360 January 23 2014 full

A family concert for ages ‘9 to 93’ PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday January 23, 2014

Reviews

Tuning Up

Movies

Music: Young the Giant, Leo Welch Video Games: “Wii Fit U”

The JP Falcon Band plays the Longhorn Saloon on Saturday

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” is your run-of-the-mill thriller stuff

PAGES 8-9

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Captain Phillips”: Based on actual events in 2009 off the coast of Somalia, the film tells the story of a handful of pirates who take over a freighter being helmed by Capt. Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) in an attempt to earn millions in ransom dollars.

The right casting starts with Hanks, who adds another Oscar-caliber (although he wasn’t nominated) performance to his already stellar résumé.

This is the latest performance that has Hanks playing an average man forced into extraordinary circumstances. His work is powerful, whether it’s in the role of protector or helpless victim.

Hanks keeps the role grounded and that’s why it is so easy to relate to the performance.

“Blue Jasmine”: Woody Allen’s latest film — the sobering tale of a fall from grandeur — travels such a similar path to Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” that a better name for the film would have been “A Trolley Car Named Jasmine.”

Jasmine’s ride is not nearly as dramatic as Blanche DuBois’ emotional deconstruction in “Streetcar,” but her journey is made tolerable by an Oscar-worthy performance by Cate Blanchett.

Blanchett carries most of the acting load, but she’s not alone. As is the case with many Allen movies, the director tends to get superb performances out of supporting players.

“Instructions Not Included”: The film works because it starts with a simple story. Valentín’s (Eugenio Derbez) carefree playboy life comes to an end when his ex-girlfriend Julie (Jessica Lindsey) drops off the baby daughter he didn’t know he had and heads back to the United States. The only recourse Valentín has is to travel from Acapulco, Mexico, to Los Angeles to find the missing mom.

Through a series of light comedy events, Valentín ends up staying in the United States, where he has a newfound job as a stuntman. Things seem perfect until Julie returns.

“Machette Kills”: Danny Trejo reprises his role as the ex-Federale agent who is recruited by the president to take on an impossible mission.

“All Is Lost”: A lone sailor (Robert Redford) battles the dangers of the sea.

“In a World …”: Father and daughter battle in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers.

“NYPD Blue: Season Five”: ABC crime series starring Dennis Franz and

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:

This Weekend / Page 5 Next up in the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series: “Hotel for Dogs”

JAN. 28 Bad Grandpa - Paramount Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Sony The Fifth Estate - Disney Last Vegas - Sony Rush - Universal FEB. 4 About Time - Universal Baggage Claim - Fox Cutie and the Boxer - Starz / Anchor Bay Dallas Buyers Club - Universal Free Birds - Fox Escape Plan - Summit / Lionsgate The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete - Lionsgate Romeo & Juliet - Fox FEB. 11 All is Lost - Lionsgate The Armstrong Lie - Sony Austenland - Sony The Best Man Holiday - Universal The Counselor - Fox Diana - Entertainment One Ender’s Game - Summit / Lionsgate Grace Unplugged - Lionsgate How I Live Now - Magnolia Life of a King - Millennium Spinning Plates - Inception

Inside

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Jimmy Smits.

“Space Voyages”: Smithsonian Channel’s look at challenges of modern space exploration.

“The Starving Games”: Parody of “The Hunger Games.”

“The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Trucks Versus Wild”: Includes 10 episodes.

“Old Goats”: Taylor Guterson’s look at three men who don’t feel their ages.

“White House Revealed”: Martin Sheen narrates this behind-the-scenes look at the famous address.

“Knight of the Dead”: Knights must escort sacred artifact through zombieinfested valley.

“Black Water Vampire”: Filmmakers look for the true story of the Black Water murders.

“Best Man Down”: One man’s death is another man’s enlightening journey.

“Raise the Titanic”: Special agent looks to recover critical material from the Titanic. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

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

Get Involved........................................ 6 Eagle Festival Schedule...................... 7 At the Lincoln...................................... 7 Music, Video Game Reviews...........8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up....................10-11 Travel............................................12-13 Hot Tickets........................................ 14 Movies..........................................16-17 Out & About.................................18-19

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E3

MUSIC

Up close and personal with the Skagit Symphony Skagit Symphony Family Concert When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 Where: McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon Cost: $10 adults; ages 16 and under free

By KERA WANIELISTA @Kera_SVH

Families looking for something different — and affordable — to do this weekend should make sure to check out the Skagit Symphony’s family concert on Sunday at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon.

The Skagit Symphony hosts the concert every year, with kids 16 and under getting in free. Adults pay a reduced price, said Tami Laughlin, executive director of the Skagit Symphony.

“Most people find that there’s something exciting about the symphony,” Laughlin said. “And a lot of our kids find there’s something exciting about the symphony.”

The family concert is designed for “ages 9 to 93” Laughlin said, regardless of how familiar they

“The idea is even the arts, as well as music, are put together and organized, and that is done to express, and to feel and to share,” music director Roupen Shakarian said.

This is the sixth year for the family concert, Shakarian said.

The symphony hosts the show as a way to reach out to the community and share what they do.

All symphony members are volunteers, Laughlin said, meaning kids get to see people from all walks of life and careers playing music.

“Their musical training and playing an instrument helps them throughout fields,” she said.

It’s not just the music that’s are with classical and symphonic important to Shakarian, it’s also music. Each part of the symphony the experience. Many people will be highlighted to increase don’t get the chance, or wouldn’t understanding of how the symknow to take the chance, to see phony works. the symphony.

Skagit Symphony conductor Roupen Shakarian

“I think it’s not so much as the art itself is important, which it is,” Shakarian said.

“But it’s if they don’t have the opportunity, how will they know?”

The concert will begin at 2 p.m., but people who show up early may get the chance to see some of the musicians, and their instruments, in the lobby. Kids (and adults) will be able to touch some of the instruments. Adult tickets are just $10.

The Skagit Symphony will also host a free show for all Skagit County fifth-graders on Friday, Jan. 24.

For more information about the Skagit Symphony, visit skagit symphony.com. n Reporter Kera Wanielista: 360416-2141, kwanielista@skagitpublishing.com, Twitter: @Kera_SVH, facebook.com/KeraReports

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

MUSIC

SEATTLE’S MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS LOOK LIKE LEADING GRAMMY CONTENDERS

By GLENN GAMBOA Newsday

NEW YORK — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have managed a pretty nifty trick: They are underdogs who are leading the pack.

The Seattle hip-hop duo went from unknowns to arena-filling stars in the course of a year or so, and their No. 1 smashes “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” made them the first duo in history to have their first two singles top the charts.

In what may be their biggest accomplishment yet, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis go into Grammy night with the best shot to take home the biggest awards. They have seven nominations overall and are the only artists with nominations in three of the top four categories — including album of the year for “The Heist,” song of the year for “Same Love” and best new artist.

“Seven is unbelievable,” Lewis told CNN after the nominations were announced. “We came here hoping for one.”

For the year, Jay Z actually tops the nominations with nine. However, he was nominated twice in two categories, making him eligible to win only seven awards, just like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams.

What makes their nominations success even more surprising is that they released “The Heist,” which went platinum last year, on their own Macklemore label.

Everything about the project had an indie, do-it-yourself vibe that challenged business as usual in the music industry.

And now, it seems, the music industry is ready to reward them for it over previous Grammy darlings, including Timberlake, who got shut out of the top categories even though his album “The 20/20 Experience” was his first

56th annual Grammys Featuring performances by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Sara Bareilles and Carole King, Robin Thicke and Chicago, Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers, P!nk and Nate Ruess, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and others When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 TV: KIRO, Channel 7 Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform during halftime of Sunday’s NFC championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers in Seattle.

Ted S. Warren / AP

in seven years and the biggestselling album of 2013.

Instead of using the usual go-to hip-hop collaborators to appear on their songs — like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne or Pharrell — the duo went with lesserknown artists from the Seattle area. “Thrift Shop” features an appearance from 52-year-old soul singer Wanz. “Can’t Hold Us” has 22-year-old newcomer Ray Dalton singing the chorus. And “Same Love” includes 24-yearold singer-songwriter Mary Lambert on the hook.

The unconventional team also created some unconventional themes for hip-hop. “Thrift Shop” challenges the widely held hip-hop ideal of using expensive

clothes and designer labels to convey status. “I am stuntin’ and flossin’ and savin’ my money and I’m hella happy that’s a bargain,” Macklemore declares, before questioning why anyone would pay $50 for a T-shirt.

For “Same Love,” Macklemore simply declares his support for same-sex marriage by telling his own personal stories and bringing Lambert in to sing about hers.

By using hip-hop to drive his point home, Macklemore questions the genre’s ongoing use of homophobic slurs without battling over it. He just offers another rarely seen outlook.

“A certificate on paper isn’t gonna solve it all, but it’s a damn good place to start,” Macklemore

The duo’s conscience-raising actions and their unorthodox approach, as well as their unquestionable commercial success, should gain them plenty of votes from the Recording Academy, which likes to recognize all of those qualities.

Of course, there could be some spoilers. New Zealand teen Lorde has several of the same qualities going for her with her smash “Royals,” which is up for record of the year and song of the year, as is Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven.”

