The InstigatorArt, music and summertime fun are high on the list of things to do during July in Salem, so get out and … PLAY!
July 3
Join artist Helen Victoria Hejl for this free First Tuesday Art Talk. Helen’s latest exhibition of paintings runs July 7 through August 25 at the Bush Barn Art Center. After the talk there will be a meeting of the SAA Gallery Guides. Anyone interested in learning more about being a volunteer docents is welcome to attend the meeting.
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 3
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: SalemArt.org/helen-hejl/
July 4
First Wednesday takes over downtown
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
Where: Downtown Salem
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/salemsfirstwednesday
July 4-8
Formerly called the Bite & Brew of Salem, Cherryfest NW is a five-day, family-friendly festival featuring live music, a carnival, games, a Kid Zone, 80+ microbrews and ciders and a variety of food vendors, plus the city’s largest 4th of July fireworks show, a 5k run with military-style challenges and a ½ mile run for kids 12 and younger, a free cornhole competition with the American Cornhole Organization and more. Blankets and chairs are welcome, but leave the picnics at home.
When: All day July 4; 4 to 11 p.m. July 5; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 6 and 7; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 8
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: Free on Wednesday and Sunday; $5 on Thursday; and $9 adult, $5 senior, military and age 6-17 and free for children 5 and younger on Friday and Saturday.
Info: cherryfestnw.com
July 4 through 8
Experience the Civil War Reenactment organized by Northwest Civil War Council, a non profit organization committed to helping people experience living history with family friendly events and educational opportunities, where you can see battles, tour camps (infantry, cavalry and artillery, as well as civilian) and visit with reenactors. There will also be demonstrations, music, food, period merchants and more.
When: July 4-8
Where: Powerland Heritage Park
Cost: $12. Children younger than 12 are free.
Info: nwcwc.net
July 5, 12, 19 and 26
Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured reader followed by the “Infamous Open Mic” – 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. The featured reader begins at 7 p.m. and the open mic directly follows. July 5 features Doug Stone, July 12 features Tim Pfau, July 19 features 1ra Antologia de la Poesia Oregoniana, and July 26 features Dale Champion.
When: 7 p.m. July 5, 12, 19 and 26
Where: Ike Box, 229 Cottage St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/SalemPoetryProject
July 6
Salem Art Association will host an reception celebrating four exhibitions on view at the Bush Barn Art Center. Exhibit include a collection of community art in Radius 25: Through My Eyes, ethereal black and white photographs in Suzie Torre-Cross: Reliqui, paintings of Scottish landscapes in Featured Artist: Jennifer Gimzewski, and a large-scale contemporary installation by Portland artist Karen White.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 6
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: SalemArt.org/exhibit-receptions
Through July 6
Salem Art Association Exhibit: Portland-based artist Karen White, who sees herself as a storytelling harvesting and manipulating segmented details of her past by working with discarded materials, has been creating an evolving exhibition during her time in the Annex at the Bush Barn Art Center.
When: Through July 6
Where: Bush Barn Art Center Annex, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: SalemArt.org/karen-white
July 6-28
Pentacle Theatre presents “1984.” From the novel by George Orwell, this play looks at a dystopian future where Big Brother is watching, freedom of speech is challenged and leaders are not held accountable. “This show is relevant, timely, and artistic,” said Director Jenni Bertels. “We have some really cool artistic things planned that you typically don’t see in theatre anywhere. We also have a lot of new people to the Pentacle stage that are absolutely fantastic. Although this show is a drama, with heavy moments, there are a lot of fun and sweet moments to enjoy as well.”
When: 7:30 p.m. July 6-7, 12-14, 18-21 and 25-28, plus 2 p.m. July 8, 15 and 22.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Cost: $24 to $29
Tickets: Can be purchased at the downtown box office at 145 Liberty St. NE, by calling 503-485-4300 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or at pentacletheatre.org. Tickets also are available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each performance.
