360 February 7, 2013

The aerial photography of John Scurlock PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday February 7, 2013

Grammys

Reviews

Roger Ebert

Who’s gonna rule the night? fun.?

The Black Keys? Frank Ocean?

Music: Avant, Tim McGraw, Jim James Video Games: “Ni no Kuni ...”

Something haunted and possessed is going on in “Side Effects”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Flight”: A heroic pilot’s substance abuse comes into question when he crashes an airplane. Star Denzel Washington received an Oscar nomination for lead actor for his role.

The crash at the beginning is the kind of on-screen moment that will stick with viewers long after the movie is over. But it also doesn’t take long to realize that the more spectacular crash-and-burn moments are the ones Washington’s character experiences after the big fall.

Director Robert Zemeckis uses a similar format to the one that made “Cast Away” such a monumental hit.

Both films start with big events, but then rely heavily on the star’s acting abilities to make the rest of the movie equally as memorable.

It’s a gamble because the central figure is painfully flawed but is also worthy of salvation. Washington is one of a handful of actors capable of playing such a complicated role. He has a way, with a simple shift of his eyes or change of tone in his voice, to make a role seem emotionally real. It would have been easy for this character to come across as a full villain or overly heroic, but in the capable hands of Washington the character feels very human — flaws and all.

“Alex Cross”: A detective’s investigation reveals more about a murder case. “Alex Cross,” the latest attempt to turn one of James Patterson’s crime novels into a movie, should have been Tyler Perry’s opportunity to establish a film franchise where he didn’t have to wear a dress. But the attempt falls short because of an uneven script and sloppy pacing. If this is the best Perry can do, then he’d better stick to the pantyhose.

The screenplay by Marc Moss and Kerry Williamson is a series of contradictions. They have the detective played by Edward Burns get emotionally involved with someone but (spoiler alert) when she’s brutally murdered, he acts more like a guy upset about spilling his coffee.

Matthew Fox turns in the most psychotic performance as a killer since Heath Ledger creeped up the screen in “The Dark Knight.” Fox deserves credit for moving way out of his acting comfort zone, but his escape took him just a little too far. He plays this role with over-the-top absurdity, and he comes across as cartoonish as the story plays out against a backdrop of Detroit.

“Here Comes the Boom”: Teacher (Kevin James) becomes a mixed martial arts fighter to save his school.

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: FEB. 12 Bully - Anchor Bay The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Lionsgate/ Summit Robot & Frank - Sony The Sessions - Fox Silent Hill: Revelation - Universal

This Weekend / Page 5

FEB. 19 Atlas Shrugged: Part II - Fox Anna Karenina - Universal Fun Size - Paramount Sinister - Lionsgate/ Summit FEB. 26 Chasing Mavericks - Fox Chicken With Plums - Sony How to Survive a Plague - MPI/ IFC The Loneliest Planet - MPI/ IFC The Master - Anchor Bay MARCH 5 The Bay - Lionsgate The Intouchables - Sony/ Weinstein Playing for Keeps - Sony Red Dawn - Fox Wreck-It Ralph - Disney

It’s Mardi Gras time in Concrete

Inside

MARCH 12 The First Time - Sony Life of Pi - Fox Smashed - Sony

Phone 360-416-2135

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“Little White Lies”: Friends must face the hard truths of their carefree lives.

“Gunsmoke: The Seventh Season, Volume 2”: James Arness plays the TV marshal.

“Testimony of Two Men”: Story of the decades-long saga of Dr. Jonathan Ferrier.

“Elmo’s World: All Day with Elmo”: Daily activities Elmo and a child can have fun doing!

“Paul Williams: Still Alive”: Documentary looks at the life of the song writer.

“Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers: 25th Anniversary Edition:” Interview Bill Moyers did with Joseph Campbell 25 years ago.

“Frontline: Poor Kids”: A look at how 1 in 5 of the nation’s children are living below the poverty level.

“What Will the Future Be Like?”: Includes four episodes of NOVA. “Cabaret”: Bob Fosse’s film is being re-released to mark its 40th anniversary. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items)

Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 Get Involved.................................... 8 Hot Tickets...................................... 9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Travel........................................12-13 Local Valentine’s Events............... 14 Roger Ebert.................................... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings, Mini-Reviews...... 17 Out & About.............................18-19 Cover photo courtesy of John Scurlock

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

RECREATION

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E3

The view from above

Photos courtesy of John Scurlock

The Slate Peak fire lookout has withstood many a winter storm. These clouds rush westward as a fresh low pressure system pushes ashore in southern British Columbia. Monument and Blackcap peaks are in the distance.

John Scurlock to show breathtaking aerial photography in slide show

and I am still discovering new destinations.”

Scurlock said he has dabbled in bird photography, and readily admits his scope of the endeavor is very narrow.

“When it comes to photographing

By VINCE RICHARDSON “They (Skagit Audubon Society) conbirds, I am an amateur amongst the Staff Writer tacted me,” Scurlock said. “I guess they pros,” he said. “Bird photography is a don’t have a problem with a mountain Aerial photographer John Scurlock guy making a presentation to a group of specialized endeavor that takes specialis well known for his wintry images of birders. I’m definitely not coming to talk ized equipment. You have to be technimountain peaks. about birds, that’s for sure. But they have cally sound and have plenty of patience.

His book “Snow & Spire: Flights to such a long tradition. It’s an honor to be It’s just as challenging as aerial photogWinter in the North Cascade Range” asked and I’m more than happy to do it.” raphy, just with different variables.”

Still, even though he may not be willis a compilation of a decade’s worth of He plans to show about 100 images ing to admit it, Scurlock has a definite work and hundreds of hours spent flying of mountains — several topped with eye for photographing birds. He has his Van’s Aircraft RV-6, a plane he built fire lookouts — all cloaked in wintry from a kit, deep into the North Cascade shrouds. He also plans to show a couple some amazing bird photos in his collection. range in the harshest of conditions, of video clips.

“My mother was a great bird feeder,” and the 130 best of a bounty of about With the completion of the book, he said. “Since she passed away, I have 100,000 photographs. which will be available for purchase, taken on the role. I get all kinds of birds At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Scurlock Scurlock is able to concentrate on “flyvisiting my feeders.” will present “Heart of the Distant Moun- ing and photographing for pure pleatain: Photographic Flights Across West- sure.”

So, will attendees get to see any of his ern North America” at the Padilla Bay bird photos?

“I love flying,” he said. “There is no Interpretive Center as part of the Skagit mistaking that. Nowadays, I am revisit“Sure,” said Scurlock. “I’m going to Audubon Society’s monthly meeting. ing areas I may have flown to years ago try and sneak a few in.”

At a glance What: “Heart of the Distant Mountain: Photographic Flights Across Western North America,” a presentation by aerial photographer John Scurlock When: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 Where: Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, 10433 Bayview-Edison Road, Mount Vernon

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

MUSIC

A

dele dominated last year’s Grammy Awards, but this year there isn’t a clear winner in sight.

That’s because a slew of acts are up for top prizes, from fun. to Frank Ocean to Mumford & Sons.

Those performers are nominated for six trophies, as are Kanye West, Jay-Z and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys.

We here at The Associated Press let you know who to put money on when the awards show airs live Sunday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. on CBS. Now if only we could agree.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “El Camino,” The Black Keys; “Some Nights,” fun.; “Babel,” Mumford & Sons; “channel Orange,” Frank Ocean; “Blunderbuss,” Jack White.

Fekadu: I want to say that because there are four rock-based acts nominated here, they’ll split the vote, leaving R&B singer Frank Ocean with album of the year. His album should win, but he won’t take the prize. This is The Black Keys’ year, and they’re deserving. The Ohio rockers have released back-to-back amazing albums and The Recording Academy can’t deny that. And they’ll want to reward it.

Talbott: The Keys are going to win a major Grammy, just not this one. These Grammys will belong to either Ocean or fun., and to the victor goes this category. Fun. pulled off an amazing feat earning nominations in each of the four major categories, but Ocean’s album has become part of the cultural discussion. It was so startlingly different and universally acclaimed — most of those yearend top 10 lists came out while voters mulled their options — it was impossible for voters to ignore.

RECORD OF THE YEAR: “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys; “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” Kelly Clarkson; “We Are Young,” fun. featuring Janelle Monae; “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra; “Thinkin Bout You,” Frank Ocean; “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift.

Talbott: This category has been

R&B SONG: “Adorn,” Miguel; “Beautiful Surprise,” Tamia; “Heart Attack,” Trey Songz; “Pray for Me,” Anthony Hamilton; “Refill,” Elle Varner.

Fekadu: Miguel: Congrats on your first Grammy win! Elle, Tamia, Anthony: Congrats on your nominations! Trey: Maybe it’s time to step outside the box.

Talbott: Imagine how much we’d be talking about Miguel if NEW ARTIST: Alabama Shakes; Frank Ocean wasn’t currently fun.; Hunter Hayes; The Lumstealing the night. Ocean may be ineers; Frank Ocean. reshaping the face of R&B, but Talbott: This is an especially Miguel’s carrying a chisel, too. strong group. You could envision each of these acts still at it 15 years RAP ALBUM: “Take Care,” from now. The category has been Drake; “Food & Liquor II: The full of pleasant upsets over the last Great American Rap Album, Pt. few years, but there will be nothing 1,” Lupe Fiasco; “Life Is Good,” surprising about this year’s winner Nas; “Undun,” The Roots; “God because these are turning out to be Forgives, I Don’t,” Rick Ross; the Frank Ocean Grammys.

“Based on a T.R.U. Story,” 2

By CHRIS TALBOTT, MESFIN FEKADU / AP Music Writers Fekadu: Does anyone seriously Chainz.

TV: 8 p.m. Sunday, CBS (KIRO-7). Online: www.grammy.com think an R&B singer who revealed Talbott: With all due respect to that his first love was a man — Nas, this should be Drake’s trophy. who also produces for top hip-hop Remember back to the halcyon acts and who is a talented singerdays of late 2011 when “Take songwriter with one of last year’s Care” ruled with its blend of best albums — wouldn’t win this? world-beating swagger and knowing self-awareness? Probably not, POP SOLO PERFORMANCE: and there’s a good chance voters Frank Ocean “Set Fire to the Rain (Live),” won’t either (only three nominaAdele; “Stronger (What Doesn’t tions? Really?). Newer albums fun.

Kill You),” Kelly Clarkson; “Call always have the advantage, so Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen; we’re going to predict Nas wins “Wide Awake,” Katy Perry; here … and anxiously await that “Where Have You Been,” Rihan- new single from Drake. na.

Fekadu: We need to put you in Fekadu: Adele: All day. Every a hip-hop 101 class. Drake over day.

Nas by choice? I can’t even deal.