And the hip-hop establishment hasn’t been completely supportive of Macklemore & Ryan raps. “No law is gonna change us. Lewis, which will actually make We have to change us.” it tougher for them to win in the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ rap categories — voted on only outsider attitude even extends by those working in the rap field to their acceptance speeches for — than in the general categories, awards. At the American Music which are voted on by all memAwards, after the duo won for bers of the Recording Academy. favorite rap/hip-hop album, “Up until a year, a year and Macklemore skipped the usual a half ago, we were an underthank yous and referenced Tray- ground rap group that only a von Martin, the unarmed Florida small percentage of the populateen shot and killed in 2012. tion knew about,” Macklemore “I want to acknowledge Tray- told MTV News after the nomivon Martin and the hundreds and nations were announced. hundreds of kids each year that “I never thought that our music are dying due to racial profiling would affect this many people and and the violence that follows be heard by this many people. It’s it,” he said. “It’s time that we the highest honor. It’s the peak look out for the youth and fight of what you strive for in terms of against racism and the laws that being recognized for the music protect it.” that you make.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area GALAXIES, NEBULAS & PLANETS Explore the night sky and check out distant galaxies, nebulas and planets beginning at dark Friday, Jan. 24, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. Island County Astronomical Society members will provide an assortment of telescopes for viewing. All ages are welcome. Free. The event will be canceled if cloudy. 360-679-7664 or icas-wa.webs. com.

ANTIQUES DISCOVERY The American Association of University Women and Littl’ Bits Antique Store will host the seventh annual Antiques Discovery from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. Evaluations will be performed by certified appraisers. $10 per item, limit three items. For tickets or more information, call 360-422-5341.

B&G AUCTION The Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club will hold the club’s sixth annual Winter Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the SedroWoolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St. Enjoy a pasta dinner, silent auction, raffle and kids’ activities. $10, tickets available at the club, at the event, at skagitraisesgreatkids.org or by calling 360-856-1830.

POETRY READING Northwest poets Linda Bierds, Michael Bonacci, Alice Derry and Lorraine Ferra will read from their work from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 First St., La Conner. Books will be on sale for the poets to sign. Donations at the door will support the May 15-18 Skagit River Poetry Festival in La Conner. skagitriverpoetry.org.

Winter Film Series “Hotel for Dogs” is the next entry in the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

The comedy stars Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin as orphans who hide their dog at an abandoned hotel. Transforming the hotel into a paradise for dogs, they take in all the local strays, but the barking

alerts animal control. The two animal lovers must call on all their assets to save the secret shelter.

Nick Alphin, Academy Award nominee and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will introduce the film and provide background information. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

GET INVOLVED ART

museumofnwart.org. Next up: MV ARTS COMMISSION: “Basic Weaving”: 11 The Mount Vernon Arts a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m.

Commission meeting for Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn January has been reschedsimple weaving techniques uled to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, using affordable materials Jan. 30, in the conference — basic techniques suitroom at Hillcrest Park, 1717 able for young children and S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. more complex methods for 360-336-6215. those who love puzzles and patterns.

CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS: Burlington Parks MOSAIC YARD ART: and Recreation is looking The four-week class will for qualified instructors meet from 10 a.m. to noon to expand its enrichment Wednesdays at the Anaclasses for youths and cortes Senior Center, 1701 adults. To download an 22nd St., Anacortes. Learn instructor’s packet, visit how to make mosaic art burlingtonwa.gov and click for your yard or home. $50. on the “Instructors NeedAll supplies and tools will ed” tab. For information, be provided to make a bird call 360-755-9649 or email bath for your garden. Sign recreation@burlingtonwa. up at the reception desk gov. or call JoAnne at 360 3991180.

set plan and a description of the director’s vision for the play for Whidbey Playhouse, including any specific production requirements.

The playhouse is located at 730 Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. 360-679-2237 or office@whidbeyplayhouse. com.

and instruction book to class.

Digital SLR Camera: 6 to 8:30 p.m. today or Wednesday, Jan. 29. $25 per class, payable by cash or check. RSVP: 360809-0661 or email andy porterphotography@gmail. com.

YOUTH THEATRE: McIntyre Hall is offering a series of performing arts MUSIC workshops for ages 6 to SKAGIT VALLEY MUSIC 12 at 2501 E. College Way, CLUB: The club welcomes Mount Vernon. All classes performers, listeners and are held at 1 p.m. Sunguests to join the fun at 1:45 days. Tickets are free but p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at required and available by Vasa Hall, 1805 Cleveland calling 360-416-7727, ext. 2, St., Mount Vernon. Come or by visiting mcintyrehall. and sing, play an instrument org. or just enjoy the music.

Feb. 9: Let’s Play: Free. For information, call Explore a variety of theater Marsha Pederson at 360games and improvisational 757-4906. exercises with Philip Prudhomme from the Anacortes ART CLASSES Community Theater.

THEATER AUDITIONS FAMILY ART DAYS AT Feb. 23: Global Rhythm: CALL FOR DIRECTORS: MoNA: The Museum of “THE OUTSIDERS”: Discover music and basic Whidbey Playhouse is Northwest Art offers Fam- META Performing Arts music concepts with drumlooking for directors for ily Art Days each month will hold auditions at 6 p.m. mer Mary Ellen Hodges its 2014-15 season. The at MoNA, 121 S. First St., Tuesday and Wednesday, using drums, shakers and DANCE Playhouse is looking for La Conner. Sessions are Jan. 28-29, at the Lincoln other instruments. five professionally pubopen to ages 5 and older at Theatre, 712 S. First St., FOLK DANCING: Skagitlished full-length comedies, all skill levels and include Mount Vernon. Parts are Anacortes Folkdancers WORKSHOPS dramatic comedies, draguided walk-throughs of available for five teen meet at 7 p.m. most Tuesmas, mysteries, revues or MoNA exhibitions. Limited women, 10 to 15 teen men days at the Bayview Civic S-W PHOTO WORKmusicals. Directors may be SHOPS: Nationally known to 15 participants per sesand five varied adult roles. Hall, 12615 C St., Mount sion. Workshops are free Prepare a dramatic or Vernon. Learn to folkdance required to provide a copy scenic photographer Andy with museum admission. comedic monologue. Perto a variety of international of the script plus a CD of Porter will offer photograAdmission: $8 adults, $5 formances will take place music. Instruction begins at the music for any musicals. phy workshops for Point They may also be required & Shoot and Digital SLR seniors, $3 students, free for the first three weeks of 7 p.m. followed by review to make a brief presentamembers and ages 11 and May. For information, call and request dances until cameras at the Sedro-Wooltion about the play, includ- ley Chamber of Commerce, younger. For information 360-421-9055, email bowen. 9:30 p.m. The first session ing a short written synopsis, 714-B Metcalf St., Sedroor to register: 360-466-4446, native@gmail.com or visit is free, $3 thereafter. All ext. 106, or jasminev@ metaperformingarts.org. are welcome. No partners a drawing or model of the Woolley. Bring your camera

WRITING WORKSHOP: Author Stacie Zinn Roberts will present “How to Write Non-Fiction Articles and Press Releases” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington. Learn insider tips, strategies and formats to write magazine articles for publication, as well as how to create a press release to help market your work. Free. RSVP: 360-391-2042 or skagitwriters.org.

W inners

I-5 Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448 SVH

Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID.

needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866.

THURSDAY DANCE: Enjoy dancing to the Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Doris at 360-588-8239.

EntErtainmEnt

LO U N G E

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

CALL FOR DIRECTORS: Shakespeare Northwest seeks directorial proposals for a Shakespeare comedy to round out the 2014 Skagit River Shakespeare Festival, set to perform this summer at the Rexville Blackrock Amphitheatre, located between Conway and La Conner.

The annual festival includes two main-stage shows (traditionally one comedy and one history/ tragedy). The 2014 season’s tragedy will be “Macbeth,” with auditions held in March and rehearsals from April to June.

Directorial proposals should provide a vision statement and concepts for set design, staging dynamics and costumes, taking into consideration the outdoor performance venue with limited artificial lighting.

Submit proposals to eal@ shakesnw.org. More details can be found at shakesnw. org. 360-941-5744.

Thu

m Jan. 23 rsday , 8 – 10 p

. 1st Place $50 Slot Ticket . 2nD Place $30 Slot Ticket . 3rD Place $20 Slot Ticket

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Contemporary & Classic Dance Hits 9 pm – 1 am

Saturday 1/25

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Friday 1/24

R&B, Rock and Blues 9 pm – 1 am

WRITING FOR CHILDREN: Anacortes children’s author Lois V. Harris will present “Shining the Spotlight on Children’s Concept Books, Picture Books and Storybooks” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Learn the guidelines for each category of young children’s literature and how to shape your manuscript into what editors want. $49. Register for 6076 CENGL 054 at 360-416-7638.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E7

Skagit Eagle Festival

EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Skagit River Bald The monthlong Skagit Eagle Festival Eagle Interpretive Center, Howard concludes this weekend, Jan. 25-26, in Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport and around Concrete, Rockport and Park Road, Rockport. Learn about Marblemount. Enjoy indoor and outeagles, watershed issues and local natudoor activities including eagle watchral and cultural history through guided ing, free tours, walks and educational walks and presentations. Free admisprograms, arts and crafts, wine tasting, sion. Donations appreciated. 360-853river rafting, music, dance and more.

7626 or skagiteagle.org.

Bring your camera and dress for unpredictable January weather.

EAGLE WATCHER STATIONS: For the latest information, contact Staffed by volunteers from 10 a.m. to 3 the Concrete Chamber of Commerce p.m. at Howard Miller Steelhead Park at 360-853-8784 or visit skagiteagle in Rockport and at the Marblemount festival.com.

Fish Hatchery, 8319 Fish Hatchery Road. Scopes and binoculars available.

SATURDAY ONLY Free. 360-854-2631.

RETURN OF WASHINGTON’S WOLVES: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the RECYCLED ART SHOW: 10 a.m. to Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Con- 4 p.m. at Concrete Center, 45821 Railcrete. Free. 360-941-0403 or concreteroad St., Concrete. The show features a theatre.com. wide variety of artistic creations made from mostly recycled materials. Vote COUNTRY HAYRIDE AND BONfor your favorites in youth and adult FIRE: 3 p.m. at Ovenell’s Ranch, 46276 divisions. Prizes will be awarded at 3 Concrete-Sauk Valley Road, Concrete. p.m. Sunday. 360-708-3279.

