360 December 5 2013 full

BJ Thomas, Mark DuFresne and Scott Cossu headline a busy music weekend Tuning Up, Page E11 Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 5, 2013

Holiday Events See what holiday events are coming up in the area PAGE 3

Reviews

Music: Britney Spears, Garth Brooks Video Games: ‘Tearaway’ PAGES 6-7

Movie Review Despair proves amusing in Coen brothers’ ‘Llewyn’ PAGE 16

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK TV shows are the best bets in this week’s DVD releases.

“The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones”: In a world where there is no “Twilight,” “Underworld,” “Stargate” or “Star Wars,” the film would be an interesting look at a magical universe where turmoil is equally divided between a war with demons and the battle for young love. But those films do exist, and that leaves “City of Bones” feeling mundane.

Director Harald Zwart, the man who gave us the abomination of “Pink Panther 2,” shows a lack of talent in blending the big action with emotion. These elements should support each other, but they feel like they are from two different scripts. Even the attempts to add a touch of humor — like suggesting a werewolf would feel more comfortable hanging his head out of a car window — don’t come across as connected to the rest of the film.

The film should please fans of the books. Others should consider one of the other DVD picks that make up this genre.

“Hot in Cleveland: Season Four”: Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White continue to be the funniest comedy ensemble working in TV — network or cable. They show those skills in a series of comedic adventures from this season that includes a work love triangle, landing major movie roles or preparing for a secret wedding.

The DVD set features the live episode and the “Mary Tyler Moore” reunion that brought White back together with Valerie Harper, Cloris Lechman and Georgia Engel.

“Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”: It’s been 37 years since this syndicate series debuted and the comedy remains as crisp and funny as ever. That’s because of the wickedly funny writing used to poke fun at the soap opera world through the often foggy eyes of Mary Hartman (Louise Lasser).

This is a series that can go from a police investigation about a flasher to Hartman falling into a funk about how her floors don’t seem to have the proper shine. This send up of daytime television from Norman Lear works on every level because of the strong supporting cast of Mary Kay Place, Greg Mullavey, Debralee Scott and Dody Goodman.

Included in the DVD set are all 325 episodes.

“The Smurfs 2”: Gargamel creates troublesome Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties.

“Drinking Buddies”: Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick star.

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: DEC. 10 Despicable Me 2 - Universal Fast & Furious 6 - Universal The Hunt - Magnolia

Travel / Page 12

DEC. 17 The Family - Fox The Lone Ranger — Disney Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters - Fox Prisoners — Warner DEC. 24 Insidious: Chapter 2 — Sony DEC. 31 Don Jon — Fox JAN. 7 Closed Circuit — Universal Inequality For All — Starz / Anchor Bay Runner Runner — Fox Thanks for Sharing — Lionsgate n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“Simpsons: Season 16”: Animated adventures of the wildest family in Springfield.

“The Wolverine”: Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the blade-fisted hero.

“Transformers Prime: Season Three — Beast Hunters”: Contains all 13 episodes of the animated adventure series.

“All the Boys Love Mandy Lane”: Amber Heard stars.

“Galactic Adventures: 3D Sun / Mars 3D”: Double feature that looks at the universe beyond Earth.

“Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series Collector’s Edition”: Includes all six games from the 2013 World Series and the pennant-clincher, ALCS Game 6.

“The Perfect Wedding”: Marriage plans get complicated. Eric Aragon stars.

“Casting Me”: Comedy from South Africa.

“Doctor Who — The Doctors Revisted: Ninth-Eleventh”: Features Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith as the Doctor.

“A Christmas Tree Miracle”: A family finds the Christmas spirit they lost.

“Argo Extended Edition”: Includes nine minutes of footage that delves deeper into CIA specialist Tony Mendez’s personal life.

“Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3”: Includes the first three seasons of the series.

“Things Never Said”: Love story centered on the trials and tribulations of life.

Florida attraction zips visitors over alligators

Inside

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Holiday Events................................ 3 Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 Get Involved.................................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 15 Movie Review................................ 16 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.............................18-19

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 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 5, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY If you haven’t yet noticed, the 2013 holiday season is in full swing. Numerous events are held from now until the New Year; below are several options for this week.

Marine Drive, Stanwood. The largest holiday light display in the Northwest covers 15 acres and features family-oriented entertainment, 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. General admission: $10-$15. Paywhat-you-can nights are offered Dec. 5, 12 and 29. Season passes are available.

Theater events are extra. Call 800-2286724 or visit warmbeachlights.com.

VISIT HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS: Take advantage of several escorted trips to holiday attractions around Puget Sound: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers day trips departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Ages 12 and older, adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger. For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Join Skagit County Senior Centers for a day trip to historic Burnaby Village and Van Dusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, departing from and returning to local senior centers. Enjoy the wonderful elements of a Heritage Christmas at British Columbia’s Historic Burnaby Village — stroll the wide streets, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the olden days and relive old-fashioned holiday traditions. Next, visit Van Dusen Botanical Garden, transformed into a winter wonderland complete with elves, candy canes, dancing lights, choreographed light shows, strolling carolers and more. Bring money for a late lunch/ early dinner and purchases. Wear warm, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Note: Valid passport, DMV enhanced driver’s license or NEXUS card required to cross the border. $69. For information, call the Anacortes Senior Center at 360-293-7473 or sign up at your local senior center.

TREE LIGHTING, ARRIVAL OF SANTA: Santa Claus will arrive to light the tree at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Alpha Park on Fairhaven Avenue, Burlington. Coffee, cocoa and treats will follow at the Visitor Information Center, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave. 360-757-0994.

HAPPY (& HEALTHY) HOLIDAY TRUFFLES: with Joan Miller: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Miller, author of “A Sweet Life Without Sugar: Gluten-free & Sugar-free Artisan Recipes,” will demonstrate how to make holiday confections filled with nutrition and healthy sugar substitutes. $18 advance, $20 at the door. 360-464-2229 or anacortes

SANTA’S WORKSHOP: The Skagit Valley Family YMCA will host Santa’s Workshop Family Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at 215 E. Fulton St., Mount Vernon. Kids and parents can make holiday decorations, decorate cookies, take photos with Santa and more. $5 per child; bring a donation of nonperishable food and receive a $1 discount. Volunteers are also needed to help set up, clean up or participate in the event. Call 360-336-9622 or email j.kerkvliet@skagitymca.org for more information.

TREE LIGHTING: Celebrate the community Christmas tree lighting from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, 819 Commercial Ave. The town crier and students from Anacortes High School, Fidalgo and Island View schools will perform.

Free pictures with Santa and hot cocoa and cookies from the American Red Cross. Free. 360-293-7911.

Holiday events in the area centerforhappiness.org.

“HAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Close Encounters of the Pork Rind”: Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt present their 13th holiday comedy extravaganza Dec. 5-22, at ACT’s Falls Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. Enjoy an evening full of wickedly funny social satire, musical parody and razor-sharp zingers roasting the holiday tradition. Tickets start at

$28 plus applicable fees. Discounts are available for students and seniors. 206292-7676 or acttheatre.org.

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS: More than a million Christmas lights will be displayed at the annual Lights of Christmas, from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 5-8 and Dec. 12-15, and daily Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-29 at Warm Beach Camp, 20800

HOLIDAY ARTWALK: The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6, in downtown Anacortes.

Participating merchants will display the work of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, music, treats and more. 360-293-6938.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS: The Economic Development Association of Skagit (EDASC) will host a dinner, dance and auction at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Swinomish Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Dress in your festive holiday attire and enjoy a social hour with special entertainment beginning at 6 p.m., followed by an elegant catered dinner, lively auction bidding, entertainment and dancing. $75, $575 table of eight. 360-336-6114 or skagit.org.

See EVENTS, Page E5

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

MOVIES

Casey Affleck reveals another facet of his talent

By RENE RODRIGUEZ The Miami Herald

MIAMI — Halfway through “Out of the Furnace” comes a scene in which Rodney (Casey Affleck) goes to visit his older brother Russell (Christian Bale), who is serving a prison sentence for vehicular manslaughter.

Rodney has just returned from his fourth tour of duty in Iraq; the two men haven’t seen each other in years. When Russell asks him how things went overseas, Rodney just stares at his brother, his eyes suddenly veiled and dark and haunted.

Some things are just too painful to talk about.

The scene is subtle and deceptively simple — Rodney’s experiences in Iraq will end up affecting the rest of his life — and Affleck’s performance in that small throwaway moment is remarkable, using stillness and silence and a blank expression to convey his character’s great inner pain and the irreparable scars he must bear.

The performance is even more impressive when you meet Affleck, 38, who is funny and jovial and playful and somewhat of a prankster — all the things his character is not. During a recent visit to Miami to promote “Out of the Furnace,” which opens Friday, Affleck at first dismisses praise for that scene with a joke (“They just used mascara to darken my eyes and make me look tortured!”), but then reveals in earnest what was going through his head at the time of filming.

“I’m glad people pick up on those kinds of details, because they are little things, but they’re so important,” he says. “I talked to a lot of veterans who were nice enough to share their stories and insights with me. A lot of them had similar stories — not only in terms of their combat experiences but also how it can be to come back after going through that ordeal. Even if you

Christian Bale (left) and Casey have a supportive family and money and a job and good treatment and your limbs intact and no terrible injuries, it still can be very hard to readjust.

“When you spend several years living in an incredibly stressful environment, you go through intense trauma and it changes your brain chemistry.

You’re essentially a different person.

You have all these memories and all these anxieties. You can be at the grocery story or working at a restaurant and you’re trying to behave in the same way people who haven’t been in combat do, and it’s super-hard.

You can’t just erase some of the terrible things you see during war. Those were the things I thought about during that scene.

such as “Tower Heist,” “American Pie 2” and the “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy (“Those movies aren’t exactly ensembles, though,” he jokes. “They are mostly Brad Pitt and George Clooney talking in front of the camera and everybody else is somewhere in the background, pretending to do something.”)

