360 January 31 2013

Solorazaf

Acoustic strumming at its finest at the Lincoln

Martin Taylor

PAGE 3

Brian Gore

Celso Machado Skagit Valley Herald Thursday January 31, 2013

Reviews

Tuning Up

Roger Ebert

Music: Miles Davis, Gary Allan Video Games: “The Cave”

Chris Eger Band plays H2O in Anacortes on Saturday night

Three polished acting veterans make for one “Stand Up” movie

PAGES 8-9

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Hotel Transylvania”: Dracula (Adam Sandler) has created a hotel for monsters that he believes is completely hidden from the human world. His main motivation for the creepiest lodging this side of “Psycho” is his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez). Dracula promised his wife that he would keep their daughter safe, but that’s getting more difficult now that she’s 118 and ready to see the world.

The computer-generated animation from director Genndy Tartakovsky is safe. From the hotel to the local village, the film is visually fine. But it doesn’t paint a grand picture. That’s a disappointment considering the inspired animation Tartakovsky used to create “Dexter’s Laboratory.”

“Seven Psychopaths”: A struggling screenwriter gets involved with Los Angeles’ criminal underworld.

The focal point for the movie’s oddball insanity is Marty (Colin Farrell), a writer who’s creatively blocked. All he has is a title for his next book — “Seven Psychopaths” — and a best friend, Billy (Sam Rockwell), who splits his time between stealing dogs with Hans (Christopher Walken) and trying to be part of Marty’s next book.

No one plays psychopath better than Rockwell. His actions are crazy. But no matter how bizarre he gets, there’s something about the character that is extremely likable. It’s a similar formula that Walken has used over the years.

Bringing Rockwell and Walken together is like an awards ceremony for the Psychopathic Characters Hall of Fame.

The film has two huge things going for it — a superb script by writer/director Martin McDonagh and the best cast of screwball con men who shoot to thrill since “The Usual Suspects.” Both turn what would have been a rather tepid tale of dognapping-gone-bad into crazy fun.

“Pan Am: The Complete Series”: The short-lived ABC high-flying drama follows a group of young flight attendants during the early 1960s. It was a time when you could carry more than three ounces of a liquid, didn’t have to go through security to get on board, and could smoke until the cabin looked like a Tule fog.

“Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2”: Next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original movies.

“Downton Abbey: Season 3”: Hugh Bonneville stars in the British series.

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

FEB. 5 Alex Cross - Lionsgate/ Summit Celeste and Jesse Forever - Sony Flight - Paramount Here Comes the Boom - Sony

Page 5

Volcanologist Dave Tucker will offer the presentation, “The Volcano in our Backyard: Mount Baker: Eruption History, Hazards, Monitoring,” at 7 p.m. today at the Phillip Tarro Theater on the Skagit Valley College campus in Mount Vernon

FEB. 12 Bully - Anchor Bay The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Lionsgate/Summit Robot & Frank - Sony The Sessions - Fox Silent Hill: Revelation - Universal FEB. 19 Anna Karenina - Universal Fun Size - Paramount Sinister - Lionsgate/ Summit MARCH 5 Wreck-It Ralph - Disney n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“The Awakening”: The death of a child is blamed on a ghost. Rebecca Hall stars.

“Paranormal Activity 4”: Cameras capture odd events in a house.

“Charlie’s Angels: The Complete Fifth Season”: Jaclyn Smith stars in the TV crime drama.

“Wodehouse Playhouse Complete”: Includes all three series of the BBC comedy.

“Bangkok Assassins”: Four boys use their martial arts skills.

“Misfits: Season Two”: Five unruly teens must do community service.

“The Cold Light of Day”: Wall Street trader doesn’t know who he can trust.

“Noobz”: Four friends hit the road to compete in the Cyberbowl Video Game Championship.

“Nobody Gets Out Alive”: A man’s life is turned upside down when his daughter is killed by a drunk driver.

“The Duellists”: Two officers in Napoleon’s army confront each other in a series of duels.

“To Catch a Dollar: Muhammad Yunus Banks on America”: Documentary about a man’s effort to help the working poor.

“Amazing Ocean 3D”: A look at the ocean depths.

“Hey Arnold! Season Three”: Includes 19 original episodes.

“Madly Madagascar”: TV special featuring the wacky zoo buddies. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

Inside

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Hot Tickets...................................... 6 Get Involved.................................... 7 Music, Game Reviews..................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Travel........................................12-13 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 14 Out & About.............................16-17 Roger Ebert.................................... 18 Movie Listings............................... 19 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 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 31, 2013 - E3

MUSIC

MARTIN TAYLOR

BRIAN GORE

CELSO MACHADO

4 Virtuosos

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT RETURNS TO THE LINCOLN THEATRE

SOLORAZAF

Skagit Valley Herald staff

Four of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists take an acoustic approach this week as the International Guitar Night 2013 tour returns to Mount Vernon.

Brian Gore, Martin Taylor, Solorazaf and Celso Machado are the featured performers in the show, set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Lincoln Theatre.

Gore founded International Guitar Night in 1995, with the premise of showcasing the top of the heap of innovative acoustic guitarists. This marks the 12th year of the tour, and its rotating lineup has rarely seen better.

The quartet reflects wide disparity in terms of geography and musical influence.

Gore lives in Santa Cruz, Calif.; Taylor is from Great Britain; Solorazaf is a FrenchMalagasy guitarist and singer; and Machado is a Brazilian guitarist living near Vancouver, British Columbia.

International Guitar Night 2013 Featuring: Martin Taylor, Celso Machado, Solorazaf and Brian Gore When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 Where: Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon Tickets: $23-$32. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org

E4 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

L

OS ANGELES — When scandalous tales of fraud involving superstar athletes Lance Armstrong and Manti Te’o were exposed in the last week, connections to films were immediate and obvious. The story of Notre Dame football hero Te’o falling for a fake dead girlfriend on the Internet called to mind the documentary “Catfish.” And disgraced cyclist Armstrong, who has finally admitted to doping in winning the Tour de France a record seven times, is already the subject of a biopic that’s in the works.

It’s a huge topic that’s been explored in myriad ways on screen, and you’d probably come up with five entirely different choices, but here are my picks for five great movies about deception: “Vertigo” (1958): Speaking of fake dead women. … One of Alfred Hitchock’s best, it also feels incredibly personal — stylish and frightening, of course but also achingly sad.

Yes, Jimmy Stewart is being manipulated, being duped into serving as part of a murder plot. And he’s foolish enough to let himself fall in love with Kim Novak’s doomed, quintessentially icy Hitchcockian blonde not once but twice.

But he’s also deceiving himself, allowing his need for love to feed his obsessive quest to recreate that sensation all over again.

Much is made of some of the film’s most famous images — the push/pull effect as Stewart’s character fights off his vertigo in the bell tower, the eerie, neon-green haze of the hotel room. But at its core, “Vertigo” is about needing to feel secure and loved.

“Some Like It Hot” (1959): Named the greatest comedy of all time by

LEFT: Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe are shown in the hilarious, milestone comedy, “Some Like It Hot,” produced, directed and co-scripted

by Billy Wilder.

United Artists, 1959, via AP

RIGHT: Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak are shown in a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 film, “Vertigo.”

Paramount Pictures, undated, via AP

ries must remain airtight, even as crises of identity and purpose begin to creep into the characters’ consciousness. Andy Lau and Tony Leung are both great as two sides of the same coin who must tap into their resourcefulness as the danger of being exposed increases.

“Compliance” (2012): This movie made me so angry while I was watching it. How could anybody be so stupid? How could anybody be tricked into

By CHRISTY falling for such outlandish LEMIRE manipulation?

AP Movie Critic But that’s where the power comes from in writer-director Craig Zobel’s startling film with its understated performances: This did happen, over and over, across the country.

He’s just exposing an element of human nature we’d the American Film InstiThe laughs come from haven’t, you should. his way deep within the rather suppress. tute, the Billy Wilder classic how utterly unbelievable And then you, too, can mafia.

A prank phone caller is also predicated on one these men are as women, say out loud, “A ha!” It’s Years later, each man pretending to be a police big, wacky lie. but also from how they try the movie that put direcmust sniff out the mole officer (Pat Healy) tells the Tony Curtis and Jack to maintain this elaborate tor Bryan Singer on the in the other’s organizaLemmon pretend to be ruse as both their emotions map and it won both of tion — each man must find middle-aged manager of a women to escape the and their enemies close in the Oscars for which it was the other. Sound familiar? fast-food restaurant (Ann clutches of mob thugs on them. nominated: for Christopher That’s because this hugely Dowd) that a young, pretty employee (Dreama Walkafter they witness a mas“The Usual Suspects” McQuarrie’s clever and suspenseful Hong Kong er) has stolen money from sacre. Musicians Joe and (1995): The movie itself is complex original screenthriller was the basis for a customer, and leads her Jerry change their names one big lie — a seemingly play and for Kevin Spacey’s “The Departed,” the 2006 though a series of increasto Josephine and Daphne simple caper mystery that chilling supporting turn as film that finally earned ingly invasive, degrading and join Sweet Sue’s Allgrows enormously compli- the chatty (and unreliable) Martin Scorsese his longinvestigative steps.

