360 December 18, 2014

NORTHWEST BALLET PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ THIS WEEKEND AT MCINTYRE HALL Page 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 18, 2014

TUNING UP

MOVIES Amy Adams makes “Big Eyes” one of the must-see movie bios of the year PAGE 14

Market Street Dixieland Jazz Band plays the Conway Muse on Friday night PAGE 9

MUSIC The War on Drugs, Miranda Lambert headline top 10 albums of the year PAGE 15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “The Maze Runa Teenager Tattooed ner”: Group of young Movie Star,” then Fox Upcoming captives must find can take over the film. movie releases a way out of a giant Despite the additional Following is a partial maze. Based on the focus on Fox, the schedule of coming movies James Dashner youngTurtles are still funon DVD. Release dates are adult dystopian sciloving and rear-kicking subject to change: ence fiction novels. enough to save the “The Maze Runday.

DEC. 23 The Good Lie ner” director Wes Ball “The Skeleton The Trip to Italy gets off to a fast start, Twins”: Estranged Dominion in part by the way the twins get back togethPride movie is put together er after near-death and because the story experiences.

DEC. 30 is so thin there’s no “The Devil’s Hand”: The Equalizer Tusk need to spend time One of six girls will Last Weekend explaining why things fulfill an ancient happen. The combinaprophecy.

JAN. 6 tion of Ball’s direction “Grumpy Cat’s No Good Deed and the solid perforWorst Christmas Get on Up mances by the young Boyhood Ever”: Aubrey Plaza cast gives the characLeft Behind provides the voice for Atlas Shrugged, Part 3: ters some depth. Ball the grumpy cat.

Who Is John Galt? has also done a good “Finding Your Roots The Guest job creating the world, with Henry Louis which comes across as n Tribune News Service Gates, Jr. Season 2”: feeling both grand and Journey into the past claustrophobic. to look at familial The scenes where histories of 29 of today’s most recognizthe runners — those who daily travel able names. through the maze to map it — deal with “Makers: Volume 2”: Tells the stomassive sliding doors is not for anyone ries of women in six spheres of influwho gets uncomfortable in tight conence. fines. The action is the film’s main draw.

“Love the One You’re With”: Three “This is Where I Leave You”: Give sisters face major decisions about takall the credit to Jason Bateman for ing success over love. making “This Is Where I Leave You” “Expedition to the End of the work. The former “Arrested DevelopWorld”: Crew sets sail for the rapidly ment” star — one of the more undermelting massifs of Northeast Greenrated actors working today — gives this land. family dramedy the strong emotional “The Device”: Two sisters learn truth core needed to hold together the less about aliens on Earth. interesting storylines.

“The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis: The problem is that the film is based The Final Season”: Final stories of lives on Jonathan Tropper’s novel, a place and loves of the gang attending S. Peter where characters can get more attenPryor Junior College. tion. There is no way for the film to “Lord of Illusions”: Clive Barker’s service all of the plots the same. But supernatural thriller that tears apart the still, director Shawn Levy — who boundaries between reality and magic. faced a similar glut of characters with “Arrested Development: Season “Cheaper By the Dozen” — finds a Four”: Continuing story of the Bluth way, even with the short cuts taken, to family. Jason Bateman stars. give the film a sweet quality that makes “The Americans: Season Two”: Keri it likable.

Russell and Matthew Rhys star in this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”: tale of two Russian spies living a deep New York’s under attack by the sinister undercover life in America.

Shredder. It’s up to Leonardo, Donatel“Magic in the Moonlight”: Efforts lo, Raphael and Michelangelo to save to debunk a mystic turns magical. Colin the day.

Firth stars.

The big problem is there isn’t enough “Mentor”: Documentary looks at Turtles and too much April O’Neil teen suicide and bullying in America.

(Megan Fox) in this action film. When they make a movie called “No Longer

n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

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

On Stage Page 8 Weatherside Whiskey Band presents “A Bluegrass Christmas” on Dec. 21 at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

Inside

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

Christmas Events.............................3-4 Out & About.....................................5-6 On Stage, Tuning Up........................8-9 Travel, At the Lincoln....................... 10 Hot Tickets........................................ 11 Get Involved...................................... 12 Movies............................................... 14 Music: Top Albums of 2014.............. 15

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, December 18, 2014 - E3

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN THE AREA HOLIDAY CONCERT: Cantabile of Skagit Valley will perform at 6 p.m. today at the Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon. The 20-member vocal ensemble will perform a variety of songs, including Christmas, secular and sacred works.

Free. 360-336-6209 or mountvernonwa.gov/library.

YOUTH THEATER: The Would Be Players will perform “Christmas Capers and Carols” at 7 p.m. today and at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. The youth theater group will perform Christmas plays with a twist along with traditional Christmas songs and dance. $10, $5 ages 2 to 11.

360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

SANTA’S GIFT HOUSE: Santa will read stories and kids can “shop” for gifts from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Sedro-Woolley Co-op Preschool at Clear Lake Elementary School, 23631 Lake St., Clear Lake.

Kids can buy gifts for parents, siblings and caregivers for a suggested donation of $5. Enjoy free photos with Santa, arts and crafts, hot cider, cocoa, coffee and treats. 360-855-3814.

Choir will perform between shows. Admission is free with a nonperishable food donation for the food bank or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. VIP seating is available for a $25 suggested donation. 360-299-1822 or portofanacortes.com.

“NATIVITY: WE DANCED OUR BEST FOR HIM”: 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. Enjoy the Nativity story told through the language of dance — jazz, lyrical, modern and ballet. $12-$15. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

Northwest Ballet Theatre will present “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-21, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Music provided or bring your own. Suggested donation: $5.

will host a Christmas lunch and Christmas carols at noon Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3144 Haynie Road, Blaine.

Light finger foods and refreshments will be served, HOLIDAY CONCERT: The followed by songs of the Shelter Bay Chorus will per- season by Matt Audette and form songs from “The Mes- the Circle of Friends Band. siah” and other traditional Tickets: $15 at the door, or Christmas favorites at 7:30 in advance at Cozy Corner AN ELVIS FAMILY Books and Coffee locations CHRISTMAS: 6 p.m. Friday p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the in Bellingham and Ferndale. and 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 360-366-3321.

Dec. 19-20, Wa-Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Shoshone Drive, La Conner. $10 suggested donation. 360“THE INNKEEPER’S Drive, Anacortes. Enjoy 770-7354.

CHRISTMAS”: Taproot TheElvis Presley’s Christmas atre Touring Company will classics as performed by PANCAKES & SANTA: 9 perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Danny Vernon. $12 adults, $5 ages 17 and younger. 888- to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, Dec. 20, at the Lincoln TheStanwood Community and atre, 712 S. First St., Mount 288-8883 or swinomish Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Vernon. “The Innkeeper’s casinoandlodge.com.

Includes pancake breakfast, Christmas” re-frames the first Christmas, drawing ‘MESSIAH’ SING ALONG: kids’ crafts and a visit with laughter and insight from the Skagit Symphony will pres- Santa. $5. 360-629-7403. unexpected ways God alters ent “Sing the Legend” a CHRISTMAS CAROLS & expectations. $20. 360-336“Messiah” singalong at 7 LUNCH: The Haynie Opry 8955 or lincolntheatre.org. p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at St.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE: Decorated boats will parade up and down the Guemes Channel beginning about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, starting from Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes.

Subject to rough weather.

360-293-7911.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual Port of Anacortes Community Christmas Concert featuring Geoffrey Castle and his All Star Band will take place at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Event Center, 100 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The event will include special guests Beth Quist of Cirque du Soleil, Irish tenor Connor Dunworley, Seattle Irish Dance Company, Anacortes Town Crier Richard Riddell and a visit from Santa Claus.

The Anacortes High School

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING: “Kids” of all sizes can decorate cookies to take home from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, at Potluck Kitchen Studio, 910 11th St., Anacortes. Gluten-free cookies available with advance notice. $10, includes six premade shortbread cookies and decorating materials. 360-393-2844 or potluckkitchenstudio.com.

holiday family fun from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at La Conner Regional Library, 614 Morris St., La Conner. Enjoy games, crafts, stories and a visit from Mrs. Claus. Free. 360-466-3352 or lclib.lib.wa.us.