Take a hayride through 250 acres of timber, see eagles, herons, deer, elk SALMON HATCHERY TOURS: Free and more. Then enjoy cookies and hot tours of the Marblemount Fish Hatchdrinks at the bonfire, children’s games ery are offered by Skagit Fisheries and historic ranch display. Activities Enhancement Group from 11 a.m. to 2 are weather-dependent. Free. 360-853- p.m. at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Mar8494 or ovenells-inn.com. blemount. Learn about the life cycle of salmon and other wildlife through WINE TASTING, MUSIC & MORE: guided and self-guided tours. 360-336Noon to 5 p.m. at Challenger Ridge 0172, ext. 304, or skagitfisheries.org.

Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete. Enjoy wine tasting, DRIFTBOAT EAGLE EXCURSIONS: live music, a Sarvey Wildlife Center Skagit River Guide Service offers a show, coloring contest and more. Free three-hour tour in heated driftboats at admission. Food available for purchase. 9:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Howard Miller 425-999-1231, 425-422-6988 or chal Steelhead Park, 52804 Rockport Park lengerridge.com.

Road, Rockport. $65. 888-675-2448 or skagiteagles.com.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

DEEP FOREST TOURS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Enjoy a 30- to 60-minute tour deep into some of the 670 acres of old-growth forest at Rockport State Park at the foot of Sauk Mountain. Free. Discover Pass or $10 day-use fee required to access the park. 360-853-8461 or rockport@parks. wa.gov.

WINE TASTING: Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 360-856-6248 or eagle havenwinery.com.

WINE & MORE: Noon to 5 p.m. at Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete.

Enjoy wine tasting, coloring contest for kids, jet-boat and float trips and more.

Free admission. Food available for purchase. 425-999-1231, 425-422-6988 or challengerridge.com.

EAGLE FESTIVAL INFORMATION: Get free maps and visitor information from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, Concrete CenEAGLE FLOAT TRIPS: Triad River ter, 45821 Railroad St., Concrete. 360Tours offers a variety of eagle viewing 853-8784 or 360-466-8754. float trips. Reservations required: 360510-1243 or triadrivertours.com.

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

‘Nebraska’

him to Nebraska to claim his winnings. The movie has earned Academy Award nomina7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 24-25 tions for Dern (Best Actor), June Squibb 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 (Best Supporting Actress), Payne (Best 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 Director), Phedon Papamichael (CinemaDirector Alexander Payne (“Sideways,” tography) and Northwest native Bob Nel“The Descendants”) takes the helm for this son (Best Original Screenplay). black-and-white, road-trip drama starring Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students Bruce Dern as a tempestuous Missouri and active military; $8 members; $7 children father who’s convinced he’s won a million 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all dollar magazine sweepstakes, and Will Forte shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under. as the son who grudgingly agrees to drive

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Young the Giant

ELO thrown in, as does “I Really Want It.” When the band strips back the production “Mind Over Matter” on “AlreadyHome” and “You’ll Be OK,” the earnestness is reminiscent of fun.’s Young the “Some Nights,” but their far-flung inspiraGiant surprised tions stretch much further, as “Shorty Don’t the rock world Wait” combines country and gospel. “Cheer with its smashes Up!” sounds like it came from a children’s “Cough Syrup” album, while the anthem of acceptance and “My Body” “Everyone Is Gay” sounds like it belongs in in 2010, unusual a Broadway musical. anthems that conHow this all fits together is probably nected with huge a mystery to everyone but A Great Big audiences. When it came time to follow up World, but they approach it with such pasthe successful debut, though, the California sion and joyfulness on “Is There Anyone band froze for a bit.

Out There?” that you end up going along “Mind Over Matter” is their postwriter’sfor the wild ride and enjoying it. block effort, and it feels oddly unsure and confined. There’s clearly some worry they’re n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday trying to shake off, especially in the single “It’s About Time,” where they discuss paral- Matt Wilson Quartet ysis and lurch into Incubus territory. Oddly, and John Medeski they are actually at their poppiest on the dance-beat-driven “Paralysis,” showing they “Gathering Call” learned how to make their disaster fears You can’t talk work for them. about drummer n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday Matt Wilson without talking about swing, that pulse of A Great Big World jazz that’s been his “Is There Anybody Out There?” specialty on more than 250 recordConsidering ings as a sideman. how unexpected A Reconvening his longtime quartet, Wilson Great Big World’s again shines with some unexpected help in breakthrough keyboardist John Medeski. success with the Often lumped into some jam-band ghetto wrenching ballad for his ventures with the avant-funk trio “Say Something” Medeski Martin and Wood, Medeski’s talhas been, it seems ents have long been harder to pigeonhole, only fitting that including a contemplative solo record in the duo’s debut “Is There Anybody Out 2013. Here, he’s a precisely moving part There?” is filled with even more surprises. on an album that should be mandatory lisIan Axel and Chad Vaccarino, who tening for traditionalists and jazz-curious teamed up when they were both at New Phish-heads alike.

York University, shot to the top of the pop “Some Assembly Required” crackles charts after they memorably performed through an irresistible thrust from Wilson, “Say Something” with Christina Aguilera who gives way to sterling solos from saxoon “The Voice,” the raw breakup song phonist Jeff Lederer and cornetist Kirk becoming even more poignant as a duet Knuffke before Medeski enters with a gleebetween Axel and Aguilera.

However, those looking to place A Great fully off-kilter turn. Wilson takes a playful run at the Ellington songbook with “Main Big World into a small, acoustic balladeer Stem” and “You Dirty Dog,” and “How Ya box will be shocked by how eclectic “Is Going” surges with a locomotive rush as the There Anybody Out There?” is musically band twists the song into knots. and lyrically.

“Get Over, Get Off and Get On” The opening piano-driven blast of “Rocksparkles with vintage soul jazz, and Charlie star” and “Land of Opportunity” sound Rouse’s “Pumpkin’s Delight” glides over influenced by Ben Folds Five with a bit of

Chris Lightcap’s nimble bass line before a howling solo from Lederer. Even Beyonce comes to the party with a romantic take on “If I Were a Boy” that’s as exuberant as the rest of the album. It’s a call worth picking up. n Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times

Leo Welch

“Sabougla Voices” Now 81 years old, Leo “Bud” Welch has spent a long life making music in his native Mississippi.

“Sabougla Voices,” however, is his first record. And what a joyous blast it is.

Welch melds the church and the juke joint. The subject matter is gospel — “Praise His Name,” “You Can’t Hurry God,” “The Lord Will Make a Way” — but the vehicle for delivery almost always is the blues. The singer-guitarist (sometimes with a backing chorus) tears into full-band electric blues that can be as lowdown and dirty as the sentiments are spiritual and high-minded.

In Welch’s still-vigorous hands, the gospel-blues combination reaches some ecstatic peaks (“Praying Time,” “His Holy Name”) but also takes some quieter turns (“Mother Loves Her Children,” one of the acoustic-based numbers that veer toward country-blues). Either way, the music never fails to be supremely moving. n Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Angel Haze “Dirty Gold”

With her taunting, confessional lyrics, raw production sensibility, and ferocious rapping, everything Detroitborn, Greater Apostolic Faithraised Angel Haze did before “Dirty Gold” had the force of a young woman catapulted from a cage.

The thirst for knowledge, the rage of dealing with sexual abuse, and the pure

power of music itself (she was kept from popular song due to her strict faith) burst forth from her “Voice” EP and her mixtapes. The desire for confrontation pushed her to leak “Dirty Gold” last month, when her label moved its release date to March.

She wanted out. Her music insisted on it.

Yet much of “Dirty Gold” sounds less insistent than her past work. There’s still a hurt urgency to the rap and braggart’s brio on “Echelon (It’s My Way),” the complex emotionalism of “Black Dahlia,” and the mix of old-school optimism and new-school electricity on “A Tribe Called Red.” But she’s straining to make missteps like the limp balladry of “Battle Cry,” and the progpop of “Angels & Airwaves” into something they’re not (interesting), with the album’s production suffering from a distancing, cool slickness.

Good, not great. n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Bill Callahan

“Have Fun With God” A companion to last year’s acclaimed “Dream River,” Bill Callahan’s new “Have Fun With God” is a remix record that reimagines each of the eight tracks as though channeled through Kingston, Jamaica. This is Bill Callahan in dub: bass-heavy, echoed examinations of “Dream River” songs that have been stripped of much of their structure to create something else altogether.

The practice was common in 1970s reggae, when artists such as Burning Spear and Peter Tosh offered both studio recordings and “versions” of the same song. The most influential producers, most notably King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, helped give birth to remix culture.

“Summer Dub” samples the phrase “I painted …” and loops it among psychedelic atmospherics, reverb-drenched flute and percussion. At one point the track nearly consumes itself with echoes of echoes.

“Expanding Dub” focuses on the bass-line from “Javelin Unlanding,” working the track’s heavy bottom end while snippets of keyboard and guitars bounce around in the background.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E9

REVIEWS “Have Fun …” is a mesmerizing, and utterly strange, listen. Though hardly essential for anyone but hardcore fans, it’s a solid stab at the subgenre. n Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times

Against Me!

“Transgender Dysphoria Blues” Everything and nothing has changed on the new Against Me! album, the Florida group’s sixth.

The band still traffics in full-throttle and full-throated punk rock, deploying buzz-saw guitars and shoutalong choruses for overt sociopolitical purposes. But on “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” the quartet has a new rhythm section and, in some ways, a new leader: the former Tom Gabel is now Laura Jane Grace, and most songs address her transformation in explicit, often profane language.

The vocals are still a gravelly bark, especially on the terrific title track, which opens the album with “Your tells are so obvious/ Shoulders too broad for a girl/ Keeps you reminded/ Helps you to remember where you come from.” Grace and fellow guitarist James Bowman still share anthemic riffs inspired by the Clash, Billy Bragg, and NOFX (whose bassist sits in on a few tracks), but there’s a bit more of the Thermals and Gaslight Anthem here.

