360 April 3 2014 full

Tommy Castro & the Painkillers – back at the Muse PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday April 3, 2014

Tulip Festival

Reviews

Movies

The complete rundown on where to go and what to see

Music: Shakira, Jerrod Niemann Video Games: “The Last of Us”

“Winter Soldier” lacks lump-in-throat heart of first “Captain America”

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PAGES 8-9

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”: Like the proverbial pony supposedly buried under a mountain of manure, there are some funny comedy moments to this sequel that was almost a decade in the making. The only problem is getting through all of that stinky material to find the gems.

Will Ferrell reprises his role as the socially inept, emotionally awkward, journalistically impaired news anchor Ron Burgundy. Through a series of relatively bland events, Burgundy finds himself working at the first 24-hour news channel. The idea sounds absurd to him, but the money and fame are too much to turn down.

Early in the movie, when Burgundy has been reduced to being a SeaWorld host, a young girl shouts “Children and animals hate you, Ron Burgundy.”

That’s wrong, little girl. It’s children, animals and at least one film critic when it comes to this overdone sequel.

“Power Rangers: Seasons 13-17”: The 21-DVD box set includes the “Power Rangers S.P.D.” season along with “Power Rangers Mystic Force,” “Power Rangers Operation Overdrive,” “Power Rangers Jungle Fury” and “Power Rangers RPM.” That means there are 166 episodes of action, plus bonus content that includes interviews with members of the cast and crew and archival material.

“Ride Along”: A high school security guard (Kevin Hart) must prove his worth on patrol.

“47 Ronin”: Keanu Reeves stars in this tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenge the death of their master.

“The Pirate Fairy”: Swashbuckling animated tale of Zarina, a dust-keeper fairy.

“The Bunker”: A soldier must attempt to save his fellow troops from a rogue special forces unit led by a madman.

“Knights of Badassdom”: Three best friends take to the woods to re-enact a dungeons and dragons-like scenario.

“The Dick Van Dyke Show: Classic Mary Tyler Moore Episodes”: Includes 20 episodes of the TV series that spotlight Moore.

“No Holds Barred”: An evil executive creates a new wrestling program where rules don’t exist.

“The Dinosaur Experiment”: Texas town is turned upside down when it’s discovered that a local cattle ranch is a breeding ground for velociraptors.

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: APRIL 8 August: Osage County - Anchor Bay Best Night Ever - Magnolia Grudge Match - Warner The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - New Line Justin Bieber’s Believe - Universal Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones - Paramount

Coming Up / Page 5

APRIL 15 Better Living Through Chemistry - Universal Black Nativity - Fox The Invisible Woman - Sony The Nut Job - Universal Philomena - Anchor Bay Ride Along - Universal The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Fox APRIL 22 Barefoot - Lionsgate Big Bad Wolves - Magnolia The Suspect - Image APRIL 29 Bad Country - Sony Devil’s Due - Fox Gimme Shelter - Lionsgate Labor Day - Paramount The Legend of Hercules - Summit / Lionsgate Locker 13 - Arc The Rocket - Kino

Battlefield Band plays the Conway Muse tonight

Inside

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“American Experience: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”: A look at the real story of the famous outlaws.

“Seal Team 8: Behind Enemy Lines”: Covert team of U.S. Navy SEALs is sent to locate a secret mining operation.

“At Middleton”: Two people find love on a college campus. Andy Garcia stars.

“The Little Rascals Save the Day”: A group of third-graders hatch some big schemes. Doris Roberts stars.

“Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda”: Documentary on the country’s stand against LGBT men and women.

“George Gently: Series 6”: Martin Shaw stars in the murder-mystery series set in England.

“Birds of Paradise”: Animated adventures of a sparrow who becomes extraordinary.

“The Bag Man”: John Cusack film about a low-rent thug who ends up in big trouble. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com, vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tulip Festival Events........................... 4 Get Involved........................................ 6 At the Lincoln...................................... 7 Music, Video Game Reviews...........8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up....................10-11 Travel............................................12-13 Hot Tickets........................................ 14 Movie Reviews, Listings..............16-17 Out & About.................................18-19 Cover photos: Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald

Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E3

ON STAGE

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers set to rock the Muse once again Skagit Valley Herald staff

When Tommy Castro played at the Conway Muse two summers ago, he briefly stopped his performance after a few songs to marvel at the setting.

It was a flawless August afternoon in the Northwest, Mark DuFresne had just turned a blistering opening set, the venue had a light but timelessly American scent of freshly cut grass and barbecue smoke, and Castro’s band had ripped through its opening numbers.

“I’ve never been here before, but I like it,” Castro said.

That kind of enthusiasm has driven Castro for decades, and he and his band, the Painkillers, return to the Muse’s Renaissance Room for a performance Saturday, April 5.

The band’s latest album is “The Devil You Know” on Alligator Records, the legendary blues label from Chicago. It’s a high-burning mixture of Castro’s legendary ingredients: slamming rhythm and blues, topped by soaring vocals and searing guitar work.

Castro, who has been touring and performing for more than 30 years, is surrounded by a top-shelf band: bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardings James Pace and drummer David Tucker.

Skagit Valley Herald file

Tommy Castro performs in 2012 at the Conway Muse.

Castro, who was born in San Jose, Calif., in 1955, has shared stages and studios with the highest level of R&B artists, including B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Debbie Davies, Rick Estrin, Marcia Ball, Tab Benoit and Mike Finnigan, many of whom guest on “The Devil You Know.”

The band’s previous Alligator release, “Hard Believer,” and subsequent touring earned Castro his second B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award from the 2010 Blues Music Awards.

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5 Where: Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway Tickets: $25; www.brownpapertickets.com/event/586175; 360-445-3000.

Stefan Falke photo

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

DISPLAY GARDENS April 3-10: Check out display gardens filled with blooming tulips and more: Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $5, free for ages 10 and younger. No pets. 360-424-8152.

Roozengarde, 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. $5, $4 military with ID, free for ages 10 and younger. No pets. 360-424-8531.

Azusa Farm and Gardens, 14904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Display gardens, plants, flowers, art and more. 360-424-1580.

Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Gardens, greenhouses, art and more. 360-4663821.

Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Gardens, gifts, cafe and more. 360424-6760.

WSU Discovery Garden, 16650 Highway 536, Mount Vernon: Dawn to dusk daily. Gardens showcasing plants that do well in the Pacific Northwest. Docents are on hand to answer gardening questions on the weekends.

KIWANIS 27TH ANNUAL SALMON BARBECUE April 5-10: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Alder grilled salmon with baked potato, coleslaw, garlic bread, beverages and dessert. $12 adults, $10 child/senior plate. Visa/MC accepted. Groups of 15 or more, call for reservations 360-202-0926 or kiwanisbbq.com.

POSTER SIGNING Tulip Festival poster artist Luke Tornatzky will sign 2014 festival posters and offer other artwork: Saturday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon. n Sunday, April 6: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RoozenGaarde, 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon.

MASTER GARDENER ‘STEP-ON GUIDES’ Have a WSU Skagit County Master Gardener act as your tour guide to the Skagit Valley. For res-

The museum’s collections include contemporary art from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia. Free admission. 360-466-4446 or mona museum.org.

31st annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival APRIL 3- 10 w For the full month’s listing of events, maps and directions, visit tulipfestival.org ervations, email tonitulip@ comcast.net.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM April 3-10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 8:30 to 10 a.m. toddler Tuesday, 550 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington. Activities for ages 10 and younger. $5.25. Free for ages younger than 1. 360-7578888.

Tuesday, April 8: Enjoy free admission during the museum’s monthly free day.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM April 3-6, 8-10: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday, Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Featuring “100 Years of Fashion” through April 28. $5 adults, $4 seniors and ages 6-12; $10 families. Free for members and ages 5 and younger.

360-466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/ museum.

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART April 3-10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, MoNA, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

LA CONNER SCULPTURE TOUR April 3-10: Area artists display their work at various sites around La Conner. Maps available at La Conner Chamber of Commerce and participating merchants. Free.

360-466-3125.

ANACORTES QUILT WALK April 3-10: See a wide variety of quilts and wearable art garments on display in downtown Anacortes businesses during regular shop hours. Maps available at participating businesses and the Anacortes Visitors Center. Free.

360-333-9311 or fidalgoisland quilters.com.

DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON ART WALK April 3-10: Check out original artworks on display along Fairhaven Avenue in downtown Burlington. Tour brochures are available at the Visitor Information Center, 520 E. Fairhaven. Continues through April 30. Free. 360-7559717 or 360-757-0994.

LA CONNER IN BLOOM: TULIP QUILT CHALLENGE April 3-10: Check out tulipthemed quilts and fiber artworks at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Created and donated by area quilters, all quilts are for sale with proceeds to benefit restoration and repairs to the Gaches Mansion’s picket fence. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Admission: $7, $5 students and military with ID, free for members and ages 11 and younger. 360-4664288 or laconnerquilts.com.

ART BASH April 3-10: Art League North’s annual Fine Art Multi-Media Exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the upstairs gallery at The Farmhouse Restaurant, 13724 La Conner-Whitney Road, Mount Vernon. Free admission.

360-466-0382 or artleaguenorth. com.

ART IN A PICKLE BARN April 3-10: Azusa Farm & Gardens, 14904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon. The 25th annual Skagit Art Association show features award-winning art in a variety of media. Free admission. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 360-424-1580 or skagitart.org.

J & L ART SHOW April 3-10: Check out the fifth annual art show at Tulip Valley Winery & Orchard, 16163 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. Local artists will show work in a variety of media. Meet the artists at a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free admission and parking.

360-708-3170 or facebook.com/ JLArtShow.

SPRING ART SHOW April 3-6, 9-10: Clayton James, Maggie Wilder and Marty Rogers are the featured artists in the annual Spring Art Show at the River Gallery, 19313 Landing Road (off of Dodge Valley Road), Mount Vernon. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The show also includes works by more than two dozen other local artists. 360-466-4524 or river gallerywa.com.

