360 November 20, 2014

RYAN SHUPE AND THE RUBBERBAND – LIVELY BLUEGRASS AT MCINTYRE HALL PAGE 4

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday November 20, 2014

ON STAGE SVC drama department presents “Landscape with Weapon” tonight PAGE 10

COMING UP Check out the Skagit Wine and Beer Festival on Saturday in Mount Vernon

PAGE 3

TUNING UP Wayne Hayton plays the Conway Muse on Friday night PAGE 11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “If I Stay”: A teen mator since Walt DisUpcoming ney who understands (Chloe Grace Moretz) as deeply how to make must decide between DVD releases their work become life and death.

Following is a partial more than just a proDirector R.J. Cutschedule of coming movies jection of light and ler’s film of Gayle on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: sound. Animation is an Forman’s best-selling art form that’s lifted novel is a complex NOV. 25 to amazing heights examination of how A Madea Christmas when in the hands of a love takes many forms The Giver master craftsman like and each version can The Expendables 3 November Man Miyazaki. bring its own heartStep Up 5: All In “Power Rangers lifting highs and heartWhat If Megaforce: Robo breaking lows. How Merry Friggin Christmas Knight Before Christwe deal with it is what Beyond the Edge mas”: One Power shapes us as human DEC. 2 Ranger goes on a jourbeings and serves as Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ney to find the true the blueprint of the The Hundred-Foot Journey meaning of Christmas. film.

As Above, So Below “Reclaim”: AdopThe Congress “If I Stay” never The Simpsons: Season 17 tion leads couple into falls into an emotional battle with man runfunk. Cutler flows n McClatchy-Tribune News Service ning human-trafficking between the presring. John Cusack ent and the past to stars. show the teen’s loving “Three Dogateers”: Three dogs connection to her family, music and fend for themselves a few days before friends in her life. This design makes it difficult to predict where this story will Christmas.

“Ragnarok”: Archaeologist looks end, an accomplishment considering for proof to myth about the end of the the limited options. world.

Stacy Keach turns in the perfor“Northpole”: Santa’s home is in mance of his career. trouble.

“And So It Goes”: Veteran real “Jeff Dunham: All Over the Map”: estate agent faces being a grandfather.

Stand-up comedy special.

The combination of Academy “Masterpiece: Worricker: Turks Award winners Michael Douglas and & Caicos”: Sun, sand and CIA are Diane Keaton with Oscar-nominated themes of Johnny’s (Bill Nighy) retiredirector Rob Reiner should add up ment on a Caribbean island. to something more magical than this “The Jimmy Wang Yu Collection”: bland offering. What keeps this mature Includes four martial arts movies. romantic comedy from being a winner “Brazilian Western”: Film adaptais a script by Mark Andrus that starts out vapid and barely rises to mediocre. tion of the song “Faroeste Caboclo.”

“Frozen Sing-Along Edition”: Douglas and Keaton give it their best Bouncing snowflake helps you follow shot as two bickering New England the lyrics. neighbors. Their best isn’t enough.

“Masterpiece: Worricker — Salting “Into the Storm”: This is the latest the Battlefields”: Johnny (Bill Nighy) attempt to pull off the “found footage” style, but it stumbles so often it takes a manages to stay a step ahead of an international dragnet. lot of wind out of the sails of this film “The Paradise: Season Two”: Britabout massive tornadoes. Couple that ain’s first department store re-opens with some absurd dialogue and scenes its doors for a second season. that look like they were lifted out of “Women of the Bible”: Examianother movie, and this movie is little nation of influential and inspiring more than a cheesy cable film with women in the Bible. a lot more money to spend and a lot “As the Light Goes Out”: Firefightfewer sharks. ers battle to save Hong Kong.

“The Wind Rises”: Animated film “Wolfblood Season 2”: Series about about a young man who finds magic high school students who part human, in flight. It would be a great loss if this part wolf. does end up being Hayao Miyazaki’s n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee last movie. There hasn’t been an ani-

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

Tuning Up Page 11

Nick Vigarino plays Anelia’s Kitchen and Stage in La Conner on Saturday night SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com, vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

This Weekend...................................... 3 Out & About.....................................5-7 Get Involved........................................ 8 On Stage............................................ 10 Tuning Up......................................... 11 Music Reviews................................... 12 Holiday Events.................................. 13 At the Lincoln.................................... 14 Hot Tickets........................................ 16 Travel................................................. 17 Movie Listings, Reviews..............18-19

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E3

COMING UPin the area FILMS WITH FRIENDS Friends of Skagit Beaches presents its 2014 Environmental Film Series at 7 p.m. Fridays at the Northwest Education Services District Building, 1601 R Ave. Anacortes. Enjoy free screenings of feature-length films on issues concerning Puget Sound/Salish Sea waters.

Short films made by young, local filmmakers for Friends of Skagit Beaches’ Trail Tales Program start each screening. Free admission and popcorn. skagitbeaches.org.

Next up:

Pat LaCroix / Getty Images

The Skagit Wine and Beer Festival will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn, 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon. Enjoy wine, beer and spirit tastings, food, chocolate and cheese samples.

Ages 21 and older only. Advance tickets: $40 individual, $70 couples. $20 VIP upgrade gets early admission at 3 p.m. $50 at the door. 360-428-8547 or mountvernonchamber.com.

WINE & BEER FEST

Nov. 21: “The Whale — The True Story of Luna”: The film tells the story of a young, wild killer whale — an orca nicknamed Luna — who lost contact with his family on the coast of British Columbia and turned up alone in a narrow stretch of sea called Nootka Sound, where he tried to make contact with people.

STAR PARTY Explore the night sky and view distant galaxies, nebulas and planets beginning at dark Friday, Nov. 21, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. Island County Astronomical Society members will provide an assortment of telescopes for viewing. All ages welcome. Free. The event will be canceled if cloudy. 360-679-7664 or icas-wa.webs. com.

SEVENTH GENERATION SUPPER Transition Fidalgo & Friends will host a community supper at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. Come and share what you’ve grown, created, written and discovered, whether it’s art, gardening, time bank exchanges, travel, arts and crafts or community projects — finished, unfinished, small, large, tangible and intangible. Tables will be set up around the room for sharing work. Bring songs, instruments, stories, poems, jokes and good cheer for some old-time entertainment after supper. Open to all, no reservations necessary. Suggested supper donation: $5 adult, $3 for ages 10 and younger. Bring your own place setting. transitionfidalgo.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

ON STAGE

An eclectic musical experience with

RYAN SHUPE & THE RUBBERBAND Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband When: 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 21 Where: McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

Tickets: $25. 360-4167727, ext. 2, or mcintyre hall.org.

The quintet features witty lyrics, funny antics, sing-alongs and ballads, coupled with hot solos The local music environment gets a vibrant and vocal harmonies. shot in the arm this week as Ryan Shupe & Shupe leads the way for the group, which is the Rubberband perform Friday, Nov. 21, at based in Salt Lake City. He comes from a famMcIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. ily of violin and fiddle players, and has been Shupe and his cohorts employ a “lively playing professionally since before the age of hybrid style of bluegrass infused with flavors of 10. rap, rock and contemporary country,� according to a news release.

Skagit Valley Herald staff

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E5

OUT & ABOUT ART PLEIN AIR ART: Salish Sea Plein Air Artists’ seventh annual show is on display through Nov. 30 at the Rexville Deli and Gallery, 19271 Best Road, Mount Vernon. For information, visit Salish Sea Plein Air Artists on Facebook.

“ORGANISMS”: The show featuring new work by sculptor Peregrine O’Gormley and painter Lindsay Kohles continues through Nov. 30 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

Grounded in the wonder and beauty of common natural forms, O’Gormley combines timeless imagery with his passion for carving, utilizing wood that is sustainably harvested, salvaged, dead standing trees, drift logs or gifts from oldtimer collections, according to a news release.

Kohles creates carefully rendered, subtly absurd creatures, adding elements from one familiar creature to another, changing its means of communication and movement, as well as its motives.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 360766-6230 or smithand vallee.com.

