360 February 21, 2019

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E1

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

IT’S AN OSCAR PARTY AT THE LINCOLN, COMPLETE WITH RED CARPET PAGE 4

SVC production ‘Richard II’ is a play for our day PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday February 21, 2019

TUNING UP PAGE 9 Prozac Mountain Boys play the Conway Muse OUT & ABOUT PAGE 5

Skagit Community Band in concert on Sunday in Anacortes

E2 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK Upcoming DVD releases Following is a partial schedule of DVD releases (dates subject to change):

MARCH 5

DISNEY VIA AP

‌

“RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET”: The sequel to the 2012 release “Wreck-It Ralph” picks up with Ralph (voiced

by John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) living a happy existence in their respective video games. A crisis occurs when the driving wheel for Vanellope’s “Sugar Rush” game is broken. If a replacement isn’t found soon, her game will be unplugged.

The big strength of the film is the chemistry between Silverman and Reilly. It’s only their voices, but they play the roles with such love and concern for each other that it makes the animated characters seem deeply connected.

Other Disney animated films have had dark endings, but this is by far the most unsettling. A lot has to do with how light and fun the first two acts of the movie are. There are also some big problems with the conclusion that can’t be discussed without spoilers.

There are enough good moments in “Ralph Breaks the Internet” that you should not delete any ideas of renting or buying it. Just be ready to hit escape when the film directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston turns to the dark web.

“MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS”: The film begins with Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), the teenage widowed Queen of France returning to her native Scotland rather than remarrying. Her plan is to reclaim her rightful throne, but Scotland is now under the rule of Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). First-time feature film director Josie Rourke takes the script by Beau Willimon (“House of Cards”), which skips through history like a flat stone thrown across the pond of time, to look at the politics, social unrest and injustice of the era.

All that is like going to a concert for a massively popular veteran band and having someone read their biography before the show starts.

The only reason for seeing “Mary Queen of Scots” is the far-too-short sequence where Stuart and Elizabeth finally have a face-to-face encounter. It’s a main event made so powerful by the two stars it could have been expanded from a few scenes into an entire movie.

It’s sad Rourke was more focused on the canvas behind the actors than focusing on the heavyweight actors performing in front of it. It didn’t help that Willimon’s

script had too many unnecessary distractions that kept pulling the attention away from Ronan.

“THE LITTLE MERMAID”: The 1989 Disney animated film about a mermaid who trades her voice for legs is being rereleased with 45 minutes of bonus material.

“THE POSSESSION OF HANNAH GRACE”: Morgue worker becomes convinced she has been taken over by a demonic force.

“LONDON FIELDS”: Amber Heard and Billy Bob Thornton star in the thriller based on Martin Amis’ best-selling novel.

“FERAHFEZA”: Shipyard worker and a graffiti artist hope to escape the suffocating routine of their daily lives by finding a mysterious ship.

“PINKALICIOUS AND PETERRIFIC: PINKTASTIC PETS!”: Pinkasaurus, Pinkalicious, Peter and Rafael enjoy a day at the beach.

“MYSTERY ROAD: SERIES 1”: Strangers catch the attention of a cop in a remote Australian town.

“LEGALLY BLONDE COLLECTION”: Includes “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.”

“THE MOLE PEOPLE”: John Agar stars in the 1956

6

n Creed II n Instant Family n Green Book n The Favourite n Free Solo n Ben Is Back n Vox Lux n Burning n Of Fathers and Sons n Condor: Season 1 n Dead Ant n Don’t GO n Fear the Walking Dead n Gunpowder n House of Cards Season n Krypton: Season 1 n Prospect n The Clovehitch Killer n The Mercy n Keepers

— Tribune News Service

production where archaeologists come upon an unusual race of beings who shun all forms of light.

“ANIMAL KINGDOM: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON”: Ellen Barkin stars in the TV series about a very unconventional family.

“BORDER”: Customs official is drawn to a mysterious stranger.

“WILLARD”: Crispin Glover stars in this 2003 version of the 1971 film about a social misfit who makes friends with rats.

“BETWEEN WORLDS”: Truck driver (Nicolas Cage) finds himself in the middle of supernatural problems.

“RAMPANT”: Kingdom must unite to stop creatures known as Night Demons that have overrun Korea.

“THE VENGEANCE OF SHE”: Cliff Owen 1968 film based on characters created

by H. Rider Haggard.

– Tribune News Service

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

Inside Out & About........................... 4-7 On Stage...................................... 8 Tuning Up................................... 9 Get Involved.............................10 Hot Tickets...............................11 Travel.........................................12 At the Lincoln..........................13 Movies................................. 14-15 ON THE COVER

Michael Trochie (left) and Matthew Small appear in Skagit Valley College’s production of “Richard II.” Photo by Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

SUBMISSIONS

Email: features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Address Skagit Publishing 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 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?

Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com

TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E3

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THE ELOQUENCE OF SHAKESPEARE

SCOTT TERRELL / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

Matthew Small (left) and Michael Trochie appear in Skagit Valley College’s production of “Richard II.”

SVC Drama stages “Richard II”

By TREVOR PYLE @Sports_SVH

MOUNT VERNON — “Richard II” may have been penned more than four centuries ago, but the Shakespeare play still looms over our current moment, said Damond Morris, director of the Drama Department at Skagit Valley College.

The play isn’t Shakespeare’s best-known.

“Richard III,” for example, has been turned into several films, including one starring Ian McKellen.

But “Richard II” poses questions that are hard for countries and their citizens to escape. “’Richard II’ is topical.

It’s about the deposing of a king,” Morris said. “It has some beautiful speeches ... some incredible speeches that speak to the deposing of leaders and that’s topical.”

The department will present the play at McIntyre Hall on campus. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1, 2, 8 and 9. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on March 10.

Skagit Valley College students are admitted at no cost with a current student ID. General admission costs $12.

While wintry weather disrupted the rehearsal schedule, Morris said the cast of 16 actors will be ready, complete with era-appropriate costumes by Miriam Smith.

The play follows the fortunes of Richard II, who ruled England for more than 20 years. Unpopular with both the nobles and commoners, he finds himself caught up in intrigue and challenges to his throne in the late 14th century.

The first noted performance of the play came in 1595, and the title role has been played by actors such as John Gielgud and Mark Rylance.

The language of the play, Morris said, is especially beautiful. It can also present pitfalls for performers.

“Many of Shakespeare’s plays are written in prose and in verse; this one is all in verse. It’s all poetry.

The entire play is poetry,” he said. “That comes with

SCOTT TERRELL / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

Scott Andrews (from left), Ziona Pettigrew, Richard Callaghan, Michael Trochie and Claire Andrews appear in Skagit Valley College’s production of “Richard II.”

its own set of problems.

You fall into a rhythm; sometimes you read poetry and can sound like you’re reading poetry rather than talking. We need to find places we can focus on the sense of what the person is saying.”

With such beautiful — albeit challenging — language at their disposal, Morris said, the team behind the production has been working hard so the audience will enjoy it.

“We’ve been working overtime so the audience gets a great performance,” he said.