ART AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE April 4-10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Members of the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild offer a variety of original artworks and demonstrations at the historic 1888 schoolhouse at Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360466-3821 or stanwoodarts.com.

‘BEST OF THE FEST’ April 4-10: The Anacortes Arts Festival will present the “Best of the Fest” art show, opening with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4, and continuing through April 12 at 611 R Ave., Anacortes.

This invitational show features work by some of the best artists from the annual Anacortes Arts Festival, coming up Aug. 1-3.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free admission. 360-293-6211 or anacortesartsfestival.com.

See FESTIVAL, Page E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E5

COMING UPin the area Battlefield Band in concert HISTORIC HOME TOUR The Skagit County

Historical Museum will present its fourth Historic Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in Edison. Visit Victorian homes, a former church that is now a private residence, a telephone exchange building that is now a gallery and many more — 11 stops in all. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of event, and are available at The Farmhouse, Gretchens and Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon; Stowe’s in Burlington; Smith & Vallee Gallery in Edison; at the museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner; or online at skagitcounty. net/museum. 360-466-3365.

ART IN BLOOM The Anacortes Arts Festival will present “Art in Bloom: An Evening of Color” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Depot Arts and Community Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes.

Enjoy creative food and spirits and silent and live auctions, including a “Collectors’ Auction” of pre-owned artwork. $40 per person includes light dinner, two drink tickets and entertainment discounts. Proceeds benefit youth cultural art through a partnership with the Anacortes School District. 360-293-6211.

OSO MUDSLIDE BENEFIT A benefit concert and art auction will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes. Performers include Ben Starner, Lane Fernando, Fidalgo Swing, Knut Bell, Jacob Navarro, Stilly River Band and more. An auction will feature works by Anne Martin McCool, Beki Killorin, Terry MacDonald and others.

Event proceeds and donations of cash, food and clothing will benefit victims of the recent Oso mudslide. 360-293-3515.

Battlefield Band will play traditional Scottish music at 7 p.m. today at the Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main in Conway.

The band’s most recent album, “Room Enough For All,” won Album of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

Battlefield Band has been performing for more than 40 years.

Puirt na Gael will perform Celtic music in the Parlor before the concert. $29. 360-4453000 or www. brownpapertickets.com/ event/586168.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

GET INVOLVED ART

artcenter.com.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Mount Vernon Downtown Association is developing a roster of artists from all media interested in showing their art in downtown Mount Vernon galleries and businesses during a variety of 2014 Art Walks.

Art will be displayed during open hours at participating businesses, with a gala opening advertised in print and social media.

For information, email dep. mvda@gmail.com.

ART CLASSES: Sign up for a variety of art classes at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. To register, stop by the Stanwood Camano Art Guild’s cooperative gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 360-6292787 or stanwoodcamanoarts.com.

FIBER ART WORKSHOP: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. Design and make your own small rug or ART CLASSES wall hanging using Australian Locker Hook, which FAMILY ART DAYS AT involves hooking fleece or MoNA: The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First material through cotton St., La Conner, offers Fam- canvas to create a durable, reversible textile object. ily Art Days each month.

Sessions are open to ages 5 $75, includes materials. and older at all skill levels 360-466-4446 or mona museum.org. and include guided walkthroughs of exhibitions.

Limited to 15 participants AUDITIONS per session. Workshops “ENCHANTED APRIL”: are free, but registration is 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and required. 360-466-4446 or Tuesday, April 7-8, Whidmonamuseum.org. bey Playhouse, 730 SE Next up: Midway Blvd., Oak Har“Landscape Painting”: bor. Parts are available for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to three men and five women.

4 p.m. Saturday, April 12.

Auditioners for the part This acrylic painting work- of Costanza should use shop will focus on foretheir best Italian accent. ground, middle ground and All others are asked to use background, taking inspira- their best English accent tion from the landscape (but it is not required). paintings in the John Cole Rehearsals for the exhibit. romantic comedy will run “Whimsical Animals through part of April and with Mixed Media”: 11 May, with performances a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. the first three weekends in Saturday, May 10. Learn June. Scripts are available how to draw whimsical ani- for preview at the playmals by using basic shapes house. as you work with waterFor information, call colors, pens, pencils, paints 360-679-2237, email and everyday materials office@whidbeyplayhouse. from around the house. com or visit whidbeyplayhouse.com.

ART CLASSES: Dakota Art Center offers a variety SHELTER BAY CHORUS: of art classes and workPractices are held from shops at 17873 Highway 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. every 536, Mount Vernon. 360Thursday at the Shelter 416-6556, ext. 5, or dakota Bay Clubhouse in La

Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident. 360466-3805.

Anacortes.

Keynote speaker Dr. Deborah Kelley, professor at the University of Washington School of OceanogWOMEN SING FOURraphy, will present “Deep PART HARMONY: Join Ocean Vents.” Choose Harmony Northwest from a variety of presenChorus from 7 to 9:30 tations and interpretive p.m. every Monday at the walks offered by local and Mount Vernon Senior Cen- regional experts. Up to 4.5 ter, 1401 Cleveland Ave. clock hours are available to Seeking women who like certified Washington state to sing a cappella music. teachers.

All skill levels welcome.

Preregistration required by today, April 3, at fidalgoacademy2014.eventbrite.

ON STAGE com. More information: ANACORTES OPEN news@skagitbeaches.org or MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, skagitbeaches.org.

Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., AnaBOATING COURSE: The cortes. 360-293-2544.

Skagit Bay Sail and Power Squadron will offer AmerOPEN MIC: Jam Night, ica’s Boating Course from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thurs7 to 9 p.m. Mondays and days, Conway Pub & EatWednesdays, April 7-23, at ery, 18611 Main St., Conthe Anacortes Marina. way. 360-445-4733.

The Coast Guard- and state-approved course RECREATION qualifies attendees for the Washington Boater EducaTRAIL TALES: Friends tion Card and for insurof Skagit Beaches lead a series of informative walks ance discounts. Boaters along the Tommy Thomp- age 59 and younger were required to have the card son Trail in Anacortes.

by Jan. 1. $55, $65 for two skagitbeaches.org. sharing a book. For more information or to register, TULIP RUN/WALK: contact Paul Rosetter at 5-mile run or 2-mile run/ 360-595-1083 or email paul. walk, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, rosetter@gmail.com.

April 5, Skagit Regional Airport, 15400 Airport MEN’S SPRING BASDrive, Burlington. RegisKETBALL LEAGUE: Skagit ter in advance or day of County Parks & Recrerace starting at 7:30 a.m.

Advance registration: $13, ation’s 2014 Men’s Spring Open Basketball League or $24 with shirt. Free for play begins on Tuesday, ages 14 and younger and April 8, and Thursday, 70 and older. Shirt only, April 10, at Skagit Val$11. Day of race: $22, $33 ley College. Registration with shirt. Shirt only, $13. is limited to the first 12 360-540-1611 or tuliprun. teams. For information, com. call 360-336-9339 or visit SHORELINE ACADEMY: skagitcounty.net/parks.

Friends of Skagit Beaches COED VOLLEYBALL will host the third annual LEAGUE: Skagit County Fidalgo Shoreline Academy from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Spring Adult Coed the Fidalgo Bay Resort, 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Volleyball League. Games

begin on Wednesday, April 9, and Friday, April 11. For information, call 360-3369414 or visit skagitcounty. net/parks.

1 p.m. Saturdays, April 5-26, in the Star Studio at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. This course will offer basic actKIDS’ VOLLEYBALL ing instruction as well as LEAGUE: Mount Vernon more detailed training Parks and Recreation for the experienced actor, is accepting registration including a brief history through Friday, April 11, of drama, how to use your for its third- and fourthtalents to your advantage, grade Skagit Spikers Intro- how to audition, what ductory Volleyball League. happens during rehearsThe three-week introducals and performances and tory league begins May 1 more. There will be a class and includes four practices performance on the last and three game days. Reg- day. $30, $15 playhouse istration: $48-$50, includes members. team T-shirt. 360-336-6215.

For information, contact Stan Thomas at 360-675SPRING PLANT WALKS: 0574 or the Whidbey PlayThe Washington Native house, 360-679-2237.

Plant Society hosts plant walks from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at area parks. For WORKSHOPS SPRING BREAK information, call Ann at CAMPS: The Children’s 360-293-3044 or Susan at Museum of Skagit County 360-659-8792. will host morning and Next up: afternoon Spring Break April 8: Rosario Head at Deception Pass State Camps for ages 3-9 Park. Meet near the park through Friday, April 4, at entrance west of the Bow- the museum, 550 Cascade man’s Bay park entrance Mall Drive, Burlington. off Rosario Road. Enjoy The camps feature a varian easy hike with little ele- ety of hands-on activities vation gain through rocky with a different theme headland and sheltered for each session. $10 per woods. session; members save 10 percent.

FRIENDS OF THE FORFor information or to EST HIKES: Join Friends of register, call 360-757-8888 the Forest for scenic hikes or visit skagitchildrens in the forest lands around museum.net.

Anacortes. Free. For information, call 360-293-3725 SPRING BREAK DAY or visit friendsoftheacfl.

CAMPS: Burlington Parks org. and Recreation offers fun Next up: activities for kids during Little Beaver Pond Hike: spring break. PreregistraAdults, 10 a.m. to noon Fri- tion required: Call 360-755day, April 11. Meet at the 9649 or email recreation@ corner of Clyde Way and burlingtonwa.gov.

Cedar Glen Way in Skyline Muppets, Motion and and learn about the trail Milkshakes: Ages 6 to 12, network in the forest on 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. See the west side of town. the new film, “Muppets Most Wanted,” spend time THEATER at the gymnastics center, “THE BETTER ACTOR”: eat popcorn and make milkshakes. $35, includes An acting class for ages admission fees.

18 and older, 9 a.m. to

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E7

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon 360-336-8955 n www.lincolntheatre.org

‘The Great Beauty’

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 4-5 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 6 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7 In the “The Great Beauty,” Academy Award winner for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film, journalist Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo) has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades.

Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, Gambardella has been a permanent fixture in the city’s literary and social circles, but when his 65th birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Gambardella finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties and cafés to find Rome in all its glory.

Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under.

Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

‘La Boheme’ 9:55 a.m. Saturday, April 5 Puccini’s moving story of young love is the most performed opera in Met

history, and with good reason. Anita Hartig stars as the frail Mimì in Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production, with Vittorio Grigolo as her passionate lover, Rodolfo. $23 adults; $19 seniors;

“The Great Beauty” will play April 4-7 at the Lincoln Theatre. $16 students with $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members; discounted season passes available.

FIRST FRIDAY

w Festival

Museum’s fourth Historic Home Tour will feature the community of Edison. Visit Victorian homes, Continued from Page E3 a former church that is now a private residence, a telephone 27TH ANNUAL exchange building that is now a TULIP RUN/WALK gallery and many more — 11 stops Saturday, April 5: Choose the in all. Tickets are $15 in advance, 5-mile run or 2-mile run/walk $20 day of event, and are available starting at 9:30 a.m. at Skagit at The Farmhouse, Gretchens and Regional Airport, 15400 Airport Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Drive, Burlington. Register in Vernon; Stowe’s in Burlington; advance or day of race starting at Smith & Vallee Gallery in Edison; 7:30 a.m. Advance registration: $13, or $24 with shirt. Free for ages at the Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner, or at skagitcounty.net/ 14 and younger and 70 and older. museum. 360-466-3365.

Shirt only, $11. Day of race: $22, $33 with shirt. Shirt only, $13. 360540-1611 or tuliprun.com.

TULIP SALE

HISTORIC HOME TOUR Saturday, April 5: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Skagit County Historical

April 3-10: The Mount Vernon Lions Club will sell fresh-cut tulips from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through April 23, at Lions Park,

501 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon.

Tulips will also be available for delivery. Proceeds benefit community residents who require financial assistance for eye and hearing exams, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

360-424-1888.

ART IN BLOOM Saturday, April 5: 6 to 9 p.m.

The Anacortes Arts Festival presents “Art in Bloom: An Evening of Color” at the Depot Arts and Community Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Creative food and spirits and silent and live auctions, including a “Collectors’ Auction” of pre-owned artwork. $40 per person includes light dinner, two drink tickets and entertainment discounts. Proceeds benefit youth cultural art through a partnership

with the Anacortes School District.

360-293-6211.

WOODFEST Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sedro-Woolley High School, 1235 Third St., SedroWoolley. Chain saw-carving demonstrations and sales, professional woodcraft vendors, student competitions, silent auction, wood carving raffle. 360-855-1841.

LIVING ART PROJECT Saturday-Sunday,April 5-6: All ages are invited to paint their own tile that will become part of a large mosaic artwork, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Maple Hall, 104 Commercial, La Conner. Free. 360-466-5683.

GALLERY WALK

April 4 6-9pm Anne Martin McCool Gallery Gallery KP Burton Jewelers Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa Apothecary Spa (2nd floor Majestic Inn)

Gallery at the Depot www.anacortesart.com

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

REVIEWS: MUSIC Sage the Gemini

“Remember Me” There is a distinct old school West Coast vibe to rapper Sage the Gemini’s first album “Remember Me.” Minimalist beat structures blend with an assured lyrical approach to make this debut memorable indeed.

Sage the Gemini burst into wider consciousness a year ago with his well-received single “Gas Pedal.” That dance-friendly track sets the tone for “Remember Me,” an album that pays a stylistic homage to northern California’s Oakland/Fairfield/Vallejo nook of hip-hop creativity.

The title track “Remember Me” has a spacey melody interspersed with booming bass and finger snaps that would have been at home on any late 1980s Too Short track. This song and “Red Nose” smartly make as much use of silence between sounds as they do of the beats and melodies themselves.

The true gem is “Go Somewhere,” which sets aside the leering lasciviousness of “Gas Pedal.” Here, Sage the Gemini and featured rapper Iamsu offer a more gentlemanly approach for the targets of their affection. It’s one of the smoothest hip-hop tracks you’ll hear this year and a slow clap is due for Sage the Gemini and his debut album that refuses to shout in an age of endless noise.

nature. His current hit, “Drink To That All Night,” overflows with unusual musical flourishes, bringing life to Niemann’s mix of rap-influenced verses and a thumping, sing-along chorus.

Even the seemingly conventional “Come On, Come On” features sly embellishments, while Niemann nails the feel-good spirit of the lyrics — making it the album’s standout cut.

However, some songs go too far in dulling Niemann’s edges. Nearly every male Nashville singer has a song boasting that country boys can get loud and rough, and Niemann’s “We Know How To Rock” doesn’t add anything new or clever. The lackluster “She’s Fine” wastes a chance to create something special with country rapper Colt Ford.

But when Niemann ends the wacky “Donkey” by mocking the animal’s signature bray, it’s clear he’s still full of unexpected turns. Let’s hope he keeps the weirdness intact while trying to strike gold. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Shakira “Shakira”

Shakira’s domination in America has dwindled since she became a hip-swiveling goddess of festive pop hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.” Already a superstar in her native Colombia, the multitalented singern Ron Harris, Associated Press songwriter-instrumentalist took the American pop scene by storm when Jerrod she made her U.S. language debut in Niemann 2001 with personal, rich songs about romance and more. But her recent “High Noon” albums haven’t matched the spark, edge and charisma from her work a Jerrod Niedecade ago, and her new self-titled mann’s one-of-arelease, while enjoyable at times, kind recordings doesn’t showcase this Grammy-winhave been as adventurous as any male country sing- ning, Golden Globe-nominated superstar in the right light. er to score a hit in the last five years.

“Shakira,” her tenth album, features But country music doesn’t always embrace experimentation. So the Kan- the 37-year-old taking a back seat as lead songwriter and producer, and sas native has enjoyed a few hits but that doesn’t come off as a wise move. has struggled with consistency on the “Dare (La La La),” helmed by Dr. radio charts.

Luke, Max Martin and others, sounds “High Noon,” Niemann’s third like a Jennifer Lopez song, and that’s album with Arista Records, is his not a compliment (sorry, Jenny). While attempt to reign in his wilder ideas without completely ditching his daring Shakira’s stint as a judge on “The

Voice” has been pleasurable to watch, her duet with fellow mentor Blake Shelton on the country-feeling “Medicine” is a bore, though it was co-written by Academy Award nominee and hit country songwriter Hillary Lindsey.

Even the duet with Rihanna, the uptempo lead single “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” comes off as a cry for a pop hit. The song lacks energy though two superstars are part of it, and the collaboration feels forced (Rihanna and Shakira are both signed to Roc Nation management).

Shakira does move the needle a bit on the reggae-laced “Cut Me Deep,” which features the band Magic! Nasir Atweh, the band’s lead singer, is part of the songwriting duo The Messengers, who have penned hits for Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Pitbull.

“Spotlight,” co-written by Lindsey and produced by Greg Kurstin, sounds arena-ready, which is excellent for an entertaining performer like Shakira.

And the album’s most honest moment is “23,” a sweet ode to her 1-year-old son’s father, soccer player Gerard Pique, who is 10 years younger than Shakira (he was 23 when they met).

She co-wrote the simple guitar tune with Luis Fernando Ochoa, who collaborated with Shakira on her third album and major label debut, 1996’s “Pies Descalzos.”

Full-blown reunion please? n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Future Islands

“Singles” Baltimore synth-pop trio Future Islands’ appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” last month was a textbook case of old media (TV) working with new media (viral memes of superintense singer Samuel T. Herring’s hip-swiveling dance moves) to create overnight buzz for a previously obscure indie band. Couple that with a series of riveting performances at the SXSW festival, and — voilà! — Future Islands’ fourth album, “Singles,” is suddenly hot.

“Singles” proves worthy of the attention. Herring’s bandmates, Gerritt Welmers and William Cashion, lay down a New Order-style bed of

streamlined electro-pop. That creates a cool foundation for Herring’s heated expressions of pain, love and loss. The album is called “Singles,” but from the lead cut, “Seasons (Waiting On You),” to the soul-searching closer, “A Dream of You and Me,” it charts an earnest, darkly romantic course that holds together as a unified piece of work. n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Nickel Creek “A Dotted Line”

Nine years, much like tomorrow, is such a long time, but it’s exactly what was necessary for Nickel Creek to become the project it has become with “A Dotted Line.” The teenage musicians responsible for “A Lighthouse’s Tale” and “When You Come Back Down” have grown up into songwriters with a knowledge of when to let the music breathe.

Patience is one of the defining qualities of this LP. This is evident in the relative dearth of fretboard-burning barnstormers on “A Dotted Line.” n Brice Ezell, popmatters.com

“Looking Into You: A Tribute to Jackson Browne”

Various artists Jackson Browne is well known for his live performances and the quality of his recordings. That’s why he was inducted in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. The musicians who take on his catalog have quite the challenge.

The good news is that the roster includes some big names, such as Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa taking on the Mexican-tinged “Linda Paloma,” Don Henley with the indie folk band Blind Pilot gently adapting the introspective classic “These Days,” and Bonnie Raitt and David Lindley offering a reggae reinterpretation of “Everywhere I Go.” n Steve Horowitz, popmatters.com

Other notable releases w Robert Cray - “In My Soul” w Band of Skulls - “Himalayan” w Chevelle “La Gargola” w Chiodos “Devil” w Mac DeMarco - “Salad Days” w Ronnie James Dio - “This Is Your Life” w Infamous Stringdusters - “Let It Go” w Kaiser Chiefs “Education, Education, Education & War” w Lacuna Coil - “Broken Crown Halo” w Manchester Orchestra - “Cope” w Mobb Deep - “The Infamous Mobb Deep” w Pattern Is Movement “Pattern Is Movement” w Leon Russell “Life Journey” w Thievery Corporation - “Saudade” n popmat ters.com

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E9

REVIEWS: VIDEO GAMES

When is a game not a game?

By BRIAN CRECENTE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Perhaps not an overwhelming commercial success, one of last year’s most intriguing critical video game success stories was a game about an empty home and the story it told to a returning daughter.