PAINTINGS & VESSELS: A show of paintings by Becky Fletcher and vessels

by Allen Moe continues through Dec. 14 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial Ave., La Conner. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday.

360-708-4787 or gallery cygnus.com.

NEW ACRYLICS AT SCOTT MILO

festival features the work of more than 100 local artisans and craftspeople offering handmade products including jewelry, paintings, wearable art, specialty foods, repurposed art and more. Enjoy live music, artist demos and workshops, and fun art projects for kids. 360-676-8548 or allied arts.org.

“STEEL AND WOOD”: Check out new work by local steel artists Neil Harrigan and Mark Schrader at The Shop, 18623 Main St., Conway. Paintings by Mount Vernon artist Lance Nelson are also on display.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 360-391-2691 or theshopconway.com.

A show of new acrylic paintings by Camano Island artist Dianna Shyne continues through Dec. 2 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also showing: oils by James Moore, pastels by Barbara Benedetti Newton, acrylics by Larry Heald and abstract oils by Mira Kamada. The gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

Pictured: “Water Taxi Dock” by Dianna Shyne.

MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS: A show of new paintings by La Conner artist Peter Belknap continues through Nov. 30 at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Belknap’s works include layers upon layers of mixed media on canvas.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 360-293-3577 or annemartinmccool.com.

ART SHOW: Cassera Arts Premiers is showing artworks by Roger Small through Nov. 30 at 106 First “TREASURES OF THE St., La Conner. 310-691SEASON: Sixth Anniver9391 or casseraarts sary Celebration”: Handpremiers.com.

made clothing by Teri Jo Summer and glass art by Dale Reiger are featured in an exhibition and sale through Nov. 30 at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. Summer dyes textiles to create a body of work ranging from belts to bags to specialty clothing, including her signature coats. Reiger’s sometimes primitive, sometimes elegant kiln-formed glass creations include sculptures, bowls, plates and tables. For information, including gallery hours and

directions, call 360-2220102 or visit ravenrocks gallery.com.

art, turned wood, jewelry, glass art, willow baskets, handmade paper, books and more. Information: 360-466-0477 (during the show), 360-661-1850 or rex villegrangeartshow.com.

SMALL ARTWORKS: The 24th annual “Honey, I Shrunk The Art” small works show will open with a potluck party from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and continue through Jan. 18 at Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show will feature creations by some 40 artists working in glass, ceramics, sculptures and paintings. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, weekdays by appointment.

360-387-2759 or matzke fineart.com.

NEW MoNA EXHIBITS: Two new exhibits continue through Jan. 4, 2015, at the FINE ARTS AND Museum of Northwest Art, CRAFTS: The Rexville 121 S. First St., La Conner.

Grange Art Show will fea“Accreted Terrane”: ture work by 27 artists from Featuring work by 42 art10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: ists with ties to the Northand Sunday, Nov. 22-23, at The 35th annual Allied west, the exhibit explores the Pleasant Ridge Gallery Arts Holiday Festival of processes of accumulation at Rexville, 1929 Rexville the Arts takes place from and erosion, dispersal and Road, Mount Vernon. Look 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesgathering. The passage of for a wide variety of fine days through Sundays, time is marked in a variart and crafts including through Dec. 24, at 4145 ety of ways, from layer ceramics, paintings and Meridian St., Bellingham. upon layer of paint, to the prints, photography, herbal The festival will be closed products, glass beads, fiber Thanksgiving Day. The Continued on Pages 6 and 7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

OUT & ABOUT archaeological exposure of 20th century artifacts, to the capture of hot-sculpted glass in the moment, to the interplay of light and shadow unfolding in a video loop. Guest curator David Francis suggests that the cumulative effect “evokes a world from which human beings are notably absent or indirectly present, perhaps even estranged.”

“To Be Alone Together”: The exhibition pairs 11 contemporary Northwest artists with 11 works chosen from MoNA’s permanent collection on the basis of three ideas — light, solitude and community — which the curators find to be prevailing themes in the philosophy and process of Northwest artists. The contemporary artists were asked to respond to a piece in the collection and to create new work based on that response. The exhibition looks closely at the ways in which both the ephemeral and the tangible experiences of living in a particular place influence communities of artists. “To Be Alone Together” is co-curated by artist Emma Jane Levitt and curator Shelly Leavens, through the Dana and Toni Ann Rust Curatorial Fellowship at the Museum of Northwest Art. Free admission. 360-4664446 or monamuseum.org.

p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-416-7812.

ONE-MAN SHOW: “Mark Bistranin: Town and Country” continues through Nov. HAWAIIAN QUILTS, 23 at La Conner Seaside UNIQUE TEXTILE ART: Gallery, 101 N. First St., La Three new exhibits are on Conner. Check out Bisdisplay at the La Conner tranin’s paintings from his Quilt & Textile Museum, recent trip to the Oregon 703 S. Second St., La Con- and California coast. Also ner. showing are works by Anne “Vox Stellarum”: TexShreivogl, Al Currier, Dave tile artist Elin Noble has Nichols and Mark Conley. transformed the third-floor Gallery hours are 11 a.m. galleries into an installato 5 p.m. Thursday through tion using itajime-dyed silk Monday. 360-202-2956 or organza. Her black and laconnerseasidegallery.com. white silk panels, featuring irregular horizontal and “EIDOLA”: A solo exhivertical geometrical shapes, bition of new work by are hung in sets, allowing a Rachel Van Pelt continues play of overlapping shapes through Nov. 23 at Anchor and moiré patterns. Also Art Space, 216 Commercial on view are pod-like three- Ave., Anacortes. Through dimensional poetic forms. drawings, paintings, instalThe exhibition continues lation and sculptures, Van through Dec. 28.

Pelt abstracts the formats “Hawaiian Quilting: of sacred geometries, Traditions Continue”: shrines, Christian icons, Grace Hawley first took up Hindu Murtis and folk Hawaiian quilting in 1985, remedies into new, strange while living in Kwajalein, and wonderful forms, Marshall Islands. Hawaiian according to a news release. quilts traditionally feature Gallery hours are noon to hand applique work with 5 p.m. Friday through Sundesigns from nature, and day. 360-755-3140 or anchor the quilting lines often artspace.org. echo the applique design, both on and outside of the OUTDOOR SCULPTURE applique work. Hawley’s EXHIBIT: The La Conner quilts feature this style of Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit hand quilting. The exhibiis on display through tion continues through March 1, 2015, at public Dec. 28. locations around La Con“Best of the Festival”: ner. The annual juried The first floor of the Gach- exhibition features work es Mansion hosts the blue by some of the Northwest’s “SPACE AND FORM”: ribbon quilts, wearables most accomplished artists.

An art installation by Fran- and fiber art from the 2014 For information, including cis X Donovan is on disQuilt & Fiber Arts Festia map of the sculptures and play through Dec. 5 at the val. On exhibit are Best works available for sale, Skagit Valley College Art of Show and all the top call 360-466-3125 or visit Gallery in the Gary Knut- entries in each category, townoflaconner.org. zen Cardinal Center, 2405 plus pieces that received E. College Way, Mount an Award of Excellence.

ANACORTES IN THE Vernon. Donovan has been The exhibition continues GREAT DEPRESSION: “All called a modern primitive through Nov. 23. in the Same Boat: Anaand a sidewalk botanist Museum hours are 11 cortes in the Great Depresas he seeks to express the a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday sion” is on display in the extraordinary in the ordithrough Sunday. $7, $5 stu- Anacortes Museum’s Carnnary, capture the eye and dents and military with ID, egie Gallery, 1305 Eighth touch the soul, according to free for members and ages St., Anacortes. The yeara news release. The gallery 11 and younger. 360-466long exhibit depicts life in is open from 9 a.m. to 5 4288 or laconnerquilts.org. Anacortes after the 1929

stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression, which dragged on for 12 years. See how life went on despite the hard times. Children played and couples courted. Festivals, parades, dances, football games and motion pictures, as well as all sorts of clubs and events enlivened daily life. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 360-293-1915 or museum.cityofanacortes. org.

camera you need and how to choose from among the many options. Free. 360293-1910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org.

mental Film Series at 7 p.m.