— Reporter Trevor Pyle: 360-416-2156, tpyle@skagitpublishing.com, Twitter: @ Sports_SVH, Facebook.com/ bytrevorpyle

SCOTT TERRELL / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

Matthew Small (from left), Michael Trochie, Derick Dong and Amylia Palmer appear in Skagit Valley College’s production of “Richard II.”

E4 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT

ART

WATER’S EDGE: LANDSCAPES FOR TODAY: The Bellingham National 2019 Juried Art Exhibition and Awards is showing at the Lightcatcher Museum, 205 Flora St., Bellingham, through May 19. Guests have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice award.

MOUNTAINEERING EXHIBIT: Western Washington University’s Libraries Heritage Resources is hosting an exhibition exploring the relationship between humans’ love of high altitudes and issues of gender, race and class until March 22 in the Special Collections floor of the Wilson Library, 516 High St., Bellingham. Free.

GREGORY S. WALSH: The work of abstract expressionist Gregory Walsh is on display until Feb. 24 at Pegasus Gallery, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

DONA REED: Mixed media artist Dona Reed is the featured artist for February at the Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

QUILT MUSEUM: An exhibit featuring heirlooms dating back to the Civil War is being featured until April 28 at the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. $5-$7.

THE FLIGHT OF GABRIEL: New paintings

by Margy Lavelle are on display until Feb. 24 at i.e. gallery, 5800 Cains

Court, Edison.

MUSIC

ALEX ZERB THE ZANIAC: Enjoy this one-man variety show for families at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. $6.

Oscar night at the Lincoln

MORE FUN

CITY HALL HISTORY TOURS: Explore the Old Bellingham City Hall (now the Whatcom Museum), 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sundays in February. The tours are included in admission price.

WISHBONE ALLEY: Wishbone Alley, a group of local Americana musicians, will play at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Woolley Market, 829 Metcalfe St., Sedro-Woolley.

RECREATION NW EXPO: Over 70 exhibitors will be featured from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham. Free admission. recreationnwexpo.com.

THEATER

”KINKY BOOTS”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commerical St., Bellingham. $45-$100.

360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. ”FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”: TheBurlington-Edison High School Drama Department will present “Fiddler on the Roof ” at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, and at 2 p.m. March 2 and 9 at the school, 301 N. Burlington Drive, Burlington. $6-$10.

LECTURES & TALKS

LOCAL POETS’ READING: Michael Daley and Jeremy Voigt will read their poetry at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse, 520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

WORLD ISSUES FORUM: Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College is hosting a series of forums about global issues and ideas. The free forums take place from 4 to 5:20 p.m. Wednesdays

Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

MOUNT VERNON — The Lincoln Theatre will celebrate Hollywood’s finest films with an Oscar viewing party on Sunday, Feb. 24.

The Lincoln will be carrying the telecast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. There will be specialty cocktails, awards bingo, a photo booth and more.

The event is free for Lincoln members, $15 for nonmembers. in the Fairhaven College auditorium, 516 High St., Bellingham. Next up: n Feb. 27: Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration and Homeland Security, presented

by Todd Miller. n March 6: Towards a Palestinian Third Cinema, presented by Nadia Yaqub.

ORIGIN OF LIFE: Dr. Jonathan Sarfati will present two lectures,

Upgrade your ticket to the VIP level and receive VIP seating and a chance to walk the red carpet before the program starts, just like the stars do. VIP tickets are $30 for members, $45 for nonmembers.

The red carpet reception for VIPs starts at 3:30 p.m. and general admission is at 4:30 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

The theater is located downtown at 712 S. First St.

“Origin of Life: Fatal Flaws of Chemical Evolution” and “Biological Robotics: Incredible Design in Life,” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 23, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

Free.

EVOLUTION OF A BOOK: Author Abbe Rolnick will cover the journey of a bringing

a book into the world at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Whatcom Community College, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham. $45.

TALKING JAZZ: John Gilbreath, executive director of Earshot Jazz, will give a free illustrated talk on his insights on the current local and global jazz scene at 3:30 p.m.

MURDER MYSTERY BUS: Join Island Transit on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Call 360-678-9536 for more details and to reserve a spot.

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE CONFERENCE: Five award-winning children’s and young adult book authors and illustrators will speak from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Saturday, Feb. 23, at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center, 516 High St., Bellingham. $175. wwuclc.com.

GEMS FAIR: Western Washington University Youth Programs invites girls of all ages and their families to participate in GEMS Fair (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science) from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23, in the school’s Academic West building, 516 High St., Bellingham. Free.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E5

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT A NIGHT AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS: Watch the Oscars at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free for Lincoln members, $15 for nonmembers. lincolntheatre.org.

NORDIC HERITAGE TOUR: The Skagit County Historical Museum is organizing a bus trip on Wednesday, Feb. 27, to view the exhibit “The Vikings Begin” at the Nordic Heritage Museum, 2655 NW Market St, Seattle. $55 for Historical Society members, $65 for nonmembers.

Reservations close Feb. 13.

360-466-3365, museum@ co.skagit.wa.us.

HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FEST: View 23 films shown at 12 venues from Feb. 21 to March 3 as part

McIntyre Hall Presents

of the 19th annual Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival. Full schedule at bhrff.webs.com.

TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE: Burlington Better Speakers Toastmasters Club will host an open house to acquaint guests with the benefits of becoming a better speaker and leader from noon to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Washington Federal Bank Building, 300 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington.

KNOW AND GROW: A WSU Master Gardener Know & Grow workshop, “Landscape Design You Can Do Yourself,” will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Research and Extension Center, 16650 Memorial Highway.

Local landscape architect Ian Horton will share perspectives for designing home landscapes. Free; 360-428-4270, ext. 0.

Swinging with the Skagit Community Band

LOOKING AHEAD

ORCHID SHOW: The Mount Baker Orchid Society will host a show of blooming orchids Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10, at Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free.

QUILTERS ANONYMOUS SHOW: The 38th annual show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe.

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

ANACORTES — Get ready to tap your foot with the Skagit Community Band at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St. The band has been a musical staple

of the community for over 40 years and is made up of musicians from all around the region.

The concert will feature a horn solo in the song “The Four Hornsmen” by David Bennett.

The event is free.

“One of the most innovate young bands performing contemporary, traditional, and folk music on the scene today” ~ Dr. Niall Keegan, Irish World Academy of Music & Dance

Thursday March 7, 2019 Swinomish Casino and Lodge

RECEPTION: 5:30PM AUCTION & RUNWAY SHOW: 6:30PM DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW ADVANCE TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION $50 VIP $75

VIP includes one drink & premium seating Advance tickets will be sold until Feb 21st Tickets go up $10 on Feb. 21st and sales end March 1st Tickets not sold at the door

Friday, March 1 7:30pm

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org

On the Mount Vernon Campus of Skagit Valley College

2 5 0 1 E Co l l e g e Way, M o u nt Ve r n o n

Tickets available at: www.skagitfriendshiphouse.org Presenting Sponsor

r Sponsored By:

E6 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT VINTAGE WATERCOLOR SHOW: Sunnyshore Studio will celebrate the legacy of master watercolorists in Washington state from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, at the studio, 2803 S.E. Camano Drive, Camano Island.

