Take a trip to the cozy comfort of the Evesham Wood/Haden Fig tasting room, perched atop a hill outskirts of West Salem...
Despite the rumors, the trek isn’t treacherous, and the adventure can be worth the drive, bike ride, or walk. Brave the traffic. Explore the area. Discover what lies to the West — You CAN go over the bridge. And we've rounded up a few highlights to make your voyage easy.
Foodies rejoice! The Salem Taco Crawl returns May 5 to downtown. It’s a Cinco de Mayo taco adventure, or challenge, depending on how you look at it, with one ultimate goal: eat tacos.
We are excited to present the first-place adult and teen winners of the Salem Reads: People Who Shaped Me writing contest within our pages (and second and third-place entries on our website). All these stories showcase the power of the written word to convey deep emotions and experiences while reminding us of the importance of human connections and how they can transform our lives.
A round up of coming events happening in Salem over the next couple months...
14 |
Get active and have fun while exploring downtown in a scavenger hunt-like walk/run happening on the second Friday in summer
Collaboration is one of the driving forces of Press Play Salem. This issue’s cover is a wonderful reflection of what can be achieved through collaboration. Photography and inspiration provided by Ben Mah (benmaphoto.com) with floral design and set creativity by Jodi Thomas of Little Lantern Floral (littlelanternfloral.com).
Chantal Barton and Mikki Trowbridge are the co-creators, owners and (two of the) instructors at Resonance Yoga Collective, a yoga studio in the heart of downtown Salem providing a shared space for all to gather for community, movement and reflection. Chantal and Mikki have created a space reflective of their connection and commitment to our community. Compassionate, caring individuals whose joy for life shines through in all they do, we are honored to feature them on our cover. They help make Salem a better place. Learn more about them and Resonance at www.resonanceyogacollective.com
Released weekly and delivered directly to your inbox, The Playlist focuses on what’s happening in Salem for the coming weekend. From theater and live music to local hot spots and touring events, it aims to help people get out, explore, learn, experience… and play!
Sign up at: pressplaysalem.com/ the-playlist
Send us your events. Community calendar listings are free (and we often pull from our calendar for feature stories.) To be considered for inclusion, email event title, 2-3 sentence summary, date, time, location, cost and where to contact for more information to hello@pressplaysalem.com
Things to do for Mother's Day?
We've got a story for that.
Photos, photos and more photos
Watch our website for more photos and story extras.
Share your Salem moments with us by tagging your photos with #PressPlaySalem on social media. We want to know what Salem looks like to you! (You may even get featured in an upcoming issue.)
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Carlee Wright
Tracy Torres
Erin Zysett
Ben Mah
Anne Lapour
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Refiner of Random Thoughts and Erratic Activity
Visual Magician CEO (Chief Eating Officer)
Press Play Salem would not be possible without the support, patience, time, etc. of the following amazing people: Anne Lapour, Ben Mah, Tracy Torres, Erin Zysett, Jodi Thomas, Mikki Trowbridge, Chantal Barton, Ellen Yin, Rebekah Pippert, Mei-Yu Heras-Leung, Ashley Contreras and so many more!
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It’s a foggy day at the Evesham Wood/ Haden Fig tasting room, and that’s just how I like it. Perched atop a hill in the Eola-Amity American Viticultural Area (AVA) at the outskirts of West Salem, the cozy comfort of this tasting room is improved only by the quality of the wine.
Winemaker Erin Nuccio heads up two labels: Evesham Wood and Haden Fig. Two wines with distinct histories, distinguished by the style in which they are made. Evesham Wood began in 1986, when founders Russ and Mary Rainey planted the “Le Puits Sec” vineyard on site. Those vines comprise the foreground of this idyllic view, and their legacy shines in every bottle.
The award-winning Evesham Wood label consists of classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs that have consistency and tradition behind them. Nuccio, already working with the Raineys, purchased the business and became winemaker in 2010. He's taken care to preserve the Evesham Wood winemaking traditions—minimal manipulation that highlights the complexity of decades-old, predominantly Pommard, clones.
On the other hand, Haden Fig allows for more experimentation. The team behind its wine pulls its fruit from vineyards outside Eola-Amity, including a vineyard near the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, which allows them to stretch their offerings beyond the Pinot Gris-heavy varietals on offer in the Willamette Valley. Look for the owl on the label, and that’s where you might find some surprises. I enjoyed their Pinot Blanc, their Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir (a new one for me) and their Alsace-style Riesling—aromatic, dry, and begging to be paired with your favorite summer veggies.
Story by Anne Lapour | Photos by Ben MahThough perhaps best known for its “Cuvée J” Pinot Noir (cuvee refers to the type of “blend” a wine is) both labels provide multiple options at varying price points. There’s truly something for all tastes. I’m partial to the Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée, which gives me all the earthy red fruit I love in my pinot. My tasting partner for the day is a longtime fan of their Temperance Hill Pinot, an incredible value for the quality. Having multiple vineyard sites around the Willamette Valley gives each wine its own personality, and you’re likely to find a favorite in your tasting flight.
The overall experience at Evesham Wood/ Haden Fig is personal and intimate. I’m a firm believer that different wineries serve different purposes, and this is one you should plan to enjoy for some delicious wine, and maybe learn a thing or two about what’s in your glass. Tastings are currently by appointment, so it requires some advance planning to taste their award-winning wines. Should you book your time, you’ll be rewarded with both delicious pours and helpful wine knowledge. With a certification as an advanced sommelier, Head of Education, Hospitality and Sales Christopher Lindemann is skilled at explaining what makes each wine—and each vintage— unique.
3795 Wallace Road NW
Reservations are available for private tours and weekend tastings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit eveshamwood.com for details.
For those wanting to make a day of it, there are multiple options within the Salem city limits. “People don’t realize wine country starts right outside the city,” said Christopher. We’re reminded of that fact just before we leave when we spend a moment looking at the view from the front window. “You can see the Willamette River,” said Christopher, and indeed we can. It’s not a view of the Cascades, but that gleaming splash of silver that reminds us where we are, and why this wine is so brilliant. This is the heart of the Willamette Valley, and wine country starts here. In Salem.