Talbott: Enough said.

You are right about one thing AP file photos though — Nas wins here. And he ROCK PERFORMANCE: “Hold should.

SONG OF THE YEAR (songwritespecially hard to predict over the last decade, with no real trend ers): “The A Team,” Ed Sheeran; On,” Alabama Shakes; “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys; “Charlie COUNTRY SOLO PERFOR“Adorn,” Miguel Pimentel; “Call among the winners. And this Brown,” Coldplay; “I Will Wait,” MANCE: “Home,” Dierks Bentley; Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen, year’s overstuffed field makes it Mumford & Sons; “We Take Care “Springsteen,” Eric Church; “Cost Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay; no easier. If “Thinkin Bout You” of Our Own,” Bruce Springsteen. of Livin’,” Ronnie Dunn; “Want“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill wins here, there will be no doubt Talbott: One of the more sured,” Hunter Hayes; “Over,” Blake these are Ocean’s Grammys. And You),” Jorgen Elofsson, David prising things about this year’s list Shelton; “Blown Away,” Carrie Gamson, Greg Kurstin and Ali “Stronger” and “We Are Young” was that Bruce Springsteen didn’t Underwood.

Tamposi; “We Are Young,” Jack were nominated for song of the get more nominations for the Fekadu: A country song about Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew year as well, a sign voters pretty well-received album “Wrecking Bruce Springsteen? Yeah, you win much universally loved them. But Dost and Nate Ruess.

Ball” and its anthemic theme song. Eric Church.

Fekadu: Call you to the stage I’m going with something of an “Hold On” is a powerful stateTalbott: Hey, now, wait a minCarly Rae? Maybe not. Miguel upset as The Black Keys horn in and Ed Sheeran, I’m happy to see ment of identity and “Lonely Boy” ute, don’t go handing that trophy on Ocean’s fun. away so easily … just kiddin’. your epic tracks get attention here, might be the most copied song Fekadu: The Black Keys are nominated Sunday night. But in That’s pretty unassailable logic. but it’s not likely that either of strong contenders, but this award this case The Boss is in charge.

I wonder if Church will wear his has to go to Gotye, whose oddball your songs will take the Grammy Fekadu: The Boss? False. sunglasses onstage? That’d be gold. Instead, fun. — whose anthepop song was last year’s biggest “Lonely Boy” wins here. pretty boss. hit. His ex is probably super mad! mic song, “We Are Young,” has a

The Black Keys

GRAMMY PICKS

The Black Keys look like best bet

great balance of edge and mainstream appeal — will be named song of the year.

Talbott: The real test for a songof-the-year winner is how it sounds 10 or 20 years from now. In “We Are Young,” Nate Ruess and bandmates have crafted one of those songs that frames an era perfectly, and voters clearly recognized that while mulling nominations.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area SKAGIT OPERA The opening performance of “Lucia Di Lammermoor” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. Special preopera dinner at 5:30 p.m.: $75. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org

MUSICAL COMEDY Lincoln Elementary School and I Can Fly Productions will present “Rock Around the Block,” a 1950s musical comedy, at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 7-9, in the Lincoln Elementary auditorium, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135

BIRD FESTIVAL The second

Concrete Mardi Gras

Parade lineup will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, near the Concrete post office. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. down Main Street to the center of town. No entry fee. Mardis Gras colors encouraged: green, gold and purple. For information, contact the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, 360-853-8784 or www.concrete-wa.com

annual Edison Bird Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9-10, in and around Edison. The festival will kick off with the popular Chicken Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in downtown Edison and continue with art demonstrations, live raptor talks, and birding tours hosted by the North Cascades Institute. 360-766-6230 or www.edisonbirdfestival.com

JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY The John Anderson Trio will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360293-1910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Avant

“Face the Music” Avant’s seventh album arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day: It’s full of ballads and seductive tracks that highlight the R&B performer’s singing and songwriting skills.

Avant doesn’t break any barriers vocally on “Face the Music,” but he does bring on a freshness that always makes him worth listening to.

That’s evident on the album opener, “Toast to Love,” and the midtempo “80 in a 30,” which displays the Avant we know and love.

“You and I,” featuring KeKe Wyatt, sees the awesome twosome throwing down again, adding to their previous collaborations like the classic “My First Love” and “Nothing in This World.” n Bianca Roach, Associated Press

Richard Thompson “Electric”

On “Electric,” Richard Thompson plugs in and delivers his most generous helping of guitar solos in many years, perhaps ever. The fretwork is marvelous even by his lofty standards, and some credit for inspiration probably goes to producer Buddy Miller, a fair picker himself.

While Thompson’s notes come in a flurry, he has always been prolific as a composer, too, and here he serves up another solid batch of songs. He might get flagged for a late hit on Sarah Palin with “Sally B,” but it rocks, as does “Stony Ground,” where unrequited love turns bloody. Otherwise, the body count’s lower than on most Thompson albums.

He’s ably accompanied by his touring mates, drummer Michael Jerome and bassist Taras Prodaniuk, and the arrangements give the guitarist plenty of room to do his thing. Each time Thompson launches into one of his eclectic breaks, “Electric” becomes electrifying. n Steven Wine, Associated Press

Tim McGraw “Two Lanes of Freedom”

Veteran country star Tim McGraw resolutely refers to independence and the highway in the title of his new album, “Two Lanes Of Freedom,” his first since leaving Curb Records, his label for two decades. The title cut flaunts that freedom by employing world-music instruments, harmonies and rhythms to communicate just how creatively liberated he feels.

But McGraw’s always pushed at the boundaries of country music. Here he balances experimental arrangements with hat tips to contemporary country music — the hit “Truck Yeah” follows the current trend of matching rural signifiers with pounding rock, while “One Of Those Nights” nicely weaves in slice-of-life sentiments.

Elsewhere, he succeeds at broadening his sound with hip-hop, bluegrass and piano pop. He also bridges the generations on “Highway Don’t Care,” a duet with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban that says even freedom needs an anchor in true love. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Erin Boheme “What A Life”

Holly Williams “The Highway”

Holly Williams is the kind of poetic songwriter country music once embraced. The powerfully sensitive songs featured on her new album are relegated to the independent Americana genre that exists outside of the arena-rock formulas of country radio.

The strength of Williams’ songwriting and the subtle emotions in her husky, expressive voice suggest she is following in the crossgenre paths of Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kathy Mattea — or the country side of Neil Young and Lyle Lovett.

Writing of struggles with family and faith, of living a transient life and of dealing with faithfulness and problematic men, Hank Williams’ granddaughter uses personal experiences to explore universal issues.

Amid a raw yet seamless blend of piano, acoustic guitar and subtle rhythms and sonic accents, her songs seek something true amid the bumps and bliss of daily life. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Jim James

“Regions of Light and Sound of God”

My Morning JackErin Boheme et singer Jim James dropped off the has dabbled outside radar after making the band before with an impressive debut Monsters of Folk and other projects, but this as a traditional jazz is his first proper solo album. Begun after he singer at age 18. Seven years later, she’s was injured in a fall from the stage in 2008, released “What A Life,” the first album by and partially inspired by Lynd Ward’s 1929 another singer Michael Buble has produced. wordless woodcut novel “God’s Man,” the A more mature Boheme has transformed album is a loose song cycle largely concernherself into a pop singer-songwriter on ing one man’s crisis of faith and rebirth.

“What A Life,” performing tunes reflecting The album moves around stylistically, her own experience of falling in and out of as you might expect of a restless artist of love.

James’ Catholic tastes. It’s more spare, Boheme uses her jazz technique to accent however, than a typically jammy MMJ her girlish yet seductive vocals on the record, taking advantage of James’ clear, relaxedly swinging “He Isn’t You” and the soaring, spiritually yearning voice, parMotown-soulful “One More Try.” Although ticularly on the opening “State Of The Art some tracks are overproduced, Boheme’s (A.E.I.O.U),” in which layers of sound are voice is an expressive instrument that needs built up from a simple repeated piano figonly minimal backing as exemplified by the ure, and the sweetly optimistic love song at Henry Mancini-inspired title track. the core of the album, “A New Life.” n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press

n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down

“We the Common” Since her 2008 debut, “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” Thao Nguyen has incorporated currents of Americana into her indie rock jams. In her latest album — “We the Common,” with her backing band, the Get Down Stay Down — those currents are stronger than ever, from the New Orleans brass on “The Feeling Kind” to the rockabilly bass line that leads off “The Day Long,” to her flirtation with psych folk on “Kindness Be Conceived,” a duet featuring harpist and singer Joanna Newsom.

Throughout her musical career, Nguyen has demonstrated a talent for writing quirky rock songs with unexpected hooks, and We the Common carries on that tradition.

In ballads, anthems, and the occasional atonal cacophony, her music encompasses optimism, vulnerability, playfulness, and abandon. We the Common fits snugly into that milieu and is an endearing study of pop songwriting at its finest. n Katherine Silkaitis, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Joe Lovano Us Five

“Cross Culture” On tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano’s 23d Blue Note CD, the leader’s unusual, two-drummer quintet goes in a questioning direction. The 11-tune set (with 10 originals) unrolls with fiendish, free-jazz energy.

The high point for lyricism and pretty blowing is Billy Strayhorn’s “Star Crossed Lovers,” which affords Lovano’s modernism a solid scaffolding to stretch out on.

Lovano’s “Golden Horn” sounds reasonable, too, giving pianist James Weidman an opportunity to shine. Much of the set, however, sounds like musicians blowing for themselves and for other initiates. It’s great if you’re on the wavelength. n Karl Stark, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch’

breathing friend with a fantastic sense of humor. Poor name aside, he quickly etches himself into the pantheon of gaming sidePlatform: PlayStation 3 kicks.

Genre: Role-playing The list of side quests appears endless Publisher: Namco Bandai Games even after you break the 10- and 20-hour ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone gameplay mark, as you can easily (and Grade: 5 stars (out of 5) enjoyably) go roaming about for several hours without ever touching the main Few tragquest. edies can spark Exploring caves, fending off large an emotional beasts, even simple tasks such as deliverresponse like a ing goods to a town on the other side of child seeing his the world feel rewarding and less like an mother die, and excuse to drag out time playing the game. yet that dark The landscapes, be they deserts, rolling moment allows hills or flowing lava, burst with life and for the celebradetail. tion of life that When you’re not losing yourself in follows in “Ni side adventures, you’ll roam the map no Kuni.” encountering enemies to battle or towns The main to explore. story is one of loss and redemption. Early The battles are smartly done, incorpoon, Oliver’s mother dies due to his reckrating a Pokemon-style system of using less behavior. The sorrow really draws one creatures to do the battling for you. into the story. Rarely do games tread in The game blends the fantasy and RPG such emotionally fraught material in this elements together into a cohesive package way. that rarely, if ever, appears to lose steam This plot revolves around Oliver’s as it encourages you to keep pushing attempts to save his mother because, in onward. a parallel universe, she’s alive and well, I’m left stunned, however, that a game but held captive by an evil lord. The of this caliber didn’t get released during alternate realm provides the game’s main the holiday season. Few games have left setting. Meanwhile, stunning visuals and me this satisfied and eager to return to its an appropriately moving soundtrack help beautifully crafted world. Despite a title drive the narrative. that on its face could dissuade one from Oliver, thankfully, is not alone on his giving it a chance, “Ni no Kuni” is a true journey. His friend Esther is alongside, treasure that no PS3 owner should do and she’s a worthwhile companion. without.

