“Our March Continued Toward Salem”: Salem’s most active engagement during the Civil War occurred on June 21, 1864 as retreating Federal forces under Major General David Hunter met Confederate cavalry under Brigadier General John McCausland at the Battle of Hanging Rock. On Thursday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Salem Museum, noted Civil War historian Alex Burke will discuss these important events in Salem’s history—the campaign leading up to the battle, the notable participants, and the eventual outcome of the conflict. This talk will be in-person, but will also be recorded for later viewing.
Bluegrass Sunday: On Sunday, July 16, Salem Presbyterian Church will hold a toe-tappin’, music-filled worship service featuring live—and lively—Bluegrass and Old Time music! The Bluegrass Sunday service begins at 10 am and the public is welcome. Salem Presbyterian Church is located in downtown Salem at the corner of Main and Market Streets. Some of the songs like “I’ll Fly Away” and “This Train is Bound for Glory” are Bluegrass gospel favorites, and others, such as a Sarah Jarosz cover of a Tom Waits’ song called “Come On Up To the House” might be new. Music will be provided by local musicians who have been playing Old Time and Bluegrass music in Roanoke for over 30 years. According to Chris Vogado, one of the pastors at Salem Presbyterian Church, “The service will be similar to any other Sunday service, but with more music and a few more scripture readings. As Psalm 150 says, ‘Praise God with banjo and flute…praise God with fiddles and mandolins!’ We’ll have more than a few of those folk instruments on July 16, and hope that the community can join in as we sing God’s praises!”
Jazz in July: “Jazz in July” is set to make its much-anticipated return to the Longwood Park Amphitheater Saturday, July 15 at 3:30 p.m. The free day of live music features an eclectic lineup that once again has been procured by local jazz aficionado Lenny Marcus. This year’s lineup includes Roscoe McFadden & Friends at 3:45 p.m., Jay Ware Quintet featuring Gracelyn Hedrick at 5:20 p.m., Michael Hawkins & The Brotherhood at 6:45 p.m. and Hoppie Vaughn & The Ministers of Soul at 8:10 p.m.
Salem Gun & Knife Sale: The event will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 15 and 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at the Salem Civic Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for those 12 and under with a paying adult.
2023 Movies at Longwood: “Lightyear” will be shown on July 21 at Longwood Park. The movie will begin at dusk, around 8:30 p.m., and admission is free for all ages.
Virginia Department of Education—Learn About the Apprenticeship Program: The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce will hold a workshop luncheon presented by Kim Radford, on the Career and Technical Education apprenticeship program and its impact on local students and employers. During this seminar, attendees will discover a world of exciting hiring opportunities made possible through the apprenticeship program. With Kim Radford’s expertise and insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the program operates, its benefits, and how to navigate its intricacies. It will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center on Aug. 1. Lunch will be provided to all attendees who registered for the workshop.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest S.G. Goodman: The event will be at the Salem Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. Tickets are $47.50, $62.50, $87.50 and $132.50.
2023 Movies at Longwood: “Sonic 2” will be shown at Longwood Park on Aug. 11. The movie will begin at dusk, around 8:30 p.m., and admission is free for all ages.
Pickin’ In The Park: The annual concert will be Saturday, Aug. 19. Junior Sisk will return for this year’s concert.
36th Annual Mopars In The Valley Car & Truck Show: The free event will be at the Salem Civic Center from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2.
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”: The event will be at the Salem Civic Center Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $42.
Theory of a Deadman and Skillet: The bands will perform at the Salem Civic Center on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $40.50.
Public meetings:
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m.