Salem’s weekend forecast is full of rain, but there’s plenty of things to do inside.
From free concerts to local markets, here’s a guide to Salem’s events between Thursday, Feb. 29, and Sunday, March 3.
Theater and concerts
South Salem High School’s production of “The Alibis” opens Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. with more shows Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. The show is a one-act crime comedy in the school’s black box theater, 1910 Church St S.E. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Follow the Saxons Drama Facebook page for more information.
“The Prom” opens at the Pentacle Theatre on Friday, March 1. “The musical follows four Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame, as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom,” according to an event description.
Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $22 to $50. Students and Oregon Trail Card holders are eligible for a 50% discount. The theater is located at 324 52nd Ave.
Willamette University’s jazz ensemble has a free concert on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7:30 p.m. It will be at the Rogers Rehearsal Hall in the Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, 900 State St.
Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre is hosting an Elton John Singalong on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The show, by Low Bar Chorale, will feature fan favorite songs, special guests, stories and audience participation. Tickets are $15. The theater is located at 191 High St. N.E.
On Saturday, the Grand Theatre will host the cover band JFK. They’ll bring a high energy show with rock hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The show will have a variety, including Van Halen, Journey, Foo Fighters and INXS. Tickets are $25. Doors are at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show.
Eclectic musician Brian Culbertson will perform at the Elsinore Theatre on Friday, March 1. His “The Trilogy” tour features songs from three albums exploring a long-term relationship, along with his greatest hits. The Elsinore is at 170 High St. S.E. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets start at $39.50.
Andee Joyce will be bringing her one-woman musical comedy “Rhythm & Autism” to Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 2, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s “an interactive, funny, and touching narrative about growing up autistic in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” with enjoyable “pop culture cheese” according to the library’s event description.
The show is sensory friendly, and is free. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Loucks Auditorium is located at 585 Liberty St. S.E.
Salem Philharmonia Orchestra will perform “Songs of Nature” both Saturday and Sunday, featuring violin soloist Anthea Kreston. The concert will include pieces by Johannes Brahms, Joseph Haydn and more, with a finale of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony No. 6.
The Saturday concert starts at 7 p.m. and the Sunday concert starts at 3 p.m., both at the East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. N.E. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for students and free for youth under 17. Tickets are available online and at the door.
The Infinity Room, located at 210 Liberty St. S.E., will host comedian Jamal Coleman on Thursday at 7 p.m., Jeremiah Coughlan on Friday at 9:30 p.m., and Adam Tiller on Saturday at 7 p.m. There are also improv shows on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. For event details, see the Infinity Room’s website.
Spring cleaning at the cemetery
Friends of Pioneer Cemetery will prune the cemetery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, and volunteers are welcome. The pruning will focus on heritage roses and a general clean-up. Register with Amanda Sitter at [email protected] and bring water, gloves and comfortable shoes. The cemetery is at 2201 Commercial St. S.E.
Shopping
Local goods, food and produce will be available at the Wavra Farm’s winter farmers market, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 7882 Jordan St. S.E. See a list of vendors here.
Blast Off Vintage’s underground market gathers from 3 – 7 p.m on Saturday, with around 30 local vendors offering goods and skilled services like tarot or massage. The store is at 860 High St. N.E. See the Facebook event for more details.
Coming up
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