With no violence, no action, no threat, no way to die or be hurt, “Gone Home” still managed to captivate its audience, receiving accolades and nominations for game of the year from websites, newspapers, magazines, the industry and, most recently, even the Games for Change conference.

But for some, one odd question remains: Is “Gone Home” a video game?

Unlike with movies, music and literature, the thing that defines video games still remains, in some corners, a debated issue.

“Gone Home” is a game of exploration and narration, an effective vehicle for storytelling. But its lack of puzzles and combat, and the inability to lose or even change the outcome, have some questioning its gaming legitimacy.

Steve Gaynor, writer and designer at “Gone Home” developer Fullbright Studio, agreed during a recent talk at the Game Developers Conference that these missing elements set it apart from what he called “modern mainstream video games,” but said the title still has very much in common with game experiences.

Three key things that make “Gone Home” a video game, he said, is its central focus on player agency, the game’s inherent spirit of playfulness and the variability of player experience.

The game, told through the first-person perspective of Kaitlin Greenbriar, opens with the young woman returning home to an Oregon mansion after a year-long trip abroad. Players must explore the home, reading notes, finding recordings and interpreting clues, to piece together why Greenbriar’s parents and younger sister are missing.

Despite the fact that there is only one story to tell, and only one ending, Gaynor calls the experience a dialog between the player and the designer of the game.

“It’s an edited discussion,” he said. “The designer established the rules and your

inputs are changing that conversation every session that you play.

“The content that you encounter appears differently than for someone else.

It is unique to each user and their interpretation. The interactivity of it makes the experience unique to yourself.”

That’s because, Gaynor argued, the player’s own interpretations of what they see and how they approach examining the home changes those interpretations for each player.

“Every note is always in the same place, but the game is about entering a space and imbuing this with meaning,” he said. “The structure of your experience is unique to you even though you don’t get to decide what happens in the story.”

Gaynor said the developers also went to great lengths to subtlety acknowledge to the player that the developer knew they were there because the designers didn’t want it to feel like just an empty house, but an adventure in a home written by real people.

Some have questioned why “Gone Home’s” powerful story wasn’t delivered simply as text, with no graphics, a throwback to the text adventures popularized in the ‘80s.

“The story wasn’t written in isolation and applied to those mediums,” Gaynor said. “It was written for the medium it was intended for. We didn’t decide to tell a story and figure out a gamer to make around it. The game came first and the narrative was designed for that.

“It is a story about exploration and discovery.”

Ultimately, he added, “Gone Home” is a game because it is a story told within an interactive environment which allows the players to decide how to tackle the unwinding of the game’s fiction and its interpretation.

“There is a deep trust in the player to explore of their own volition and not to be told what to do,” he said, “to understand how the whole game works.” n Good Game is an internationally syndicated news and opinion column about the big stories of the week in the gaming industry and its bigger impact on things to come.

Brian Crecente is a founding news editor of Polygon.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

‘The Last of Us: Left Behind’

events of the main game, introducing Ellie’s friend Riley. Riley is about to skip Platform: Sony PlayStation 3 town to join a resistance movement, and Rated: M she wants to give Ellie one last night of Price: $14.99 (base game required) teenage fun.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 4) These sections are told via flashback, as the game jumps from an unseen porTopping tion of Ellie’s present-day adventure with many of Joel to her memories of that night with 2013’s “Best Riley.

Of” lists, “The Yes, there’s plenty of dodging and Last of Us” shooting enemies, of both the infected proved that and survivalist variety. But what is most there was still amazing about “Left Behind” are those something flashback scenes, where the game literally worthwhile becomes the story of two teen girls on a to drag out trip to the mall. of the “let’s Of course, that mall is ransacked and shoot zomabandoned, and the girls have little bies in video frame of reference for understanding the games” trend. This action-adventure remains, but that does not get in the way game put the focus on quiet, personal of two kids having fun. Throughout the moments between the lead characters, ruins of the mall, the pair explore bygone while still providing the intense combat scenes of American culture, like Hallowyou would expect from a loud, shooty een costume stores, arcades and photo video game. booths.

And in the final analysis, the low-key These calm, funny parts of “Left drama was much more fulfilling than the Behind” do something uncommon in shooting. “Left Behind,” a new story addvideo gaming: They show kids just being on for “The Last of Us,” dives even deepkids. It is important to note that this is er into unexpected moments of humanity all playable, not a bunch of dramatic cut amid the chaos of a ruined American scenes. civilization.

“Left Behind” turns from surprise In the original “The Last of Us,” jaded to surprise as you find yourself having guide Joel is tasked with transporting as much fun as the girls doing normal young Ellie across the U.S., as she is things unfamiliar in the world of video immune to the fungal virus that turned games. most of the population into monsters.

This being “The Last of Us,” you can The pair must contend with warring facexpect a dour framing — the world as we tions of survivors, decreasing supplies know it is gone, after all — but the fact and, naturally, the fungus-zombies hiding that “Left Behind” so adroitly explores around every corner. the connection between two young Perhaps the toughest challenges, friends makes it a standout addition. however, are the constant reminders of “Left Behind” on PlayStation 3 what life used to be like as they make requires the original “The Last of Us” their way through abandoned homes and game to download and play. destroyed cities.

“Left Behind” is a prequel to the n Joe Fourhman, Chicago Tribune

E10 Thursday, April 3, 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area April 3-10

TUNING UP Playing at area venues April 3-10 FRIDAY.4 2 BUCK CHUCK 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY.5-6 “PETER PAN” Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THURSDAY.10 THE SWINGNUTS 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Mandi Asplund A Moment’s Focus Photography

Thursday.3

Sunday.6

THEATER

MUSIC

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Friday.4 IMPROV

“An Evening of Improv”: Mike Jenkins and Brian Geer, 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. Proceeds will benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank.

360-755-3956 or anacortesH2O.com.

THEATER

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Saturday.5 THEATER

“Peter Pan” (musical): Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Broadway Classics: Shelter Bay Chorus, 3 p.m., Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. $10 at the door.

360-466-1783.

THURSDAY.3

THEATER

Battlefield Band, with Puirt na Gael: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $29.

360-445-3000.

“Peter Pan” (musical): Lyric Light Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

FRIDAY.4 Nuages: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover.

360-354-3600.

David’s Drinking Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

2 Buck Chuck (acoustic classic rock and pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877275-2448.

Dylan Jakobsen: 8 to 11 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Eagle Teeth, Glitterbang, The Shows: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

360-848-8882.

Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

MeatHaus Blues: 6 to 9 p.m., Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon. $7 cover.

360-848-6673.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country dance): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Fat Tones: 9 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Gaytheist, Wild Throne, Tartufi, Tacos!: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

Garett Hendricks: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Open to the public.

360-848-8882.

SATURDAY.5 Tommy Castro and the Painkillers: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $25.

360-445-3000.

Thursday.10 THEATER

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

FRIDAY.4 “AN EVENING OF IMPROV” WITH MIKE JENKINS AND BRIAN GEER 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. Proceeds will benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank. 360-755-3956 or anacortesH2O.com.

SUNDAY.6 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Mark and Rita Hoskins (Canadiana, folk, country): 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

WEDNESDAY.9 Oso Mudslide Benefit: Ben Starner, Lane Fernando, Fidalgo Swing, Knut Bell, Jacob Navarro, Stilly River Band and more; 1 to 7 p.m., Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes.

An art auction and donations of cash, food and clothing will benefit Oso mudslide victims. 360293-3515.

Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. No cover. 360855-2263.

Blues/rock jam with CC Adams and Friends: 4 to 9 p.m., Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-4664488.

Minor Plains, High Up, Prom King: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3.

360-778-1067.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.10 The Swingnuts: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Silver City Band: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-354-3600.

E10 Thursday, April 3, 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area April 3-10

TUNING UP Playing at area venues April 3-10 FRIDAY.4 2 BUCK CHUCK 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY.5-6 “PETER PAN” Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THURSDAY.10 THE SWINGNUTS 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Mandi Asplund A Moment’s Focus Photography

Thursday.3

Sunday.6

THEATER

MUSIC

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Friday.4 IMPROV

“An Evening of Improv”: Mike Jenkins and Brian Geer, 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. Proceeds will benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank.

360-755-3956 or anacortesH2O.com.

THEATER

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Saturday.5 THEATER

“Peter Pan” (musical): Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Broadway Classics: Shelter Bay Chorus, 3 p.m., Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. $10 at the door.

360-466-1783.

THURSDAY.3

THEATER

Battlefield Band, with Puirt na Gael: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $29.

360-445-3000.

“Peter Pan” (musical): Lyric Light Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $22-$45.

416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

FRIDAY.4 Nuages: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover.

360-354-3600.

David’s Drinking Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

2 Buck Chuck (acoustic classic rock and pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877275-2448.

Dylan Jakobsen: 8 to 11 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Eagle Teeth, Glitterbang, The Shows: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

360-848-8882.

Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

MeatHaus Blues: 6 to 9 p.m., Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon. $7 cover.

360-848-6673.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country dance): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Fat Tones: 9 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Gaytheist, Wild Throne, Tartufi, Tacos!: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

Garett Hendricks: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Open to the public.

360-848-8882.

SATURDAY.5 Tommy Castro and the Painkillers: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $25.

360-445-3000.

Thursday.10 THEATER

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

FRIDAY.4 “AN EVENING OF IMPROV” WITH MIKE JENKINS AND BRIAN GEER 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. Proceeds will benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank. 360-755-3956 or anacortesH2O.com.

SUNDAY.6 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Mark and Rita Hoskins (Canadiana, folk, country): 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

WEDNESDAY.9 Oso Mudslide Benefit: Ben Starner, Lane Fernando, Fidalgo Swing, Knut Bell, Jacob Navarro, Stilly River Band and more; 1 to 7 p.m., Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes.

An art auction and donations of cash, food and clothing will benefit Oso mudslide victims. 360293-3515.

Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. No cover. 360855-2263.

Blues/rock jam with CC Adams and Friends: 4 to 9 p.m., Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-4664488.