ARTISTS’ CHOICE: A new juried show from the gallery artists at The Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, will be featured in March. Meet the artists from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1, in conjunction with the First Friday Artwalk.

LUUK HONEY: The work of illustrator and barista Luuk Honey will be featured in March at Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse, 520 Commercial

“BRACE YOURSELVES LADIES...

THIS IS HOW WE THINK!”

FEBRUARY 14 & 15

MARCH 1

FAIL BETTER: BECKETT MOVES UMO MARCH 8

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

Ave., Anacortes.

STEVEN R HILL: Lopez Island artist Steven R Hill will present his newest collection of art in March at the Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. There will be an artists’ reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1.

MYSTIC MASTERS: See the work of first-, secondand third-wave Northwest Mystics at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St., La Conner in March.

REID JAMIESON: Vancouver’s Reid Jamieson will perform in an album release concert at 7 p.m.

Friday, March 1, at Firehouse Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $20.

RANGER AND THE RE-ARRANGERS TRIO: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville.

DON FELDER: The former lead guitarist of The Eagles will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $28-$60. mountbakertheatre.com.

THE NOT-ITS!: Join the family-friendly concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. $6. ”SPAMALOT”: See the Tony Award-winning musical at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $45-$80. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

LADIES OF LAUGHTER: FUNNY AND FAB-

Wacky fun with the Zaniac

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

MARYSVILLE — Here’s a family show that promises to keep the adults laughing just as much as the kids.

Alex Zerb the Zaniac will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St. The Zaniac is known for his performances that incorporate juggling, dancing, beat-boxing, singing and magic tricks. He has been recognized as the Pacific Northwest’s Funniest Prop Comic.

Not only that, the Zaniac is a twotime Guinness world record holder and a hacky sack world champion.

Tickets are $6 per person. Kids under 2 are admitted for free.

ULOUS: Three comedians will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 16, at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $20-$40. mountbakertheatre.com. ”LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL”: 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 24, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $45-$80. mountabkertheatre.com.

TIMOTHY EGAN: Award-winning author Timothy Egan will talk about his book “The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Saved America” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. Free.

ANACORTES SISTER CITIES: Anacortes Sister Cities Association will present “Anamaria Dulama-Lovric — Christmas in Romania, a Fairytale Land,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Anacortes Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Dulama-Lovric,

who moved to Anacortes in 2013, will talk about her family trip to Romania for Christmas. Contact Barb Smart at b.smart@juno. com.

BIRDS OF INDIA: Vajapeyam Sukamar will present a talk on the birds of India at 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Everett Firefighters Hall, 2411 Hewitt Ave., Everett. Free.

A FAMILY IMMIGRATION STORY: Explore the human story of human immigration to America with Carlos Gil at 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 9, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

PUGET SOUND MUSSEL MONITORING: The Friends of Skagit Beaches will present a talk on mussels in the area at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Northwest Education Services Building, 1601 R St., Anacortes.

“GROWING LILIES IN CONTAINERS”: The Skyline Garden Club will host

cans at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

Tickets include a donation to Relay For Life teams in Western Washington. $25. everettsilvertips.com.

TRIVIA AT THE MARKET: 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

a talk by Dianna Gibson of B&D Lilies at 1:30 p.m.

Monday, March 18, at Skyline Beach Club, 6041 Sands Way, Anacortes. $5.

WOMEN HAND IN HAND: Kim Meeder, author of five books, will be the featured speaker at a women’s conference from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at North Cascade Christian Fellowship, Highway 20 and Ball Street, Sedro-Woolley. $20, includes lunch. womenhandinhand.com or 360853-3066.

NORDIC ROOTS: The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society will host a seminar featuring experts on Scandinavian and Viking research from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at First United Methodist Church, 1607 E. Division St., Mount Vernon. $50-$60. skagitvalleygenealogy.org.

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER GAME: The Everett Silvertips will play the Tri-City Ameri-

“BURLINGTON GOES BACK TO SCHOOL”: The Burlington Historical Society and Burlington Chamber of Commerce will present the opening of the history exhibit at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Burlington Visitors Information Center, 11096 View Ridge Drive, Burlington.

WINTER FIELD DAY: Join the Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation’s Winter Field Day and Open House from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Northwest Research & Extension Center, 16650 Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon.

There will be workshops, demonstrations, tours and more. $30.

BEER OPEN HOUSE: Farmstrong Brewing, 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon, will host tours at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2, as part of the Washington Beer Open House. There will be new beers on tap, live music and more from noon to 5 p.m. Free and kid-friendly.

CHEESE AND CIDER TASTING: Samish Bay Cheese and Finnriver Cider will host a casual tasting from 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, at Samish Bay Cheese, 15115 Bow Hill Road, Bow. Free.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FAIRS: Island Transit will host an informational fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 2, at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood; and from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Freeland Library, 5495 S. Harbor Ave., Freeland.

MARDI GRAS PARTY: Celebrate Mardi Gras from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, at Bayview Community Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley.

SHROVE PANCAKE DINNER: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church invites everyone to join in a pre-Lent, all-you-can-eat pancake dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 5, at the church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $8.

VISIONS AND VOICES: The forgotten films from cinema’s female directors will be played in this silent film series presented by CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Firehouse Cafe, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham.

MASQUERADE GALA: Join a night of dinner, dancing, auctions and more from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Bellingham

Golf and Country Club, 3729 Meridian St., Bellingham. Proceeds benefit Dementia Support Northwest. $85.

STANWOOD COIN SHOW: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, Stanwood Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood.

HISTORIC PICKETT HOUSE MUSEUM: Tour the historic home of Captain Pickett, built in 1856, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 10, at 910 Bancroft St., Bellingham.

Free admission, donations accepted.

LADIES NIGHT OUT: Enjoy auctions, raffles, vendors, hors d’oeuvres and a fashion show at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 14, at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Proceeds support Warm Beach Camp’s Special Friends Camps. $25. warmbeach. com/giving.

WINE TASTING SOCIAL: Five wineries will be featured from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in the Admiral Garden room at the Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, $30, includes appetizers.

CELTIC GALA: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 15, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St. $18.

LANDS WE LOVE AUCTION: Skagit Land Trust’s annual auction and dinner will take place at 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 16, at the Walton Event Center at the Swinomish Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. skagitlandtrust.org.

SKAGIT BEER WEEK: Join a marathon of beer dinners, tastings, tap takeovers and educational events from March 22-31 all around Skagit Valley.

Visit skagitbeerweek.com for full details.

PECHAKUCHA NIGHT: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

TEEN NERF WARS: Bring a nerf gun, or borrow one, and enjoy an evening of nerf wars from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Central Skagit Library, 802 Ball St., Sedro-Woolley.

Grades 6-12. Free.

FARM SHARE FAIR: Meet local farmers and learn about local food boxes from noon to 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 30, at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham. Free.