Girl Orchestra, where they cated with layer upon layer witness Verbal Kint. overdue Academy Award Everyone goes along befriend sexy singer Sugar of twists and tricks.

“Infernal Affairs” for best director (along Kane Kowalczyk, played by I am not even going (2002): A loyal young with prizes for best picture, with this charade — no one thinks to question it — and Marilyn Monroe in one of to begin to try to explain member of the mob infiladapted screenplay and all you can do is sit in your her most Marliynish roles the plot — if you’ve seen trates the police force and editing). seat and watch, and squirm. ever. it, you know it, and if you an undercover cop works The lies and cover sto-

5 GREAT MOVIES ABOUT DECEPTION

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area “SKAGIT SETS SAIL: A MARITIME HISTORY OF SKAGIT COUNTY” Celebrate the opening of the new exhibit at a free reception from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. From shovel-nose canoes to the America’s Cup, sternwheelers to sea-going tugs, check out Skagit’s amazing history on the water.

The exhibit will open to the public Saturday, Feb. 2.

“BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN” 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 500 W. Section St., Mount Vernon. Performing in character as Benjamin Franklin, G. Robin Smith will offer a unique history lesson as he engages in lively interaction with the audience, revealing much of Franklin’s wit and wisdom. Suitable for ages 8 and older. $10 suggested donation.

ARLINGTON EAGLE FEST Enjoy a variety of family activities beginning at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2, in and around Arlington. Check out guided wildlife walks and paddle rafting tours to view bald eagles, wildlife and their habitats; guest speakers; presentations by the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center; local art show; horse-drawn wagon rides; wine tasting; live entertainment and more. Free admission; some tours require a fee. 360-403-3448 or www.arlingtonwa.gov.

ALLEN CARNIVAL Allen Elementary School, 17145 Cook Road, Bow, will host its third annual Carnival Fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.

Prizes, food concessions and lots of events, including a cake walk, bowling, mini-golf, rock band, bouncy house and more. Four tickets for $1, 20 for $5, 100 for $20. 360-757-3352.

“UNA COMUNIDAD DE DIVERSION” Enjoy family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. Follow the groundhog to Latino arts and crafts activities, youth arts performances, art exhibits and more. $3, free for museum members. 360-778-8930 or www.whatcommuseum. org.

‘The Volcano in our Backyard’ Volcanologist Dave Tucker, director of the Mount Baker Volcano Research Center, will offer the presentation “The Volcano in our Backyard: Mount Baker: Eruption History, Hazards, Monitoring,” at 7 p.m. today, Jan. 31, at the Phillip Tarro Theater, Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. http://mbvrc.wordpress.com

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

HOT TICKETS

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

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www. comcastarenaeverett.com.

“AMALUNA”: Cirque du Soleil: Jan. or www.brownpapertickets.com.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE 31-Feb. 24, 2013, Marymoor Park, Redmond.

SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The Paramount BURIED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, 800-450-1480 or www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox LEWIS BLACK: Jan. 31, Mount Baker nation.com.

Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or RA RA RIOT: Feb. 8, Neptune Theatre, Seat- online.com.

EELS: Feb. 19, Showbox at the Market, Seatwww.mountbakertheatre.com. tle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com. tle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

LEWIS BLACK: Feb. 1, Paramount Theatre, LED ZEPAGAIN: Feb. 8, Showbox at the FEED ME, TEETH: Feb. 20-21, Showbox at Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com. Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.

MUSE: Feb. 1, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745boxonline.com. showboxonline.com.

3000 or www.livenation.com.

SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil DiaGALACTIC: FEATURING COREY GLOVER: INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT 2013: Feb. mond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seat2, with Martin Taylor, Solorazaf, Celso Machado tle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. Feb. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. and Brian Gore: Lincoln Theatre, Mount VerHOT WATER MUSIC, LA DISPUTE, THE MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, non. $23-$32. 360-336-8955 or www.lincoln MENZINGERS: Feb. 10, Showbox at the MarEdmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. theatre.org. ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox STS9: Feb. 22, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800THE SONICS, MUDHONEY: Feb. 2, Showbox online.com.

745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com. at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.

TOMAHAWK: Feb. 12, Showbox at the MarAARON NEVILLE: Feb. 23, Mount Baker ket, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox showboxonline.com.

Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or EXCISION: Feb. 2, Paramount Theatre, Seat- online.com. www.mountbakertheatre.com.

MARILYN MANSON: Feb. 12, Showbox tle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

IVAN & ALYOSHA: Feb. 23, Showbox at the SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show ELLIE GOULDING: Feb. 4, Showbox SoDo, Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon boxonline.com.

VICTOR WOOTEN: Feb. 13, The Triple Door, line.com.

PENNYWISE, LAGWAGON: Feb. 23, Showbox Seattle. 206-838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.

SASQUATCH MUSIC FESTIVAL LAUNCH SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show net.

PARTY: Built to Spill, Cody ChesnuTT, Feb. 4, LEFTOVER SALMON: Feb. 15, Neptune The- boxonline.com.

Neptune Theatre, Seattle. Free tickets availTILTED THUNDER RAIL BIRDS: Banked able at noon Saturday, Feb. 2, at Neptune The- atre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.

Track Roller Derby: Feb. 24, Comcast Arena at com. atre box office,1303 NE 45th St., Seattle.

Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcastarena PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: everett.com.

Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.

HEY MARSEILLES: March 1, Showbox at the ec4arts.org.

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

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH: Feb. 7, boxonline.com.

Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 OF AMERICA: Feb. 16-17, Showbox at the

MARC MARON (comedy): March 1, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

NEWSBOYS: March 1, Temple Theatre, Tacoma. 855-443-8499 or LMGconcerts.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: March 1-2, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MOE: March 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

ANBERLIN: March 3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: March 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT: March 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

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

MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.livenation.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

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

BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS: March 14, Showbox at the Market, Seattle.

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

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

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

Coupon Book The Coupon Book is available now at all listed merchants locations and at the station • The Apothecary Spa -20% OFF all Spa Services when you bring a friend -10% OFF Swedish Massage or Signature Organic Facial • Burlington Automotive $10 OFF Oil & Filter Change • Cascade Pizza Buy 1 large Pizza get 1 FREE • Community Bowling Center One FREE Game with Shoe Rental • Consumer Rental $5.00 OFF any Rental • E & E Lumber -$10 OFF any Purchase of $50 or More!

-20% OFF all in stock Molding or Millwork

• El Gitano Buy 1 Dinner get 2nd Dinner of equal or lesser value at 1/2 Price • Enchanted Florist Buy 1 Bouquet ($50 or greater) & receive a 2nd Bouquet at 1/2 Price!

• Holiday Sports $10 OFF any Purchase of $50 or More!

• Jiffy Lube -$15 OFF Signature Service Oil Change -$25% any Additional Service $74.99 or above • The Kitty Hawk Cafe -Buy one Homestyle Dinner and get the 2nd of equal value 1/2 OFF! -$5 Martinis and $5 Appetizers with coupon -2 Prime Rib Dinners & Free Appetizer $30 with coupon!

• Lickety Clips 50% OFF Dog Grooming (new customers) $10 OFF Grooming (existing customers) • Louis Auto Glass -Rock Chip Repair 1/2 Price!

- Deluxe Wipers - 1/2 Price!

- Headlight Restoration - 1/2 Price!

• McDonalds -Buy One Get One FREE Big Mac -Buy One Get One FREE Egg McMuffin -Buy One Get One FREE Quarter Pounder • Northwest TinMan Paint & Body $100 Deductible Credit on any Insurance Repair! Or 10% OFF Labor on NonInsurance Repairs done.

• Pacific Coast Auto Center Wiper Blades $9.95. Includes installation. $12 off Signature Lube, Oil and Filter

• Pat Rimmer Les Schwab FREE Tire Rotation, FREE Brake Check, FREE Flat Repair, FREE Six Point Inspection • Phelps - Mt Vernon Tire Factory Oil Change, Lube & Filter $23.95 • Red Tag Bargain Store 40% OFF Everything in the Store • Sign Pro Buy One Banner Get One 50% Off equal or lesser value • Simply Silver & More 20% OFF Everything in the Store • Skagit Arms $10 OFF any Purchase of $50 or More!

• Swinomish Casino & Lodge -Buy 1 Entree in the 13 Moons Restaurant Receive 2nd Entree FREE! -Receive $25 in Slot Play for $20!

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E7

GET INVOLVED ART

ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS: Anne Martin McCool will offer two twoday acrylic painting workshops — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 4-5, or Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9-10 — at the Anne Martin McCool Studio, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. All levels of experience are welcome. $155. To register, call 360-293-3577 or email annemartinmccool@ gmail.com.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: North Cascades National Park is accepting applications for the 2013 Artist in Residence Program.

Applications for spring/ summer are due by Feb. 1; applications for fall are due by July 1. For information about Skagit Valley proposals, contact Cindy Bjorklund at 360-854-7303.

Artists interested in applying for residencies in the Lake Chelan National RecART CLASSES: Dakota reation Area at Stehekin Art offers a variety of art can call Mark Scherer at classes and workshops at 360-854-7365, ext. 14.

