Things to do in May 2018

Hello, May! Thanks for bringing us some warm weather to go with these rad things to do in Salem, Oregon this month.

Through May 5

Crawl your way into a food coma as more than 15 restaurants are serving up tasty tacos during the 4th Annual Salem Taco Crawl, which began on April 30.

The food festival event runs through May 5. Get all the delicious deets, including a pdf of the menu so you can plan accordingly, at http://www.oregonfreddy.com/tacocrawlsalem

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Salem’s local Celtic cultural group, The Ceili of the Valley Society, hosts 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
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $5. First one free.
Info: ceiliofthevalley.org

May 1

Join Salem artist Jim Hockenhull for a free Art Talk. Jim is a multimedia artist whose latest exhibition, Our Story Thus Far, will be on display at the Bush Barn Art Center May 5-June 24.
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 1
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE Salem
Cost: Free
Info: SalemArt.org/first-tuesday-art-talk

May 2

Wednesday Film Series features “Memento” about a man who juggles searching for his wife’s murderer and keeping his short-term memory loss from being an obstacle. Directed by Christopher Nolan. (2001; R; 1 hour, 53 minutes; Mystery, Thriller)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Doors and box office open at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $6
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 2-26

It’s the (April Flowers Bring) May Flowers Show, an open invitational showing featuring over 200 works by 14 local artists
When: May 2 through 26
Where: Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St. SE
Cost: Free

May 2, 9, 16 & 23

Define your paint voice with artist Corrine Loomis Dietz in this four part workshops that explores the concept of “home” by building a personal word dictionary, images, thoughts and stories.
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. May 2, 9, 16 & 23
Where: Studio Arts and Education, 2010 Nebraska Ave NE
Cost: $195.00 + $10 Materials Fee
Info: www.corrineloomisdietz.com   

May 3-5, 11-12, 18-19

The Verona Studio will finish their fourth season with “Straight, White Men”, written by Young Jean Lee and directed by Salem newcomer Patricia Wylie.

When Ed and his three adult sons come together to celebrate Christmas, they enjoy cheerful trash-talking, pranks, and takeout Chinese. Then they confront a problem that even being a happy family can’t solve: When identity matters, and privilege is problematic, what is the value of being a straight white man?

Featuring Ty Hendrix, Mathieu Voisine, Tavis Evans and Salem theatre veteran Tom Hewitt.
When: 8 p.m. May 3,4,5,11,12,18 and 19, and 2 p.m. May 12 & 19
Where: The Verona Studio, The Reed Opera House, Suite 215, 189 Liberty St. NE
Cost: $17.50. No reserved seating.
get tickets at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2998441 or call (805) 657-7538

May 3, 10, 17 , 24 and 31

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.
When: 7 p.m. May 3, 10, 17 , 24 and 31
Where: Barrel & Keg, 1190 Broadway St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/SalemPoetryProject

May 4

Nerds, geeks, and dweebs unite! Capitol City Theater in honor of “Star Wars Day” will be having an Improv show unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Complete with a costume contest, special drinks, trivia and more. This show will celebrate everything from a galaxy far far away and beyond. Jedi’s, Wookies, and Boba Fetts are all welcome to come. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen all the movies – neither has some of our cast! Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 at the door. Info: http://capitalcitytheater.com

May 4

Join the Salem Art Association and others from the arts community in celebrating six exhibitions at the Bush Barn Art Center. On display will be Fractals of Identity, Artist-in-Residence: Deidre “Dee” Moore, Studio Art Quilt Associates: Bridge, Jim Hockenhull: Our Story Thus Far, Sarah Tancred: From Scratch, and Featured Artist: James O’Shea. Complimentary snacks will be provided by the SAA Gallery Guides.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org

May 4-5

Cinco de Micro Brewfest features more than 100 beer and cider on tap, including many spring releases, for your tasting pleasure.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 4, and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200Commercial St. SE
Cost: $5 to $35
Tickets: Cheaper online if purchased by May 3 at www.eventbrite.com
Age: 21 and older
Info: www.cincodemicro.com

May 5

Willamette University student Anna Neshyba ’18 invites you to step into two works of art from the museum’s permanent collections. Using a virtual reality headset and controllers, you can experience two separate virtual environments based on Paul Missal’s painting The Hallway, 1971, and David George Andersen’s mixed media work Vault of Heaven, 2013. What an opportunity! Check it out at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in the Maribeth Collins Lobby. It’s complimentary with museum admission.