SEASON 15

Celebrating the Chinese New Year with the Pacific Northwest Cultural Exchange Council Featuring Symphonic Chinese Folk Music

by Dr. Austin Huang with the Skagit Valley College Choir and Solos for Suona, Soprano, and Tenor Also: Marriage of Figaro Overture - Mozart The Sorcerer’s Apprentice - Dukas Invitation to the Dance - von Weber B d b Brandenburg C Concerto t #1 - Bach B h

www.bayshoresymphony.com • facebook.com/BayshoreSymphony

Human Rights Film Fest

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — Over 20 films that explore human rights issues will be screened throughout Bellingham from today through Saturday, March 2.

The Human Rights Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates the work of independent filmmakers in promoting human rights issues and encourages open dialogue about how communities may respond to such

issues.

Each film will be followed by a facilitated discussion, either by a moderator or the filmmaker themselves.

The screenings will take place at a dozen locations. All the films are free, though attendees may donate to the festival and/or bring a clean pair of socks to be donated to people experiencing homelessness locally.

For the complete schedule, visit bhrff.webs.com.

MARCH 1 – 24 AUDIENCES ARE RAVING! “ Fabulous in every way! ” “ A thoroughly

enjoyable musical comedy ”

(425) 257-8600 EVERETT BOX OFFICE VILLAGETHEATRE.ORG

SPONSORED IN PART BY

E8 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 21 – 28 Thursday.21

IRISH COMEDY TOUR: 8 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

MUSIC DARIN JONES & LAST MAN STANDING: 6:30 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

Saturday.23 MUSIC ”ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE”: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $28. 360-445-3000, conwaymuse.com or brownpapertickets.com.

THEATER ”WEST SIDE STORY”: META Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $12-$25. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

COMEDY CUPID’S ARROW: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7338855 or theupfront.com.

Sunday.24 ”A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15-$18. whidbeyplayhouse. com.

”SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY: 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $22-$43.

360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

MUSIC JETHRO TULL’S MARTIN BARRE BAND: 7 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett.

425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

”A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15-$18. whidbeyplayhouse. com.

BEE GEE’S GOLD TRIBUTE: 7:30 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

Tuesday.26

THEATER ”WEST SIDE STORY”: META Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $12-$25. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

COMEDY THE GBU: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. $12.

360-733-8855 or theupfront. com.

Friday.22 MUSIC ”ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE”: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $28. 360-445-3000, conwaymuse.com or brownpapertickets.com.

THEATER ”WEST SIDE STORY”: META Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $12-$25. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

”SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

GARY BROWN PHOTO

Friday-Saturday.22-23

”ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE” 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $28. 360-445-3000, conwaymuse.com or brownpapertickets.com. Pictured: Ria Peth Vanderpool as Patsy Cline.

”RICHARD II”: 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $12. facebook.com/ SVCdrama. ”A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15-$18. whidbeyplayhouse. com.

SERIAL KILLERS 2.0: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham.

360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

COMEDY CUPID’S ARROW: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7338855 or theupfront.com.

”SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. ”RICHARD II”: 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $12. facebook.com/ SVCdrama. ”A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15-$18. whidbeyplayhouse. com.

MUSIC MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $24-$39.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

Wednesday.27 JENNIFER SCOTT AND RENE WORST QUARTET: 7 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. 360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

Thursday.28 ”KINKY BOOTS”: 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $45-$100. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

COMEDY THE GBU: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. $12.

360-733-8855 or theupfront. com.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 21 – 28 Thursday.21

Wednesday.27

CHRIS EGER BAND: 7 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

ORIGINAL JIM: 9 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

TAS CRU: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Friday.22

Friday.22

TONY FURTADO: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25-$35. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

PROZAC MOUNTAIN BOYS 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

AMY RAY BAND: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. $18-$20. 360-7701067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

RANDY HAMILTON: 6:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

PROZAC MOUNTAIN BOYS: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

COSMO’S DREAM: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-4453000 or conwaymuse. com.

CHRIS EGER BAND: 7 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook. com/TheFireflyBham.

FIDALGO SWING: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Thursday. 21

CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

CHRIS EGER BAND 7 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison.com. The band also performs at 7 p.m.

Friday, February 22, at the Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham.

WITHERNING BLOOMS WITH COLD COMFORT: 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

Saturday.23 OM: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. 360770-1067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

GOLF CLAP: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

ROBERT SARAZIN BLAKE: 7 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

THE DIZZYS: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

JENNIFER SCOTT & RENE WORST QUARTET: 7 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham. $5-$10. wjmac.org.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

BOW DIDDLERS: 5:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

JODY TAYLOR BAND: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. 425737-5144, 360-629-6500 or locobillys.com.

SKAGIT COMMUNITY BAND: 3 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-3880.

BAYSHORE SYMPHONY: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $15. bayshoresymphony.com.

BAYSHORE SYMPHONY: 3 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, 925 N. Forest St., Bellingham. $15. bayshoresymphony.com.

OURDEADFATHERS, CROW MAGNET, KONNY AND ADAM(KENT3): 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

Tuesday.26

HIGH PULP, GATALYAK QUARTET & THE KAELI EARLE TRIO: 8:30 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

DEAD MEADOW: 8 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. $13-$15. 360-7701067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

EAMON FOGARTY: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-4453000 or conwaymuse. com.

Sunday.24 COMMON KINGS: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $16. 360-7468733 or wildbuffalo.net.

WOLFTRON: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

Thursday.28 BRASSTRACKS: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $15-$75. 360746-8733 or wildbuffalo. net.

E10 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART

CALL TO ARTISTS: The City of Anacortes is looking for entries for the third annual eight-month outdoor sculpture exhibition. Sculptures must withstand outdoor conditions. anacorteswa.gov.

POETRY CONTEST: The Sue C. Boynton Poetry contest will accept single-poem submissions from Whatcom County residents during March.

Winners will be invited to read their poems at an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham. boyntonpoetrycontest. wordpress.com.

ART CLASSES

CERAMICS FOR EVERYONE: The sixweek class at Tower Arts Studio, 5424 S. Shore Drive, Guemes Island, is an introduction to forming, decorating and glazing clay and sculptural objects.

Morning and evening classes available Wednesdays, Feb. 27-April 3. All levels of experience welcome. $215. towerartsstudio.com.

TRI DEE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at Tri Dee Arts, 215 S. First St., Mount Vernon. trideearts.com.

AUDITIONS

CALL FOR DIRECTORS AND PLAYS: Whidbey Island Playhouse is seeking seasoned directors for the 2019-20 season. Visit whidbeyislandplayhouse.com for more details or email kevinwm.meyer@gmail. com with questions.

BOOKS

SILENT BOOK CLUB: Share a book you have read

and silently read another one at 4 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Pelican Bay Books, 520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

GREAT BOOKS READING GROUP MEETING: The Great Books Reading Group examines passages from important writings in history from 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. 360-9411437 and shunji.asari@ gmail.com.

POETRY OPEN MIC: The Anacortes Poetry Group meets the second Saturday of the month for poetry open mics at 7 p.m. in the Anacortes Public Library meeting room, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Poets, songwriters, acoustic musicians, storytellers, a capella singers welcome.