YULETIDE CONCERT: “Jazzin’ with the Classics for Christmas”: with Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Jeffrey Cohan, flute; Nate Omdal, bass; and Martin Lund, piano, clarinet and flute: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Refreshments follow. $15 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger.

360-629-6110 or candlelight seattle.org.

“A BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS”: Weatherside Whiskey Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. The four-piece, alt-country and bluegrass ensemble will offer holiday song favorites played with a little roadhouse style, and Weatherside originals. $20.

800-638-7631 or wicaonline. org.

CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE: Permits to cut Christmas trees in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be purchased through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

In Skagit County, permits are sold from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Mt. Baker Ranger Station, 810 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley.

Call ahead, 360-856-5700, ext. 515, to make sure permits are available.

Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. Trees taller than 12 feet require a tall tree permit for $20. The permits are nonrefundable, and may be purchased with cash, checks or credit cards.

(Verlot and Glacier Public Service Centers only accept cash and checks).

Cutting areas are located within national forest lands in the eastern portions of Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Pierce and King counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold at ranger stations and the Verlot and Glacier public service centers.

FAMILY FUN TIME: Enjoy

Continued on Page 4

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Stanwood-Camano Chorale will present “Christmas Cometh Caroling” at 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, at Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd Drive NW, Stanwood. A freewill offering will be accepted.

360-445-2721.

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E4 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN THE AREA The Forest Service also recommends that you plan to purchase a parking permit if your tree-cutting trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot.

Check ranger stations for road and weather information or visit fs.usda.gov/mbs.

mother’s House!”: Check out special exhibits showing how early Skagitonians celebrated the Yuletide season through Dec. 31 at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. $5, $4 SANTA AT THE MALL: seniors and ages 6 to 12, $10 Visit Santa daily during mall families, free for members hours through Dec. 24 at the and ages 5 and younger.

Cascade Mall Center Court, 360-466-3365 or skagitcoun201 Cascade Mall Drive, ty.net/museum.

Burlington.360-757-2072.

“BOB’S YOUR ELF”: HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: Anacortes Community TheThe 35th annual Allied atre will present this holiday Arts Holiday Festival of the comedy Thursdays through Arts will take place from 10 Sundays, through Dec. 20, at a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Banthrough Sundays, through ished from the North Pole, Dec. 24, at 4145 Meridian an elf named Bob is ordered St., Bellingham. The festival by Santa to learn a lesson or will close at 3 p.m. on Christ- two about cooperating with mas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. others. $18. 360-293-6829 or 24. The festival features the acttheatre.com. work of more than 100 local artisans and craftspeople CHRISTMAS TREES: The offering handmade products Mount Vernon Lions Club including jewelry, paintwill offer Christmas trees ings, wearable art, specialty in exchange for a donation foods, repurposed art and through Dec. 20 at 2111 more. Enjoy live music, artist Riverside Drive. Donations demos and workshops, and will be accepted at all hours. fun art projects for kids. 360- Proceeds will be used to 676-8548 or alliedarts.org. provide eye exams, eyeglasses and hearing aids for those VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: in need. 360-424-1888.

Check out the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion decorated CHRISTMAS TREE SALE: for the holidays from 11 The Anacortes Kiwanis a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday Sunrisers Club is selling through Sunday, through fresh-cut Christmas trees Dec. 28, at the La Conner from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Quilt & Textile Museum, Sebo’s Hardware & Rental, 703 S. Second St., La Con1102 Commercial Ave., Ananer. The main rooms on the cortes. Regular deliveries of first floor highlight different fresh-cut Washington trees decades during the reign of include noble, Douglas, Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Nordman and Fraser firs in with a tree for each decade a wide range of sizes and along with quilts and texprices. 360-588-8846. tiles popular at the time. $7 admission, $5 students and LIONS CHRISTMAS military with ID, free for TREES: The Oak Harbor members and children ages Lions Club is selling Christ11 and younger. 360-466mas trees from 10 a.m. to 4288 or laconnerquilts.com. 7 p.m. daily, through Dec. 23, in the park across from “SKAGIT CHRISTMAS: the Chamber of Commerce, Over The River … to Grand- 32630 Highway 20, Oak

Harbor. Four- to nine-feet noble, Douglas, grand and Nordman fir trees cut in Washington. 360-675-6796.

“AN IMPROVISED CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 27, Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. “An Improvised Christmas Carol” brings Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic to the stage with a twist. The audience gives suggestions up front, and Unexpected Productions’ improvisers use the suggestions to tell an all new tale of how Christmas can (or can’t) change Ebenezer Scrooge’s life. $15 (student/ senior/military discount available). 206-587-2414 or unexpectedproductions.org.

“HAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS: FEAR THE BACON”: Tongueinchic Productions presents Peggy Platt and Lisa Koch through Dec. 21 at the Falls Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. Enjoy an evening filled with social satire and musical parody.

Showtimes vary. Recommended for ages 14 and older. Tickets start at $20.

206-292-7676 or acttheatre. org.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Seattle’s ACT Theatre presents Dickens’ classic holiday tale through Dec. 28 at the Allen Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. Showtimes vary.

Tickets start at $27 children, $32 adults. 206-292-7676 or acttheatre.org.

WINTERFEST: Enjoy free and affordable activities and entertainment through Dec. 31 at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle.

Visit Center House for free performances of music and comedy, jazz and dance, cultural celebrations, ice sculpting, student showcases and

more. The Winterfest Ice Rink will be open through Jan. 4. Admission/skate rental fee applies. 206-6847200 or seattlecenter.com/ winterfest.

live music, theater, crafts, food, pony rides, a petting farm, Polar Express Train rides and overnight getaway options. Meet Santa Claus or talk with “Bruce the Spruce” Christmas tree.

HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEY General admission: $10-$15.

RIDES: Enjoy free horsePay-what-you-can nights drawn trolley rides from are offered Dec. 29 and 30. noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Theater events are extra. through Dec. 20, around 800-228-6724 or warm downtown Anacortes, beachlights.com. starting from participating Commercial Avenue loca“IT’S A WONDERFUL tions. For information, call LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY”: the Anacortes Chamber of Enjoy the Lights of ChristCommerce at 360-293-7911. mas Holiday Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 INDEPENDENT WREATH- Marine Drive, Stanwood.

MAKING: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dinner theatre: Dec. 18-20, daily through Dec. 24, at starting at $39 per person.

Christianson’s Nursery, Sunday dessert matinee: 15806 Best Road, Mount Dec. 21, starting at $24 per Vernon. $6 for one wreath person. Reservations: 800form and use of the 228-6724 or warmbeach machines. Greens are avail- lights.com. able for purchase, or you may bring your own. Reser“A CHRISTMAS STORY”: vations required: 360-466Enjoy performances of Jean 3821 or 1-800-585-8200.

Shepherd’s classic Christmas tale Fridays through CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Sundays, through Dec. 20, at The 13th annual Quiet Light the Whidbey Island Center Candles Christmas Festival for the Arts, 565 Camano continues from 11 a.m. to Ave., Langley. $15-$22. 8006 p.m. Thursdays and Fri638-7631 or wicaonline.com. days, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays, through Dec. “ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT: 20, at the Convent of the FROM DARKNESS INTO Meeting of the Lord, 29206 LIGHT”: The Seattle Choral 64th Ave. NW, Stanwood.

Company will perform at 8 Enjoy candle-making tours, p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at St. home-baked cookies, the Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Bethlehem Nativity Cave Ave. E., Seattle. Enjoy clasand a variety of handmade sical works, seasonal carols, beeswax candles and unique popular songs and more. gifts. 360-629-0285 or quiet One hour before the conlightcandles.com. cert there will be a lecture about the program, a carol THE LIGHTS OF CHRIST- sing-along for the audience MAS: More than a million and preconcert carols by Christmas lights will be The Resonance Hand Bell displayed at the annual Choir. $25, free for children Lights of Christmas, from 5 and students. 206-363-1100 to 10 p.m. daily Dec. 18-23 or seattlechoralcompany. and Dec. 26-30 at Warm org.

Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. The largCHRISTMAS DINNERS: est holiday light display in The following Christmas the Northwest covers 15 dinners will be offered: acres and features familyn The annual Anacortes oriented entertainment, Community Christmas

Dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, at the Anacortes Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 2100 O Ave. Free.

Home deliveries will be made in Anacortes. To order a home-delivered meal, call 360-293-9586 by Tuesday, Dec. 23. n 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, Friendship House Café, 108 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon. Everyone welcome.

Donations appreciated. 360336-2135.

TREE COLLECTION PICKUP SERVICE: Anacortes High School Key Club in cooperation with the City Parks Department, Kiwanis Sunrisers and Kiwanis Noon Club will pick up and recycle Christmas trees from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 10, for a suggested cash and food donation placed with the tree. All food goes to the Salvation Army Food Bank; cash helps support Key Club activities.

Troop 4100 members, Boy Scouts of America, will offer Christmas tree pick-up and disposal services to Mount Vernon residents on Sunday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Jan. 3. Specific information will delivered to homes on their route. Donations are appreciated and may be placed with the tree or mailed to BSA Troop 4100, 2529 N. LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

All proceeds will help fund local Boy Scout events and activities in 2015. To inquire, call 206-743-6014 after Christmas.

The city of SedroWoolley will offer seasonal disposal of natural trees and wreaths for the first three weeks of January from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays at 315 Sterling St., SedroWoolley. Decorations must be removed.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - E5

OUT & ABOUT ART “A FESTIVE COLLECTION”: A collection of new paintings by Anne Martin McCool, McCool Gallery artists and guests will continue through December at 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Participating artists include Peter Belknap and Cathy Schoenberg, paintings; Tracy Powell, sculptures; Stephen Roxborough and Bryce Mann, photography; Patsy Chamberlain, Cathy Schoenberg and Barbara Hathaway, ceramics; George Way and Art Learmonth, wood; Carole Cunningham and Debbie Aldrich, jewelry; Martha Tottenham, hand-woven scarves; Jane Hyde, baskets; Vicki Hampel, gourd art; and other artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday. 360-293-3577 or annemartinmccool.com.

ART EXHIBITION: “Kinda Vital/Slightly Precise” continues through Dec. 28 at Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Working across processes, Jean Behnke brings together materials and objects to form a work with methods of drawing, assemblage and installation. Also on display is a selection of new work

by Russell Prather, Margaret Davidson and Sandra Westford, as well as Julia Oldham’s recent video work “Star Noise” and two earlier works. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday or by appointment. 360-7553140 or anchorartspace.org.

S. First St., Mount Vernon.

Painted in an impressionistic style using oils and oil bars, Demetre’s paintings often feature women in solitary situations, Edward Hopper style, or couples interacting. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

JENNIFER BOWMAN: ACRYLICS: The show continues through Jan. 27 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The exhibition features Bowman’s brilliantly colored floral, landscape and nautical paintings. Also showing are acrylics by Cynthia Richardson, oils and pastels by Amanda Houston, photo encaustics

by Kathy Hastings, and photography by Lewis Jones, Dick Garvey and Randy Dana. The gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

ONE-DAY ART SHOW/ SALE: Check out treasures old and new by artists you know or knew at the $100 Art Show and Sale from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial Ave., La Conner. 360-708-4787 or gallerycygnus.com.

AT THE QUILT MUSEUM “Hawaiian Quilting: Traditions Continue” continues through Dec. 28 at the La Conner Quilt & Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Grace Hawley first took up Hawaiian quilting in 1985, while living in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. Hawaiian quilts traditionally feature hand applique work with designs from nature, and the quilting lines often echo the applique design, both on and outside of the applique work.

19271 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Included are original Christmas-themed paintings, landscapes and still-lifes, as well as Christmas cards. 360-466-5522 or rexvillegrocery.com.

lery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. Featuring more than 20 local and regional artists, the annual show focuses on functional and three-dimensional artwork — ceramics, textiles, haberdashery, housewares UPSTAIRS ART: Check and furniture, as well as art out a selection of artwork objects and sculptures. PurLOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. chased items can be taken Eleven local artists offer weekdays, through Dec. 31, home immediately. Regular a variety of works from at the Upstairs Art Studios gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Gallery, 1010 Fifth 5 p.m. Wednesday through through Sundays, through St., Anacortes. ParticipatSunday. The gallery will be Dec. 21, at Ballenger ing artists include Paula open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Studio, 15502 Highway 9, Anderson, Jo Anderson, Wednesday, Dec. 24, closed Mount Vernon. The show Cathy Schoenberg, John on Christmas day and open features original creations DeLourme, Sylvia Griffen, from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, in wood, ceramics, acrylics, Thaddeus Hink, Elizabeth Dec. 26. 360-766-6230 or jewelry, photography, fiber, Ockwell and guest artsmithandvallee.com. leather and glass. 360-422- ists Caroline Garland and 7030.

Lance Ekhart. paulaander BRIGHT SHINY FIGURATIVE PAINTsonart@gmail.com.

OBJECTS: “The Treasures INGS: Original artworks by NEW PAINTINGS: Some of Winter” continues Camano Island artist Linda 40 new works by local artINVITATIONAL ART through Dec. 31 at Raven Demetre are on display ist Sharon Eckhardt are on SHOW: “Objectification: Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn through Dec. 31 in the Lin- display through December 7” continues through Dec. Road, Langley. Check out coln Theatre Art Bar, 712 at the Rexville Grocery, 28 at Smith & Vallee Gala wide range of handmade

creations including Bob Higbee’s hand-turned wooden vases, Roger White’s driftwood feathers, Lynne Adam’s kicky jewelry, Mary Jo’s treasure bowls and hand knit hats, Windwalker’s “Ravens in Love” prints and cards, stained glass mosaics by Sandy and Carl Bryant, Tim Potter’s “Escheresque” pen and ink creations, couture clothing by Teri Jo Summer, Rich Alexander’s handthrown pottery, and kiln formed glass bowls, platters and more by Dale Reiger. Information, including gallery hours and directions: 360-222-0102 or ravenrocksgallery.com.

STANWOOD POTTERY SHOW: The 14th annual Mark Eikeland Pottery Show is open by appointment through December, across from 10024 270th St. NW, Stanwood. Choose from a wide range of functional and decorative handcrafted ceramics.

360-708-3209.

NEW PAINTINGS: Paintings by Bellingham artist Kathryn Hackney are on display at The Shop, 18623 Main St., Conway. Also on display are a variety of works by other gallery artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 360-3912691 or theshopconway. com.

Free admission. 360-3363882 or ululate.org.

SMALL ARTWORKS: The 24th annual “Honey, I Shrunk The Art” small works show continues through Jan. 18 at Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features creations by some 40 artists working in glass, ceramics, sculptures and paintings. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, weekdays by appointment.

360-387-2759 or matzke fineart.com.

ISLAND ART SHOW: “Fine Art in the Season of Light” continues through Jan. 1 at Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. Choose from a wide range of artworks by Whidbey Island and Northwest artists, including glass, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, encaustics, ceramics, fiber arts, woodwork, handmade prints and books, cards and more. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. 360-222-3070 or robschoutengallery.com.

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBIT: The La Conner Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit is on display through March 1, 2015, at public locations around La Conner. The annual juried exhibition features work PHOTO EXHIBIT: “SKY,” by some of the Northwest’s featuring 18 color photomost accomplished artists. graphs by Aldo Panzieri, For information, including continues through April a map of the sculptures and 25 at Ululate Gallery, 924 works available for sale: S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. 360-466-3125 or townof Each image on display laconner.org. connects the sky to earth objects and then connects AT MoNA: Two exhibits the viewer to both. Panzieri continue through Jan. 4, is a Los Angeles-based 2015, at the Museum of photographer with 50 Northwest Art, 121 S. First years’ experience in freeSt., La Conner. lance, fashion, street, news and police photography.

Continued on Page 6

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E6 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

OUT & ABOUT “Accreted Terrane”: Featuring work by 42 artists with ties to the Northwest, the exhibit explores processes of accumulation and erosion, dispersal and gathering. The passage of time is marked in a variety of ways, from layer upon layer of paint, to the archaeological exposure of 20th century artifacts, to the capture of hot-sculpted glass in the moment, to the interplay of light and shadow unfolding in a video loop.