Bryn Mawr’s new(ish) tasting room (completed in 2019), offers a gorgeous vantage point for admiring their stunning view while enjoying their wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the dependable mainstays, alongside less expected options like Tempranillo and Riesling. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, and make sure to snag tickets for one of their popular Taco Tuesdays this summer. 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW, brynmawrvineyards.com
With seasonal events and an easy-going tasting room atmosphere, Björnson is a beautiful place to spend a summer afternoon. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re leashed, and you can bring in your own food to nibble during the tasting. With an exterior that looks more like a stately home than a tasting room, I’ve certainly enjoyed a lazy afternoon on the Björnson lawn. 3635 Bethel Heights Rd NW, bjornsonwine.com
A winery with solid Eola-Hills history, Cristom is a favorite of many Salem residents. Reservations are recommended, with different tasting options to choose from. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces, and guests can bring their own food as well. Using organic and biodynamic farming techniques, you can rest
assured that Cristom takes its commitment to the earth as seriously as the beautiful wine they create. 6905 Spring Valley Rd NW, cristomvineyards.com
If full-bodied reds and a lively atmosphere are your sweet spot, Redhawk is for you. You’ll be welcomed with a large selection of wine, including some varietals you may have never tried before, like Carmenere. Their summer concerts and events draw a loyal crowd, showcasing their convivial vibe and diverse range of wines. Stop by over Memorial Day weekend to kick off your summer. 2995 Michigan City Ln NW, redhawkwine.com
A family business in the truest sense, Bethel Heights has been growing grapes and crafting great wine in Salem since the earliest days of Willamette Valley wine. It was one of the first wineries I visited when I moved to Salem, and I recall how much I loved that chardonnay and view. Tastings are by appointment, and arrangements can be made for private, seated tastings as well. 6060 Bethel Heights Rd NW, bethelheights.com
See page 16 for additional West Salem wine notes...
Calling all artists, writers, creatives and community members. The Salem Art Association seeks submissions for its upcoming Zine Show happening at the Bush Barn Art Center in September 2023.
Zines are self-published, low-cost and often handmade publications that cover a wide range of topics, including art, literature, politics and personal experiences. As a form of alternative media, they allow their creators to express themselves freely and creatively.
This exhibition is an opportunity for zine makers to showcase their work and connect with other artists and enthusiasts from across Oregon.
In addition to the zine showcase, there will be workshops and discussions on zine-making and self-publishing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the history of zines, the different styles and techniques used in zine-making, and the various ways to distribute and promote their work. The exhibition is part of a greater yearlong project that includes workshops, a community zine project with downtown and area businesses, an internship, zine art kits and an on-site Artist in Residence.
To participate, submit two copies of your zine to Salem Art Association anytime before August 15. Find all the details at salemart.org
Oregon's third-largest art museum, Hallie Ford Museum of Art features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, as well as antique artifacts. The museum is located at 700 State St and is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 503-370-6855, willamette. edu/arts/hfma
Through May 20
Character Development: Senior Studio Art Majors 2023 — Each spring, the museum pairs a senior studio art majors exhibit with a small solo exhibit of recent work by a faculty members in the art department at Willamette University, with a purpose of demonstrating the continuing connection and relationship between student and faculty research.
Tuesday Gallery Talk: Join senior art majors
Jonathan Bury, Parker Sullivan Jones and Claire Elizabeth Monahan for a guided tour as they talk about their work, 12:30 p.m. April 18
Tuesday Gallery Talk: Join senior art majors
Jzo Haigerty, Cate Leach, Emily A. Lipp and Laurel Schmidt for a guided tour as they talk about their work, 12:30 p.m. April 25
Ranran Fan: 上天入地 Ends of the Earth — Visiting Assistant Professor of Art Ranran Fan, who teaches 4D art and photography in the Willamette University Art Department, is a device-maker and an artist who works in photography, installation, and performance. She is an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited internationally.
Artist Lecture with Ranran Fan, 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 14 in Paulus Lecture Hall at Willamette University College of Law, 245 Winter St. Free and open to the public.
Artist Gallery Talk: Join Ranran Fan for a guided exhibition tour, 12:30 p.m. May 2
May 6 through August 12
Jim Hibbard: Back in View — Jim Hibbard (American, 1936-2022) was an important Northwest artist who, after a 30-year career of exhibiting and teaching in Portland, established a new home and studio in Guanajuato, Mexico, where he continued to work productively almost until his death in 2022. This focused survey exhibition makes his Mexican work available to American audiences for the first time as well as revisits work from his earlier Portland years.
June 6 through August 26
Tom Prochaska: Music for Ghosts — This retrospective exhibition explores the career of longtime Portland artist Tom Prochaska. Well known for his open ended narrative works, Prochaska has developed a body of work that often merges dreamlike memories with a dark sense of humor. Figures in desolate landscapes, sitting in cafes, or playing instruments populate his paintings and prints, and take form in his paper mâché sculptures. Prochaska has lived and worked in Portland since 1978. He taught at the Pacific Northwest College of Art from 1988 until his retirement in 2012.
Turn
See three new sculptures created from found wood and metal by brothers Santigie and Sapata Fofana-Dura on exhibit May 1 through August 26 at Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE.
There will be an accompanying performance by Santigie titled “The Door” happening inside the gallery on Saturday, June 10 (time to be confirmed) as well as a Juneteeth celebration on Monday, June 19.
Sapata and Santigie design and build architectural sculpture that hinges around the storyteller. The artists create work imbued with a rugged elegance as they exclusively construct their work with abandoned timber salvaged from the Pacific Northwest. Through a dynamic of contemporary and craft-inspired construction methods the artists create work with the intention to tell new stories with a classic style.
Level 2 Gallery at the Salem Convention Center is curated by the Oregon Artists Series Foundation. It features changing exhibits of work by regional artists. The Gallery is accessible Monday - Friday during business hours, during special events or by appointment. Call 503-589-1700. oregonartistsseries.com
Through June 23
Jon Colburn: Dreams — Jon Colburn’s life and art are rooted equally in his native Oregon and in his extensive travels over almost five decades. A resident of Salem since 2007, Jon is an Oregon artist with international experience. Sixty years into his explorations, he seeks expression and style that goes beyond just the love of painting to find a view of the world through its realities and dreams.
A year-round gallery space, the Art Hall features the Salem Reads Art Exhibit each February. During the rest of the year, the Oregon Artists Series Foundation curates rotating exhibits featuring regional artists.
Jon Colburn: Dreams — View recent work by Salem artist Jon Colburn. This show is a companion to Jon’s work on display at Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center.
Founded in 1919, the Salem Art Association (SAA) aims to actively engage the community in the appreciation of the arts through contemporary art exhibits and events, and arts education for youth and adults. Visit the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex at 600 Mission St. SE. salemart.org
May 2 through 30
Artist in Residence | Jessica Rehfield —
In preparation for a series of large, new paintings, Jessica will create studies using an experimentation of various media, which may include collage referencing her own collection of photos that feature elements from nature with representation of queer bodies, featuring her wife’s nude body to explore and offer reflection on the beauty of trans bodies.
May 5 through June 3
Memory Project Part 2: Shreds by Susan Napack addresses issues of memory by laying bare the artist’s tug-of-war with an over-abundance of saved and collected materials that document 60-plus years of life experiences. Memories are stored in shreds of letters and documents. Photos are woven into tapestries of remembrance. The process of transformation is a celebration of a story and at the same time a reckoning that the past is ephemeral.
May 11 through June 24
Under the Surface: A Retrospective | Annegret Disterheft — A native of Germany who realized her longtime dream of studying art after coming to the United States, Annegret received her B.A. in Art from Western Oregon State College (now Western Oregon University) and her BFA from Marylhurst University.