The guitars have more gloss than grit, while the lyrics are unvarnished (and often unprintable). This fascinating, brief album flags a bit in its second half, but it’s provocative throughout. n Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer

VIDEO GAMES Derrik J. Lang, Associated Press

‘Wii Fit U,’ ‘Xbox Fitness’ feel the burn While video game consoles can’t help users save money or stop smoking — yet, anyway — there are a few recently released games that can help with the most popular of New Year’s resolutions: exercise.

Here’s a look at four titles that offer an alternative to working out at the gym or with a personal trainer: “Wii Fit U” (Nintendo, for Wii U, $49.99): Nintendo essentially launched the fitness game genre in 2008 with “Wii Fit,” and now there’s an updated edition for the Wii U system that works in tandem with the old Wii Balance Board and the new Fit Meter, a round doodad that measures real-world activity like steps taken and changes in elevation.

The portable Wii U GamePad removes the burden of having to look up at the TV screen.

However, other than a few games that utilize the controller and a new dance mode, the content is mostly the same as the previous “Wii Fit” edition.

Still, the new accessories alone make “Wii Fit U” a fine alternative to other expensive fitness gadgets.

Three stars out of four.

“Xbox Fitness” (Microsoft, for Xbox One, price varies): Despite advancements in motion tracking with the Xbox

One’s new Kinect sensor, “Xbox Fitness” — more of an app than a game, really — feels like a lunge backward from last year’s “Nike+ Kinect Training” that worked as part of the Nike+ system and utilized the Xbox 360’s version of Kinect.

“Xbox Fitness” is mostly a series of workout videos hosted by celebrity trainers like Jillian Michaels, Tracy Anderson and Tony Horton that incorporate scoring and Kinect functionality. Some are free with an Xbox Live subscription. Others cost extra. The wonky interface, paywall and interactivity make “Xbox Fitness” feel out of step. One-and-a-half stars.

“Just Dance 2014” (Ubisoft, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, $49.99): The fifth installment in Ubisoft’s hyper-colored choreography franchise is more of a dance game than an actual fitness title, though “Just Dance 2014” features the return of the series’ “just sweat” mode, which counts calories as players shake their groove thangs.

The new edition ditches past “just sweat” features like transitional routines in favor of unlockable “sweat” versions of songs like Katy Perry’s “I Kissed

A scene from the video game, “Zumba Fitness: World Party.”

Majesco via AP

a Girl.” Routines can be combined for 10-, 20- and 30-minute pop-flavored workouts. It’s certainly not a full-fledged fitness regimen, just a really fun way to do some cardio. Twoand-a-half stars.

“Zumba Fitness: World Party” (Majesco, for Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, $49.99): The latest

entry in the hip-shaking empire’s interactive catalog goes global with a diverse lineup of Zumba routines led by real-world instructors in colorful renditions of such locales as Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, India and Hawaii — all with accompanying tunes.

The vast array of modes — from the ridiculously fun

world-tour campaign to the full-blown simulated workout classes — make “World Party” the most comprehensive Zumba game to date. The game’s biggest downfall is a truly cheeseball collectible system. Who wants to be rewarded for smooth moves with a picture of a headdress?! Twoand-a-half stars.

McIntyre Hall Presents

10th

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits

season 2013-2014

World Music From Zimbabwe Friday, January 31 7:30pm

Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band Grammy-award winning bluegrass Friday, February 7 7:30pm

360.416.7727 McIntyrehall.org 2 5 0 1 E Co l l e g e Way, M o u nt Ve r n o n

JSMF F o u n d a t i o n Jack & Shirley McIntyre

Skagit Regional Public Facilities District

E10 Thursday, January 23, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 24-February 2

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 23-30

Friday.24

SATURDAY.25

THEATER

JP FALCON BAND 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.31 OLIVER “TUKU” MTUKUDZI & THE BLACK SPIRITS 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25.

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

Saturday.25 MUSIC

Ruvara Marimba Ensemble: 6:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10. 360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.24-25 COLIN HAY 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. theskagit.com.

Sunday.26 THEATER

THURSDAY.23

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Friday.31

Saturday.1

Sunday.2

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

THEATER

Skagit Symphony Family Concert: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10, free for ages 15 and younger. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday.30 THEATER

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

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

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14.

360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

International Guitar Night: Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi; 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23-$32.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14.

360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $1214. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

Bobby Lee McMurray, Angelica Flores: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.24 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

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

360-422-6411.

Bradford Loomis & Jessica Lynne: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-4453000.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

The Ultimatum, Hash Adams, Dinofour, Orbé Orbé: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Marcia Kester: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882.

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

360-422-6411.

The Chris Eger Band (R&B, rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Kelly Shirey: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7.

360-445-3000.

A Town Big Band: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

JP Falcon Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Divas & Dudes: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Bright Weapons, Noise Toys, Gypsters, Gyrating Hips: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY25 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

SUNDAY.26 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

WEDNESDAY.29 Ben and Mia Starner: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

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

360-766-6266.

Sarah in the Wild, Fictions, Porch Cat, Katie Gray!: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

Hamilton/Cox: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.30 Steve Rudy: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

E10 Thursday, January 23, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 24-February 2

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 23-30

Friday.24

SATURDAY.25

THEATER

JP FALCON BAND 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.31 OLIVER “TUKU” MTUKUDZI & THE BLACK SPIRITS 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25.

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

Saturday.25 MUSIC

Ruvara Marimba Ensemble: 6:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10. 360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.24-25 COLIN HAY 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. theskagit.com.

Sunday.26 THEATER

THURSDAY.23

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Friday.31

Saturday.1

Sunday.2

MUSIC

MUSIC

MUSIC

THEATER

Skagit Symphony Family Concert: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10, free for ages 15 and younger. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday.30 THEATER

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

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

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14.

360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

International Guitar Night: Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi; 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23-$32.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14.

360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

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

“Book of Days” (mystery): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $1214. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

Bobby Lee McMurray, Angelica Flores: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.24 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

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

360-422-6411.

Bradford Loomis & Jessica Lynne: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-4453000.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

The Ultimatum, Hash Adams, Dinofour, Orbé Orbé: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Marcia Kester: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882.

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

360-422-6411.

The Chris Eger Band (R&B, rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Kelly Shirey: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7.

360-445-3000.

A Town Big Band: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

JP Falcon Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Divas & Dudes: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Bright Weapons, Noise Toys, Gypsters, Gyrating Hips: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY25 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

SUNDAY.26 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

WEDNESDAY.29 Ben and Mia Starner: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

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

360-766-6266.

Sarah in the Wild, Fictions, Porch Cat, Katie Gray!: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

Hamilton/Cox: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.30 Steve Rudy: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

E12 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

Pilgrimage to fire god at temple near Osaka, Japan

By KATHERINE KONO Associated Press

TAKARAZUKA, Japan — With its bullet trains, electronic toilets that warm, clean and dry, and hyperefficient delivery systems that bring online orders to the doorstep within hours, it’s easy to forget that Japan is also a nation of ancient spirits — unless, that is, you’ve witnessed the annual pilgrimage to the fire god shrine, nestled on a wooded mountain just north of Osaka, Japan.

About 3.5 million people visit the Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji complex annually, some 700,000 of them during the peak pilgrimage season from New Year’s to early February alone, says Koken Sakamoto, chief priest of the ancient Buddhist temple that also hosts the popular Kiyoshikojin shrine and other Shinto holy places there, pushing aside his flowing purple robes and glittering orange sash to finger his rosary beads.

Founded in 896 by Emperor Uda, the Seicho-ji temple is the seat of Japan’s most prominent shrine to Kojin, god of the hearth.

Also known as the fire or kitchen god, Kojin is still widely revered in the Osaka area as well as much of rural Japan. Ironically, the complex burnt down several times over the years, and most of the current shrine structures date only to the Edo period.

The complex also includes shrines to the Shinto gods of water, eyes, oxen and commerce, along with shrines to a handful of other ancient spirits essential to daily life, along with a Buddhist temple.

Although Buddhism and

paste desserts. “I am a mediator to help people reach those powerful ancient gods through prayer.”

Every year, after the department store Santas have gone home, Christmas parties are but a memory and the new year has been ushered in by Buddhist monks ringing bells across the nation on New Year’s Eve, millions of Japanese across the country visit Shinto shrines to offer their first prayers of the year and make wishes. They pack up tote bags and backpacks with good luck charms and small wooden household shrines to flock to holy places like Kiyoshikojin to honor the millions of Shinto gods that remain an essential part of the Japanese psyche.

At Kiyoshikojin, the old household shrines and charms are collected to be burned in a holy bonfire in February, and new shrines and charms are purchased for protection and blessings during the year ahead.

ABOVE: Visitors perform ablutions during a During the winter pilgrimage to the Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji temple months, buses and trains complex on a wooded mountain just north of Osaka, arrive daily, packed with Japan. About 3.5 million people visit the complex families, couples on dates, annually, some 700,000 of them during the peak old and young alike headed pilgrimage season from New Year’s to early February.