Minor Plains, High Up, Prom King: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3.

360-778-1067.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.10 The Swingnuts: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Silver City Band: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-354-3600.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

TRAVEL

Death Valley in spring: Beautiful and not that hot

Xanterra Parks & Resorts via AP

A wavy rockscape in sun and shadow in Death Valley National Park in California. The park is one of the hottest places on earth but temperatures are less extreme in the spring than summer.

By JOHN MARSHALL Associated Press

FURNACE CREEK, Calif. — The perception of Death Valley is that it’s hot and desolate.

The hot part is right, at least in the summer, when Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth. Even in spring, it’s about as hot many other places are come August, with April and May temperatures ranging from the 70s to just over 100.

As for desolation — yes, the landscape is stark. This is a desert, after all.

But there’s also a certain beauty to it, a mosaic of colors from the salt flats and sand dunes to the striations AP file / 2005 of craggy peaks. Some years, stunning wildflowers bloom in spring Wild flowers bloom on the edge of Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in the U.S., 282 feet below sea and early summer, and the National level, with the Panamit Range in the background.

Park Service reports “a pretty decent

bloom this spring” thanks to rainfall at higher elevations of the park.

“There’s really something for everyone,” said Denise Perkins, director of marketing and sales for Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley.

“People often think, ‘I can’t tolerate that heat,’” she added, “but that kind of heat we’re talking about is not all year.”

Death Valley marks its 20th year this year as a national park.

Located about two hours west of Las Vegas along the CaliforniaNevada state line, Death Valley is unique. Part of the Mojave Desert, it is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, 282 feet below sea level at the salt flats of Badwater.

The valley was formed by parallel fault lines along the mountain ranges on opposite sides of the valley pull-

ing away from each other, creating a trough effect. Shifting fault lines over eons have created a geological theme park of sorts, filled with picturesque canyons, sand dunes, multicolored mountains that rise up to 11,000 feet above the valley and dramatic vistas.

“Something people aren’t aware of are the mountains that surround here,” said Alan van Valkenburg, a ranger at Death Valley National Park.

“One of the comments we get most from visitors is that they were surprised how rugged it was here, how beautiful it was here when they were expecting it to be flat and boring.”

The hub of Death Valley is Furnace Creek, where the visitor’s center is located, along with the two properties of Furnace Creek Resort — an upscale Inn and family-oriented Ranch — several restaurants, a grocery store and a golf course.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E13

TRAVEL Perhaps the most popular drive in the park is the 17 miles from Furnace Creek to Badwater, a salt flat that marks the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. To get a sense of how low the spot is, look up at the mountains to the south where a sign shows sea level.

Along the road, stop by the Devil’s Golf Course, a unique area where rock salt in the valley has been eroded into jagged spires, then swing through Artist’s Drive, a narrow, onelane with scenic views of the multiple colors of the mountains to the east.

There’s also a short hike to Natural Bridge Canyon off the road.

Zabriske Point is the iconic viewpoint in the park — the one where all the sunrise photos are taken — overlooking strangely eroded and multicolored badlands. Dante’s View is a 45-minute drive, but well worth it, offering perhaps the best view of Death Valley from 5,000 feet.

To the north, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, near Stovepipe Wells, is a popular and easily accessible way to see one of the park’s five sand dune areas. A little farther north, there’s the Ubehebe Crater, a deep volcanic crater, and Scotty’s Castle, a Spanish-style mansion built by a wealthy Chicago couple who were duped by a scam prospector named “Death Valley Scotty,” but decided to stay anyway because they liked the area so much.

The park also is filled with miles of rugged backcountry, particularly on the peaks above on the west side, and some great hiking areas, including Mosaic Canyon, a narrow stretch of polished marble walls.

The night sky is brilliant

Local travel

and clear for stargazing — some people see the Milky Way for the first time in Death Valley.

A March 31 update on the park’s website noted colorful spring flowers popping up in various areas of the park, including carpets of yellow flowers south of Badwater, with others blooming along a stretch of Highway 190, in lower Emigrant Canyon and elsewhere.

But “even without the bloom, it’s a very, very beautiful place to appreciate in its own right,” Perkins said. “There’s so many reasons to come out here.”

OK, the heat. There’s a reason why it’s called Death Valley, and why places around the park have names like Furnace Creek, Badwater, Dante’s View, and the Devil’s Golf Course.

Summertime temperatures in Death Valley routinely climb above 120 degrees. Earth’s hottest temperature ever was recorded here, a whopping 134 degrees in 1913. If you visit from May to October, expect to be hot.

The rest of the year, though, it’s moderate, highs between 70 and 80, 40s and 50s during the coldest part of the year.

“It really can be miserable in the summer,” van Valkenburg said. “But the rest of the year it’s actually quite nice.”

WWU FACULTY-LED TRAVEL PROGRAMS: Western Washington University will offer several educational travel programs this summer in Italy and Africa.

Global Discovery trips are not for university credit or restricted to Western students. Trips include: Tuscany, Italy: Aug. 31-Sept. 14.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Serengeti Safari Extension: July 5-19.

Serengeti Safari and Kilimanjaro Culture Tour Extension: July 14-26.

Details: 360- 650-6409, globaldiscovery@wwu.edu, wwu.edu/GlobalDiscovery.

LEFT: Tourists walk along a ridge at Death Valley National Park.

AP file / 2010

TRAVEL PACKING WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, AAA Travel Store, 1600 E. College Way, Suite A, Mount Vernon. Kathleen Collum will share tips on how to make the most of your packing space and the latest accessories and gear to help you comply with new flying regulations. RSVP: 360-848-2090.

RIGHT: Dantes View overlook, one of the most popular views of Death Valley.

AP file / 2006

BELOW: The Furnace Creek Inn at dusk.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts via AP

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360336-6215.

NEW ENGLAND TRIP: The Oak Harbor Senior Center is organizing a trip to New England from Sept. 26-Oct. 3. For more information, contact Pat Gardner at 360279-4582 or email pgardner@oakharbor.org.

Death Valley National Park On the Web: nps.gov/deva

Getting there: From Las Vegas, about 120 miles, via NV Hwy 160 to Pahrump, left on Bell Vista Road, right on CA Hwy 127 at Death Valley Junction.

Furnace Creek Resort: The Inn, carved on the side of a hill overlooking the valley, is an upscale historic hotel while the Ranch is more laid back, sprawling across the valley

floor like a small town. Rates at the Ranch, which is open year-round, start at $150, and the Inn, which is typically closed from midMay to October, start at $350.

Safety tips: A handful of tourists have died in recent years visiting Death Valley. Don’t underestimate the need for bringing water with you. Don’t stay in the sun long. Tell someone at home what your travel plans are, and don’t go off main roads; GPS directions have sometimes led visitors astray.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: The Anacortes Public Library accepts passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state. gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library. The Oak Harbor Senior Center accepts passport applications, by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor.

360-279-4580.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

HOT TICKETS G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: April 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

YOUNG THE GIANT: April 4-5, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

BETTY WHO: April 5, The Barboza, Seattle. 206-709-9442 or thebarboza.com.

BEATS ANTIQUE: April 5, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MIA VERMILLION AND JASON EDWARDS: April 5, Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater, Snohomish.

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CHUCK RAGAN & THE CAMARADERIE, THE WHITE BUFFALO: April 7, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BASTILLE: April 8, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

VNV NATION: April 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

IL DIVO: April 9, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 866-833-4747 or live nation.com.

PETTY FEST: April 9, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND: April 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

INFECTED MUSHROOM: April 11, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

KRIS ORLOWSKI: April 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: April 12-13, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org.

VOLBEAT: Apil 14, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

SCHOOLBOY Q: April 14, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PINK MARTINI: April 15, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

THE AFGHAN WHIGS: April 15, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

DIANA KRALL: April 16, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or livenation.com.

CHROMEO: April 16, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY: April 16, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

WHO’S BAD: “The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band”: May 8, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS: Featuring Edie Brickell: May 10, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

DANNY BROWN: May 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

OLD 97s: May 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

PRISCILLA AHN: May 13, Columbia City Theater, Seattle.

800-838-3006 or columbiacity theater.com.

MICKEY AVALON: May 15, The Crocodile, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

KARLA BONOFF & JIMMY WEBB: May 15, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

LIL JON - DJ SET: May 16, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

SWITCHFOOT: April 18, The April 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

FLIGHT TO MARS: featuring Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

Mike McCready of Pearl Jam: May or showboxonline.com. com.

16, The Showbox, Seattle. 800RICK SPRINGFIELD: April 18-19, ONE MORE TIME: A Tribute to Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. Daft Punk: April 26, The Showbox, 745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

NICKEL CREEK: May 17, Moore 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or SNOOP DOGG & WIZ KHALIFA: boxonline.com. livenation.com.

April 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

HIGGINS WATERPROOF BLACK KISHI BASHI: May 20, The 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.

MAGIC BAND: April 26, Columbia Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 com.

City Theater, Seattle. 800-838or showboxonline.com.

MASSIVE MONKEYS: April 19, 3006 or columbiacitytheater.com.

LINDSEY STIRLING: May 21, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

April 26/Nov. 15, Sudden Valley 3000 or showboxonline.com.

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA: April Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-671- BACKSTREET BOYS, AVRIL 20, The Showbox, Seattle. 8001709 or suddenvalleylibrary.org.

LAVIGNE: May 22, WaMu Theater, 745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MASTODON: April 28, Showbox Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticket SLEEPER AGENT: April 22, The SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or master.com.

Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 showboxonline.com.

TECH N9NE: May 23-24, Showor showboxonline.com.

PENNYWISE: April 29, The box SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 ELLIE GOULDING: April 23, Para- Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784or showboxonline.com.

SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: 4849 or livenation.com.

IRA GLASS: May 3, Mount Baker May 23-25 and July 4-6, Gorge DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS: April 23, Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734Amphitheatre, George. sasquatch Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745- 6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. festival.com.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE GLITCH MOB: May 3, The THE NYLONS: May 24, Skagit WHITE LIES: April 23, The Show- Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or or showboxonline.com.