May 11 through June 25
Random Acts of Decommodification |
Patricia Vázquez continues the exploration the artist has done in past projects based on the question: What is the value of an artwork when it is taken outside the systems that assign it a commodity status? For this exhibition, the artist offers 12 newly created artworks (paintings and drawings) to Salem residents in exchange for services or experiences offered to someone else.
June 3 through 30
Artist in Residence | Katy Vigeland and Corrine Loomis Dietz “Investigation & Collaboration” — These two artists have a long history in the community, but have worked together in a studio setting only a few times. Using non-toxic materials they aim to investigate each other’s methods of printmaking and developing paintings. Offering each other a balance, they anticipate the development of new work from the collaborative nature of two heads being better than one.
Watch for more art exhibits & events at PressPlaySalem.com
May 11
There will be a poetry presentation as part of Susan Napack’s exhibit Memory Project Part 2: Shreds, An Installation of Transformed Personal Ephemera, 7 p.m. May 11
May 12
Reception for exhibits by Susan Napack, Annegret Disterheft and Patricia Vázquez, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 12
May 16
Educators Night — K-12 teachers and principals are welcome to learn more about SAA programs, chat with other teachers, enjoy some light refreshments and take time to enjoy some art. Complimentary SAA memberships available to teachers and principals who attend, which includes free entry to the 2023 Salem Art Fair & Festival (July 21-23), discounts on art and gifts and more. Drop in anytime between 4 to 7 p.m.
May 20
Gallery Talk with Artist Susan Napack — Susan will talk about her show, Memory Project Part 2: Shreds, An Installation of Transformed Personal Ephemera, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Rasa Clay Works: A New Idea Won’t Kill
You — As part of SAA’s Queer Artists Series: 2SLGBTQIAP in Focus, hear from artists Ri (she/her) and Renee (she/her) of Rasa Clay
Works on their creative process followed by Q&A with the audience, 6 to 7 p.m. Flip the page, there's more art...
From fine art, up-and-coming artists, graffiti muralists and more, Salem on the Edge features work by PNW artists in a variety of media both for purchase and in rotating exhibits. Stop in and visit at 156 Liberty St. NE. salemontheedge.com
See the May Flowers Invitational Show, a floral art exhibit during May and the Invitational Photography Show from June 2 to 24 at Gallery 444 inside Elsinore Framing, 444 Ferry St. SE. 503-581-4642, elsinoregallery.com
May 3 to 27
Explore paintings by featured artist Heather Jacks, a contemporary Oregon painter and photographer whose work has been exhibited throughout the country.
“I paint from memory, starting with no preconceived notion of what the work will become. I listen to my intuition and let the surfaces emerge. My thoughts are often of the patinas that arise with age, the gradual change in the color and texture and structure of all things over time. The Oregon landscapes, seascapes and cloudscapes have been an immense inspiration.”
“My paintings are ultimately an expression of the way I view the world. I have always been acutely conscious of light, shadow, and the beauty of my surroundings. Whether an evening meadow scene or a moody cloudscape, I try to impart a sense of timelessness to my work.”
May's guest artist is Jordan K. Walker of Eugene who uses his studies and photographic reference gathered in the wild to compose immersive paintings. He strives to communicate the power and beauty of his subjects through the use of dynamic compositions, expressive brushstrokes, and unexpected color contrasts.
“I find myself continually fascinated by the architecture of trees and the monumental shape language of craggy cliffs. It is evident to me that our world is more vast in scope and wonders than any one individual can imagine. Through my paintings I attempt to share my experience of these earthly landscapes and honor all of the potential they hold.” Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. May 5
June 1 to July 1
See the work of featured artist is Paul Meuse and guest artist Nakoa Mercier. Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. June 2
PLUS — Be sure to watch for the Group Show in July and the Plein Air Invitational in August at Salem on the Edge.
The first solo art show of Salem-based artist Basooo (aka Peter DeGroot) graces the walls through June 30 at The Governor's Cup Coffee Roasters, 471 Court St NE. Basooo makes music and art. “Art is therapy, and I am my own therapist. I think I do a pretty good job considering what I have to work with.” basooo.art
Watch for more art exhibits & events at PressPlaySalem.com
May 5 & 6
COMMUNITY. Find more than 10,000 plants at the Marion County Master Gardener Plant Sale. Watch live demonstrations. Get gardening tips. And shop annuals, perennials, natives, vegetables, beneficials, herbs, shrubs, trees, pollinators, fuchsias and more. Plus there is free potting service for plants and pots bought at the event. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. marioncomga.org
May 6
COMMUNITY. Celebrate traditional crafts at the 38th Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival where you can experience living history, heritage craft demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities and more. It’s an interactive, handson day of fun for the whole family. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6 at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. Free. willametteheritage.org
PS: Be sure to pop in and check out Open Studios at the Mill while you are there for a chance to see artists at work. facebook.com/ artistsatthemissionmill
May 12
MUSIC. Chapel Hart has found a way to gift wrap their Mississippi roots and Louisiana spice and share it with listeners around the world. With special guest Rosevelt and Ryan Necci & The Buffalo Gospel. 8 p.m. May 12 at Elsinore Theatre. $30+. elsinoretheatre.com
May 13
PERFORMANCE. Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi bring you a spectacular night of drag featuring live vocals and piano, mixed with comedy and storytelling. 7 p.m. May 13 at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE. $15-$20. infinityroomsalem.com
May 13
PERFORMANCE. Delgani IV: Shadow and Light showcases the vibrant color and dynamic contrast of the string quartet. Featuring Jennifer Higdon's In the Shadow of the Mountain (2020), Mozart's Dissonance Quartet and Ravel's String Quartet. 3 p.m. May 13 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5090 Center St NE. Free-$28. delgani.org
May 19 &20
COMMUNITY. Read on! Stock up on books and more at the Friends of the Salem Public Library Spring book sale, an annual fundraising event helping provide resources to the library. A wide variety of genres, from children’s to nonfiction, classic lit to popular fiction and more. Sunday is bag day where you can fill a (provided) bag for one low price. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 19 & 20 and 1 to 4:30 p.m. May 21 in Anderson Rooms
A&B at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St SE.
After a few years’ hiatus, On Your Feet Friday! returns to downtown Salem.
A partnership between Willamette Valley Road Runners and Salem Main Street Association, On Your Feet Friday! encourages people to get active and have fun while exploring downtown in a scavenger hunt-like walk/run.
Participants walk (or run) through the city, collecting stamps from eight businesses, nonprofits or locations to complete the scavenger hunt. It is not a race, and you don't have to be a runner to join (but you can be!); it’s all about connecting with your community and experiencing downtown. Each month features different checkpoints and this year’s dates are May 12, June 9, July 14 and August 11.
To participate, go to the Salem Convention Center sculpture plaza on the second Friday of the month between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m., to sign up and get your passport. From 6:30 to 7:20, visit the required stops. Return to the sculpture plaza by 7:20 p.m. for your chance to win. The raffle takes place until 8 p.m.