May 5

Free Comic Book Day is being celebrated around the city (and then some). Stop by some of our favorite local comic shops to see what’s being offered. You can find events at:  Borderland Games, 546 High St NE, (503) 485-2554, and Wild Things Games, 241 Commercial St NE, (503) 364-4263, as well as Tony’s Kingdom of Comics and Collectibles, 3856 River Rd N, (503) 463-1142. (Yes, I am mentioning one in Keizer even though I am a Salem devotee, but Tony gives so much for the community I can’t not mention his event!)

May 5-June 24

Studio Art Quilt Associates: Bridge – A bridge joins and unites. It spans time and traverses space. It reconciles differences creating harmony. It represents progress, stability, hope and transition. Studio Art Quilt Associates invited artists to submit work that reflects the theme of “Bridge” either in a representational or abstract interpretation. The concept is executed by the artists using a diverse range of fiber techniques. Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/bridge/.

Jim Hockenhull: Our Story Thus Far – Jim Hockenhull describes his latest exhibition, Our Story Thus Far, as “Songs, sculpture, spaceships, and diverse digital daydreams — a glimpse into the multifarious meanderings of a post-midcareer practitioner, from way back ’til day before yesterday.” Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/jim-hockenhull/.

Sarah Tancred: From Scratch – Sarah Tancred is a studio artist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work focuses on domestic objects used or made by women in the post-World War II home, investigating the dynamic of women’s roles during this era, while commemorating the societal expectation of being a both a working woman, mother and a caretaker of the home. Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/sarah-tancred/.

Featured Artist: James O’Shea – Salem photographer James O’Shea says: “For me, photography is meditation; it quiets my mind. My goal for sharing images is to communicate the calm I get from viewing the world through a viewfinder or on a ground glass. If I can help someone stop and take an extra breath, that’s about the best thing I could ask for.” Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/james-oshea/.
When: May 5 through June 24
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org

May 6

Coinciding with the 2018 Willamette Valley Marathon and Half Marathon is the Willamette Valley Wine Festival, which takes place 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 6, at Riverfront Park in downtown Salem. There is free entry to the event area and discounts for runners, friends and family. For everyone else, the festival is $20 and includes wine glass and 10 tasting tokens. Info: www.willamettevalleywinefestival.com

May 6

The Reunion Beatles – Fantasy Tribute answers the ultimate “what if?” question. What if, The Beatles were still all here and could “get back” for one night of musical magic? It’s the concert that never was. Until now. John, Paul, George & Ringo finally “come together” for the most anticipated Rock & Roll Reunion of all time. The best of The Beatles and their big solo hits, too.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $27 to $37
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 7

Singer/songwriter David Archuleta grew up on a steady diet of musicals like Les Misérables and Evita. He developed a love for singing as a way to find solace in the comfort of his backyard and now he is bringing that love to the Elsinore stage.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 7
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25 to $45. VIP Available
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 8

Apocalyptica comes to Salem. In 1996, Finnish Rockers, Apocalyptica, released their epic debut “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos.” The instrumental cello-driven rock opus changed the landscape of heavy music for years to come. This will be the first time the band will play in support of this record ever – they did not tour behind it when it first came out.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25 to $45
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 8-29

After completing a full academic year of art activities and studies, the Salem Art Association’s High School Mentorship Program students showcase their art to the public. Stop by the IKE Box coffee shop to see the creativity of these talented students on display. Completed projects will include photography, animation, glass, painting, and more. There will be an exhibit reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.
When: May 8 through 29
Where: IKE Box, 299 Cottage St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org

May 9

Wednesday Film Series features “Double Indemnity” about an insurance representative who lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigator’s suspicions. (1944; Not rated; 1 hour 47 minutes; Crime, Drama, Film-Noir)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. Doors and box office open at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $6
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 10-31

Show and Tell: Salem Art Group in Conversation – Each month a group of eight Salem artists meets to talk about their work and exchange ideas. Over the years the “personnel” has changed but the core purpose has remained the same: support of creative work in a changing world. Incidentall, all eight artists are women: Tory Brokenshire, Dayna Collins, Nancy Eng, Bonnie Hull, Susan Napack, Kathy Shen, Katy Vigeland, and Kay Worthington. Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/show-and-tell/.