Fridays at the Northwest Education Services District Building, 1601 R Ave. Anacortes. Enjoy free screenings of feature-length films on issues concerning the MUSIC Puget Sound/Salish Sea JAZZ NIGHT: featuring waters. Short films made by the Sedro-Woolley High young, local filmmakers for School “Blue Horizon” Jazz Friends of Skagit Beaches’ Choir and Jazz Band: 7 p.m.

Trail Tales Program will Tuesday, Nov. 25, SedroWoolley High School cafe, start each screening. Free admission and popcorn.

1235 Third St., Sedroskagitbeaches.org.

Woolley. Free admission.

Next up: Desserts and coffee will be Nov. 21: “The Whale — available by donation to The True Story of Luna”: benefit the music student The film tells the story of a scholarship fund. 360-855young, wild killer whale — 3510.

LECTURES an orca nicknamed Luna AND TALKS — who lost contact with his “SONGS FOR BELLA”: SKAGIT WILDLIFE: family on the coast of BritFundraising concert feaWildlife biologist Martha ish Columbia and turned up turing Mike Bucy, Marcia Jordan, coordinator for alone in a narrow stretch of Kester, Ford Giesbrecht, Washington Swan Stewsea called Nootka Sound, David Guilbault, Jean ards, the local branch of Mann, David Lee Howard where he tried to make The Trumpeter Swan Soci- and Gary Baugh, starting contact with people. ety, will offer two presenta- at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, tions about Skagit Valley’s at Washington Sips, 608 S. ARGUS FUND LUNmigrant bird populations CHEON: The Argus Fund First St., La Conner. Proon Saturday, Dec. 6, at will launch its annual funceeds will benefit 3-yearChristianson’s Nursery, draising campaign with a old Bella Hamerly, who is 15806 Best Road, Mount fighting acute lymphoblas- luncheon and raffle from Vernon.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, tic leukemia. facebook.

Swans of the Skagit: Nov. 21, at the Burlington com/loveforbellahamerly.

10:30 a.m. to noon. Jordan Senior Center, 1011 Greenwill describe the largest leaf Ave., Burlington. The PLAYS waterfowl in the world — fund provides small necesWHIDBEY PLAYHOUSE and share Skagit Valley’s sities to low-income, foster TICKETS: Season tickets best places to view them. and at-risk Skagit County are on sale for the Whidbey youths throughout the year. $8.

Playhouse’s 2014-15 season. Lunch, $10 donation; raffle Snow Geese of the Shows include Neil Simon’s tickets, $5 with discounts Skagit: 1 to 2 p.m. Snow “The Odd Couple (female for multiple tickets. For geese migrate to Skagit version),” British farce Valley farmlands from information or tickets, call “Run for your Wife,” the Alaska and Wrangell 360-419-3389 or email lesIsland, Russia. Learn more musical comedy “Monty lieg@co.skagit.wa.us. about their life history and Python’s Spamalot,” Paul Rudnick’s comedy “I Hate challenges. $8.

HARVEST MARKET: The Hamlet” and Gilbert and Reservations required: Mount Vernon Farmers Sullivan’s comic operetta 360-466-3821 or 800-585Market will host an indoor “Pirates of Penzance.” Per8200. For more informaHarvest Market from 10 formances take place at tion, visit christiansons a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the Whidbey Playhouse, nursery.com.

Nov. 22, at the Mount 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Vernon Community CenHarbor. 360-679-2237 or CHOOSING A NEW CAMter, 1401 Cleveland Ave., whidbeyplayhouse.com.

ERA: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Mount Vernon. Check out Dec. 10, Anacortes Public local artisan crafts and holiMORE FUN Library, 1220 10th St., day gifts, music, farm fresh Anacortes. Photographer food and more. Free admisFILMS WITH FRIENDS: Tony Locke offers tips on sion. mountvernonfarmers Friends of Skagit Beaches how to decide what kind of presents its 2014 Environmarket.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E7

OUT & ABOUT NEW MOON CELEBRATION: Join Elke to celebrate the new moon and put forth new intentions at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Bring your own hand drums and rattles or borrow hers. $5-$10 suggested donation.

360-464-2229 or anacortes centerforhappiness.org.

wages to artisans in developing countries. Look for Oaxacan handwoven and dyed wool rugs, Guatemalan scarves, Peruvian jewelry, African masks and tribal art, jewelry and clothing made by Nepali trafficking survivors, silk sari scarves, Mexican silver jewelry, fair trade food and coffee, henna tattoos and more.

Enjoy guitar and vocals by Tello Hernandez, children’s HOLIDAY VENDOR MAR- activities, back-strap weavKET: Independent home ing demonstrations, tradiconsultants will showcase tional Salvadorian pupusas, a variety of goods from Nepali momos and chai.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, womensworkinternational.

Nov. 22, at the Burlington com.

Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., CRAFT FAIR: Studio Burlington. Check out Outback’s annual Craft candles, jewelry, soap, gifts, Fair will take place from clothing, handbags, home 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, décor, housewares and Dec. 13, at 801 Central more. Free admission. 360- Ave., Sedro-Woolley. The 755-9649 or burlingtonwa. event will feature a variety gov/recreation. of handmade gifts including stained glass, quilted OPEN HOUSE CELEBRA- items, hand-carved wooden TION: The Grand Willow birds, cloth baskets, handInn celebrate its 10th anni- made soap and more. 360versary with an open house 854-7873. and food drive from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. WORLD AIDS DAY 22, at 17926 Dunbar Road, REMEMBRANCE: Cascade Mount Vernon. Bring food Rainbow Community Cenbank donations of nonper- ter and PFLAG Skagit/ ishable food and new warm Stanwood will host a clothing items. Enjoy door remembrance event from prizes, giveaways and appe- 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, tizers, site tours and more. at 1508 N. 18th St., Mount RSVP: thegrandwillow@ Vernon. The evening will gmail.com or facebook. include music, poetry, com/grandwillow. Informoments to remember mation: 360-428-5071 or and light refreshments. A grandwillow.com. special offering will benefit Bellingham’s Sean HumFAIR TRADE FESTIVAL phrey House, which offers AND INTERNATIONAL support to low-income MARKET: Women’s Work individuals living with will kick off the holiday HIV/AIDS. 360-856-4676. shopping season with a Festival of Fair Trade and EAGLE WATCHING: The International Market from Skagit River Bald Eagle 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Interpretive Center will and Sunday, Nov. 29-30, at host guided walks at 11 the Mount Vernon Senior a.m. Saturdays and SunCenter, 1401 Cleveland St., days, beginning Dec. 6, at Mount Vernon. The event Howard Miller Steelhead will feature a selection of Park, 52809 Rockport Park unique, handcrafted treaRoad, Rockport. The censures that also provide fair ter will feature speakers at

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

1 p.m. Saturdays. During January, the center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays.

360-853-7626 or skagit eagle.org.

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS PRESENT THE 26TH ANNUAL

ANACORTES HISTORICAL FILM FESTIVAL: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Local historian Bret Lunsford will show film footage from the old days of Anacortes.

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

RUSSIAN FOOD & CULTURE: The Northwest Language Academy will present “Yolka, Language of Food: Russia” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the NWLA Cultural Center, 5023 Langley Road, Langley. Enjoy a traditional Russian celebration of winter, including a Vertep performance by children from the Russian community, winter holiday food, singing, dancing, music and more. $65 adults, $35 children.