17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext.

BIRD FEST BOOTHS: 5, or www.dakotaartcenter.

Applications are available com. for booth space during the eighth annual Port Susan INTRO TO ILLUSTRASnow Goose & Birding TION ART CLASSES: Festival, set for Saturday Burlington Parks and Recand Sunday, Feb. 23-24, at reation is offering a series the Floyd Norgaard Culof art classes for kids ages 8 tural Center, 27108 102nd to 14. Instructor Max Elam Ave. NW, Stanwood. To will introduce young artists request an application, con- to a variety of styles and art tact Pat Stolarski at pats@ mediums. Each four-session wavecable.com. class costs $45. Supplies are

included. To register, call 360-755-9649.

Fire and Ice: 10 a.m.

BLACK CAT CONTEST: to noon Saturdays, Feb. Kids can enter the Black 9-March 2. Students will Cat Drawing Contest by create four artworks in the March 1, as part of the popular anime art style, 18th annual Black Cat with subject matter ranging Auction in April to benfrom fantasy to sci-fi, and efit the Humane Society dinosaurs to dragons. The of Skagit Valley. Children core focus of this class is ages 5 to 16 can draw an learning about complemenanimal or bird the shelter tary and contrasting colors has offered for adoption, and the power of texture in such as dogs, cats, rabbits, art. Register by Feb. 6. potbellied pigs, hamsters, Fantastic Fantasy & rats, parakeets, cockatiels, chicken hens or roosters. A Anime Aliens: 12:30 to winner selected from each 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. age group — 5-8, 9-12 and 9-March 2. In order to draw 13-16 — will be introduced what we feel, first we must during the April 6 evening learn to draw what we see.

Kids who like to doodle auction, where the top 20 or draw dragons, zombies drawings will be featured as framed centerpieces and or rock star aliens can get auctioned. Send or deliver step-by-step instruction on composition, structure/ drawings by March 1 to form, perspective and visuEllie, Humane Society, 18841 Kelleher Road, Bur- alization. Styles will vary from classic to contempolington, WA 98233, or call rary. Register by Feb. 6.

360-757-0445.

ART CLASSES

AUDITIONS

Rehearsals will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday “TRUE WEST”: The through Thursday beginBellingham Theatre Guild ning Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the will hold open auditions at Phillip Tarro Theatre. The 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, show will run May 4-5 and Feb. 3-4, at the Guild, 1600 10-12. For information or H St., Bellingham. This proto request an audition time, duction of Sam Shepard’s contact Dr. Diane Johnson, most-produced play has diane.johnson@skagit.edu. parts for two male leads, ages 25-35; one female supporting role, age 55-70; and DANCE one male supporting role, CONTRA DANCE: 7 to age 35-55. Auditions will 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, include cold readings from at the Depot Arts Center, the script. For information, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. contact director Robert Learn the fundamentals of Cervantez at 360-671-5673 contra dance and practice or email robertcervantez@ dancing to live music. No ymail.com. partner needed. $8 at the door. 360-755-3969 or “HELLO, DOLLY!”: The www.skagitcontra.org.

Skagit Valley College Music Department will SQUARE DANCE & SPAhold auditions in oneGHETTI: Join the Stanwood hour blocks at 6, 7, 8 and Sashayers for a free spa9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, ghetti/lasagna buffet and in the Phillip Tarro Thebeginning square dance lesatre, and Wednesday, Feb. son at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, in Ford Hall, room 4, at the Floyd Norgaard 101, on the Mount VerCultural Center, 27108 non campus. Callbacks, 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. if needed, will take place Buffet starts at 6 p.m., folfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. lowed by the two-hour dance lesson. To register, Saturday, Feb. 16. Those call 360-387-6037. auditioning for a speaking role should prepare a CREATIVE MOVEMENT one-minute contemporary comic monologue. Singers DANCE CLASS: Ages 4 to 6, 4 to 4:50 p.m. Mondays, should prepare a song to Feb. 4-25, Hillcrest Park be sung with accompaniment, no longer than three Skylight Room, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. minutes, in the style of The ballet-based class will “Hello, Dolly!” Bring a headshot and resume. Crew focus on coordination, skipmembers are also needed. ping, leaping and jumping

with continual change of music rhythms. $40-$42.

Register with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, 360-336-6215.

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

SKAGITOPERA.ORG

BEGINNING BALLET & TAP: Ages 7 to 9, 5 to 6 p.m.

Mondays, Feb. 4-25, Hillcrest Park Skylight Room, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon.

The class will provide focus and detail for ballet and tap movements, with a focus on coordination and fun. Tap shoes are not required. $40$42. Register with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation. 360-336-6215.

RECREATION ANACORTES SALMON DERBY: Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 1, for the seventh annual Anacortes Salmon Derby, set for March 30-31. The derby will feature $25,000 in guaranteed purse money and thousands more in merchandise prizes Tickets can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Anacortes and Friday Harbor, Holiday Sports in Burlington, LFS in Bellingham and other locations. www.ana cortessalmonderby.com.

SOUND ROWERS OPEN WATER RACE: The event will take place at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 2, in La Conner. The race is open to any human-powered watercraft, including kayaks, surf skis,

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

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

By Gaetano Donizetti

rowing shells, rowboats or canoes. Postrace soup ‘n’ bread at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse. $20, $10 Sound Rowers members. For information or to register: 206-295-7508 or www.soundrowers.org.

WORKSHOPS PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS: “Be a Photo Ninja,” with Desmond Crusoe: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 2-23, at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington.

Understand your digital or film camera. Learn about basic camera functions, photo composition, tips and tricks to take better portraits and landscapes, how to do light paintings, long exposure star trails and more. DSLR preferred, but any camera with manual, Av and TV modes are welcome. Ages 18 and older. $50. 360-755-9649.

First Friday Gallery Walks

February 1 6 - 9 pm Anne Martin McCool Gallery Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa Anchor Art Space Gallery at the Depot www.anacortesart.com

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Local Natives “Hummingbird”

Circumstances shifted under the feet of the Local Natives, a critically acclaimed first record named after the bohemian destruction in the take-all-comers pad where they wrote the album, “Gorilla Manor.”

For followup “Hummingbird,” Aaron Dessner from the National took production duties in a new studio. As living conditions improved and the goal posts moved, as they often do, for the sophomore release, the band insisted on its youth, gathering itself against this mounting responsibility — the weight of expectations, three years turned long — to forge a dark and hopeful record.

If the future remained uncertain, Local Natives managed to shuffle backwards towards it with images of bucolic 20-somethings in tow. n Geoff Nelson, popmatters.com

Miles Davis Quintet

“Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Vol. 2” Miles Davis had a raw, multisyllable name for his group from 1969, and it wasn’t one we can print in this newspaper.

Known in various jazz-obsessive circles as the Lost Band, the powerful quintet of all stars Davis assembled between the release of plate-shifting albums “In a Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew” included keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette and saxophonist Wayne Shorter.

Though the group famously was never documented in the studio, its legacy is enhanced with “Live in Europe 1969,” a four-disc set that marks the second volume in Columbia/ Legacy’s Bootleg Series.

This look back through Davis’ concert archives began last year with the box set “Live in Europe 1967.” It was greeted with a justifiable avalanche of acclaim upon release for showcasing Davis at

another of his many peaks with his influential “second great quintet,” which included Shorter along with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Ron Carter.

If that group could be considered the moment when the rockets were all firing for Davis, “Live in Europe 1969” documents the trumpeter’s restless exploration at liftoff. Two of the CDs are recordings taken a day apart in France, and while hearing the band tear through early takes on pillars from the trumpeter’s electric period such as “Miles Runs the Voodoo Down” and “Spanish Key,” it’s hearing the band upend some of Davis’ older material that may be most striking.

After a pensive beginning, “Footprints” speeds toward the outer limits, highlighted by an abstract, quicksilver turn from Corea, and 1967’s “Masqualero” enters with something like a kick through the door after a broad, fluttering tone from Davis so unfamiliar it briefly sounds like an electronic hiccup. Shorter also sounds exceptional throughout, locking on the trance-like opening to “No Blues” and the sprawling “Milestones,” which madly pulses and swings ahead after a twisting lead from Davis atop Holland’s elastic bassline.

The two remaining discs include an intriguing date from Stockholm that features Corea on acoustic piano and a DVD documenting a burning 45-minute Berlin performance. The latter is not only notable for showcasing five masters in their prime but also as visual affirmation that — in what feels like a bit of a surprise after listening — they actually walked among us. n Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times

Gary Allan

“Set You Free” Gary Allan shows younger country singers the difference between true emotion and posturing on his searing new album, “Set You Free.” Allan avoids all Nashville trends and cliches, as he has for most of his 17-year recording career. Instead, he digs deep into edgy songs that balance pain and self-reckoning with gritty determination and, ultimately, a hard-earned transcendence.

Experimenting with sounds and textures, Allan co-produced seven of the 11 tracks while collaborating with three different producers, among them the red-hot Jay Joyce. Allan also co-wrote five cuts, including the current country radio hit, “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain).”