July 7
Hamiltunes comes to Salem Public Library. Fans of the hit Broadway show Hamilton: an American Musical are invited to channel their inner Alexanders, Aarons, Elizas, King Georges, and Peggies in a sing-a-long of songs from the play. Emceeing the event will be Howard Street Charter School teacher, Children’s Educational Theater Executive Director, and Hamilton super-fan Robert Salberg.
When: 2:30 p.m. July 7
Where: Loucks Auditorium, Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/events/1774685205910997/
July 7 Through August 25
Radius 25: Through My Eyes offers a glimpse into the creative diversity of Salem artists. It is juried by Jennifer H. Pepin, artist and owner of J. Pepin Art Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Jennifer’s gallery seeks to reframe the perception of mental illness by exhibiting the work of professional artists alongside stories of their creative journeys. As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, she believes that by working together the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and belief in a more accepting world. Info: www.SalemArt.org/radius-25
Suzie Torre-Cross: Reliqui is a series of photographs that explores the echoes of life and memories of forsaken souls etched in broken stone. Where forlorn whispers of bygone days and the loneliness of the eternal rest mark the passage of time. Info: www.SalemArt.org/reliqui
Featured Artist: Jennifer Gimzewski. Influenced by Mattisse and Diebenkorn, Jennifer Gimzewski’s paintings are as much about color and composition as they are about the land. During travels in her native Scotland, Jennifer reflects on how she has been “enthralled by the wildness and the permanence of the land; its quiet grace and its connection with the elements that work with it and on it to achieve its powerful presence.” This sensibility is something that carries over to her work in Oregon as she discovers vistas that resonate with her and re-creates them in her imagination. Info: www.SalemArt.org/jennifer-gimzewski.
Helen Victoria Hejl is an artist living, gardening, and making music in Lyons, Oregon. The work she will display at the Bush Barn Art Center is searching and inquisitive in nature, created in part by roaming the historical sites and state parks of her hometown, San Diego, under the immersive influence of being in the rooms and surrounded by the artifacts of people whom the centuries have left behind. These pieces will be accompanied by a series of abstract oil paintings, whose layers bear the inward path of her mental contemplations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 7-August 25
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org
July 9
Ann Wilson of Heart will take to the Elsinore stage. Wilson’s musical gifts are renowned. Beyond her accomplishments as a songwriter and lyricist, her vocal range, power and musicality have earned her legendary status and inspired legions of singers across all genres of music.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 9
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $58 to $92
Info: 503-375-3574, elsinoretheatre.com
July 10-12
Teen Banner Workshop with Kristin Kuhns. Local teens are invited to create a site specific installation for the Salem Art Fair & Festival. Work with nationally recognized artist Kristin Kuhns to develop an installation that marks the entry for the event’s Cultural Community area. This will be a fun opportunity to explore making art on a large scale, and to interact with other young creatives. The finished piece will be on view for the Art Fair’s 35,000+ annual visitors this year and into the future.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10-12
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: SalemArt.org/programs/annex/art-workshops
July 11, 18 and 25
Shaking things up in downtown Salem, the River Rock Concert Series is bringing three nights of live music to Riverfront Park. Bring blankets or low-level lawn chairs to maximize your comfort with the festival seating while taking advantage of the food, wine and beer offerings available for purchase. Bring the kids, but leave the pets at home.
This year’s lineup includes:
July 11: Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters — Country rock/rockabilly;
July 18: The English Beat — Mix of new wave, ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock; and
July 25: Mat Kearney — Eugene-born singer/songwriter.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11-25. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park Amphitheater, 200 Water St. NE.
Cost: $25 to $30 in advance, $5 more at the door. Purchase a series pass for all three shows for $49. Children 10 and younger free with a paid adult. Get tickets online at riverrock.ticketleap.com (handling fee applies)
Info: 503-763-1944, riverrocksalem.com
July 12-15
Rodeo, rides and rock ‘n’ roll…the Marion County Fair features a little of it all. This year’s headline performers include rock singer Steve Augeri, best known as the lead vocalist for the rock group Journey from 1998 to 2006, on Friday night, and country singer/songwriter Easton Corbin on Saturday night.