A pre-event cooking class will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Learn the secrets of Russian cuisine as a team of Russian cooks focuses on traditional holiday recipes. $35, includes a unique cookbook filled with Russian recipes. Preregistration required: 360321-2101 or nwlanguage academy.com.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club will host open houses from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. Check out the club’s large, permanent HO- and N-scale indoor railroad layouts. Admission is by donation to maintain and expand the layouts. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

Saint Joseph Center • 215 North 15th Street Mount Vernon, Washington

Saturday, Nov. 29

Saturday, Nov. 29

Sunday, Nov. 30

BLITZEN’S BREAKFAST

FAMILY FESTIVAL DAY

FAMILY FESTIVAL DAY

RSVP by Nov. 20 $ One ticket per person is required for entry.

SPONSORED BY INSIGHT HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE

SPONSORED BY SKAGIT BANK AND NORTHWEST HEALTH CARE LINEN

SPONSORED BY THOMAS CUISINE MANAGEMENT

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

15

Noon - 5 p.m.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

5

ADMISSION: Adults - $ Kids 18 and under - $ Seniors - $

3

2

Festival proceeds benefit the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital.

ADVERTISING SPONSOR: SKAGIT PUBLISHING

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 360-814-5747 or www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

GET INVOLVED ART

uplifting, healing art by local artists for display in the hospital’s “Gallery Hall.” Artwork, in any medium, can be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the purchase of a permanent art collection. Contact Patsy Prutzman by email: patsy prutzman@gmail.com.

Shakespeare Northwest is accepting directorial proposals for the 2015 Skagit River Shakespeare Festival through Nov. 30. The festival includes two main stage shows in repertory from July to mid-August at the Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre. The festival traditionally stages one of William Shakespeare’s comedies and one history/ tragedy. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

each month at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland. St. Free; donations accepted. 360-6309494.

eries Enhancement Group to help restore native riparCALL FOR INSTRUCian plants in the Skagit and TORS: Burlington Parks Samish watersheds. These and Recreation is looking plants provide shade and for qualified instructors cover for salmon and leaf to expand its enrichment SECOND FRIDAY DRUM litter for aquatic insects, classes for youths and CIRCLE: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, which in turn provide food adults. To download an Dec. 12, Unity Church, 704 for salmon. These riparian instructor’s packet, visit W. Division St., Mount Ver- zones also improve water burlingtonwa.gov and click non. Shake off the energy quality by controlling eroon the “Instructors Needed” of the week through drum- sion and filtering pollutants.

AUDITIONS tab. More information: 360ming, songs, chants. Freewill All planting events take BLACK BOX THEATER: 755-9649 or recreation@ donation. heatmiser@inbox. place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Whidbey Playhouse is lookburlingtonwa.gov. com.

Saturdays. For information ing for people who love or to sign up, call 360-336being on stage — whether CALL TO COLLECTORS: SHELTER BAY CHORUS: 0172, ext. 304, or email edu DANCE you are an experienced Anacortes Museum, 1305 Practices are held from 2:45 cation@skagitfisheries.org. actor who doesn’t have Eighth St., Anacortes, FOLK DANCING: Skagitto 4:45 p.m. every Thursday Next up: time to commit to a fullinvites local collectors to Anacortes Folkdancers at the Shelter Bay ClubNov. 22: Planting at participate in its “Anacortes scale production that could meet at 7 p.m. most Tueshouse in La Conner. New Cornet Bay, Deception take weeks of rehearsals, Presents” program by putdays at Bayview Civic Hall, members welcome. No need Pass State Park, in partneror a new actor interested ting their treasures on dis12615 C St., Bay View. to be a Shelter Bay resident. ship with Northwest Straits in improving your craft. play at the museum. ExhibLearn to folkdance to a 360-466-3805.

Foundation and Washington The Black Box Theater will variety of international its usually run about three State Parks. showcase original comedies, music. Instruction begins at months. 360-293-1915.

LOVE TO SING? Join satires and dramatic sketch- 7 p.m. followed by review the women of Harmony FRIENDS OF THE FORes no more than 30 minutes and request dances until CALL TO ARTISTS: Northwest Chorus from 6:30 EST HIKES: Join Friends of long, that require only four 9:30. The first session is free, United General Hospital’s to 9 p.m. every Monday at the Forest for scenic hikes to five rehearsal dates and Fine Art Committee seeks $3 thereafter. All are welthe Mount Vernon Senior in the forest lands around offer performances on a come. No partners needed. Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Anacortes. Dress for the Thursday, Friday and Satur- For information, contact Seeking women who like to weather and wear sturdy day evening. Auditions will Gary or Ginny at 360-766sing a cappella music. All shoes. Free. For information, be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 6866. skill levels welcome. call 360-293-3725 or visit Nov. 21, at Star Studio, friendsoftheacfl.org. behind Whidbey Playhouse, SCOTTISH DANCING: BRASS CHOIR: The Next up: 730 Midway Drive, Oak Bellingham Scottish Coun- Basically Brass Choir seeks All ages hike: Whistle Harbor. Performances will try Dancers meet from 7 to trombone, French horn Lake, 10 a.m. to noon Sattake place Thursday through 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the and tuba players to join a urday, Nov. 22. Dress for the Saturday, Jan. 8-10. 360-679- Fairhaven Library auditorigroup of about 12 musicians, weather on this hearty hike.

2237, office@whidbeyplay um (upstairs), 1117 12th St., playing a variety of styles.

Meet at the Whistle Lake house.com or whidbeyplay Bellingham. Wear comfort- Rehearsals are the first parking lot at the end of house.com. able clothes and soft-soled and third Mondays in BurWhistle Lake Road. shoes without heels. $8 per lington, with regular perRyan Shupe & Senior/adult hike: Whis“THE RAINMAKER”: class. For information, call formances. Contact David tle Lake, 10 a.m. to noon Alger Lookout Thespian the Rubberband Mary Anderson at 360-933- Soiseth at 360-757-0351 or Friday, Dec. 5. Meet at the Association (ALTA) will 1779 or visit bellinghamscd. dsois@comcast.net.

Whistle Lake parking lot hold auditions at 6:30 p.m.

November 21 org. at the end of Whistle Lake Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, ANACORTES OPEN MIC: Road.

7:30pm Nov. 22-23, at Alger ComTHURSDAY DANCE: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Brown munity Church, 1475 Silver Dance to The Skippers from Lantern Ale House, 412 EAGLE CENTER VOLUNA lively hybrid style Run Lane, Alger. Parts are 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays Commercial Ave., AnaTEERS: The Skagit River of bluergass infused available for six men ages 20 at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. cortes. 360-293-2544.

Bald Eagle Interpretive and older, and one woman with rap, rock, and age 20 to 40-plus. Auditions 13th St., Mount Vernon. For Center will host its annual information, contact Gisela OPEN MIC: Jam night, 9 preseason volunteer oricontemporary will include cold readings at 360-424-5696. p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, entation from 11 a.m. to 1 and possibly an improv country has Conway Pub & Eatery, p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at game or two. The romantic 18611 Main St., Conway. universal appeal. comedy will run Jan. 30MUSIC Howard Miller Steelhead 360-445-4733.

Park, 52804 Rockport Park TIME FOR FIDDLERS: Feb. 15. 360-424-5144 or Road, Rockport. The orienThe Washington Old Time altatheatre.com.

RECREATION tation will include a short Fiddlers play acoustic, old360.416.7727 hike to view the early eagles time music at 6:30 p.m. the CALL FOR SHAKESALMON HABITAT RESmcintyrehall.org SPEARE PROPOSALS: second and fourth Fridays TORATION: Join Skagit Fish- returning to the scenic

Skagit River. Dress for the weather. 360-873-4203 or skagiteagle.org.

MOSS, LICHEN AND FUNGI FIELD TRIP: Join Russ Holmes, retired Forest Service botanist, for a walk through Four Springs Lake Preserve trails at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, on Camano Island. Meet in the main parking lot at 585 Lewis Lane. Learn how to identify some of the common Camano mosses, lichens, liverworts and fungi. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring a hand lens if you have one. Rain or shine. No dogs. Free. camanowildlife habitat.org.

TURKEY TROT: The eighth annual La Conner Turkey Trot 5K Run will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at La Conner Middle School, 305 N. Sixth St., La Conner. On-site registration opens at 7 a.m. the morning of the race.

