SALEM IS MOPO MUSIC rhythms of the region If you love music, you’re in the right place. Salem and the surrounding area have a thriving and diverse musical scene. Whether you’re into string quartets, rock concerts or global music, here’s where to experience inspiring performances by local greats, as well as lauded national and international acts. PROFILE MAKE MUSIC SALEM Each year on the summer solstice, Salem comes alive with the sound of music. Inspired by France’s “Fête de la Musique,” Make Music Salem is a citywide celebration that invites musicians of all styles and skill levels to perform in parks, plazas, cafes, outside of restaurants — even on sidewalks. Nearly every block downtown is filled with music, and more than 230 performers jam at over 50 venues, making this the state’s largest free music festival. In 2026 Salem will join over 1,000 cities around the world to celebrate this one-of-a-kind community event on June 21. From rock and jazz to folk, classical, hiphop and electronic music, there will be something for every listener. The melodic day wraps up with a high-energy silent disco at Riverfront Park — grab your headphones and get ready to dance the night away. MakeMusicSalem.org Catch the Salem Symphonic Winds for inspiring classical programs and their popular annual summer pops concert in wine country. Classical-music enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Oregon Symphony in Salem, performed at Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School and featuring performances ranging from Beethoven’s “Eroica” to standout vocalists backed by an orchestra. The locally grown Salem Orchestra is a collection of talented young professionals that performs unique iterations of everything from Mozart to ’70s psychedelic music. The Salem Philharmonia Orchestra is a community symphony that holds mesmerizing piano, cello and classical performances at the East Salem Community Center. Founded by three Oregon songwriters, She’s Speaking holds live concerts around town with stellar lineups that put women musicians in the spotlight. During the summer, the Spirit of Oregon Stage at the Oregon State Fair features performances from top local musicians. The main stage has also attracted legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton in the past. The volunteer members of the Willamette Master Chorus perform a soul-stirring vocal concert series each season in the Salem area. The community Festival Chorale Oregon ensemble performs masterworks such as Brahms’ “Liebeslieder Walzer” at venues around Salem. If men’s a cappella is more your style, the talented Oregon SenateAires chorus is simply joyous. At Western Oregon University in Monmouth, the worldclass Smith Fine Arts Series offers an annual lineup of high-caliber performances from all over the country, including indie folk, Latin fusion and ukulele rock. For a bigger stage, downtown Salem’s Elsinore Theatre is a wonderfully restored former 1926 vaudeville venue that has acoustics you can feel. It regularly features local musicians, as well as Broadway musicals and tribute rock and pop bands. Also in downtown Salem, the Historic Grand Theatre was originally built by the Odd Fellows in 1900. With only 402 seats, it’s an amazing place to see an intimate musical performance that will knock your socks off. Benma 17 TravelSalem.com
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