The InstigatorOctober is upon us and here’s a look at what’s in store for the month ahead —
Wednesday-Saturday
Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday for Express Service, including in-person browsing, holds pickup, and limited public computer use. Learn more about making an Express Service appointment at https://bit.ly/SPL-Express. If you are staying home instead, click here for a library walkthrough to show you what’s waiting for you in the future!
Every Thursday
Questions about Facts Trivia is now happening every Thursday! Join New York Times best-selling author Kelly Williams Brown at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month at The Best Goose, and at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays at Divine Distillers. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/QuestionsAboutFacts
Through October 1-14
Willamette University Theatre Department presents The Amateurs by Jordan Harrison. When crisis comes to call, it’s time to improvise! An intrepid troupe of pageant players races across medieval Europe, struggling to outrun the Black Death. The arrival of a mysterious outsider sends Hollis, the leading lady, in search of answers that can only be found off-script – somewhere much closer to our own time! Catch a performance 7:30 p.m. Oct 1-2, 6-9, 13-14, and 2 p.m. Oct 3 and 10. For more information, including tickets, visit https://willamette.edu/arts/theatre/.
October 3
The Delgani String Quartet will open the 2021-22 Evensong Concert Series at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, October 3. The program will feature classical favorites as well as arrangements of sacred vocal music and showcase the similarities between four-part vocal and instrumental composition, highlighting the violin family’s unique ability to emulate the human voice. Delgani was formed in 2014 with a mission to cultivate an appreciation for chamber music through distinctive performance, innovative programming, educational engagement, and collaboration. The group features violinists Wyatt True and Jannie Wei, violist Kimberlee Uwate, and cellist Eric Alterman. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations to the St. Paul’s Music Guild are gratefully accepted. Listen in person at St. Paul’s (masks required) or through livestream on YouTube.
October 8
Put on your dancing shoes for the Pan Celtic Ceili Mor 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, October 8, at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Hosted by the Ceili of the Valley Society, the night features live music by D’n’A and dances from the Celtic Nations. Doors open at 7, with instruction around 7:20 and music beginning at 8. No experience or dance partner is necessary. Attendees will be required to show vaccination verification or a negative Covid test within the 72 hours prior. Masks are also required. Bring water. For info, see https://ceiliofthevalley.org/
October 8-23
Pentacle Theatre returns to the stage to present The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. Directed by David Cristobal. After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef; a retired Army major; a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift; and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. When a second murder takes place, tensions and fears escalate. This record-breaking murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time.
Catch the show 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 2 p.m. Oct. 10, 17. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. (Note: Seating is General Admission. Ticket holders must be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the performance to attend this show, abd must also wear a mask inside and outside the auditorium.)
October 9
Ceili of the Valley Society presents Native Plant Stories Connecting Oregon and Ireland 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 9, at VFW Hall, 630 High St NE as part of the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. In this presentation, Irish illustrator Aislinn Adams explores Oregon native plant journeys to explain how they ended up in Ireland. Register to participate at nativeplantstories.eventbrite.com
October 15
Catch Petty Fever, a multi-award-winning full production tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 15, at the Elsinore Theatre. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 on day of show. For info, visit https://elsinoretheatre.com/
October 19
Willamette Underground: Faculty Jazz Sextet is a premier jazz jam featuring Willamette’s award-winning faculty members: Tyler Abbott (bass), Ryan Biesack (percussion), Sean Nobel Flannery (saxophone), Mike Gamble (guitar), James Miley (piano/electronics) and Mike Nord (guitar/electronics). Learn more at willamette.edu/arts/theatre/index.html
October 21
Tune in for Zooming Back to History: An Online Speaker Series organized by Willamette Heritage Center. On October 21, retired Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul J. De Muniz will talk about the life of Oregon Supreme Court Justice James Brand, who took a leave of absence from the court to preside over the Nazi judges trial in Nuremberg and was portrayed by Spencer Tracy in the movie Judgment at Nuremberg. Speaker begins at 7 p.m.
