, crafters and more. Each month includes a variety of different businesses offering specials, art to view, activities and more. Reinforcing the encouragement of participation, there is also a raffle. To take part, pick up a passport from any of the participating businesses and collect stamps from a number of locations. Then turn in your completed passport to enter a raffle to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Find all the details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk. Sign up to The Playlist for a highlight of what’s happening for the Art Walk.

Chill at Acoustic Night with Jesse Tumolo and Danny Shaw, two of Salem’s favorite singer/songwriters, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 6 at The Bad Space, 2572 19th St SE. Doors open at 6 p.m. Jesse Tumolo will play pop-punk/alternative tunes at 7 and Danny Shaw will follow with pirate folk/reggae and blues rock.

Comedians Doing Comedy — Don’t miss this incredible lineup featuring Amanda Lynn Deal, Tory Ward, Julia Corral, Dianna Potter, Many Simonson and host Lacie Wood. Full kitchen and bar menu available before and during the show.
When: 9 p.m. Friday January 6. Doors open at 8:45 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door
Age: 21 and older. Click here for tickets.

Friday Night Vibes features Gail Gage Jazz 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan 6 at Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault in downtown Salem.

Live Music: Siempre La Guitarra is a classical music concert series presented by David Tutmark and Oregon Guitar Studio. David was inspired by his love of the guitar and classical music to create the Siempre La Guitarra concert series with a mission to bring great guitar players from all over the world to the Pacific Northwest.
Experience the first concert in the 2023 series featuring talented and accomplished classical guitarists, Mario Diaz and David Tutmark, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan 6, at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr. S. Cost is $40. Click here for tickets.

January 7

CrossWalk is a family-friendly 1.5 milk walk benefiting the Marion County Victim Assistance Division which provides resources, services, and support to victims of violent and traumatic crime in our community.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan 7
Where: Gerry Frank – Salem Rotary Amphitheater
Cost: $20 adult; $15 student; Free for younger than 13. Click here to register.

Adam Pasi — Don’t miss the thoughtfully hilarious Adam Pasi featuring lovable cynic Sam Whiteley! Adam Pasi is the only Seattle comic to have won the Portland’s Funniest Person competition, and he’s the only comic ever to have won it twice. He’s afraid of dolls and he loves his mom. Equally. Note: Masks are appreciated but not required.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan 7. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.

Cherry City Roller Derby and Traveling Wheelz host the Winter Wonderland ❄️ Open Skate on Saturday, Jan 7 at The Mad House. There are two sessions for this all-ages event: 4 to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m. Cost is $10 per person; $5 for skate rental (if needed). Tickets are available at the door.

Saturday Música features Dave Wentz playing a combination of bright, upbeat pop originals plus popular covers from the 1940s through now 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan 7, at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE.

January 7, 14, 21, 28

If you missed the sold-out showing of Cocaine Snorting Crabs from Outer Space, you are in luck. The locally made film will be screening at 6:30 p.m. every Saturday in January at f/STOP Fitzgerald’s Public House. Tickets for the 21 and older show are $7 ($5 for mug club members). 

January 7-May 6

Finding Salem’s Chinatown(s) — Individuals of Chinese heritage have been a part of Salem’s community since at least 1860. Despite this long presence, it has been harder to trace their experiences in the written historical record and built landscape. Several collaborative research projects over the last five years have given us a better understanding of Salem’s historical Chinatown and Chinese-American Community.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday through May 6
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: $5 to $10. Children 5 and younger are free.
Info: 503-585-7012

January 8

Dance the night away at Salsa Sunday with Salem Rueda de Casino at Fork Forty Food Hall. There’s a lesson at 6:15 p.m. followed by dancing at 7 p.m. For ages 18 and older. $5 cover charge.

January 8 & 22

Family Clay Sunday returns at Willamette Art Center at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. This is a family-friendly opportunity for kids of all ages to create hand-built clay projects. Drop-in between 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan 8 and learn to make snow people and on Jan 22 to make Valentine boxes or dishes. Cost is $5 per person (children 3 and younger free). Enter the State Fairgrounds through the yellow gate on Silverton Road NE. The next event takes place on January 22. Projects must be picked up within 30 days. Click here for more info.