“To Be Alone Together”: The exhibition pairs 11 contemporary Northwest artists with 11 works chosen from MoNA’s permanent collection on the basis of three ideas: light, solitude and community, which the curators find to be prevailing themes in the philosophy and process of Northwest artists. The contemporary artists were asked to respond to a piece in the collection and to create new work based on that response. The exhibition looks closely at the ways in which both the ephemeral and the tangible experiences of living in a particular place influence communities of artists.

Three new exhibits will open Saturday, Jan. 10, and continue through March 11: “Still Life from the Permanent Collection”: Exhibitions Director Lisa Young examines interiors through the historically rich tradition of the still-life. Recent acquisitions are featured, along with works by Mark Tobey, Walter Isaacs, Maxine Martell, Spencer Moseley and contemporary artists drawn from the museum’s permanent collection.

“A Tree is a Kind of Big Flower: Flora C. Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick”: Mace and Kirkpatrick present botanical sculptures and sensitive casein paintings that pay homage to their deep reverence for the

outside world. By capturing the essence of a flower or a tree stump, the artists invite the viewer to witness the elegance of a tiger lily or the husky texture of mosscovered bark.

“Adrianne Smits: Immersion Redux: Buiten (Outside)”: Smits’ painting style invokes similarities to artists of the “Mystic painters” movement in the Northwest, such as Mark Tobey, Morris Graves and Guy Anderson.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

Free admission. 360-4664446 or monamuseum.org.

keeping a notebook near her bed to jot down stray ideas in the night. Sometimes she’d wake up to find unintelligible scribblings that made no sense, and some ideas were just plain weird. But what did emerge were some recurring themes that turned into the short series presented in this exhibit: Shattered Circles, Labyrinths and Celtic Spirals, Gaia/Goddess Figures and Trees, as well as a collection of nonseries works on a variety of themes. Van Horn sometimes dyes or paints her own fabrics, but also uses commercial batiks.

Placing design elements on top of the backgrounds — LA CONNER QUILT whole cloth or fused collage MUSEUM: Two special — she adds stitching and exhibits are on display embellishments, often incorthrough Dec. 28 at the La porating fibers or beadwork Conner Quilt & Textile in the finished piece.

Museum, 703 S. Second St., “Freddy Moran’s ColLa Conner. lage”: Artist/author Fred“Vox Stellarum”: Texerica “Freddy” Duffy Moran tile artist Elin Noble has is known for her unbridled transformed the third-floor use of bold color and origigalleries into an installanal designs. She considers tion using itajime-dyed silk red to be a neutral. Moran’s organza. Her black and love for quiltmaking began white silk panels, featuring at age 60, after she had irregular horizontal and excelled at other art forms. vertical geometrical shapes, Her quilts have appeared in are hung in sets, allowing a national and international play of overlapping shapes publications, including magand moiré patterns. Also azines, art books, calendars, on view are pod-like three- textbooks and quilt books. dimensional poetic forms.

She is the author of “Fred“Hawaiian Quilting: dy’s House: Brilliant Color Traditions Continue”: in Quilts” and co-author of Grace Hawley first took up “Collaborative Quilting” Hawaiian quilting in 1985, with Gwen Marston. while living in Kwajalein, The museum is open from Marshall Islands. Hawaiian 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday quilts traditionally feature through Sunday. Admission: hand applique work with $7, $5 students and military designs from nature, and with ID, free for members the quilting lines often echo and ages 11 and younger. the applique design, both on 360-466-4288 or laconner and outside of the applique quilts.org. work.

Two new shows will open ANACORTES IN THE with a reception from 4 to 6 GREAT DEPRESSION: “All p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, and in the Same Boat: Anacortes continue through March 29: in the Great Depression” is “Night Thoughts with on display in the Anacortes Larkin Van Horn”: A couple Museum’s Carnegie Gallery, years ago, Van Horn started 1305 Eighth St., Anacortes.

The exhibit depicts life in Anacortes after the 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression, which dragged on for 12 years. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 360-293-1915 or museum.cityofanacortes.org.

LECTURES AND TALKS

13, Anacortes Museum, 1305 Eighth St., Anacortes. Learn about the Anacortes House History and Plaque Program and how to research the history of your home in a presentation by the Anacortes Historic Preservation Board. Find out if your home might be eligible for the Anacortes Historic Register, and how you might qualify for tax breaks for your renovation project.

Free. 360-293-1915 or mus eum.cityofanacortes.org.

Interpretive Center hosts guided walks at 11 a.m.

Saturdays and Sundays at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. The center features speakers at 1 p.m.

Saturdays. During January, the center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 360-853-7626 or skagiteagle.org.

STAR PARTY: Explore the night sky and view CELEBRATE LIGHT: distant galaxies, nebulas “PechaKucha Night,” 6 and planets beginning at p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, REFERENDUMS ON dark Friday, Dec. 19, at Fort Museum of Northwest Art, INDEPENDENCE: Todd Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort 121 S. First St., La ConDonovan, political sciNugent Road, Oak Harbor. ner. Regional artists will ence professor at Western Island County Astronomispeak about their work and Washington University, will cal Society members will the light that guides them discuss “Referendums on provide an assortment of through the darkest days Independence: Scotland, telescopes for viewing. All as we celebrate the role of Spain and Beyond” from ages are welcome. Free. The light in art and in our lives.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, event will be canceled if Free. 360-466-4446 or mona Jan. 14, at the Whatcom cloudy. 360-679-7664 or museum.org.

Museum Lightcatcher icas-wa.webs.com. building, 250 Flora St., BellNATURE PHOTOGRAingham. Donovan’s talk will WINTER SOLSTICE PHER: The Skagit River examine Scotland’s recent SOUND PRAYER: Join Rev. Bald Eagle Interpretive referendum on indepenElke Macartney at 3 p.m.

Center will host nature dence, with comparisons Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Anaphotographer/author Kevin to other cases. In addition, cortes Center for Happiness, Ebi at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. Donovan will discuss the 619 Commercial Ave., Ana27, at the Howard Miller state of American politics cortes. Macartney will sound Steelhead Park clubhouse, following the midterm elec- a prayer for world peace 52809 Rockport Park Road, tions. $17, $12 for WWU using crystal bowls, drumRockport. Donations appre- Alumni Association memming and chanting. Bring a ciated. 360-853-7626 or bers; includes appetizers small votive candle holder skagiteagle.org. and one glass of wine. 360and your intentions for the 650-3353. coming year. $10 suggested ARTIST TALK: 1 p.m. donation/$15 family. 360Saturday, Jan. 10, Museum 464-2229 or anacortes MUSIC of Northwest Art, 121 S. centerforhappiness.org.

COMMUNITY JAM SESFirst St., La Conner. Painter/ SION: The Woolley Market biologist Adrianne Smits SKAGIT EAGLE FESTIwill host a brewers night is a Ph.D. candidate at the VAL: The event will take and music gathering from University of Washington. place every full weekend 5 to 8 p.m. today at 829 She said her painting came during January, in and Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. first and the science second. around Concrete, Rockport Products from the BirdsDiscover how Smits balancand Marblemount. Enjoy view Brewing Company will es her studies in the field, indoor and outdoor activibe featured, and music is and learn about her process ties including eagle watchprovided by the Birdsview for recapturing memory ing, free tours, walks and Jam, “heavy on bluegrass, with neighbor and gallery educational programs, arts old school country, and ’60s representative Bryan Ohno and crafts, wine tasting, river favorites.” woolleymarket. of Bryan Ohno Gallery in rafting, music, dance and com or 360-982-2649.

Seattle. Free. 360-466-4446 more. Bring your camera or monamuseum.org. and dress for unpredictable MORE FUN January weather. InforANACORTES HOUSE HISmation: 360-853-8784 or EAGLE WATCHING: The skagiteaglefestival.com.

TORY: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. Skagit River Bald Eagle

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - E7

E8 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 18-21

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 18-22

Thursday.18 MUSIC

Holiday Concert: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 6 p.m., Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-6209 or mount vernonwa.gov/library.

