The InstigatorHere’s a look at what’s happening in the month ahead —
July 1
Salem Art Walk — Head downtown for local art, pop-up events, live music and more. Grab an Art Walk Passport and enter for a chance to win the Art Walk Raffle Basket. The festivities take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Salem.
After the Art Walk, pop by Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park at 8 p.m. for a free, all-ages concert with Wild Ire.
Craft & Chat — Get crafty at this Casual Drop-In Social for Adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 1 at Salem Public Library. The SPL is inviting adults to a series of casual crafty meetups this summer. Connect, create, and relax with other people in an easygoing environment. All supplies for simple crafts will be provided–you just need to bring the conversation!
Truth or Dare Live: A Comedy Game Show is a stand-up comedy game show where comics reveal the truth and the audience picks the dares. Hosted by Emma Jonas, Truth or Dare Live challenges comics to get real, get weird, and get real weird. This edition features all Salem comics: Chad Johnson, Jane Malone, Curtis Everetts and Liam Riddell
When: 9 p.m. Friday, July 1. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $12 online, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.
July 1 through 8
Salem Public Library has long supported Marion Polk Food Share’s mission of bringing people together to end hunger and its root causes. As Salem Public Library becomes fine-free starting July 1, Food for Fines is reimagined as “Food for Fees” – offering a way to pay off fees for lost or damaged items. Donate online here and forward your emailed receipt to splcirc@cityofsalem.net. For every $1 donated, Salem Public Library will remove $5 of fees for lost and damaged items.
July 2
Drag artists Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi bring you a spectacular night of entertainment of live vocals and piano mixed with comedy and storytelling.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE Suite 150
Cost: $15 to $20
Info: infinityroomsalem.com
July 7
Bush House Museum reopens with a new exhibit — Remaking the Monument: Immigrant Stories at Bush House Museum. This moving and powerful exhibition celebrates the stories and sacred objects of immigrants who’ve come to Oregon in the house of Asahel Bush, a man who advocated for early Oregon’s exclusionary laws and the oppression of Black Oregonians, Native Americans, and immigrants.
July 8
Ceili of the Valley Society invites one and all to its July Ceili for an evening of live music and Irish social dancing 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 8, at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Joe Root and Bob Soper will be providing the music with dances called by Maldon Meehan. Doors open at 7, followed by a free (with admission) dance lesson. Live music begins at 8. All dances are taught before the music begins. No experience or partner is needed. Bring water. Masks are optional, but we do check for initial vaccinations. Even if you don’t dance, it’s a night of great music. Click here for info.
July 8-10
Marion County Fair celebrates county and community with animals, exhibits, live music, food, carnival rides, contests galore and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 10
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Cost: Free to $9
Info: marioncountyfair.net
July 8-30
Immerse yourself in history, adventure and drama as Pentacle Theater presents the award-winning play Terra Nova. Written by Ted Tally, the story documents the journey of Capt. Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated race to the South Pole through a combination of fantasy and realism. In the winter of 1911-12, five Englishmen and five Norwegians raced each other to the bottom of the Earth. Only the Norwegians returned. Terra Nova is the story of the Englishmen.
When: 7:30 p.m. July 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and 2 p.m. July 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Tickets: $25. Buy tickets at tickets.penatacletheatre.org. Frontline healthcare workers and people who hold an Oregon Trail Card are eligible for a 50 percent discount.
Note: Proof of vaccination (including booster if eligible) or negative COVID test results within 48 hours of performance required. Masks are required. Visit PentacleTheatre.org for full COVID policies.
July 9
Pop-in for a pop-up with ceramic artists, Erica Reir and Deborah Ann Turney, plus a tattoo artist who paints on tennis shoes, Sharleen Booker.
When: Saturday, July 9
Where: Salem On The Edge
Info: salemontheedge.com
Hear Tigers of Youth + Dylan Santiago
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 9. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: IKE Box
Age: All ages
Rock The Cask Bar with music, food and beer, of course, in the back parking lot at Santiam Brewing Co. This summer rock festival features tunes by Dylan Santiago at 1:30 p.m., Lords of Blackpool at 4:15 p.m. and JFK at 7 p.m.