January 9

Learn more about the sport of roller derby and how you can be a part of it at Cherry City Roller Derby’s Recruitment Night. No experience needed. This information session will give you more info on how to become a skater, official or volunteer.
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan 9
Where: The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE
Info: cherrycityrollerderby.com

January 12

Improv Level 1 Graduation Showcase — Infinity Room’s Level 1 Improv students have been hard at work learning how to create hilarity from thin air. Check them out in this graduation showcase.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $5. Click here for tickets.
Age: All ages

Salem Poetry Project presents John Van Dreal — With formal education in fine arts and educational psychology, John maintains careers in both fields and writes in his spare time. He uses his creative vision and accessible writing style to explore both the darker and quirkier sides of human behavior. His work has appeared in the Willawaw Journal, Black Mountain Press, Oberon Poetry Magazine and The Bookends Review, among others, and was most recently chosen the 2022 runner-up for the Prime Number Magazine Award for Poetry. His poetry book, Sand to Glass, was published and released by Cherry Grove Collection in late 2022. Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
When: 7 p.m. January 12
Where: Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE

January 13

2nd Friday Ceili — Learn Irish Céili or set dancing. With a couple of simple steps (forwards and back and sideways), you can dance any dance. No special shoes are needed; tennis shoes/sneakers are great. Beginners are welcome. All dances are walked and called. This month features live music by Eliot Grasso & Glen Waddell and dances called by Geraldine Murray. Bottled water will be available for purchase. *Please note: Vaccination and boosters are highly recommended! We are Mask Friendly! Please do not attend if you don’t feel well, are experiencing any Covid symptoms, and/or have been exposed to anyone with or suspected of having Covid within the past two weeks.
When: Friday, January 13. Doors at 7 p.m., dance instruction begins at 7:15, and live music starts at 8.
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE, Salem
Cost: $10 per person.
Info: email ceiliofthevalley@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Friday the 13th — Take in a night of classic horror as the Elsinore Film Series presents Friday the 13th (1980) on Friday the 13th. A group of camp counselors trying to reopen a summer camp called Crystal Lake, which has a grim past, are stalked by a mysterious killer.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 13
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10. Click here for tickets.

Kristen Grainger + True North and opening performer singer/songwriter Emily Lambert — “Fronted by singer-songwriter Kristen Grainger, the folk-bluegrass powerhouse includes Dan Wetzel, guitar; octave mandolin, vocals; Martin Stevens, mandolin, octave mandolin, fiddle, vocals; and Josh Adkins, bass, vocals.

The band’s newest release, Ghost Tattoo, was #2 on Folk Alliance International Top Albums of 2020, #12 on Folk Alley’s Listeners Choice Top 20 Albums of 2020, hitting #1 on folk radio charts for both albums and singles.

A songwriter whose star is rising, Kristen was named, alongside Brandi Carlile and Dolly Parton, one of the Women Who Wrote Our 2020 Soundtrack by The Bluegrass Situation. Kristen took first place in the 2020 USA Songwriting Competition (folk), and she has won or been a finalist in national songwriting contests at Telluride Bluegrass Festival (CO), MereFest (NC), Wildflower Music Festival (TX), and Kerrville Folk Festival (TX).”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, January 13. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: The Governor’s Cup Coffee Roasters, 471 Court St NE
Cost: $10. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older.

There’ll be a Friday the 13th Dark Dance Party at Infinity Room featuring Salem’s Major Hex with Distress Mistress (EBM DJ -Guatemala City) and Secret Mutilator (Live Musician/ Darkwave – Los Angeles) Note: Masks are appreciated but not required.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, January 13. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $10. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older after 9 p.m.

January 13-15

Mid-Valley Home Show returns to bring three days of all things home related to the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Check it out 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan 14 and Sunday, Jan 15. Parking and admission are free. Learn more here.

January 13-February 4

Pentacle Theatre presents An Inspector Calls, the acclaimed British class-conflict thriller framed as an Edwardian ghost story written by J.B. Priestly. Directed by Isaac Joyce-Shaw, An Inspector Calls centers on a mysterious inspector who unexpectedly calls on a wealthy middle-aged
English Midlands couple, their two young-adult children, their daughter’s fiancée and their maid, to question each person’s connection to a young
girl’s suicide. Set in 1912, this classic character drama portrays the enigmatic Inspector Goole and the Birling family members as a metaphor for our
own personal failure to accept our responsibility to others. It is a dramatic exploration of the Marxist criticism of capitalism.
When: Friday, Jan. 13 – Saturday, Feb. 4. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW.
Cost: $17 to $37. Click here for tickets. (Frontline healthcare workers, student and people who hold an Oregon Trail Card are eligible for a 50% discount.)
Audience suitability: An Inspector Calls is suitable for ages 13+ who can handle discussions of suicide, prostitution and rape.
Note: Masks are recommended and encouraged.