RELATED EVENT: Salem Art Group Conversation, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 16

Artist-in-Residence: Eric Tautkus – Salem artist Eric Tautkus will be exploring painting in mixed media, including aerosol and acrylic on canvas, as well as installing a permanent installation on the bathroom walls in the Annex at the Bush Barn Art Center. Come by and see the many layers of Eric’s work. Learn more online at https://SalemArt.org/eric-tautkus/.
When: May 10 through May 31
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org

May 11

Color Study In The Studio: “The Palette of Matisse.” In this workshop you will investigate the palette of Henri Matisse using a group of Modern pigments to replace Historical hues.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Friday, May 11
Where: Studio Arts and Education, 2010 Nebraska Ave NE
Cost: $85
Info: www.corrineloomisdietz.com

May 11 and 12

Catch the first production by the Chemeketa Players! (aka Chemeketa Theatre Club). The group will perform The Play: 30 Neo-Futurist Plays from “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes)” by Greg Allen and the Neo-Futurists, with Permission from Playscripts, Inc. Directed by Jay Gipson-King.

The Futurists were a group of Italian artists in the 1910s whose philosophy was, why use 100 words when 10 will do? The Neo-Futurists are a theatre group from Chicago who adopted the same philosophy in the 1990s – and have written hundreds of very short plays. Some are funny, some are serious, some are political, some are just jokes. But each one packs a punch! Join us for a uniquely theatrical and interactive event! CONTENT WARNING: Strong adult language. Mildly offensive content.
When: 7:30 p.m. May 11, 12, 18, and 19
Where: Building 6 Auditorium, Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Cost: $2-12 working adults; $1-6 students/Salem for All. Cash only please.
Info: www.facebook.com/events/2029360877391202

May 12

Make a furry friend at the 33rd Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival. From duck races to the yarn bombs, there’s something for the whole family at this annual event that encourages the community to learn about the wool production process and heritage crafts. New this year, the Travelin Taphouse will be on site serving beer for those 21 and older. And there will be food available for purchase from Krewe du Soul and On Any Sundae.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12
When: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.willametteheritage.org/sheep-to-shawl

May 13

Take mum on a free tour of the Bush House Museum. Mother’s Day Free Museum Tours. Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of this well-preserved 1878 Italianate home and learn more about the Asahel Bush Family and early Salem. Afterward, take a stroll through picturesque Bush’s Pasture Park, and stop in at the Bush Barn Art Center to view art exhibitions, or find something for mom in the Gift Gallery.
When: 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 13
Where: Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free, but limited to 24 people per tour.
Info:  SalemArt.org/mothers-day-museum-tours

May 15

Salem Progressive Film Series features “Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman,” an inspiring new documentary that tells the story of heartland conservationists who are leading some of the most consequential work in the nation to restore America’s forests, grasslands, wildlife, soil and fisheries. Following the film, Miriam Horn from the Environmental Defense Fund will speak. This is the final show of the season.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15
Where: Grand Theater, 191 High St. NE
Cost: $5
Info: 503-881-5305

May 16 – June 10

Set in Swinging London, SHOUT! The Mod Musical, follows the liberation of five groovy girls who redefine themselves in the face of changing attitudes toward gender roles. This jukebox musical features an irresistible blend of hip-swiveling hits, eye-popping fashions, and outrageous dance moves tied together by hilarious sound bites from ’60s advertisements and a questionable advice columnist. Note: There will be an ASL Interpreted performance of the show on Thursday, May 24. Interpreters will be located on the right side of the audience.