After recent vocal surgery, the California native sounds more expressive than ever, and the roller coaster of feelings he instills in “Set You Free” illustrates why he’s among the few contemporary country stars deserving of being called an artist. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Randy Houser

“How Country Feels” There’s little coincidence that Randy Houser’s new album, “How Country Feels,” arrives just as the title track reaches No. 1 on the country radio charts.

The Mississippi singer earned his first chart-topper with the initial single from his most radio-friendly album. Stuffed with country soul-inflected mid-tempo arrangements that highlight Houser’s rich voice, there’s likely a few more hits among its 15 tracks.

He’s sanded away much of the grit that marked his previous work and deploys a more traditional country sound on songs like “The Singer,” “Power of a Song” and “Like a Cowboy” that shows off his vocal versatility and a willingness to explore.

Just when it starts to feel like there’s a little too much varnish, Houser closes the album with “Route 3 Box 250 D.” It’s easily his most powerful song, and one we hope gets played on the radio, too. n Chris Talbott, Associated Press

Jose James

“No Beginning No End” After a lackluster 2010 U.S. recording debut, Jose James has returned with the self-financed and coproduced “No Beginning No End.” The album, eventually released by Blue Note,

spotlights his songwriting skills and a unique musical persona that comfortably navigates between neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop and jazz.

James’ romantic baritone on the sensual, slow-tempo title track might evoke comparisons with neo-soul singer D’Angelo, but on original tunes like “Trouble,” with its funky bass and organ lines and horn blasts, he shows the influence of R&B legends like Marvin Gaye. On “Vanguard,” co-written and performed with genre-bending jazz keyboardist Robert Glasper, James shows a modern jazz sensibility as he deftly handles the rhythmic shifts and complex harmonies.

James also teams with R&B singer Emily King on two of her sultry ballads, “Heaven on the Ground” and “Come to My Door,” and stretches even further on his collaboration with French-Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra on the North African-spiced “Sword + Gun” as he confidently takes his listeners to unexpected places. n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press

The Joy Formidable “Wolf’s Law”

Two years after The Joy Formidable barreled to the fringe of the rock mainstream with the lush and brute “The Big Roar,” the Welsh trio returns with an even bigger and squalling encore.

“Wolf’s Law” is the arrival of a headliner.

It’s a deserved reward. This is wonderfully noisy and hooky, shimmering with guitarpop accessibility. So what if standouts such as “Maw Maw Song” and the whirlwind “Bats” have the nagging feeling of sounding familiar — maybe a head-bopper from the alt-rock heyday of the ’90s or another Brit rocker making massive songs for arenas like touring mates Muse. In the voice and guitarhammering hands of frontwoman Ritzy Bryan, surprises (usually loud ones) are around every corner.

In the opener “This Ladder is Ours,” Bryan begins with an inviting “Let’s take this walk/It’s long overdue.” She isn’t kidding. Where was an exciting rocker like this in 2012, and how soon before we can have another? n Paul J. Weber, Associated Press

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

VIDEO GAME REVIEW Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘The Cave’

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Genre: Puzzle Publisher: Sega ESRP Rating: T, for Teen.

Grade: 3 stars (out of 5) If you are to be trapped in a cave filled with booby traps, I think we can all agree that it would be nice if it had a sense of humor about itself.

“The Cave” won’t challenge your brain to the point of exhaustion. Rather, it makes good use of your noggin while allowing you to take in the interesting visuals and offbeat narration. The challenge lies in its gameplay.

There are seven characters, and you must play with all of them in order to eventually

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E9

succeed — but you only control three at a time. The game plays out the same each time: start with three characters and guide them through the cave’s expanse.

But “The Cave” runs into trouble because of this three-person control system, however.

In order to solve all the puzzles to advance, your team must almost always be divided up, which means the camera spends a great deal of time shifting among the members. It gets nauseating watching this pan and focus nonstop, but there’s no way around it. There are times when you must reunite your characters for group-based puzzle-solving, but the tedium of getting them all together slows the momentum considerably.

While the gameplay has its hiccups, the story and the narration (voiced by the cave itself) are fantastic. This cave has a wickedly fun sense of humor, and it both helps guide you and mock you through your adventures.

The devil is in the details that trip this game up occasionally, but gamers should still take an enjoyable journey into “The Cave.”

‘30 Rock’s’ five most memorable moments plane flight. Unfortunately, she has taken a sleeping pill that provokes side effects After seven kooky, smart, like “dizziness, sexual nighthigh-energy and completely mares and sleep crime.” A delirious seasons, Tina Fey’s dazed Liz bares her soul to “30 Rock” is signing off for Oprah, telling her how she good, and, quite frankly, it didn’t lose her virginity until doesn’t make us feel like 25, how at summer camp she “high-fiving one million kissed a girl on a dare (and angels.” It’s a total bummer. the girl later died) and how But rather than mourn, she once had a sex dream we prefer to laugh. To help involving Nate Berkus and us do just that, we’ve delved Dr. Oz. (“Believe in the into the vaults and come up Stars”; Season 3, Episode 2). with five of the funniest, most 3. Tracy does Conan: memorable moments: Here we honor not just a 1. Therapy with Jack moment, but an entire epiand Tracy: To help Tracy sode — one in which “30 deal with his daddy issues, Rock” truly began to hit its Jack summons the NBC stride. A frantic Liz is putting therapist. But a family roleout lots of workplace fires playing session goes crazily while preparing Tracy to go off track when Jack pretends on Conan O’Brien’s show, to be, in quick succession, and, unfortunately, Tracy is Tracy’s father, his “moms,” off his meds. In this episode, the “white dude” she left we get our first reference to his father for, the Hispanic Jenna’s movie, “The Rural female neighbor and Tracy Juror,” and the first appearhimself. Mixed into the ance of Dr. Spaceman. It’s hilariously subversive bit are also notable for one of the impressions of Redd Foxx first great Liz-Jack exchangand Jimmy “J.J.” Walker. es: She: “Why are you wear(“Rosemary’s Baby”; Season ing a tux?” He: “It’s after 2, Episode 4).

6. What am I, a farmer?”

2. Liz meets Oprah: Liz is (“Tracy Does Conan”; Seaecstatic to meet Oprah on a son 1, Episode 7).

By CHUCK BARNEY Contra Costa Times

4. Liz gets married: Liz and Criss (James Marsden) spontaneously decide to get married to enhance their adoption chances, but Liz claims she doesn’t want the fancy fairy-tale princess wedding many girls dream of.

Instead, she’ll get hitched at city hall “in a sweatshirt, no bra.” But once there, she changes her mind and what ensues is one of the most chaotic and bizarre TV weddings ever, complete with an appearance by Tony Bennett.

The capper: Liz is, indeed, a princess bride — donning her white “Star Wars” Princess Leia dress and those jumbo hair buns. (“Mazel Tov, Dummies!” Season 7, Episode 7).

5. Meat is the new bread: Tracy is strapped for cash, so Jack advises him to come up with a product that he can endorse and sell. The result is a bit of culinary genius called the Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. It’s a dual-press grill that melts various chunks of meat into one glorious “food ball.” Raves Tracy, “You no longer have to suffer through the bread part of your sandwich.” (“The Rural Juror”; Season 1, Episode 7).

E10 Thursday, January 31, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 31-February 10

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 31-February 3 FRIDAY.8

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association: 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

SKAGIT COMMUNITY BAND “CINEMA PARADISO, MUSIC THAT INSPIRED, TOUCHED AND MOVED YOU FROM THE SILVER SCREEN”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, Maple Hall, 108 Commercial, La Conner; 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 3, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult.

Photo courtesy www.skagit communityband.org.

Saturday.2

THEATER

DANCE

Friday.1 DANCE

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company: 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

MUSIC

“Cinema Paradiso, Music That Inspired, Touched and Moved You From the Silver Screen”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 108 Commercial, La Conner. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. www.skagitcommunityband.org.

THEATER

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY.2 MIA VERMILLION 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover.

360-399-1037.

SATURDAY.9

Thursday.31 “Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

Thursday, January 31, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MUSIC

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company, 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

“Cinema Paradiso, Music That Inspired, Touched and Moved You From the Silver Screen”: Skagit Community Band, 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. www.skagitcommunityband.org.

MUSIC

THEATER

International Guitar Night 2013: Martin Taylor, Solorazaf, Celso Machado and Brian Gore, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23-$32. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

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

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

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

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

Sunday.3 DANCE

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company, 5 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

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

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

Monday-Wednesday.4-6 No events submitted

Thursday.7 COMEDY

Toby Roberts: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Rated R. $10.

360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THEATER

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

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

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

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

SUNDAY.10

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

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

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

SATURDAY.2 CHRIS EGER BAND 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

THURSDAY.31

FRIDAY.1

Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10.

360-778-1067.

Lloyd Jones: 7 to 10 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Silver City Band: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

Badd Dog Blues Society: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Tocato Tango: 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover.

360-399-1037.

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

Michelle Taylor and the Blues Junkies: 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

El Colonel and Doubleshot (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-4453000.

SATURDAY.2 Eclecticity, The Kelu Band: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5-7. 360-7781067.