January 14

Saturday Música features singer/songwriter Scott Austin
3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 14 at Cória Estates. Scott has a way with thought-provoking tunes that move you. Currently performing as a solo acoustic act, he is able to create an atmosphere that you can’t help but feel a part of. Expect to hear heartfelt original music as well as classic covers spanning multiple decades.

Roller Derby — Cherry City Roller Derby’s adult team bout against Tacoma, Washington’s Dockyard Derby Dames in a family-friendly competition. Food and drink available for purchase.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15-16 at the door. Children 5 & younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Info: cherrycityrollerderby.com

January 14 & 28

Makeup & Mimosas Drag Brunch is hosted by Nicole Onoscopi and features amazing drag talent, plus Bloody Mary, mimosa and brunch specials.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 14. Doors open at 12 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE, Salem
Cost: $10. Click here for Jan 14 tickets. Click here for Jan 28 tickets.
Age: 16 and older

Wywolf Album Release with Grand Head and DPRST. Full kitchen and bar menu before and during the show. Note: Masks are appreciated but not required.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $9 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older after 9 p.m.

World Citizen Festival — Celebrating a Day of Culture bringing together world music from United States, India, France, Italy, Mexico, Jamaica, Ireland and El Salvador, with food options from around the world at this family-friendly, all-day event.
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan 14
Where: The Yard Food Park

January 15

Camerata Musica features the Wildwood String Quartet with performers Hae-Jin Kim and Joy Fabos, violin; Angelica Furtwangler, viola; Katherine Shultz, cello in a free concert.
When: 2:30 p.m. Jan 15
Where: Loucks Auditorium, Salem Public Library
Click here for more info.

Shop dozens of vendors selling handmade items at the Sundayz Market 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 15 at 1261 NE 62nd St. 

January 6 & 20

Electric Baguette – All Ages Improv Comedy. Enjoy Infinity Room’s signature improv style over dinner and drinks. They take your suggestions and turn them into one-of-a-kind shows never to be seen again — each its own unique experience.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 6 and Jan 20
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets for Jan 6 & Jan 20
Age: All ages welcome.

January 17

Artists In Action’s Monthly Meeting features Guest Speaker fine craft jeweler Dawn Hemstreet —  Dawn will give a talk, titled Dynamic-Soulful-Wearable Art, about metal clay and its sculptural aspects. She will bring metal clay for a quick demo, including torch firing. Artists in Action (AiA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks to provide art exhibition opportunities as well as inspiration, education and public enjoyment in the visual arts.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Social time from 6 to 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Broadway Commons, Mexico Room (304), 3^rd Floor
Cost: Free
Info: https://artistsinaction.org/

January 18

Yoga + Beer at Elsinore Theater — Part of what inspired Yoga + Beer almost 10 years ago, was celebrating the things that make Salem awesome. One of those spaces is the Elsinore Theater. In 2018, we gathered for a really special class in the lobby of the theater – and we’ve been wanting to return ever since. Here’s that class. Join Yoga + Beer founder, Mikki Trowbridge for an all-levels yoga practice in the lobby of the historic Elsinore Theater … surrounded by its beautiful architecture, murals, and you know, the infamous ghost. After class, the Elsinore will be serving up beverages of your choice (for purchase), including local beers, wines and more. Bring your own mat or towel to practice on. Loaner mats are not available.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 18
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi. Click here to register.

January 19

Hear the Dylan Hayes Trio 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 19 at Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge. $14 cover.

New Year Yoga — Start your new year with yoga. This one-hour class includes a tank, created by Roanna for the class, plus wine, snacks and shopping. Special discounts will be announced at the class.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 19
Where: CreativiTee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE
Cost: $42. Click here to register.

