Hi Salem,
First, I need to get something off my chest.
Tuesday's newsletter was written by Rachel Alexander, not me. Her name is on the featured image and on the website, but it got left off the original email.
So to clear things up: some of you will be surprised to learn I am not, in fact, a derby girl.
Thank you for all the replies lately. The sheer number of responses to these recent emails confirms something I already suspected: this is a city full of people looking for their tribe.
Here's my recommendation: stop waiting and start showing up.
Volunteering is free, and it's soul-giving work. There's a ton of free stuff happening around Salem, too. (Rachel covered all of it last week, so I'll step off my soapbox.)
And I want your ideas: what should we write about in our Tuesday sends this September?
Looking forward to it.
Salem, we have two ways for you to help you get connected.
The WHS Community — our $20/quarter membership for people who want to go deeper: connect with fellow Salemites, swap recommendations, and get the inside scoop on the city.
The Dinner Club — take a quick quiz, get matched with five Salem folks, and meet for dinner at a spot revealed the morning of. No awkwardness, just good company.
Did you know I used to be a rapper?
I'm not joking. In my twenties, I toured up and down the West Coast and put out five albums under the name The Kid Espi. It was a blast, and I met a lot of great people along the way.
A while back, I pulled all of my music off streaming — partly because streaming pays almost nothing, but mostly because there was a lot in there I didn't love the idea of my kids listening to someday. 😅
Lately, though, I've been thinking about reposting an album with a few of my favorites.
What do you think — should I do it?
Should I upload an album filled with 7 or 8 or my favorites?
Want to get your business in front of 55k+ Locals? Click the button below and let’s talk!
🎭 What’s Happening at the Elsinore Next Month?
September is stacked at the Elsinore, with classic cinema, country, comedy, alternative rock and Broadway talent all taking the stage.
🎬 Silent Film Series: The General (1926)
Sun. Sep. 6 | 2:00PM | $11.77 Adults / $6.22 Children
See one of the great comedies of the silent era the way it was meant to be experienced. Buster Keaton stars as a Confederate train engineer caught in a frantic Civil War chase in The General, accompanied live by Rick Parks on the Elsinore’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
🤠 Terri Clark
Sun. Sep. 13 | 7:30PM | Tickets from $41.67
Country music legend Terri Clark brings more than three decades of hits to the Elsinore. The Grand Ole Opry member has sold more than five million albums and scored 13 Top 10 singles, including favorites like “Better Things to Do,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Girls Lie Too.” She has toured alongside Reba McEntire, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley and is a member of both the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
🎶 Matthew Morrison presents SHOW UP
Tue. Sep. 15 | 7:30PM | Doors 6:30PM | Tickets from $45
You know him as Will Schuester from Glee, but Matthew Morrison is stepping outside his characters for something much more personal. SHOW UP combines Morrison’s musical theater background, vocals and dance into what he calls “a car wash for your soul,” exploring music, movement, vulnerability and what makes us feel fully alive.
😂 Bobby Lee: The Finally Tour 2026
Fri. Sep. 18 | 7:00PM | Doors 6:00PM | Tickets from $39.50
From MADtv to Bad Friends and TigerBelly, Bobby Lee has built a career around hilariously unpredictable comedy. After decades across stand-up, television, movies and podcasting, Lee brings The Finally Tour to Salem for a night with one of comedy’s most recognizable personalities.
🖤 Chelsea Wolfe: THE DARK World Tour
Sat. Sep. 19 | 8:30PM | Doors 7:30PM | Tickets from $36.12
Get ready for something darker. Singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe brings THE DARK World Tour to Salem, showcasing the haunting sound that has made her a standout in alternative music. Wolfe’s work crosses gothic rock, folk, electronic and heavy metal, creating atmospheric music that has appeared everywhere from Game of Thrones to Fear the Walking Dead.
😂 Jon Lovitz
Sun. Sep. 20 | 7:30PM | Doors 6:30PM
Saturday Night Live legend Jon Lovitz comes to the Elsinore after more than 40 years in comedy. From iconic SNL characters like Tommy Flanagan and Master Thespian to A League of Their Own, The Wedding Singer, The Critic, The Simpsons and more than 40 films, Lovitz has built one seriously stacked comedy résumé.
🎸 Candlebox: Can’t Quit You Tour
Sun. Sep. 27 | 7:30PM | Doors 6:30PM | Tickets from $48.22
Close out September with a dose of '90s alternative rock. Seattle rockers Candlebox bring their Can’t Quit You Tour to Salem, backed by a catalog that includes massive hits like “Far Behind” and “You” and a debut album that sold more than four million copies worldwide. Detroit alternative rock band Sponge joins them for the night.
Sponsored by Kite String Consulting — my agency
A few of you keep asking what I do besides What's Happening Salem: I run a social media agency called Kite String Consulting. It started with me figuring it out every day and a handful of clients who told their friends. Now there's a real machine over here.