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 12, 10 am. to 11 p.m. July 13 and 14, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 15
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: Free to $9 depending on age and day visiting. Free parking everyday.
Info: 503-585-9998, marioncountyfair.net
July 13
LeAnn Rimes is coming to Salem with her Love is Love Tour. Rimes is an award-winning singer/songwriter who has been wooing crowds since winning the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” when she was just 14.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 13
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $48 to $72
Info: 503-375-3574, elsinoretheatre.com
JuLY 13
Shine up your dancing shoes for the Ceili of the Valley Society’s Second Friday Ceili Mor, an Irish social dance featuring live Celtic music. No experience or partner needed. Not a dancer? Come listen to the tunes.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 13 (recurring event happens the second Friday of every month)
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10. $5 student. $30 family
Info: www.ceiliofthevalley.org
JuLY 13
On Your Feet Friday! is a community series, brought to you by Gallagher Fitness Resources, that encourages people to get active and have fun while exploring downtown Salem in a scavenger hunt-like walk/run. Each month features different checkpoints. There are also shoe testing opportunities and following the exploration, Santiam Brewing Co. micro beer and Venti’s Cafe + Basement Bar food available for purchase. Proceeds go to the Willamette Valley Road Runners Club (WVRR) non-profit that promotes and participates in running events throughout the Willamette Valley.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 13 (recurring event happens the second Friday of every month through September)
Where: Gallagher Fitness Resources, 135 Commercial St NE
Cost: Free
Info: activesalem.com/salem-running-community/on-your-feet-friday
July 13 and 28
Valley views await at Eola Hills Wine Cellars Wine Country Rocks, an outdoor live music experience at the 160-acre scenic Legacy Estate Vineyard. The shows are kid — and pet — friendly. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to make the most of the festival-style seating. Food and wine available for purchase. July 13: Debra Arlyn & The Goodness — Soul/pop/rock; July 28: Patrick Lamb — Jazz
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Legacy Estate Vineyard, 1600 Oak Grove Road
Cost: $15
Info: 503-623-2405, eolahillswinery.com
July 14
Experience a full day of music at the Blood Moon Music Festival featuring DTW, Thumper, Miranda Vettrus, Clawfoot Slumber and Sleep Millenium. Bring a blanket or camp chair, plus your jacket — it can get cool in the evening in the tree-lined vineyard. Shows take place in the park except where noted. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Wine is available by the glass or bottle. No ice chests or outside food/beverages are permitted. No minors or pets. Onsite parking is free.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 14
Where: Kathken Vineyards, 5739 Orchard Heights Road NW.
Cost: $10 per person at the gate. Proceeds given to bands.
Info: 503-316-3911, kathkenvineyards.com
July 14
Quench your thirst for a local sampling of beer at the second annual Untapped “Brew & Chew” Pairings Event, a fundraiser for Family Building Blocks that celebrates the culture of local breweries and restaurants, complete with live music, while promoting a strong and united community to “Keep Children Safe and Families Together.”
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 14
Where: Salem Capitol Mall
Cost: $12
Age: 21 and older
Info: familybuildingblocks.org/untapped-tickets
July 14 and 28
Take in a night with the stars under the stars during Salem Movies in the Park. Featured films start shortly after dusk, but get there early to snag the best seats and take advantage of pre-movie activities, which includes old cartoons, shorts, retro clips and trailers. Also, feel free to pack a picnic, but leave the glass containers and alcohol at home. This year’s features include Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi tale “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on July 14, followed by Pixar’s animated superhero flick “The Incredibles” on July 28. (Movies in the Park continues into August, but you can read more about that next month)
When: Saturday evenings, July 14, 28 (and Aug. 4. 11 and 25). Movies begin at dusk.
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: Free. Donations are accepted.
Info: salemmoviesinthepark.com
July 16
Yoga + Beer is celebrating five years with a birthday party featuring DJ Hyfi and a class at Legacy Estate Vineyard. The night will start with a 75-minute all levels yoga class accompanied by the magical, musical creations of DJ Hyfi. After class, there will be birthday cake and prizes. Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase, but you are welcome to bring a picnic. The party won’t stop until the sun goes down.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 16
Where: Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard, 1600 N Oak Grove Rd NW
Cost: $5 suggested donation.