But the real delight of the game lies with Drippy, a doll from the real world n Follow Chris Campbell @campbler or that in this parallel universe is a living, email game_on_games@mac.com.

Experience live opera and find out for yourself why audiences love Skagit Opera.

SKAGITOPERA.ORG

Lucia Di Lammermoor FEBRUARY 8, 10, 15 & 17 MCINTYRE HALL

Tickets: $15-59 TICKETS: 1-866-624-6897 MCINTYREHALL.ORG

By Gaetano Donizetti

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART

during the April 6 evening auction, where the top 20 drawings will be featured as framed centerpieces and auctioned. Send or deliver drawings by March 1 to Ellie, Humane Society, 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233, or call 360-757-0445.

BIRD FEST BOOTHS: Applications are available for booth space during the eighth annual Port Susan Snow Goose & Birding Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24, at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27108 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. To FAMILY ART DAYS AT request an application, con- MoNA: The Museum of tact Pat Stolarski at pats@ Northwest Art offers Famwavecable.com. ily Art Days each month at MoNA, 121 S. First St., MoNA VOLUNTEERS: La Conner. Sessions are The Museum of Northopen to all ages and skill west Art, 121 S. First St., levels and include guided La Conner, is looking for walk-throughs of MoNA volunteers for its MoNA exhibitions. Limited to 15 Link Program, which brings participants per session. students into the museum To register: 360-466-4446, for hands-on art lessons, ext. 108, or FAD@museustudent-centered discusmofnwart.org. Information: sion and literacy activities. www.museumofnwart.

Volunteer tour leaders are org. Workshops are free given special training in the with museum admission.

Visual Thinking Strategies, Admission: $8 adults, $5 a method for encouraging seniors, $3 students, free for student-led interpretation members and ages 11 and of selected works of art. younger.

The next training will Next up: take place from 9 a.m. to 4 Line Wash Drawing: p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at with Rose Mary Tate, 11 the museum. Anyone with a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. a background or interest Saturday, Feb. 23. Try this in youth education and the fun way to draw with india arts is encouraged to apply. ink and a twig as a drawing Contact Jasmine at 360tool, then add color with a 466-4446, ext. 106, or email watercolor wash. jasminev@museumofnwart. org.

ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP: Anne Martin McCool will offer the ART CLASSES workshop from 9 a.m. to BLACK CAT CONTEST: 4 p.m. Saturday and SunKids can enter the Black day, Feb. 9-10, at the Anne Cat Drawing Contest by Martin McCool Studio, 711 March 1, as part of the Commercial Ave., Ana18th annual Black Cat cortes.

Auction in April to benThe workshop will focus efit the Humane Society on “building” paintings of Skagit Valley. Children with texture and collage ages 5 to 16 can draw an effects, while exploring animal or bird the shelter abstract and symbolic has offered for adoption, imagery, as McCool shares such as dogs, cats, rabbits, her philosophy about crepotbellied pigs, hamsters, ativity gained from more rats, parakeets, cockatiels, chicken hens or roosters. A than 30 years as a painter. winner selected from each All levels of experience age group — 5-8, 9-12 and welcome. $155. To register, 13-16 — will be introduced call 360-293-3577 or email

annemartinmccool@gmail. com.

Youth Symphony offers opportunities for musicians ages 5 to 21 to study and perform orchestral music.

For information, including tuition costs and rehearsal schedules, contact Mrs. Hobson at 360-293-8180 or visit www.fysmusic.org.

ON STAGE

Holiday Sports in Burlington, LFS in Bellingham and other locations. For information, visit www.anacortes salmonderby.com.

OPEN MIC: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22, Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway. Come and perform or just enjoy the show.

FISHING DERBY: The No cover. 360-445-3000 or 10th annual Roche Harbor www.conwaymuse.com.

Salmon Classic Invitational Fishing Derby will be held RECREATION Feb. 7-9 at Roche Harbor MUSIC Marina on San Juan Island.

FITNESS AND FUN FREE MUSIC JAMS: The derby is limited to 100 AT THE Y: Skagit Family Come and play or just boats and four anglers per YMCA offers a variety of watch the fun at Cyndy’s boat. Cash prizes for first activities for kids at 215 Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. ART CLASSES: Dakota through fifth place, plus E. Fulton St., Mount VerNW, Stanwood. Free for Art offers a variety of art hosted dinners and other non.

For information, call participants and spectators. classes and workshops at prizes. Cost is $700 per 360-336-9622 or visit www.

Teen Jam: 7 p.m. second 17873 Highway 536, Mount boat, which includes moorskagitymca.org.

Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. and fourth Tuesday each age. For information, call Next up: 5, or www.dakotaartcenter. month.

360-378-5562 or visit www.

Swim lessons: Ages 3 to Jam Night: 8 p.m. Thurscom. rocheharbor.com/Fishing_ 13, weekday evenings and days.

Derby.html.

Saturday mornings.

YMCA 360-629-4800 or www. staff members offer swimAUDITIONS cyndysbroiler.com.

GEOCACHING FUN: ming lessons year round.

“HELLO, DOLLY!”: The Learn to geocache from Skagit Valley College SECOND FRIDAY experienced geocachers ANACORTES SALMON Music Department will DRUM CIRCLE: 7 to 9 p.m. from noon to 2 p.m. SunDERBY: Tickets are on hold auditions in one-hour Friday, Feb. 8, at Unity day, Feb. 10, at Cama Beach sale for the seventh annual blocks at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

Church, 704 W. Division State Park, 1880 S. West Anacortes Salmon Derby, Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the St., Mount Vernon. Shake Camano Drive, Camano set for March 30-31.

The Phillip Tarro Theatre, and off the energy of the week Island. Enjoy geocachderby will feature $25,000 Wednesday, Feb. 13, in through drumming, songs, ing tours for beginners in guaranteed purse money Ford Hall, room 101, on chants. Love offering through the Cama Beach and thousands more in the Mount Vernon campus. donation. For informaCabins, along park trails merchandise prizes, with Callbacks, if needed, will tion, email skagitshaman@ and through the Center special prize categories take place from 10 a.m. to 2 gmail.com. for Wooden Boats historic for women, youths and p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. boathouse. Creative caches active military. $60 entry Those auditioning for a “SINGING TOGETHER”: will be on display and fee, includes free launchspeaking role should preParticipate in a community equipment will be availing at Cap Sante Marina, pare a one-minute contem- sing with Mark Growden able for use at the event. three nights’ moorage, free porary comic monologue. from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Discover Pass required for Singers should prepare Feb. 10, at The Cirque Lab, Friday night fishing film parking. festival, Saturday night a song to be sung with 1401 Sixth St., Suite 102, Those registered with no-host social and Sunday accompaniment, no longer Bellingham. Come play, www.geocaching.com may barbecue lunch; limited to than three minutes, in the dance and sing as a comstay to participate in the 1,000 tickets.

Proceeds will style of “Hello, Dolly!” munity. No one will have fourth annual Great Balls benefit scholarships for Bring a headshot and to sing solo in front of the of Fire event from 2 to 6 students pursuing careers resume. Crew members are class. All levels of experip.m., with a chance to win a in fishery management and also needed. ence welcome. $10-$20 hand-blown glass ball and Rehearsals will run from sliding scale; no one turned related science. other prizes. For informaTickets can be purchased 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday away for lack of funds. tion, contact Tina Dinzlat: Ace Hardware in Anathrough Thursday beginwww.bellinghamcircus Pederson at 360-913-0253. cortes and Friday Harbor, ning Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the guild.com.

Phillip Tarro Theatre. The show will run May 4-5 and 10-12. For information or to request an audition time, contact Dr. Diane Johnson, diane.johnson@skagit.edu.

SOUTH WHIDBEY ARTISTS: Anne Belov will offer a demonstration on working in egg tempera at the next meeting of the Artists of South Whidbey at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Brookhaven meeting room in Langley.

ASW welcomes painters in all mediums. 360-221-2353.

CALL FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS: The Mount Vernon-based Fidalgo

CONTINUE THE CYCLE: PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E9

HOT TICKETS

SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

TILTED THUNDER RAIL BIRDS: Banked Track Roller Derby: Feb. 24, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcastarena BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH: PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for everett.com.

Feb. 7, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.

HEY MARSEILLES: March 1, Showbox at the 838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com. ec4arts.org.

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The Paramount THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES boxonline.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live OF AMERICA: Feb. 16-17, Showbox at the MARC MARON (comedy): March 1, Neptune nation.com.

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live RA RA RIOT: Feb. 8, Neptune Theatre, Seat- boxonline.com. nation.com. tle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, ComNEWSBOYS: March 1, Temple Theatre, LED ZEPAGAIN: Feb. 8, Showbox at the cast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.

Tacoma. 855-443-8499 or LMGconcerts.com.

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show comcastarenaeverett.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: March 1-2, The boxonline.com.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil DiaBURIED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, www.livenation.com. mond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, SeatSeattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox MOE: March 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. online.com.

HOT WATER MUSIC, LA DISPUTE, THE EELS: Feb. 19, Showbox at the Market, Seat- tle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

ANBERLIN: March 3, Showbox at the MarMENZINGERS: Feb. 10, Showbox at the Martle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox FEED ME, TEETH: Feb. 20-21, Showbox at online.com. online.com. the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: March 6, ShowTOMAHAWK: Feb. 12, Showbox at the Marshowboxonline.com. box at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox GALACTIC: FEATURING COREY GLOVER: www.showboxonline.com. online.com.

Feb. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT: March 8, Showbox MARILYN MANSON: Feb. 12, Showbox 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, www.showboxonline.com. boxonline.com.

Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, VICTOR WOOTEN: Feb. 13, The Triple Door, STS9: Feb. 22, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

Seattle. 206-838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.

800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org. net.

AARON NEVILLE: Feb. 23, Mount Baker MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL LEFTOVER SALMON: Feb. 15, Neptune The- Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745atre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation. www.mountbakertheatre.com.