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

SUNDAY.3 Jack Mattingly & The Distractions: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Sardines: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover.

360-766-6330.

Boneyard Preachers: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Mia Vermillion (blues): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-3991037.

Wayne Hayton: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover. 360-4453000.

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

360-422-6411.

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

360-855-2263.

Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

E10 Thursday, January 31, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 31-February 10

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 31-February 3 FRIDAY.8

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association: 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

SKAGIT COMMUNITY BAND “CINEMA PARADISO, MUSIC THAT INSPIRED, TOUCHED AND MOVED YOU FROM THE SILVER SCREEN”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, Maple Hall, 108 Commercial, La Conner; 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 3, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult.

Photo courtesy www.skagit communityband.org.

Saturday.2

THEATER

DANCE

Friday.1 DANCE

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company: 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

MUSIC

“Cinema Paradiso, Music That Inspired, Touched and Moved You From the Silver Screen”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 108 Commercial, La Conner. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. www.skagitcommunityband.org.

THEATER

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY.2 MIA VERMILLION 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover.

360-399-1037.

SATURDAY.9

Thursday.31 “Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

Thursday, January 31, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MUSIC

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company, 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

“Cinema Paradiso, Music That Inspired, Touched and Moved You From the Silver Screen”: Skagit Community Band, 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15, $10 seniors/students, $30 family, free for ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult. www.skagitcommunityband.org.

MUSIC

THEATER

International Guitar Night 2013: Martin Taylor, Solorazaf, Celso Machado and Brian Gore, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23-$32. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

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

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

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

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

Sunday.3 DANCE

“Hello, my name is You: A dance/theater piece about Asperger’s syndrome”: Kuntz and Company, 5 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $15. 360-671-2626.

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

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

Monday-Wednesday.4-6 No events submitted

Thursday.7 COMEDY

Toby Roberts: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Rated R. $10.

360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THEATER

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

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

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. 360-4245144 or www.altatheatre.com.

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

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

SUNDAY.10

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

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

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

“It Runs in the Family” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16.

360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

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

SATURDAY.2 CHRIS EGER BAND 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

THURSDAY.31

FRIDAY.1

Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10.

360-778-1067.

Lloyd Jones: 7 to 10 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Silver City Band: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

Badd Dog Blues Society: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Tocato Tango: 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover.

360-399-1037.

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

Michelle Taylor and the Blues Junkies: 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

El Colonel and Doubleshot (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-4453000.

SATURDAY.2 Eclecticity, The Kelu Band: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5-7. 360-7781067.

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

SUNDAY.3 Jack Mattingly & The Distractions: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Sardines: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover.

360-766-6330.

Boneyard Preachers: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Mia Vermillion (blues): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-3991037.

Wayne Hayton: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. No cover. 360-4453000.

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

360-422-6411.

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

360-855-2263.

Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

TRAVEL

F

ERRARA, Italy — I came to Italy to test a French adage by way of an American writer, Mark Twain.

“Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose.” The more things change, the more they remain the same.

The saying had been on my mind while traveling before, usually with a book from the past clutched in my hands. On a 1991 honeymoon in the Greek Cyclades with my pockets full of love and a 1964 Nagel’s travel guide in my hands, the descriptions still fit some of the small fishing ports and dusty museums.

But when I returned to Portugal’s Algarve coastline a dozen years after I’d kept a holiday diary there, I found some parts transformed beyond recognition.

Now came another test: travel through northern Italy with a copy of Twain’s 1869 “The Innocents Abroad,” his irreverent “record of a pleasure trip” to Paris, the Mediterranean and Jerusalem.

Twain’s humorous account of the great sights of Europe and the Holy Land was a best-seller in its day, but its mocking tone was a shocking departure from the era’s solemn travelogues.

Following Twain’s entire itinerary would take far too big a chunk out of my holiday time. But, Milan, Florence and Venice, a mere fragment for Twain, was within my reach for a twoweek vacation. I wondered how our modern cynicism would hold up against his.

My family of four first headed to Milan, and much like Twain, we were drawn like a magnet to Milan’s cathedral. “That forest of graceful needles, shimmering in the amber sunlight,” the American writer wrote of the stiletto roof peaks, all topped with statues made of

LEFT: A man looks at the spires of the Milan cathedral in Milan, Italy.

ABOVE: Water traffic bustles on the Grande Canale in the heart of Venice, Italy.

Twain then, us now, on Italian time travel trip Story and photos by RAF CASERT / Associated Press

sheer grace.

When Twain was there, the duomo (Italian cathedral) was still surrounded by “pygmy housetops,” leaving it visible from within seven miles around to stand in awe of its white marble majesty.

In 21st century Milan, the piazza in front of the Gothic building still offers a glimpse of the overall vista Twain and his American travelers must have had. But beyond, the boutiques for Giorgio Armani and umpteen fashion empires, business centers and a massive football stadium now crowd in one of the biggest cathedrals in the world.

Where Twain saw the vastness of the countryside in the distance, the cathedral’s rooftop now offers views of the new Porta Nuova business district — all sleek glass, cutting edges into the skyline much like the cathedral once did.

Considering the cathedral was not even fully finished when Twain treaded the marble stairs, such changes might be obvious. But there

were other contrasts and similarities Twain would have enjoyed.

His account of a cathedral tour mocked the ghoulish relics and priceless treasures on display — two fingers of St. Paul’s, a gem-covered corpse, candlesticks in silver and gold. Stepping outside today, he surely would have noted the contemporary gaudiness that affronts not just your eyes, but literally gets in your ears.

Right across from the church, the Rinascente department store has a sunsplashed food court and bar on its top floor, where Krug Grand Cuvee champagne goes for $336 a bottle.

Surely, classic European tours of yore offered similar conspicuous consumption, but to have the garish pop tunes waft across the street and through the Gothic arches while watching magnificence in stone, was a bit much to take.

We thought of Twain in Florence, too, where he observed “how the fatigues and annoyances of travel fill one with bitter prejudices

Gondolas are snared in a traffic jam on the narrow canals of Venice. sometimes.” Visiting last summer during peak tourist season, the throngs were endless, as were spray-painted human statues on each corner and street vendors selling every ilk of cheap thrills.

But while we could see and feel the fatigue Twain endured, we were wary of becoming what contemporary travelers recognize as the incessant whiner.

Fortunately, even in Florence’s high season, you can drift into the Bargello

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E13

TRAVEL Local travel “JAPAN: HOME GARDENS, ANCIENT RICE FIELDS AND SEAFOOD FEASTS IN KISAKATA”: 6:45 p.m. today, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Peter Heffelfinger will share photos from his recent trip to Anacortes’ sister city, focusing on home and rural vegetable gardens, historic shrine gardens and commercial rice paddies that have been maintained for seven generations in one of Japan’s premier rice-growing and sake-producing areas.

He’ll also show photos of a Kisakata farmers market/ food co-op and the large fish/produce market in the city of Akita. Free. www.tran sitionfidalgo.org.

This photo shows a view from the Bridge of Sighs onto the canals of Venice, Italy. museum and see sublime art in soothing circumstances.

Go in and around Cappella Brancacci and the Boboli gardens across the river and have a Renaissance calm wash over you.

When we got to Venice, we discovered that current guidebooks, despite magnificent graphics and pictures, often could not match Twain’s prose. As he fell under the city’s spell, his sarcasm subsided: His complaint about the “caterwauling” of the gondolier on a “rusty old canoe” became an ode to the sight of marble reflected on glittering waves, “soft and dreamy and beautiful,” as he took his readers from palace to gondola and back.

During our visit to the Ducal Palace and its Bridge of Sighs by St. Mark’s Square, it was as if Twain took us by the hand and led us through, much better than any modern audio tour could. Even his political analysis chillingly conjured the Doges’ cruel rule and

the hopeless fate of prisoners from centuries ago: “The doomed man was marched down a hall and out at a door-way into the covered Bridge of Sighs, through it and into the dungeon and unto his death.”

Later, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Twain re-emerged as a cynic, siding with my family against me in giving the building the thumbs down. I thought it awe-inspiring but Twain only found “unlovely Byzantine architecture” filled with “coarse mosaics.”

There was one thing left before our trip was over: Not to find another of Twain’s places, but instead to experience the ambience that permeates the book, that of voluptuous luxury travel in a foreign land where riches may be enjoyed away from the masses. For all the author’s notes about the squalor, filth and ruins he encountered on his tours, there were just as many descriptions of parties where champagne flowed.

Being many rungs below

the caste of the super-rich, sampling that lifestyle proved somewhat of a challenge in the 21st century.

Yet we found it in between Florence and Venice when we landed for a day in the provincial town of Ferrara.

Our hotel, Annunziata, was as affordable as it was sumptuous, with by far the best breakfast bounty of local produce we ever found in Italy, and beyond.

A stone’s throw away was the marble-clad duomo and several museums, with nary a tourist in sight.

Off went the kids, Clara and Corneel, into the evening for Kasabian’s open-air concert. My wife Reine and I lazed through the streets and a park before settling among the locals with prosecco to watch the sun turn a deeper shade of gold. Over an excellent yet simple pasta dinner served al fresco in an alley alongside the cathedral, we felt we had become Twain’s “innocents abroad.”