That all changed in 2007, with the one-two punch of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” which earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination as the man who famously shot the legendary outlaw in the back of the head, and “Gone Baby Gone,” his big brother Ben’s directorial debut, in which he played a street-smart detective investigating the disappearance of a little girl.

Affleck’s subsequent choices of leading roles — the sadistic sheriff in the brutal “The Killer Inside Me,” the prison fugitive in the lyrical “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and now the war veteran who becomes embroiled in an underground fighting ring in “Out of the Furnace” — all point to an actor seeking smaller Kerry Hayes / Relativity Media via AP projects that allow him the Affleck star in “Out of the Furnace.” opportunity to play a specific kind of role.

It was really important that I Whatever its box office fate, “The idea behind my chardepicted the post-war mindset though, “Out of the Furnace” acter in ‘The Killer Inside Me’ of a veteran as accurately as I will further elevate Affleck’s sta- was to play someone who could could.” tus as a diverse and skilled actor, seem your friendly neighbor “Out of the Furnace,” which something he’s been demonnext door — the last person you was directed by Scott Cooper strating ever since his first starwould ever suspect of murder(whose previous film “Crazy ring role in 2002’s “Gerry,” Gus ing people. He’s someone who is Heart” earned Jeff Bridges a Van Sant’s quasi-experimental very different on the inside than Best Actor Oscar), is the kind of film in which Affleck and Matt he is on the outside. In a way, intimate, character-driven drama Damon got lost walking in the that’s the kind of character that that attracts a lot of top-tier desert.

I’m drawn to — not people who talents (Woody Harrelson, WilThe movie started out as an do horrible things, but people lem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana, Sam absurdist comedy that evolved who feel one way on the inside Shepard and Forest Whitaker into a rigorous, existential tale but appear differently on the round out the cast). with an unexpectedly bleak outside. That’s an interesting The grim nature of the tale resolution. conflict for an actor to explore.

— Rodney gets involved in With his mischievous person- That’s true of Rodney in ‘Out an underground fighting ring, ality, physical abilities and ganof the Furnace,’ too. He has all ignoring Russell’s pleas to join gly, loose-limbed body, Affleck these experiences from war that him at a job at a steel mill — has a natural flair for comedy he can’t talk about and he feels doesn’t bode well for the film’s and had been previously cast an enormous amount of guilt, chances at the multiplex during most often as goofballs: He’s but he goes about resolving it in the holiday season. been part of ensemble comedies all the wrong ways.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E5

COMMUNITY

w Events

ley Academy of Dance presents its 24th annual performance of this classic Christmas story Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Continued from Page E3 Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext.

NORTH WHIDBEY FESTIVAL OF TREES: 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, 155 Ernst St. The black-tie “SCROOGE: The Musical”: Enjoy a gala includes dinner, silent and live aucghostly holiday tale based on Charles tions of professionally decorated trees and Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 6-22, other items, music and dancing. $85. Proat Seattle Musical Theatre, 7400 Sand ceeds benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Point Way, Seattle. $30-$40. 800-838-3006 of Island County. 360-279-0644 or bbbsisor seattlemusicaltheatre.org. landcounty.org. n Festival of Trees public viewing: ST. NICHOLAS MASS: The mass will be Enjoy a walk through the forest of intriheld at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Mary cately decorated trees from 1 to 4 p.m.

Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary’s Drive, Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Oak Harbor Elks Anacortes. Following the mass, a procesLodge, 155 Ernst St. Admission by donasion will carry the St. Nicholas icon to the tion to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Seafarer’s Monument for the laying of a of Island County. wreath and roses for the Lady of the Sea. After a short program, the Icon will be CELEBRATE THE SEASON: Anacortes returned to its shrine at the Croatian CulSchools Foundation will host “Celebrate tural Center, 801 Fifth St., where particithe Season,” a holiday fundraiser on Fripants can enjoy Croatian pastries, Turkish day and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, at the Port coffee, hot mulled drinks and music. 360of Anacortes’ Event Center on First and 299-2525 or croatianculturalcenter.com.

Commercial Ave. Each day offers a special highlight — a gingerbread decorating conPANCAKES WITH SANTA: Enjoy a test (adults at 11 a.m., students at 3 p.m.) pancake breakfast with Santa from 8 to on Friday and the Lion’s Holiday Parade 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Anacortes at noon on Saturday. Includes photos with Senior Activity Center, 1701 22nd St., Santa, crafts, games and refreshments. The Anacortes. Enjoy photos with Santa, crafts “Dream It Dinner” will be held at 5:30 and live entertainment. $6. 360-293-1918 or p.m. Saturday, along with an auction and cityofanacortes.org. live music. Tickets: $5 per person or $20 per family for the public events, $35 per BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Enjoy panperson for the dinner fundraiser. Proceeds cakes and ham and holiday music from benefit science, technology, engineer8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Hillcrest ing and math programs of the Anacortes Park Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount VerSchool District. For information, call non. Bring your camera for photos with 360-293-3743 or email vstowe@conrarSanta. $5. 360-336-6215. dydesign.com.

CHILDREN’S SHOPPING EXTRAVACHORAL CONCERTS: Whidbey ComGANZA: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. munity Chorus will present “Sing Noel,” 7, in the Skylight Room at Hillcrest Park its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m.

Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon.

Friday, Dec. 6, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Kids can shop for holiday gifts for everyat First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE one in the family — all priced at $5 or less.

Ireland St., Oak Harbor. Whidbey’s largest Free admission. 360-336-6215. chorus, under the direction of conductor Chet Hansen, will sing sacred to secular BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Rotary Club Christmas favorites, including “I Heard the of La Conner will host the 10th annual Bells on Christmas Day,” “Silent Night,” Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

“Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Maple Hall, 104 Commore. Friday’s concert will include a permercial Ave., La Conner. Join Santa for formance by Oak Harbor High School’s pancakes and photos. $6. award-winning choral students and director Darren McCoy. Admission is free, but TEDDY BEAR BREAKFAST: Seatings at donations will be accepted. Limited seat9 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the ing. For information, contact Kay at 360Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, 155 Ernst St. 678-4148 or visit whidbeycommchorus.org. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and child-friendly holiday show. $10 ages 13 and older, $6 “THE NUTCRACKER”: Skagit Valages 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit the

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County . year’s theme is “The Lights of Christmas.”

360-279-0644 or bbbsislandcounty.org.

360-770-5640 or swinomishyachtclub.org.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Anacortes Lions Club’s annual Christmas Parade will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, along Commercial Avenue to Causland Memorial Park in Anacortes. Line-up begins at 10 a.m. anacortes.org.

CHRISTMAS IN CONCRETE: Donations of toys or cash will help make an old-fashioned Christmas in Concrete bigger and better. The Concrete Christmas Parade will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, down Main Street. Afterward, Santa will talk to kids at the Concrete Center and OPEN HOUSE: The Croatian Cultural pass out toys. A live Nativity scene, along Center, 801 Fifth St., Anacortes, will host with music, singing, roasting chestnuts and an Open House after the Anacortes other activities, will enhance the seasonal Christmas Parade, from noon to 3 p.m. Sat- spirit that day and on successive Saturdays, urday, Dec. 7. Enjoy Croatian music and Dec. 14 and 21. Contact Gladys, 360-826shop for a variety of traditional Croatian 4848 or gsilrus@frontier.com. food, pastries and more. 360-299-2525 or croatianculturalcenter.com.

SEDRO-WHOOLLEYVILLE’S MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS: The tree lighting will get AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS: The underway at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the 14th annual event will take place from 10 intersection of Metcalf and Woodworth a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Floyd streets. The Cascade Middle School Choir Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd will encircle the tree to sing some famous Ave. NW, Stanwood. Kids are invited to carols. One lucky child, the winner of a get free photos with Santa, lots of gooddrawing at local businesses, will throw the ies, crafts, music, museum tours and more. switch lighting up the Christmas tree. The Free. 360-629-0562. parade with Grand Marshall Greg Reed will begin immediately after the tree is lit.

HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDE: Join Santa Claus Prizes will be awarded for the best use of aboard the Lake Whatcom Railway’s lights in the parade. The lighted vehicle Christmas train at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 that best utilizes the theme will win a p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, leavspecial award. Entry forms are available ing from Wickersham, 10 miles north of online, sedro-woolley.com. Pony and train Sedro-Woolley on Highway 9. Meet Santa rides for kids, and horse-drawn trolley and his elf, sing Christmas carols and enjoy rides will be offered from 3 to 5 p.m. A music by Ben the banjo player. $25 ages 18 Seuss-y fashion show with prizes for the and older, $12.50 ages 2 to 17, free for ages Whoo-lliest Sedro-Whoollian of all will be 1 and younger. Tickets must be purchased held at 4 p.m. Kids can visit with Santa and in advance by mail from Lake Whatcom get their pictures taken from 6 to 7 p.m. at Railway, P.O. Box 91, Acme, WA 98220. the Eagles hall, 1000 Metcalf St. 360-855When ordering tickets, give a second and 1841 or sedro-woolley.com. third choice of date and time, as the train rides often sell out. 360-595-2218 or lakeFREE HOLIDAY CONCERT: Navy Band whatcomrailway.com.

Northwest will present the Home for the Holidays concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. TREE LIGHTING, SANTA ARRIVES: 7, in the Oak Harbor High School PerEnjoy holiday music, caroling and the forming Arts Center, 1 Wildcat Way, Oak arrival of Santa Claus by antique fire truck Harbor. A U.S. Marine Corps representato light the tree beginning at 4 p.m. Satur- tive will accept donations for Toys for Tots. day, Dec. 7, at Gilkey Square in La Conner. Free. 360-257-2286.

Enjoy a performance by the La Conner High School Choir before Santa arrives.

BELLINGHAM TREE LIGHTING: The Hot cider and decorated cookies provided Hotel Bellwether’s second annual Holiday by the La Conner High School culinary Tree Lighting will take place from 4 to 6 class will follow the festivities. Free. 360p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at One Bellwether 466-4778.

