Mother of Salem

RiRi Calienté

     RiRi Calienté is one of the most well-known drag performers in the Mid-Valley area. Although most known by her iconic stage name, she is known outside performances as Richard Arias Jr. Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, he was later raised and schooled in Marysville, California. Arias and his good friend Dwayne Wood were two of the only males to try out for the cheer team, resulting in discrimination and bullying from those around them. However, after graduation, the two decided to move to Portland, Oregon, following Arias' parents as they moved to Salem. It was there that Wood sparked the idea for him to start drag, upon noticing how animated he'd become while cleaning to music. On his deathbed in 2003, after his long battle with HIV, Wood asked Arias to promise he would. It wasn't until ten years later that Arias began performing. 

    On July 29, 2012, Arias made his first debut as RiRi Calienté at the Southside Speakeasy. During the show, she was able to impress drag queen FabuLanza to join the cast of F'n Drag Time. Ever since this day, Calienté has been known as the Mother of Salem. She has gone on to raise thousands for local charities, including Salem's HIV & AIDS prevention, and maintained her title as Miss Southside Speakeasy for years. 

    

The 2024 Halloween Experience:

    On Halloween night, Calienté hosted a pop-up drag show at the Southside Speakeasy in Salem, Oregon. As part of the 2024 Halloween Experience, the bar also hosted a costume and carved pumpkin contest for a cash prize. They decorated in advance for the Dia de los Muertos celebration the following evening, making it the first event of its kind. There was a specially made Ofrenda for the occasion where guests were encouraged to pay respects to their loved ones.