The event is an opportunity for everyone, no matter age, income or activity level. For those with families, the event wraps up by 8 p.m. so you can get the kids home and to bed. But for those 21 and older, it's only 8 p.m., so you still have the rest of the night to explore downtown.
Highlights of what's happening in music, arts and more
June
MUSIC. The City of Salem’s free First Friday Concert Series returns. Although performers are not yet announced, you can save the date because no matter who’s playing, it will be a great night of live riverside music. 8 p.m. June 2, July 7 and August 4 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheatre in Riverfront Park
PS: The concerts each follow the First Friday Art Walk, which takes place 5 to 8 p.m. so, make it a two-fer and make the most of your downtown adventuring.
June 3 & 4
COMMUNITY. The Mid Valley Comic Art Expo brings you two days of family-friendly pop culture and comic-book-inspired fun featuring artists, vendors, exhibitors, community groups, special guests and activities, plus a cosplay contest (6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. $10 to $25. mvcae.com
June 11
SHOPPING. More than 60 makers, curators and collectors come together for Cherry City Flea, a local shopping experience offering everything from vintage clothing and decor to handmade candles, handcrafted jewelry, original artwork and more. 12 to 5 p.m. June 11 at Salem Convention Center, cherrycityflea.com
June 17
COMMUNITY. Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Salem Downtown Pride. Festivities kick off with a march from the Capitol to State Street between Liberty and Commercial where there will be yoga, entertainment, dancing and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17 in downtown Salem
June 21
MUSIC. Make Music Day is the can’t-miss music event of the year. This global celebration that aims to bring the community together through our common connections with music, whether playing or listening, is an opportunity for Salem to showcase our music, our venues and our city — and for you to soak it all in. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 21 all over Salem, makemusicsalem.org
June 23-25
FESTIVAL. The World Beat Festival invites you to Mabuhay Pilipinas! Celebrate the Philippines as well as 70 plus cultures through dance, traditions, food, music and more. Festivities kick off with a fire show and Bollywood performance (audience participation welcome!) on Friday night and the fun continues through the weekend. 5 to 10 p.m. June 23, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 24 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25 at Riverfront Park. Free-$10. salemmulticultural. org/festival/world-beat-festival
Adelman Peony Gardens is now open for the season. This family-owned farm, which specializes in growing and selling peonies, welcomes public viewing 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29 through June 15.
Stroll through two acres of display gardens admiring peonies in a rainbow of colors, shapes and sizes. A picturesque, peaceful escape, it’s a popular destination for garden enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for an Instagram-worthy photo experience. In addition to the stunning flowers, the garden offers educational resources, a showroom of peony blooms on display and a picnic area. The garden's 30 acres of production fields produce more than 500 varieties.
Adelman Peony Gardens is located at 5690 Brooklake Road NE. Visit online at peonyparadise.com
By Carlee Wright
This new tasting room features a small menu that compliments their array of wine offerings perfectly, plus you can take in live music on weekends. It’s open 12 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 4785 Salem Dallas Highway, westhillsvineyards.com
Hudak House hosts a Summervine concert series that has you nestled vine-side, under the trees. Picnic table seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis so we recommend taking your own chair and/or blanket. And grab a bite from the rotating food vendor as outside food is not permitted. We're watching for the 2023 announcement, but anticipate concerts June-August. 5737 Orchard Heights Road NW, hudakhouse.com
Yoga & Wine, comedy shows, live music, paint and sip, Cubanisimo does events all year round and not just on weekends. The tasting room is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but if you are looking for that night out experience, Saturdays are the highlight with live music and rotating food truck offerings. 1754 Best Road NW, cubanisimovineyards.com
The wine. The view. The music. Legacy Estate’s Summer Uncorked concert series has it all. Set amongst their hillside vines next to Legacy Lake, it is an idyllic, picturesque setting with truly breathtaking views. Bring your own chairs or blanket and grab yourself a spot on the lawn or make a VIP Pergola reservation to amp up your experience. The six-concert series begins June 30. Check out the lineup on their website. 1600 Oak Grove Road, eolahillswinery.com PS: Legacy Estate also features 'Wiking' Trails - combining wine & hiking - hello, Oregon!
Supporting Chemeketa Community College's Wine Studies program, sip and sample the award-winning student-grown, studentmade wines with a beautiful view of its vineyard and the valley. The tasting room is open 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and a small selection of charcuterie boards are available for purchase. Plus, they host a variety of live music and other events. 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, chemeketacellars.com
Go for wine, stay for food and music because there is no shortage of it being offered at a number of West Salem wineries including…
May 13
Rob Schneider: I Have Issues Tour — Rob is an accomplished actor, comedian, screenwriter, director and veteran of the award-winning NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. 8 p.m. May 13 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tix:$47+
May 18
Trey Kennedy: Grow Up — After finding fame on the mobile app Vine and amassing more than 2.5 million followers, Trey discovered a passion for entertainment. He aims to create fun, relatable content that helps people find some common ground through comedy. 9:30 p.m. May 18 at Elsinore Theatre. Tix: $29+
May 19
Sorry Not Sorry is a standup showcase featuring women, LGBTIQIA+ and POC comics, hosted by Portland comedians Julia Corral, Eliza Butler and Marietje Hauprich. 9:30 p.m. May 19 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20
May 25
Live Comedy featuring Jes Anderson, James Hartenfeld and Sam Whitely. 8 p.m. May 25 at The Bad Space, 2572 19th St SE. Tix: $10
May 26
A highlight of funny happenings
Amanda Lynn Deal is a writer, producer, host and stand-up comedian who was named 2023’s “Funniest Five Comedians in Portland” by the Willamette Week. Also featuring Sabrena Contreras, 7:30 p.m. May 26 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20
June 2
Jamal Coleman combines playful cartoonishness with a soulful delivery that makes you think and applaud. Also featuring Mandy Simonson, 9:30 p.m. June 2 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20
June 9
Out at Night: An Evening of LGBTQIA+ Comedy hosted by Temple the Bard (D.B. Cooper Comedy Festival) 7:30 p.m. June 2 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20
June 15
Bo Johnson the Seattle phenom as featured on Comedy Central, Just For Laughs, Bumbershoot, SF Sketchfest and more, 7:30 p.m. June 15 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20.
June 16
Andy Iwancio is the Seattle trans gal phenom as featured in Bumbershoot and SF Sketchfest, fresh off recording her new album "Hard Trans!" 9:30 p.m. June 16 at Infinity Room. Tix: $15-$20
Celebrate the Elsinore Theatre's 97th Anniversary at a benefit concert with a fab night of live music plus games, trivia, a costume contest, online auction, raffle and more.
Radical Revolution is a 6-piece tribute band packing a huge variety of 80’s hits from all your favorites (you know, Whitney Houston, Rick Springfield, Madonna, A-Ha, Def Leppard, Go-Go’s, Kenny Loggins, Erasure and more, way more). Featuring fat keyboards, blistering guitars and thumping bass, the band will keep you dancing from start to finish with their high energy show and good times vibe.