This series is a fundraiser for the Willamette Heritage Center that seeks to share historical perspectives of topics related to the Mid-Willamette Valley and beyond. Join us at Willamette Heritage Center (or on Zoom) on Thursday night (see the dates below) to learn more about our region’s rich history. Each speaker will share about their topic for approximately 45 minutes with time for questions from the audience. Cost is $10. Learn more at https://www.willametteheritage.org/
October 22
Catapult is, technically, a shadow dance company. What it really is: a theatrical art form that is an amazingly imaginative combination of dance, story-telling, and sculpture. Catapult’s “Magic Shadows” show is packed with hundreds of shape transformations, and it is full of humor, emotion, and fully realized stories engagingly told through music and shadows. A great show for the whole family – full of laughs, emotions and miraculous transformations. You will leave this show dazed and happy, and you will never look at your own shadow the same way again! The show takes to the Salem stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 22, at the Elsinore Theatre. Cost is $19 to $29 in advance. For info, visit https://elsinoretheatre.com/
October 22-23
Explore The Great Junk Hunt October 22 and 23 in the Jackman Long building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Featuring 50,000 square feet of curated vendors selling a wide variety of goods from farmhouse to industrial, vintage to re-purposed, handmade and more. Variety of entry options ranging from $8 to $20. Learn more and purchase a ticket here.
October 23
Learn to play at the Celtic Harp Hands-On Workshop Led by Lisa Lynne 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 23, at VFW Hall, 630 High St NE as part of the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. No experience is necessary to play beautiful music on the provided variety of Traditional Celtic harps. Participants will learn basic familiar melodies, sound effects and do some improvisations, too. Note: This workshop is for very, very beginners — people who have never touched a harp before. Lisa Lynne is a multi-instrumentalist and performer who has gained worldwide recognition for her original music featuring her Celtic Harp. She is widely acclaimed for composing memorable and heartwarming melodies on the Windham Hill/Sony music labels that have repeatedly placed in the Top 10 & Top 20 on the Billboard New age music charts. Tickets are $20 to $30. Register to participate at https://celticharpworkshopandconcert.eventbrite.com.
Listen and experience during Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments & Wondrous Stories with Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, October 23, at VFW Hall, 630 High St NE, as part of the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter perform with two Celtic harps, the rare Swedish Nyckelharpa, Ukrainian Bandura, Cittern and more. The audience will hear music hailing from Celtic and Nordic Traditions as well as heartwarming original compositions. The multi-instrumental duo will present a unique blend of music and tales from their adventures as modern-day troubadours. Tickets are $20 to $30. Register to participate at celticharpsandstories.eventbrite.com. For a discounted ticket to both the Celtic Harp Workshop and Concert ($35 advance/$50 at the door), see https://celticharpworkshopandconcert.eventbrite.com
Bowser’s Boo Bash is returning as a small, in-person event this year. This costumed celebration that supports our furry friends is taking place October 23 at Willamette Heritage Center. Dress up for a night of costumed capers and ghoolish games including dinner, wine, a live auction, and silent auction. Learn more and purchase your tickets at whs4pets.org
October 27
Kick-off the season with Warren Miller’s “Winter Starts Now,” an annual film featuring the best snowriding happening in our own backyard – from the mom-and-pop ski hill down the street to the highest peak on the horizon. Catch it on the big screen 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, at the Elsinore Theatre. Cost is $20 in advance. For info, visit https://elsinoretheatre.com/
October 29
The Samhain Celtic New Year Festival presents The Fire — live in concert — 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 29, at the VFW Hall, 630 High St NE. The Fire is a high-energy traditional music band that combines world-class performances of blazing Scottish music with a distinctly Californian flare. The group includes International Scottish Fiddle Champion Rebecca Lomnicky, dynamic bagpiper and multi-instrumentalist David Brewer, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate Adam Hendey on guitar and harmonium. Together, The Fire performs captivating, contemporary Celtic music which bridges the gap between the coasts of California and the highlands of Scotland—two worlds united, into a heartfelt and rousing musical experience. Between their entertaining and informative stage banter, vast array of instrument combinations and extensive repertoire, including everything from soaring slow airs to intricately arranged dance tunes, these charismatic performers will leave you on your feet with your hands together. Cost is $25 in advance. Get your ticket at thefire.eventbrite.com.
It wouldn’t be October without a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the cult classic film about a newly-engaged couple who break down in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter, played by Tim Curry. Note, this is a showing of the film without the shadowcast. No props are permitted in the theater. Catch the show at 8 p.m. Friday, October 29, at the Elsinore Theatre. Cost is $10 in advance. For info, visit https://elsinoretheatre.com/
Oregon Symphony presents Haydn & Strauss: Austrian Music through the Ages. From the land of the Blue Danube comes a program of Austrian favorites. Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony is among the great Classical Era symphonies, while Johann Strauss II radiates 19th-century charm. And, just in time for Halloween, living composer HK Gruber will lead the festivities in his amusing Frankenstein. Learn more at www.orsymphony.org
October 30
Elsinore Theatre hosts a night of country with Sawyer Brown 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 30. Cost is $29 to $49 in advance. For info, visit https://elsinoretheatre.com/
Take part in a free Virtual Whisky Tasting 7 p.m. Saturday, October 30, hosted by the Samhain Celtic New Year Festival. Bill Mullen will walk you through this talk about the origins, history, process, geography, and some tips & tricks in the wonderful world of whisky. (NOTE: This is a virtual tasting. Alcohol is not provided.) Learn more about the whiskies to be tasted and register to participate at https://virtualwhiskytasting.eventbrite.com.