FRIDAY.19

SATURDAY.20

MARKET STREET DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

BLACK VINYL ALL STARS 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

THEATER

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Christmas Capers and Carols”: The Would Be Players, 7 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $10, $5 ages 2 to 11. 360679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

VARIETY

“An Evening of Stories & Song”: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. The event will feature writers/ readers Nicola Pearson Murray, Jason Miller, Robert Van Wagoner and Peter Keim; and original music by Andrea Weiser, Linda Jordan and Corina Sahlin.

Admission: $5. 360-941-0403 or concretetheatre.com.

THURSDAY.18 Singer, Songwriters Open Mic Night: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Friday.19 THEATER

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Saturday.20 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

FRIDAY.19 Market Street Dixieland Jazz Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Jimmy Wright: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Christmas Capers and Carols”: The Would Be Players, 2 and 7 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $10, $5 ages 2 to 11.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

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

360-422-6411.

“A BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS” Weatherside Whiskey Band, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. $20. 800-638-7631 or wicaonline.org.

Sunday.21 BALLET

FRIDAYSUNDAY.18-20

MUSIC

“BOB’S YOUR ELF” 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“A Bluegrass Christmas”: Weatherside Whiskey Band, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. $20. 800-638-7631 or wicaonline.org.

3ish: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers (classic country dance): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

Lynn Hanson: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Open to the public. 360848-8882.

Clambake: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Kevin Keineker: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover.

360-445-3000.

SATURDAY.20

FRIDAY.19

Kevin Keineker: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. No cover. 360-445-3000.

THEATER

“The Innkeeper’s Christmas”: Taproot Theatre Touring Company, 2 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

Mia Vermillion: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald

Kevin Cobley (left) and Sam Schlobohm

Doug Cooper — “Uncle Doug” (Neil Young tribute band): 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.

Social Network (top 40 dance radio pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Black Vinyl All Stars: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers (classic country dance): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., SedroWoolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., SedroWoolley. 360-8555111.

Chunky Wonder, Steven Roth, Sarah Goodin: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.21 Marcia Kester (country, soft rock, pop, blues): 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway.

360-445-3000.

JP Falcon: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6330.

MONDAY.22 The Fig Brothers – Billy Stapleton and Sandy Carter: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Social Network (top 40 dance radio pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

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

360-445-4733.

Sunday Brunch Jazz, with John Savage and Duane Melcher (’40s & ’50s American jazz): 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. 360-707-2683.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. No cover. 360-855-2263.

Jenny & The TomCats: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360-7666266.

Victims of Kool: 8:30 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-2263.

E8 Thursday, December 18, 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 18-21

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 18-22

Thursday.18 MUSIC

Holiday Concert: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 6 p.m., Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-6209 or mount vernonwa.gov/library.

FRIDAY.19

SATURDAY.20

MARKET STREET DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

BLACK VINYL ALL STARS 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

THEATER

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Christmas Capers and Carols”: The Would Be Players, 7 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $10, $5 ages 2 to 11. 360679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

VARIETY

“An Evening of Stories & Song”: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. The event will feature writers/ readers Nicola Pearson Murray, Jason Miller, Robert Van Wagoner and Peter Keim; and original music by Andrea Weiser, Linda Jordan and Corina Sahlin.

Admission: $5. 360-941-0403 or concretetheatre.com.

THURSDAY.18 Singer, Songwriters Open Mic Night: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Friday.19 THEATER

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Saturday.20 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

FRIDAY.19 Market Street Dixieland Jazz Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Jimmy Wright: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

“Bob’s Your Elf” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Christmas Capers and Carols”: The Would Be Players, 2 and 7 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $10, $5 ages 2 to 11.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

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

360-422-6411.

“A BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS” Weatherside Whiskey Band, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. $20. 800-638-7631 or wicaonline.org.

Sunday.21 BALLET

FRIDAYSUNDAY.18-20

MUSIC

“BOB’S YOUR ELF” 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“A Bluegrass Christmas”: Weatherside Whiskey Band, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. $20. 800-638-7631 or wicaonline.org.

3ish: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers (classic country dance): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

Lynn Hanson: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Open to the public. 360848-8882.

Clambake: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Kevin Keineker: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover.

360-445-3000.

SATURDAY.20

FRIDAY.19

Kevin Keineker: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. No cover. 360-445-3000.

THEATER

“The Innkeeper’s Christmas”: Taproot Theatre Touring Company, 2 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

Mia Vermillion: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald

Kevin Cobley (left) and Sam Schlobohm

Doug Cooper — “Uncle Doug” (Neil Young tribute band): 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.

Social Network (top 40 dance radio pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Black Vinyl All Stars: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers (classic country dance): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., SedroWoolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., SedroWoolley. 360-8555111.

Chunky Wonder, Steven Roth, Sarah Goodin: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.21 Marcia Kester (country, soft rock, pop, blues): 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway.

360-445-3000.

JP Falcon: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6330.

MONDAY.22 The Fig Brothers – Billy Stapleton and Sandy Carter: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Social Network (top 40 dance radio pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

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

360-445-4733.

Sunday Brunch Jazz, with John Savage and Duane Melcher (’40s & ’50s American jazz): 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. 360-707-2683.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. No cover. 360-855-2263.

Jenny & The TomCats: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360-7666266.

Victims of Kool: 8:30 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-2263.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E10 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

TRAVEL

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE

FAMILY TRAVEL FIVE

Leave the cold behind

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News

With winter on the horizon, perhaps it’s time to plan a warm-weather family getaway. Here are five destinations to consider: 1. Board a big ship.

From now until May 2015, family travelers can board the newly launched, 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas in Bayonne, N.J., for travel to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. On board, innovative options include a sky-diving simulator; the Seaplex sports complex, where bumper cars and basketball reign; and the Northstar experience, which enables the curious to sample a 360-degree, shipand-sea view from a glass capsule that extends above the ship. The tech-savvy Dynamic Dining concept allows guests to choose from 18 eateries that range from food-truck style menus to more formal dining experiences presented by celebrity chefs. royalcarribean.com 2. Make pink sand castles. Visit the island gem of Bermuda for sunny skies, historic attractions and

the legendary tinted-sand beaches. Visit the snorkel park for water sports. See one of the world’s largest shell collections, learn about the Bermuda Triangle and step into a virtual shark cage at the Underwater Exploration Institute. The Rosewood Tucker’s Point resort offers a family package called Tiny the Treefrog. rosewoodhotels.com; goto bermuda.com 3. Make memories in Maui. Watch whales breaching from the long stretches of beach on Maui, considered Hawaii’s magic isle. Learn to surf, or check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Explore the rain forest and hike to a volcano. Take the windy and scenic road to Hana for a day of jaw-dropping scenery. Ask about the Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali family packages that include free midsize car rentals and complimentary stays for children 17 and under. gohawaii.com/maui; westinmaui.com 4. Channel Cochise and Geronimo. Located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, in the heart of Chiricahua country, the

Web buzz Name: TrailWallet Available: iOS Cost: Free; $4.99 for unlimited access What it does: Helps you log and track your expenses. Set a budget and manage goals before plotting your next escape.

Accepts amounts in local currencies for 218 countries.

What’s hot: Say goodbye to loose receipts jammed into pants pockets or overstuffed purses. Add what you spend and watch your daily total grow. You can compare your spending with your “Daily Budget” and your “Daily Average” as well

Sierra Grande Lodge serves as a home base for exploring the region’s rich American Indian history. Acquired

by Ted Turner in 2013, the historic lodge is popular for its mineral hot springs, as well as easy access to hiking, fishing and birding in the Gila Wilderness. The town is also home to the developing Virgin Galactic Spaceport. sierragrandelodge.com 5. Book a rain forest retreat. Starwood Caribbean Hotels & Resorts has packaged stays in island destinations intended to lure families away from chilly climes. For example, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, located at the foot of Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, combines top-notch golf, nature experiences and quiet beach time for an extraordinary winter holiday. The on-site Iguana Children’s Club offers turtle feeding, rainforest walks and other education-based adventures for children ages 4 through 12. stregisbahiabeach.com n Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel. com. Email: lohayes@family travel.com.

as your “Total for the Trip.” If you’re not paying attention, TrailWallet might send you a little message, such as “Going a little crazy, are we?”

