Event highlights from Jan. 9-15: Country and classic rock concerts, benefit for LA wildfire victims, comedian meetup Sub: Events in Salem this week include Riri Calienté’s monthly drag show, live music performances across genres and screenings of La La Land to benefit those affected by the Los Angeles fires. Each week on Wednesday, Salem Reporter highlights a few upcoming local events. For a more complete list, browse our events calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here. Here’s a roundup for the week from Thursday, Jan. 16, to Wednesday, Jan. 22. *Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation. Best Books of 2024 *Saturday, Jan 18: Three librarians from the Salem Public Library will share the best books of 2024 as voted on by patrons, library staff and critics in an engaging presentation. Copies of all books will be available to check out, and ASL interpretation will be offered. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will start at 1 p.m. and last approximately one hour. The library is located at 585 Liberty St S.E. A musical with a Shakespearian twist Thursday, Jan. 16, 17, 18: North Salem High School is performing “Something Rotten,” a musical based on the book by Kary Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. The comedy, recommended for ages 10 and above, follows the Bottom brothers, who struggle to find success in theater as they compete with the wild popularity of William Shakespeare. Performances are at 7 p.m. each day in the North Salem High School auditorium. Admission for adults is $10 and for students $7. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté Thursday, Jan. 16: Infinity Room hosts its monthly drag show, featuring a dining experience, signature cocktails and a performance by local drag queen Riri Calienté and other queens.Infinity Room is located at 210 Liberty St S.E. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $10, or at the door for $12 if available. Guests under 16 are permitted with a parent or guardian, and the venue becomes a +21 establishment at 10 p.m. More information and tickets available here. Live music Local bars and venues have a range of shows and concerts this week. Friday, Jan. 17: The Oregon Symphony is coming to Salem to perform Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with the help of Jimmy López Bellido, an artist notable for mixing Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes place in the Smith Auditorium of Willamette University. Admission ranges between $37 and $52 and tickets can be purchased online on the Oregon Symphony’s website.  *Saturday, Jan. 18: Come listen to some country and classic rock at Half Penny Public House, 3742 Commercial St. S.E. Influenced by legends like Merle Haggard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Crowes and ZZ Top, Portland band Huckle Buck Highway is determined to make music fans dance to all-time classics. Show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18: Local musical project Rustic Valley is playing at the Honky Tonk, 2275 McGilchrist St S.E. alongside artist Austin Gilbert, who will be kicking off the night. The genre-bending artists will bring new music and guarantee a wonderful night of dancing. Doors open at 8 p.m. $5 cover.  Saturday, Jan. 18: Infinity Room will host The New Mistakes (Salem-based progressive rock), Instaband (Willamette Valley-based groovy/jam/rock), and Sunwell (Salem-based progressive power phoenix). The venue offers a full kitchen and bar during the performances. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 purchased online in advance, $13 at the door. La La Land – a Los Angeles wildfires fundraiser Jan. 17, 18, 19: Salem Cinema is screening La La Land to help those affected by the Los Angeles fires. In the film, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart. Proceeds will go to the Entertainment Community Fund, which supports Los Angeles-area film, theatre, television and entertainment professionals.  The screening will start at 7:30 p.m. all three days. All seats cost $13 and the movie theater is located at 1127 Broadway St N.E. More information can be found on the Salem Cinema website. Joke Lab *Sunday, Jan. 19: Are you a comedian? Come join your fellow performers to hone your improv skills, practice your stage presence and provide mutual feedback. Hosted by Infinity Room, this event has no audience but is open to comedians looking to collaborate and enhance their skills. Water will be provided and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased. The event starts at 4 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Contact reporter Alan Cohen: [email protected]. A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE. The post Event highlights from Jan. 9-15: Country and classic rock concerts, LA wildfire benefit, comedian meetup appeared first on Salem Reporter.