Way, Bellingham. Check out the unveiling of holiday trees decorated by local BellLIGHTED BOAT PARADE: The Swiningham businesses, listen to carolers, take omish Yacht Club’s annual Lighted Boat photos with Santa and enjoy complimenParade will get under way around 6 p.m. tary hot cider. Non-perishable food donaSaturday, Dec. 7, departing from the north tions will be accepted to benefit the Bellbasin of the Port of Skagit marina in La ingham Food Bank. The decorated trees Conner, turning south along the waterwill remain on display through December. front and ending up in Shelter Bay. This 360-392-3179 or hotelbellwether.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Britney Spears “Britney Jean”

You want to release a good album? You better work harder, chick.

A lot harder.

Britney Spears’ latest release, “Britney Jean,” is a total letdown. It’s not that we expect Adele-styled songs from Spears — or even Rihanna-like ones — but Spears was once a pop

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

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Gallery at the Depot www.anacortesart.com

powerhouse who made music considered a mustlisten, from “Toxic” to “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Listening to this album makes you nostalgic for those days — nothing on “Britney Jean” would be contenders for any future greatest hits package.

The 10-track set lacks so many things: oomph, swag, sex appeal, as well as addictive, memorable hooks. It’s almost like Spears isn’t even present.

Tracks like “It Should Be Easy” and “Till It’s Gone” are techno misses — and messes — even though David Guetta helmed both songs. The light ballad and second single, “Perfume,” is laughable, with Spears warbling: “And while I wait, I put on my perfume, yeah I want it all over you, I’m gonna mark my territory.” It sounds more like a commercial than an actual song (it should be noted that Spears has released a dozen perfumes, including two this year).

“Perfume” was cowritten by Sia, the ultra-talented singer who has found success writing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and tunes for Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry and Eminem.

Another star, will.i.am, is the executive producer of Spears’ eighth album. Are they purposely giving her C- and D-level material?

While “Britney Jean” has its upbeat moments, the album is one of Spears’ slowest. The singer said some songs draw from her recent breakup, but she doesn’t capture emotion that will make you a believer with this batch of tracks.

The album follows in the robotic fashion of 2011’s “Femme Fatale,” though that set had more flavor

and standout tracks. Aside from the sexually charged, T.I.-assisted “Tik Tik Boom” and the lead single, “Work B——,” Spears isn’t putting in any real work. n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Boston

“Life, Love & Hope” Give Tom Scholz credit for knowing one of the core tenets of business success: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

On Boston’s first album in 11 years, and the first since the tragic death of legendary vocalist Brad Delp in 2007, the band sticks with its tried-andtrue sound, one that has come to nearly define the classic rock genre.

From the first time the world heard “More Than a Feeling” in the 1970s, Boston burned its way into rock’s DNA with an identifiable sound: layer upon layer of angry guitars, harmonic solos and angelic vocals backing Delp, who could hit notes only dogs could hear.

There’s an unreleased Delp track here, “Sail Away,” about the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, and it’s the only one of the three Delp tracks on this album that’s new. Two others — “Someone” and “Didn’t Mean

to Fall in Love” appeared on the band’s “Corporate America” album, but Scholz was never really happy with them and has rebuilt them from top to bottom while keeping the original Delp vocals.

Other songs don’t fare as well, including “If You Were in Love” with Kimberley Dahme’s nothingspecial vocals.

“Heaven on Earth,” with David Victor singing lead could be a hit single — that is, if all the Boston fans who were “Smokin’” in the ‘70s remain loyal to a group who helped define what rock ‘n’ roll sounded like for many years. n Wayne Parry, Associated Press

songs steeped in contemporary Nashville clichés.

The high alcohol content “Tall Glass Of Something” makes rhymes out of names of popular cocktails and sugary shooters — wasting a distinctively fun arrangement by producer Joey Moi. Similarly, “1972” fills its lyrics with names of classic rock acts and hit songs from 40 years ago.

Owen shows he can find songs that occasionally step away from the bar: He instills desperation and tension into “One Little Kiss (Never Killed Nobody)” and “Drivin’ All Night.” Unlike the party tunes, these songs include consequences to his actions — and suggest Owen might distinguish himself by going in a different direction than most of his peers. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Jake Owen

“Days Of Gold” Since his first album in 2006, Jake Owens has struggled to separate himself from the deluge of good-time male rockers to emerge in country music in recent years. His fourth album, “Days Of Gold,” continues his streak of inconsistency, blending effective slice-of-life songs with generic tunes about partying and drinking.

As a vocalist, Owen displays more nuance and power than in the past. The problem is that some of his best performances come on

Garth Brooks

“Blame It All On My Roots”

ble disc set and two DVDs present a recorded concert in Las Vegas and most of his old music videos.

The covers lean heavy on songs nearly every listener will know, giving it a Garthdoes-karaoke feel. “Heard It Through The Grapevine,” ‘’Sweet Home Alabama,” ‘’Great Balls Of Fire” and “Mrs. Robinson” are among the choices—songs still heard across America daily on the radio. There’s not a song among the 40 new cuts that presents a lesser-known song important to Brooks.

As would be expected, Brooks connects best with the country covers: His version of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” and a duet with wife Trisha Yearwood on “After The Fire Is Gone” deserve airplay.

On the other hand, the soul songs suffer from canned arrangements and from Brooks straining to bring Wilson Pickett-style growls and grunts to vocals that are otherwise serviceable, but never remarkable.

The Nashville studio musicians do better at injecting life into classic rock and the songwriter albums, staying exceedingly faithful to the originals.

Brooks’ fans, a faithful bunch, will enjoy hearing their hero sing these familiar songs. But will it bring him any new fans, expand his audience or help him find new glory more than a decade after his retirement? That will have to wait for his return to recording original material.

Garth Brooks offers fans a Christmas gift with a discount-priced box set that takes another look back rather than moving forward.

“Blame It All On My Roots” is a massive, eightdisc package. Four CDs are devoted to the Oklahoman n Michael McCall, Associcovering classic songs from ated Press country, rock, soul and acoustic singer-songwriters.

Two CDs are a previously available greatest-hits dou-

Please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Tearaway’

Platform: PlayStation Vita Genre: Driving Publisher: Sony ESRB Rating: E for Everyone Grade: 3 stars (out of 5 stars) The Vita was released back in 2012, but you get the feeling with "Tearaway" that developers are only now figuring out how to use the portable hardware to create unique games that aren’t always suited for the big TV in our living rooms. Because how many times can you play a game in which you are both the hero and a god at the same time?

Yes, this is made possible by the unique story and mechanics behind “Tearaway.”

This new game from the makers of “Little Big Planet” takes better advantage of the device's rear touchpad and tilt controls than most every other Vita game combined. You choose either a male or female hero (named Iota or Atoi, respectively) and guide him or her toward the final goal, an encounter with the game’s omnipotent presence.

But guess what? You play the game’s god,

meaning you experience the game as the hero and the all-powerful presence at the same time. If that throws your brain for a loop, don’t despair; the game does a remarkable job incorporating you (as the god) into the game to create interesting meetups with you (as the hero).

The visual style of the game looks like a Henri Matisse-inspired world of overlapping paper cutouts. These paper shapes form the landscape, the characters, anything and everything you interact with. The amount of fun to be had layering tons of colored paper shapes to create a visual look for your character can go to extreme lengths if you allow it, and you should because few games allow you this kind of leeway.

Then you get to how the Vita is used throughout the game. Use the Vita’s camera and you can project your self-portrait (or any image you choose) into the game at various moments. Use the touchpad and break through the world (it is all made of paper, after all) to help your hero defeat enemies or create escape routes. Strip all of this away, and what you're really playing is a platforming game. Instead, this inventive gameplay and story allows for discovery from both perspectives: the hero trying to reach the finale and the all-seeing power trying to help him/her during the exploration.

The Mount Vernon Downtown Association presents these Holiday Happenings: Sunday, December 8, 2013 Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Christmas Parade, 5 pm. Tree Lighting Ceremony in Pine Square after the parade ends, around 6 pm. For more information, contact Cathy Stevens at (360) 336-3801, dep.mvda@gmail.com.

Free Holiday Movie “The Grinch” 3 pm at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon. For more information, call the Lincoln Theatre (360) 336-8955.

Also Happening!

Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Presents: Breakfast with Santa Sat. Dec. 7, $5 per person, 8-11 am, Hillcrest Lodge Children’s Shopping Extravaganza, Free admission, 8:30 am-2 pm, Hillcrest Park Skylight Room. Both events located at 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For more information, call (360) 336-6215.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART

CALL TO ARTISTS: United General Hospital’s Fine Art Committee seeks uplifting, healing art by local artists for display in the hospital’s “Gallery Hall.” Artwork, in any medium, can be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the purchase of a permanent art collection. Contact Patsy Prutzman by email: patsyprutzman@gmail. com.

center.com.

ART CLASSES: Sign up for a variety of art classes at A Guilded Gallery (formerly Gallery by the Bay), 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.

dragons. Learn about complementary and contrasting colors and the power of texture in art. $45. Register by Jan. 28: 360-755-9649.

determine the production lineup.

For information or to sign up, call 360-679-2237 or email office@ whidbeyplayhouse.com.

AUDITIONS

CALL FOR THEATER VOLUNTEERS: The Whidbey Playhouse is seeking a team of behind-thescenes folks for its April 2014 production of the Tony-award winning musical “1776” that celebrates the birth of our nation. Assistance is needed for set-building and decorating, lighting, prop acquisitions and costuming. For information, contact the theater at 360- 6792237 or email director Gaye Litka at whidbey995@comcast.net.

