Storytime at Java Crew

Check out the new storytime at Java Crew on the corner of 12th and Fairview SE. Every Tuesday at 3pm for just $2 your child can enjoy a story, drink and cookie.

Salem Has A Lot to Offer

I have to make a confession. I was a bit disturbed when it was reported that then Governor-elect John Kitzhaber would be living in Portland, implying that Salem was a nothing to do in Salem. I understand not wanting to be far from his son and granted we don’t have the same bright lights as Portland, but we aren’t without things to do.

While we don’t have the Portland Art Museum, we do have the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Possibly one of Salem’s best kept secret treasures; John Olbrantz and his staff do a wonderful job bringing thoughtful changing exhibits to the museum while maintaining a permanent collection that celebrates the works of many of Oregon’s most noted artists and the Native Americans who originally settled this area. If you haven’t been you really should make a date to go (it’s even free on Tuesdays). We also have one of Oregon’s National Treasures at Mission Mill Museum and a top rated Children’s Museum at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village.

While we don’t have the same number of concerts, we do have the Oregon Symphony, yes THE Oregon Symphony performing the same repertoire they do in Portland for this nine concert series, at about half the price. Not to mention we have the Salem Chamber Orchestra, Willamette Master Chorus, Festival Chorale Oregon and a number of other wonderful performing arts groups that cannot be found in the city to our north.

But then I remembered that Salem has changed a lot since Dr. Kitzhaber’s last term of office; the carousel had just opened (he cut the ribbon), the Elsinore had yet to be restored and the World Beat Festival was in its infancy, and while he is resigned to maintaining his residence in Portland, and I respect his commitment to being close to his son, I hope you and he will find the time to visit a few of our gems over the next four years. For more information about these and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org, and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem.”

The New Year Is Off To a Great Start

I can’t believe that 2011 is already upon us. It was exciting seeing all of the holiday activities taking place throughout the last few weeks. While we will see a bit of a lull in the next few weeks in comparison, there is still a lot going on in Salem.

For film buffs, the Historic Elsinore Theatre will be showing Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush as part of their classic film series on January 12th. The movie begins at 7pm and will be accompanied by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. For those not into silent films, you can’t go wrong with the selection of films at Salem Cinema and it is a great chance to see some of the sure to be Oscar contenders as we enter into awards season. For more information about what is playing at Salem Cinema, visit www.salemcinema.com.

On Friday, January 14th, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem will offer venture away from their Tuesday night concert schedule to present the world renowned Emanuel Ax in a rare Salem performance. At just $48 for a top tier ticket, this is a tremendous value to see such a renowned performer and the Oregon Symphony has been at their top of their game all season. For tickets, visit www.absolutelytix.com or for more information visit www.orsymphonysalem.org.

On Tuesday, January 18th, the Smith Fine Arts Series in Monmouth has made a slight change to their performance schedule and Adam Del Monte, the 1997 winner of the Stotsenberg International Classical Guitar Competition will perform in the flamenco style as both traditional soloist and in a more contemporary flamenco style as part of his trio. Tickets for this concert may be purchased by contacting the box office at Smith Auditorium on the Western Oregon University campus at 503-838-8333.

For more information about these and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org, and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem.”

It's Not Too Late To Support the Arts

ArtSmart is a collaborative non-profit working with our area's arts, culture and heritage groups to spread the word of all the great things there are to do right here in Salem. Over the past six years ArtSmart has grown from being "the folks who produce that calendar," to an organization providing workshops and educational opportunities to non-profit leaders from around the region in addition to being a vital link between the arts community and our educational institutions as well as an integral partner with the business community. Throughout this growth, ArtSmart has maintained its grassroots mission of promoting and enhancing the arts, culture and heritage opportunities in the greater Salem area while supporting art education for students of all ages.

Many of our area cultural organizations are small and the help they are afforded through their partnerships with ArtSmart are immeasurable. The connection to the schools and greater Salem community for these groups is vital as has been stated by our mayor, Janet Taylor and Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mike McLaran. ArtSmart brings these groups together and discusses information vital to their efficiency, networking and promotion.