What’s not: This is not so much a complaint as a request: I would like to see a weeklong, sample trip budget archived on the app. It would be helpful when planning a travel budget to see examples of how much people spend on food, hotels, etc. Or how about sample budgets for a backpacker on a monthlong European trip, a family on a weeklong resort vacation or a business traveler on a short trip? n Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

Local travel

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

CRUISE SEMINAR: Enjoy a free presentation from Holland America Line at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at AAA Travel and Cruise, 1600 E. College Way, Suite A, Mount Vernon.

RSVP: 360-8482090.

STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1-800-544-1800 or tourisminfo@watour ismalliance.com.

Staff members assist travelers who have questions, refer them to specific destination marketing organizations and other travel resources across the state for more detailed information, and take orders for the Washington State Visitors Guide.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

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.

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor, accepts passport applications, by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360279-4580.

Michael Keaton stars in “Birdman.” and Miriam whiz about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 accommodating strange 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 requests and stranger 7:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, guests with their trademark humor and wit, a Dec. 22-23 desperate plea to use “Birdman” is a black their stable makes them comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael pause; if this is the advent of God’s Child, what kind Keaton) — famous for portraying an iconic super- of family is He creating? “The Innkeeper’s hero — who struggles to Christmas” re-frames the mount a Broadway play. first Christmas, drawing In the days leading up to laughter and insight from opening night, he battles the unexpected ways God his ego and attempts to alters expectations. recover his family, his Taproot Theatre Comcareer and himself. pany seeks to “creates Stars Michael Keaton, Amy Ryan, Andrea Rise- theatrical experiences to borough, Edward Norton, brighten the spirit, engage Emma Stone, Naomi Watts the mind and deepen the understanding of the and Zach Galifianakis. $10 general; $9 seniors, world around us while inspiring imagination, constudents and active versation and hope.” military; $8 members; $7 Advance tickets: $20. children 12 and under.

Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): The MET Live in HD $8 general, $6 members, $5 – ‘Die Meistersinger children 12 and under.

Von Nurnberg’ Sunday bargain prices: $8 general; $6 members; $5 Noon Sunday, Dec. 21 James Levine returns for children 12 and under. to one of his signature Wagner works conducting Taproot Theatre’s this epic comedy about ‘The Inkeeper’s a group of Renaissance Christmas’ “master singers” whose 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 song contest unites a city. Johan Reuter, Johan

By Anne Kennedy Brady, directed by Nathan Botha, and Annette Dasch lead the international cast.

Jeffrey. Presented by the $23 adults, $19 seniors, Skagit Valley Lutheran $16 students; $2 off for Cluster.

As innkeepers Jacob Lincoln members.

‘Birdman’

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - E11

HOT TICKETS A BOBBY CALDWELL CHRISTMAS: Dec. 18-21, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

THE SENATE: Dec. 22-23, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

THE ROOTS: Dec. 29, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

IN THIS MOMENT: Dec. 30, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation. com.

REIGNWOLF: Dec. 31, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

COMMON KINGS: Dec. 31, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

BUILT TO SPILL: Jan. 2-3, 2015, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MARK HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT: Jan. 8-11, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS: Jan. 15, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

CHRIS HARDWICK: Jan. 16, The Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or Livenation.com.

STEEL PANTHER: Jan. 17, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

E-40: Jan. 18, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles: Jan. 20, Mt. Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

TRIBAL SEEDS: Jan. 22, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

WALE: Jan. 23, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PIERCE THE VEIL, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS: Jan. 28, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: with Matt Costa: Jan. 30, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

“ROMEO & JULIET, THE MUSICAL”: Jan. 30-Feb. 15, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

BILL FRISELL: Jan. 31, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

KIP MOORE: Jan. 31, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

LOGIC: Feb. 5, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

“RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL”: Feb. 5-March 1, 2015, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle.

888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

DR. DOG: Feb. 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE: Feb. 11, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BILLY IDOL: Feb. 13, Paramount The-

TOWER OF POWER Jan. 22-25, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

EXPLORE it all AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE

atre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation. com.

MIRANDA LAMBERT: Feb. 13, Tacoma Dome. 800-745-3000 or Livenation.com.

AUGUST BURNS RED: Feb. 16, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK: Feb. 17, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

NETTWORK: Feb. 19-22, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

COLD WAR KIDS: Feb. 20, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxon line.com.

IRATION: Feb. 20, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BORGORE: Feb. 21, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

3 REDNECK TENORS: “From Rags to Rednecks”: Feb. 21, Mt. Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbaker theatre.com.

LOTUS: Feb. 22, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BO BURNHAM: Feb. 25, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or Livenation.com.

GALACTIC: Feb. 27, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: Feb. 28, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

JOSHUA RADIN: March 1, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

CARIBOU: March 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 5, 2015, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbaker theatre.com.

KELLER WILLIAMS, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: March 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

“JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL & LIVING IN PARIS”: March 7-May 17, 2015, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

COAL CHAMBER: March 11, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxon line.com.

DANA FUCHS: March 17-18, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazz alley.com.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

GET INVOLVED AUDITIONS “I HATE HAMLET”: 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10-11, Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. Parts are available for three women and three men. Actors should read the play in advance and be ready to read sides from the script, which is available at the playhouse for

The Nutcracker

Northwest Ballet Theater December 20 & 21 Happy Holidays!

Family Concert Skagit Symphony January 25

Las Cafeteras

McIntyre Hall Presents February 6

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org

review. The comedy will run April 3-19. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

DANCE FOLK DANCING: SkagitAnacortes Folkdancers meet at 7 p.m. most Tuesdays at Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View.

Learn to folkdance to a variety of international music. Instruction begins at 7 p.m. followed by review and request dances until 9:30. The first session is free, $3 thereafter. All are welcome. No partners needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866.

THURSDAY DANCE: Dance to The Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Gisela at 360-4245696.

MUSIC TIME FOR FIDDLERS: The Washington Old Time Fiddlers play acoustic oldtime music at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland. St. Free; donations accepted.

360-630-9494.

SECOND FRIDAY DRUM CIRCLE: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday,

Jan. 9, Unity Church, 704 W. Division St., Mount Vernon. Shake off the energy of the week through drumming, songs, chants. Freewill donation. heatmiser@ inbox.com.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. every Thursday at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse in La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident. 360-466-3805.

LOVE TO SING? Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Monday at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Seeking women who like to sing a cappella music. All skill levels welcome.

ANACORTES OPEN MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-293-2544.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

RECREATION GUIDED INTERPRETIVE WALKS: n Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park

The Port of Anacortes

Afternoon Matinee Evening Performance seating available with a suggested donation of .

To purchase tickets visit PortofAnacortes.com • 360-299-1822 • 100 Commercial Ave. Anacortes

Road, Rockport. Join the Forest Service and trained naturalists for a guided eagle ecology walk near the Skagit River at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 20-Jan. 31. The center also offers guest speakers each weekend. Free. n Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Join trained naturalists for a guided hike to learn about old growth forests, eagle habitat and more, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fridays through Sundays, through Feb. 15. Visit the Discovery Center for crafts activities. Discover Pass required. n Marblemount Fish Hatchery, 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount.

Tour the fish hatchery with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group volunteers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, through Feb. 1. Learn about the salmon life cycle, hatchery operations, habitat needs of salmon and other local wildlife, including bald eagles. Self-guided tours are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Free.

session. 360-840-0089 or acttheatre.com.

your photo questions. For ages 12 and older. Bring your digital SLR camera and instruction manual.

WORKSHOPS Preregister at least one PROFESSIONAL EDITweek before class date: ING COURSES: Western 360-755-9649 or burlington Washington University’s wa.gov.

Extended Education pro“Take Better Pictures gram will offer two profeswith Your Digital DSLR sional editing courses this Camera”: In this one-day winter on its Bellingham class, you’ll learn how to campus: shoot in manual mode, and Editing Visual Comhow to set aperture, shutter ponents: The nine-week speed and ISO to get the course will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, begin- best shots. The class will ning Jan. 8. Participants will also cover how to bracket your exposure, use of learn how to implement visual design in their work, polarizers, benefits of capincluding the incorporation turing images in the RAW format and more. $40. of photographs, illustraNext up: tions, infographics and n Wednesday, Jan. 14: 6 typography. to 8:30 p.m.