“1776: A New Musical”: Auditions will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11-12, at the Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor. Parts are availFELT JEWELRY/GIFT-MAKING able for 23 men ages 15 to 70, and WORKSHOP: with Penny Berk: 1 two women, one age 30 to 50 and ART CLASSES to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Tower one age 18 to 35. Come prepared ACRYLICS FOR BEGINNERS: Arts Studio, 5424 S. Shore Drive, to sing 16 bars of music; an accomWith Jennifer Bowman: 11 a.m. to a short walk from the ferry dock panist will be provided. Wear com4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 on Guemes Island. Learn to create fortable clothing as a light dance p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18-19, at the Ana- colorful, fashionable felt jewelry, will be required. Bring a resume cortes Center for Happiness, 619 including felt-bead necklaces, and recent photo. The play will Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $165, bracelets and pins. All ages welrun April 4-27. For information, plus optional $20 fee to borrow come. $55, includes all materials. call 360-679-2237 or visit whidbey Jennifer’s materials. 360-464-2229 360-293-8878 or towerartsstudio. playhouse.com. or anacortescenterfor com. happiness.org.

PLAY SELECTION COMMITTEE: The Whidbey Playhouse, 730 “FIRE & ICE” (Anime style): ART CLASSES: Dakota Art SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, with Max Elam: 4 to 6 p.m. TuesCenter offers a variety of art is looking for people who want to days, Feb. 4-26, 2014. Create four classes and workshops at 17873 help choose plays for its 2014-2015 artworks in the popular anime Highway 536, Mount Vernon. season. Committee members will style, with subject matter from 360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakotaart- fantasy to sci-fi, and dinosaurs to read and evaluate scripts and help

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. 360-4663805. Sept. 5-Dec. 19 (no practice on Thanksgiving) WOMEN SING FOUR-PART HARMONY: Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from

HOLIDAY SALE! NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE RETAIL STORE

810 SR 20 SEDRO-WOOLLEY LOCATED IN THE PARK AND FOREST INFORMATION CENTER SEDRO-WOOLLEY HWY 20

7 to 9:30 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.

DANCE

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folkdancers meet at 7 p.m. most Tuesdays at the Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Mount Vernon. Learn to folk dance 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 360-7666866.

SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Bellingham. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes without heels. $8 per class. For information, call Mary Anderson at 360933-1779 or visit bellinghamscd.org.

Dec 7 OFF M -24 ERCH

25%

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AN this a DISE d

SAT & -12/1 SUN ,1 12/14 2/7-8 & 9:00- 15 3:00

11/30

toys

jewelry

journals

books

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E9

GET INVOLVED THURSDAY DANCE: Enjoy dancing to the music of the Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Doris at 360-588-8239.

CREATIVE RHYTHM & MOVEMENT DANCE CLASS: For ages 3 to 6: 4 to 4:50 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 9-30, at Hillcrest Park Skylight Room, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. This ballet-based class will focus on coordination, skipping, leaping and jumping with continual change of music rhythms. $40-$42. Register with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, 360-3366215.

Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon.

No fee, no partner needed.

First three lessons are free.

Wear comfortable shoes.

For information, call Rosie at 360-424-4608.

ON STAGE

OPEN MIC: 9 p.m. to midnight, Wednesdays, at the First Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Ages 21 and older. No cover. 360-3363012 or riverbelledinner theatre.com.

RECREATION

ANACORTES OPEN MIC: SEEKING MODEL TRAIN 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, at the ENTHUSIASTS: The WhatBrown Lantern Ale House, com Skagit Model Railroad 412 Commercial Ave., AnaClub is seeking new memcortes. 360-293-2544. bers for its On30 narrow gauge group in Bellingham.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night: The club has constructed 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursa modular layout with 14 days, at the Conway Pub modules, each 5 feet by 30 & Eatery, 18611 Main St., inches, designed to be set Conway. 360-445-4733. up in a variety of configurations. The modules still need BURLINGTON OPEN MIC: some work and refinement, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, at and the club is looking for North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. new members interested in Burlington Blvd., BurlingCLOG DANCING FOR completing the work and ton. Hosted by Daniel Burn- showing the layout at area BEGINNERS: Free lesson from 10 to 11 a.m., followed son. Rock, blues, funk, folk, train shows. Contact Karl ukelele, poetry and more. by regular clog dancing Kleeman at trainswas@ from 11 a.m. to noon Thurs- 360-707-COVE (2683) or gmail.com or Mike O’Brien days, at the Mount Vernon northcovecoffee.com. at sales@xtrains.com.

Celebrate the Holidays in La Conner

DECEMBER

7: Santa Pancake Breakfast- Maple Hall 8:30-11am, $6 7: Kiwanis Holiday Bazaar- La Conner Middle School, 9:30am-2pm 7: Christmas Tree Lighting- Gilkey Square, 4pm Choir, 5pm Santa 7: Skagit Valley Art Escape- La Conner Gallery Art Walk, 5-8pm FREE

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7: Lighted Boat Parade - Swinomish Channel 6pm 8: Small Town Holiday Music - Maple Hall, 2:30 benefitting La Conner Sunrise Food Bank 8: Season of Giving- Holiday Shopping, to benefit La Conner Sunrise Food Bank 8: Christmas is for Kids!- 11am-5pm, Historical Museum 21 & 22: Shelter Bay Community ConcertFri. 7:30pm, Sat. 3pm EXPLORE our Rewards!

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E10 Thursday, December 5, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 5-15

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 5-15

THURSDAY.5

SATURDAY.14

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

FRIDAY.6

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THEATER “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Theater Arts Guild: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

SATURDAY.7 THEATER “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Theater Arts Guild: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

MUSIC “Winter’s Rose”: Holiday Concert: Cantabile of Skagit Valley and reSound Northwest Chamber Ensemble: 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 2201 H Ave., Anacortes. $15 suggested donation. 360466-1783 or cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

“Under a Winter Moon”: Angeli women’s quartet: with vocalists Cynthia Akins Fletcher, Sharon Erickson, Carol Fitzgerald and Joni Keller, and accompanists Verna Morgan and Jan Ernst: 4 p.m., Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW Second Ave., Oak Harbor. Freewill donations will benefit Help House, the nonprofit north Whidbey Island Food Bank. 3606790-1561 or angeli_quartet@comcast.net.

SUNDAY.8 THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

THURSDAY.5

THE PROVOCATEURS: CHRISTMAS CABARET/BURLESQUE/VARIETY SHOW 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $7 cover. 360-3363012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

TUESDAY.10 MUSIC Louis Hayes & his New York Quintet (jazz): 7 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20-25 Reservations: 360-671-1709.

THURSDAY.12 THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 6:30 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116.

SOLD OUT: BJ Thomas: 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $24$28. 877-275-2448.

COMEDY Daniel Dugar, Lance Woods: hosted by Randall Ragsdale: 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956.

Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766- Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

6266.

360-848-8882.

Mark DuFresne Band: 8 p.m., Conway Daddy Treetops, The Clouds: 8:30 p.m., Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $12. Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-445-3000.

360-766-6266.

Scott Cossu: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Com- The Mark, Totalizer, So Adult, World mercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956. Runner: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

Scott Cossu Trio: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, The White Buffalo, The Crying Shame: 9 p.m., The ShakeConway. $14. 360-445-3000. down, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8-$10. 360-778-1067.

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

WEDNESDAY.11

SATURDAY.14 BADD DOG BLUES SOCIETY 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

FRIDAY.13

Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

THURSDAY.12

Stilly River Band: Knut Bell (country, folk, Americana): 7 p.m., Big 6 to 9 p.m., RockRock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. No fish Grill, 320 cover. 360-424-7872.

Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Janette West: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

FRIDAY.13 The Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Pine Hearts (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Cumulus, Candysound, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Ann ‘N Dean: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766- Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount 6266.

Vernon. 360-848-8882.

SATURDAY.14

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

The Staxx Brothers, Black Beast Revival, Wildabeast: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.8

SUNDAY.15

MUSIC “Hands Across The Sea”: North Cascades Concert Band, Anacortes High School Choir: 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $12, $10 seniors, $5 ages 17 and younger, $25 family. Tickets at Watermark Book Co. or at the door. nccband.org.

Piper Reva: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360445-3000.

SATURDAY.7

VAUDEVILLE The Back Alley Cats: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

FRIDAY.6

FRIDAY.6

Dennis Jones Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ SOLD OUT: BJ Thomas: 8 p.m., Pacific Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $24Church of Misery, Saviours, Wizard Rifle: 10 p.m., The $28. 877-275-2448.

Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8-$10. 360-7781067.

Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

“A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 2 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

MUSIC “Pleasures of Pan” (chamber music): with flutist Jeffrey Cohan, violist Roxanna Patterson and pianist Mark Salman: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $15-$20 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger.

360-445-3164 or candlelightseattle.org.

Thursday, December 5, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

SUNDAY.8 “WINTER’S ROSE”: HOLIDAY CONCERT: CANTABILE OF SKAGIT VALLEY AND RESOUND NORTHWEST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: 3 p.m. , St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th, Mt. Vernon. $15 suggested donation. 360-466-1783 or cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

TUESDAY. 10 LOUIS HAYES & HIS NEW YORK QUINTET (JAZZ) 7 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20-25 Reservations: 360-671-1709.

The Walrus: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Gold Digger: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Cover.

877-275-2448.

Mudflat Walkers, Sky Colony, Paul Benoit & The Dovetails: 6:30 p.m., Badd Dog Blues Society: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

360-755-3956.

Country Lips: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Wild Throne, Lozen, Gaytheist, The Family Curse: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360778-1067.

SUNDAY.15 Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

E10 Thursday, December 5, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 5-15

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 5-15

THURSDAY.5

SATURDAY.14

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

FRIDAY.6

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THEATER “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Theater Arts Guild: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

SATURDAY.7 THEATER “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Theater Arts Guild: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

MUSIC “Winter’s Rose”: Holiday Concert: Cantabile of Skagit Valley and reSound Northwest Chamber Ensemble: 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 2201 H Ave., Anacortes. $15 suggested donation. 360466-1783 or cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

“Under a Winter Moon”: Angeli women’s quartet: with vocalists Cynthia Akins Fletcher, Sharon Erickson, Carol Fitzgerald and Joni Keller, and accompanists Verna Morgan and Jan Ernst: 4 p.m., Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW Second Ave., Oak Harbor. Freewill donations will benefit Help House, the nonprofit north Whidbey Island Food Bank. 3606790-1561 or angeli_quartet@comcast.net.