As we are approaching the end of 2010, we hope that you will join us in celebration of the arts in our community by making a tax-deductible donation to ArtSmart as part of your year end-giving.

Make your tax deductible donation online now at https://www.artsmartsalem.com/donation.aspx or send a check payable to ArtSmart to 707 13th St SE Suite 114, Salem OR 97301

Need Some Help With Your Holiday Shopping?

We have conquered Black Friday and Cyber Monday and have all the socks we need for the next year.

We have been caroling and seen carolers, attended a variety of holiday programs and consumed horrific amounts of egg nog. We have wandered the malls and shops and what we are lacking now is that one unique gift that will make the holiday special for someone near and dear.

For the music lover in your life, you might want to check out the new holiday CD released by the McNary High School choirs. This professionally recorded CD is available at Uptown Music, Salem and Keizer branches of Willamette Valley Bank as well as at McNary High School. Part of the proceeds will go to fund future recording efforts of schools and students in the Salem-Keizer School District; for $10 you really can't go wrong adding this to your holiday purchases.

There is also Glazing Ice, a holiday CD released last year by the Willamette Master Chorus. Available from chorus members or at willamettemasterchorus.org, this is another must for your holiday music collection.

For those who would enjoy a live performance, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem is running a holiday special that allows concert lovers to purchase tickets to their remaining concerts for a fraction of the regular series prices.

Ticket prices range from $150 for five concerts to $50 for two concerts. This special pricing ends Dec. 22 and tickets may be purchased from the business office by calling (503) 364-0149.

If music isn't what you are looking for, the Salem and Keizer Art Associations each have holiday showcases going right now with some incredible art and gift items from local artisans.

For more information visit www.artsmartsalem.org.

Wherever your holidays take you we hope they are happy.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Performs String Favorites

The Salem Chamber Orchestra may have scaled back their season this year, but they certainly haven’t scaled back their performances. When they take the stage in Hudson Hall for their Orchestral Strings Favorites concert on November 21st at 3pm, they will celebrate some of the great works written for strings.

The orchestra will be under the direction of guest conductor Huw Edwards who is currently the Music Director for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. SCO principal flute, Sarah Tiedemann will also enjoy the spotlight as she performs Rutter’s Suite Antique with the orchestra.

In keeping with a tradition started a few years ago to encourage young musicians, some of Salem/Keizer’s finest advanced strings students will be joining the orchestra for a side by side performance of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. While the work in the classroom provides students with the technical skills they need, it is opportunities such as these; working with professional musicians, that help them develop their musicianship.

For those of you who can’t make the Sunday matinee performance, the Saturday dress rehearsal will also be open to the public. Tickets for the dress rehearsal, which will also take place in Hudson Hall, are $5 for adults and $3 for students, available at the door. Tickets for the concert are $15 -$25 (student ticket pricing is also available) dependent on seating and are available at the door or for best selection at absolutelytix.com. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Can We Build It? Yes We Can!

I was recently reading an article in The Oregonian about the Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s visit to Salem. The main purpose of the article was to get folks to visit the Nightmare Factory, but what struck me was how the television crew marveled at the spirit of volunteerism we have in our community. As they were on such a tight deadline to get the build done in a week, they probably didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the way this community has rallied to build and restore some wonderful landmarks and programs.
The backyard at A. C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, and the Return to Grandeur of the Historic Elsinore Theatre are just a few examples of the way our community has come together to build something great. We came together again, to let people know that we didn’t want Meth in our neighborhoods and to help the United Way reach their campaign goals over the last three years. We have a tremendous sense of community pride and when it comes to that question asked by Bob the Builder, “Can We Build It?” The answer is “Yes We Can!” The real question is can we sustain it?
Once the dust has settled, we need to continue to support the great treasures we have here, from the physical structures to the wonderful programs that take place throughout the greater Salem area. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s make sure it is here for the generations come. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”