Kat Kem - Bringing the Holidays to Life Through Music

Meet Kat Kem

The holiday season in Salem has a new tradition thanks to Kat Kem’s vision: Holidays at the Mall.

When construction closed the Oregon State Capitol, where students once performed each December, Kat was determined to find another stage. The Salem Center Mall became that space, and three years later, it’s a growing tradition that brings music and community together. 

This year, teachers were reaching out to me in August asking for the sign-up sheet. It’s clear students and teachers alike look forward to it.
Kat Kem, Program Associate, Music & Theater Arts

The event has also resonated with the community. From mall walkers adjusting their routines to listen, to people like Fred, a North Salem graduate who takes the bus every day just to enjoy the performances, the music creates moments of connection. Even the mall’s Santa has joined in, coming to work early to catch kids singing.

Kat’s work goes beyond music—it’s about inclusion and celebration. Students perform songs that reflect a variety of cultures and languages, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more.

Teachers encourage students to share their own traditions, and the diversity on display is something Kat is especially proud of. “I grew up celebrating both Jewish and Christian holidays, and I learned how meaningful it is to feel like you belong to a community,” she shared.

For Kat, this event is about more than the holiday season. It’s about inspiring connection, teaching empathy, and bringing people together through music. “It’s not the holidays without traditions like this,” she said. “Music has a way of creating community, and I’m honored to see our students bring that joy to others.”