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STEEL PANTHER: May 3, ShowLANA DEL REY: May 27, WaMu THE 1975: April 24, The Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or or showboxonline.com. or ticketmaster.com. showboxonline.com.

IRA GLASS: May 3, Mount Baker BLACK FLAG: May 27, The FRANZ FERDINAND: April 24, Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745- 6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. or showboxonline.com.

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THE GLITCH MOB: May 4, The LADY GAGA’S artRAVE: May 28, ARLO GUTHRIE: April 25, Mount Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360or showboxonline.com. or livenation.com.

734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.

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May 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 206- Green: May 30, KeyArena, Seattle.

THE WANTED, MIDNIGHT RED: 224-5481 or aeglive.com.

800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

DIANA KRALL April 16, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

877-784-4849 or livenation.com

“IN MY LIFE”: A Musical Tribute to the Beatles: June 5, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

GRIEVES: June 7, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

BRIT FLOYD: June 9, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ONEREPUBLIC: June 12, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-3328499 or comcastarenaeverett.com.

ALLEN STONE: June 13, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

DIGITOUR: June 20, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES: June 20-21, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

SARAH McLACHLAN: June 20-21, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

MERLE HAGGARD, EMMYLOU HARRIS: June 22, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS: June 27, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PARADISO FESTIVAL: June 27-28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

CHER: June 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

JOHN LEGEND: June 28, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 800745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

STEVE WINWOOD: June 29, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticket master.com.

KISS, DEF LEPPARD: June 29, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

KRAFTWERK 3-D: July 1, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or tickets.com.

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: July 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

JOURNEY, STEVE MILLER BAND: July 19, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

MÖTLEY CRÜE: July 27, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

ARCADE FIRE: Aug. 8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E15

Whitford says film stars are now seeking TV roles NEW YORK — With A-listers like Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts and Halle Berry jumping to TV, actor Bradley Whitford marvels at how the show-biz stigma of the small screen is now a thing of the past.

Whitford is best known for his role as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on

NBC’s critically acclaimed series “The West Wing” (1999-2006).

“I remember thinking, oh thank god there’s this snobbery about TV,” the 54-yearold actor said in a recent interview. “I was getting better writing by an exponential amount than Meryl Streep when I was on ‘West Wing.’ I was so grateful.

“Now unfortunately, all the movie stars, the big flossers, have realized that

not only do you get great writing, (but) it’s a really satisfying way of storytelling. ... It’s not about blowing stuff up.”

He hopes this trend won’t mean qualified actors will be overlooked for someone with a bigger name.

“If anybody had any idea that ‘Breaking Bad’ was gonna be a tenth as successful as it was, (creator) Vince (Gilligan) would not have been allowed to write

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it,” Whitford said. “Bryan (Cranston) would not have been allowed to be in it.

None of that beautiful cast would be in it. Same with ‘The Sopranos.’ We never would’ve met James Gandolfini if anybody thought it was gonna be successful.”

Whitford said that was true to a certain extent with “West Wing.”

“Nobody thought it was gonna work. ‘You can’t have a fake president. It’s about

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Whitford stars on the ABC comedy “Trophy Wife” (airing Tuesdays).

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Ratings for “Trophy Wife” have been so-so, but Whitford is hoping for a second season. He said he was “looking to do something different and comedy was definitely something I was looking for.”

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E16 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

MOVIES

‘Captain America’ is still cool, but his latest film, ‘The Winter Soldier,’ is kind of flat

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

The superhuman efforts director Joe Johnston made to persuade Chris Evans to re-enlist in the comic book movie universe as “Captain America” pay more dividends in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Evans, that perfect specimen of American manhood, really sells the earnestness, the dry wit, the sense of duty and righteousness of the icon of American values that he represents in this sequel, even if Johnston isn’t around to direct it.

And it’s great that “The Winter Soldier” is actually about something, a comic book spin on privacy and civil liberties issues straight out of today’s data mining headlines. It’s a freedom vs. fear movie, liberty vs. “order.”

There are clever ways the story folds back into the first “Captain America” film’s world, great effects and a retro-future tech that is fascinating.

But “The Winter Soldier” lacks that lumpin-the-throat heart that Evans, Johnston and company brought to the first “Captain America.” The co-directors of “You, Me and Dupree,” Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, serve up a pretty generic sequel, with inconsequential villains and predictable flourishes, an epic whose epic effects lack grandeur.

From its quasi-fascist logo and overlyimposing D.C. headquarters to the Stalinesque uniform that Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) sports, S.H.I.E.L.D. (“Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate” in the comics) is plainly a multinational agency that’s reaching beyond its “fight evil, protect Earth” mandate. Robert Redford plays Alexander Pierce, the fellow who lords over the directorate of this ever-burgeoning security empire.

Nick Fury barely has time to fret over the idea that “to build a really better world, sometimes that means you have to tear the old one down,” when he’s attacked. The Captain, Steve Rogers (Evans), and Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), set out to unravel this mystery, who the new menace is and what the enemy’s masked “Winter Soldier” super-warrior has in his bag of tricks.

Johansson, who has no hint of a Russian accent this time (not a bad move, considering how Russians are regarded this spring), makes an apt, super-sexy sparring partner for

the Captain. She’s constantly suggesting he get back on the dating scene — in between epic brawls with legions of foes. Not that the Captain doesn’t notice women — his nurse-neighbor, for instance (Emily VanCamp).

The fights are spectacular combinations of digitally augmented stuntwork. The directors and screenwriters find all manner of new ways for the Captain’s shield to pay off, and Evans and Johansson make these shooting, strangling punch-outs cool.

Anthony Mackie shows up as a potential new sidekick, which only calls attention to the question, “Hey, where are Captain America’s OTHER Avenger pals in this hour of crisis?”

The best new effect is a holographic teleconference involving Redford (fairly bland in this part) and the other governing execs of S.H.I.E.L.D. Worst cameo is Garry Shandling, as a senator who apparently has been using Kim Novak’s botox team.

And that message — that we’re more likely to give up our freedoms by consent than by force — is not a bad one to hammer home.

But “The Winter Soldier” has long, talky, dead stretches.

It’s emotionally flat, a lot closer to Evans’ “Fantastic Four” films or the “Thor” sequel than it is to “Captain America: The First Avenger,” or “The Avengers.” It’s OK for April, in other words, but not up to the higher standards of a Marvel summer blockbuster.

‘CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDER’

HH1⁄2 Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie Running time: 2:16 MPAA rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, gunplay and action throughout

Chris Evans stars in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Marvel-Disney via AP

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Bad Words” — I loved the misanthrope played by Jason Bateman in his directorial debut, and you might, too, if your sense of humor is just sick enough. A loophole has allowed this big bowl of hate to compete against fourthgraders in a spelling bee, where he spews insults with a deadpan style that leaves his victims speechless. A pitchblack dark comedy. Comedy, R, 89 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Ender’s Game” — A firstrate cast of wily veterans (Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley) and fresh-faced youngsters (Asa Butterfield of “Hugo”) deliver a rousing, challenging adventure that should satisfy most young fans of the beloved sci-fi novel while keeping the adults engrossed as well. The simulated battles against scary aliens are beautifully shot and expertly choreographed.

Sci-fi adventure, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHH “Enemy” — A history professor meets his more intense doppelganger in a weird, psychological, sexual thriller. Jake Gyllenhaal plays both roles, infusing each man with so many subtle but distinctive differences, we’re never confused about which of the Two Jakes we’re seeing onscreen. It’s quietly magnificent work. Thriller, R, 90 minutes. HHH “Frozen” — When a queen with icy powers (voice of Idina Menzel) accidentally freezes her kingdom, she runs away and her intrepid sister (Kristen Bell) goes to find her.

Sure to delight kids and captivate adults, Disney’s musical “Frozen” is the instant favorite for the animated feature Oscar. Animated musical, PG, 102 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Her” — In writer-director Spike Jonze’s lovely and wondrous ultra-modern romance, a fragile fellow in the not-so-distant future (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with the voice of an operating system (Scarlett Johansson). One of the more original, hilarious and even heartbreaking stories of the year. It works both as a love story and as a commentary on the ways technology

isolates us from human contact. Comedy-romance, R, 119 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Inside Llewyn Davis” — With this dry comedy about the American folk music scene of the early 1960s, Ethan and Joel Coen have crafted another unique period piece. Oscar Isaac gives a memorable performance as the title character, a thoroughly unlikable, selfish, socially poisonous miscreant. The music is terrific. With Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman. Comedy, R, 105 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Lone Survivor” — This re-creation of a 2005 Navy SEAL mission builds to one of the most realistic, shocking, gruesome and devastating depictions of war ever put on film. Instead of going for the big-picture perspective, director Peter Berg focuses on the unflinching bravery of soldiers executing their mission and looking out for one another. Mark Wahlberg stars. War drama, R, 121 minutes. HHH “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” — The old TV cartoon about a genius dog, his adopted son and their time-traveling adventures becomes a whip-smart, consistently funny and goodnatured film with terrific voice performances led by Ty Burrell as Peabody. Lots of sight gags and goofy puns, with some clever one-liners intended for the parents in the audience.

Animated adventure, PG, 90 minutes. HHH “Nebraska” — What a joy it is to watch Bruce Dern playing such a miserable SOB in the best role of his long career. Woody Grant is a crabby, boozy, sometimes delusional old guy on a road trip with his son (Will Forte) to collect a sweepstakes prize. Alexander Payne’s latest film is a modern American classic about the dynamic between a father from the generation that didn’t speak about its feelings and a grown son who’s still trying to get his father to explain himself. Stark, beautiful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Noah” — One of the most dazzling and unforgettable biblical epics ever put on film. Director Darren Aronofsky has delivered an emotionally involving

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS April 4-10 The Metropolitan Opera: La Boheme (NR): Saturday, 9:55 a.m.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13): FridaySaturday: 12:55, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 12:55, 3:45, 6:30 Noah (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, 3:35, 6:20, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 12:45, 3:35, 6:20 Divergent (PG-13): Friday: 1:05, 3:55, 6:40, 9:30; Saturday: 3:55, 6:40, 9:30; Sunday-Thursday: 1:05, 3:55, 6:40 360-293-6620 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor April 3-6 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13) and Frozen (PG): First movie starts at approximately 7:30 p.m.