THE DOGS IN THE NIGHTTIME: The Anacortes Sherlock Holmes Society meets at 5 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Village Pizza, 807 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

DANCE

BEGINNING CLOGGING LESSONS: 11 a.m.

Saturdays until April 27, The Cloggin’ Place, 14641 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. $20 for 10 lessons. cloggingdanceclassesmountvernonwas.com.

BEGINNING LINE DANCING: 7 to 8 p.m.

Tuesdays, Burlington Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. $6 drop-in, $25 for five classes. Adults and teens 13 and older.

Register: burlingtonwa. gov/recreation or 360755-9649.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View. Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. 7 to 9:30 p.m. First session free, $5 thereafter. No partners needed. Gary or Ginny, 360-766-6866.

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 360-933-1779 or visit bellinghamscd.org.

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND AND IRISH STEP DANCE: The Clan Heather Dancers offer year-round Scottish Highland and Irish step dance classes in Bellingham, Everett and Mount Vernon. clanheather.com.

THURSDAY DANCING: Dance to The Skippers or Good Vibrations from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon.

360-424-5696.

MUSIC

SCOTTISH MUSIC SESSIONS: Musicians from around the valley meet at 3 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave, Mount Vernon. The jam session generally focuses on Scottish music.

UKULELE FUN & SONG CIRCLE: 1 to 2 p.m.

Wednesdays, Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Free. Beginners welcome and loaner ukuleles available. Song sheets provided. 206-790-4862 or

yogaheartspace0@gmail. com.

BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Join the AnO-Chords, a four-part barbershop harmony group that meets at 7 p.m.

Thursdays at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 18th St., Mount Vernon.

No experience necessary, no auditions required.

Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages welcome. anochords.org.

360-679-7473.

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

360-630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. 360223-3230.

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

OPEN MIC: Jam Night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Thursdays, Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

OPEN MIC: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, STRiV Coffeehouse, 7208 267th St. NW A-103, Stanwood.

RECREATION

MCCLINCHY MILE: CAMANO CLIMB EDITION: Register to participate in a 33-, 40-, 50-, 68- or 100-mile bike loop on April 28. Rides start at either Arlington’s Haller

Park or Stanwood Middle School and finish in downtown Arlington where burgers and beers await their arrival. Registration: $45 advanced, $55 day of. bikesclub.org/McClinchy.

RECREATION WITHOUT BORDERS: Join a variety of day-trip experiences that take folks to different parts of the region.

Pick-ups are at Cook Road Park and Ride, 9501 Old Highway 99 North Road, Burlington. Next up: n Elements Casino Harness Races in Canada: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. $74.

CAMP KIRBY: Camp Kirby, 4734 Samish Point Road, Bow, hosts one-day camps during the off-season. n Survival Skills: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

Learn how to live off the land at this one-day camp.

Ages 6-12. $42. n Wizarding World: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Ages 6-12. $42.

BEACH WATCHING: Train to become a WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watcher from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday from March 15 to May 31, plus one half-day Saturday, May 18, at Jennings Park in Marysville. Applications due March 5. Application: http://extension.wsu.edu/ snohomish/naturalresources/beachwatchers. More information: Chrys Bertolotto at chrys@wsu.edu or 425-357-6020.

MEN’S GARDEN CLUB: Join the Skagit Men’s Garden Club at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at WSU Mount Vernon Research Station, 16650 Highway 536, Memorial Highway.

GENEOLOGY: Whidbey Island Genealogical Search-

ers meetings are held at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Heller Road Fire Station, 2720 Heller Road, Oak Harbor.

Topics range from restoring family photos, guest speakers, to resources at the National Archives and the internet. whidbeygensearchers@gmail.com.

SKI TO SEA REGISTRATION: Registration is open for the 2019 Ski to Sea race, to be held Sunday, May 26 in Whatcom County. Information: Anna Rankin, race director, Whatcom Events, anna@skitosea.com, 360920-0979.

BRIDGE: Join a game of bridge from noon to 3 p.m. every Friday until April 5 at Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington.

WINTER PROGRAMS AT ROCKPORT STATE PARK: Join the deep forest experience between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in February. Hikes depart at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. from the Discovery Center in the park, 51905 Highway 20, Rockport.

Staff and volunteers will lead half-mile, 45-minute walks under old growth.

WINTER-SPRING WALK PROGRAM: The Friends of Camano Island Parks are hosting a series of winter-spring walks for the public on Camano Island trails. All walks are on Saturdays and start at 9:50 a.m., done by noon.

No dogs. n March 2: Cama to CISP, 3.3 miles one way with shuttle service available. Meet at Ivy Road and Dry Lake Road junction. n April 6: Four Springs Lake Preserve, 2 miles.

Meet in the parking area of Four Springs.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS ”ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE”: Through Feb. 23, Conway Muse, Conway. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com. ”ROCK OF AGES”: Through Feb. 24, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org. ”WEST SIDE STORY”: Through Feb. 23, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org.

THE BAD PLUS: Feb. 19-20, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

ARTURO SANDOVAL: Feb. 21-24, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

SINNE EEEG: Feb. 25, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

TERENCE BLANCHARD, E-COLLECTIVE: Feb. 26-27, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

JOEY ALEXANDER: Feb. 28-March 3, Dimitriou’s Jazz

Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

DELVON LAMARR TRIO: March 4, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

CHRIS POTTER CIRCUITS TRIO: March 5-6, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com.

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO: March 7-10, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

JOE LOVANO TRIO TAPESTRY: March 12-13, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com.

NICK MASON: March 13, Paramount Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS: March 13, Conway Muse, Conway. conwaymuse.com.

CATHERINE RUSSELL: March 14-17, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

PEGGY DEROSE PHOTO

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS March 13, Conway Muse, Conway. conwaymuse.com.

SARAH BRIGHTMAN: March 16, Paramount Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

AZIZ ANSARI: March 19, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

ANTONIO SANCHEZ AND MIGRATION: March 19-20,

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

VICTOR WOOTEN: March 21-24, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

MICHELLE OBAMA: March 24, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

STEVE WOZNIAK: March 25, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or uniquelives.com.

KODAK BLACK: March 25, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

SHEMEKIA COPELAND: March 26-27, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

JOEY DEFRANCESCO TRIO WITH PHAROAH SANDERS: March 28-31, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

TOWER OF POWER: April 11-14, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

HYPOCRISY, FLESHGOOD APOCALYPSE: April 13, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

ELIZABETH GILBERT: April 14, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or uniquelives.com.

KENNY G: April 18-21, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

BUDDY GUY: April 19,

Tulalip Resort Casino Orca Ballroom, Tulalip. 360716-6000 or ticketmaster. com.

DJ SLUSHII: April 26, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

DELFONICS: April 30-May 1, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON: May 3, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GEN. WESLEY CLARK: May 6, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or uniquelives.com.

ARCHSPIRE, INFERI, WORMHOLE, VIRVUM: May 9, El Corazon, Seattle. 206262-0482 or elcorazonseattle. com.

THOMAS RHETT, DUSTIN LYNCH: May 18, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BOB NEWHART: May 20, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844-8278188 or uniquelives.com.