The temple is the seat of Japan’s most prominent for a day of festivities, food, shrine to Kojin, god of the hearth, also known as the prayer and shopping at fire or kitchen god but the complex also includes Kiyoshikojin. shrines to Shinto gods of water, eyes, oxen and After a crowded 15-mincommerce. ute walk from the KiyoshiRIGHT: A shrine with an image of the Kojin, also kojin train station, it’s the known as the fire god, that was purchased on a wafting smells of Japanese pilgrimage to Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji. street foods that are the first signs that the pilgrimage has Photos by Katherine Kono / AP begun. Stands with barbecued squid, fried chicken, and the area’s famous Shinto, a religion as old as charged with both Buddhist tako-yaki, or balls of grilled Japan itself, were officially and Shinto worship there, separated by the governalso oversees a museum of more than a thousand paint- always reach a point where octopus, vie with hawkers ment in the 19th century, art on the grounds. Founded ings by Japanese painter they want more. They come of fried noodles, and taithis temple is one of the few by his grandfather, who Tessai Tomikawa. to ask the gods to help them yaki, or bean-paste filled remaining holy places where believed art appreciation “Everyone in Japan is achieve their goals,” Koken pancakes shaped like sea bream. Makeshift tables are they remain entwined. was a crucial part of godliworking so hard and trying explained over cups of Koken, head priest ness, the museum includes to do their best, but they green tea and delicate bean crowded with revelers.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E13

TRAVEL Local travel

A man makes tai-yaki, which are sweet azuki bean-filled pancakes in the shape of sea bream fish, on a pathway leading to the Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji temple complex north of Osaka, Japan.

From there, a paved pathway up to the shrines and temple is lined with shops and makeshift stands selling delicacies ranging from Japanese hot pepper to chopsticks and plastic children’s toys, from calendars and pickles to wooden sandals called geta.

“This is the busiest time of the year for us,” said Hiroyuki Oura, who sells handmade geta clogs and zori sandals, a traditional type of flip-flop, at his shop along the pathway. He said that in the summer, many French tourists stop by his shop on the way to the temple, and that he had many orders from American customers for larger sized getas.

At the top of the hill, lines are long for the vari-

been cured by washing their eyes from a nearby spring.

The Gogyushin-do ous shrines, where coins are enshrines the deity of protossed into offering boxes, tection of oxen, an imporenormous bells on giant col- tant farm animal in ancient orful ropes are sounded, and times. prayers are made.

At the water god shrine, Near the fire god shrine, known as Mizukake Kanthe largest there, stands a non, worshippers splash giant dish of incense. Worwooden ladles of fountain shippers fan the scented water up toward a statue of smoke from it into their the deity. faces and hair.

People make one wish to Elsewhere sits a bronze this god, which is believed Buddhist statue that visito make this wish come true. tor after visitor touches for After the prayers have good luck. been made and new charms The line is likewise long and wooden shrines purfor the god of commerce, chased, shopping bags while fewer seem to seek tucked away and street out the Kanjin-shi shrine to food enjoyed, the last of the the god of eyes, in the rear crowded buses heads out of part of the complex, where the parking lot at the base people suffering from eye of the hill around sunset troubles are said to have each day until early Februn On the Web: kiyoshikojin. or.jp/en.

ary.

In the many modern homes without a dedicated alcove for a Shinto shrine, the small wooden structures — about a foot tall — are often carefully placed atop the fridge, alongside candles, incense and sprigs of greenery, where the god of the hearth can help protect the household for another year.

Important ceremonies and enormous cherry trees also attract visitors to the complex during cherry blossom season in the spring, when Buddhist prayer services are held to remember those killed in wars or natural disasters. The shrine and temple complex, with its koi pond, Japanese maples and seasonal festivities, is open to visitors throughout the year.

$65-$67. Register by March 14.

CRUISE SEMINAR: Learn Nisqually National Wildabout upcoming Holland life Refuge: 8 a.m. to 4:30 America cruise options at p.m. Saturday, March 29.

6 p.m. today, Jan. 23, at Grab your camera and binAAA Travel, 1600 E. Coloculars, pack a sack lunch lege Way, Suite A, Mount and join birder and raptor Vernon. Free. Members specialist Sue Cottrell and nonmembers welfor a fun, educational trip come. RSVP: 360-848to the Nisqually National 2090.

Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 300 species of WWU FACULTY-LED birds, mammals, fish and TRAVEL PROGRAMS: amphibians. Check out the Western Washington Univiewing platforms, climb versity will offer three edu- the observation tower, walk cational travel programs along the trails and explore next summer in Italy and the visitor center and gift Africa. Global Discovery shop. $61-$63. Register trips are not for university by March 21. credit or restricted to Western students. People of all SEATTLE FLOWER ages are invited to travel SHOW: Buses to the alongside Western faculty Northwest Flower & Garden and gain an understanding Show in Seattle will leave of other cultures, including at 8:30 a.m. and return at their art, ecology, food, his- 6 p.m. Wednesday through tory, language and more.

Friday, Feb. 5-7, from ChrisTrips include: tianson’s Nursery, 15806 Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Best Road, Mount Vernon. and Serengeti Safari $53, includes show ticket Extension: July 5-19. and transportation. Reser Serengeti Safari and Kili- vations required: 360-466manjaro Culture Tour: July 3821.

14-26.

Tuscany, Italy: Aug. EXTENDED TRIPS: The 31-Sept. 14.

Oak Harbor Senior Cen 360-650-6409, global ter is organizing several discovery@wwu.edu or small-group trips for 2014: wwu.edu/GlobalDiscovery. Trains of Colorado in July and Islands of New Eng SHORT TRIPS: Mount land in September. Trips Vernon Parks and Recrewill depart from Oak Haration offers travel opportu- bor/Mount Vernon. Contact nities for participants ages Pat Gardner at 360-27912 and older (adult super- 4582 or email pgardner@ vision required for ages 18 oakharbor.org. and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hill PASSPORT APPLICAcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th TIONS: The Anacortes St., Mount Vernon. For Public Library accepts information or to register, passport applications from call 360-336-6215. Next noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesup: days and Wednesdays, and Northwest Women’s 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at Show and Historic Down1220 10th St., Anacortes. town Snohomish: 10 a.m. Passport forms and inforto 6 p.m. Friday, March 21. mation on fees and how Enjoy the 26th annual NW to apply are available at Women’s Show with more travel.state.gov, or pick up than 400 exhibits, three an application and passentertainment stages, port guide at the library. seminars, shopping, fash- The Oak Harbor Senior ion shows, food and wine Center accepts passport sampling, beauty and spa applications, by appointservices, giveaways and ment, from 10 a.m. to more. Then visit trendy 2:30 p.m. Monday through “new” historic Snohomish, Friday at 51 SE Jerome with boutiques, antique St., Oak Harbor. 360-279stores, bakeries and more. 4580.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

HOT TICKETS ROBERT DELONG: Jan. 24, The Barboza, Seattle. 206-709-9442 or thebarboza.com.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS: Jan. 23, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

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

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

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

HOPSIN’S KNOCK MADNESS TOUR: Jan. 25, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

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

MYON & SHANE 54: Jan. 31, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: with Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi: Feb. 1, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

JUDY COLLINS: Feb. 1, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

THE DEVIL MAKES THREE: Feb. 1, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

MARY LAMBERT: Feb. 1, Showboxat the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

ANA POPOVIC: Feb. 6, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

WHITE LIES: Feb. 7, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

TOAD THE WET SPROCKET: Feb.8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BIFFY CLYRO: Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

IMAGINE DRAGONS: Feb. 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

2 CHAINZ: Feb. 13, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU: Feb. 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ERIC TINGSTAD & NANCY RUMBEL: Feb. 14, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolnthe atre.org.

KARMIN: Feb. 14, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Feb. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

THE SING-OFF LIVE TOUR: March 25, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

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

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

EMANCIPATOR ENSEMBLE: March 27, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

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

KINGS OF LEON: March 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BAND OF HORSES: Feb. 16, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

THE DECIBEL MAGAZINE TOUR: featuring CARCASS: March 29, 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SHARON JONES & THE DAP 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or KINGS: April 2-3, Showbox at the com. livenation.com.

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or MILEY CYRUS: Feb. 16, Tacoma MARCHFOURTH MARCHING Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or BAND: Feb. 28, Showbox at the Mar- showboxonline.com. livenation.com. ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show- G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: April 4, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. boxonline.com.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

16, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866 THE MUSICAL BOX: Performcom.

332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett. ing “Foxtrot” by Genesis: Feb. 28, YOUNG THE GIANT: April 4-5, com.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800BAND OF HORSES: Feb. 16, Moore 3000 or showboxonline.com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or GLASVEGAS: Feb. 28, Columbia BASTILLE: April 8, Showbox SoDo, livenation.com.

City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxAMOS LEE: Feb. 17, Paramount or columbiacitytheater.com. online.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or SKINNY PUPPY: March 1, Showlivenation.com. box at the Market, Seattle. 800-745- VNV NATION: April 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or PAUL SIMON, STING: Feb. 19, 3000 or showboxonline.com.

KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or DATSIK: March 1, Showbox SoDo, showboxonline.com.

IL DIVO: April 9, Benaroya Hall, livenation.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox Seattle. 866-833-4747 or livenation.

ODYSSEO by CAVALIA: Feb. online.com. com.

19-March 9, Marymoor Park, Red DOM KENNEDY: March 2, The YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING mond. 866-999-8111 or cavalia.

Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 BAND: April 10, Showbox at the Marnet. or showboxonline.com. ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showPENTATONIX: Feb. 20, Paramount G-EAZY: March 7, Showbox at the boxonline.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: April 12, livenation.com. showboxonline.com.

THE ENGLISH BEAT: Feb. 21, THE ATARIS: March 12, Showbox at Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800- the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 PINK MARTINI: April 15, Mount 745-3000 or showboxonline.com. or showboxonline.com.

DOC SEVERINSEN, THE SAN GALACTIC: March 13, Showbox at Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.

MIGUEL FIVE: Feb. 21-22, Skagit the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 com.

Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275- or showboxonline.com.

DIANA KRALL: April 16, Paramount 2448 or theskagit.com.

HERMAN’S HERMITS, starring Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or KEB’ MO’: Feb. 22, Mount Baker Peter Noone: March 14-15, Skagit Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275- livenation.com.

CHROMEO: April 16, The Showor mountbakertheatre.com.

2448 or theskagit.com.