Thanksgiving-inspired attire is encouraged. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers overall, with additional raffle prizes during the race. Registration: $15, $40 family. Additional raffle tickets are $1 each. Proceeds will benefit the La Conner High School track and field program. lovelaconner.com/ la-conner-turkey-trot.

THEATER FREE ADULT ACTING CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre offers free acting classes for adults from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday each month at 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Hosted

by Nello Bottari, classes include theme monologues, scripted scenes, improv games and more, with a different topic each month.

Each class is independent, so you don’t have to commit to every session. 360-840-0089 or acttheatre.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E9

The Argus Fund Luncheon and Raffle on Friday will launch the 2014 fundraising campaign.

Lunch, shown here in 2013, is $10 and will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday, in the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave. Submitted photo

Argus Fund helps kids with small necessities

By KATHY BOYD Communities Editor

Skagit County youths from needy families sometimes can get help with small necessities from a small, relatively obscure funding source called the Argus Fund.

About 75 years ago, Mount Vernon Argus publishers Steve and Wilma Mergler founded the Argus Fund. Its mission then was to provide gifts for children in juvenile probation without families. Generous donors in Skagit County have continued to support the fund ever since.

The Argus Fund campaign kicks off during the annual luncheon and raffle at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave. The organizers’ goal is to accumulate enough money to fill simple requests for around 150 low-income, at-risk or foster children.

Skagit County Community Services Division and Department of Social and Health Services, both in Mount Vernon, utilize the Argus Fund, which receives requests from schools, other social service agencies and foster parents.

Small grants of $25 to $200 provide a prom dress, a trip to summer camp, or a cap and gown for graduation — little extras that some children and their families cannot afford, said Leslie Goff, Skagit County Communities Services office manager.

The assistance also allows kids to partici-

At a glance What: The annual Argus Fund luncheon and raffle benefits low-income, foster and at-risk Skagit County youths throughout the year When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 Where: Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington Cost: Lunch, $10 donation; raffle tickets, $5 with discounts for multiple tickets To donate: By mail to The Argus Fund, 309 S. Third St., Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Information, tickets: 360-419-3389 or leslieg@co.skagit.wa.us

pate in extracurricular activities, such as the dance or swim team, which make life fun and are invaluable to children, Goff said.

Raffle ticket sales and lunch donations help provide the needed cash infusion to the fund each year.

Luncheon participants can choose from an assortment of raffle items to bid on, Goff said.

“We’re going to have about 25 baskets, ranging in value from $125 to $400,” she said. “One is a private wine tasting for 13 people courtesy of a winery in Mount Vernon.”

Some of the other items are a gift certificate for 10 children to an area entertainment center, and a family fun night full of board games, candy and popcorn. The show-stopper is a basket of Seahawks gifts and accessories, Goff said.

Guests buy and place tickets in the drawing box for the item they want to win – either at the luncheon or in advance. The luncheon is $10, and raffle tickets cost $5 each or five for $20. Donations are welcome.

Goff said participants need not to be present to win. Simply contact her at 360419-3389 or leslieg@co.skagit.wa.us for a list of raffle items, then buy a ticket(s) and specify which item you want to win.

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E10 Thursday, November 20, 2014

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area November 20-26 Thursday.20 MUSIC

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

Thursday, November 20, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues November 20-26

WEDNESDAY.26 IRVING BERLIN’S “WHITE CHRISTMAS Theatre Arts Guild, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

FRIDAY.21

SATURDAY.22

WAYNE HAYTON 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

NICK VIGARINO 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THURSDAY.20

Friday.21

Singer Songwriters Open Mic Night: hosted by Jean Mann, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

COMEDY

(SOLD OUT) 35th annual Seattle International Comedy Competition semifinals: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow.

Dustin Moore (from left), Karen Pollack, Torie Geison and Alex Hollingsworth

MUSIC

Lindsey Bowen photo

Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25.

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

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.21

Saturday.22 MUSIC

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS Auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

“Angels of Music: the Music of Heaven and Earth”: 7:30 p.m., Assumption Catholic Church, 2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. $15-$25. Proceeds will benefit restoration of Assumption Church and School buildings, and the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus.

360-733-1380 or assumption.org.

Millie & The Mentshn (world music): 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $15 advance, $20 at the door.

360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Sunday.23 THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 2 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyre hall.org.

Prozac Mountain Boys: 5 to 8 p.m., Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

All ages. 360-982-2649.

MUSIC

Sedro-Woolley High School Jazz Night: featuring the S-WHS “Blue Horizon” Jazz Choir and S-WHS Jazz Band: 7 p.m., S-WHS Cafeteria, 1235 Third St., SedroWoolley. Free admission. 360-855-3510.

Skip Williams and Robert “Goldtooth” Ray (jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover.

360-354-3600.

Jumbled Pie (Americana, R&B, Cajun, Zydeco): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

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

Jean Mann: 7 to 9 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Wayne Hayton: 8 p.m., Con- Resort, Winners Lounge, way Muse, 18444 Spruce/ 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Main, Conway. 360-445-3000. cover. 877-275-2448.

The Alkis: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

Lloyd Hooper Cascade Ramblers: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

Lynn Hanson: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Open to the public. 360-848-8882.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

The Scott Greene Band, The Naughty Blokes: 8:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY.22 Joe T. Cook (blues): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Tuesday.25

Moonhat, Sky All Around, Illogicians: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. 360-7781067.

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

Ann ‘n’ Dean (country, classic rock): 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-8488882.

Nick Vigarino: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

Gin Creek: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

The Grizzled Mighty, Tangerine, Pink Sun: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.23 MuseBird Cafe: Hip Hatchet, Christopher Paul Stelling and Dylan Jakobsen, 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Daddy Treetops: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666330.

WEDNESDAY.26 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

Sunday Brunch Jazz: John Savage and Duane Melcher (’40s & ’50s American jazz), 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington.

360-707-2683.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. No cover.

360-855-2263.

Ron W. Bailey: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Fidalgo Swing: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

E10 Thursday, November 20, 2014

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area November 20-26 Thursday.20 MUSIC

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

Thursday, November 20, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues November 20-26

WEDNESDAY.26 IRVING BERLIN’S “WHITE CHRISTMAS Theatre Arts Guild, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-$24. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

FRIDAY.21

SATURDAY.22

WAYNE HAYTON 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

NICK VIGARINO 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THURSDAY.20

Friday.21

Singer Songwriters Open Mic Night: hosted by Jean Mann, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

COMEDY

(SOLD OUT) 35th annual Seattle International Comedy Competition semifinals: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow.

Dustin Moore (from left), Karen Pollack, Torie Geison and Alex Hollingsworth

MUSIC

Lindsey Bowen photo

Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25.

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

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.21

Saturday.22 MUSIC

“Shake A Tail Feather”: Mount Vernon High School choirs small ensembles; Bel Canto, Undertones and Synergy; 7 p.m., MVHS Auditorium, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. $10, $7 students, $5 children. 360-428-6100.

“Angels of Music: the Music of Heaven and Earth”: 7:30 p.m., Assumption Catholic Church, 2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. $15-$25. Proceeds will benefit restoration of Assumption Church and School buildings, and the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus.

360-733-1380 or assumption.org.

Millie & The Mentshn (world music): 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $15 advance, $20 at the door.

360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 7:30 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyrehall.org.

“These Shining Lives” (drama): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Admission by donation.

360-503-1369.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Sunday.23 THEATER

“Landscape with Weapon”: Skagit Valley College Drama Department, 2 p.m., Phillip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5, free for SVC students. 866-624-6897 or mcintyre hall.org.

Prozac Mountain Boys: 5 to 8 p.m., Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

All ages. 360-982-2649.

MUSIC

Sedro-Woolley High School Jazz Night: featuring the S-WHS “Blue Horizon” Jazz Choir and S-WHS Jazz Band: 7 p.m., S-WHS Cafeteria, 1235 Third St., SedroWoolley. Free admission. 360-855-3510.