SUNDAY.8 THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

THURSDAY.5

THE PROVOCATEURS: CHRISTMAS CABARET/BURLESQUE/VARIETY SHOW 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $7 cover. 360-3363012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

TUESDAY.10 MUSIC Louis Hayes & his New York Quintet (jazz): 7 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20-25 Reservations: 360-671-1709.

THURSDAY.12 THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 6:30 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116.

SOLD OUT: BJ Thomas: 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $24$28. 877-275-2448.

COMEDY Daniel Dugar, Lance Woods: hosted by Randall Ragsdale: 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956.

Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766- Jim Cull: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

6266.

360-848-8882.

Mark DuFresne Band: 8 p.m., Conway Daddy Treetops, The Clouds: 8:30 p.m., Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $12. Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-445-3000.

360-766-6266.

Scott Cossu: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Com- The Mark, Totalizer, So Adult, World mercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956. Runner: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

Scott Cossu Trio: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, The White Buffalo, The Crying Shame: 9 p.m., The ShakeConway. $14. 360-445-3000. down, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8-$10. 360-778-1067.

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

WEDNESDAY.11

SATURDAY.14 BADD DOG BLUES SOCIETY 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

FRIDAY.13

Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

THURSDAY.12

Stilly River Band: Knut Bell (country, folk, Americana): 7 p.m., Big 6 to 9 p.m., RockRock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. No fish Grill, 320 cover. 360-424-7872.

Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Janette West: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

FRIDAY.13 The Fenderbenders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Pine Hearts (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Cumulus, Candysound, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Ann ‘N Dean: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766- Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount 6266.

Vernon. 360-848-8882.

SATURDAY.14

THEATER “Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

The Staxx Brothers, Black Beast Revival, Wildabeast: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.8

SUNDAY.15

MUSIC “Hands Across The Sea”: North Cascades Concert Band, Anacortes High School Choir: 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $12, $10 seniors, $5 ages 17 and younger, $25 family. Tickets at Watermark Book Co. or at the door. nccband.org.

Piper Reva: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360445-3000.

SATURDAY.7

VAUDEVILLE The Back Alley Cats: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

FRIDAY.6

FRIDAY.6

Dennis Jones Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ SOLD OUT: BJ Thomas: 8 p.m., Pacific Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $24Church of Misery, Saviours, Wizard Rifle: 10 p.m., The $28. 877-275-2448.

Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8-$10. 360-7781067.

Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

“A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 2 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

MUSIC “Pleasures of Pan” (chamber music): with flutist Jeffrey Cohan, violist Roxanna Patterson and pianist Mark Salman: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $15-$20 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger.

360-445-3164 or candlelightseattle.org.

Thursday, December 5, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

SUNDAY.8 “WINTER’S ROSE”: HOLIDAY CONCERT: CANTABILE OF SKAGIT VALLEY AND RESOUND NORTHWEST CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: 3 p.m. , St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th, Mt. Vernon. $15 suggested donation. 360-466-1783 or cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

TUESDAY. 10 LOUIS HAYES & HIS NEW YORK QUINTET (JAZZ) 7 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20-25 Reservations: 360-671-1709.

The Walrus: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Gold Digger: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Cover.

877-275-2448.

Mudflat Walkers, Sky Colony, Paul Benoit & The Dovetails: 6:30 p.m., Badd Dog Blues Society: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

360-755-3956.

Country Lips: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Wild Throne, Lozen, Gaytheist, The Family Curse: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360778-1067.

SUNDAY.15 Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

TRAVEL ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — I was slowly crossing a swinging log bridge when I paused, sensing the alligator 12 feet below was staring at me.

The water around the 8-foot gator’s enormous body began rippling rapidly. A second later, Big Al let out a deep bellow, as if to say, “If you fall, you’re my lunch.”

I was grateful to be strapped in a harness.

The bridge was part of a 49-station obstacle course that includes 10 zip lines at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. It takes visitors over crocodiles, lemurs, giant tortoises, vultures and, of course, lots of alligators.

“It’s just a totally different perspective. You can go to any zoo in the world and look at them through the glass, but you can’t go anywhere and look at them over the top of the enclosures like you can here,” said Scott Brown, who designed and now manages the Crocodile Crossing at the zoo.

The alligator farm is fascinating enough on foot. At 120 years old, it’s one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions and it is the only zoo in the world that displays all 23 crocodilian species, including the nearly extinct Philippine crocodile.

From above, it’s even more amazing. I paused on a rope bridge to watch enormous African vultures rip apart a carcass, zipped over a lagoon with dozens of alligators, watched lemurs scrambling around their cage below me and saw the surprised faces of the guests on the ground as I flew over their heads.

And it’s a good workout. I’ve zip-lined through the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts and

Florida attraction zips over gators

LO U N G E

Watch the games on the BIg screen!

Football EntErtainmEnt thursday 12/5

Texans vs. Jaguars

sunday 12/8

Seahawks @ 49ers

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

I-5 Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448 Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s Crocodile Crossing: 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, Fla. www.alligatorfarm.com, 904-824-3337.

Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Long course, $65; short course,

“The most amazing, awesome thing I’ve done ever,” said Ava Martin, 53, who lives just north of St. Augustine. She and her 21-yearold son Corey were taking the course for the second time.

“Being over a big alligator is freaky!” Corey Martin said. “You’re not rushed to do it. While you’re doing it, you can just stop, if you like, and see everything.”

That includes behind-the-scene views that other guests won’t get.

“You’ll see things that the public doesn’t get to see,” said Brown.

“Whether it’s other animal enclosures, animals getting moved, animals getting a vet visit, maybe getting blood drawn. And it’s always exciting for the public to see a large alligator or even a small alligator getting caught, getting taped up and Story and photo by BRENDAN FARRINGTON t Associated Press getting moved. You’re always going found this to be a bigger challenge. crocodiles in the mountains of the football field. There are some very to see something that nobody else is looking at.”

The zip lines in the mountains Northeast. fast lines, requiring some quick The course is a do-it-yourself might be longer and faster, but the “It’s just almost impossible to breaking. There’s also the occaadventure. Guests are given instrucobstacles at the St. Augustine zoo match what they have in other parts sional palm frond that harmlessly tions at the beginning on how to make you work harder. of the country, but what we lack in whacks your backside.

I had to climb rope ladders, tradistance and speed we make up for I didn’t stare at the alligators and clip and unclip themselves to safety lines. A guide then follows on the verse a high wire and struggle to in the scenery,” Brown said. “You crocodiles while zipping, choosing maintain balance on bridges that have to go through the obstacles to instead focus on the landing plat- ground and makes sure they’re use swinging ladders, swinging logs to get to the zip line. The zip line is form ahead of me. But I did pause following safety rules, while at the same time providing facts about the and boards that are placed so far your reward for your hard work of often on the platforms and obstaapart they sometimes require a leap the obstacles. There’s a reason they cles to look at the creatures below. animals they’re seeing.

“I saw the whole park. It was instead of a step. Even with temcall it a challenge course. It is chal- The zoo spaces out the guests to amazing,” said Jackson Lawson, 12, peratures in the low 70s I worked lenging.” ensure they aren’t rushed through of Hahira, Ga., who was celebrating up a good sweat.

The longest zip-line on the the course, which takes about 90 his birthday at the alligator farm.

Plus, you don’t find alligators and course is 300 feet, or the length of a minutes to complete.

W inners

SVH

Want to go?

Ava Martin rides a zip line over an alligator lagoon at The St. Augustine Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, Fla.

5:25 pm 1:25 pm

monday 12/9

Cowboys vs. Bears

5:40 pm

GamE timE SpEcialS Food and drink specials available in the lounge and at the bar top from Kick-off ‘til end of the Game!

FrIday 12/6

DJ Little

Classic & Contemporary Dance 9 pm – 1 am

saturday 12/7

Bullet Creek

High Energy Top 40 Country Rock 9 pm – 1 am

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E13

TRAVEL Local travel

TRAVEL TALK: Bonnie Bowers will present “Trekking Scotland’s West Highland Way” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. The intrepid traveler takes you into the Highlands, along the east bank of Loch Lomond and skirting Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21 or library.cityofana cortes.org.

SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: Skagit County Senior Centers offer short escorted trips departing from and returning to local Senior Centers. For information, call the Anacortes Senior Center at 360-293-7473 or sign up at your local senior center.

Next up: The Blind Boys of Alabama at Benaroya Hall: 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The Blind Boys of Alabama perform “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” their Grammy-winning Christmas show. Bring money for food and purchases. $85. Register by Dec. 2.

to 5 p.m. today. Start celebrating the holiday season with a trip to the 26th annual Victorian Country Christmas Festival at the Washington State Fairgrounds at Puyallup. Check out an old-fashioned Victorian village with more than 530 stores tended by shopkeepers in Victorian attire, strolling musicians, Christmas decor and animated displays and a variety of holiday entertainment. Ages 12 and older. $67-$69.

Preregister by Nov. 29. n Best of Bellevue: Holiday Garden D’Lights and Snowflake Lane: 1:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Enjoy shopping at Bellevue Square, followed by a visit to the Garden D’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, transformed into a blossoming winter wonderland with more than half a million tiny lights. Then head back downtown to Snowflake Lane for the Northwest’s most enchanting holiday show. Ages 12 and older. $57-$59. Preregister by Dec. 5.

STANWOOD SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: The Stanwood Senior Center offers occasional trips around the Puget Sound area and beyond, departing from and returning to the Center, SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For informaRecreation offers several travel opportunities tion or reservations, contact Sandy Kitchens at for participants ages 12 and older, adult super- 360-629-7403. vision required for ages 18 and younger. Trips Next up: depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 n Christmas Tree Lighting in Leavenworth: S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Witness to register, call 360-336-6215. the Bavarian village transformed into a sparNext up: kling wonderland of lights. $45. Preregister by n Victorian Country Christmas: 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 1.

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Photo by Alex Kramer

Enjoy the Gaches Mansion dressed for the holidays and selections of red & green quilts from our permanent collection on exhibit.