NEW POLITICS: Feb. 26, Neumos, BRIAN REGAN: March 16, Mount box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox- Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360 SWITCHFOOT: April 18, The online.com.

734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.

Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 ANI DIFRANCO: Feb. 26, Mount com. or showboxonline.com.

Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360BRING ME THE HORIZON: March DARK STAR ORCHESTRA: April 20, 734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.

24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800com.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE WILD FEATHERS: Feb. 26, The com.

ELLIE GOULDING: April 23, ParaCrocodile, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LORDE: March 24, WaMu Theater, livenation.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmas- mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or livenation.com.

WALK OFF THE EARTH: Feb. 26, ter.com.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745 WIDESPREAD PANIC: March 25, DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS: April 23, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784JIM JEFFERIES: Feb. 27, Moore 4849 or livenation.com.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE 1975: April 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

FRANZ FERDINAND: April 24, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

ARLO GUTHRIE: April 25, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

THE WANTED: April 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: April 26/Nov. 15, Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-6711709 or suddenvalleylibrary.org.

IRA GLASS: May 3, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY: May 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

206-224-5481 or aeglive.com.

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

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

LINDSEY STIRLING: May 21, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 23-25 and July 4-6, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. sasquatchfestival. com.

LADY GAGA’S artRAVE — The ARTPOP Ball: May 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

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

ONEREPUBLIC: June 12, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett.com.

PARADISO FESTIVAL: June 27-28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

CHER: June 28, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

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

877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

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

ARCADE FIRE: Aug. 8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BRUNO MARS: Aug. 9, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Aug. 29-31, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. (tickets on sale 10 a.m.

Feb. 21) KATY PERRY: Sept. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. aeglive.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E15

Kurt Russell remembers Paul Walker at Sundance

By RYAN PEARSON AP Entertainment Writer

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PARK CITY, Utah — Calling his late castmate Paul Walker “a terrific guy,” Kurt Russell says he’s not sure what will happen with his role in the latest movies in the “Fast & Furious” series.

Russell joined the seventh film in the franchise and plays a father figure to Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto.

The 62-year-old Russell said he had one day left of filming when Walker died in a car crash outside Los Angeles last November.

“They’re having to rewrite, they’re having to do whatever they’re having to do to deal with the situation. Listen, it’s catastrophic.

“It’s the worst thing that could happen to a movie, but it’s not as bad as what happened to Paul,” Russell said in an interview at the Sundance Film Festival, where he’s promoting a documentary about his father’s minor-league baseball team, “The Battered Bastards of Baseball.”

“So everything is in perspective. He was a terrific guy. And life is full of curveballs.”

The latest film in the fast-car franchise, directed

by James Wan, is now set for release in April 2015.

Russell expects to return to set sometime this year.

Russell said of his character, whom he didn’t name: “Whether or not this guy dies off in the movie, we don’t know, and that may have changed now significantly, too.”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

MOVIES

Keira Knightley and Chris Pine star in “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.”

Paramount Pictures via AP

Tom Clancy might not recognize this Jack Ryan

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Tom Clancy’s C.I.A. analyst-hero Jack Ryan returns to the screen in a workmanlike if unoriginal and uninspiring reboot — “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.”

Hardcore fans of espionage thrillers will recognize it as on a par with the least of the Jason Bourne films, sort of “Bond Lite,” a prequel about how Jack Ryan wasn’t just some mild-mannered numbers cruncher and desk jockey when he first joined the agency. But director Kenneth Branagh, his new Ryan (Chris Pine), and co-stars Kevin Costner as Jack’s handler and Keira Knightley as the woman Jack hides his true career from, make sure that it’s never less than efficient and reasonably entertaining.

This Ryan was an economics

bank for shady terrorist deposits.

Clancy never would have made that sort of basic violation of the C.I.A. charter, but hey, a Brit HH1⁄2 directed, so what can you do? And Cast: Chris Pine, Keira Knightplaying up Ryan’s military backley, Kevin Costner, Kenneth Branagh, Mikhail Baryshnikov ground makes his ability to handle Running time: 1:45 himself in life-or-death brawls less MPAA Rating: PG-13 for surprising than the Alec Baldwin sequences of violence and and Harrison Ford versions of the intense action, and brief strong character. This guy is closer to Liam language Neeson’s “Taken” man of “particular skills” than a “Three Days of the student in Britain when 9/11 hapCondor” fish out of water. pened, a smart cookie who enlisted Jack gets wind of gigantic Rusin the Marines, was crippled in sian holdings of U.S. currency, combat and met his lady love holdings that can only do us harm (Knightley) while in rehab. Costner if they sell them all at once. So plays Harper, a mysterious Navy Harper ships his desk jockey to commander. “I’m in the C.I.A.,” he Moscow to pry the truth out of whispers, to Jack’s amusement.

Russian oligarch Vitkor Cherevin, Harper recruits Jack to be a played by Branagh.

C.I.A. agent working (illegally) “They aren’t a country, they’re a on Wall Street, sniffing around his corporation,” Harper gripes, a lefty

‘JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT’

sentiment the conservative Clancy also never would have approved.

But he would have liked having the Russians plot the downfall of capitalism through terror and market manipulation.

There’s a ticking clock to the proceedings. The fiance thinks Jack is cheating on her, she gets mixed up in his business and we get a taste of Knightley in cocktail wear in sexy, glitzy Moscow. Branagh does his best hissing, no-lips Russian villain, one who answers to former ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov as a Kremlin insider.

Working in the film’s favor are the performances. Knightley does an American accent, and everybody has a great rapport with everybody else — Costner with Pine, Pine with Knightley, Knightley with Branagh. It’s a movie of romantic and dramatic close-ups of actors in

dialogue scenes, jumpy, jerky photography edited into a blur in the action beats.

Working against it — that famed Clancy precision, the technology that never fails, the tradecraft that has spies prepared for any contingency. And sadly, once it breaks that spell of omnipotence, the movie turns even more predictable — car chases, shootouts, a manic hunt for terror suspects.

“Shadow Recruit” is a January movie, which lowers expectations considerably. If they’d had much hope for it, the film would have merited a Christmas or late spring release. But that said, Branagh and company keep up appearances with a thriller that works mainly because all of its parts — locations, fights and plot twists — are well worn from the thrillers they’ve been in before.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“American Hustle” — Christian Bale gives a transcendent performance as a con man who falls hard for hard-time gal Amy Adams.

Director David O. Russell and his “Silver Linings Playbook” stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence went right back to work together on this wild tale about con artists helping the FBI on a sting.

Comedy, R, 138 minutes.

HHHH “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” — It’s a marvel the way Will Ferrell flings himself into playing the loathsome idiot for the ages Ron Burgundy, hired in this sequel to anchor on a cable news network in the early 1980s. The gang all returns: Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Christina Applegate. Funnier than the original, “Anchorman 2” is also, in its own loony way, a sobering look at the television business then — and now. (Comedy, PG-13, 119 minutes). HHH1⁄2 “August: Osage County” — The dialogue is sometimes so sharp we wince, and the acting by an ensemble of world-class actors led by Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor and Chris Cooper is for the most part superb. But this adaptation of Tracy Letts’ play ultimately is sour, loud and draining.

Nearly everyone in this story would be the most horrific person at your average dinner party. Drama, R, 119 minutes. HH “Dallas Buyers Club” — Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a grimy, shady, homophobic, substanceabusing horndog in 1985 Texas who learns he’s HIVpositive and procures unapproved means of treatment.

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

We start out loathing this guy and learn to love him. Jared Leto disappears into the role of a transgender drug addict and Jennifer Garner is Ron’s empathetic doctor. Drama, R, 117 minutes. HHH1⁄2

Jones, Rosario Dawson and Brendan Fraser, elevate some sobering but fairly standard after-school-special ANACORTES CINEMAS material to the next level.

Jan. 24-30 Drama, PG-13, 100 minutes.

Royal Ballet: Giselle (NR): Monday: 7:00 HHH Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: “Gravity” — An accident 1:10, 3:40, 6:50, 9:20; Sunday: 1:10, 3:40, 6:50; sets two astronauts, a Monday: 1:10, 3:40; Tuesday- Thursday: 1:10, 3:40, veteran (George Clooney) 6:50 and a rookie (Sandra Bull The Wolf of Wall Street (R): Friday-Saturday: 3:30, ock), adrift in space. Both 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 3:30 a stunning visual treat and American Hustle (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:50, an unforgettable thrill ride, 6:40, 9:30; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:40 director Alfonso Cuaron’s Philomena (PG-13): 1:20, 7:00 amazing space adventure 360-293-6620 evokes “Alien” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” During BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN some harrowing sequences, Oak Harbor you’ll have to remind yourself 360-675-5667 to breathe. Thriller, PG-13, 91 minutes. HHH1⁄2 CONCRETE THEATRE “Her” — In writer-director Jan. 24-26 Spike Jonze’s lovely and won Saving Mr. Banks (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; drous ultra-modern romance, Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 and 6:30 p.m. a fragile fellow in the not 360-941-0403 so-distant future (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with the CASCADE MALL THEATRES voice of an operating system Burlington (Scarlett Johansson). One For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386). of the more original, hilarious and even heartbreaking OAK HARBOR CINEMAS stories of the year. It works Jan. 24-30 both as a love story and as Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: a commentary on the ways 1:10, 3:25, 6:40, 8:55; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:25, technology isolates us from 6:40 human contact. Comedy Ride Along (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:35, romance, R, 119 minutes.