Wear your favorite 80’s attire to look the part and for a chance to win—You know you wanna win.
The party begins 7 p.m. May 24 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets are $50. Get yours now at elsinoretheatre.com
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West Salem awaits. Despite the rumors, the trek isn’t treacherous, and the adventure can be worth the drive, bike ride, or walk. Brave the traffic. Explore the area. Discover what lies to the West — You CAN go over the bridge.
Here are a few highlights to help make your voyage a little easier.
Urban Grange Coffee & Bakery is the triple threat of cafes. Art-lined walls reinforce a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings together sweet and savory scents with coffee shop chatter. Inside, a few comfy seats are joined by tables and chairs providing ample space to gather with friends or sit solo for a spell. Outside, you will find a few small patio tables; perfect for warmer days (or any day with the right attire). Beyond the atmosphere, the true draw of this hidden gem is the baked goods — fresh, house-made scones, cinnamon buns and cookies galore. And the scones…did I mention the scones? Perfect texture, the right balance of flavor, available sweet or savory and in a variety of unique and classic varieties. Our fav—chocolate chip hazelnut.
Plus, coffee! Total triple threat and well worth the trek across the bridge. It's open 6 a.m to 3 p.m. Mon-Sat and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 1594 Edgewater St NW #180, urbangrange.coffee
If you are a to-go kind of coffee consumer, grab a cup at the Java Crew drive-thru on Wallace before you head out on a day of wine tasting.
Annette’s is a West Salem icon for its pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon—lots of bacon. Serving breakfast from 7 a.m. 7 days a week, the restaurant gives a diner vibe and the menu has something for (almost) everyone—including a few vegan options. Note: the homestyle potatoes are bomb. 1311 Edgewater St NW
Insider tip: The Alibi Bar and Grill is also of note serving breakfast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Plus the restaurant has an extensive lunch and
dinner menu, and offers late-night bites too. 590 Taggart Dr NW, facebook.com/ AlibiBarAndGrill
On Any Sundae’s second location is central on the main drag of Edgewater (its first is in South Salem) and this retro ice cream shop has the. best. vibe. Talk about nostalgia—at least for this 80s kid. Serving classic scoops—single, double and triple—plus sundaes, shave[d] ice, seriously giant ice cream sandwiches, house-made choco tacos, Dole Whip, milkshakes, malts and more. This place is great for an anytime sweet. 1124 Edgewater St NW, facebook.com/ onanysundaewestsalem
PS: The Hoagie Grail sub shop shares space with On Any Sundae so if you are looking for something savory, this might be it.
Options galore await at Westside Taphouse, which boasts 58 taps of craft beers, ciders and wines. While the food is limited to complimentary snacks, you are welcome to bring your own. They host a game night at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and trivia at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Oh, and hello happy hour, which is offered 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and all day Tuesday. Check out the active tap list at westsidetaphouse.com, 1594 Edgewater St NW, Ste 110
Mosey down to the corner of Glen Creek and Wallace to discover an unassuming, small, red building where you will find the most delicious tamales. Cachet Tamales Shop serves up Guatemalan-style food with a special focus on fresh, daily-made tamales sold singly and by the dozen.
Available in chicken, pork, beef, veggie or jalapeno and cheese—which is our fav, especially when you top it with the green salsa. But don’t just take our word for it. Try it yourself. 1105 Wallace Road NW, 971-273-6214
While you can visit Azuls Taco House in downtown, its OG spot is in West Salem. Tucked away on Edgewater Street, the eatery offers a delicious variety of tacos, quesadillas and burritos made with fresh local ingredients. Including their own daily-made, hand-pressed tortillas crafted from natural hominy, and served up with house-made guacamole. Serious yum. 1142 Edgewater St NE, azulstacohouse.com
Wallery’s Premium Pizza is an oldfashioned pizza parlor that literally has a parlor room filled with games for all ages. Serving up a classic crust, the eatery is open for lunch and dinner and offers takeout, too. 1555 Edgewater St NW, waleryspizza.com
Alternative, you can also get pie to go at Odd Moe's Pizza, 1594 Edgewater St NW, 503-779-2777, oddmoes.com/ west-salem
Although it recently expanded to North Salem, Xicha [chee-chah] Brewing’s original location is in the west, and it’s a non-stop hub of activity. A family-friendly cultural environment where you can munch on fresh Latin American food and sip a house-brewed beer. 576 Patterson St NW, Suite 140. 503-990-8359, xichabrewing.com
Grab a bite with friends or family in the warm and modern atmosphere of Gilgamesh Brewing’s The Woods where you will find cozy indoor seating and a cool outdoor patio both of which perfectly pair with one of the brewery’s classic beverage offerings—we’re most partial to Mamba, their ale brewed with black tea and tangerine peel. Other highlights include brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays plus trivia at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and live music on Friday nights. 555 9th St NW
Hop on into The Rabbit Cellar Lounge & Eatery. This cozy place, which opened in early 2023 in the basement of the former West Salem City Hall, offers an assortment of food options: sandwiches, flatbreads and salads, plus appetizers anytime. This is a local's place, and the welcoming vibe will have you considering yourself one of them in no time. Plus they feature a fun, rotating selection of crafted and curated cocktails, in addition to the expected wine and beer. Bonus: it also serves breakfast on weekends, plus hosts trivia night - with prizes! - at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. 1320 Edgewater St NW B10, 503-399-7915, instagram.com/ therabbitcellarlounge
Event Alert: Dress up for Fishnets & Facial Hair 7 p.m. May 13. Freddy Ruiz Jr. will be spinning tunes and there will be prizes for best costume so channel your best Rocky Horror and “Don't Dream It, Be It.”
Westside Station offers entertainment seven nights a week. Try your hand (or voice) at karaoke Sunday through Wednesday, take part in jam night on Thursday and/or go for live music on Friday and Saturday. Open until 2:30 a.m. every day, they score one for late nights.
610 Edgewater St NW, facebook.com/ westsidestation
The Vault Bar & Grill serves standard bar fare: burgers, wings, nachos, and fried stuff, but setting it apart from others is music, comedy and trivia. The bar offers it all on a rotating schedule. Watch for info on their Facebook page, 1111 Edgewater St NW
For a centralized locale to sip Oregon wine, check out the Old Zen Wine Bar. Bonus: live music on Saturday afternoons. 1115 Edgewater St NW, oldzenwinebar.com
One of two Salem locations (the other being in South Salem), La Hacienda Real serves up authentic, flavor-filled Mexican cuisine including what one of our tasting team considers the best handmade flour tortillas in Salem. 475 Taggart Dr NW, lahaciendarealor.com
Roth’s Fresh Markets West Salem store has a plentifully stocked and beautifullooking produce department filled with a grand variety of unique fresh foods, plus you can grab a sandwich, salad and coffee from their deli and barista bar.