TONY FURTADO

Friday, February 22 7:30pm “Tony Furtado is a major musical force without a doubt. He has his black belt in voice, bottleneck guitar and his banjo playing scares the crap out of me.” ~ David Lindley “The devil will eventually want a guitar lesson from Tony Furtado, but he’ll have to wait in line like the rest of us.” ~ Willy Porter

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org

On the Mount Vernon Campus of Skagit Valley College

2 5 0 1 E Co l l e g e Way, M o u nt Ve r n o n

E12 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

FA M I LY T R AV E L FI V E

Writer offers tips on North American parks Combining distinctive architecture and quirky history, landmark lodges often set the mood in national parks, observes Yogerst. Consider the Cavallo Point Lodge for its panoramic views across the water to Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the city of San Francisco. The world’s largest “log cabin,” Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn, is an historic gem. So too is El Tovar at the Grand Canyon in Arizona; The Inn and The Ranch, part of the Oasis at Death Valley in California, and the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta.

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES

FamilyTravel.com

Author Joe Yogerst was barely out of the cradle when his parents whisked him off to Yosemite National Park for his first camping trip. In the years that followed, family road trips often included visits to other parks, sparking a lifelong passion for wildlife, learning, outdoor recreation and conservation.

In his new book, “100 Parks, 5000 Ideas” (National Geographic, 2019), Yogerst showcases top national, state and city parks throughout North America, paired with stunning photography and expert tips.

Here are five ideas to consider: 1. BEACH DESTINATIONS From Outer Beach on Cape Cod to Washington’s Ruby Beach to Ofu Beach in American Samoa, many North American parks offer pristine options for relishing the pleasures of sea, sun and sand. Padre Island in Texas boasts the world’s longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island. It’s protected, reports Yogerst, within a 70-mile stretch of national seashore along the Gulf of Mexico. The north end, close to Corpus Christi, offers a wide range of family-friendly beach activity. The rest is wild and free.

2. WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Look for brown bears,

MARY ELLEN BOTTER / DALLAS MORNING NEWS

The observation tower gives a view of the wetlands and the mile-long boardwalk at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center on South Padre Island, Texas.

caribou and Dall sheep in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Manitoba’s Wapusk National Park is the place to observe and photograph polar bears in the wild. Head to the Everglades, Florida’s “river of grass,” to see alligators, manatees, sea turtles and the rare American crocodile.

Yellowstone, America’s Serengeti, is famous for its apex predators, grizzly bears and wolves. Bird lovers can scope out 400 different species within the Aransas National Wildlife refuge in Texas.

3. HIKING TRAILS From challenging day

hikes to epic, multimonth journeys, parks offer a wide range of routes for families on the move, says Yogerst. Popular during the summer months, the John Muir trail offers a 211-mile path across the High Sierra, between Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island gives visitors the chance to retrace a route blazed

by First Nations peoples centuries ago. Choose your stretch on the Appalachian Trail, the 2,200mile, celebrated hiking route that stretches from Maine to Georgia.

4. HISTORIC LODGES

5. SAGUENAY-ST. LAWRENCE MARINE PARK, QUEBEC From the Maritimes to the Rockies, Canada’s history comes alive through their parks. Set at the confluence of two mighty rivers, writes Yogerst, the Marine Park protects a unique environment where fresh water flowing down the fjord-like Saguenay blends with saltwater in the St. Lawrence estuary to create an environment where marine life thrives.

Families can partake in whale watching, including belugas, kayaking, sailing and camping.

Adventurers can consider the Via Ferrata climbing circuit across the fjords’ soaring rock walls.

– Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @ lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com

Local travel briefs OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of birding tours daily through March in the Skagit Valley and surrounding areas. Reservations required: 360-474-7479.

SKAGIT SENIOR TOURS: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of local nature and hiking day tours for seniors. Reservations required: 360-474-7479.

SKAGIT GUIDED ADVENTURES: Offers a variety of local nature and hiking day tours. 360-474-7479.

SNOWSHOEING: For beginners and seniors. Equipment and transportation provided. 2-4 group size. Daily (but weather dependent) through March. Skagit Guided Adventures, 360-474-7479.

WHATCOM SENIOR TOURS: Sign up by calling 360-7334030, ext. 1015, or visiting the tour office at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-6215.

RECREATION WITHOUT BORDERS: The organization offers recreational trips, tours and adventures throughout the Northwest and British Columbia. 360-766-7109 or recreationwithoutborders.com.

OAK HARBOR DAY TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., offers day trips for members. For details, call the travel desk at 360-279-4587.

STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1-800-544-1800 or tourisminfo@watourismalliance.com. Staff members assist travelers who have questions, refer them to specific destination marketing organizations and other travel resources across the state for more detailed information, and take orders for the Washington State Visitors Guide.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts new passport applications and applications for passports that have been expired for more than five years by appointment from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturdays. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.

Burlington Municipal Court accepts passport applications from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 311 Cedar St., Suite A, Burlington. New and renewal forms are available. 360-755-0492.

Post offices in Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and Oak Harbor accept passport applications by appointment. Contact individual offices for available days and times.

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor, accepts passport applications Monday through Friday.

Appointments are recommended. 360-279-4580.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Recreation expo in Bellingham

RECREATION NORTHWEST

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — The Recreation Northwest EXPO, which connects community members to the outdoor recreation world, will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave. Exhibitors will be on hand represent-

DINING GUIDE

PETER WHEELER PHOTO

META Performing Arts’ production of “West Side Story” runs through Feb. 23 at the Lincoln Theatre.

‘West Side Story’ 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 21-23 2 P.M. SATURDAY, FEB. 23 META Performing Arts presents “West Side Story,” the musical adaption of William Shakespeare’s ageless tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.”

The story takes place in 1950’s Hell’s Kitchen — New York City’s notorious gangland battleground. The play follows the two main characters: Tony, founder of the Jets, and Maria, sister of the leader of the rival gang, the Sharks. As the story unfolds, the starcrossed lovers struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice.

Written by the creative team of Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim, “West Side Story’” features the songs“Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” “Somewhere”and “America.” $12-$25.

A menu of Polish family recipes and Northwest fare made in-house from fresh, local ingredients.

Craft beer • Pnw wines House infused vodkas

Sunday Brunch & Bloody Mary Bar! 11 am - 2 pm

Night at the Awards

7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, FEB. 26 George Kahumoku Jr., Nathan Aweau and Kawika Kahiapo Peterson are featured regularly at Maui’s renowned “Slack Key Show.” They share Hawaii’s unique folk styles, with origins in the early 19th century Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) culture. $24-$39.

Closed Tuesdays

Coming Up: Come in & try our rueben or Cuban SandwiCheS

meet in the middLe!!

1705111 1561518

Mount Vernon High School Jazz Night

7 P.M. THURSDAY, FEB. 28 Enjoy the music of Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Marvin Fisher, Count Basie and much more. The MVHS Mariachi will also perform.

Free admission, donations appreciated.

— The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. lincolntheatre.org or 360-336-8955.