6:50, 9:05; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:35, 6:50 HHH1⁄2 Lone Survivor (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, “Inside Llewyn Davis” — 9:00; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 With this dry comedy about 360-279-2226 the American folk music scene of the early 1960s, STANWOOD CINEMAS Ethan and Joel Coen have Jan. 24-30 crafted another unique period Royal Ballet: Giselle (NR): Monday: 7:00 piece. Oscar Isaac gives a I, Frankenstein (PG-13): 1:40, 3:55, 7:00, 9:15 memorable performance as Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (PG-13): Friday-Sunday: the title character, a thor1:20, 4:00, 6:40, 9:05; Monday: 1:20, 4:00, 9:05; oughly unlikable, selfish, Tuesday-Thursday: 1:20, 4:00, 6:40, 9:05 socially poisonous miscre The Nut Job (PG): 1:30, 3:40, 6:50, 8:55 ant. The music is terrific.

August: Osage County (R): 3:50, 9:20 With Justin Timberlake, Carey Lone Survivor (R): 1:10, 3:45, 6:20, 9:00 Mulligan and John Goodman.

American Hustle (R): 1:00, 6:30 Comedy, R, 105 minutes.

360-629-0514 HHH1⁄2 “Lone Survivor” — This “Ender’s Game” — A firstIdina Menzel) accidentally re-creation of a 2005 Navy rate cast of wily veterans freezes her kingdom, she SEAL mission builds to one (Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley) runs away and her intrepid of the most realistic, shockand fresh-faced youngsters sister (Kristen Bell) goes ing, gruesome and devastat(Asa Butterfield of “Hugo”) to find her. Sure to delight ing depictions of war ever put deliver a rousing, challengkids and captivate adults, on film. Instead of going for ing adventure that should Disney’s musical “Frozen” the big-picture perspective, satisfy most young fans of is the instant favorite for director Peter Berg focuses the beloved sci-fi novel while the animated feature Oscar. on the unflinching bravery keeping the adults engrossed Animated musical, PG, 102 of soldiers executing their as well. The simulated batminutes. HHH1⁄2 mission and looking out for tles against scary aliens are “Gimme Shelter” — Vanone another. Mark Wahlberg beautifully shot and expertly essa Hudgens does strong stars, with Taylor Kitsch, choreographed. Sci-fi adven- work as a pregnant teenager Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and ture, PG-13, 114 minutes. running away from her abuEric Bana. War drama, R, HHH sive mother. Writer-director 121 minutes. HHH “Frozen” — When a queen Ron Krauss and a strong “Mandela: Long Walk to with icy powers (voice of cast, including James Earl Freedom” — Idris Elba cap-

AT AREA THEATERS

tures the fire and passion of Nelson Mandela as a young activist, his resilience as a political prisoner and his wisdom as a forgiving elder statesman in Justin Chadwick’s telling of Mandela’s epic life. This may be the most complete and compelling interpretation of Mandela the man and Mandela the symbol ever captured on film.

Biography, PG-13, 141 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Nebraska” — What a joy it is to watch Bruce Dern playing such a miserable SOB in the best role of his long career. Woody Grant is a crabby, boozy, sometimes delusional old guy on a road trip with his son (Will Forte) to collect a sweepstakes prize. Alexander Payne’s latest film is a modern American classic about the dynamic between a father from the generation that didn’t speak about its feelings and a grown son who’s still trying to get his father to explain himself. Stark, beautiful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Ride Along” — We’ve seen hundreds of variations on the mismatched buddy-cop movie, and few have been as uninspired and depressingly dreadful as this one. Kevin Hart, who can be fall-down funny at times, at least gets points for infusing boundless energy into his role as a pint-sized video game enthusiast riding around with the snarl-andgrowl cop (Ice Cube) whose sister he wants to marry.

Action comedy, PG-13, 100 minutes. H1⁄2 “Saving Mr. Banks” — Emma Thompson is a perfect choice to play prissy P.L. Travers, who wrote the Mary Poppins books and resists the efforts of Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) to give the magical nanny the Hollywood musical treatment. A lovingly rendered, sweet film, set in a stylized and gorgeous rendition of 1961 Los Angeles.

Comedy-biography, PG-12, 125 minutes. HHH “The Book Thief” — A wondrous, richly textured, sometimes heartbreakingly effective movie about good Germans in World War II, including a remarkable little girl and the couple who took her in while sheltering a teenage Jewish boy in their base-

ment. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson deserve Oscar consideration for their lovely, layered performances. One of the year’s best movies.

Drama, PG-13, 131 minutes.

HHHH “The Invisible Woman” — Felicity Jones gives a fierce and moving performance as a 19th-century actress who knows her affair with Charles Dickens probably won’t end well, but cannot resist the charms and advances of a great (and greatly flawed) man. This is an exquisitely crafted film, and director Ralph Fiennes, who also plays Dickens, avoids fancy, attention-getting flourishes.

Biographical drama, R, 111 minutes. HHH “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” — The latest adaptation of James Thurber’s short story about an imaginative daydreamer is an ambitious and sometimes effective, but wildly uneven adventure that plays like one extended ego trip for director and star Ben Stiller. He goes for big, predictable, easy and obvious too often here. Comedy, PG, 125 minutes. HH “The Wolf of Wall Street” — Martin Scorsese directs the story of an amoral Wall Street hustler (the ever-charismatic Leonardo DiCaprio) -— a user, a taker, a rat and a scoundrel. Though the little bleep sometimes wears out his welcome, we stick around to see if he gets his comeuppance and to marvel at Scorsese’s continuing mastery. Jonah Hill overdoes it as DiCaprio’s right-hand man, and Matthew McConaughey is mesmerizing as his first mentor. Crime-comedy, R, 180 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “12 Years a Slave” — is a film about great bravery, featuring some of the bravest performances you’ll ever have the privilege to witness.

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as a free man in New York state in the 1840s, who is kidnapped and shipped to the South, where he is beaten, given a new name and forced into slavery. Unflinchingly directed by Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave” is what we talk about when we talk about greatness in film. With Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti. Drama, R, 134 minutes. HHHH

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

OUT & ABOUT ART IN THE ART BAR: Watercolors by Don Smith are on display through Jan. 31 in the Lincoln Theatre Art Bar, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Smith studied Western and Japanese watercolor painting with Val Welman and George Tsutakawa at the University of Washington School of Art in the 1970s, but says he wishes he had studied the medium more, according to a news release. He feels the artist’s job is to show others what they may not otherwise notice about the world around them. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“CASTING: LABOR OF LOVE”: The multimedia exhibition by Seiko Atsuta Purdue continues through Feb. 2 at Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Purdue’s installation explores themes of childhood and motherhood by casting the forms of plastic toys and clothes with paper in a blending of Japanese and American cultures. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday.

Purdue will speak about the inspirations behind her work from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

360-755-3140 or anchor artspace.org.

day or by appointment. 360293-3577 or mccoolart.com.

“POP HYBRIDS”: Work

by Seattle-based visual artist Troy Gua is on display through Feb. 7 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

The exhibition features 11 limited-edition, resin-coated prints on panel from Gua’s “Pop Hybrids” series — a mashup of cultural icons with celebrity portraits. An artist talk will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in the SVC multipurpose room.

The gallery is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-4167812.

“THE APOCALYPTIC SUBLIME”: In conjunction with the Whatcom Museum’s exhibition “Vanishing Ice,” Western Washington University presents a survey of David Maisel’s major aerial photography projects, “Black Maps: American Landscape and the Apocalyptic Sublime,” on display through Feb. 14 in the Western Gallery on the WWU Bellingham campus. Maisel will present a special lecture at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, in Academic West Room 210.

In these large-scaled photographs, “Black Maps” NEW PAINTINGS: A show leads the viewer on a halof new paintings by Anne lucinatory journey through Martin McCool continues terrains that have been radithrough Jan. 31 at Anne cally altered by environmenMartin McCool Gallery, tal issues and transformed 711 Commercial Ave., Ana- by human agency. Maisel’s cortes. The show also feaaerial images of environtures artwork by gallery art- mentally impacted zones ists George Way, Art Learframe the issues of contemmonth, Martha Tottenham, porary landscape with equal Carole Cunningham, Debbie measures of documentation Aldrich, Tracy Powell, Bob and metaphor, beauty and Metke, Vicki Hampel, Patsy despair.

Chamberlain, Barbara Gallery hours are 10 a.m.

Hathaway, Jane Hyde and to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Cathy Schoenberg. Gallery Thursdays and Fridays; 10 hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; Wednesday through Saturand noon to 4 p.m. Satur-

America around the 1880s.

While some Crazies might include fans or other recognizable patterns, the style often features random-sized patches sewn onto a foundation fabric with embroidery stitches around the patch edges. Patches also often include paintings, ink work or embroidery.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger.

360-466-4288 or laconner quilts.org.

MoNA WINTER EXHIBITS: Two new exhibits continue through March 12 at The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

A show of paintings inspired by Northwest color and “North American”: Film light will open with a reception during the First Friday installation by Robinson Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Devor and Charles Mudede.

Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Working outside the tradiAnacortes. In addition to new acrylic paintings by tional narrative structure, McCool, the show will also feature wood works by the film installation follows George Way and Art Learmonth, fiber art by Martha Tottenham, jewelry by Carole Cunningham and Debbie a mentally exhausted airline pilot wandering through Aldrich, sculptures by Tracy Powell, glass arty by Bob a massive public park.

Metke, gourds by Vicki Hampel, ceramics by Patsy Visitors will experience the Chamberlain and Barbara Hathaway, baskets by Jane pilot’s journey on multiple Hyde and paintings by Cathy Schoenberg. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday screens. The project was filmed entirely in Seattle’s or by appointment. 360-293-3577 or mccoolart.com.

Olmstead-designed park sysPictured: “Moon Bridge” by Anne Martin McCool tem. Devor and Mudede will introduce their film installation before the opening days. 360-650-3963 or west Spargo’s folk art style is rich reception at 1 p.m. Saturday, erngallery.wwu.edu. with embroidery.

Jan. 11.