1130 Wallace Road NW
Fauning Over Flora is a unique floral design shop offering so much more than flowers. Sure, you can get a custom bouquet for any occasion, or pick up one of the ready-made delights for yourself, but you’ll also find candles, soaps, cards and other gifts in this quaint, characterfilled shop. 1221 Riverbend Road NW #100, fauningoverflora.com
The Thursday West Salem Farmers Market begins May 4 and continues 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through mid-September. This afternoon market features 15 to 20 vendors offering handmade, handcrafted and homegrown products at 1260 Edgewater St NW on the greenway between Gerth St and Kingwood Ave. salemcommunitymarkets. com
Insider Tip: Sammies West is chill, with cheap drinks and a great community, plus it’s open until 2:30 a.m. Need we say more? 1495 Edgewater St NW
Cross the bridge to get to Across the Street Vintage & Resale. This charming thrift shop is chock-full of everything you didn’t know you needed and then some, from a curated collection of records to vintage handmade decor and collectible toys. 1109 Edgewater St NW, acrossthestreetsalem.com
At The Corner Gallery and Creative Community combines an art gallery and a creative community space, which can be rented for events and meetings. They also host an artisan market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month that features influential artists from historically marginalized communities. 1105 Edgewater St NW, atthecornersalem.com
Nestled on the hillside in a grove of Oregon oaks, Pentacle Theatre is a beacon of local artistic expression. An escape within city limits, the community theater provides a stage for a diverse range of productions, from beloved classic plays to modern musicals. The stage, a canvas for actors, directors and designers, showcases local talents while bringing magic to the community. With a team of devoted volunteers, supported by a very small staff, the theater breathes life into stories and characters while offering an intimate stage experience that transports the audience to new worlds. 324 52nd Ave. NW, pentacletheatre.org
Owned and operated by the Polk County Historical Society, the Brunk Farmstead features a two-story 1861 farm home with furnishings of the era, plus outbuildings, gardens and orchards that showcases the life of a family farm during the late 1800s. Although the house and gardens are currently closed for renovations, you can still get a taste of history during their Second Saturday at the Farmstead classes. May 13 Build a Railroad Spike Knife, and learn some blacksmith basics. Very limited capacity. Class is $35 for 3 hours of instruction. All materials included. Ages 16 and up (parent needs to accompany youth under 18). 5705 Salem Dallas Hwy, polkcountyhistoricalsociety.org
The Audubon Nature Reserve offers a 7-acre oasis for exploration whether that is hiking trails, walking your dog, watching birds or admiring the flora and fauna. In addition to being a recreational and educational opportunity, the reserve is also an important site for conservation efforts, serving as a sanctuary for native plant and animal species. The reserve is open from dawn to dusk. Remember to respect the delicate ecosystem and follow the principles of ‘leave no trace’ while enjoying its natural beauty. 480 Eola Drive NW, salemaudubon.org/ nature-reserve
There are more than a dozen parks in West Salem, but if you’re looking for a dose of the “great” outdoors, your ideal stop is the Willamette River Greenway Spring Valley Access. It’s a 177-acre, day-use park along the bank of the Willamette River that provides opportunities for fishing, hiking and picnicking. The park has a boat launch ramp, a fishing dock and a hiking trail that meanders through scenic wetlands and oak savannas. Explore the trail system at salemtrails.org/spring-valley before you head out. 8425 Wallace Rd NW #7989
One of the most anticipated new spots in West Salem is Checkpoint 221 food cart pod. After an “unexpected turbulent winter,” construction continues. The spot hopes to be a family-friendly space with 16 on-site food carts, plus a bar. Watch for official opening information at facebook.com/checkpoint221
The People Who Shaped Me writing contest was a part of the 2023 Salem Reads: One Book, One Community program, which delved into the themes and messages of Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. The contest invited writers to submit essays, creative nonfiction and fictionalized stories that honored real people who had a profound impact on their lives.
We are excited to present the first-place adult and teen winners of the writing contest within our pages. To read the second and third-place entries, please visit our website. All these stories showcase the power of the written word to convey deep emotions and experiences while reminding us of the importance of human connections and how they can transform our lives.
It was 2014 in early September when you saved me from the pedestrian bridge over the Willamette River. I was 23 years old and at the beginning of mental health treatment at Northwest Human Services West Salem Clinic. My new medication hadn't yet the time to build up in my system, and my Counselor barely knew of the trauma I needed to process. Though I had new Pastors investing their time and love in me, I was still not in a stable state of mind, so when my best friend called to essentially "break up" with me, I spiraled.
The sun was blight, hardly a cloud in the sky, unusual for the Willamette Valley. I know this, because of the warmth, and lack of shadow or rain. Otherwise, I would not have known for the heavy haze I walked through. One moment l was attending a football viewing party, and the next I was sitting on the railing, gazing into the rippling
Willamette River. The current looked slow, but faster near the pillars of the bridge. I wondered if it was strong enough to keep me under if I jumped. All I could think was that I was a burden on my family, friends, and the city.
Feeling utterly useless, with no talent, no job, no house of my own, emotionally and physically exhausted to the point of senseless pain, I thought the most selfless choice I could make would be to remove myself from the physical world. The tears stored deep in my chest threatened to rip a hole through me, but I remained numb, hypnotized by the water below. People passed me by, I could hear them walking, some riding their bikes, but you did not ignore my scream for help.
I believe you were two ladies, perhaps out on a late afternoon run for the day was beautiful. You stopped and asked if I was okay. I cannot recall if I looked at you. In my mind your faces are fuzzy, out of focus, maybe I did not wear my glasses, or the haze
in my head was simply that thick. I told you I was fine and could hear wavering in your voices as you asked me to come back to the safe side of the railing. In wanting you to leave me alone, I conceded to your request and jumped back onto the pavement with every intention of climbing over the edge again. I sat down beside my purse and the journal containing a scribbled note I left.
I thank God that those were not my last words for you did not go away but called the police. Salem Police Officers came and took me from the bridge. They protected me from myself by escorting me to the hospital where I had time to process the spiral I slid down. I was able to call my Pastor and was free to talk or not talk. We got pie and I lived through the night.
Today, I may not look successful by society standards. I am grieving many losses from the past few years, much like the rest of the world. I still struggle with my health mentally and physically, recently discovering I have a lesion on my Pituitary Gland, but one of my biggest dreams has come true due to you. Without you, the faces I can't remember, I would not have met my husband in 2015, nor would I have given birth to my son in 2021. My son, William Philip Wesley, his bright smile is worth all the suffering I have or ever will end me. I will continue to persevere, thank you to whomever you are, for my life.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
"I'm So sorry I Can't do this anymore! I'm So tired of the Cycle. I ruin everyone's lives not just mine"
by Mei-Yu Heras-Leung
Whispers of the past, cling to me like hair stuck to clothes. As I reminisce on what we used to be and how we used to live; smiles, laughter, no stress because time was not fleeting. But time was fleeting. Time went so fast, unseen, invisible, rapids of time ran and ran before I could barely even grasp at it. If I knew you would disappear like the sneaky squirrel stealing seeds from the birds outside, I would have written more about you, cherished our time together like a precious jade, your smile, your kindness, and your food. Now, I can only share the swept up remains. The crumbs of us and our time together, muddled memories of the past.