And if you are looking for a good reason to dust off your go-go boots and get groovy, take in the Shimmy & Shake Fundraiser with the May 20 matinee of SHOUT! followed by a private party upstairs in the Grand Ballroom with Portland ’60s-themed band, Green Tambourine, plus a classic English supper of bangers and mash with a complimentary pint (Vegetarian option available). AND you get to mix and mingle with the cast of SHOUT! This fundraiser benefits Enlightened Theatrics’ Musical Theatre Summer Camp Scholarship program.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, May 16 – June 10
Where: Enlightened Theatrics, 187 High St NE
Cost: $28. Youth 17 and younger are $23.
Info: www.enlightenedtheatrics.org/tickets/shout/

May 17

Straub Environmental Center presents Nature Talk: The History of Botanical Art. Learn about the fascinating history of botanical art from noted artist Janet Parker and Salem-based botanical artist Aislinn Adams with a reception to follow.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 17
Where: Straub Environmental Center in the Eco Hub at Willamette Heritage
Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: $5 suggested donation per person at the door. Seating is limited. No registration or RSVP required.
Info: Contact John Savage at john@straubcenter.org or 503-779-5414.

May 18

The Original Food Truck Frenzy returns to bring you food, beer, live music, doggy play time and more! It’s a family-friendly and dog-friendly event (on leashes, please – dogs, not family). Bring blanks, chairs and your appetite. Food truck partners donate tips and Santiam Brewing donates 25% of proceeds to support the shelter. There will be free parking at the shelter, as well as the Garmin parking lot (2345 Turner Rd SE, Salem, OR 97302).
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 18
Where: Willamette Humane Society, 4246 Turner Rd SE
Info: www.facebook.com/events/370873673429022

May 19

Wounds heal, Glory lasts forever! Cherry City Roller Derby is wrapping it’s home team season with a bout between the Dolls of Anarchy and the Panty Raiders. This is your last chance to see these home teams play as the league is making some changes with their structure. Santiam Brewing Co. will be serving beer, cider, and wine. Food will also be available for purchase from one of our rotating food trucks.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19
Where: The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE
Cost: $10 advance; $12 at the door. Kids 6 and younger are $5. Get your tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com

May 19

Held in the heart of Oregon’s esteemed wine country, the 11th annual Uncorked Wine Auction benefiting Family Building Blocks, features a Wine Maker’s Reception, gourmet three-course meal, and silent and live auctions offering exclusive luxury experience packages.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 19
Where: Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Rd NW
Cost: $250 or $2,500 for a table. Tickets available at www.familybuildingblocks.org

May 18-19

See “Lost Dog.” A play for youth by Deb Vaughn, directed by Joellen Sweeny. When a dog escapes the backyard, it takes help from friends and lessons from the past to find the way home.
When: 7 p.m. May 18 and 5 p.m. May 19
Where: M. Lee Pelton Playhouse at Willamette University
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Info: theatre33.org

May 20

Salem Concert Band presents Triumph of the Spirit, a program celebrating the human spirit, featuring the U.S. première of the the film “1805 – A Town’s Tale” with the score by Otto M Schwarz performed by the Salem Concert Band, the Theme from “Schindler’s List” with Caius Oprea, violin solo, “La Mezquita De Córdoba (The Mosque at Córdoba)” by Julie Giroux, “The Story of Anne Frank” by Otto M Schwarz, and “Finest Hour!” by Stephen Melillo.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $20-$30 adult; $10-$30 for K-12 student
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at the Elsinore Theatre website, in person at the theatre box office or at any TicketsWest location. Service fees may apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com

May 25 to June 16

Willkommen to Cabaret! By John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff. Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood. Join the Kit Kat Klub’s Emcee and Sally Bowles as Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life in Berlin as the 1920s draw to a close and Germany slowly gives way to the Third Reich. Directed by Ed and Susan Schoaps.
When: May 25 to June 16
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Cost: $29 to $31
Tickets: Advance tickets are available at Pentacle’s downtown Salem 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.

Author: The Instigator