Seats at Salem Cinema (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Salem musicians Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel can’t imagine Salem without its indie movie theater.
So the nationally acclaimed folk duo, who together form True North, are trying to raise funds for Salem Cinema by hosting an online benefit concert on Valentine’s Day with all of the money going to the theater.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday and tickets cost $15 each. Viewers will have the opportunity to tip, donate and buy merchandise during the show.
Grainger and Wetzel have agreed to write a custom song for the first person who donates $1,000 or more. The pair will write the song using the name and theme of the winner’s choice.
Salem Cinema, like many movie theaters across the country, has seen financial hardship due to Covid after monthslong closures with no income.
Owner Loretta Miles hasn’t been able to access government assistance for arts organizations, a release about the performance said.
“It’s truly a special place, worthy of everyone’s help in surviving the pandemic,” Wetzel said in a statement.
-Saphara Harrell