Here's what I believe: you're already great at running your business. Posting about it just isn't your job. Around Salem, the businesses that show up consistently — and sound like humans — are quietly lapping the ones winging it. That's the gap we close: real photos and video, social run for you, on-brand, on your budget.
We know this town because we are this town.
Have an event for us to feature? Submit your events HERE to get them added to the newsletter
⚾ Mavericks League Baseball
Tickets starting at $6
The championship series is here!
It is hard to believe the Maverick’s season is coming to an end. Don’t cry because it’s over… smile because it happened. :)
Championship Series:
Fri, Aug 28 | 6PM
Championship Game 1
Roto-Rooter Park
Sat, Aug 29 | 6PM
Championship Game 2
Roto-Rooter Park
Sun, Aug 30 | 6:30PM
Championship Game 3 (if needed)
Roto-Rooter Park
🎤 State Fair Concert Lineup
Fri. Aug. 28–Sun. Aug. 30 | 7:30PM | L.B. Day Amphitheatre
Three nights, three big shows! Concert admission is included with your Oregon State Fair ticket, so stick around after a day at the Fair and catch some live music.
🤠 Fri. Aug. 28 | Nate Smith
Country powerhouse behind “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire.”
🌊 Sat. Aug. 29 | Al Jardine + The Pet Sounds Band
Beach Boys classics and a celebration of 60 years of Pet Sounds.
🍻 Sun. Aug. 30 | Walker Hayes
Country-pop favorite and the man behind the smash hit “Fancy Like.”.
🏠 Sip & Shop: Found Open House
Fri, Aug. 28 | 4PM–8PM | Found, 341 Bush St SE
Heather & Grace invite you to spend Friday evening shopping, sipping, and finding a little inspiration for your home.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and treats while browsing beautiful décor, plus raffles, prizes, and special deals throughout the evening.
🎭 Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels
Fri, Aug. 28 | 7:30PM | Elsinore Theatre | Tickets from $44
Emmy winner Jane Lynch and The Office favorite Kate Flannery team up for a raucous evening of comedy, music, and mischief.
Expect powerhouse vocals, classic tunes, sharp banter, and plenty of surprises in a show that's part cabaret, part comedy, and all sass.
🎶 Concerts in the Park: Haley Johnsen & Erin Adkisson
Fri, Aug. 28 | 6:30PM–9PM | Riverfront Park | Free
Summer isn't done yet!
Haley Johnsen brings her blend of alt-pop and Americana to Riverfront Park with Erin Adkisson opening. Bring a blanket or low-back chair and enjoy another free evening of live music at Riverfront Park.
🚘 WVSR Annual Carousel Cruise Car Show
Sat, Aug. 29 | 8AM–3PM | Riverfront Carousel Park | Free to Attend
Hot rods, classics, modern muscle, motorcycles, rat rods, and more roll into Riverfront Park for the annual Carousel Cruise. Along with the cars, enjoy food trucks, vendors, raffles, a silent auction, valve cover races, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
🎉 Bingo Loco
Sat, Aug. 29 | 6PM | Salem's Historic Grand Ballroom | $35
This is definitely not your grandma's bingo night. Bingo Loco turns the Grand Ballroom into a full-blown party with throwback anthems, comedy, dancing, wild prizes, and its signature chaotic take on bingo.
💃 Noche de Cumbia: Group Lesson & Social Dance
Sat, Aug 29 | 8PM–12AM | Xicha Brewing Norte, 2195 Hyacinth St NE
Try a new hobby and meet some new people at Noche de Cumbia. Instructor Orlando Pacheco kicks off the night with a group lesson before DJ Cavaliere takes over for an evening of music and social dancing. All experience levels are welcome.
🎤 The Experience
Sat, Aug. 29 | 7PM–10PM | IKE Box Café | All Ages | $5 Cash / $7 Card
Tap into Salem's local hip-hop scene with live performances from Joey Ventura, Eggbaby, Jonesy, Oso, and IXIKK. The show is all ages with a 21+ bar available.
🍔 Burgers & Beats: Vintage Market & Block Party Part Two
Sun, Aug. 30 | 12PM–6PM | 120 Commercial St | Free
Send summer out with burgers, tacos, beats, and local shopping at the final market of the season. Browse small-business vendors, grab food from The Burger Joint and El Patron Taco Shop, and enjoy music from DJ Stickyohm, Nightshow & Friends.
Mykie's is shutting down the alley and serving 21+ drinks throughout the afternoon.
💃 Latin Dance Night at Honky Tonk
Every Tuesday | Lesson 8PM–9PM | Social Dancing 9PM–12AM | Honky Tonk Bar & Grill
Make Tuesday your new dance night. Salem Salseros & Bachateros host a weekly lesson followed by social dancing featuring salsa, bachata, cumbia, and more. Beginners are welcome, so come learn a few moves, meet some people, and dance the night away.
Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.
Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!
Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.
See you next Thursday,
Ernie