When: 12 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Where: Santiam Brewing Co.
Explore behind-the-scenes with a Tour at the Elsinore Theatre. Hear about her history, her artwork, her creation and her current events in this guided tour, which concludes with a performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer – the largest theatre organ in the Pacific Northwest.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10. Pay at the door (cash or card) when you arrive.
Reserve your spot by calling 503-375-3574
Pentacle Theatre hosts open auditions for “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition,” written by Qui Nguyen, directed by MaryKate Lindbeck. Seeking an ensemble of at least 10 actors, age 18+, able to play high school age. Except for the core party, all actors will play multiple roles to create an ensemble of 40+ featured characters, monsters and special effects. All actors will perform some combination of choreographed dance, stage combat and puppetry. For a full list of roles, genders and ages, please visit pentacletheatre.org. Click on “Auditions” at the top of the page.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Info: pentacletheatre.org/auditions
Chocolate Yoga — Take in a one-hour yoga class including a flow practice led by Catherine Albertini, a chocolate yoga tank — created by Roanna specifically for this class only — and a private shopping experience after class that includes wine, chocolate and surprise discounts.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 9
Where: CreativiTee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE
Cost: $42. Click here for tickets.
July 9 and 10
Cherry City Clash Juniors Tournament — Cherry City Roller Derby’s junior team, the Cherry Blossoms, host the Wipeouts from Lethbridge, Alberta and Pixies from Spokane, WA. Take in two action-packed days of Junior roller derby.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 10
Where: The Mad House. 1335 Madison St NE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door for the weekend. Get tickets here.
July 9 to 17
Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties hosts the Tour of Homes showcasing the area’s leading builders and the latest in home improvement, fixtures, appliances, design trends, materials and more. Visit with builders and discuss your own new home. Gain ideas in home design and upcoming trends. See a wide variety of price points, ranging from affordable to luxury homes.
When: July 9 through 17
Info: www.tourofhomes.net
July 9 and 23
Take a free self-guided tour at Gaiety Hollow Open Gardens. Stroll the historic gardens lovingly maintained by Lord & Schryver volunteers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 9 (also featuring music by Trio St. Cecilia) and 23 (with Artists in Action/Paint the Town). Learn more at http://www.lordschryver.org
July 12
Dance the night away during Noche de Cumbia hosted by Cumbia Libre. Group lesson and social dancing.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12
Where: Xicha Brewing Company
Hear a Gallery Talk about the Hallie Ford Museum of Art exhibit David Roberts: Artist and Traveler with Director and Exhibition Curator John Olbrantz
When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 (and Tuesday, August 9)
Where: Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery and Maribeth Collins Lobby at Hallie Ford Museum of Art
July 12 & 16
Night of 1,000 Stars Teen Talent Show Auditions take place July 12 and 16 by appointment. Performers in grades 6-12 are invited to audition for a talent showcase in August! Auditions are accepted from musicians, magicians, singers, dancers, spoken word artists, jugglers, and so much more. Contact the Teen Scene Desk to arrange auditions: ssomerville@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6315. Video auditions (links to YouTube, Google, Facebook, or Vimeo) can be submitted by email no later than July 16 to ssomerville@cityofsalem.net. The talent show takes place 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 11 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
July 13
Yoga + Beer returns to Riverfront Park this summer, but in the NEW Gerry Frank Amphitheater for connection and community in the heart of downtown Salem. Gather at the park for a 60-minute, all-levels yoga class led by Mikki Trowbridge. After class, yogis are encouraged to head into downtown Salem and support our local businesses who have been through a lot in the last few months. Spread the love around downtown, by purchasing a post-class beverage or meal.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13
Where: Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park
Suggested donation of $5 per yogi. Click here to register.
July 13-17
Theatre 33 presents “7 Secrets of Teaching Online by Evelyn Jean Pine” on stage July 13 through 17.
