Sing Along

While American Idol returns to television, crooners who think they could battle it out with the best can compete in Karaoke Idol at Lenora's Ghost through March 5.

The Independence venue hosts the event every Friday night. Singers who do not wish to be in the contest can still come out for fun. However, among those who compete each week one singer is chosen by a random as winner for that week. Weekly winners receive a $20 gift certificate and a earn a spot in the finals.

Part one of the finals is scheduled for March 13th where 16 finalist perform and the eight best continue on.

All singers are judged on talent, stage presence and audience response.

Though a million dollar contract is not up for grabs like on the reality show, the winner does receive a $1,000 cash prize.

For more information, call Lenora's Ghost at 503.838.2937.

Bands debut new music in Salem

Two Northwest bands are trekking south this winter to play show in celebration of their new music.

Phantom!, a punk rock band comprised on friends and musicians Chris Marsaglia, Tyrone Morato, Blake Ferrin, and Liam Neighbors based in Portland, play their CD release show at The Space on Jan. 8 from 7 -10 p.m.

Rishloo, a progressive/alternative rock band from Seattle, play at The Ike Box on Jan. 22 in conjunction with the release of their new CD, "Feathergun." Guitarist David Gillet, lead vocalist Andrew Mailloux, bassist Sean Rydquist, and drummer Jesse Smith play this party show with guest bands Motae and Enkrya from 7-11 p.m.

The concert is open to guests of all ages and costs $5.

"Feathergun," which features eleven tracks, is available for purchase on CD or digital download online at cdbaby, iTunes, and on the band's official Web site.

Nordic choir set to perform area concert

One of the country's most acclaimed collegiate choirs performs in concert on Jan. 19 in the Rogers Music Center on the campus of Willamette University.

Following the 57-year tenure of Weston Noble, Nordic Choir is currently under the direction of Craig Arnold. He previously served as music director of Manhattan Concert Productions and conductor of the New York City Chorale and Chamber Orchestra.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the world with seven choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and nearly 1,000 student musicians. Their Salem concert, sponsored by Willamette Master Chorus, features performances by the 74-member Nordic Choir.

The concert features “Praise to the Lord” arranged F. Melius Christiansen, “Immortal, Invisible” for choir and audience, arranged by Craig Courtney, “Jubliate Deo” by James Fritschel, “Unicornis Captivatur” by Ola Gjeilo, “Sanctus (from Mass)” by Frank Martin, “Hymn to the Eternal Flame” by Stephen Paulus, “Serenade to Music” by Ralph Vaughan Williams and more.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. and available online at www.luthertickets.com or by calling 1-800-4 LUTHER.