“Out of the Blue”: The “Shoreline from the PerFIBER ARTS ON DISone-of-a-kind artworks manent Collection”: The created by members of PLAY: Three new exhibits exhibit will offer a kaleidoWhidbey Island’s Surface continue through March scope experience of color, Design Association blend 23 at the La Conner Quilt media and composition, many techniques — collage, including artwork by Guy & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Meet weaving, felting, beading, Anderson, Bill Brennen, Sue Spargo and members of basketry, hand-dyed fabric Kenneth Callahan, Richard the Surface Design Associa- and contemporary quilting. Gilkey, Paul Havas, Charles tion during a reception and Each artist was challenged Miller, Allen Moe, Mary tours from 1 to 3 p.m. open- to literally or figuratively Randlett, Jack Stangle, Mark create artwork with “Out of Tobey and Hiroshi Yamano. ing day.

“Creating Texture”: Self- the Blue” as its theme.

Curated by Lisa Young.

“Timeless Treasures: taught stitcher, quilter and Crazy Quilts”: Each January, artist Sue Spargo is influGALLERY SHOW: “Of the museum features a selec- This World and Not,” feaenced by the beautiful, colturing artworks by Skagit orful work of primitive craft tion of crazy quilts, a craze that became popular in Valley artists Heidi Epstein, artists around the world.

‘COLOR OF WINTER’

Eddie Gordon and Allen Moe, will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and continue through March 16 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial Ave., La Conner. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Saturday.

360-708-4787 or gallery cygnus.com.

GALLERY WALK: Check out a variety of art on display at several galleries and other venues during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, along Commercial Avenue and other locations in downtown Anacortes. Featured artworks include paintings and prints, sculptures, fiber arts, jewelry, glass art, mixed media, pastels, photos and more. 360-293-6938.

OIL PAINTINGS: A show of large oils on canvas by Dederick Ward will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and continue through March 4 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Ward’s works often represent geological elements. Also showing are acrylics by Cynthia Richardson, pastels by Sandy Byers, oils by Lorna Libert and mixed media work by Martha Brouwer. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-2936938 or scottmilo.com.

PHOTO SHOWCASE: The Anacortes Arts Commission will present “What Were You Thinking?,” a tribute to Dick Garvey by his photography students, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7-8, at the Gallery at the Depot, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Some of the photographs will be on display during February at Starbucks, at 18th and Commercial.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E19

OUT & ABOUT NW DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN: “6 Celebrate Northwest Designer Craftsmen @ 60” will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and continue through March 9 at Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The exhibition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Northwest Designer Craftsmen (NWDC), will feature the mixed media work of six local NWDC artists — Lanny Bergner, Danielle Bodine, Lynn DiNino, Lin McJunkin, Don Myhre and Denise Snyder.

During the opening reception, attendees are invited to bring a small object to donate to the Mixed Media Collection.

These objects will be incorporated into small new works by the artists during February, and offered for sale at the closing celebration on March 7. Suggested donations include small metal screens and scraps, toys, glass objects, wood or twigs, fibers, plastic recycling, etc. Also: n The gallery will host a slideshow/panel discussion from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. n The closing celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360-755-3140 or anchor artspace.org.

FESTIVALS EDISON BIRD FESTIVAL: Check out the third annual Edison Bird Festival Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9.

Enjoy presentations by the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center and Skagit Land Trust, duck decoy carving and painting with Tom Newell, painting with Todd Horton and Teresa Saia, duck call whistle-making with Buck Kilby, guided birding tours with naturalists from the

North Cascades Institute, a chicken parade and more. edisonbirdfestival.com.

for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution overturning the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision regarding corporate political LECTURES contributions, and requiring AND TALKS regulation and disclosure of SKAGIT ARTIST TOGETH- political contributions and ER: Artist, author, video pro- spending. Free. For informaducer Jack Gunter will be tion, contact Connie at 360the featured speaker at the 424-9754. next Skagit Artist Together meeting at 6 p.m. today at CITY GOATS: Jennie the Padilla Bay National Grant, author of “City Estuarine Research Reserve, Goats,” and Phyllis Shulman, 10441 Bayview-Edison senior legislative advisor to Road, Mount Vernon. The Seattle City Council memmeeting will begin with a ber Richard Conlin, will be social/potluck time, followed the guest speakers at the by the business meeting at next Transition Fidalgo & 6:30 p.m. and Gunter’s pre- Friends community supper sentation at 7 p.m. Gunter at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. recently returned from a 28, at the Anacortes Senior hectic, exciting and someCenter, 1701 22nd St. Grant times scary trip to Russia, and Shulman will share how where he retrieved several they worked together to paintings he exhibited there encourage the city of Seattle in the 1980s – only to have to allow backyard urban them stuck there after the goats, and discuss strategies collapse of the Soviet Union for bringing farm animals in 1990. He finally got them back to the cities. Grant’s back in October — after 24 book will be available for years. skagitartisttogether. purchase. Bring your own com. place settings. Suggested supper donation: $5 adult, $3 POETRY READING: ages 10 and younger.

Northwest poets Linda transitionfidalgo.org.

Bierds, Michael Bonacci, Alice Derry and Lorraine “SPEAK UP! SPEAK Ferra will read from their OUT!”: KSVR 91.7 FM radio work from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunwill host the following event: day, Jan. 26, at the Museum 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. of Northwest Art, 121 First 29: Ginny Wolff will talk St., La Conner. Books will with Skagit Valley advocates be on sale for the poets to of Family Promise, an intersign. Donations at the door faith program to support will support the upcoming and mentor homeless famiSkagit River Poetry Festival, lies back into stable housing. set for May 15-18 in La Con- (Show will repeat at 8 p.m. ner. skagitriverpoetry.org.

Sunday, Feb. 2). speakupspeakoutradio.

BIG MONEY IN POLITICS: org.

Kim Jordan of WAmend will discuss proposed Initiative WORLD ISSUES FORUM: 1329 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Western Washington UniJan. 28, at the Skagit Valley versity’s Fairhaven College Food Coop, room 309, 202 of Interdisciplinary StudS. First St., Mount Vernon. ies holds its annual World Learn how I-1329 would Issues Forum from noon help get big money out of to 1:20 p.m. Wednesdays politics. Passing this initia(unless otherwise noted) in tive would make Washingthe Fairhaven College auditon the 17th state to call torium on the WWU campus

in Bellingham. Presentations are free and open to the public. 360-650-2309 or wwu. edu/fairhaven/news/world issuesforum. Next up: Jan. 29: “The Global Environmental Challenge of China”: with Robert V. Percival, Robert F. Stanton Professor of Law and director of the Environmental Law Program at the University of Maryland’s Francis King Carey School of Law. China’s rapid development has come at a staggering cost to the environment. More than 1.2 million Chinese die each year from exposure to air pollution.

Church, 134 E. Victoria Ave., Burlington. Featuring Shelley Ross on flute, John Flancher on flute and bass and Lynne Berg on harpsichord, the concert will include works by Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, Boismortier, Hasse and J. C. F. Bach. A freewill offering will be collected to support ongoing renovation and upkeep of the church’s pipe organ. 360-755-0729 or burlingtonlutheran.org.

dark Friday, Jan. 24, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor.

Island County Astronomical Society members will provide an assortment of telescopes for viewing. All ages welcome. Free. The event will be canceled if cloudy.

360-679-7664 or icas-wa. webs.com.

B&G AUCTION: The Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club will hold the club’s sixth annual Winter FundMORE FUN raiser from 5 to 8 p.m. SatWASHINGTON SPORTSurday, Jan. 25, at the SedroMEN’S SHOW & SPORT Woolley Community Center, FISHING BOAT SHOW: The 703 Pacific St. Enjoy a pasta annual event will take place dinner, silent auction, raffle from noon to 8 p.m. Wednes- and kids’ activities. $10 per MUSIC day through Friday, 10 a.m. person. Tickets available FAMILY CONCERT: Skagit to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 at the club, at the event, at Symphony will present a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. skagitraisesgreatkids.org or “The Elements of Music,” 22-26, at the Washington by calling 360-856-1830. its annual Family Concert, State Fair Events Center, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup.

INTERNATIONAL DINMcIntyre Hall, 2501 E. Col- Check out the latest fishing NER, CONCERT: Skagit lege Way, Mount Vernon. and hunting gear, outdoor Valley College will host an Designed to be interesting clothing, camping equipinternational evening with and educational for all stument, boats, representatives dinner, entertainment and dents — with or without a from hunting and fishing more beginning at 5 p.m. musical background — the lodges and resorts, big game Friday, Jan. 31, at McIntyre performance will include trophies, kids’ trout pond, Hall, 2501 E. College Way, selections from Wagner, demonstrations and activiMount Vernon. Join students Mozart, Beethoven, Bizet, ties for all ages. $12 adults, from more than 20 countries Bach, Stravinsky, Anderson $5 ages 6 to 16, free for ages for a 5 p.m. social hour and and Tchaikovsky. $10, free 5 and younger. Two-day 5:30 p.m. dinner, followed for ages 15 and younger. pass: $18. thesportshows. by a concert performance by 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or com.

Zimbabwean musicians Olimcintyrehall.org. ver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & the GALAXIES, NEBULAS Black Spirits. Dinner only: CLASSICAL CONCERT: AND PLANETS: Explore $35, $20 students. Dinner Trio Affetuoso will perform the night sky and check out and concert: $49. 360-416at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, distant galaxies, nebulas 7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall. at Burlington Lutheran and planets beginning at org.

AUDITIONS! THE OUTSIDERS

TERRITORIAL BATTLES BETWEEN THE HAVE-IT-MADE RICH KIDS AND THE TOUGH UNDERPRIVILEGED GREASER FAMILY AND FRIENDS

AUDITIONS JAN. 28-29, 6 PM at the Lincoln Theatre Director: Lindsey Bowen • Email bowen.native@gmail.com for more info Many roles for teens, men and women age 12-30

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