March 2020: A pandemic rages. College campuses across America shut down. In a panic, five college professors – four of them untenured, under-compensated “freeway flyers” who make up the majority of college teachers – sign up for a course: “7 Secrets of Teaching Online.”
The class is relentlessly upbeat. Yet an imposter is unmasked, a career is destroyed, a lover is cast out, secrets are betrayed, a baby is born, families reunite, make-shift desks are littered with take-out boxes, and, of course, one lucky professor gets to sleep with the delivery person. Still, during this time of quarantine and disruption, these educators, by sharing their secrets, learn the power of human connection.
The play takes plae in the Putnam Studio, M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University. Readings take place at different locations depending on the script. Admission is by donation. $10 recommended, but no one turned away! Click here to reserve. Learn more at theatre33.org
July 14
Take in a night of music featuring Down North with The Ferenjis. Seattle/Los Angeles/North Carolina-based quartet Down North play their own unique brand of psych-infused punk soul. The Ferenjis are a neo-soul band from Salem. Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $5 in advance; $10 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older.
Help kick off the Salem Art Fair & Festival at the Opening Celebration Dinner and Concert. The special event includes dinner and a VIP concert with international, award-winning jazz/pop singer and songwriter Halie Loren.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, July 14
Cost: $75
Info: salemart.org
July 15
Right to Laugh: A Comedy Show Fundraiser for the NNAF — Infinity Room supports your Right to Laugh…among other things. Featuring an incredible lineup of killer comedians, including Jamie Colson, Rachelle Cote, Emma Jonas, and more, plus headliners extraordinaire Mx. Dahlia Belle and Debbie Wooten.A portion of proceeds from this show will be donated to the National Network of Abortion Funds, an organization with the mission to build power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice.
When: 8:30 p.m. July 15. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older
July 15-17
Live and in-person, the Salem Art Fair & Festival returns July 15 through 17 to the picturesque setting of Bush’s Pasture Park.
From fine arts and photography to wearable wonders and more, explore the work of almost 200 artists from around the globe. Plus craft beer and wine garden, food and drink booths, a kids’ court with free activities for the whole family, and entertainment, too.
This year’s headliners include Heart by Heart with original band members Steven Fossen and Michael Derosier 7:30 to 9 Friday night, Tony Coleman’s Tribute to the Three Kings 7:30 to 9 Saturday Night and Nina Causey wrapping things up 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $10 day/$20 3-day pass; age 14-17 is $5 day/$10 3-day pass. Free for youth 13 and younger and Oregon Trail benefit card holders (just show your card and photo ID at the ticket booth.) Click here for info and tickets. Learn more in our feature story here.
Art Fair Plant Sale — Mission Street Parks Conservancy’s annual Summer Plant Sale in conjunction with the Salem Art Fair Featuring Annuals & Perennials • Succulents • Herbs • Pollinator Plants. The plant sale is located in the shade of huge trees near Bush House Museum, providing a respite from the usual blazing heat of mid-summer. You will find unusual plants offered by local specialty nurseries. Proceeds benefit the park’s maintenance and beautification.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17
Where: Bush’s Pasture Park
July 16 & 30
Movies in the Park returns! Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol. Pack a picnic, or feast from one of the on-site food carts. Movies begin soon after dusk (start times are approximate). Films are free, but donations are accepted. For more info, visit salemmoviesinthepark.com.
July 16: “Free Guy,” PG-13, 9 p.m.
In the extremely popular video game, Free City, an NPC named Guy learns the true nature of his existence, having a massive effect on him, the game, and the real world.
July 30: “Love, Simon,” PG-13, 9 p.m.
Simon keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he’s gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.
July 16
Drink Pink, an annual summer celebration of Willamette Valley rosé, has a new home this year — Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW. The outdoor tasting event takes place 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16. Sample some of the state’s most enticing pink wines from top producers, including Bethel Heights, Illahe Vineyards, Soter Vineyards and more. Entry includes wine tasting and food from Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails, Cindy Lou’s, and Ice Cream Avalanche, plus live music by Infamous Soul. Upgrade to the VIP experience for early entry at 11 a.m., reserved seating on the deck and special parking, along with early tasting accompanied by music by Eric John Kaiser. For information, visit brynmawrvineyards.com.