Would he have mocked us, or joined us? We didn’t care.

lands and natural wetlands.

After a no-host lunch, check out the seasonal flora and fauna of the arboretum’s 230 acres on the shores of Lake Washington. Both tours include walking up to one mile and uneven surfaces. $61-$63. Register by April 12.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For information or to register: 360-7334030, press #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/index.php/ Tours.

Next up: Chocolate Delights and Country Village: 8:30 a.m.

DAY TRIPS: Camano Cen- to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Enjoy handmade, old ter offers trips for seniors and others, departing from Austrian-recipe chocolates served by traditional dirndland returning to Camano dressed chocolatiers, then Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. 360- visit the one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops at Coun387-0222 or www.camano try Village. $59, includes center.org. transportation, chocolate Frye Museum and Voltour, lunch and escort. Regunteer Park Conservatory ister by Feb. 9.

Tour: Tuesday, Feb. 12: Baroque Painting ClasEnjoy a docent tour of the sics: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

60-year-old Frye Museum, Tuesday, March 19. Travel lunch in its cafe, and to the Seattle Art Museum then tour the 100-year-old to see the works of Remconservatory. $21-$26, includes tour and transpor- brandt, Hals, Reynolds, Romney, Turner and Van tation. Lunch on your own.

Dyck. $65. $10 additional for nonmembers. Includes SHORT TRIPS: Mount transportation, museum Vernon Parks and Recreadmission and escort. ation offers travel opportunities for ages 12 and older STANWOOD SENIOR (adult supervision required CENTER TRIPS: The Stanfor ages 18 and younger). wood Senior Center offers For information or to regisoccasional trips around ter, call 360-336-6215. the Puget Sound area and Next up: Olympia Capitol Tour and beyond, departing from and Exploration: 8 a.m. to 5:30 returning to the Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanp.m. Wednesday, March 6, wood. For information or departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, Mount reservations, contact Sandy Vernon. Enjoy a private tour Kitchens at 360-629-7403. of the Legislature building, PASSPORT APPLICAno-host lunch and exploTIONS: The Anacortes ration of more local and historical attractions around Public Library accepts U.S. Olympia. $61-$63. Register passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays

by Feb. 27. and Wednesdays, and 1 to Bellevue Botanical Gar4 p.m. Saturdays at 1220 den and Washington Park 10th St., Anacortes. PassArboretum: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 19, depart- port forms and information on fees and how to apply ing from and returning to are available at http:// Hillcrest Park, Mount Vernon. Enjoy a docent-led tour travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport of 53 acres of cultivated guide at the library. gardens, restored wood-

Valentine’s events this week DADDY DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE: 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1, Burlington Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington.

Enjoy dancing with music from DJ Mike Yeoman, photos, dessert, raffle prizes, goodie bags and more. $20 per couple, $5 additional girls.

Advance tickets only, Parks and Recreation Office, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington, or call 360-755-9649.

RED WINE AND CHOCOLATE: Sample a variety of wines and fine chocolates during the eighth annual Red Wine and Chocolate Festival, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 1-3, at several area wineries: n Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360-848-6673 or www.carpenter creek.com. n Pasek Cellars, 18729 Fir Island Road, Conway. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 888-3509463 or www.pasek cellars.com. n Silver Bell Winery, 106 S. First St., La Conner. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 360-757-9463 or www.silverbell winery.com. n Dusty Cellars, 529 Michael Way, Camano Island. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday. 360-387-2171 or www.dustycellars. net.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

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

“BIG DEAL” LUNCH MENU EVERYTHING UNDER 9.99

VALENTINE'S SPECIAL THURSDAY, FEB 14 • 4pm-9pm

‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4

Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (pictured) is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up.

Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope — and the unforgettable friends that help us through life.

Rated PG-13. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under.

Bargain matinee rices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

International Guitar Night 2013 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2

International Guitar Night is the world’s premier touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most interesting and innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting.

For each tour, IGN founder Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries to join him for special evenings of solos, duets, and quartets that highlight the dexterity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. This year he will be sharing the stage with Martin Taylor, Solorazaf and Celso Machado. $32, $29, $26 and $23, with $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members.

Please recycle this newspaper

Appetizer – Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with Wasabi Aioli & Chives Salad Course – Spring Mix Greens with Burgundy Pears, Bacon, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Candied Walnuts & Champagne Vinaigrette or Classic Caesar Salad Entree – 8oz. Roasted Prime Rib with Shrimp Scampi and Fingerling Potatoes with Herb Butter or Prosciutto Wrapped Wild Salmon with Artichoke & Sun-dried Tomato Blanc served with Basil & Parmesan Orzo Accompaniments – Roasted Vegetables, Bread Basket & butter Dessert – Rich Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream ball & Raspberry Drizzle Champagne – $3/glass or $16/bottle

360.466.4411

$22.95 per person – Reservations Encouraged

LaConner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

WHERE THE LOCALS DINE! • Sunday Breakfast Buffet: 10am-1:30pm, $9.95 • Tilapia Lunch Special: 11:30am-4pm, $7.95 • 3-Course Early Bird Menu: 4-6pm, $15.95 • Steak & Prawn Special: Sun-Thur, $9.95

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8AM-10AM Mini breakfast not included.

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Not valid on alcohol, catering or on specials. Valid at restaurant only. Coupons cannot be combined.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E15

Blackened Pacific Salmon Sunday – Thursday, 5 - 9 pm

Conway Pub & EatEry

Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily, 7 am – 1:30 pm • Sunday – Thursday, 5 – 9 pm Friday & Saturday, 5 – 10 pm

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Visit Rewards Club Center for details. Management reserves all rights.

Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

participate in the exhibit, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit South Whidbey’s Hearts and Hammers, whose volunteers help Whidbey residents who are unable physically or financially to care for their homes.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends (Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment). 360-2223070 or www.robschouten gallery.com.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK: Check out a variety of art on display during a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1, at several galleries and other venues in downtown Anacortes.

Featured artworks include paintings and prints, baskets, sculptures, pastels, fiber arts, glass, ceramics, wood, photography, jewelry and more. 360-293-6938.

LORNA LIBERT: OILS: The show of new paintings will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1, and continue through Feb. 25 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also showing are abstract oils by Carole Barrer, watercolors

by Jan Gellatly, photograph encaustics by Kathy Hastings and watercolors by Keith Sorenson. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 360-293-6938 or www.scottmilo.com.

NEW PAINTINGS: A show of new paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and continue through Feb. 28 at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

The show will also feature works by other gallery artists, including paintings and prints, sculptures, glass, ceramics, jewelry, turned wood, baskets and handwoven scarves. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.

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

“THE WHIMSEY OF WOMEN”: Experience the whimsey of local female artists from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri-

‘ARTISTS IN LOVE: WITH LIFE AND EACH OTHER’

The sixth annual “Love Month” art show will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and continue through Feb. 28, at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The exhibit will feature Mary Jo Oxrieder’s latest miniature paintings, handmade art cards and more, new paintings in Windwalker Taibi’s “Ravens in Love” series and whimsical lizard and fish pen and ink creations by Tim Potter. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-222-0102 or visit www.ravenrocksgallery.com. Pictured: “Soulmates” by Windwalker Taibi day, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1-2, at the Gallery at the Depot, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. The show includes paintings, photography, authors, jewelry, fiber and more. 360-2936938.

“GHOSTS”: The exhibition will open with a reception during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and continue through Feb.

24 at Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Participating photographers and video artists reflect on the human desire to record and venerate our memories, exploring the ways memory shapes who we are and who we long to be. Featured artists include Bill Finger, Ford Gilbreath, Michelle Alexis Newman, Forrest Kahlil Perrine, Justin Colt Beckman and Joe Rudko. Curated by Caitlin

Argyle. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. www. anchorartspace.org.

ART FOR HEARTS & HAMMERS: The benefit art show will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and continue through Feb. 25 at Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. More than 30 Whidbey Island artists will

RAINY DAY ART WEEKEND IN LA CONNER: Check out a variety of rain-inspired art Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3, in La Conner. Galleries and shops all over town will feature rain-inspired artwork, window displays and front-stoop decorations, along with rainy weather comfort food in the local restaurants and pubs. For information, contact the La Conner Chamber of Commerce at 360-466-4778 or visit www.laconnercham ber.com.

“IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR GRANDMOTHERS: CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE N.W. COAST AND ANCESTRAL TRADITION”: The exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 8, and continue through March 24 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St., La Conner. The show will feature artworks by John Goodwin, Macah, and Peter Dunthorne from Upper Skagit.

A reception for the artists will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.

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

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

Focusing on the subject of birds, this exhibition features artwork by more than 40 local artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or www. smithandvallee.com.

ART EXHIBIT: Original prints by Skagit Valley artists Natalie Niblack and Kris Ekstrand Molesworth will be on view until 7 p.m. through today, Jan. 31, at the Rexville Grocery, 19271 Best Road, Mount Vernon.