3000 or www.livenation.com. com.

IVAN & ALYOSHA: Feb. 23, Showbox at the LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, SEATTLE ROCK ORCHESTRA: Feb. 16, Nep- Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. tune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www. boxonline.com. livenation.com.

PENNYWISE, LAGWAGON: Feb. 23, Showbox 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS: March 14, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

LUCKY 2013: March 15, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

HOODIE ALLEN: March 20, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

NICK OFFERMAN: March 21, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MOISTURE FESTIVAL: comedy/variety: March 21-April 14, Seattle. www.moisture festival.org.

VOLBEAT: March 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

BRIAN REGAN: March 23, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC: March 23, Showbox at the Market.

800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MAJOR LAZER: March 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

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

DEMETRI MARTIN: March 27, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

THE SPECIALS: March 27, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND: March 29, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or www.livenation.com.

SVH_4.949x4.75_ FEBRUARY Week1

FEBRUARY AT TULALIP BINGO Paying Out Up To $7.1 Million

$2,500

VALENTINE’S CASH

HOT SEAT DRAWING THURSDAY

$3,000

CASH DRAWING SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 14

FEBRUARY 24

Each guest present and playing will receive (1) playing card for that particular session and the lucky winners matching the (2) cards drawn will receive $50 cash each!

(5) - $100 At 11am & 3pm sessions and (10) - $200 at 7pm session. Each guest will automatically be entered into monthly drawing upon initial buy-in starting Feb. 1 - Feb. 23, With drawing to be held Feb. 24.

ALL SESSIONS

Winners must be present and playing with a valid receipt to claim prize. No Seat Hopping Allowed.

$5

Drawing winners must be present and playing with a valid bingo receipt to claim prize.

$1,600

GOOD NEIGHBOR

HOT SEAT DRAWING SATURDAYS

FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16 & 23 (2) Winners of (1) $50 slot play ticket. The guest to the right and left of the winner will receive (1) $40 for $30 slot play coupon.

Winners must be actively playing a bingo slot machine to claim prize.

No seat hopping allowed.

WINNERS CLUB DISCOUNT OFFER MUST BE WINNERS CLUB CARD HOLDER

Valid 2/5/13 - 2/11/13 SVH BNG0213

“interactive theater at its best and full of laughs!”

-The New Yorlk Times

360.416.7727

Bring in this ad to claim $5 Winners Club discount $5 Off any 11am or 7pm session

One coupon per guest per week • Redeem at cashier window - Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Only original ad will be honored for special offers - no copies.

Management reserves the right to cancel or amend promotion at any time.

Friday and Saturday February 22 & 23 7:30pm Late Nite Catechism is an uproariously funny play that takes the audience back to their youth.

The irrepressible Sister teaches class to a roomful of "students."

Throughout the course of the class the benevolent instructor rewards the "students" for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes.

Naughty students may well find themselves on stage sitting in a corner reflecting on their actions.

However, even the most reluctant "students" will be clamoring to get into this Sister's class.

McIntyrehall.org

2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon

1-800-631-3313

E10 Thursday, February 7, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 7-17 Thursday.7 COMEDY

Toby Roberts: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Rated R. $10. 360941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THEATER

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

FRIDAY.15

John O’Neill plays Nicola and Debbi Biane is Louka in Alger Lookout Thespian Association’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. See individual listings for times. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/ drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. 360-416-7727, ext.

2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Submitted photo

OPERA

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. Special preopera dinner at 5:30 p.m.: $75. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students.

Includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or www.alta theatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Saturday.9 MUSIC

The Voca People: 8 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $20-$59. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbaker theatre.com.

Mark Growden: 8 p.m., The Cirque Lab, 1401 Sixth St., Suite 102, Bellingham. $10$20. www.bellinghamcircusguild.com.

THEATER

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students.

Includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or www.alta theatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

Sunday.10 MUSIC

Jazz at the Library: The John Anderson Trio, 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 8-14 LOOKING AHEAD

FRIDAY-SUNDAY.8-10

SATURDAY.16

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Friday.8

Thursday, February 7, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OPERA

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $10.

360-424-5144 or www.altatheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Monday-Wednesday.11-13 No events submitted

Thursday.14 THEATER

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/ drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

What The Chelm (Klezmer): 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner. $15-$17, free for ages 17 and younger. 360-4662665 or www.laconnerarts.com.

“Concert d’Amour”: with Jean Mann, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave. Music, chocolate and more.

Advance tickets: $15, $25 couple. $20 at the door. 360-464-2229 or www.anacortescenterforhappiness. org.

Cannery Underground (Northwest folk music): 6 to 8 p.m., Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Free with museum admission. $4, $3 seniors and children ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-4663365 or www.skagitcounty.net/ museum.

“Corelli & Handel’s Soprano”: with Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Jan Weinhold, harpsichord; Jeffrey Cohan, baroque flute; 7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 110 S. Fifth St., Mount Vernon. $15-$20 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger.

360-336-6622 or www.salishsea festival.org.

SUNDAY.17

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. Special closing night repast after the opera concludes. $75. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

FRIDAY.8 TONY & THE TIGERS 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington.

No cover. 360-755-0165.

SATURDAY.9 RON HENDEE BAND 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

FRIDAY.8 Tony & The Tigers: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Ben Starner (piano): 8 to 10 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Johnny Bulldog: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 cover.

360-445-3000.

Chris Eger Band: 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. No cover.

360-629-4800 or www. cyndysbroiler.com.

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

Don Mailloux: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

360-629-5555 or www. leatherheadspub.com.

Scratch Daddy (blues): 7:30 to 11 p.m., Mirkwood Store & Shire Cafe, 117 E. Division St., Arlington. 360-403-9020.

Equal Opportunity: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6330.

Scary Monster and the Super Creeps: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Ron Hendee Band: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

The Don Richards Band, Wayne Hayton: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover.

360-445-3000.

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

Dog Shredder, Absolute Monarchs, Constant Lovers, Totalizer: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-7781067.

SATURDAY.9 Jasmine Greene Band: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

SUNDAY.10 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

WEDNESDAY.13 Caleb Klauder Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Hey Ocean, SoccerMom, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

THURSDAY.14 Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

NOMEANSNO: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10-$12. 360778-1067.

Leah Natale & Ambience (jazz): 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

E10 Thursday, February 7, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 7-17 Thursday.7 COMEDY

Toby Roberts: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Rated R. $10. 360941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THEATER

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

FRIDAY.15

John O’Neill plays Nicola and Debbi Biane is Louka in Alger Lookout Thespian Association’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. See individual listings for times. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/ drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. 360-416-7727, ext.

2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Submitted photo

OPERA

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. Special preopera dinner at 5:30 p.m.: $75. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students.

Includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or www.alta theatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Saturday.9 MUSIC

The Voca People: 8 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $20-$59. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbaker theatre.com.

Mark Growden: 8 p.m., The Cirque Lab, 1401 Sixth St., Suite 102, Bellingham. $10$20. www.bellinghamcircusguild.com.

THEATER

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students.

Includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or www.alta theatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Rock Around the Block”: 1950s musical comedy, 7 p.m., Lincoln Elementary School, 1005 S. 11th St., Mount Vernon. $7. 360-4286135.

Sunday.10 MUSIC

Jazz at the Library: The John Anderson Trio, 2 to 3 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 8-14 LOOKING AHEAD

FRIDAY-SUNDAY.8-10

SATURDAY.16

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Friday.8

Thursday, February 7, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OPERA

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $10.

360-424-5144 or www.altatheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Monday-Wednesday.11-13 No events submitted

Thursday.14 THEATER

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Steel Magnolias” (comedy/ drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

What The Chelm (Klezmer): 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner. $15-$17, free for ages 17 and younger. 360-4662665 or www.laconnerarts.com.

“Concert d’Amour”: with Jean Mann, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave. Music, chocolate and more.

Advance tickets: $15, $25 couple. $20 at the door. 360-464-2229 or www.anacortescenterforhappiness. org.

Cannery Underground (Northwest folk music): 6 to 8 p.m., Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Free with museum admission. $4, $3 seniors and children ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-4663365 or www.skagitcounty.net/ museum.

“Corelli & Handel’s Soprano”: with Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Jan Weinhold, harpsichord; Jeffrey Cohan, baroque flute; 7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 110 S. Fifth St., Mount Vernon. $15-$20 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger.

360-336-6622 or www.salishsea festival.org.

SUNDAY.17

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Lucia Di Lammermoor”: Skagit Opera: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15-$59. Special closing night repast after the opera concludes. $75. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

FRIDAY.8 TONY & THE TIGERS 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington.

No cover. 360-755-0165.

SATURDAY.9 RON HENDEE BAND 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

FRIDAY.8 Tony & The Tigers: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Ben Starner (piano): 8 to 10 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Johnny Bulldog: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 cover.

360-445-3000.

Chris Eger Band: 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. No cover.

360-629-4800 or www. cyndysbroiler.com.

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

Don Mailloux: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

360-629-5555 or www. leatherheadspub.com.

Scratch Daddy (blues): 7:30 to 11 p.m., Mirkwood Store & Shire Cafe, 117 E. Division St., Arlington. 360-403-9020.

Equal Opportunity: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6330.

Scary Monster and the Super Creeps: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Ron Hendee Band: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

The Don Richards Band, Wayne Hayton: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover.

360-445-3000.

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

Dog Shredder, Absolute Monarchs, Constant Lovers, Totalizer: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-7781067.

SATURDAY.9 Jasmine Greene Band: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

SUNDAY.10 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

WEDNESDAY.13 Caleb Klauder Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Hey Ocean, SoccerMom, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

THURSDAY.14 Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

NOMEANSNO: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10-$12. 360778-1067.

Leah Natale & Ambience (jazz): 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

TRAVEL

TOP: People wait for a wave while surfing in Malpais, Costa Rica, at the Pura Vida Adventures camp.

AP file / 2010

BOTTOM: People participate in a yoga session in Rincon, Puerto Rico, at a retreat created by Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga and Gina Bradley of Paddle Diva.

Just Love Photography via AP / March 2011

Health-and-fitness trips for adventurous ones

By LIZ SIDOTI Associated Press

RINCON, Puerto Rico — Several years ago, I found myself needing a certain type of vacation — one that would help me reset life and that combined my passions: fitness and sports, the outdoors and travel, healthy food and new people.

I wanted much of the planning done for me. I also wanted the ability to break from any itinerary. And I wanted to go alone without feeling lonely. A reasonable cost, a variety of activities and a warm location also were important.

So I started searching online for “active vacations” and “fitness trips” and “wellness retreats.” It was frustrating. The pricey and posh Canyon Ranch popped up. Several intensive yoga-only weekend workshops surfaced. So did a number of sites advertising weight-loss cruises.

