Salem is just ... Salem. That usually comes with a shrug. Some of the population looks at Portland and wonders why Salem can't be more weird. Another large chunk of the population moves to Eugene or Portland and squeals from afar about how Salem is lame. The other part is fine with the way that things are. Nice and mellow. No nightclubs. What music there is continues to struggle. Empty seats at the independent movie house. A relatively empty conference center. An armory that is ignored except for a handful of times each year.

Wasteland, an all-ages music venue who has brought in a lot of acts on a regular basis, recently posted on their Facebook page about their financial struggles.

"I am writing a check for rent today. I hope people come to tonight and tomorrow's show at Wasteland and the bank doesn't call to tell me I owe them and the check bounced. Hardcore tonight and tomorrow, death metal Saturday."

When Salem Weekly spoke with Wasteland's owner, Jared Sheridan, he pointed out that that he couldn't pay any of his staff, nor himself.

"Getting into music to make money is one of the worst ideas ever," he said. "But work is fun. I like working while listening to the music."

It's not just death metal fanatics that are going to be suffering. Loretta Miles, owner of Salem Cinema, sent out a newsletter to her mailing list, announcing a crisis of epic proportions.

"I am struggling. I know you love my theater, I know you appreciate my film selections but if Salem Cinema's destiny is not to be the same as that of our once beloved Jackson's Bookstore I need to see you more often," her email said.

She goes on to say that she, too, loves what she does. "Only with your contributions and support will I make it through this crisis and be allowed to continue to enhance to your life one captivating movie moment after the next. I need you now more than ever."

At some point love of the work, whether cinema, music, or something else, becomes staring at the bank balance and wondering where all of the hipsters complaining about culture in Salem are. Fighting the good fight ends each day looking at the dwindling account balance.

There has been a uptick in complaints of how lame Salem is recently. But there's nothing new to report. It's the same thing over and over again. People complain, they go to Portland and then come back just in time to complain again. Culture just is; you can't make it, but you can show up for it. If you're happy going to Portland, stop complaining about it. Salem is just your crash pad between trips up I-5. But if you really care about it, go out and support entertainment and nightlife here at home. Show up. Now. OMG! WTF, Salem?