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

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

“SHADES OF BLUE”: The invitational art show celebrating the beauty of “blue” continues through Jan. 30 at Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. Participating artists include Robert Adamson, Maryon Attwood, Anne Belov, Karen Bolstad, Dan Freeman, Dan Ishler, Pete Jordan, Barbara Mundell, Kathleen Otley, Rob Schouten, Sharon Spencer, Jan Swalwell, Lloyd Whannell and Angéle Woolery.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 BIRD FESTIVAL INVITA- a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends TIONAL: The second annu- (Tuesdays and Wednesdays al Edison Bird Festival by appointment). 360-222Invitational Art Show will 3070 or www.robschouten open with a reception from gallery.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E17

OUT & ABOUT MORE SMALL PAINTINGS: A show featuring small paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool concludes today, Jan. 31, at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

The show also includes paintings and prints by Cathy Schoenberg, sculptures by Tracy Powel, glass art by Bob Metke, ceramics

by Patsy Thola Chamberlain, jewelry by Carole Cunningham and Debbie Aldrich, turned wood by George Way, baskets by Jane Hyde and handwoven scarves by Martha Tottenham. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-3577 or www.annemartinmccool. com.

MoNA EXHIBITIONS: Two new exhibits continue through March 13 at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

“Eduardo Calderón: Portraits of 20 Northwest Artists”: Calderón interviewed a cross section of Northwest artists ranging in age, background and mediums each uses to make art, and photographed the artists in their homes. The exhibition includes Calderón’s audio and transcribed interviews with the artists about influences, backgrounds and what brought them to the Northwest (if the artist was not already a native). The show also includes works by each artist.

“Black and White Color Study from the Permanent Collection”: Presenting black, a symbol for sophistication and authority, and white, which suggests purity and neutrality, the exhibition offers an atypical look at the Northwest palette.

Plus, excerpts from studies that tackle the question, “Are black and white col-

ors?” as well as the science and history behind black and white.

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

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

“CHICANITAS: SMALL PAINTINGS FROM THE CHEECH MARIN COLLECTION”: Works collected by actor/comedian Cheech Marin are being featured through March 24 at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. The show features 65 paintings from Marin’s collection by 26 Mexican-American artists – averaging 16 inches square and smaller and ranging from photorealism to portraits and landscapes. Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; open until 8 p.m. Thursdays and at 10 a.m. Saturdays. $10, $8 student/senior/military, $4.50 ages 4 and younger. $5 reduced admission on Thursdays. 360-778-8930 or www.whatcommuseum. org.

“SURFACE”: Artworks

by Northwest printmakers Twila Tate, Theo Jonsson and Jean Behnke are on display through March 1 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center on SVC’s Mount Vernon campus. The three Skagit Valley artists investigate surface tension through the use of pattern, texture, rhythm, line and color to creat abstract and representational compositions. n An artists’ talk will take place at 12:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 4. n A closing reception

will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21.

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

“FIRST SNOW”: Works

by Aleut artist Thomas Stream are featured in a new show at Arctic Raven Gallery, 130 S. First St., Friday Harbor. Stream uses geometric designs embodied in his creatures to reflect the importance of Aleut spiritual beliefs.

888-378-3222 or www.arctic raven.com.

FESTIVALS “UNA COMUNIDAD DE DIVERSIÓN”: Enjoy family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. Follow the groundhog to Latino arts and crafts activities, youth arts performances, art exhibits and more. $3, free for museum members. 360778-8930 or www.whatcom museum.org.

ing tours hosted by the North Cascades Institute.

360-766-6230 or www. edisonbirdfestival.com.

LECTURES AND TALKS “THE VOLCANO IN OUR BACKYARD: Mount Baker: Eruption History, Hazards, Monitoring”: 7 p.m. today, Jan. 31, Phillip Tarro Theater, Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Volcanologist Dave Tucker, director of the Mount Baker Volcano Research Center, will offer a free presentation sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Skagit-Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley College Center for Learning and Teaching. http://mbvrc. wordpress.com.

“GLOBAL WARMING’S IMPACTS ON THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST: SEPARATING FACTS FROM HYPE”: Dr. Cliff Mass will deliver the keynote address at the Sound Waters Conference, set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Oak Harbor High School, 950 NW Second Ave., Oak CONCRETE MARDI Harbor. Learn the latest GRAS: The parade lineup about Puget Sound and the will begin at 2 p.m. SatNorthwest environment at urday, Feb. 9, near the this one-day “university” Concrete post office. The for everyone, which will parade will begin at 2:30 feature more than 60 classp.m. down Main Street to Town Center. No entry fee. es and presentations. $40, Mardis Gras colors encour- $25 students. 360-678-7837 or http://beachwatchers. aged: green, gold and purnet/soundwaters/. ple. For information, contact the Concrete Chamber “NAVY, A GLOBAL of Commerce, 360-853-8784 FORCE FOR GOOD”: 7 p.m. or www.concrete-wa.com.

Thursday, Feb. 7, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th BIRD FESTIVAL: The second annual Edison Bird St., Anacortes. Recently retired U.S. Navy Captain Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. Kevin Meenaghan will talk about the diplomatic 9-10, in and around the efforts of U.S. Navy pertown of Edison. The fessonnel, ports the Navy tival will kick off with the visits across the globe and, Chicken Parade in downtown Edison and continue specifically, the community service and humanitarian with art demonstrations, live raptor talks, and birdefforts our service men and

women provide. Free. 360873-8835.

College of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University. DiscusBEACH WATCHERS sion and refreshments will LECTURE: Friends of follow. Everyone welcome.

Skagit Beaches will present www.friendsoftheacfl.org.

“Monitoring Our Marine Environment: The FukushiVALENTINE’S DINNER/ ma Tsunami and the Pacific DANCE: Immaculate ConGyre: What Happens to All ception Church will host the Debris and Why?” from a fundraising Italian pasta 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, dinner and dance from 6 to at the NESD Building, 1601 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at St. R Ave., Anacortes. Dr. Jan Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th Newton of the University St., Mount Vernon. Dinner of Washington School of will be served from 6 to 7:30 Oceanography is the direc- p.m., with dancing from 7 to tor for NANOOS, a vast 10 p.m. Free childcare. $15. network that collects data 360-336-6622. on the physical, chemical and biological traits of NEW MOON FAMILY waters in Puget Sound and DRUM CIRCLE: 7:30 p.m. off the North American Saturday, Feb. 9, Anacortes west coast. Dr. Newton Center for Happiness, will explain how all this 619 Commercial Ave., information helps scientists Anacortes. The Rev. Elke model, understand interac- Macartney will lead the tions and answer questions event to drum in new ideas such as the effects of the for the month and drum Fukushima tsunami. Free. out the old. Bring your For information, email hand drums and rattles or cherrytree2@comcast.net. borrow hers. Suggested donation: $5-$10. 360-4642229 or www.anacortes MORE FUN centerforhappiness.org.

GLOBALFEST 2013: Enjoy international music, MUSIC food, speakers, displays, classes, films and more JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY: through Feb. 21 at Skagit The John Anderson Trio will Valley College in Mount perform from 2 to 3 p.m.

Vernon. For a complete Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Anaschedule of events, call cortes Public Library, 1220 360-416-7600 or visit www. 10th St., Anacortes. Free. skagit.edu.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

FRIEND OF THE FOREST: Friends of the AnaSKAGIT TOPICS: Cancortes Community Forest nery Underground will Lands will hold its annual perform original Northwest membership meeting from folk music with a touch of 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, humor and a nautical twist Feb. 6, at The Depot, 611 from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, R Ave., Anacortes. Guest Feb. 16, at the Skagit Counspeaker Dr. Robin Matty Historical Museum, 501 S. thews will talk about what Fourth St., La Conner. Free is happening in Heart Lake with museum admission. $4, and the broader picture of $3 seniors and children ages freshwater quality issues 6 to 12, $8 families, free for in the region. Matthews is members and children ages the director of the Institute 5 and younger. 360-466for Watershed Studies, 3365 or www.skagitcounty. and a professor in Huxley net/museum.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, January 31, 2013

MOVIES

Three ‘Stand Up’ actors elevate crime comedy

S

ometimes it’s all about the casting. The notice of a screening came around, I read the names Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin, and it didn’t matter in a way what the movie was about — although it didn’t hurt that it was a crime movie.

Apart from any objective ranking of the actors, Roger Walken is a spice in Ebert any screenplay, and in “Stand Up Guys” there’s room for at least as much spice as goulash. Director Fisher Stevens begins with a permissive screenplay by Noah Haidle that exists in no particular city, for no particular reason than to give the actors the pleasure of riffing through more or less standard set-pieces.

Consider first the city. I know where it was filmed, but that information is a distraction. This is a generic city — like the city in “Sunrise,” which feathers out into shadows and defeat. It is hardly even populated. In a plot that takes the guys into the night and the next morning, the characters seem to be nighthawks, framed by an empty space. They hang out in a diner with hardly any customers, they drive on streets with hardly any cars, and when they visit a brothel hardly anyone seems to care about sex.

That the brothel visit involves Al Pacino with Viagra is inevitable, I guess, and the drug’s results are so exaggerated here that physical laws seem to be violated.

There is also a wacky chase scene with Alan Arkin trans-

Christopher Walken (from left), Alan Arkin and Al Pacino star in “Stand Up Guys.”