None fit.

Finally, I stumbled on something called Bikini Bootcamp at an eco-friendly resort in Tulum, Mexico. I cringed at the name — and still do — but I looked past it and found the type of trip I sought.

It promised rustic beach cottages, certified trainers leading fitness sessions, healthy food, excursions like biking through Mayan ruins, spa services, and enough down time to make my vacation my own.

For the most part, that’s what I got.

I was immediately hooked on the model, and, in the years since, I have gone to several others, including Pura Vida Adventures, a surf and yoga camp in Malpais, Costa Rica, that was founded by Tierza Eichner, and, most recently, a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) and yoga retreat in Rincon, Puerto Rico, created by Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga and Gina Bradley of Paddle Diva, two companies based in New York’s

If you go Tulum, Mexico: fitness and yoga, bikini bootcamp.com Malpais, Costa Rica: yoga, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, www.puravida adventures.com Rincon, Puerto Rico: yoga and paddleboarding, jessicabellofattoyoga.com/ retreats/yoga-sup-surf-rincon.php or www.paddlediva.com/yogasup-retreats

tony Hamptons beach area.

Don’t misunderstand: these aren’t fat camps. These are vacations tailored to people who value healthy lifestyles, active travel, and trying new things, seeing new places and meeting new people.

The formula is generally the same.

All are run by strong, independent, entrepreneurial, outgoing women with interesting life stories and a true zest for living fully.

The trips either are geared toward or attract mostly women, though the men who do go seem to easily fit in. The demographic tends to skew toward female professionals in their 30s and 40s from all over the country and, sometimes, the world, though everyone from stay-at-home moms to almost-retired grandmas attend. Many people come alone; some come with friends and relatives. The programs attract both extroverts and introverts.

All are bound by an up-for-anything, adventurous attitude and a shared desire to have an active life with nutritious food and vigorous exercise.

So it’s easy to see why bonding usually occurs shortly after arrival, and why it quickly seems as though everyone is looking out for —and rooting for — one another.

Many seek to push the bounds both mentally and physically, and they do things they typically wouldn’t, like trail-running

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E13

TRAVEL through the steep and slippery jungle or jumping off rock ledges into crystal blue water below.

“Expand your comfort zone” was the daily positive mantra of paddle instructor Shari Hymes during the January retreat here.

Many leave these trips with great memories and lasting relationships, and the vacations have their own touches reflective of their founders.

Bikini Bootcamp, run

by Melissa Perlman, offers an African dance session, a tribal drumming lesson and a traditional Mayan clay treatment on the beach with an eyebrow-raising component: swimsuit tops optional.

The Pura Vida instructors become informal tour guides, taking clients to favorite surf spots in a Scooby Doo-like van that’s been known to stop for cold ones at shacks run by Ticos — or Costa Rican locals — after a long day on the water.

Bradley’s organizational expertise, culinary skills and local connections shape the entire Rincon trip. Bellofatto goes well beyond traditional yoga, teaching the willing one of her specialty skills: downward dog, headstands and other poses while on paddleboards floating atop the water.

All serve meals with local ingredients, focusing on nutritious fuel for active bodies. In Tulum, low-fat soups were a staple. In Malpais, traditional lizano salsa was on the table. And in Rincon, no meal was complete without avocados, tropical fruits and greens from roadside stands.

The venues are breathtaking.

Bikini Bootcamp’s home, Amansala, is a shabby-chic Tulum resort with open-air bungalows, a large fitness pavilion, and a swath of white beach with orange lounge chairs strewn about.

Pura Vida is nestled in the

Just Love Photography via AP / March 2011

People participate in a yoga session in Rincon, Puerto Rico, at a retreat created by Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga and Gina Bradley of Paddle Diva. jungle that abuts the beach of Malpais, with gorgeous beachfront cottages, a yoga platform, a soaking pool and hammocks strung between palm trees. And the Puerto Rican retreat is based at Casa Azul, Bradley’s private, four-floor house in the Rincon hills, with balconies that offer stunning views of the ocean, beaches and town below.

The prices depend on the trip’s duration and number of people per room. They cost anywhere from $1,400 for four nights in a shared room with a shared bath in Rincon to $3,200 for six nights in Tulum or Malpais for a private room with a private bath. At a minimum, the price typically includes: accommodations, at least two meals a day and daily

lessons or sessions. Some also include massages. Transportation never is included, nor is gratuity for the staff, so make sure to bring cash.

One restaurant dinner is typical, and you’re responsible for covering your part of the check. And if you want booze during the trip, you’ve got to pay for it. There’s also no shortage of optional — with fee — activities, such as snorkeling into underground freshwater swimming holes called cenotes in Mexico, zip lining in Costa Rica, or climbing waterfalls in Puerto Rico.

When you sign up for any of these three trips, expect a detailed email that usually includes a what-to-pack list, a roster of possible add-on activities, details on the best way to travel, and a typi-

cal daily, subject-to-change schedule.

No matter which place you choose, your days usually start with a group walk or run just after sunrise, followed by a breakfast of yogurt, fruit, granola and eggs. Next generally comes a morning session of some kind depending on the trip: a cardio-and-weights class in Mexico, a surfing lesson in Costa Rica, a paddleboard session in Puerto Rico.

At lunchtime, expect to eat your way through heaping mounds of locally grown produce and protein. Beyond that, afternoons typically are kept free for any number of activities, from more surf, paddle or workout sessions, to touring local attractions, to taking a siesta under the sun. Nothing is mandatory; this is, after all, YOUR vacation.

Yoga sessions always are a staple, but they never dominate the trips. Usually, there are one or two sessions a day, in the morning or late afternoon. Like the other lessons, they’re always taught by instructors mindful of the need to tailor their practices toward beginners and veterans alike.

Like the other meals, dinner is communal, with mounds of nutritious grub and even healthy dessert, and it often stretches for hours, with people talking about our lives back home and adventures of the day.

It’s certainly not all perfect; all three trips have room for improvement.

For example, each relies heavily on relationships with local vendors — and subcontractors — to operate, and that can make for inconsistencies and hiccups. Yet, all seek — and get — feedback and tweak their programs to ensure an even better experience for the next batch of campers looking for the perfect mix of adventure, fitness and fun.

Local travel

to 5 p.m. Friday, April 19, departing from and returnTRAVELOGUE: “THRILL ing to Hillcrest Park, Mount OF THE CHASE”: 7 to 9 Vernon. Enjoy a docent-led p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, tour of the Bellevue BotaniWhatcom Museum’s Old cal Garden’s 53 acres of City Hall, 121 Prospect cultivated gardens, restored St., Bellingham. Travel on woodlands and natural a mountain and search for wetlands. After a no-host hidden treasure through lunch, check out the seaprehistoric ruins in the sonal flora and fauna of the American Southwest. Learn arboretum’s 230 acres on about the life of 82-yearthe shores of Lake Washold Forrest Fenn, who hid ington. Both tours include his collection of American walking up to one mile and West artifacts valued at uneven surfaces. $61-$63. $3 million dollars, then Register by April 12. left cryptic instructions on how to find it. The thrill?

ESCORTED TOURS: Whoever finds the 11thThe Whatcom County Tour century chest brimming Program offers a variety of with treasure can keep it! day trips and longer tours, $3 suggested donation, with most trips departing free for museum members. from and returning to the 360-778-8930 or www.

Bellingham Senior Activity whatcommuseum.org.

Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For information DAY TRIPS: Camano or to register: 360-733Center offers trips for 4030, press #, ext. 47015, seniors and others, depart- or wccoa.org/index.php/ ing from and returning Tours. to Camano Center, 606 Next up: Arrowhead Road, Camano Chocolate Delights and Island. 360-387-0222 or Country Village: 8:30 a.m. www.camanocenter.org. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Enjoy handmade, old SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: Austrian-recipe chocolates Skagit County senior censerved by traditional dirndlters offer short escorted dressed chocolatiers, then trips departing from and visit the one-of-a-kind boureturning to local senior tiques and shops at Councenters. For information, try Village. $59, includes call the Anacortes Senior transportation, chocolate Center at 360-293-7473 or tour, lunch and escort. Regsign up at your local senior ister by Feb. 9. center.

Baroque Painting Classics: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Tuesday, March 19. Travel Vernon Parks and Recreto the Seattle Art Museum ation offers travel opportu- to see the works of Remnities for participants ages brandt, Hals, Reynolds, 12 and older (adult super- Romney, Turner and Van vision required for ages 18 Dyck. $65. $10 additional and younger). For informa- for nonmembers. Includes tion or to register, call 360- transportation, museum 336-6215. Next up: admission and escort.

Olympia Capitol Tour and Exploration: 8 a.m.

PASSPORT APPLICAto 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, TIONS: The Anacortes March 6, departing from Public Library accepts U.S. and returning to Hillcrest passport applications from Park, Mount Vernon. Enjoy noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesa private tour of the Legdays and Wednesdays, and islature building, no-host 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at lunch and exploration of 1220 10th St., Anacortes. more local and historical Passport forms and inforattractions around Olymmation on fees and how pia. $61-$63. Register by to apply are available at Feb. 27. http://travel.state.gov Bellevue Botanical or pick up an application Garden and Washington and passport guide at the Park Arboretum: 9 a.m. library.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

COMMUNITY Friday.8 BE MY VALENTINE FAMILY NIGHT: The second annual event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, 215 E. Fulton St., Mount Vernon. Enjoy an evening of crafts, games, magic and family fun. All ages, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. $5 per child, $1 discount with a school supply donation to the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter. 360-336-9622 or www.skagitymca.org.

Saturday.9 FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE BALL: 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cascade Commons cafeteria, 2310 E. Section St., Mount Vernon. For girls of all ages with their father/guardian age 18 or older. $22 per couple, $11 each additional girl.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. 360-336-6215.

Valent Events ine’s i Area n the Vernon.

Taste seven sparkling wines from around the world, artisan chocolates, gourmet cheese and other taste treats from local producers. $3 at the door. 360-466-5522 or www.rexvillegrocery.com.

the library purchase needed resources and fund community projects. $50 per person. Tickets are available at the library or call 360-293-5567.