Skip Williams and Robert “Goldtooth” Ray (jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover.

360-354-3600.

Jumbled Pie (Americana, R&B, Cajun, Zydeco): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Room, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

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

Jean Mann: 7 to 9 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Wayne Hayton: 8 p.m., Con- Resort, Winners Lounge, way Muse, 18444 Spruce/ 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Main, Conway. 360-445-3000. cover. 877-275-2448.

The Alkis: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

Lloyd Hooper Cascade Ramblers: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

Lynn Hanson: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Open to the public. 360-848-8882.

Lloyd Hooper and the Cascade Ramblers: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

The Scott Greene Band, The Naughty Blokes: 8:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY.22 Joe T. Cook (blues): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

“Run for Your Wife” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Tuesday.25

Moonhat, Sky All Around, Illogicians: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. 360-7781067.

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

Ann ‘n’ Dean (country, classic rock): 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-8488882.

Nick Vigarino: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

Gin Creek: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

The Grizzled Mighty, Tangerine, Pink Sun: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.23 MuseBird Cafe: Hip Hatchet, Christopher Paul Stelling and Dylan Jakobsen, 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Daddy Treetops: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666330.

WEDNESDAY.26 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

Sunday Brunch Jazz: John Savage and Duane Melcher (’40s & ’50s American jazz), 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington.

360-707-2683.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. No cover.

360-855-2263.

Ron W. Bailey: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Fidalgo Swing: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

MUSIC REVIEWS ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’ Various artists

to produce perfectly polished pop tunes with the edges buffed for maximum shine.

And shine they do: it’s hard to deny the anodyne appeal of strummer “Ready To Run,” the up-tempo Buddy Holly-sway of “Girl Almighty,” the Ed Sheeran-penned sweetly nostalgic “18,” or new single, “Night Changes,” which may or may not be about losing one’s innocence. It’s hard to tell since the band’s lyrics wisely never veer from PG. Produced primarily by Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, musically, “Four” often harks back to the ’80s, a decade before any of the band members were born, with open, echo-y drums that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Martika record. Acoustic guitars and synthesizers comfortably collide throughout.

One Direction’s primary appeal is its members’ vulnerability. When they aren’t riding in on their white steeds to rescue the girl, they are willing victims of love, seemingly powerless over femme fatales on songs like peppy “No Control” and “Stockholm Syndrome.” In a capricious world, they promise undying fealty and they will never knowingly hurt you, or if they do, they are relentlessly apologetic, such as on “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” They are as mythical and nonthreatening as unicorns, and that’s why teenage girls find them so fetching.

One Direction’s last album, “Midnight Memories,” was the world’s best-selling album of 2013. “Four” will likely give Taylor Swift’s “1989” a run for its money for the 2014 title.

It was only a matter of time before Lorde graduated from contributing a song for “Catching Fire” to taking over the soundtrack for the latest “Hunger Games” soundtrack in which the 18-year-old chanteuse curates a concoction of dark magic, enchanting tunes and revolutionary feelings. As the world of Katniss Everdeen gets darker with sacrifice, violence and revolt, in “Mockingjay Part 1,” the soundtrack follows suit with a medley of offbeat and oddly appealing synths, pianos and guitars.

Lorde’s own vocal touch appears in “Yellow Flicker Beat” as she growls her way through introspective chants. The eerie remix by Kanye West takes the original’s chorus and slows it down to an ultrasound heartbeat. “Dead Air” by Chvrches speeds it up with Blade Runner-esque synths.

For the rest of the 14-track album, she enlists an unlikely collection of stars — Grace Jones, Simon LeBon, Chemical Brothers, Bat for Lashes, Pusha T and Diplo among others.

Whether it’s a ’70s sampler mixed with dissonant drums like Grace Jones’ “Original Beast,” Chemical Brothers’ catchy pop descent into madness in “This is Not a Game” or Major Lazer’s dance beat “All My Love,” there’s always a unique hint of sinister bubbling underneath. n Melinda Newman, Associated Press Tinashe’s melodious “The Leap” and the playful piano of Charli XCX’s “Kingdom” Damien Rice offer a short but needed respite in all the “My Favourite darkness. And when you manage to come Faded Fantasy” up for air to get away from it, you feel the itch to go back under again for more sorIrish singer-songwritcery. er Damien Rice says the n Cristina Jaleru, Associated Press creative process behind his third studio album, “My Favourite Faded One Direction Fantasy,” was so good that he occasionally didn’t want it to end. Thankfully it did, “Four” because now we get to enjoy a well-crafted work with few holes.

One Direction has Rice’s emotive voice and signature solid done the almost imposguitar work are a known quantity. Those sible for a boy band: The talents are coupled here with carefully optiEnglish-Irish quintet has mistic songs about life and love. There’s a held the fickle attentions of teenage girls the world over for three years— the equiva- touch of humor thrown in the mix, but not so much as to detract from pressing matters lent of 30 in tween years— and the band’s of the heart. The best moments come with new album, “Four,” isn’t likely to diminish back-to-back tearjerkers “I Don’t Want To the group’s stronghold.

Change You” and “Colour Me In.” They’re On “Four,” One Direction — Niall beautiful tracks with a winsome guitar that Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson — continues is eventually swallowed up by a massive

string section.

The songs are long, with the lovely “Trusty And True” weighing in at 8 minutes.

Savor every second because talents as pure as Damien Rice don’t come along every other Tuesday. His musical aim on “My Favourite Faded Fantasy” is true and the songwriting is some of the year’s best. n Ron Harris, Associated Press

Bryan Ferry “Avonmore”

Bryan Ferry has worn many guises during his 40-year career, but “Avonmore” returns him to one of his central idioms: slow, sexy songs of restrained abandon, cloaked in gently pulsing rhythms. It’s a style on which he has worked variations since early-’80s albums such as “Boys and Girls” and Roxy Music’s “Avalon.”

On “Avonmore,” Ferry drafts players such as rock guitarists Johnny Marr and Mark Knopfler, funkmaster Nile Rodgers on bass and guitar, and jazz bassist Marcus Miller to craft a lush, dense atmosphere that is comforting and familiar.

Ferry’s voice is deeper and raspier than in his youth (he’s now 69), and that adds a vulnerable melancholy to “Lost,” “Soldier of Fortune” and other ballads. A few songs risk self-parody: a sleazy “One Night Stand”; a melodramatic cover of Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns.” But Ferry can still surprise: With the help of DJ Todd Terje, he turns Robert Palmer’s perky “Johnny and Mary” into a song of eerie heartbreak.

of strength and restraint.

Similarly, the cheeky “Your Husband’s Cheatin’ On Us” — written by Matraca Berg, Marshall Chapman and novelist/playwright Jill McCorkle — brings out Yearwood’s bluesy side, as heard on previous gems such as “Wrong Side Of Memphis” (another Berg co-write featured on “Prizefighter.”)

Yearwood’s re-entry into the country music sweepstakes hasn’t received as much attention as that of her husband, Garth Brooks. But “Prizefighter” not only reminds listeners Yearwood’s past triumphs; it also proves that her remarkable voice deserves a place among the current generation of country hit-makers. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

‘The Art of McCartney’ Various artists

This two-disc Paul McCartney tribute is a decade-in-the-making labor of love by one man, producer Ralph Sall. So it would be churlish to throw cold water on it, right?

Sorry. Sall’s interest in chasing down marquee names, rather than marquee performances, makes this a gigantic missed opportunity.

Sall enlists McCartney’s current backup band to fill the same role on this 34-song effort (42 with the deluxe package). The result is musical consistency — consistently generic. He recruits primarily legacy artists whose best work is behind them, often decades. Billy Joel opens both discs with n Steve Klinge, Philadelphia Inquirer songs (“Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Live and Let Die”) that are beyond his range now.