It’s lucky 13 for the Rust-O-Rama Car Show highlighting American pre-1965 traditional customs, hot rods, rat rods and more, plus live music, a swap meet, vendors, skateboard art contest, raffle and more. Car entry begins at 8 a.m.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost: $5. Kids 12 and younger are free. $20 to register a car.
Info: facebook.com/CherryCityBombersCC
MIG Fest 2022 is sold out, so we’re sad to say you are gonna miss performances by The Slackers, Matamoska!, Bite Me Bambi, Year of the Fist and Salem’s own City of Pieces on July 16 at Minto Island Growers. But keep an eye on PressPlaySalem.com for a photo recap!
Second Show Added! Mike Falzone has been solving the internet’s problems since 2006 when he became one of the first creators to establish themselves on YouTube. Hailing from the great state of Connecticut, Falzone began touring as a musician at 14 and while still his first love, Falzone has since shifted his passion and drive into pursuing stand-up comedy. After surviving two major health scares, Falzone decided to move west to pursue his entertainment passions and has been tickling the funny bones of YouTube fans and L.A. audiences ever since. He’s performed at College Humor Live, several of the Improv comedy venues, and has appeared on-stage at the Laugh Factory world-famous Comedy Store. In 2018 Mike was featured on Coming to the Stage: Season 6 hosted by George Wallace.
When: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $15 online; $20 at the doors. Click here to purchase 7:30 p.m. | Click here to purchase 9:30 p.m.
Age: 21 and older.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.
July 21
Laska with Sove the Second and New Here — Hannah, Mookie, and Bex Morton are three sisters who write beautifully self-aware and earnest songs and create the foundation of LASKA. Their live sound blends rugged guitar, synthesizers, and pedal-affected violins, bringing listeners from song-in-your-bedroom intimacy to vast moments in sonic canyons. The Mortons play alongside Evan Middlesworth (producer/guitar), Keegan Burckhard (drums), and Robbie Weisshaar (bass).
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 after 9 p.m.
July 22
Mike Coletta & Yogi Paliwal — Mike Coletta is a Seattle-based comedian originally from Alaska who started comedy performing improv in the wheat-infested, cultural boomtown of Pullman, Washington. Coletta connects with audiences through his quick wit, energetic delivery, and positive presence. His honest reaction to life experiences completely envelops his comedy, and emits a fun, passionate disposition to audiences.
Yogi Paliwal hails from the Pacific Northwest and now resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. His comedy has been featured at the Sasquatch Music Festival, he’s opened for Marc Maron and Tig Notaro and at comedy festivals around the U.S and Canada.
Note: Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are appreciated but not required.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older
July 23
Boundless Joy with The Gung Ho Rats and Showtigers — Take in a night of tunes with three Salem bands. Boundless Joy is groove metal meet classic rock. Sabbath-inspired riffs meet heavy metal carnage in this high-energy, powerhouse trio. The Gung Ho Rats are punk rock on fire. Showtigers play fuzzy high-energy rock from the garage to the circus.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23
Where: Infinity Room
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 21 and older only after 9 p.m.
Celebrate your inner child with the added perk of adult beverages at Gilbert House for Grown-Ups where you can enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment, free eats, local beer, wine and cider, plus playing in Bill’s Bubble Factory.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 23
Where: Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St NE
Info & Tickets: acgilbert.org/gilbert-house-for-grown-ups/
Makeup & Mimosas Drag Brunch — Lipstick Divas and Infinity Room are proud to bring a killer drag brunch to downtown Salem. Hosted by Nicole Onoscopi and featuring amazing drag talents, plus Bloody Mary, mimosa and brunch specials available. Note: Proof of vaccination OR negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. Masks are not required but appreciated.
When: 12 p.m. Saturday, July 23
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $10. Click here for tickets.