SWEETHEARTS’ DANCE: 7 to 10 p.m. SatTHE SWEETEST OF CEL- urday, Feb. 9, Camano VALENTINE TRAIN EBRATIONS: 7:30 to 10:30 Center, 606 Arrowhead RIDE: Lake Whatcom Railway is offering special p.m. Jansen Art Center, 321 Road, Camano Island. $10, Front St., downtown Lyn$7 members. Includes light Valentine’s train rides at den. Enjoy live music, fine snacks, cash bar. 360-38710:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., 0222 or www.camano starting from Wickersham, artworks and some of the region’s finest wines, chees- center.org. on Highway 9, 10 miles es, spirits and sweets. Dress north of Sedro-Woolley. is business casual. $50 per The train route will travel Sunday.10 couple. 360-778-1228. a short distance along PAPER PLAYSHOP: Highway 9, then through a VALENTINES: 1 to 4 p.m., VALENTINES & WINE: small tunnel along a lake Anacortes Center for Hap1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. and out into the woods. piness, 619 Commercial 9, through Thursday, Feb. Enjoy banjo music and Ave., Anacortes. Join Kari 14, Hellam’s Wine Shop, refreshments that can be Bishay to create threepurchased from the coffee 109 N. First St., La Conner. dimensional Valentines for Enjoy a Valentine wine shop car. $20 adults, $10 those special folks in your and dessert tasting. $10. ages 2-17, free for ages 1 life — two different styles, 360-466-1758 or www. and younger, $35 couples. plus the envelopes to mail Tickets must be purchased hellamsvineyard.com. them in. All materials proin advance through the vided. $18. Preregistration AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBellingham Railway Muserequired: 360-464-2229 or BER: Treat your sweetum, 1320 Commercial St., www.anacortescenter Bellingham. 360-393-7540. heart to “An Affair to forhappiness.org.

Remember” from 7 to 9:30 www.lakewhatcomrailway. p.m. at the Anacortes Pubcom.

Monday.11 lic Library, 1220 10th St. Enjoy a romantic evening COOKING CLASS: CHAMPAGNE, CHOCOof wine, hors d’oeuvres, “From Italy with Love”: LATES AND CHEESE: 4 to dessert, poetry, romantic 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, 7 p.m. Rexville Grocery, music and raffles to help Feb. 11, Gretchens Kitchen, 19271 Best Road, Mount

509 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Chef Peter Belknap will offer an indulgent evening of tastes from Italy. $40. For information or reservations, stop by the store, call 360-336-8747 or visit www.gretchenskitchen. com.

Tuesday.12 VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE: The Stanwood-Camano Friends of the Library invite the public to a presentation on chocolate at their next meeting at 11 a.m. in the Stanwood Library Community Room, 9701 271st St. NW, Stanwood. Karen Neugebauer, owner of Forte Chocolates in Mount Vernon, will speak about being a chocolatier and offer samples of her awardwinning chocolate. 360-6293132.

Thursday.14 SINGING VALENTINE: Have the An-O-Chords men’s barbershop chorus deliver a singing Valentine to your favorite person at their home, job, restaurant or other location. On Valentine’s Day, the quartet will deliver two love songs, a long-stemmed rose and mail your Valentine a photo of the moment. $35. For more information: Mount Vernon/Burlington/Sedro-Woolley, 360-757-1946; La Conner/ Anacortes, 360-293-3483; Oak Harbor/Coupeville, 360-678-7510.

Saturday.16 CONCERT d’AMOUR: Jean Mann, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave. Enjoy live music, chocolate and more. Advance tickets: $15, $25 couple. $20 at the door. 360-464-2229 or www. anacortescenterforhappi ness.org.

Penn Jillette speaks his mind, as is his wont

By PATRICK KEVIN DAY Los Angeles Times

Penn Jillette isn’t one to shy from controversy. In his new book, “Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday,” the opinionated, talkative half of the long-running magic duo Penn & Teller takes on atheism, racism and the plight of the underclass.

But perhaps his most shocking personal view is about Donald Trump. Jillette likes him, mostly for the real estate mogul’s determination to be himself.

“It’s an important part of our culture,” Jillette said.

“We need some sort of rich guy. Bill Gates is not willing to do it. He wants to go cure malaria. Steve Jobs wouldn’t play rich guy. He wouldn’t even dress rich guy. I think having Donald Trump jump into that role with his dynasty and his children is a pretty great thing for our culture.”

The magician may be known primarily as a Las Vegas performer, but lately he’s had a high-profile reality TV run on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” and NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” Both shows are part of his new book but are not always discussed in glowing terms, particularly the “Apprentice” experience: “It’s venal people clawing at stupid, soulless (stuff) in front of the modern-day Scrooge McDuck in order to stay famous.”

Despite that view, Jillette was asked to return for another season, the “AllStar” edition of the show, which will air in March.

Jillette was on his way back to his home in Las Vegas after taking a lengthy break from his live show to tape “Celebrity Apprentice”

and promote his book. He later told Twitter followers that this is the longest he and Teller have ever gone without performing together in their 35-year history. But his second stint on “Celebrity Apprentice” gave him time with Trump during the host’s pre-election hysteria.

Though Jillette calls Trump’s election night tweets — in which the multimillionaire called for people to march on Washington — “distasteful,” he’s never been one to turn from friendships because of unpopular political views.

He counts Glenn Beck, porn star Ron Jeremy and the late Christopher Hitchens as friends. And for his upcoming appearance on the all-star “Celebrity Apprentice,” Jillette counts a new extreme personality among his list of people he admires: Gary Busey.

“If anybody remembers ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ in 20 years, all they will remember is Gary Busey,” Jillette says.

Jillette, known for revealing magician’s secrets, exposes one from “Dancing With the Stars,” which suggests competitors are being pushed to the limit. As he writes in his book, “They have to pretend it’s hard work. It isn’t.”

Jillette is easier on “Celebrity Apprentice.” In a weird way, he says, “’Celebrity Apprentice’ is more honest in that creepy kind of way that the guy who admits he’s racist is more honest.

“I don’t watch the show, but in talking to my wife and the other contestants, I learned that there’s no disingenuous editing. They do make decisions, but the story they tell in ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ seems to me to be a completely valid story.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E15

Saturday 2/9

Ron Hendee Band

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8AM-10AM Mini breakfast not included.

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360.714.1065

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E16 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

Behind the music, something sinister is brewing

T

he music tells us what kind of movie “Side Effects” is going to be.

It coils beneath what seems like a realistic plot and whispers that something haunted and possessed is going on.

Imagine music for sorcery and then dial it down to ominous forebodings.

Without Roger Thomas Newman’s Ebert score, this would be a lesser film, even another film.

We meet an edgy young woman named Emily (Rooney Mara). Her husband, Martin (Channing Tatum), has been released after four years in prison for insider trading. Don’t weep for him. At a party he explains, “It’s the culture.”

They resume. They dine.

They make eager love.

Things don’t go for her as smoothly as it seemed. She is referred to a psychiatrist named Banks (Jude Law). She’s been under care before, with a shrink named Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones), but Banks thinks she may get good results from a new drug named Ablixa.

Also, a drug company has paid him $50,000 to study it during the licensing period.

This Banks has issues.

A Brit in Manhattan, he’s divorced from a dubious woman (Vinessa Shaw).

He immigrated to the U.S., he explains, because in the U.K. when you run into psychiatric treatment it’s assumed you may get sicker, and over here it’s assumed you’re getting

effective “over time.” Time is what the depressed and panicked lack. Banks wants fast-acting pills. Emily dreads being diagnosed as actually nuts and being assigned to the hospital by the courts. Banks doesn’t seem so concerned. Maybe another med will work.

Meanwhile, we notice that he’s spending an increasing amount of time with other characters, like Victoria Siebert, his ex-wife, prosecutors and colleagues.

The case begins to make news and his clients fall off because they don’t want a press mob seeing them going into his office.

And all this time, the music. You know those scores that make you think of sad merry-go-rounds?

We’re being drawn into a vortex. Is there a level we don’t suspect? Some people, ambushed by the last 10 minutes, will be thinking, “What a load of crap.” Soderbergh has retrofitted his film from the end backward. At the press previews, critics would not be admitted unless they were there from the start.

Open Road Films via AP It’s like an Alfred Hitchcock warning: “Don’t give Rooney Mara stars in “Side Effects.” away the beginning!”

Steven Soderbergh has well. Naturally that tilts There are other characannounced that, at 50, this him toward pushing pills. ters: a cop, a mother, yada will be his last film. Well, ‘SIDE EFFECTS’ HHH1⁄2 Emily’s use of Ablixa yada. Always the music — that’s up to him. This one causes some alarming never loud, always there. brings together threads Emily Taylor............................................. Rooney Mara behavior, including a mur- Rooney Mara’s perforfrom a lot of his work.

Dr. Jonathan Banks.......................................Jude Law der while in a blackout, mance is instrumental. In Crime. Sex. Complicated Dr. Victoria Siebert...................... Catherine Zeta-Jones and she’s committed to a her third major role, she’s yuppies. Smart people Martin Taylor.......................................Channing Tatum mental hospital. on the far side of the moon doing heedless things. n Running time: 105 minutes. MPAA rating: R (for Banks shows few signs from “The Girl With the Corruption in high places. sexuality, nudity, violence and language) of empathy. Why is he a Dragon Tattoo.” Emily is Ablixa can even be seen as doctor in the first place? terrified of the world, of a science fiction element.

Why did his marriage fail? the doctor, of Ablixa and The Soderbergh film this you to remember Nicolas uncertainty and fear.

He meets with Victoria of herself. Steven Soderone doesn’t draw from is Cage looking askance at I diagnose her with Siebert, and why does ten- berg’s camera often sees “Che.” Soderbergh came, the iguana in Herzog’s panic attacks and depression spring up between her from a slightly low he saw, he conquered, and “Bad Lieutenant: Port of sion. The professionals in them? Banks is sitting on a level from her left, her hair Call New Orleans,” and now he’s moving on. That the film discuss real meds lot of anger. doing the framing. I want then tone that down to like Effexor. Those can be was that.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Argo” — Ben Affleck directs and stars in the incredible true story of how, at the height of the Iranian hostage crisis, a CIA agent and a couple of Hollywood professionals dreamed up a cockamamie scheme to free six Americans who were not being held in the American Embassy but had found refuge with the Canadian Embassy.

Kept top secret for 18 years, the operation created a fake sci-fi production named “Argo,” convinced the Iranians it was real and used it to spirit the Americans out of the country.

With lots of tension and also some humor from John Goodman and Alan Arkin as the Hollywood pros involved. Drama, R, 120 minutes. HHHH “Broken City” — From a lurid and predictable plot, “Broken City” is the sworn enemy of subtle. It’s a big, juicy, sometimes clunky, political crime thriller that plays like a 21stcentury B-movie. It’s also pretty trashy and sometimes stupid.

But there’s never a moment when you won’t be entertained on one level or another. Thanks to a great cast — Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg and terrific supporting players Barry Pepper, Kyle Chandler, Jeffrey Wright and Griffin Dunne — you’ll have a good time even when the script is breaking bad. Crime drama, R, 109 minutes. HHH “Bullet to the Head” — Directed by the veteran Walter Hill, this ersatz buddy film is filled with cheesy stop-motion zooms, rapid-cut fight scenes with insanely loud sound effects for every bone-cracking punch, racially insensitive oneliners, window-dressing female characters and wall-to-wall carnage. It’s the kind of brainless action movie Sylvester Stallone would have starred in circa 1985. That it stars a Stallone who’s pushing 70 is just weird.