Roadside Attractions via AP

‘STAND UP GUYS’ HHH1⁄2

Val.............................................................. Al Pacino Doc.............................................. Christopher Walken Hirsch........................................................ Alan Arkin Nina Hirsch.................................... Julianna Margulies Claphands............................................Mark Margolis Wendy...................................................... Lucy Punch n Running time: 95 minutes. MPAA rating: R (for language, sexual content, violence and brief drug use).

ferring more or less from a hospital bed to behind a wheel. And a bad guy named Claphands (Mark Margolis) who exists entirely to fuel the plot. How do you get a name like Claphands? If it’s a nickname, how do I know it’s not about applause?

The setup involves Val (Al Pacino) being released from prison, and being met in the barren street outside by Doc (Christopher Walken). They have a history. We see it in their faces.

We learn Val has finished a 28-year sentence, served

because he was a ... standup guy. We learn Val served time for killing Claphands’ son. We learn that Doc was at the scene of that murder.

There’s something else we don’t learn right away, but it’s there, coiling in the dank shadows between Doc and Val. It plain doesn’t matter how Val killed the Claphands heir, or why.

These are plug-on details.

What it comes down to is that Doc has been ordered to kill Val, and intends to.

Claphands leaves him

no choice.

But that need not be said yet. Doc has a deadline by which be must commit Claphands’ act of vengeance — a deadline that exists only for the purpose of supplying the film with urgency. If you haven’t seen an old criminal crony in 28 years and you have to kill him, obviously you drill him as soon as convenient. The clock ticks down entirely for the entertainment of the audience and the convenience of the director.

But no. Doc and Val first have to collect another stand-up guy, Hirsch (Alan Arkin). He was their gang’s old driver, now hooked up to oxygen in a hospital. They go to see him, spring him from the hospital, and the plot provides reasons why he must drive for them once again. The best reason is that this is an Obligatory Plot Point.

So we’re given yet

one more chase scene.

And the movie provides us with subplots involving women. There is the Obligatory Brothel Scene, which observes the rule that before one stand-up guy kills another, they must first bond with sex, as a salute to their old lives. Val’s overdose of Viagra has triggered such alarming tumescence that he is rushed to an emergency room. You’d think the brothel would have firstaid measures to treat such a condition, but no. It is a spoiler to tell you one of the hospital nurses, Nina (Julianna Margulies), is Hirsch’s daughter. She tells them her dad is in another hospital, which provides two coincidences for the price of one.

The other woman is Wendy (Lucy Punch), who inherited the brothel from her mom, who no doubt was the sporting partner of Val, Doc and Hirsch when the stand-up guys didn’t use Viagra.

What do the reunited stand-up guys do during their hours between the reunion at the hospital and the death deadline?

Cycle through a series of scenes designed to allow these three iconic actors to behave and interact, that’s what. Pacino, with the raspy voice of long, low insistence.

Walken, who patiently leads others through the logic of the malignant situation he has put them in. Arkin, who talks like the play-by-play announcer during a game with Fate.

For the rest, there’s how the city looks. This is no place for enterprising young men. Every location, we feel, should have one of those London blue plaques, informing the tourist what unspeakable things happened there. These men move through the monuments of sad lives. They have not lost the gift of bitter amusement.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - E19

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Broken City” — From a lurid and predictable plot, “Broken City” is the sworn enemy of subtle. It’s a big, juicy, sometimes clunky, political crime thriller that plays like a 21st-century B-movie. It’s also pretty trashy and sometimes stupid. But there’s never a moment when you won’t be entertained on one level or another. Thanks to a great cast — Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg and terrific supporting players Barry Pepper, Kyle Chandler, Jeffrey Wright and Griffin Dunne — you’ll have a good time even when the script is breaking bad. Crime drama, R, 109 minutes. HHH “Lincoln” — Steven Spielberg’s new film focuses on only a few months of Lincoln’s life, including the passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, the surrender of the Confederacy and his assassination.

Rarely has a film attended more carefully to the details of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis creates a Lincoln who is calmly self-confident, patient and willing to play politics in a realistic way. Not about an icon of history, but about a president who was scorned by some of his opponents as a hayseed from the backwoods. He understood them better than they did him.

Sure to win many Academy Award nominations. Drama, PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH “Mama” — To the credit of director Andy Muschietti, his co-writing team and a firstrate cast, “Mama” succeeds in scaring the wits out of us and leaving some lingering, deeply creepy images, despite indulging in many horror-film cliches. Movies like “Mama” are thrill rides. We go to be scared and then laugh, scared and then laugh, scared and then shocked. And of course, there’s almost always a little plot left over for a sequel.

It’s a ride horror fans would take again. Horror, PG-13, 100 minutes. HHH “Movie 43” — As the ads for “Movie 43” promised

(threatened?), you can’t unsee this thing, so please: Stay away. Even if you might think that sitting through “Movie 43” would be an adventure along the lines of experiencing “Showgirls” or “Howard the Duck,” you’ll be filled with regret five minutes into this atrocity. There’s camp-fun bad and interestingly horrible bad, and then there’s just awful. “Movie 43” is the “Citizen Kane” of awful. Comedy, R, 90 minutes. Zero stars “Quartet” — A sweet, sentimental, predictable story set in a luxurious British retirement home for actors and opera singers. First-time director Dustin Hoffman has his heart in the right place and loves these characters.

His screen is filled with legends (Tom Courtenay, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Gwyneth Jones). But much is unlikely, including the theory that a gala on Verdi’s birthday could raise enough cash to save the elegant manor.

Comedy drama, PG-13, 99 minutes. HH1⁄2 “Rise of the Guardians” — Hyperactive 3D animated fantasy regarding the plight of Jack Frost, who nobody seems able to see. Called upon in a crisis to help the Guardians (Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, etc.), he saves the day. Younger children like the breakneck action, magical ability to fly, and the young hero who has tired of being overlooked.

Animated adventure, PG, 89 minutes. HHH “Stand Up Guys” — Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin were in the same gang, and after Pacino is released following a 28-year prison sentence, they unite for a long day and night as an implacable deadline approaches. Comedy, chase scenes, some tension and, above all, the acting of the Stand Up Guys. Crime comedy, R, 95 minutes. Three and a half stars. HHH1⁄2 “The Last Stand” — To call “The Last Stand” gratuitously violent is to pay the movie a compliment. It’s sort of the whole point. In his first starring role since “Terminator 3” in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger gets the job done as a sleepy border-town sheriff in hot pursuit of a

notorious drug lord. Packed with high-speed chases and ear-shattering explosions, “The Last Stand” delivers a half-dozen quality kills that will leave audiences squirming and then laughing at the sheer audacity of it all. This is what Arnold does best: big-gun violence and oneliner laughs. He’s still got it. Action, R, 107 minutes.

HHH “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” — “The Hobbit” is stuffed with Hollywood’s latest technology — 3-D, high-speed projection and Dolby’s Atmos surround sound system. The result is some eye candy that truly dazzles and some that utterly distracts, at least in its test-run of 48 frames a second, double the projection rate that has been standard since silent-film days. It’s also overstuffed with, well, stuff. Prologues and sidestepping backstory.

Long, boring councils among dwarves, wizards and elves.

A shallow blood feud extrapolated from sketchy appendices to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to give the film a bad guy. Fantasyaction, PG-13, 169 minutes.

HH1⁄2 “The Impossible” — The tsunami that devastated the Pacific Basin in the winter of 2004 remains one of the worst natural disasters in history. Many around the world sat mesmerized, watching the news on TV -– again and again, that towering wall of water looming from the sea, tossing trucks, buses and its helpless victims aside. In this terrifying triumph of special effects, Juan Antonio Bayona’s film becomes a powerful story of a family’s cohesive strength.

With Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland.

One of 2012’s best. Drama, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHHH “Zero Dark Thirty” — Two hours of watching a loner CIA strategist who knows she is right — and the payoff that she is. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, providing the film with a timely heroine. Lots of murky action in the big capture and death, but lacking the split-second timing and relentless action of director Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.” Thriller, R, 157 minutes. HHH

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Feb. 1-7 Anna Karenina (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 Life of Pi (PG): Friday-Thursday: 1:20 Silver Linings Playbook (R): FridaySaturday: 3:55, 6:40, 9:15; SundayThursday: 3:55, 6:40 Lincoln (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:10, 4:05, 7:00 360-293-7000 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

CONCRETE THEATRE Feb. 1-3 Les Miserables (PG-13): Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

360-941-0403

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Feb. 1-7 Mama (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 4:05, 7:00, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 4:05, 7:00 Django Unchained (R): Friday-Thursday: 1:00, 4:20, 7:40 Silver Linings Playbook (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:00; SundayThursday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Feb. 1-7 Bullet to the Head (R): 1:15, 4:05, 6:50, 8:55 Warm Bodies (PG-13): 1:10, 3:55, 6:40, 9:05 Zero Dark Thirty (R): 1:05, 4:20, 7:40 Silver Linings Playbook (R): 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:00 Lincoln (PG-13): 1:20, 4:15, 7:30 360-629-0514

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