January 20

Sam Ellefson — Catch the delightfully funny Sam Ellefson as he prepares to record his first comedy special! Sam is originally from a suburb of a suburb in Minnesota. His Minnesotan naivety constantly leads him into all kinds of unfortunate, but humorous situations. Pair that with his quick wit and his absurd yet relatable experiences are sure to have you rolling.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan 20. Doors open at 8:45 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advancel $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older.

January 21

BlackSmith Neighbors will play Americana music, a mix of country, rock, blues, folk, gospel and more, 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan 21 at Taproot Lounge & Cafe

January 22

Steve-O: The Bucket List Tour — Steve-O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover) was willing to do whatever it took to become famous, even if it meant stapling his ball sack to his leg. His relentless attention-whoring ultimately led to working with Johnny Knoxville on a stunt-based reality show. The rest is history. MTV aired the first season of JACKASS in 2000. Since then, Steve-O has had continued success, as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, ‘Professional Idiot’, and he has established himself as a force in the world of stand-up comedy. Steve-O has never stopped being wild and crazy, but he’s definitely evolved.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan 22
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $35-$55. Click here for tickets.
Age: 18 and older.

How to Read a Script: Workshop with Scott Ramp — Do you ever get lost or confused when reading a script? Have you ever finished reading a play only to find yourself thinking what the…? Do you love being IN a play or a musical but the thought of starting with the initial script read gives you the chills? Well then, you are NOT ALONE! This workshop isn’t your typical boring TH 101 class. No deep-diving into the scholarly minutiae of theatre history here. Just fun and interesting insights from someone with 40 years experience teaching actors on the professional level: Shortcuts to understanding an author’s intent, easy ways to cut through dense stage directions (or how to figure it out if there are NO stage directions at all), how to make ordinary words come alive, how to read something as strange as Kafka and still “get it” and so much more.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan 22
Where: Pentacle Theatre Rehearsal

January 26

See Only In Theaters with special guest Greg Laemmle — One Night Only! In 1938, two European Jewish immigrant brothers escaped fascist Germany right before World War II. They came to America and opened a movie theater. By the 1960’s, the dynamic Laemmle family owned and operated 6 theaters in the Los Angeles developing an outsized influence on cinema.

Over four generations, the Laemmles—a close-knit Jewish family—have dedicated themselves to supporting, innovating, and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign film to Los Angeles, popularizing independent films, documentary films, and their makers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated.

Laemmle Theatres, the beloved 84-year-old arthouse cinema chain in Los Angeles, is facing seismic change and downward pressure. Yet the family behind this multigenerational business—whose sole mission has been to support the art of film—is determined to see it survive.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 26
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $11. Click here for tickets.

January 26-28

Inaugural Oregon Quilt Festival brings together 30+ vendors, 300+ quilts for display and sale and 5 quilt guilds.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 26 and 27 and 10 am. to 4 p.m. January 28
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE
Cost: $10; $24 3-day pass; free for younger than 12
Info: woregonquiltfestival.com

January 27

One Night Only! Watch THE ROOM with special guest Greg Sestero, co-star of the film and author of The Disaster Artist. There will be a meet & greet, pictures and autographs, Q&A, live script reading and more.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 27
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 day of event. Click here for tickets.

The Roast of Chris Pelka — Happy birthday to Infinity Room’s dear stage technician, Chris Pelka. For his birthday, Chris wanted nothing more than to gather around with his closest friends, comics, and audience members, crack open a couple of Mountain Dews and…get roasted to a crisp. Join in for a night of sick burns and straight fire. Open mic to follow the show – sign up in person after the roast. Featuring comics from all over Oregon and hosted by Emma Jonas.
When: 8 p.m. January 27. Doors open at  7:30
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older

Collective Concert: Sitar Guitar Duo — Sitar player J.J. Gregg and guitarist David Van Auken present their “collaboration for 24-strings,” merging South Asian classical sitar and American finger-style guitar. Salem-based J.J. Gregg performs lyrical and highly emotive improvisations on sitar, known to guide listeners on a musical journey.  For this special night of music he showcases his gentle, playful, raucous, contemplative, placid, visionary, unpredictable, and captivating songwriting collaboration with guitarist David Van Auken. From lullabies to blues, ragas to tunes, J.J. and David craft an immersive musical experience not to be missed.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan 27
Where: Resonance Yoga Collective
Cost: $20 to $40 sliding scale. Click here for tickets.