(Action, R, 92 minutes. HH “Life of Pi” — A miraculous achievement of storytelling and a landmark of visual mastery.

Inspired by a worldwide bestseller that seemed unfilmable, it is a triumph over its difficulties. It is also a moving spiritual achievement. The story involves the 227 days that its teenage hero (Suraj Sharma) spends drifting across the Pacific in the same lifeboat as a Bengal tiger.

The movie quietly combines various religious traditions to enfold its story in the wonder of life. How remarkable that these

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Feb. 8-14 Identity Thief (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 8:50; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30 Promised Land (R): Friday-Thursday: 1:10, 6:40 Silver Linings Playbook (R): Friday-Saturday: 3:40, 9:10; Sunday-Wednesday: 3:40 PM Old Goats (NR): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:50, 6:50, 9:00; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:20, 3:50, 6:50 360-293-7000 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

two mammals, and the fish beneath them and birds above them, are all here. Fantasy, PG, 125 minutes. HHHH “Lincoln” — Steven Spielberg’s new film focuses on only a few months of Lincoln’s life, including the passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, the surrender of the Confederacy and his assassination. Rarely has a film attended more carefully to the details of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis creates a Lincoln who is calmly self-confident, patient and willing to play politics in a realistic way. Not about an icon of history, but about a president who was scorned by some of his opponents as a hayseed from the backwoods. He understood them better than they did him.

Sure to win many Academy Award nominations. Drama, PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH “Mama” — To the credit of director Andy Muschietti, his co-writing team and a first-rate cast, “Mama” succeeds in scaring the wits out of us and leaving some lingering, deeply creepy images, despite indulging in many horror-film cliches.

Movies like “Mama” are thrill rides. We go to be scared and then laugh, scared and then laugh, scared and then shocked. And of course, there’s almost always a little plot left over for a sequel. It’s a ride horror fans would take again. Horror, PG-13, 100 minutes. HHH “Movie 43” — As the ads for “Movie 43” promised (threatened?), you can’t unsee this thing, so please: Stay away.

Even if you might think that sitting through “Movie 43” would be an adventure along the lines of experiencing “Showgirls” or

CONCRETE THEATRE Feb. 8-10 Lincoln (PG-13): Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

360-941-0403

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

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Feb. 8-13 Django Unchained (R): 3:20, 9:15 Les Miserables (PG-13): 12:50, 4:00, 7:00 Life of Pi (PG): 12:45, 6:40 Silver Linings Playbook (R): 12:55, 3:30, 6:30, 9:00 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Feb. 8-13 Identity Thief (R): 1:05, 3:15, 6:40, 8:50 Bullet to the Head (R): 1:15, 3:25, 7:00, 9:05 Warm Bodies (PG-13): 1:10, 3:20, 6:50, 8:55 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (R): 1:20, 3:35, 7:10, 9:10 Silver Linings Playbook (R): 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 9:00 360-629-0514

“Howard the Duck,” you’ll be filled with regret five minutes into this atrocity. There’s campfun bad and interestingly horrible bad, and then there’s just awful. “Movie 43” is the “Citizen Kane” of awful. Comedy, R, 90 minutes. Zero stars “The Last Stand” — To call “The Last Stand” gratuitously violent is to pay the movie a compliment. It’s sort of the whole point. In his first starring role since “Terminator 3” in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger gets the job done as a sleepy border-town sheriff in hot pursuit of a notorious drug lord.

Packed with high-speed chases and ear-shattering explosions, “The Last Stand” delivers a halfdozen quality kills that will leave audiences squirming and then laughing at the sheer audacity of it all. This is what Arnold does best: big-gun violence and one-liner laughs. He’s still got it.

Action, R, 107 minutes. HHH “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” — “The Hobbit” is stuffed with Hollywood’s latest technology — 3-D, high-speed projection and Dolby’s Atmos surround sound system. The result is some eye candy that truly dazzles and some that utterly distracts, at least in its test-run of 48 frames a second, double the projection rate that has been standard since silentfilm days. It’s also overstuffed with, well, stuff. Prologues and sidestepping backstory. Long, boring councils among dwarves, wizards and elves. A shallow blood feud extrapolated from sketchy appendices to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to give the film a bad guy. Fantasy-action, PG-13, 169 minutes. HH1⁄2

“The Impossible” — The tsunami that devastated the Pacific Basin in the winter of 2004 remains one of the worst natural disasters in history. Many around the world sat mesmerized, watching the news on TV -– again and again, that towering wall of water looming from the sea, tossing trucks, buses and its helpless victims aside. In this terrifying triumph of special effects, Juan Antonio Bayona’s film becomes a powerful story of a family’s cohesive strength. With Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland. Drama, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHHH “Warm Bodies” — Here’s a bloody, fresh twist on the most popular horror genre of this century, with none-toosubtle echoes of a certain starcrossed romance that harkens back to a certain Bard who placed a certain young Romeo under a certain balcony. A wellpaced, nicely directed, postapocalyptic love story, it has a terrific sense of humor and the, um, guts to be unabashedly romantic and unapologetically optimistic. A lot of zombie movies have heart, but usually the heart ends up on someone’s plate. Comedy horror, PG-13, 97 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Zero Dark Thirty” — Two hours of watching a loner CIA strategist who knows she is right — and the payoff that she is. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, providing the film with a timely heroine. Lots of murky action in the big capture and death, but lacking the split-second timing and relentless action of director Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.”

Thriller, R, 157 minutes. HHH

‘Hitchcock’

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 8-9 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 “Hitchcock” is a story about one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife and partner Alma Reville. The film takes place during the making of Hitchcock’s seminal movie “Psycho.” Starring Anthony Hopkins (pictured), Danny Huston, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Toni Collette. Rated PG-13. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

NT Live: ‘The Magistrate’ 2 p.m Sunday, Feb. 10

Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner John Lithgow takes the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero’s Victorian farce, directed by Olivier Award winner Timothy Sheader. When amiable magistrate Posket (John Lithgow) marries Agatha (Olivier Award winner Nancy Carroll), little does he realize she’s dropped five years from her age — and her son’s. When her deception looks set to be revealed, it sparks a series of hilarious indignities and outrageous mishaps. $15 adults; $13 seniors; $11 students and children with an additional $2 off for Lincoln members.

‘Anna Karenina’

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 The “Anna Karenina” story unfolds in its original late 19th-century Russia high-society setting and explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, from the passion between adulterers to the bond between a mother and her children. As Anna questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends and community. Directed by Joe Wright; starring Aaron Johnson, Jude Law, Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen.

Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under. Bargain matinee rices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, February 7, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

“Ravens in Love” series; and whimsical lizard and fish pen and ink creations

by Tim Potter. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-222-0102 or visit www. ravenrocksgallery.com.

LORNA LIBERT: OILS: The show of new paintings continues through Feb. 25 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also showing are abstract oils by Carole Barrer, watercolors by Jan Gellatly, photograph encaustics by Kathy Hastings and watercolors by Keith Sorenson. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 360-293-6938 or www.scottmilo.com.

NEW PAINTINGS: A show of new paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool continues through Feb. 28 at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The show will also feature works by other gallery artists, including paintings and prints, sculptures, glass, ceramics, jewelry, turned wood, baskets and handwoven scarves. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-3577 or The two-woman art show and sale will take place www.annemartinmccool. from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2112 Riverside com.

‘BAUBLES & BLOSSOMS’

MASTERS OF CHINESE ART: Allied Arts of Whatcom County and the Chinese Cultural Festival is hosting “Masters of Chinese Art” through Feb. 23 at the Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham.

The show features three well-known artists from China: Benxing Wang, specializing in seal cutting, currently on exhibit at the United Nations; Lipeng Wang, a contemporary Chinese painter with studios in China, New York and Canada; and Zhensheng Liu, a prominent Chinese calligrapher. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 360- 676-8548 or www.alliedarts.org.

“IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR GRANDMOTHERS: CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE Drive, Mount Vernon. The show will feature photo“GHOSTS”: The exhibi- graphs by award-winning photographer Nancy Crowell N.W. COAST AND ANCESand one-of-a-kind jewelry by Olivia Cornwell displayed TRAL TRADITION”: The tion continues through in a unique setting. www.crowellphotography.com. exhibit continues through Feb. 24 at Anchor Art Photo by Nancy Crowell.

March 24 at Gallery CygSpace, 216 Commercial nus, 109 Commercial St., Ave., Anacortes. ParticiLa Conner. The show pating photographers and (Tuesdays and Wednesdays features artworks by John video artists reflect on the HAMMERS: The benefit art show continues through by appointment). 360-222- Goodwin, Macah and Peter human desire to record Feb. 25 at Rob Schouten 3070 or www.robschouten Dunthorne from Upper and venerate our memoSkagit. Gallery hours are Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, gallery.com. ries, exploring the ways noon to 5 p.m. Friday Greenbank.

More than 30 memory shapes who we through Sunday. 360-708“ARTISTS IN LOVE: are and who we long to be. Whidbey Island artists will 4787 or www.gallerycygnus. participate in the exhibit, WITH LIFE AND EACH Featured artists include OTHER”: The sixth annual com.

Bill Finger, Ford Gilbreath, with a portion of the pro“Love Month” art show Michelle Alexis Newman, ceeds going to benefit BIRD FESTIVAL INVITAcontinues through Feb. Forrest Kahlil Perrine, Jus- South Whidbey’s Hearts TIONAL: The second annu28 at Raven Rocks Galtin Colt Beckman and Joe and Hammers, whose al Edison Bird Festival lery, 765 Wonn Road, Rudko. Curated by Caitlin volunteers help Whidbey Invitational Art Show will residents who are unable Greenbank. The exhibiArgyle. Gallery hours open with a reception from physically or financially tion features Mary Jo are noon to 5 p.m. Friday to care for their homes.

Oxrieder’s latest miniature 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, through Sunday. www. at Smith & Vallee Gallery, Gallery hours are 11 a.m. paintings, handmade art anchorartspace.org. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 cards and more; new paint- 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends ings in Windwalker Taibi’s Focusing on the subject ART FOR HEARTS &

of birds, this exhibition features artwork by more than 40 local artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or www.smithandvallee.com.

QUILT MUSEUM TEMPORARY CLOSURE: The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum will be closed through mid-February, while contractors install a fire suppression system, restore the first level and refinish the museum’s floors. Watch for the museum to reopen in midFebruary with the exhibit “Color, Design & Inspiration: Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably in La Conner.”