“Wake-up, it’s time to get up.” Her soft voice raises me from sleep and I barely open my eyes. I can hear water running. The shower is waiting for me in the bathroom. This is how it always is. A warm readymade shower that is just for me. It’s also always early morning here. The light barely showing, the sun peeking out but still too tired to really look, dew fresh on the grass, sometimes even frost.
The smell of pancakes, eggs and bacon. Weekend meals are the best. I like watching. I like helping. Crack, crack, plop. One egg, two eggs, crack, crack, plop, plop. Five eggs
cracked and plopped into a bowl. You use a fork to mix and then add your desired seasonings. It’s always pepper and garlic salt for us. “Did you eat the raw egg?” “No..” I lie and get back to mixing. It’s tasty, but I don’t want to get scolded. She knew then, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she tells me that scrambled eggs should be cooked slow, on low heat. You have to wait and watch. Watch for the edges of the egg mixture to cook and then that’s when you strike. Grab one edge of the slightly cooked egg with a red silicone spatula and pull it into the middle. Let the egg mixture cover up the pan’s bottom. Continue doing this to the other sides, until you can use the spatula to break up the eggs. That’s how you make the best scrambled eggs in the world. Brighter than the sun, fluffy and soft, warm and made with care. You taught me how to make eggs just like yours.
Pancakes are different. Letters imprinted onto one side, our initials and cute hearts. “Don’t press down on it.” She’s told me at least a hundred times, but I still do it anyway. I never knew why, but now I don’t press them down, no matter how tempting.
Cooking is fun. You can make multiple dishes at once, each one as tasty as the one before,
as memorable. Food is life. Life is food. We need food to survive and have energy for the rest of our day. But food always goes away. In my mouth, in my stomach, gone by the next day. It never stays forever. You were like food because you were warm and made me happy, but eventually left.
Lunch was good too. Corn tortillas with shredded cheddar cheese. It was mostly our hurry meal, when we needed something quick because we were going soon. You made it a lot faster but you were still patient with me. Warm quesadillas with fruit. No one else makes quesadillas like you did. No one else cuts them into little triangles. You're the only one that makes them exactly how I like it.
When I saw you again, I wanted to cry. I truly thought you would never show up in my life again. As soon as my eyes caught you, they started to tear up. It was a sudden reaction and you knew because you always know. You know me. I wanted to hug you and hold you close forever because I was so afraid when I let go, you would disappear for a long time, and I might really never see you again. We talked. How have I been, what I’ve been up to. It’s always about me for you. A lot has happened. A lot has changed. I really missed you. Why did you leave me?
When it was over, we hugged. Right then, it was beautiful and sad at the same time. We said goodbye, but not forever. We meet with each other sometimes. I don’t think the same way I did when you first left. I still miss you, but there’s no longer guilt or anger or sadness. There’s only memories, happy and sometimes a little sad. I hold on to and cherish them. Our memories don’t haunt me anymore, at least most of the time. You can’t get rid of certain feelings or thoughts even if you really want to. Still, they are my happy thoughts. Food is life. Life is food. So what if food doesn’t always come out the way I want, it’s a learning experience for me and in the end it might even taste good. I am an ever-changing human, growing and developing as I continue to live. You helped shape me. You are a part of who I am today. Everything you made for me, everything you said and taught me, it has all contributed to the person I am now. So I’ll follow the trail of breadcrumbs. I’ll pick them up, one by one and gently hold them in my hands. I’ll continue writing about everything I do remember, because these are some of the memories that have made me, me.
Thank you, thank you for the food and memories.
Could You Hug A Cactus? — Based on a collection of whimsical poems by Phillip Van Wagoner, this musical revue follows a group of kids as they create a show bursting with poems and creativity. One by one, they share their imaginative creations, until a nervous performer panics and refuses to contribute a poem. Can the cast help him shed self-doubt and ignite a creative spark?
Book by Jessica Penzias with Music and Lyrics by Denver Casado. ON STAGE: 7:30 p.m. May 5 and 6 and 2 p.m. May 7 at Salem’s Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE. Tickets are $20 | enlightenedtheatrics.org
Rabbit Hole — This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama written by David Lindsay-Abaire explores grief, family, forgiveness and love. ON STAGE: 7:30 p.m. May 4-6, 11-13 and 2 p.m. May 7 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Tickets are $17-$37 | pentacletheatre.org, 503-485-4300
Exit Laughing — When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the 'girls,' what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you’re three Southern ladies from Birmingham, you 'borrow' the ashes from the funeral home for the wildest, most exciting night of your lives, which involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you’re truly living. Written by Paul Elliott. ON STAGE: 7:30 p.m. June 9-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, July 1 and 2 p.m. June 11,
18 and 25 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Tickets are $17-$37 | pentacletheatre.org, 503-485-4300
Theatre 33’s New Play Summer Festival features three full workshop productions plus three pop-up readings. Attendance is by donation—suggested $15. Reserve your spot at www.theatre33.org to receive a reminder about the performances.
Solastalgia by Joye Otto — Somewhere in the west, as the environment burns, an owl, a deer, and a wolf meet up at their usual generator-powered bar to drink beers and lament the constant smoke, helicopters and road closures when a youngster with a Nintendo Switch decides to join them. ON STAGE: 7 p.m. June 8–10 and 2 p.m. June 10 & 11 at M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University
Pop-up Reading: The Cuckoo Song by Heldor Schafer — World War II is over and 23-year-old Kaija, accompanied by a young boy who seems to be her son, has fled her eastern European homeland. Although now married and living in post-war Germany, her sailor husband’s long absences make it difficult to adapt to a normal life. When yet another personal tragedy happens, she battles with both friends and foes, struggling to find out whether it is her imagination or the outside world that holds the keys to her reality. ON STAGE: 2 p.m. June 24 & 25 at Rogers Music Center at Willamette University
Working For Crumbs by Kate Danley — 7 p.m. July 13-15 and 2 p.m. July 15 & 16 at M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University
Pop-up Reading: The Great Bub by Nora Douglass — 2 p.m. July 22 at Capitol Auto Pavilion, 783 Auto Group Ave NE, and 2 p.m. July 23 at Rogers Music Center at Willamette University
The Names by Paul Lewis — 7 p.m. Aug 10–12 and 2 p.m. Aug 12 & 13 at M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University
Pop-up Reading: A Tale of Two by Angela Gyurko — 2 p.m. August 19 & 20 at Rogers Music Center at Willamette University
Watch
Foodies rejoice! The Salem Taco Crawl returns on May 5 to downtown. It’s a Cinco de Mayo taco adventure, or challenge, depending on how you look at it, with one ultimate goal: eat tacos.
For those unfamiliar with this epic adventure, it’s quite simple—walk around downtown, visit restaurants, order tacos, eat tacos, (tip and be nice), repeat.