It’s all about punk rock when D.O.A., MDC, and more, perform during an outdoor show 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at The Scoreboard, 2290 Front St NE. Get your tickets at Blast Off! Vintage for $20.
Costume up and crawl your way to the JFK Ghoulish Halloween 8 p.m. Saturday, October 30 at The Yard Food Park. Ticket price TBA.
Plus on exhibit ….
At Salem on the Edge
Photo: Joshua Blue, “Hard Work,” Acrylic, chalk, charcoal on canvas. 20” x 20”
Salem On the Edge Art Gallery features “Authenticity Drip” work by local artist Joshua Blue through October 30. Influenced by the simplicity of content, repetition and expressive action, Joshua seeks to combine the aesthetics and philosophies of both Pop-Art and Abstract Expressionism.
Authenticity Drip should evoke thoughts of slow, meticulous tedium which produces wholly unique products- much like the quilts and patchwork hand-me-down clothing sewn by the matriarchs of years past. Equally this collection, along with the titles of each work, are meant to provide commentary on the fabric of our society. Themes including consumerism, factionalism, mass-production and consumption of cheap goods and their inherent waste are woven into the nature of the collection- hinting at a need for non-digital contact and the appreciation of something tangible, something unique.
Salem on the Edge is located at 156 Liberty St NE. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at www.salemontheedge.com
At Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Claudia Cave: Interiors and Interiority | Corvallis, Oregon artist Claudia Cave (American, born 1951) grew up in Salem and earned art degrees at Western Oregon University and the University of Idaho. Her drawings and paintings range widely in subject matter, from spiky female figures to zooming canines and occasional cats to smoothly excavated landscape forms. Organized by guest curator Roger Hull, the exhibition emphasizes Cave’s penchant for interiors and isolated rooms alive with compulsively rendered detail and fantasy, or cross-sections of entire houses, their spaces (and inhabitants) opened up for all to see.
Hallie Ford Museum of Art is located at 700 State St. It is open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost to visit is $3 to $6 (Tuesday is free for everyone). For more details please click here.
At Bush Barn Art Center
Paint & Write the Town | Organized by Artists in Action (AIA), Paint & Write the Town is an opportunity for area artists, photographers, and poets of all skill levels to meet and create art inspired by picturesque areas in and around Salem. The mission of this event is to raise awareness of the arts and artists in the Salem area, offer artists an organized event where they can create art outdoors with a juried exhibit opportunity, and to invite the public to observe the artists at work and their artwork.
This year’s exhibiting artists include Jane Adams, Barbara Barrick, Richard Berry, Lorraine Dye, Nancy Eng, Anne Ferguson, Merren Garland, Cynthia Herron, Gay Hopkins, Samuel Hoskins, Carolyn Kollegger, Brigitte Miller, John Mohney, Judy Mohney, Ann Moore, Jim Richards, Debbie Robinson, Kathy Seubert, Deanna White and Patricia Young, and the poets are Eleanor Berry, Marilyn Johnston, Jade Rosina McCutcheon, Michael Shuler, Dina Triest, and John Van Dreal.
Awards will be posted next to the winning pieces, and visitors can complete a People’s Choice ballot. The artwork will also be on view online at artistsinaction.org and salemart.org.
Ofrenda | October 8 – November 13 | Ofrenda is a community altar embracing elements of the Día de los Muertos traditions in Mexico. The exhibition explores death as an ever present part of life and creates an atmosphere for all to remember our ancestors and the lives of those loved. Artist Eddie Caine is building an altar for the community. The public is invited to participate by bringing objects and photographs throughout the exhibition. The Annex Studio is available for the community to create an offering. resistance and rural life. There will be a Community Celebration Friday | 6 to 9 p.m. October 29.
Very Local | Josh Deeney | October 1 – October 30 | While creating, I follow a philosophy of keeping things as close as possible to how they are perceived. My aim is to arrange the world in a pleasing way, informed by my hopefully unique insights, and to share these arrangements with you through the lens of a camera. — Josh Deeney
Represented Artists Spotlight | October 1 – October 30 | Throughout October, November, and December, Salem Art Association will highlight the current group of talented artists who have stayed with us throughout the long closure due to the pandemic.
The Bush Barn Art Center & Annex are open 12 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Masks and social distancing required.