Info: cheersandnamaste.com/events/5years
July 19 to 22
Take in “Martine Out Of Time,” one of the “3 x 33” summer series from Theatre 33, a play-development company that helps Northwest playwrights develop their scripts. In this comedy by Nora Douglass, a teen suffragette put in charge of her small Washington town’s 1909 Egg Days Festival, which features a 6-foot egg. She has big ideas, but fiasco ensues. Note: To get to the theater, park in the Matthews parking lot off of 12th Street between Bellevue and State streets.
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Willamette University’s Pelton Theatre
Cost: $10 suggested donation for each show
Info: theatre33.org
July 21
Hosted by the Cherry City Bombers and celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the Rust-O-Rama car show highlights American-made traditional custom, hot rod and rat rods cars from 1965 and earlier. The event features live music by Jesus Chrysler and the Holy Smokes, Johnny Credit and the Cash Machine, Stephen Hosick, Elvis Cantú and Hard Fall Hearts, plus vendors, activities and pin-up contest. There is also a kick-off party and cruise-in on July 20 at Vagabond Brewing, and an after party with more live music on July 21 at the Half Penny. $5 cover charge.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21
Where: 1820 Silverton Road NE
Info: bomberscc.com
July 20-21
Spend the weekend in Bush’s Pasture Park perusing more than 200 visual artists at the Salem Art Fair & Festival. There’s also a nonstop lineup of live music and entertainment, plus craft beer and wine gardens, food and drink booths, a kids area with art activities for the whole family, a plant sale, and more. This year’s featured entertainers include the blues and R&B band California Honeydrops on Friday and Jelly Bread, a high-energy quintet that blends desert twang and urban tones of funk and rock, on Saturday.
Festivities kick off on Friday with the Children’s Parade, a colorfully-costumed, one-mile stroll led by Buster and friends from the Rose City Clown Alley. To join in the fun, meet at the corner of Leffelle and High streets at 9 a.m. The parade departs at 9:30 a.m.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 (Music headliners 7:30-9 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22
Where: Bush’s Pasture Park, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: $5. $10 for a 3-day pass. Free for ages 16 and younger, with an Oregon Trail Card, and on Sunday from 3-5 p.m.
Info: www.salemart.org
July 24
Take in a night of bluesy “Texican rock” with Los Lonely Boys featuring the Garza brothers – vocalist/guitarist Henry, bassist/vocalist Jojo and drummer/vocalist Ringo.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 24
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $30 to $45
Info: 503-375-3574, elsinoretheatre.com
July 26
Science Night for Adults focuses on “Wildlife Neighbors” presented by Deb Hill of Oregon State Parks. Through an interactive presentation, take a step into the wilderness to find out what lives around us and how we can support wildlife in natural areas, local parks and even your own backyard. There will also be live music by Bri Cauz, plus adult beverages and food from the Kitchen on Court Street available for purchase.
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 26
Where: Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St NE
Cost: $10; $8 for members
Info: acgilbert.org/adult-science-nights/
July 27-Aug 5
Enlightened Theatrics’ Teen Camp actors will bring “Shrek The Musical Jr.” and the adventures of the big, green ogre to life.
When: 7:30 p.m. July 27-28 and Aug. 3-4, plus 2:30 p.m. July 29 and Aug. 5.