360-466-4288 or www. laconnerquilts.com.

as the science and history behind black and white.

Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. $8, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger.

360-466-4446 or www. museumofnwart.org.

“SURFACE”: Artworks

by Northwest printmakers Twila Tate, Theo Jonsson and Jean Behnke are on display through March 1 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center on SVC’s Mount Vernon campus. The three Skagit Valley artists investigate surface tension through the use of pattern, texture, rhythm, line and MoNA EXHIBITIONS: color to creat abstract and Two new exhibits continue representational composithrough March 13 at the tions. The gallery is open Museum of Northwest Art, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon121 S. First St., La Conner. day through Friday. 360“Eduardo Calderón: 416-7812.

Portraits of 20 Northwest Artists”: Calderón inter“FIRST SNOW”: Works viewed a cross section of

by Aleut artist Thomas Northwest artists rangStream are featured in a ing in age, background new show at Arctic Raven and mediums each uses Gallery, 130 S. First St., to make art, and photoFriday Harbor. Stream graphed the artists in their uses geometric designs homes. The exhibition embodied in his creatures includes Calderón’s audio to reflect the importance of and transcribed interviews Aleut spiritual beliefs. 888with the artists about influ- 378-3222 or www.arctic ences, backgrounds and raven.com. what brought them to the Northwest (if the artist was TWO-MUSEUM PASS: not already a native). The The Skagit County Hisshow also includes works torical Museum, 501 S. by each artist.

Fourth St., La Conner, and “Black and White Color the Children’s Museum Study from the Permanent of Skagit County, located Collection”: Presenting inside the Cascade Mall black, a symbol for sophis- in Burlington, are offertication and authority, ing a two-museum family and white, which suggests pass for $15. For informapurity and neutrality, the tion, contact the Historical exhibition offers an atypi- Museum at 360-466-3365 cal look at the Northwest or www.skagitcounty.net/ palette. Plus, excerpts museum, or the Children’s from studies that tackle Museum at 360-757-8888 the question, “Are black or www.skagitchildrens and white colors?” as well museum.net.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - E19

OUT & ABOUT LECTURES AND TALKS

and a representative from NAMI-Skagit, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“NAVY, A GLOBAL A moderated question and FORCE FOR GOOD”: 7 p.m. answer period will follow. today, Feb. 7, Anacortes Refreshments will be availPublic Library, 1220 10th able. Bring a nonperishable St., Anacortes. Recently food donation for the food retired U.S. Navy Captain bank. 360-293-7114.

Kevin Meenaghan will talk about the diplomatic efforts “THE ROAD NOT of U.S. Navy personnel, TAKEN”: Hilaree O’Neill ports the Navy visits across will offer an inspirational the globe and, specifically, look at the depths of human the community service and endurance and teamwork humanitarian efforts our while sharing her journeys service men and women at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. provide. Free. 360-873-8835. 19, at the Stanwood High School Performing Arts BEACH WATCHERS Center, 7400 272nd St. NW, LECTURE: Friends of Stanwood.

Skagit Beaches will present In 2012, O’Neill climbed “Monitoring Our Marine Mount Everest and its Environment: The Fukushi- neighbor, Lhotse, within ma Tsunami and the Pacific 24 hours. In doing so, she Gyre: What Happens to All joined an elite group of the Debris and Why?” from alpinists who possess the 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, endurance to link two at the NESD Building, 1601 8,000-meter peaks in a R Ave., Anacortes. Dr. Jan single push and became Newton of the University the sole woman to accomof Washington School of plish this feat. Named by Oceanography is the direc- Outside Magazine as one tor for NANOOS, a vast of the most adventurous network that collects data women in sports, she has on the physical, chemiskied from the 8,000-meter cal and biological traits of Himalayan summit of Cho waters in Puget Sound and Oyu in Tibet, throughout off the North American the Andes, on volcanoes in west coast. Dr. Newton the Kamchatka Peninsula will explain how all this of Russia, and in the tight information helps scientists couloirs of Baffin Island. model, understand interac- $15, $7 students with ASB. tions and answer questions Tickets are available at the such as the effects of the Stanwood and Camano Fukushima tsunami. Free. branches of Coastal ComFor information, email munity Bank or at the door. cherrytree2@comcast.net.

For information, contact Karla Jacks at 425-345“MENTAL ILLNESS AND 5106.

GUN VIOLENCE”: The Fidalgo Democrats will “ARGO” GUESTS: Anahost a discussion at 7 p.m. cortes residents Mark Lijek Thursday, Feb. 14, at the and Cora Amburn-Lijek Anacortes Public Library, will speak at the 7:30 p.m.

1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Saturday, Feb. 23, showing of “Argo” at the LinPanelists will include coln Theatre, 712 S. First Jonathon Vander Schuur, St., Mount Vernon. Both M.S., licensed marriage are survivors of the 1979 and family therapist; Paul U.S. Embassy takeover in Nielson, deputy prosecuTehran, the central plot of tor for the Skagit County “Argo.” www.lincoln Mental Health Court;

theatre.org.

“PUSHING THE LIMITS”: The Sedro-Woolley Public Library is hosting a new four-part science discussion series for adults.

Participants will meet for 75 minutes once a month for a book discussion, a short related video in a fun science café model, and a group discussion revolving around the monthly theme.

Sessions will be led by scientist Barbara Johnson and library staff.

Nature: “When the Killing’s Done” by T.C. Boyle, Feb. 19.

Survival: “Arctic Drift”

by Clive Cussler, March 19.

Connection: “Thunderstruck” by Erik Larson, April 16.

Knowledge: “Land of Painted Caves” by Jean Auel, May 2.

Discussions will begin at 6:30 p.m. on designated Tuesdays at the library, 802 Ball St. Copies of the books will be available at the library’s front desk. RSVP: 360-855-1166.

competition at 5 p.m. today in the Cascade Mall in Burlington. Contestants will be asked why they want to be an ambassador, then one mystery question. Contestants will be graded on poise, ability to articulate thoughts and their enthusiasm. Ambassadors appear at parades, ribbon-cuttings and other events, including the Tulip Festival. www. tulipfestival.org.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Parents can enjoy a night out while their kids (ages 3 to 12) have fun at the Y from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, 215 E. Fulton St., Mount Vernon. Games, crafts and more. Children ages 6 to 12 can also swim. $25 members, $40 program members, second child discounts available. For information, contact Jennifer Kerkvliet at 360-336-9622 or email j.kerkvliet@skagitymca.org.

“HISTORY OF STANWOODOPOLIS”: The South End String Band will present “The Unvarnished MUSIC Unadulterated Untold HisSKAGIT TOPICS: Cantory of Stanwoodopolis” at nery Underground will 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, perform original Northwest at the Floyd Norgaard Culfolk music with a touch tural Center, 27130 102nd of humor and a nautical Ave. NW, Stanwood. Enjoy twist from 6 to 8 p.m. Satan evening of tall but true urday, Feb. 16, at the Skagit tales, old-time fiddle music County Historical Museum, and more. $10 suggested 501 S. Fourth St., La Condonation. 360-629-6110 or ner. Free with museum www.sahs-fncc.org. admission. $4, $3 seniors and children ages 6 to 12, NEW MOON FAMILY $8 families, free for memDRUM CIRCLE: 7:30 p.m. bers and children ages 5 Saturday, Feb. 9, Anacortes and younger. 360-466-3365 Center for Happiness, or www.skagitcounty.net/ 619 Commercial Ave., museum.

Anacortes. The Rev. Elke Macartney will lead the MORE FUN event to drum in new ideas TULIP AMBASSADORS: for the month and drum out One boy and one girl in the the old. Bring your hand fourth or fifth grade will be drums and rattles or borrow hers. Suggested donation: chosen as 2013 Skagit Valley Tulip Ambassadors after $5-$10. 360-464-2229 or a short question and answer www.anacortescenter

forhappiness.org.

First St. N. Friday Harbor.

After six weeks of closure MODEL TRAIN OPEN for renovation, the museum HOUSE: The Sedro-Woolley will feature a variety of Museum will hold its annu- new exhibits on whales and al model train open house the Salish Sea ecosystem. from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sun- Museum hours are 10 a.m. day, Feb. 10, at the museum, to 5 p.m. daily. 360-378-4710 725 Murdock St., Sedroor www.whalemuseum.org.

Woolley. Refreshments will be served. For information, TRAINS, TRAINS, call 360-855-2390.

TRAINS: The WhatcomSkagit Model Railroad FREE MOVIES: The Club will host an open Skagit Valley Food Co-op house from 11 a.m. to 4 will screen a series of free p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at “films to get you thinking” 1469 Silver Run Lane, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, in Alger. The club operates room 309, 202 S. First St., large, permanent HO- and Mount Vernon. Free popN-scale model railroad corn. 360-336-9777 or www. layouts. Admission is by skagitfoodcoop.com. donation to help continue Next up: building the layouts. www.

Feb. 13: “Dirt! The whatcomskagitmrc.org.

Movie”: This documentary offers a witty but incisive GLOBALFEST 2013: look at dirt — what’s in it, Enjoy international music, how it’s used and how we food, speakers, displays, must protect it. classes, films and more Feb. 20: “Fat, Sick and through Feb. 21 at Skagit Nearly Dead”: 100 pounds Valley College in Mount overweight, loaded up on Vernon. For a complete steroids and suffering from schedule of events, call a debilitating autoimmune 360-416-7600 or visit www. disease, Joe Cross is at the skagit.edu. end of his rope and the end of his hope. This inspiring HUMAN RIGHTS FILM film chronicles Joe’s perFESTIVAL: The 13th sonal mission to regain his annual Bellingham Human health. Along the way, he Rights Film Festival will meets Phil, a morbidly obese take place Feb. 21-March man who joins him on his 2, with film screenings quest for good health. at the Fairhaven College Feb. 27: “We are Not Auditorium at Western Ghosts”: Fifty years ago, Washington University, Detroit was booming with The Pickford Film Center 2 million hardworking and other locations around people living the American Bellingham. The opening Dream. When the auto evening will feature free industry crashed, so did the screenings of “Bidder 70” Motor City. Most moved at 7 and 9 p.m. at the Pickaway; whole neighborhoods ford Film Center, 1318 Bay turned into wastelands.

St., Bellingham. A silent But some didn’t give up on auction will benefit the the city they love. This film festival. tells the tales of Detroiters During the 10-day festiremaking their city with val, 20 documentary films vision and spirit. will be presented, followed by facilitated discussion, WHALE MUSEUM some led by the filmmakers REOPENS: The Whale themselves. For informaMuseum will reopen at 10 tion, visit www.bhrff.webs. a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at 62 com.

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