Free Reception 1-3pm Saturday, December 7th Open Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm

Visit our Gift Shop for unique gifts for the fiber artist!

703 South 2nd St. La Conner (360) 466-4288 www.laconnerquilts.org

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

HOT TICKETS PEARL JAM: Dec. 6, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

BJ THOMAS: Dec. 6-7, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

BLACK CROWES: Dec. 7, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or LiveNation.com.

THE WHITE BUFFALO: Dec. 7, The Crocodile, Seattle. 800-7453000 or LiveNation.com.

106.1 KISS FM JINGLE BALL: with Selena Gomez, Flo Rida, Fall Out Boy, Austin Mahone, Icona Pop, Fifth Harmony, Travie McCoy, New Politics: Dec. 8, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or comcast arenaeverett.com.

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS: Dec. 10, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

CHRIS HARDWICK: Dec. 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

SMooCH BENEFIT: with ALLEN STONE, THE HELIO SEQUENCE, THE LONELY FOREST, SHELBY EARL, JOHN RICHARDS: Dec. 14, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: with Colt Ford and Dallas Smith: Dec. 14, ShoWare Center, Kent. 866973-9613 or ShoWareCenter.com.

CHANCE THE RAPPER: Dec. 15, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

IVAN & ALYOSHA: Dec. 21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

SIZZLA: Dec. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ROCKY HORROR SHOW: Dec. 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

SUPER DIAMOND: THE NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE: Dec. 31, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

IN THIS MOMENT: Jan. 3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

REEL BIG FISH: Jan. 11, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PANIC! AT THE DISCO: Jan. 14, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL CAT VIDEO FILM FESTIVAL: Jan. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Jan. 17,

REVEREND HORTON HEAT: Jan. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR! PIRATE & PRINCESS ADVENTURE: Jan. 19, Comcast Arena at Everett.

866-332-8499 or comcastarena everett.com.

JAKE BUGG: Jan. 20, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com.

ROBERT DELONG: Jan. 23, The Barboza, Seattle. 206-709-9442 or thebarboza.com.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

EXCISION: Jan. 24, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com.

LORD HURON: Jan. 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

COLIN HAY (of Men At Work): Jan. 24-25, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT: Jan. 30-March 2, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: with Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi: Feb. 1, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

ROBIN THICKE: March 26, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

GUNGOR: March 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS: March 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS: April 2-3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

YOUNG THE GIANT: April 4-5, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

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

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: April 12, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org.

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

ELLIE GOULDING: April 23, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or LiveNation.com.

THE 1975: April 24, Showbox at THE DEVIL MAKES THREE: Feb. LiveNation.com. the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 1, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800PAUL SIMON, STING: Feb. 19, or showboxonline.com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 FRANZ FERDINAND: April 24, MARY LAMBERT: Feb. 1, Show- or LiveNation.com.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745box at the Market, Seattle. 800PENTATONIX: Feb. 20, Para3000 or showboxonline.com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com. mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784THE WANTED: April 26, Showbox WHITE LIES: Feb. 7, Showbox at 4849 or LiveNation.com.

SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 THE ENGLISH BEAT: Feb. 21, showboxonline.com. or showboxonline.com.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: TOAD THE WET SPROCKET: Feb. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

April 26/Nov. 15, Sudden Valley 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. com.

Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-671800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

DOC SEVERINSEN, THE SAN 1709 or suddenvalleylibrary.org. com.

MIGUEL FIVE: Feb. 21-22, Skagit STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY: IMAGINE DRAGONS: Feb. 11, Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877May 6, Showbox at the Market, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 275-2448 or theskagit.com. or LiveNation.com.

WALK OFF THE EARTH: Feb. 26, Seattle. 206-224-5481 or aeglive. com.

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU: Feb. 13, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

May 23-25 and July 4-6, Gorge 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

MARCHFOURTH MARCHING Amphitheatre, George. sasquatch com.

BAND: Feb. 28, Showbox at the festival.com.

KARMIN: Feb. 14, Neumos, Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or PARADISO FESTIVAL: June Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox showboxonline.com. online.com.

GLASVEGAS: Feb. 28, Columbia 27-28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George.

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIT- City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

CHER: June 28, KeyArena, SeatED STATES OF AMERICA: Feb. 15, or columbiacitytheater.com.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

SKINNY PUPPY: March 1, Show- tle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation .com.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. box at the Market, Seattle. 800NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

July 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

MILEY CYRUS: Feb. 16, Tacoma GALACTIC: March 13, Showbox 877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or at the Market, Seattle. 800-745JOURNEY, STEVE MILLER BAND: LiveNation.com.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

July 19, White River Amphitheatre, HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. HERMAN’S HERMITS: starring 16, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866- Peter Noone: March 14-15, Skagit Auburn. 800-745-3000 or LiveNa332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett. Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877tion.com. com.

275-2448 or theskagit.com.

ARCADE FIRE: Aug. 8, Gorge AMOS LEE: Feb. 17, Paramount BRING ME THE HORIZON: March Amphitheatre, George. 800-745Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 3000 or LiveNation.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E15

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

LOCAL FOOD • LOCAL BEER • MADE HERE

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7

‘The Grinch’

3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8

Discover the magic of the Mean One this holiday season! Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer bring Christmas’ best-loved grump to life with the help of the irrepressible Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Why is the Grinch such a grouch?

No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out. … and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.

Rated PG; free admission.

Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11

It’s the time of year for Lincoln volunteers , staff and board members to get together to celebrate the season and, most importantly, recognize the folks who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty with their help to support this historic non-profit cinematic and performing arts theatre.

13 Time Winner BEST OF ANACORTES

• Local Seafood • Wood-Fired Pizza We Love Families !

• Craft Brewed Beers Made on the Premises • Serving Your Favorite Cocktails in Our Full Bar Follow the Fish

OPEN DAILY at 11:00 am 320 Commercial Ave • Anacortes, WA • 360.588.1720 Complete Menu & Events Calendar at: www.AnacortesRockfish.com

Check out our Facebook page for information on Live Blues, Jazz & Roots Every Week

A Perfect Dining Experience.

ALL GAMES TELEVISED

SCANDINAVIAN SMORGASBORD DEC. 8 & 15

BURGER/FRIES $5.99 11:30-4PM MON-FRI

FULL BAR TAKE OUT GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

COSTCO

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Exit 229

I-5

ARCO S. Burlington Blvd.

Theater Arts Guild presents Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which features the songs from the classic family film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” $10-24.

WINTER BREWERS NIGHT THURS. DEC 4TH

E George Hopper Rd Lighting Universe Japanese Steakhouse Hampton Inn

Sushi & Hibachi - Lunch Happy Hour Every Day Until 3pm

1830 South Burlington Blvd.

(360) 588.4281

www.sakuraburlington.com

FRIDAY & SATURDAY PRIME RIB & PASTA THURS NIGHTS:

1/2 Pound

stEak

burgErs siMPly thE

bEst Pan friEd Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails 24 Draft Handles • Live Music Sat. 12/7 - 7:30pm Scott Cosu

314 Commercial • 360-755-3956

Every Day 3-6pm Reservations: 466-4014

Not Valid with Coupons or other Specials Full menu details at: laconnerseafood.com

18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

breakfast 9 aM

I-5 Exit 221 360-445-4733

SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET December 8th & 15th $28.95 Seniors $31.95 Adults $10.95 Children 12 & Under 12pm-6pm Reservations: 466-4411

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

Goodson

422-6411

oystErs

Early Dinners 4 Courses $20

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

Fri 12/7 & Sat 12/6

Conway Pub & EatEry KARAOKE Fri/Sat HAvE yOuR pARtiES HERE!!

‘Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka’

614 S. First, La Conner Macadamia Nut Halibut is back!

8am-7pm ORDER PRIME RIBS, TURKEYS, OR HAMS TO GO

360.466.4411

LaConner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

VOTED BEST OF ANACORTES 13 YEARS RUNNING Kids Eat Free Every Tuesday with a Paid Adult

ROCKFISH GRILL Local Food, Local Beer, Made Here 320 Commercial Ave 360.588.1720

www.anacortesrockfish.com

Follow the Fish

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E16 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

MOVIES

Despair proves amusing in Coen brothers’ ‘Llewyn’

By JESSICA HERNDON AP Film Writer

In an alley behind a cafe in New York’s Greenwich Village, an unidentified stranger knocks singer Llewyn Davis to his knees.

Within the first 10 minutes of the Coen brothers’ latest dark comedy, the filmmakers acquaint us with the curiously obscure, as violent fits are not usually associated with folk music.

The genesis of this animosity is left unanswered until the final moments of the film, leaving the lingering off-kilter question: Why would anyone beat up a folk singer? Thus, we have the perfect onset for this bleak and witty tale of a striving musician.

Here the Coen brothers pluck at the beatnik scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Helmed by long-time Coen collaborator T Bone Burnett, the tunes in this film — which are performed live — bare morbid undertones that correspond with the foremost concepts of the story: poverty, abortion, disappointment and death.

As the film opens, we are introduced to our guitar-strumming lead, Llewyn Davis, who is onstage in a smoke-filled dive.

He is played to grungy, dark and handsome perfection by the stylish and calm Juilliardtrained Oscar Isaac. This marks the first time the Miami-bred, Guatemalan-born 33-year-old has anchored a feature and he carries it off with infectious grace and grit. When he sings “Hang Me, Oh Hang Me” in these initial moments, we’re both seduced and heartbroken.

But for his character, a deep tune isn’t enough to win over an audience. He is struggling to make it as a solo artist after his bandmate committed suicide, and his dismal hymns fail to propel him out of dire straits. Unable to afford his own place, he crashes on the couches of friends around town. Yet he’s determined to keep his guitar close by and not

Oscar Isaac (left) and Justin Timberlake star in “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

Alison Rosa / CBS FIlms via AP

sell out.

It seems we’ll have no problem feeling sorry for Llewyn. Only the fact that he’s an egotistical jackass makes it impossible to feel solidly empathetic toward him.