Age: 16 and older
July 23-24
Theatre 33 presents a dramatic reading of Biosphere by Steve Lyons. Inspired by the true, dramatic story of Biosphere 2, a controversial environmental experiment in 1991-92. Four people are sealed in an airtight dome in the desert. For two years they must survive debilitating hunger and dwindling oxygen. But mostly, they must survive each other.
When: 4 p.m. July 23 and 2 p.m. July 24
Where: Capitol Auto Pavilion
Cost: $10 recommended donation by no one will be turned away. Click here to reserve. Learn more at theatre33.org
July 24
Camerata Musica Concert featuring Katherine McLin, violin, and Andrew Campbell, piano. Katherine grew up in Salem; both she and Andrew are music faculty at Arizona State University. They will play pieces by Beethoven, Piazzola, and Faure. Check out the free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24, in Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library.
Lace-up your boots and take a hike through Bryn Mawr’s vineyards with David Lauer.
When: 11 aa.m. July 24
Where: Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Cost: $75
Info: brynmawrvineyards.orderport.net/wines/Specials
July 26
Mommy & Me Paint Class — Do You have a Kiddo Who loves to paint? This class is for you…and your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, you name it. You will create an adorable crabbies as a duo, side by side, on two 8×10 canvases. Canvasses are pre-sketched so painting will be a breeze and there will be plenty of time for lots of laughter and memories being made. All materials are provided including something cold to drink. You are welcome to purchase the set for siblings as well, however no childcare during the class is provided and parents are required to stay if they bring siblings to paint. Recommended for age 6 and up.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 26
Where: CreativiTee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE
Click here for tickets.
July 28
Hello Shirtcuterie! It’s Charcuterie T-Shirt Night — Create all kinds of charcuterie t-shirts, while munching on a lovely charcuterie board from Charcuterie Boards & Sweets. Class includes a demonstration at the start as to how to make your designs look more cheese-like, and then give an overview of the process in general. But, you will create your own unique t-shirt that is charcuterie themed! So excited to see what kind of boards you will put on your tees! So many options!
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28
Where: CreativiTee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE
Click here for tickets.
Never Listen to Me – The Thermals frontman Hutch Harris (Forbidden Friends), along with comedian and artist Jason Traeger (TraegerMethod Podcast, Bridgetown, Portland’s Funniest Five), and comedians Jaren George (Portland’s Funniest Five, OPB, IT Desk Podcast) and Emma Jonas (Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Festival, The Hard Times), brings you an evening of music, comedy, and surprises.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
July 29
A special evening of comedy with Curtis Cook, Birungi Birungi, and more.
Curtis Cook is a standup comedian and WGA Award-nominated writer who puked after a kegstand on a show called Flophouse, traveled through an Ebola checkpoint for a segment on Vice News and has appeared alongside Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein on Portlandia.
Birungi is a Ugandan comedian based out of Seattle, WA. Although he initially moved to America for college, he quickly found a different way to fall into debt – stand up comedy! Since then, he has become a regular feature in multiple cities including Portland, Denver, Boston, Atlanta, San Diego and Los Angeles.
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 29
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 18 and older
July 30
Park it for Concert on the Capitol Mall: A Celebration of Oregon State Parks 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30. The free show celebrating the centennial of Oregon Parks features the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra at 11 a.m. followed by Slater Smith at 12:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the concert. Picnics are also welcome.
Emma Arnold is an Idaho backcountry-raised comedian, author, artist, and beekeeper. Her self-produced comedy special, “Yes, Please” (financially backed by comedy legends Bobcat Goldthwait and Dana Gould) has millions of views on Youtube and she put out four standup comedy albums with Blonde Medicine Records in as many years. She co-founded/directed two wildly popular comedy festivals and was recently featured in Forbes Magazine, who called her, “One of the hardest working comics in the industry.” In addition to touring, she has a popular podcast and Patreon and is mom to three giant sons. Equal parts outrageous, thoughtful, engaging and honest, whatever the medium, Emma’s work is electric and straight from the heart. When not touring, she lives in Boise, where she keeps bees and children with varying degrees of success.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30
Where: Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Age: 18 and older
UPDATED: July 9, 2022
Carlee Wright