Trisha Yearwood And, trust us, the world doesn’t need to “Prizefighter: hear Steve Miller sing “Hey Jude” or Alice Hit After Hit” Cooper do “Eleanor Rigby.”

To be sure, there are fun moments, like Trisha Yearwood Bob Dylan croaking through “Things We returns with her first Said Today” and Brian Wilson’s shimmering new recordings in seven take on “Wanderlust.” The compositions are years with “Prizefighter,” which combines excellent, even if the performances don’t 10 of her best-known hits (“XXX’s and always rise to that level. But you knew that OOO’s,” “She’s In Love With The Boy”) going in. with six new songs.

Bringing in some current and more The title tune pairs Yearwood with acodiverse artists — maybe a Katy Perry or lyte Kelly Clarkson, and the two overcome Pharrell — and letting them interpret the the song’s empowerment clichés through music freed from a band with its own prethe earth-shaking force of their voices. But conceptions would have been infinitely the album includes better songs: “I Rememmore interesting. So would digging further ber You” is a tender ballad addressing a into McCartney’s vast catalog, including lost love, set to quietly orchestrated strings. some work he’s done this century.

It allows Yearwood to reveal her talent for conveying emotion through a combination n David Bauder, Associated Press

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Holiday events Christmas is on Thursday, Dec. 25, but

some holiday-related events are scheduled for the next several days.

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E13 against a kooky leg lamp, an outrageous pair of pink bunny pajamas, one cranky department store Santa and a triple-dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole, Ralphie must overcome all odds to make his Christmas dream a reality. Tickets, information: 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

SANTA AT THE MALL: Visit Santa daily during mall hours, through Dec. 24, at the Cascade Mall Center Court, 201 Cascade VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Check out the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion decoMall Drive, Burlington.360-757-2072. rated for the holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: Skagit County Emergency Services will collect donations Nov. 26-Dec. 28, at the La Conner Quilt of new, unwrapped toys for the Skagit Val- & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., ley Herald Christmas Fund from 9 a.m. to La Conner. The main rooms on the first floor will highlight different decades during 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Fred Meyer the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), and Kmart in Burlington. 360-336-6277. with a tree for each decade along with PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: The annual quilts and textiles popular at the time. $7 admission, $5 students and military with Santa Paws & Claws Photo Shoot Family ID, free for members and ages 11 and Event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Skagit Farmers younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts. com.

Supply, 915 Moore St., Sedro-Woolley.

Bring your furry or feathered family com IRVING BERLIN’S “WHITE CHRISTpanion for photos with Santa. Minimum MAS”: Theatre Arts Guild, Nov. 26-Dec. donation, $10. Proceeds benefit the 11, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Humane Society of Skagit Valley. 360Mount Vernon. Veterans Bob Wallace 757-0445 or skagithumane.com. and Phil Davis have a successful song “A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL”: and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 5th Avenue Theatre, of beautiful singing sisters en route to 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. Based on the major motion picture, “A Christmas Story, their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob The Musical” follows a bespectacled and Phil’s former Army commander. $10boy named Ralphie and his one wish for Christmas – a Red Ryder BB Gun. Up $24. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

odyssey combining stateof-the-art cinematography and the most progres712 S. First St., Mount Vernon sive riding on the planet.

360-336-8955 n www.lincolntheatre.org Experience a new level of sensory overload as each Michele Mariotti conducts athlete is wired for sound, ‘David Bowie is’ the vivid and tuneful score. immersing the audience completely in the moment.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 general, $14 seniors, $16 students, with $2 off for The documentary film $12 students, with $2 off for Lincoln members. looks at the groundbreakLincoln members. ing David Bowie exhibition created by the Victoria and TGR’s ‘Almost Ablaze’ Albert Museum, London.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 NT Live: ‘Of Described by The Times Mice and Men’ Awarded “Film Of The as “stylish & outrageous” 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 and The Guardian as “a tri- Year” at the 2014 International Freeski Film Festival, Golden Globe winumph”, the exhibition fea“Almost Ablaze” is a global ner and Academy Award tures a collection of photographs, stage costumes and other rare possessions from the David Bowie Archive.

The exhibition was the fastest selling in the museum’s history.

The curators, Victoria Broackes and Geoffrey Marsh, provide insight into the most memorable music videos and original costumes, as well as more personal items such as never-before-seen handwritten lyrics, album cover artwork, set designs and diary entries, which reveal the creativity and evolution of Bowie’s ideas.

The documentary was filmed and directed by Hamish Hamilton, director of the Academy Awards and the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. $16 adults, $14 seniors and students, $12 children, with $2 off for Lincoln members.

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE

The MET Live in HD Il Barbiere Di Siviglia 9:55 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22

The Met’s production of Gioacchino Rossini’s classic comedy — featuring some of the most instantly recognizable melodies in all of opera — stars Isabel Leonard as the feisty Rosina, Lawrence Brownlee as her conspiring flame, and Christopher Maltman as the endlessly resourceful and charming barber.

THANKSGIVING BUFFET Turkey, Ham, Swedish Meatballs, Corn Beef & all the trimmings $19.99 Seniors $22.99 Adults Kids under 12 $1 per year 12pm-6pm

SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET

December 7th & 14th

360.466.4411

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nominee James Franco (“127 Hours,” “Milk”) and Tony Award nominee Chris O’Dowd (“Bridesmaids,” “Girls”) star in the hit Broadway production “Of Mice And Men.” $16 general, $14 seniors, $12 students, with $2 off for Lincoln members.

‘The Barefoot Bandit’ 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23

A young boy’s dream of flying and designing airplanes becomes a reality when Colton Harris-Moore breaks out of a halfway

house at the age of 15 and steals the first of five airplanes. His captor, lawyer, mother, and the FBI team that hunted him for several years tell the tale. Carly Bodmer, director of the “The Barefoot Bandit,” will appear after the film for a question and answer session. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under.

and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned

by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.

The score features wellknown standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano, “How Deep is the Ocean” and “White Christ‘White Christmas’ mas.”

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 $24 first tier, $20 second Veterans Bob Wallace tier, $10 third tier.

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11:30am - 4pm $42 Per Person Kids 5 and under complimentary Kids 6-13 half price Reservations recommended 360-299-1400 419 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E15

Wonkblog: America’s favorite really bad movies Tomatoes.

“If ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ were a live comedian, he’d have said, ‘Is this an audience or an oil Despite absolutely brutal painting?’ He’d have left the stage reviews, “Dumb and Dumber To,” in tears,” New York Magazine’s the sequel that nobody asked for, review reads. hauled in more money than any “Dumb and Dumber To,” howother movie (roughly $36 million) ever, is hardly the first terrible during its debut weekend. The movie America has fawned over — movie, for good measure, currently or, at the very least, spent inordisports a 15 percent approval ratnate amounts of money on. In fact, ing from “top critics” — the sort of the country has fallen a lot harder people who see movies for a livfor a number of other awful flicks. ing — on movie review site Rotten The 20 worst-rated movies

By ROBERTO A. FERDMAN and CHRISTOPHER INGRAHAM The Washington Post

among the top 100 box office earners are dominated by familiar names. The “Transformers” franchise accounts for three of the top five worst-rated of these movies.

The “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies are all represented in the top 20, as are two of the “Twilight” movies and “Star Wars” Episodes I and II. “Transformers: Age of Extinction” earned an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 5 out of 100 (meaning that only 5 percent of critics gave the movie a thumbs

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biggest movies in box office history (29 to be exact) failed to crack 50 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and more than half failed to crack 60 percent, the threshold the site uses to call a movie “fresh,” which basically means “worth watching.”

So the next time you find yourself wondering how in the world that movie series you can’t stand is about to push out yet another sequel, remember there’s a pretty good answer: Bad movies, for better or worse — OK, worse — are pretty big business in this country.

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up). “The Da Vinci Code” scored an 8. Together they grossed more than half a billion dollars in 2014 dollars.