His tenacity is admirable, though painstakingly impractical, which his married lover, Jean, played

by Carey Mulligan, never fails to point out. The motley actress, who also played Isaac’s love interest in “Drive,” is deliciously abrasive in this role as Llewyn’s best friend’s wife, who just might be carrying Llewyn’s baby.

Unlike her glamorous turn as Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” earlier this year, here Mulligan is pared down in tame turtlenecks and blunt brown bangs. This practical look

attempts to record a loony track about President Kennedy with HH 1⁄2 a straight face. And “Girls” star Running time: 1:45 Adam Driver, as the cowboy hat MPAA rating: R for language wearing folk singer Al Cody, is a including some sexual referriot when adding absurd sound ences effects to Jim’s soon-to-be hit.

Luck never seems to be on is the perfect contrast to her sassy Llewyn’s side. If he gains a couple tongue. Jean is disgusted with of bucks, he quickly loses them.

Llewyn’s casual nature and lack He’s unable to nab a proper of desire for the stable suburban coat and boots in the freezing lifestyle, yet she’s attracted to New York winter. And his sister his rough edges. Their back-and- has tossed the papers needed to forth dustups speed up the film’s return to the seaman’s union, otherwise drowsy pace and offer his backup plan. Isaac’s masters the most intriguing, and hilarious, every intricate expression, but exchanges. disappointment is his grand mask.

Justin Timberlake, as bearded When Llewyn hitches a ride to musician Jim, who is married Chicago for a last-chance meetto Jean, has good comedic timing with stoic music manager Bud ing. He’s convincingly quirky Grossman (portrayed by the everand naive, especially when he magnetic F. Murray Abraham)

‘INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS’

he is told his music isn’t sellable. His traveling companions, bizarre Southern jazz musician Roland Turner, played with raw perfection by Coen regular John Goodman and the aloof leather coat-wearing stud Johnny Five (a quiet, captivating Garrett Hedlund), turn out to be a headache when one almost overdoses on drugs and another is arrested.

Indeed, the film is a heavy downer and its consistent grayhue enhances the bleakness. But the Coen brothers never fail to weave in bits of saucy irony, giving way for essential comical moments that bring everything full-circle.

Now back to that alley beatdown: Despite what Llewyn goes through, it becomes clear he deserved it.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E17

MOVIES AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 6-12 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, (PG-13) Dec. 12 Early Premiere Thu: 11:59 Frozen (PG), Fri-Tue: 1:00, 3:20, 6:35, 8:55; Wed: 1:00, 3:20, 6:35; Thu: 1:00, 3:20, 6:35, 8:55 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13), Fri-Tue: 12:30, 3:30, 6:25, 9:20; Wed: 12:30, 3:30, 9:20; Thu: 12:30, 3:30, 6:25, 9:20 12 Years a Slave (R), Fri-Thu: 12:45, 3:40, 6:45, 9:30 360-293-6620 CONCRETE THEATRE Dec. 6-8 Frozen (PG): Friday: 7:30 p.m. (3D); Saturday 4 p.m. (2D) and 7:30 p.m. (3D); Sunday: 4 p.m. (3D) and 6:30 p.m. (3D) 360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Captain Phillips” — Director Paul Greengrass (“The Bourne Supremacy”) delivers another intense, emotionally exhausting thriller with amazing verite camerawork and gut-wrenching realism. Smack in the middle is Tom Hanks in a career-crowning performance as a worldly sea captain taken hostage

by Somali pirates. Even as Greengrass’ signature kinetic style renders us nearly seasick and emotionally spent from the action, it’s the work of Hanks that makes this film unforgettable. Thriller, PG-13, 134 minutes. HHHH “Dallas Buyers Club” — Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a grimy, shady, homophobic, substanceabusing horndog in 1985 Texas who learns he’s HIVpositive and procures unapproved means of treatment.

McConaughey’s masterful job of portraying one of the more deeply flawed anti-heroes in recent screen history reminds us why he became a movie star in the first place. We start out loathing this guy

BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor Dec. 6-8 Double feature: Frozen (PG), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13): 7:00 360-675-5667 OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 6-12 Frozen (PG): 12:55, 3:35, 6:30, 8:55 Delivery Man (PG-13): 1:05, 3:55, 6:50, 9:05 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13): 12:45, 3:45, 6:40, 9:35 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Dec. 6-12 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, (PG-13) Dec. 12 Early Premiere Thu: 11:59 Out of the Furnace (R) Fri-Thu: 12:50, 3:20, 6:45, 9:40 Frozen (PG) Fri-Thu: 1:00, 3:10, 4:15, 5:20, 7:30, 9:10 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13), Fri-Tue: 12:30, 1:10, 3:40, 6:25, 6:55, 9:30; Wed: 12:30, 1:10, 3:40, 6:25, 9:30; Thu: 12:30, 1:10, 3:40, 6:25, 6:55, 9:30 12 Years a Slave (R), Fri-Thu: 12:40, 3:30, 6:35, 9:15 360-629-0514

and learn to love him. Jared Leto disappears into the role of a transgender drug addict and Jennifer Garner is Ron’s empathetic doctor. Drama, R, 117 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Delivery Man” — In his comfort zone, Vince Vaughn plays a fast-talking, underachieving, irresponsible lout who learns he’s the biological father of some 533 children.

Weird concept. Weird movie.

Writer/director Ken Scott gives us an uneven mishmash that alternates between easy gags, shameless sentimentality and some just plain bizarre choices. The story gets more ludicrous with each passing development. Comedy, PG-13, 105 minutes. HH “Diana” — Naomi Watts neither looks nor sounds like the people’s princess, but she’s not the problem in this fractured fairy tale about the last two years in Diana’s life. No actress alive could have elevated an overwrought screenplay brimming with some of the most awkward patches of dialogue heard in any movie of 2013. Biographical drama, PG-13, 112 minutes. HH “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 “Gravity” — An accident sets two astronauts, a veteran (George Clooney) and a rookie (Sandra Bullock), adrift in space. Both a stunning visual treat and an unforgettable thrill ride, director Alfonso Cuaron’s amazing space adventure evokes “Alien” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” During some harrowing sequences, you’ll have to remind yourself to breathe. Thriller, PG-13, 91 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Homefront” — A widowed ex-DEA agent (Jason Statham) and his adorable daughter get a hostile reception upon moving to a small Louisiana town.

Director Gary Fleder knows his way around this kind of material, and the screenplay by none other than Sylvester Stallone has some salt in it, but ultimately, “Homefront” flies

off the rails. James Franco’s not right as the villain, and the movie travels awfully familiar turf. Action, R, 100 minutes.

HH “Last Vegas” — There’s virtually nothing subtle or surprising about this story of old guys at a Las Vegas bachelor party, and yet one can’t but smile throughout, watching Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Mary Steenburgen -- Academy Award winners all -- breeze their way through an obvious but lovely and funny adventure.

(Comedy, PG-13, 104 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, beauti-

ful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Prisoners” — When his daughter and her friend go missing, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman, more impressive than ever) becomes a man possessed. The masterful script takes us through a maze of plot complications and possible suspects. “Prisoners” is a white-knuckle, near-masterpiece of a thriller, falling short of greatness only because it goes on too long. Thriller, R, 153 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Runner Runner” — After an intriguing setup about a young poker whiz (Justin Timberlake) entering the inner circle of an online gambling mogul (Ben Affleck) in Costa Rica, “Runner Runner” devolves into a bythe-book thriller. Thriller, R, 91 minutes. HH “Rush” — “Rush” ranks among the best movies about auto racing ever made, featuring great performances from Daniel Bruhl as detail-obsessed Formula One driver Niki Lauda and Chris Hemsworth as his cocky rival, James Hunt. Even if you don’t know Formula One from the Soap Box Derby, Ron Howard’s “Rush,” like all great

sports movies, is foremost about getting to know and understand the characters.

This is one of his most impressive efforts. Sports action, R, 123 minutes. HHHH “Salinger” — One can understand why the reclusive author J.D. Salinger (and the critics of this film) would cringe at many of the suppositions and stylistic flourishes in this documentary. But despite its considerable flaws, “Salinger” is a valuable and engrossing biography of the author of arguably the most beloved American novel of the 20th century. Documentary, PG-13, 129 minutes. HHH “The Book Thief” — A wondrous, richly textured, sometimes heartbreakingly effective movie about good Germans in World War II, including a remarkable little girl and the couple who took her in while sheltering a teenage Jewish boy in their basement. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson deserve Oscar consideration for their lovely, layered performances. One of the year’s best movies.

Drama, PG-13, 131 minutes.

HHHH

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

LOCAL WATERCOLORS: Local artist Daryl Deitz displays his paintings through Dec. 31 at the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op, 202 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon.

JENNIFER BOWMAN ACRYLICS: A show of new acrylic paintings by Anacortes artist Jennifer Bowman will open with a reception during the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and continue through Jan. 28, at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Bowman’s whimsical canvases feature colorful landscapes, florals and seascapes.

Bowman will also exhibit her newest addition, silk scarves. The gallery will also showcase photo encaustics

by Kathy Hastings, photographs by Randy Dana and Lewis Jones, oils and pastels

by Amanda Houston, jewelry by Enid Oates and Kate Grinzell and custom tables and chairs by Gary Leake.

Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment.

360-293-6938 or scottmilo. com.

“BASKETS, BOWLS, BOXES AND BAUBLES”: The show will open with a reception during the First Friday Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and continue through December, at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. In addition to new paintings by Ann Martin McCool, the show will feature a variety of artworks

by George Way, Art Learmonth, Martha Tottenham, Carole Cunningham, Debbie Aldrich, Tracy Powell, Bob Metke, Vicki Hampel, Patsy Chamberlain, Barbara Hathaway, Jane Hyde, Cathy Schoenberg and others. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.

and mixed media creations spanning the imaginative expanse between the everyday and whimsy. 360-7088313 or nativesprings.com.

to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or smithandvallee.com.