513 S 1st Street, La Conner 360.399.1805

OPEN 11AM - LAST CALL

1754043

LIVE MUSIC FRI & SAT CHECK LISTINGS aneliaskitchenandstage.com

5 P.M. SUNDAY, FEB. 24 Join the Lincoln for a live telecast of the 91st annual Academy Awards. Enjoy specialty cocktails, photo booth, awards bingo, and more.

Become a VIP and get rewarded with specialty seating during the event and a Red Carpet reception before the doors open to the general public. Member VIP $30; nonmember $45.

VIP Red Carpet reception: 3:30 p.m.; general audience doors: 4:30 p.m.; awards broadcast: 5 p.m.

General admission: free for members, $15 for nonmembers.

Masters of Hawaiian Music

ing outdoor retailers, health and wellness, guides, gear and equipment, races and events, recreation media and more.

The event is free.

StrEAT Food will be providing the grub for the day and Boundary Bay Brewery will be there as well.

For more information, visit recreationnorthwest.org.

La Conner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

Family Friendly

WEDS. 2/27 6PM FIDALGO SWING

FRI. 3/1 7:30PM SHERI ROBERTS GREIMES GRAND OPENING ANACORTES BREWERY TAPROOM FRI. 2/22 - 314 COMMERCIAL AVE.

360-588-1720 anacortesrockfish.com

320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

1855866

AT THE LINCOLN

1585064 1474688

E14 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI REVIEWS

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

Meandering but soulful ‘Paddleton’ worth the trip

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

Michael (Mark Duplass) and Andy (Ray Romano) are neighbors.

But they’re more like platonic life partners.

They make pizza, watch kung fu movies and play a made-up game with rackets, balls and a barrel called Paddleton. It’s an easy, mundane and emotionally stunted existence, made comfortable with companionship.

Male friendship is often explored in cinema.

But Alex Lehmann’s second feature, “Paddleton,” which he co-wrote with Duplass, is unlike any other film of that nature, inspecting the softer, gentler elements of the unique dynamic between the two men.

The boundaries of the bond are tested with Michael’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, throwing their relationship off its axis. Michael decides he’s going to end things on his own terms rather than pursue medical treatment and enlists the person closest to him, Andy, to help him make that happen, asking him to assist in his medically prescribed suicide.

It’s as if Andy and Michael don’t get to living until Michael starts dying. In search of a pharmacy that might fill his prescription, the pair hit the road, landing in the kitschy, Danish-inspired Central California town of Solvang. Ripped

DUPLASS BROTHERS PRODUCTIONS VIA TNS

Mark Duplass (left) and Ray Romano star in “Paddleton.”

from their routine, the stakes as high as possible with Michael’s life — and death — on the line, the friends confront the nature of their relationship.

But the film never veers into “The Bucket List” territory, instead focusing on the relationship between the two men and the stark realities of the grim task at hand. While “Paddleton” takes its time meandering, circling and riffing, when it arrives at its intensely emotional destination, one can’t help but be struck by the beauty in the simple depiction of men caring for each other in a time of great need.

Lehman has chosen an aesthetic for his film that is as bleak as Michael’s outlook. Cinematogra-

pher Nathan M. Miller shoots the film with natural lighting on real locations, creating a naturalism that somehow defies realism, denying any organic beauty with a pervasive grayish brown pall. Everything seems to have been shot at dusk, but magic hour this isn’t. It looks like dishwater, and that’s not exactly captivating.

But despite the depressing style, the film is a true showcase for Romano’s performance, which is as subtle, sensitive, soulful — and as devastating — as it gets. Andy is required to mourn his friend before he’s gone, then shepherd him through this final transition. He is earnest, emotional and vulnerable in ways Duplass is

not always required to be.

But while the film proves the opportunity for Romano to demonstrate his range, it’s not much more than that.

We get little sense of who the men are individually — it’s about who they are together in this moment in time, dealing with the ugly realities and the hard choices of life before death. It’s amusing but not a comedy, never losing its heart to irony or sarcasm. While “Paddleton” takes its time to get there, it ultimately reaches a deeply poignant conclusion. If you’re patient enough, that alone could be worth the trip.

– 1:29. No MPAA rating. Streaming on Netflix starting Friday. HH½

“Alita: Battle Angel” — In a dystopian future, an abandoned cyborg with unique fighting skills is revived by a fatherly physician (Christoph Waltz). Like the title character, “Alita” is an amalgam — of “Terminator,”“Blade Runner” and many others — without a unique identity of its own. We’ve seen this movie before. Many times. Sci-fi action, PG-13, 142 minutes. H½ “To Dust” — To achieve peace after the death of his wife, a grieving cantor (Geza Rohrig) asks a biology professor (Matthew Broderick) to explain how her body will decay. A dark but not bleak comedy, it’s also lovely and offbeat and kind of wonderful. Comedy drama, R, 105 minutes. HHH “Happy Death Day 2U” — There’s a surprisingly sweet heart lurking beneath all the bloody rinse-and-repeat hijinks in this cheerfully twisted sequel, following up on the college student (Jessica Rothe) who relives her murder over and over. Horror/sci-fi, PG-13, 100 minutes. HHH “What Men Want” — With impeccable comedic timing, Taraji P. Henson is the primary reason why this cheerfully bawdy remake of the Mel Gibson hit “What Women Want” is consistently funny and entertaining. Comedy, R, 117 minutes. HHH “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot” — This strange and original and at times surprisingly lovely bit of folklore benefits greatly from the magnificent presence of the gravel-voiced Sam Elliott, who exudes effortless charisma as the title character. Adventure, not rated, 98 minutes. HHH “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” — A candy-colored sugar rush with a nonstop parade of pop culture references, famous cameos and inside jokes, “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” doesn’t quite match the original’s spark and creativity, but it’s a worthy chapter in the ever-expanding Lego movie universe. Animated adventure, PG, 93 minutes. HHH “Cold Pursuit” — Liam Neeson stars in what might look like another Liam Neesom thriller, but as the bodies pile up, it quickly becomes evident that this bat-bleep crazy story of a father seeking vengeance is an action comedy, with the emphasis on the comedy. Comedy action, R, 118 minutes.

HHH½ “Velvet Buzzsaw” — Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastically entertaining as the most influential art critic in the United States, a puffed-up narcissist until a late artist’s treasure trove of paintings untaps his torment. This nasty and deliciously twisted chiller skewers the art world with a combination of bone-dry wit and blood-drenched horror.

Horror thriller, R, 109 minutes. HHH½ “Serenity” — In this challenging, entertaining neo-noir mystery, a perfectly cast Matthew McConaughey plays a down-and-out fishing boat captain enticed by his ex-wife (Anne Hathaway) to kill her abusive husband. I can’t wait to see it again. Thriller, R, 106 minutes. HHH½ “An Acceptable Loss” — The architect of a brutal U.S. military strike on Syria (Tika Sumpter) gets a hostile reception at her new academic job. This is a B-movie with some A-level acting, particularly by Sumpter and Jamie Lee Curtis as the take-no-prisoners vice president, whose thirst for war is all-consuming. Thriller, R, 102 minutes. HHH

Thursday, February 21, 2019 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES “Egg” — With a piercingly sharp screenplay that has echoes of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” this is a whip-smart social satire about two couples hurling verbal daggers about their differing views on parenthood.

