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.”