CAPTURING SKAGIT VALLEY: Acrylic landscape artist HOLIDAY EXPRESS GIFT Cynthia Richardson will demonstrate her technique SHOW: Check out a selection of local artist-made gifts from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 Dec. 7, at the Ann Hardee a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. Gallery, 101 N. First St., La Conner. Live music begins at 6-7, at the Depot Arts Cen4:30 p.m. The gallery features ter, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. a wide variety of local art For information, contact Karla Locke at 360-588-6968 and hand-crafted jewelry. or email kklocke1@me.com. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 360-399-1950 or HOLIDAY ART SHOW: A annhardeegallery.com. variety of artworks will be on SITE-RESPONSIVE ART: display from noon to 9 p.m.

Friday through Sunday, Dec. “Nothing Happens Twice,” 6-8, at J’s Gallery, 101 N. First an exhibition by artist JasSt., La Conner. Participating mine Valandani, is on view artists include Roger Small, through Dec. 6, at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, Jay Bowen, Chuck Bankuti and Janet Hamilton. Enjoy a located in the Gary Knutzen Christmas party from 5 to 9 Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

Valandani’s exhibit allows HOLIDAY ART SHOW: the viewer to “participate in Check out “The Peaceful the push and pull between Season of Thanks, Love & something and nothing.”

Joy” opening with a recepIt includes altered found tion from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, objects combined with a siteDec. 6, continuing through responsive wall drawing. The Dec. 31, at Raven Rocks gallery is open from 9 a.m. to Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, 5 p.m. Monday through FriGreenbank. The show will day. 360-416-7812 or skagit. feature a varied selection of edu. handmade arts and crafts WATERCOLORS AND created by gallery artists. For ACRYLICS: A show of paintinformation, including galThe Anacortes Arts Festival will unveil its 2014 poster lery hours and directions, call ings by Eric Wiegardt will and feature artworks by Lanny Bergner during the 360-222-0102 or visit raven- continue through Dec. 3, at Holiday Gallery Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Comrocksgallery.com. at the Festival office, 505 O Ave., Anacortes. Meet the mercial Ave., Anacortes. The new festival director, Meredith McIlmoyle, and enjoy art ART INVITATIONAL: show will feature Northwest and refreshments. Bergner’s work will include several “objectification 6,” the sixth landscapes, seascapes and pieces headed for international exhibitions as well as annual 3-dimensional art florals painted in Wiegardt’s new small paintings created by blowtorch on a stainless invitational show will open impressionist style. Also steel screen. Limited edition prints of the 2014 poster with a reception from 5 to showing are oils by Sandy featuring the Native American artwork of Yukie Adams 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, and Byers, photographs on canand other Festival merchandise will be available for continue through Dec. 30, vas by Dick Garvey, photo purchase. anacortesartsfestival.com. at Smith & Vallee Gallery, encaustics by Kathy Hastings 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. and watercolors and etchings 360-293-3577 or mccoolart.

6, at Native Springs Spa, The show will feature art

by Elizabeth Ockwell. Galcom.

1005 Sixth St., Anacortes. objects in a variety of media lery hours are 10:30 a.m. to Barone’s unique art gourds from more than 20 local and 4:30 p.m. Monday through GOURDS, WATERCOLare carved, burned, stained, regional artists. Purchases Saturday. 360-293-6938 or ORS: Debbie Barone will inlaid, woven onto and more. can be removed from the scottmilo.com. be the featured artist at The event will also include gallery immediately and will an open house during the artworks by watercolor artist be replaced by new works PRINTS & SCULPTURE: First Friday Gallery Walk Satira Brunnemer, who will during the run of the show.

Jean Behnke’s one-woman from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. show watercolors, acrylics Gallery hours are 11 a.m. show will run through Dec.

ARTS FESTIVAL OPEN HOUSE

22 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St., La Conner.

Behnke combines materials in non-traditional ways, using relief printing, casting and assemblage. n Enjoy a holiday party featuring live music with Brad Killion during the Skagit Valley Art Escape from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360-708-4787 or gallerycygnus.com.

NEW ARTISTS, ANNIVERSARY SHOW: Artists Alfred Currier and Anne Schreivogl have joined La Conner Seaside Gallery in partnership and representation, and will exhibit their work along with the three other artistpartners: photographer Mark Conley, and painters Mark Bistranin and Dave Nichols.

La Conner Seaside Gallery, 101 N. First St., La Conner, is now featuring its anniversary art show through Jan. 31, 2014. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 360-2022956 or laconnerseasidegal lery.com.

HOLIDAY ART: “Home for the Holidays” will continue through Jan. 1 at the Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The show will feature original artworks by 26 artists including glass, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, encaustics, ceramics, fiber arts, woodwork, cards, prints, books and more. Autumn gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, and closed Tuesdays except by appointment. 360-222-3070 or robs choutengallery.com.

ART AT THE MUSE: A show of artworks by Lloyd Houston will open with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 5, 2013 - E19

OUT & ABOUT WOMEN’S WORK STORE: As part of the Storefronts Mount Vernon program, the Women’s Work Store is now open at The President Hotel, 604 S. First St., Mount Vernon. The Store features Oaxacan handwoven wool rugs, Guatemalan scarves, Peruvian jewelry, masks and tribal art from Africa, jewelry and clothing made by Nepali trafficking survivors, silk sari scarves, Mexican silver jewelry, handmade piñatas, fair trade food and coffee and more. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, continuing through the holiday season.

For information, call 360424-5854.

SMALL ARTWORKS: The 23rd annual “Honey, I Shrunk The Art” show continues through Jan. 19, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features small format paintings, glass art and sculptures by 40 artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. 360387-2759 or matzkefineart. com.

special gala event during the Holiday Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

LECTURES AND TALKS

HISTORICAL PRESENTATION: Barbara Johnson will present “Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Woman” at 7 p.m. today at the Burlington Public Library Community Meeting Room, 820 E. Washington St., Burlington.

Portraying Abigail Adams, Johnson will interpret the ISLAND ARTISTS: The life, times and the difficulties multimedia exhibition, she faced. Adams enjoyed “Echoes of the Tides,” will friendships with many of open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, the most famous historical figures of that era and was and continue through Dec. an advocate for women’s 22, at the San Juan Islands rights including education HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: Museum of Art, 540 Spring for women, property ownerThe 34th annual Allied St., Friday Harbor. Check ship and the right to vote.

Arts Holiday Festival of the out a unique selection of Arts will take place from 10 original artworks created in Abigail will conclude with a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays a variety of mediums by San answers to questions from the audience. This free prethrough Sundays, through Juan Island artists. Gallery Dec. 24, at 1825 Cornwall hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays sentation is made possible Ave., Bellingham. The fesand Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m. by the Burlington Library Foundation and the Skagit tival will be closed ThanksSundays. 360-370-5050 or Valley Genealogical Society, giving Day and will close sjima.org. with funding from the Paul at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, G Allen Family Foundation.

Tuesday, Dec. 24. The HoliARTS & CRAFTS SALE: Free. 360-755-0760. day Festival will feature the Anchor Art Space will feawork of more than 100 local ture a Holiday Arts & Crafts SWANS OF THE SKAGIT: artisans and craftspeople Sale through Dec. 22, at 216 offering handmade products Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Wildlife biologist Martha Jordan will speak at 1 p.m. including jewelry, paintChoose from a variety of ings, wearable art, specialty hand-crafted items including Saturday, Dec. 7, at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 foods, repurposed art and ornaments, pottery, wearmore. Enjoy live music, artist ables, jewelry and more. Gal- Best Road, Mount Vernon. demos and workshops, and lery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Learn about Skagit Valley’s fun art projects for kids. For Wednesday through Sunday. native trumpeter and tundra swans — the largest waterinformation, contact Katy 360-755-3140 or anchorarfowl in the world — and the Borden at 360-676-8548, ext. tspace.org. best places in the valley to 5, or visit alliedarts.org. n The gallery will host a

view them. $5. Reservations required: 360-466-3821, 800585-8200 or christiansonsnursery.com.

favorite traditional carols as well as fun, upbeat holiday tunes. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered.

Admission: $5 at the door, free for children ages 10 and MUSIC younger. Donations also will CHAMBER MUSIC: “Plea- be accepted for local food sures of Pan”: with flutist Jef- banks. For information, call frey Cohan, violist Roxanna 360-428-4186 or visit harPatterson and pianist Mark monynorthwest.org.

Salman: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Paul’s EpisCHORAL CONCERTS: copal Church, 415 S. 18th Whidbey Community ChoSt., Mount Vernon. Enjoy a rus will present “Sing Noel,” chamber music concert by its annual Christmas concert candlelight. A reception for at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 4 the performers will follow p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at First the concert. $15-$20 suggest- United Methodist Church, ed donation, free for ages 18 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak and younger. 360-445-3164 Harbor. Whidbey’s largest or candlelightseattle.org. chorus, under the direction of conductor Chet Hansen, CHRISTMAS CONCERT: will sing sacred to secular Harmony Northwest ChoChristmas favorites, includrus will present “Harmony ing “I Heard the Bells on Holiday” from 2 to 4 p.m.

Christmas Day,” “Silent Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Mount Night,” “Rudolf the RedVernon Senior Center, 1401 Nosed Reindeer” and more.

Cleveland St., Mount VerFriday’s concert will include non. Enjoy a selection of a performance by Oak Har-

bor High School’s awardwinning choral students and director Darren McCoy. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Limited seating. For information, contact Kay at 360-678-4148 or visit whidbeycommchorus. org.

BENEFIT CONCERT: Whidbey Island vocal quartet Angeli will present their winter concert, “Under a Winter Moon,” at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW Second Ave., Oak Harbor. The women’s quartet includes vocalists Cynthia Akins Fletcher, Sharon Erickson, Carol Fitzgerald and Joni Keller, and accompanists Verna Morgan and Jan Ernst. Freewill donations will benefit Help House, the community-based, nonprofit north Whidbey Island Food Bank. For information, call 360- 6790-1561 or email angeli_quartet@comcast.net.

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