Here are the participating restaurants (starts at 6 p.m.):
Azuls Taco House, 231 Court St NE (all ages)
Venti's Cafe + Beer Vault, 325 Court St NE (all ages)
Kraftworks Taphouse, 241 Liberty St NE (all ages until 9 p.m.)
The Coin Jam, 439 Court St NE (21 and older)
Los Toreros, 479 Court St NE (all ages)
Archive Coffee & Bar, 102 Liberty St NE (all ages)
Side Hustle Bar, 145 Liberty St NE (21 and older)
W. Wallace, 383 State St (all ages)
Masonry Grill, 120 Commerical St NE (all ages)
The Night Deposit Whiskey Library, 195 Commercial St NE (21 and older)
The Dehn Bar, 157 Commercial St SE (21 and older)
Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St NE (all ages)
While there are no tickets, we couldn’t help ourselves and created a Taco Passport so you can record your favorites and have something for your scrapbook to make the most of your delicious adventure.
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Skank the day away with live music by 5-piece ska/ rock/reggae band MONKEY, ska/reggae/soul band
The Bandulus, punk rock duo Cut-Rate Druggist, Latin skacore Los Mal Hablados and Pow Wow punk rockers 1876. Tix: Free-$20.
July 22 at Minto Island Growers | migfestsalem.com
This family-friendly celebration features a carnival, a concert with country band Alabama, food and beverages, and a free 20-minute fireworks show to wrap up the night. Prices start at $67 for concert tickets. VIP Zone is $5.
July 4 at Oregon State Fairgrounds oregonstatefair.org/spectacular
Take in four days of fun with hands-on activities, live music, demonstrations, and a variety of other familyfriendly entertainment all celebrating Marion County. Tix: Free-$9.
July 6-9 at Oregon State Fairgrounds | mcfair.net
Organized by Cherry City Bombers, this car show is open to American Pre-1965, traditional customs, hot rods, rat rods and more. The event also includes live music, a swap meet, charity raffle and more. Tix: $5; additional fee to enter car show.
July 15 at Oregon state Fairgrounds facebook.com/CherryCityBombersCC
Story by Carlee Wright |
When Ellen Yin (@missellenyin) quit her corporate marketing job five years ago, she didn’t plan on becoming an entrepreneur. But after landing her first freelance client, she realized she had a skillset she could leverage beyond working for someone else and the traditional 9-to-5.
Within the first 12 months, the then 23-year-old was bringing in six figures. As she became more involved in her new career, her focus shifted and she evolved into the role of media founder, educator and speaker/podcaster.
Ellen is the founder and host of Cubicle to CEO® (@cubicletoceo), a global Top 100 entrepreneurship podcast & media platform spotlighting the stories of women-owned businesses with the motto: “We ask successful entrepreneurs the business questions you can’t Google.” Her vision of financial transparency has built a unique trust with her audience as she shares her vulnerability and insights while normalizing conversations around money.
With an international audience of podcast listeners in 216 countries and national impact, Ellen has mentored more than 10,000 students through her online programs and her podcast has amassed more than half a million downloads. She understands the power of relationships and community connections, and aims to make a change in the media world, right from our own backyard.
So stop and take a moment to meet this media mover who’s making an impact in Salem and beyond.
What is your favorite thing about Salem?
My favorite thing about Salem is how welcoming and collaborative the small business community has been, as well as how relationally driven the people I surround myself with are. I feel like I run into a friend or familiar face anytime I'm out and about. I understand now what locals mean when they refer to Salem as a "big small town."
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem?
I love trying new coffee shops—the kind with character and an eclectic vibe, plus it’s such a great meeting place for connection and friends. I'm an extroverted introvert, so I like being in the energy of other people and the white noise of people watching and things happening around you. And I like going at odd times of the day, especially later in the evening, because it reminds me of sitting at a cafe in Paris late at night and people watching. Yeah, that's probably my favorite thing.
What is something unexpected that has changed about you in the past few years?
My vision for where my life can lead has expanded exponentially in the last few years. I left my corporate job because I knew it was not the right fit for me. When I first started my business, I had no grand plans for what I wanted to build. I started very small as a freelance social media manager and built that up to a boutique marketing agency, and since retiring that arm of our business, we now primarily serve women entrepreneurs as an online education and media company
Over the last few years, since starting my podcast, I’ve grown my community through online courses and expanded my network globally. I've been introduced to so many people and had so many different experiences traveling the world that it's
really opened my mind. The dream I have now is to build a media company that has the potential to change millions of women's lives and eventually get acquired by a larger media company with more resources.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
My original career choice, which is still a dream of mine, was to work as a TV personality, like a daytime television talk show host. I wanted to go into broadcast journalism. I have kind of created that world for myself with my podcast; obviously not at the same scale. Ultimately, it comes down to anything with people, a people-driven business I would do well with.
IG or FB?
Instagram. However, I do think people discount Facebook significantly and I actually love my Facebook community too, on my personal profile. It is an untapped gold mine—such a powerful driver of business. Same with LinkedIn.
Stories or Reels?
To watch or to create? Oh, this is so hard. I am so bad at questions where you have to just choose one. I enjoy creating Reels more than Stories.
Who is the person you most admire?
My sisters and my parents. For my sisters, I admire their dedication to their craft, they've been so focused on their dream of being writers and filmmakers. It's never changed. For my parents, I'm so inspired by the huge sacrifices they made to move to a brand new country where they had no roots, no support, to give me and my sisters a chance at better opportunities. I am so inspired by what they've created for themselves from nothing here and they've always been so selfless.
A childhood memory that's stuck with you?
Summer nights in our neighborhood with my sisters and the neighborhood kids. I just love the simplicity of summers as a child...laying in the grass and cloud watching or going to the library and getting lost in books all day. It's really the simple things of life for me that bring the most joy when I think back.
Favorite movie?
You're going to laugh at me. I don't really have a favorite movie in the sense that I think it’s the greatest cinematic masterpiece ever. But I think if I had to choose a favorite I could watch over and over again, I always go back to Parent Trap, the one with Lindsay Lohan. There’s something about the nostalgia of that movie for me. It's connected to core childhood happiness. I just love everything about that movie.
Favorite stage performance?
Definitely Taylor Swift. Not because she is the best vocalist in the world, I objectively and respectfully can discern that she is not, but I have been a Swiftie since I was 14 years old. I've grown up with her music and am in awe of her ability to storytell through her lyrics. It’s literally like a soundtrack to different seasons of my life. Having had decades plus growing up with her music, I just love the experience that she creates for her audience. She is a brilliant marketer; but in another life, I think she would have been one of the best marketers and publicists of all time. I think she just really understands audience and that connection piece.
Favorite book?
I love different books for different reasons. Anything that makes me think or look at the world a little bit differently is a book that I enjoy. Currently reading Love People, Not Things by The Minimalists.
Mixtape, a montage of Salem by Salem for Salem, is a series of images discovered when searching #PressPlaySalem on Instagram. (Tag your photos to share them with us!)