Grammar for Editors: n Saturday, Jan. 17: 10 The nine-week course will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. a.m. to 12:30 p.m. n Saturday, Jan. 31: 10 Tuesdays, beginning Jan. a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

13. Participants will receive n Tuesday, Feb. 10: 6 to an intensive review of the 8:30 p.m. most common grammati“Photography Composical errors found in writing, while learning how to cor- tion and Basic Editing”: In this two-day class you’ll rect the work of authors first learn about image and other writers. composition, including subEnrollment is open to ject placement, use of the faculty, staff, students and community members. 360- horizon, reflections, leading lines, the Rule of Thirds, 650-3308, extendeded@ framing and more. You’ll wwu.edu or wwu.edu/ THEATER then receive a photo assignforwriters. ment to complete before FREE ADULT ACTING CLASSES: Anacortes ComPHOTOGRAPHY CLASS- the second session, where you’ll learn how to edit munity Theatre offers free ES: Skagit Valley profesacting classes for adults sional photographer Andy your images on the computfrom 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Porter will present a series er, including cropping, color adjustment, filters and ways third Saturday each month of digital photography to make your images pop. at 918 M Ave., Anacortes. classes at the Burlington Hosted by Nello Bottari, Parks and Recreation Cen- Participants must have basic classes include theme ter, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., knowledge of how to use monologues, scripted Burlington. Porter’s photos their DSLR camera. $80.

Next up: scenes, improv games and have appeared in many n Wednesdays, Jan. 21 more, with a different topic national magazines and and 28: 6 to 9 p.m. each month. Each class is travel guides. Classes will n Saturdays, Feb. 21 and independent, so you don’t include lots of hands-on have to commit to every experience and answers to 28: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Continue the cycle – please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - E13

BRUNCH MENU & BLOODY MARY BAR EVERY SAT & SUN

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Early Dinners 4 Courses $20

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Black Vinyl All Stars December 20 @ 7:30pm

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BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES!

Join us for New Year’s Eve dinner

Four courses with wine and cocktail pairings • $50 per person

THURS NIGHTS: PRAWNS Reservations Required Fri 12/19 & Sat 12/20 Jimmy Wright is BACK!

Reservations available 5:30-7:30

Music on stage at 6:00 pm by Crazy Like a Fox (Ben & Mia Starner)

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 18, 2014

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Big Hero 6” — Disney’s animated story about a teenager befriending a healthcare robot is a big, gorgeous adventure with wonderful voice performances, some dark undertones that give the story more depth, an uplifting message and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Animation action comedy, PG, 108 minutes.

HHH1⁄2 “Exodus: Gods and Kings” — Director Ridley Scott’s borderline-lunatic, bold, gargantuan and visually stunning epic is in some ways more reminiscent of his “Gladiator” than “The Ten Commandments.” Playing an intense, sword-wielding, tormented, visionary Moses, Christian Bale humanizes one of the most iconic figures of all time. Action adventure, PG-13, 142 minutes. HHHH “Foxcatcher” — Disturbing and memorable, “Foxcatcher” is based on a bizarre true story, and even if you know exactly what happens, when it does happen, it’s shocking. Steve Carell nails the role of a rich eccentric, with Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo revelatory as the wrestlers he mentors.

Sports drama, R, 134 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Interstellar” — What a beautiful and epic film is “Interstellar,” filled with great performances, tingling our senses with masterful special effects, daring to be openly sentimental, asking gigantic questions about the meaning of life and leaving us drained and grateful for the experience. Adventure/ mystery/sci-fi, PG-13, 169 minutes. HHHH “Nightcrawler” — As a freelance vulture who records video of crime and crash scenes for TV news, Jake Gyllenhaal plays one of the most disturbing movie characters of the year. But the film veers from dark satire to tense crime thriller before the tires come off near the end, leaving the entire vehicle just short of worth recommending. Crime thriller, R, 117 minutes.

HH1⁄2

AT AREA THEATERS

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 19-25 Annie (PG): Friday: 12:55, 3:25, 6:25, ANACORTES CINEMAS 8:55; Saturday-Sunday: 9:55, 12:55, Dec. 19-25 Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker: Sunday: 3:25, 6:25, 8:55; Monday-Tuesday: 12:55, 3:25, 6:25, 8:55; Wednesday: 12:55, 12:55 3:25; Thursday: 3:25, 6:25, 8:55 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:20, 6:25, Tomb (PG): Thursday: 3:15, 6:45, 8:45 8:45; Sunday: 1:00, 4:10, 6:25, 8:45; Monday-Tuesday: 1:00, 3:20, 6:25, 8:45; The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG-13): Friday: 12:35, 3:35, 6:35, Wednesday: 1:00, 3:20; Thursday: 3:20, 9:35; Saturday-Sunday: 9:35, 12:35, 6:25, 8:45 3:35, 6:35, 9:35; Monday-Tuesday: 12:35, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five 3:35, 6:35, 9:35; Wednesday: 12:35, Armies (PG-13): Friday-Tuesday: 12:45, 3:35; Thursday: 3:35, 6:35, 9:35 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; Wednesday: 12:45, Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG-13): Fri3:45; Thursday: 3:30, 6:35, 9:30 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG-13): Friday- day: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; SaturdaySunday: 9:45, 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; Saturday: 12:30, 3:30, 6:35, 9:30; SunMonday-Tuesday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; day: 3:30, 6:35, 9:30; Monday-Tuesday: Wednesday: 12:45, 3:45 12:30, 3:30, 6:35, 9:30; Wednesday: 360-279-2226 12:30, 3:30 Unbroken (PG-13): Thursday: 3:45, 6:45, STANWOOD CINEMAS 9:45 Dec. 19-25 360-293-6620 Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker: Sunday: 12:55 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Annie (PG): Friday-Tuesday: 12:50, 3:20, Burlington 6:20, 8:50; Wednesday: 12:50, 3:20; For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262Thursday: 3:20, 6:20, 8:50 4386).

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN 6:45, 8:55; Sunday: 1:00, 4:25, 6:45, Oak Harbor 8:55; Monday-Tuesday: 1:00, 3:10, 6:45, Dec. 19-21 8:55; Wednesday: 1:00, 3:10; Thursday: Night at the Museum: Secret of the 3:10, 6:45, 8:55 Tomb (PG) and Exodus: Gods and Kings The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five (PG-13). First movie starts at 6 p.m.

Armies (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:40, 360-675-5667 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:35, 8:00, 9:35; Sunday: 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:35, 8:00, 9:35; CONCRETE THEATRE Monday-Tuesday: 12:40, 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, Dec. 19-21 6:35, 8:00, 9:35; Wednesday: 12:40, 2:00, The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies 3:35, 5:00; Thursday: 3:35, 6:30, 9:25 (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG-13): 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (3D); Sunday: Friday-Tuesday: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30; 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 12:30, 3:30; Wild (R): Thurs 360-941-0403 day: 3:35, 7:00, 9:30 Unbroken (PG-13): Thursday: 3:20, 6:50, 9:40 360-629-0514 “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” — Sitting through the thoroughly tiresome final chapter in this trilogy, I wondered: Did anybody involved in the making of this movie actually believe it was a quality effort? Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson are among the terrific actors sinking in the cinematic quicksand.

Comedy adventure, PG, 97 minutes. H1⁄2 “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1” — The latest Katniss Everdeen adventure is a rousing yet often bleak and downbeat film that focuses a lot more on tragedies and setbacks than applausegenerating heroics. Ultimately

it serves as a solid if unspectacular first lap around the track of a two-lap race. Fantasy adventure, PG-13, 123 minutes. HHH “The Theory of Everything” — Playing the young Stephen Hawking from reckless Cambridge student to brilliant physicist, Eddie Redmayne undergoes a remarkable transformation.