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE
Cost: $8
Info: 503-585-3427, Ext. 1, or enlightenedtheatrics.org
Fridays, July 27 through August 31
Summer Art Tent for Kids features focused art activities in clay, watercolor, collage and more. Join artist Nancy Kurz for this fun program organized by the SAA Community Arts Education program, which aims to encourage participation in the arts for families. Activities are best suited for children under 8, and parents/guardians must stay with their children for the duration of their visit.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Fridays, July 27-August 31
Where: Bush Barn Art Center Annex, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.SalemArt.org/art-tent
July 28-29
Creating & Printing Collographs with Jo Hockenhull. In this workshop, textured papers, fabrics, string, lace and other discarded items will be used to develop unique “collages” (collographic plates). These collages will be printed, both relief and intaglio, onto rag paper with a roller press. Experiment with color using water-soluble, non-toxic inks.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28-29
Where: Bush Barn Art Center Annex, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: $100 + $30 Supply Fee
Info: SalemArt.org/programs/annex/art-workshops
July 28-29 and Aug 4-5
The 48th annual Great Oregon Steam-Up is a celebration of living history where you can see trains, trolleys, tractors and more from 14 heritage museums.
When: July 28-29 and Aug 4-5
Where: Antique Powerland Museum
Cost: $12 daily, $20 weekend. Children 12 and younger are free. Free in Aug for current and retired military with ID or uniform
Info: 503-393-2424, antiquepowerland.com
July 31 through August 3
Artist-in-Residence: Sadé Beasley. Hiking in Oregon has been a refuge and relaxation for Sadé Beasley – a time to get away from busy life and to discover herself through movement and reflection. The same goes for her artist practice. Sadé will explore different hiking trails within an hour from Salem, throughout the week of her residency, using photographs from her hikes as inspiration for the backgrounds of her work, which is a focus on painting African American women, using acrylic paints. She is influenced by African American portraiture from painters such as Arvie Smith, Kehinde Wiley, and Kerry James Marshall – by engaging in the visual rhetoric of strength and sonorous in her representations of black women. Info: www.SalemArt.org/sade-beasley.
When: July 31-August 3
Where: Bush Barn Art Center Annex, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org
And don’t forget these continuing events and activities…
Through September 1
Yesterdayland: Innovations of the Past. Technological advancements in the last 50 years have exceeded even the big imagination of Walt Disney when he envisioned his Tomorrowland and what the future would bring. This exhibit is a look back at the earth-shattering, daily-life-altering innovations of the early 20th century and how these machines influenced our community.
When: Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: $8. $7 senior, $5 student and $4 for ages 6 to 17
Info: www.willametteheritage.org
Through August 26
Jim Riswold: Undignified: Jim Riswold is a highly regarded Portland, Oregon, artist—and former creative director at Wieden+Kennedy—known for his staged photographs and mixed media works that poke fun at taboo figures such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Mao Zedong, General George Custer, Vladimir Lenin, and Kim Jong-Un, among others.
NOTE: Read our feature story about Jim Riswold in Press Play Salem issue 1. Available now around Salem!
When: Through August 26
Where: Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery and the Maribeth Collins Lobby at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St
Info: http://willamette.edu/
Through July 15
Robert Bibler: Works on Paper. For more than 40 years, Robert Bibler (American, born 1948) has combined a fascination with cinematic storytelling, classic film, and Renaissance art to create a beautifully rendered and thoughtful body of work. This exhibition features drawings and mixed media works on paper created by Bibler between 1974 and 2017.
When: May 12 through July 15
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St
Info: http://willamette.edu/
Every Saturday
Salem Saturday Market continues every Saturday through October 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at 865 Marion St NE. Info: 503-585-8264, www.salemsaturdaymarket.com
Every Tuesday
Salem’s local Celtic cultural group, the Ceili of the Valley Society, continues to host dance classes every Tuesday…and the first one is free. It’s a great form of exercise, that’s fun, too! Not sure you can do it? If you can count to three and seven, and know your right from your left (most of the time), you’ll fit right in. When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Cost: $5. First one free. Info: ceiliofthevalley.org
Every Sunday
All levels are welcome to come learn the basics steps, twirls and hand loops used in Salsa dance. Get a 45-minute lesson in the basics of Salsa and/or Bachata, plus dancing until 10 p.m. Happening every Sunday at 7 p.m., 1859 Cider Co., Back-alley location between Chemeketa NE and Court NE at 249 Liberty St NE, Ste 140. Cost: $10 cash for lesson. Includes drink ticket worth $5 to use towards cider or beverage.