360-675-5667 CONCRETE THEATRE April 4-6 The Lego Movie (PG): Friday: 7:30 p.m. (3D); Saturday: 5 p.m. (2D) and 7:30 p.m. (3D); Sunday: 4 p.m. (2D) and 6:30 p.m. (3D) 360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386).

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS April 4-10 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13): Friday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30; Saturday: 10:10, 12:50, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30; Sunday: 10:10, 12:50, 3:40, 6:40; MondayThursday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:40 Noah (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:50, 9:35; Saturday: 10:05, 1:00, 3:50, 6:50, 9:35; Sunday: 10:05, 1:00, 3:50, 6:50; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:50 Divergent (PG-13): Friday: 12:40, 3:30, 6:30, 9:20; Saturday: 10:00, 12:40, 3:30, 6:30, 9:20; Sunday: 10:00, 12:40, 3:30, 6:30; Monday-Thursday: 12:40, 3:30, 6:30 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS April 4-10 The Metropolitan Opera: La Boheme (NR): Saturday, 9:55 a.m.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13): 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:30 Noah (PG-13): 1:10, 3:55, 6:45, 9:35 Sabotage (R): 1:20, 3:45, 6:50, 9:10 Divergent (PG-13): 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:20 Muppets Most Wanted (PG): 3:35, 8:45 Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG): 1:30, 6:35 360-629-0514 and sometimes loony interpretation of the tale of a God-loving man (Russell Crowe, ferocious and razorsharp) and his ark. Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins round out a stellar cast. Biblical epic, PG-13, 131 minutes. HHH1⁄2

“Sabotage” — After stealing $10 million from a drug cartel, elite DEA agents become targets in a brutal, bloody, dark and at times gruesomely funny thriller. The team is played by a strong cast headed

by Arnold Schwarzenegger, being typically Arnold, Sam

Worthington, Olivia Williams and Terrence Howard. Action thriller, R, 109 minutes.

HHH1⁄2 “RoboCop” — The 2014 version of “RoboCop” takes advantage of the superior technology available now, but doesn’t match up to the original when it comes to story and cast. As Alex Murphy, the wounded officer converted into RoboCop, Joel Kinnaman comes across as a wooden human being AND a wooden robot. Sci-fi action, PG-13, 118 minutes. HH “Son of God” — The first feature in recent memory telling us a life-spanning story of Jesus Christ recounts the events with great reverence but, alas, is not a good movie. The special effects are just OK, and in the title role, Portuguese-born heartthrob Diogo Morgado hits a lot of wrong notes. Historical drama, PG-13, 138 minutes. H1⁄2 “That Awkward Moment” — Strives to straddle the line between breezy, bromantic comedy and “Hangover”esque guy humor – and fails miserably on both counts.

Talented, charismatic actors including Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan star in a not particularly offensive but utterly unmemorable film.

Comedy, R, 94 minutes. H1⁄2 “The Art of the Steal” — Kurt Russell and Matt Dillon, two actors who just make you smile when they show up in a movie, play halfbrothers in a jaunty caper film that, alas, doesn’t work.

Writer-director Jonathan Sobol keeps things moving, the editing is tight and crisp, and the cast do their best to sell every scene, but it’s a tough sell when the payoff is neither all that stunning nor all that plausible. Crime caper, R, 90 minutes. HH “The Bag Man” — One can’t help but wonder what Robert De Niro and John Cusack saw in the script for “The Bag Man” that made two of our most interesting actors sign up for this irritating mess of a movie. It’s warmed-over Tarantino mixed with a third-rate tribute to the Coen brothers with a dose of David Lynch-ian madness.

Thriller, R, 108 minutes. H “The Monuments Men” — One of the most oldfashioned and at times

almost breezy World War II films in recent memory is about middle-aged curators recovering art stolen by the Nazis. George Clooney directs himself and his costars (including Matt Damon and Bill Murray) as if he had watched “The Dirty Dozen” on a continuous loop for a week. Historical action, PG-13, 118 minutes. HHH “3 Days to Kill” — The term “guilty pleasure” was invented for this kind of movie. Nearly every other scene is so audaciously terrible, you don’t know whether to cringe or chortle.

But the star power of Kevin Costner as an aging CIA hit man turns schlock into pure entertainment. Action, PG-13, 117 minutes. HHH “300: Rise of an Empire” — If you loved the gloriously and gratuitously blood-spattered visual style of Zack Snyder’s epic “300,” you’ll probably enjoy the heck out of “300: Rise of an Empire,” which manages to be something of a prequel, a sequel and a parallel story all at once. The performances, especially Eva Green as the warrior Artemisia, are uniformly good, but this epic is foremost a triumph of design and CGI. Action fantasy, R, 103 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “12 Years a Slave” — is a film about great bravery, featuring some of the bravest performances you’ll ever have the privilege to witness.

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as a free man in New York state in the 1840s, who is kidnapped and shipped to the South, where he is beaten, given a new name and forced into slavery. Unflinchingly directed by Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave” is what we talk about when we talk about greatness in film. With Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti. Drama, R, 134 minutes. HHHH “Veronica Mars” — This big-screen update of the Kristen Bell TV series, the result of a Kickstarter campaign, looks and feels like a glorified TV movie, with mostly unexceptional performances and ridiculous plot developments no more innovative than you’d see on a dozen network TV detective shows. Crime comedy, PG-13, 108 minutes. HH

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, April 3, 2014

OUT & ABOUT ART

Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also SKAGIT VALLEY ART showing: color photographs ESCAPE: Enjoy gallery art by Randy Dana, pastels walks, music performances, by Patty Forte Linna and artist demonstrations and Barbara Durbin Wean, more today through Satand oils by Anne Belov, as urday, April 3-5. The first well as a new selection of weekend of each month, glass work, custom wood from April to October, tables, sculptures, jewelry residents and visitors are and a selection of quilts by invited to experience free the Fidalgo Island Quilters art activities in Anacortes, Guild.

Edison, La Conner and Gallery hours are 10:30 Mount Vernon. a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday n The Downtown through Saturday. 360-293Mount Vernon Art Walk 6938 or scottmilo.com. will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. today, April 3, at more “BEST OF THE FEST”: than a dozen downtown The Anacortes Arts Festilocations. “Coming Closer,” val will present the “Best a group show featuring of the Fest” art show, openartworks by Kris Ekstrand ing with a reception from Molesworth, Natalie 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4, Niblack and Kristin Lofand continuing through fer Theiss, will be on disApril 12 at the Depot Arts play at The Front Gallery, Center, 611 R Ave., Ana420 Myrtle St. Banners cortes. This invitational featuring contemporary show features work by 25 photographs by Tairyn Tor- of the best artists from the res will hang in the alleys annual Anacortes Arts Fesbehind four downtown tival, set for Aug. 1-3. Show buildings. Torres was the hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. winner of the 2012 “Engag- Free admission. 360-293ing Imagination in Down- 6211 or anacortesarts town Mount Vernon” festival.com. photo competition. n The Anacortes Art FABRIC ART: Quilts Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friby fabric artist Louise day, April 4, will showcase Harris will be featured original artworks at several in a show opening with a galleries and other venues reception during the First along Commercial Avenue Friday Gallery Walk from and other locations in 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4, downtown Anacortes. and continuing through n Art walks in Edison April 30 at McCool Galand La Conner will feature lery, 711 Commercial Ave., an eclectic mix of art and Anacortes. The show also more from 5 to 8 p.m. Sat- features paintings by Anne urday, April 5.

Martin McCool, as well For more information, as work by other gallery visit skagitvalleyartescape. artists. Gallery hours are com.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 360-293PASTELS & MORE: “A 3577 or mccoolart.com.

Spring Floral Festival,” featuring pastels by Belling“NATURE UNBALham artist Laurie Potter, ANCED”: The collaborative will open with a reception art exhibition will open during the First Friday Art- with a reception from 5:30 walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Frito 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, day, April 4, and continue and continue through April through April 29 at Scott 30 at Orcas Center, 917 Mt.

‘DRAW, STITCH AND BURN: EVE DEISHER AND LANNY BERGNER’

The exhibition will be on display April 4-May 18 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial, La Conner. Meet the artists at a reception during the Skagit Art Escape La Conner Gallery Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Deisher combines paper, fabric and thread as woven material becomes ethereal structure, woven thread and wire become line and all of it is her drawing. Bergner employs pyrography techniques on sheets of metal mesh, causing the visible surfaces to shift, patterns appearing and disappearing as one’s gaze moves across the forms. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360-708-4787 or gallerycygnus.com. Pictured: “Atomic Vessel” by Lanny Bergner.

Baker Road, Eastsound.

The exhibit will feature poetry by Anne McDuffie, glass sculptures by Lin McJunkin and paintings

by Ann Vanderevelde. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-376-2281 or visit orcascenter.org.

PHOTOS & PAINTINGS: Check out the 1010 Art Upstairs Red Planet show during the First Friday Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, April 4, at Think

Studios, 1010 Fifth St., Suite 320, Anacortes. The show will feature photos

by Thaddeus Hink and Barb Thrall and paintings

by Skagit Valley artist Bill Ball. Complementary portraits for those who come in costumes. The show will continue by appointment through April. 360-7704528.

ART WITH A TWIST: “Changes: What if there were no boxes?” will open with a reception from 5

to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, and continue through April 30 at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The show will features artwork with a different twist, including crystal trees by Bob and Lorena Higbee, unique driftwood feathers and a special dream catcher from Roger White, found object jewelry by Lynne Adams, “Shower of Memories” tapestry by Windwalker Taibi, and knit hats and batik “Lucky Fish” from Mary Jo Oxrieder. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-222-0102 or visit ravenrocksgallery.com.

through Sunday, April 11-13, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge Wa Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes.

Pat Thompson is this year’s featured artist. The show will include quilts for veterans; traditional, contemporary and art quilts; and wearable art. A fashion show will be held at 1 p.m.