But it’s a memorable performance in a rather ordinary love story about his romance with future wife, Jane (Felicity Jones). Biography, PG-13, 123 minutes. HH1⁄2 “Top Five” — Chris Rock writes, directs and stars in a seriously funny, semi-autobiographical film that might be

the most accomplished work he’s ever done for the big screen. Even when the dialogue and the visual humor are hardcore vulgar, even when his character hits rock bottom, there’s a real sense of joy about this film. Com- 1 edy, R, 101 minutes. HHH ⁄2 “Wild” — The more time we spend with former heroin addict Cheryl Strayed, the more we feel the change in this young woman’s heart and spirit as she hikes 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail by herself. It’s a raw, beautiful performance

by Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern is warm and wonderful as her mother. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHH1⁄2

NEW THIS WEEK

Amy Adams stars in “Big Eyes.”

The Weinstein Company via AP

Casting Amy Adams to star in “BIG EYES” is one of the great no-brainers in Hollywood history. Yes, the movie’s about Margaret Keane, the secret painter behind those “big-eyed waif” paintings and posters that dominated pop art of the pre-Andy Warhol ’60s. But mention that titular phrase and the first face that comes to mind is Adams.

And it’s no eye-opener that she is stunning in the part, a demure Southerner who marries a San Francisco hustler who transforms her art into a kitsch phenomenon in a sort of Golden Age of Kitsch. Adams’ big eyes invite us into the hurt she feels when her husband starts taking credit for her waifs, the sad resignation that sets in as she goes along with the lies and the soul-crushing pain that comes with the withering reactions of the art establishment — critics included.

But Christoph Waltz and Tim Burton may be the real revelations here. Waltz, a two-time Oscar winner, makes Walter Keane a beguiler, a back-slapping teller of talltales. We can see what the newly separated (with a young daughter) Margaret falls for. He is delightful, and if his stories of life in Paris, his Bohemian lifestyle choices and all the rest are suspect, his rash realization that Margaret is the one for him and that she needs him feels without guile. And since we know it isn’t, there’s the brilliance of the performance.

“Big Eyes” lovingly re-creates the late ’50s-early’60s San Francisco scene, where cool jazz, beat poets and pretentious art were all the rage. Keane couldn’t crack into galleries with his “Pissarro-influenced” Montmartre street scenes. But then he sees the puzzled, yet still dismissive reaction of one gallery owner (Jason Schwartzman) to his new wife’s big-eyed portraits. In quick, tried-and-true brushstrokes, we see Keane glad-hand his way to showing their art at the ultra-hip Hungry I jazz club. Keane has an eye for the main chance, and so does the story’s droll, cynical narrator (Danny Huston), a newspaper columnist who creates the notoriety that turns Margaret’s paintings into must-have art.

Except that the super-salesman Walter is taking credit — accidentally, at first, and then with a vengeance. Margaret is caught up in the “fraud,” bullied into producing more work by his “If you tell anyone, this whole empire collapses.”

What sells the giddy fun of Walter’s empire-building chutzpah and the sorrow of Margaret’s invisible fame is the reason the movie could be made — Adams. From the first time we saw her on the screen, we knew what she was feeling and thinking, just from staring into those huge, hopeful and sometimes hurt eyes. Her big eyes make this “Big Eyes” one of the best pictures of the year.

Running time: 1:45. Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language. HHH1⁄2 n Roger Moore, Tribune News Service

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - E15

MUSIC

The top 10 albums of 2014

broken,” Swedish singer Lykke Li’s third album seems born of an Ingmar Bergman binge. In fact, it’s steeped in ’60s girl-group pop and sustains a sad, stately heartache vibe, from “No Rest for the Wicked” to “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone.”

For extra credit, Li also dueted with Bono

By DAN DELUCA on “The Troubles,” the best thing on U2’s The Philadelphia Inquirer “Songs of Innocence.”

7. Parquet Courts, “Sunbathing Ani1. The War On Drugs, “Lost in the mal.”

Parquet Courts are heirs to the indeDream.” The year saw no better argument pendent spirit of 1980s post-punk. Front than this for the power and potential of men Austin Brown and Andrew Savage the album as a musically cohesive piece of have gone to school on Velvet Underground work. Adam Granduciel’s ebbing and flowguitar churn and Lou Reed half-sung vocals. ing tour de force expertly moves from inteThey continue to grow musically at an rior turmoil to the adrenaline release of the impressive rate, apparent on both this early open road, drawing equally on classic-rock 2014 release and “Content Nausea,” the touchstones such as Dylan and Dire Straits almost-as-good album that came out this and the trancey motorik beat of German month with a slightly different lineup, amusbands like Kraftwerk and Neu! ingly credited to Parkay Quarts.

2. Miranda Lambert, “Platinum.” Six8. St. Vincent, “St. Vincent.” Annie teen songs deep, Miranda Lambert’s fifth Clark, a.k.a. the guitarist who performs as studio album doesn’t quit, from the backSt. Vincent, honed her robot moves on her yard boasts of “Platinum” and “Little Red 2013 tour with her “Love This Giant” colWagon” to the western swing of “All That’s laborator David Byrne. On her self-titled Left” to the unsentimental nostalgia of fourth album, she fashions herself a silver“Smokin’ and Drinkin’ ” to the unforgivhaired, note-shredding android on the looking look in the mirror of “Bathroom Sink.” out for the soul in the machine, command“Platinum” is the best country album of ing her digital witnesses to put down the 2014 and “Lost in the Dream’s” closest Twitter and only connect, face to face. competition for overall No. 1.

9. Flying Lotus, “You’re Dead!” The 3. Angel Olsen, “Burn Your Fire for No mind-blowing head trip of the year.

Witness.” “I’m so lonesome I could cry,” Impending mortality is the unifying concept Angel Olsen sings, not idly quoting Hank of the fifth album by Los Angeles DJ/proWilliams on “Hi-Fire,” one of the 11 emoducer Stephen Ellison. He connects with his tionally riveting songs on the smoldering lineage (he’s the grandnephew of Alice Colalbum, which leaves folkie minimalism trane) by melding free jazz with electronic behind for a full-bodied, rocked-out sound. beats and hip-hop, rhyming funnily under Olsen specializes in writing searing songs of the name Captain Murphy. and putting funk not-so-fragile beauty that don’t let go. bassist Thundercat and rappers Snoop Dogg 4. Run the Jewels, “RTJ 2.” On their and Kendrick Lamar to excellent use. urgent follow-up to their 2013 debut, the 10. Taylor Swift, “1989.” What Taylor interracial duo of Michael “Killer Mike” Swift wants, Taylor Swift gets, and one Render and Jaime “El-P” Meline beat out doesn’t get to be a world-dominating Azealia Banks’ “Broke With Expensive “global superstar” by limiting yourself to Taste” for rap album of the year. El-P’s a “country” audience. So “1989,” naturally, grimy, dynamic production is alternately made the transition to pure, unabashed pop spooky and slamming, and Mike’s combative seamlessly while moving product like it rhymes, in particular, are keenly intelligent, really was “1989.” It earns its way on this list no surprise to anyone who has heard him with a surfeit of all-but-irresistible hooks emerge as a voice of reasoned indignation in — “Wildest Dreams,” “Blank Space,” “How the wake of unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.

You Get the Girl” — that don’t sacrifice a 5. Sun Kil Moon, “Benji.” Mark Kozolek smidgen of Swift’s Everygirl identity. has been a sad-core sad sack for decades Honorable mention: Aphex Twin, “Syro”; now, recording under his own name and Azealia Banks, “Broke With Expensive as Red House Painters, as well as using Taste”; Leonard Cohen, “Popular Probthe Sun Kil Moon rubric. But he has never lems”; Lana Del Rey, “Ultraviolence”; turned in work of such transfixing beauty.

Steve Gunn, “Way Out Weather”; Sturgill A deeply felt album about love and sex and Simpson, “Metamodern Sounds in Country death named after a cute dog in a series of Music”; Spoon, “They Want My Soul”; Shahit 1970s movies. ron Van Etten, “Are We There”; Lucinda 6. Lykke Li, “I Never Learn.” Dressed Williams, “Down Where the Spirit Meets in black and singing “power ballads for the the Bone”; Wussy, “Attica!”

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