Comedy, not rated, 90 minutes. HHH “Don’t Come Back From the Moon” — Small things transpire and life-changing events happen in a broken-down California resort town where fathers have a way of disappearing. From its opening moments through its pitch-perfect closing notes, this is a stunning and stark and beautiful thing to behold. Drama, not rated, 82 minutes. HHH½ “Canal Street” — Just days after a transplanted black teen enrolls in an elite suburban high school, a classmate is killed and he is suspected of murder. It’s a work of fiction, but it contains so many recognizable situations and characters, it rings as true as a documentary. Drama, PG-13, 89 minutes. HHH½ “Glass” — M. Night Shyamalan’s jigsaw puzzle of a trilogy that began with “Unbreakable” and “Split” ends in disappointment with this underwhelming, half-baked, slightly sour and even off-putting finale. Despite the game efforts of Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy, the plot begins to crack early in the first act and shatters to pieces in the last moments. Sci-fi thriller, PG-13, 129 minutes. HH½ “The Upside” — Kevin Hart delivers a sincere and relatively low-key performance as a convict hired to assist a billionaire business genius (Bryan Cranston) paralyzed from the neck down. He and Cranston mesh well together, but the overlong story is stuffed with unnecessary and momentum-blocking detours. Comedy, PG-13, 125 minutes. HH “Stan & Ollie” — Thanks to the subtle brilliance of Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy, even someone who’s never heard of the 1930s movie comedy duo likely would see how magical these two were together. This Hollywood biopic is sweet-natured, occasionally melancholy and thoroughly entertaining. Biopic, PG, 97 minutes. HHH “Vice” — This darkly funny, absurdist biopic of former Vice President Dick Cheney places him in a spotlight that continually changes colors and tones but is almost never flattering. In the title role, Christian Bale nails the impression, but there are times when it feels like he’s playing to the audience instead of genuinely interacting with other people in the room. Comedy biography, R, 132 minutes.

HHH “On the Basis of Sex” — This is a well-intentioned and occasionally inspirational but mostly flat “origins story” about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s nascent career and her lifelong love affair with her husband, Marty. The

British actress Felicity Jones never seems particularly well-suited for the role of the future Supreme Court justice. Biography, PG-13, 120 minutes. HH “If Beale Street Could Talk” — Based on a novel by James Baldwin and adapted by Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”), this gripping movie — a timeless romance, a social commentary and more — features some of the most artfully crafted dialogue and some of the finest performances of any movie this year. Newcomer KiKi Layne makes a spectacular screen debut as a teen in love with a man (Stephan James) falsely accused of rape. Drama, R, 119 minutes. HHHH “Bird Box” — In this gripping apocalyptic thriller, Sandra Bullock delivers one of her best performances as a blunt and blindfolded woman seeking sanctuary from a mysterious force that turns deadly once it’s seen. Sci-fi thriller, R, 124 minutes. HHH½ “Second Act” — Denied a promotion because of her lack of education, a top-notch retail worker (Jennifer Lopez) moves on to a cushier job with help from a doctored resume. It’s as though somebody found a forgotten print of a long-lost J. Lo comedy from 2002, dusted it off and presented it as a 2018 release. Comedy, PG-13, 104 minutes. HH “Welcome to Marwen” — Leave it to Steve Carell to deliver a subtle, layered, empathetic and memorable portrayal of both a brain-damaged artist and his alter ego, a soldier action figure waging World War II among other dolls in his backyard. Although Mark’s world springs from darkness, there’s something profoundly uplifting and inspirational about the movie, and the man who inspired it. Biography, PG-13, 116 minutes. HHH½ “Aquaman” — The saving grace of this reasonably entertaining and sometimes truly ridiculous origin story is that everyone seems to get the sheer, waterlogged lunacy of the concept, so why not have fun with it? As the fish-man, Jason Momoa has the physicality and the willingness to make himself look silly, and the natural charisma of a Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Superhero action, PG-13, 143 minutes. HHH “The Mule” — Clint Eastwood directs and stars as a 90-ish horticulturalist who takes a delivery job and later learns what he’s hauling is drugs. This isn’t close to being on a par with Eastwood’s past triumphs, but it’s an entertaining enough offbeat crime story featuring an amazing cast. Crime comedy/drama, R, 116 minutes. HHH “Mary Poppins Returns” — While it would be all but impossible to match one of the most beloved and acclaimed musicals of all time, “Mary Poppins Returns” is a sequel worthy of the name. Emily Blunt is sensational, along with a stellar supporting cast including

At area theaters BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN CONCRETE THEATER Oak Harbor Feb. 22-24 Feb. 21-24 The Upside (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; How to Train your Dragon 3 (PG) and Alita: Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

Battle Angel (PG-13). First movie stars at 7 p.m.

360-941-0403 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Burlington 360-293-7000 For showings: amctheatres.com/showtimes/ all/2017-06-23/amc-loews-cascade-mall-14/all OAK HARBOR CINEMAS 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS 360-629-0514

Lin-Manuel Miranda, in this wall-to-wall smile of a movie: big of heart and large in scale, brimming with show-stopping musical numbers. Musical, PG, 130 minutes. HHH½ “Ben Is Back” — Some family members are more supportive than others as a 19-yearold opioid addict (Lucas Hedges) unexpectedly shows up on the doorstep on Christmas Eve, courtesy of a 24-hour pass from his rehab center. Julia Roberts’ performance, as the fiercely protective (sometimes to a fault) mother, is the finest of her career. Drama, R, 103 minutes. HHH½ “Mary Queen of Scots” — Impressively

staged and sometimes cleverly written, this 16th-century story of men interfering with the ambitions of Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) and Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) often comes across as stultified and stagnant. Historical drama, R, 125 minutes. HH “Vox Lux” — In arguably the worst performance of her storied career, Natalie Portman plays a pop star who suffered trauma as a teen and now behaves like a spoiled brat virtually every second she’s not onstage.

Pretentious deadpan absurdity abounds in this screeching, empty, exploitative cinematic cacophony. Drama, R, 112 minutes. H½

E16 - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Find the best local tickets at

My360tix.com! list

enta M withbetter g n i ven ian Led ry 16 ry E n A Br brua Wine Fe aven le H Eag

En A Frien Vogue d Fundra ship House ising E ve M a rch 7 nt Swinom ish Cas ino & L odge

The Daily R Bares and ecord Bro May 17 & 1 ncs 8 Kittitas Vall ey Event C enter

Nordic

Herita ge Mu seum Tour F Nordic ebruary 27 Herita ge Mu seum

la Ga e hit ed W h 9 d S n h t k a Marc ransi c a T Bl es t r aco An

inner D s m ea ng Dr uction i d l i u B and A il 26 Apr Farms hurst Maple

An Evenin

g with La z June 14 y Acres Eagle Hav en Winery

Email my360tix@skagitpublishing.com for information

1864916

Do you have an event? Sell your tickets on My360tix.com!