January 27-28

Sip and sample your way across the culinary delights of Oregon at First Taste Oregon. It’s not just about what you eat and drink (although there is definitely an opportunity at this event) but First Taste also features entertainment, including two stages of music; art; vendors; and more.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 and 12 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where: Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: $8 to $40 in advance; $8 to $42 day of event. Click here for tickets.

January 28

Valentine Tee Creation Day — Create a Valentine-themed tee with a provided spencil or custom create your own unique design. There will be $2 off any Valentine-themed t-shirt creation all day. Spread the love!
When: 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 28
Where: CreativiTee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE

Take in a night of music with The Latter-Day Skanks: Punk rock heresy; Secnd Best: Fast melodic punk rock and 1876: Indigenous pow wow punk rock — all from Portland. Full kitchen and bar menu before and during the show. Note: Masks are appreciated but not required.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $10 in advance; $13 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: All ages

VARSITY VOCALS 2023 ICCA West Quarterfinal — The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) is the only global tournament that showcases the art of college student a cappella singing. This quarterfinal event will feature groups from across the West region. The top two groups will move on to the West Semifinal (along with the top two groups from four other West Quarterfinals) to compete on Saturday, March 25th back at the Elsinore where one group will be named West Champion and move on to perform at the 2023 ICCA Finals in New York City in April.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $21-$36. Click here for tickets.

Delgani II presents Black Angels — How do composers react to the realities of the world they live in? In response to the Vietnam War, George Crumb wrote his groundbreaking Black Angels: Thirteen Images from the Dark Land as “a parable on our troubled contemporary world.” Watch as Delgani transforms into an electrified string & percussion ensemble to perform this mystic work full of numerology, imaginative sounds, and supernatural voices. In Black Angels, Crumb quotes the hauntingly beautiful melody that forms the heart of Schubert’s late Death and the Maiden Quartet. Schubert’s humanity is on display through his writing in this deep work with soaring melodies, outbursts of conflict, and peaceful moments of resignation.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Cost $28; $5 student. Click here for tickets.

Edward Van Halen Memorial Concert — Celebrate the birthday and music of a legendary rock guitarist with a night of Van Halen played by local musical heavyweights including Bart Barkac, Eric Banke, Mike Branch, Darren CdeBaca, Don Graham, Paul Lawrence, Kelly Lemieux, Jim Smoltz, Dirk Sullivan, Mark Thomas, Jared Venti and JFK.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28
Where: The Yard Food Park

Hear Trio Subtonic feat. Trent Baarspul 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28, at Christo’s Pizzeria & Lounge, 1108 Boradway St NE. $15 cover charge.

Roller Derby — Cherry City Roller Derby’s junior team – The Cherry Blossoms – bout against Tacoma, Washington’s Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby in a family-friendly competition. Food and drink available for purchase.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan 28. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE
Cost: $10 in advance; $15-16 at the door. Children 5 & younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Info: cherrycityrollerderby.com

January 29​​

Salem Symphonic Winds presents “Maria de Buenos Aires Tango Suite” — This show is the US premiere of the “Tango Suite” from Astor Piazzolla’s opera Maria de Buenos Aires. The Rainbow Dance Theater, mezzo-soprano Hannah Penn, and accordion soloist Tommy Thompson will join the band to transport you to the passion and mystique that envelops Argentina’s largest city. Dancers will introduce the original choreography of Valerie Bergman with stunning costumes. Band additions include Crystal Zimmerman on piano, Georgienne Young on cello, and Whitney Moulton on String Bass. The vocal parts are sung in Spanish, but the language of the Tango is universal.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan 29
Where: South Salem H.S. Rose Auditorium
Cost: $5 to $25. Click here for tickets.

January 30​​

Bruce Cockburn – 50th Anniversary Shows — For 50 years, this Canadian musical legend has been capturing in song the essence of human experience – while fiercely striving to make it better. One of Canada’s finest artists, Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while travelling to such far-flung places as Guatemala, Mali, Mozambique, and Nepal, and writing memorable songs about his ever-expanding world of wonders. “My job,” he explains, “is to try and trap the spirit of things in the scratches of pen on paper and the pulling of notes out of metal.”
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Jan 30. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $29.50 to $49.50 | $5 increase on day of show. Click here for tickets.

Author: The Instigator