Saturday, and a “quilts of valor program” will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $7 for all three days, free for ages 12 and younger. $5 for active or former military personnel on Sunday only. 360-6305443, 360-333-2137 or fidalgoislandquilters.com.

PAINTING WITH GLASS: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Ann Hardee Gallery, 101 N. First St., La Conner.

La Conner artist Joanne Hoehne will demonstrate how she creates her glass mosaics. Free. 360-399-1950 or annhardeegallery.com.

FESTIVALS

NEW WORK: A show of new work by Skagit Valley painter Dedrick Ward will open with a reception during the Edison Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and continue through April 27 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

Comprised of strikingly beautiful Northwest skies and the mists and light it reflects, Ward’s work can be described as tranquil, particularly this current body of work that explores aspects of nocturnes, prompted by the paintings of James McNeil Whistler.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or smithandvallee.com.

WINE FESTIVAL: The annual Anacortes Spring Wine Festival will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Port of Anacortes Event Center, 100 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Enjoy wine and food tasting and more. Ages 21 and older. $40, includes wine and food tasting, keepsake glass and live entertainment. Designated driver ticket: $20, includes food and entertainment. 360293-7911 or anacortes.org.

LECTURES AND TALKS

TREE ARMY: Janet Oakley will present “Tree Army: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington State, 1933-1941” from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington. Learn about the men who came from around the country during the Great Depression and worked QUILT SHOW: Fidalgo Island Quilters will presto preserve our natural ent its biennial Quilt Show, resources. Free. 360-755“E Pluribus Unum,” from 0760 or karenp@burlington 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday wa.gov.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - E19

OUT & ABOUT “IN SEARCH OF POO, SPEW AND GOO: Scientific Detective Work to Assess Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales”: 7 p.m.

Friday, April 11, NWESD building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes. Friends Of Skagit Beaches will host a presentation by Brad Hanson, Ph.D., wildlife biologist, NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Free.

360-293-0773 or skagit beaches.org.

Sedro-Woolley — plus the Skagit Valley College Jazz Ensemble and the newly formed Skagit All-Star High School Jazz Band. $8 at the door. T-shirts and refreshments will be available. Admission supports the music boosters of each school.

youth cultural art through a partnership with the Anacortes School District.

360-293-6211.

THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD: “STORIES OF THE IU MIENH”: Enjoy an evening of Southeast Asian food, dance and music from 5:30 to 9:30 JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY: p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Mia Vermillion will perthe NWLA Cultural Cenform from 2 to 3 p.m. Sun- ter, 5023 Langley Road, day, April 13, at the AnaLangley. From their origins cortes Public Library, 1220 in the hills of China more BOY SCOUTS AND 10th St., Anacortes. Free. than 1,000 years ago, these LGBTQ YOUTH: Branjazzatthelibrary.com. “slow-motion nomads” don Fullerton of the Boy made their way to Laos, Scouts of America will Thailand and other parts of MORE FUN speak at the next Skagit Southeast Asia, and finally STERNWHEELER PFLAG meeting from REOPENS: The sternwheel- to France, Canada and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, the U.S. in the aftermath April 14, at Central United er W.T. Preston and the of the Vietnam War. The Anacortes Maritime HeriMethodist Church, 1013 evening will feature a bufPolte Road, Sedro-Woolley. tage Center, 713 R Ave., Anacortes, will reopen this fet meal of traditional Iu Fullerton will discuss the Mienh cuisine, followed by Boy Scouts’ inclusive poli- weekend. The W.T. Preston the Young Mien Dancers, is designated as a National cies for LGBTQ youths who will perform a set of Historic Landmark, and and suggest ways organi“hand-flipping” dances in the Heritage Center curzations who care about costume; storytelling by Iu young people can work to rently features “BMW Mienh elder Koy Saephan; Oracle: Building a World support local families. 360traditional music and chant Champion in Anacortes.”

856-4676 or pflagskagit.org. and more. $65. Advance The exhibit includes a registration recommended. large model of the craft The basics of Iu Mienh MUSIC and a rudder, and offers a cuisine: 2 to 5 p.m. Learn look into the creation of BLUEGRASS JAM: The the secrets to making ferSkagit Bluegrass & Coun- the prize-winning vessel.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. mented greens, Mien egg try Music Association’s Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 rolls, coconut tapioca and Monthly Jam will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sun- p.m. Sundays. Admission to more. $35, includes a cookthe Preston is $1-$3. Heri- book with recipes from the day, April 6, at Evergreen instructors. Preregistration tage Center admission is Elementary School, 1007 free. 360-293-1916 or muse required.

McGarigle Road, SedroPackage pricing is availum.cityofanacotes.org.

Woolley. Come and play able for participation in along, dance or just enjoy multiple events. Overnight listening. Free. 360-856“ART IN BLOOM ...”: accommodations are avail1058.

The Anacortes Arts Fesable in the Cultural Centival will presents “Art in ter’s guesthouse. For inforSKAGIT JAZZ NIGHT: Bloom: An Evening of mation or reservations, The fourth annual Skagit Color” from 6 to 9 p.m. call 360-321-2101 or visit Jazz Night, “United in Saturday, April 5, at the nwlanguageacademy.com.

Groove,” will take place Depot Arts and Commuat 5:30 p.m. Friday, April nity Center, 611 R Ave., KIRTAN: The monthly 11, at Brodniak Hall, Anacortes. Enjoy creative Anacortes High School, food and spirits and silent celebration with chanting 1600 20th St., Anacortes. and live auctions, including and dancing will take place The event will feature a “Collectors’ Auction” of at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Anacortes Center performances by the pre-owned artwork. $40 for Happiness, 619 Comcounty’s high school bands per person includes light mercial Ave., Anacortes.

— Anacortes, Burlington- dinner, two drink tickets No experience necessary.

Edison, Concrete, La Con- and entertainment disner, Mount Vernon and counts. Proceeds benefit All ages are welcome.

$5-$10 suggested donation. ILY HISTORY: Current and 360-464-2229 or anacortes former residents of Burcenterforhappiness.org. lington and surrounding areas are invited to bring OSO MUDSLIDE BENfamily photographs, perEFIT: A benefit concert sonal and historical docuand art auction will take ments, and photographs place from 1 to 7 p.m. Sun- of the local Burlington day, April 6, at the Heart community to be scanned of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth into a digital format, from St., Anacortes. Perform10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, ers include Ben Starner, April 12, at the BurlingLane Fernando, Fidalgo ton Public Library, 820 E. Swing, Knut Bell, Jacob Washington Ave., BurlNavarro, Stilly River Band ington. Participants may and more. An auction will contribute a copy of their feature works by Anne scans to the library for a Martin McCool, Beki Kil- future “Preserving Burlinglorin, Terry MacDonald ton History” digital dataand others. Event proceeds base. Participants are also and donations of cash, food invited to be interviewed or and clothing will benefit submit written information victims of the recent Oso about the history of their mudslide. 360-293-3515. photos. Up to five photos or documents may be GARAGE SALE, scanned per person. Photos ANTIQUES & MORE: More will be scanned onsite and than 140 vendors will offer the originals immediately anything and everything returned to their owners. at the 22nd annual Spring Free. 360-755-0760.

World’s Largest Garage Sale, Antiques & More, MOVIE SCREENING: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday Enjoy popcorn, pretzels and Saturday, April 11-12, and wine along with a at the Skagit County Fair- special screening of the grounds, 479 W. Taylor St., film “Cement Suitcase” Mount Vernon. Check out from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, antiques, collectibles, hand- April 12, at Eagle Haven crafts, tools, new and used Winery, 8243 Sims Road, merchandise of all kinds, Sedro-Woolley. This awardfood and more. Admission: winning independent film $2. On-site parking: $2. is a comedy about the best Vendor booths available. wine salesman in the YakiFor information, call 360ma Valley. He’s headed for 336-9414 or visit skagit a breakdown and only two county.net/garagesale. people can help him. One just broke into his house.

SCRAPBOOKING SWAP The other is having an MEET: Find great deals affair with his girlfriend. on all kinds of scrapbook- $3. 360-856-6248 or eagle ing supplies from 9 a.m. to havenwinery.com. noon Saturday, April 12, at the Burlington Parks and LUNAR ECLIPSE Recreation Center, 900 E. PARTY: The free event Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. hosted by the Island CounCheck out a wide variety ty Astronomical Society of scrapbooking materials, (ICAS) will take place at including papers, albums, 9:30 p.m. Monday, April stickers, stamps, embel14, at the prairie overlook lishments and more. Free near Coupeville. Experiadmission. 360-755-9649. ence a total eclipse of the moon beginning around DIGITIZING YOUR FAM- 9:55 p.m. and ending about

3:36 a.m. ICAS members will be on hand to answer questions. All ages are welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them, and use your parking lights only as you enter the parking area.

The event will be canceled if cloudy. For information, contact Dan Pullen at 360679-7664, email icaspub@ juno.com or visit icas-wa. webs.com.

SVC HALL OF FAME: The Skagit Valley College Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event will honor eight inductees who have made extraordinary contributions to Skagit Valley College or honored it by their personal achievements.

Tickets: $40, $75 couple.

360-416-7727 or mcintyre hall.org.

POET LAUREATE: The Skagit River Poetry Foundation will honor Elizabeth Austen, the state’s new Poet Laureate, during a public reception at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 17, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 First St., La Conner.

There will be wine, appetizers and readings of Austen’s work by both student and adult poets, including the author, whose works include “Every Dress a Decision,” “Where Currents Meet” and “The Girl Who Goes Alone.” Austen is a founding participant in the Skagit River Poetry Foundation’s Poets in the Schools program and is a frequent presenter at the biennial Skagit River Poetry Festival, which will take place May 15-18 in La Conner. Donations will be accepted at the door. skagitriverpoetry.org.

April 4 – MAy 30

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Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to enter casino, buffet or attend shows. *Must be a Rewards Club Member – Membership is FREE! Must be present to win. Skagit Player-Bucks are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Management reserves all rights.

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