Eighteen of the top 20 are either sequels or are based on an existing franchise — “Pearl Harbor” and “The Day After Tomorrow” are the two exceptions. Their abysmal reviews didn’t stop these 20 films from grossing more than $7 billion in 2014 dollars at the box office.

Michael Bay directed four of them.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

HOT TICKETS DIRTY LOOPS: Nov. 21, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

JUDAS PRIEST: Nov. 22, Tacoma Dome. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: “The Christmas Attic, Live”: Nov. 22, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil Diamond): Nov. 22, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

CIRCA SURVIVE: Nov. 23, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

G-EAZY: Nov. 24, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

“A CHRISTMAS STORY, The Musical”: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

USHER: Nov. 26, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

MONETA: Nov. 29, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DIGITOUR: Dec. 1, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

106.1 KISS FM’s JINGLE BALL: with Lil Jon, Afrojack, Fall Out Boy, Mary Lambert, Fences, Jake Miller, Rixton, Lindsey Stirling and more: Dec. 2, WAMU Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticket master.com.

ASKING ALEXANDRIA: Dec. 2, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

STEVIE WONDER: Dec. 3, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

WATSKY: Dec. 3, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

MICHELLE CHAMUEL: Dec. 3, Chop Suey, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

MICKY DOLENZ MONKEES CHRISTMAS: Dec. 5-6, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

JEEZY: Dec. 6, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

SMOOCH BENEFIT: with Iron & Wine, Ben Bridwell, Shabazz Palaces, THEE Satisfaction: Dec. 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

KINA GRANNIS: Dec. 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DOWN: Dec. 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show

lincolntheatre.org.

JOSHUA RADIN: March 1, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

CARIBOU: March 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 5, 2015, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

KELLER WILLIAMS, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: March 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

“JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL & LIVING IN PARIS”: March 7-May 17, 2015, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle.

888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

ECHOSMITH: March 21, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MAROON 5: March 28, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

THE DECIBEL TOUR: March 31, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

BLUES HALL OF FAME TOUR: with Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and John Hammond: April 4, Mount Baker Theatre, BellingDECK THE HALL BALL ham. 360-734-6080 or mount Featuring Imagine Dragons, Weezer (pictured), Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, TV on bakertheatre.com. the Radio, Kongos, Vance Joy, Royal Blood: Dec. 9, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ARIANA GRANDE: April 14, livenation.com.

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

KAISER CHIEFS: April 22, The Jan. 20, Mt. Baker Theatre, Bell745-3000 or showboxonline.com. Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 boxonline.com.

BILLY IDOL: Feb. 13, ParaTHE TEA PARTY: Dec. 12, The ingham. 360-734-6080 or mount or showboxonline.com. mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 bakertheatre.com.

VOLBEAT: with Anthrax and TRIBAL SEEDS: Jan. 22, The 4849 or livenation.com. or showboxonline.com.

Crobot: April 29, WAMU Theater, Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 MIRANDA LAMBERT: Feb. 13, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticket SAY ANYTHING, SAVES THE or showboxonline.com.

Tacoma Dome. 800-745-3000 or master.com.

DAY: Dec. 15, The Showbox, PIERCE THE VEIL, SLEEPING livenation.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or “SOMETHING ROTTEN”: April WITH SIRENS: Jan. 28, Showbox AUGUST BURNS RED: Feb. 16, 29-May 24, The 5th Avenue Theshowboxonline.com.

SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745SKINNY PUPPY: Dec. 15, atre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745- showboxonline.com.

888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK: 3000 or showboxonline.com.

NEIL DIAMOND: May 10, with Matt Costa: Jan. 30, The Feb. 17, The Showbox, Seattle.

THE GROUCH & ELIGH: Dec. KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. or livenation.com.

16, The Showbox, Seattle. 800com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com. or showboxonline.com.

BETTE MIDLER: June 1, “ROMEO & JULIET, THE MUSICOLD WAR KIDS: Feb. 20, The KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 IN THIS MOMENT: Dec. 30, Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784- CAL”: Jan. 30-Feb. 15, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336- or showboxonline.com.

4849 or livenation.com.

NICKELBACK: June 20, Gorge 8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

3 REDNECK TENORS: “From REIGNWOLF: Dec. 31, The Amphitheatre, George. 800-745BILL FRISELL: Jan. 31, The Rags to Rednecks”: Feb. 21, Mt. 3000 or livenation.com.

Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360or showboxonline.com.

“GREASE”: July 9-Aug. 2, The or showboxonline.com.

734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth COMMON KINGS: Dec. 31, “RODGERS & HAMMERcom.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745Ave., Seattle. 888-584-4849 or STEIN’S CAROUSEL”: Feb. LOTUS: Feb. 22, The Showbox, 5thavenue.org.

3000 or showboxonline.com.

5-March 1, 2015, The 5th Avenue Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show BUILT TO SPILL: Jan. 2-3, JOHN MELLENCAMP: July 19, 2015, The Showbox, Seattle. 800- Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. boxonline.com.

Benaroya Hall, Seattle. john GALACTIC: Feb. 27, The Show- mellencamp.com.

745-3000 or showboxonline.com. 888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

DR. DOG: Feb. 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or BIG HEAD TODD AND THE 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER: July box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MONSTERS: Jan. 15, The Show24, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or 3000 or livenation.com.

RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE: Feb. NIGHT: Feb. 28, Lincoln Theatre, showboxonline.com.

THE WHO: Sept. 27, 2015, RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles: 11, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800- Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or KeyArena, Seattle. thewho.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E17

TRAVEL FAMILY TRAVEL FIVE

Local travel

Take flight: Vacations for bird watchers

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News

Grab the binoculars and head to the mountains, the coast or the canyons to observe beautiful creatures in flight. Here are five places to consider: 1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Perhaps you’ve heard about the cliff-diving blue-footed boobies? Or the 8-foot wingspan of the waved albatross? The latter is also known for an elaborate courtship dance that can include 20 minutes of bowing, honking, whistling and bill clacking. Perhaps the most famous and biologically important of the island birds are Darwin’s 13 finches. The creatures were central to the scientist’s evolutionary theories.

Learn more about the volcanic island’s winged population via a cruise or a tour. galapagos.org 2. Socorro, New Mexico. With more than 500 winged creatures on its bird list, this state offers ample opportunity for bird-loving families. Visit the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to see snow geese and sandhill cranes land en masse at sunset. Learn more during tours, workshops and hikes crafted for all ages and levels of experience. newmexico.org 3. Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida.

Follow paved roads or wooden boardwalks to spot warblers, mangrove cuckoos, herons, egrets and other wading birds in the country’s largest subtropical wilderness area. Eagles, hawks and osprey also

abound in this 1.5- millionacre park. Home to 360 species, a World Heritage Site and designated as a Wetland of International Importance, the national park offers a free Junior Ranger program to enhance the experience for young explorers. nps.gov/ ever/index.htm 4. Falkland Islands.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, this 740-island archipelago is known for its large and accessible rare-bird colonies, home to as many as 1 million penguins. Visitors are eager to see five of the 17 species frolicking in the surf or waddling along the beach.

Be on the lookout for the Cobb’s wren, a striated cara-cara and the flightless steamer duck. The islands also serve as the breeding ground for more than 70 percent of the world’s black-browed albatrosses. falklandislands.com 5. Southern Arizona.

Visit this region to see as many as 250 bird species, including more than 15 kinds of colorful hummingbirds, the elegant trogon and a painted redstart.

Make your way to the Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area, a 49,000-acre conservation region, rich with winged wildlife, thanks to careful preservation of the fragile ecosystem. Each January, the Wings Over Willcox festival (Jan. 14-18) celebrates the migrating sandhill cranes. southernarizonaguide.com n Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of familytravel. com. E-mail: lohayes@ familytravel.com.

ALASKA FERRY TOUR:

Find out what it’s like to ride the ferry from Bellingham to Alaska during a free tour of the MV Malaspina from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham. Get an inside look at the observation lounges and theater, different cabin types, the heated solarium, and sign up to take a tour of the bridge. Enjoy snacks, kids’ activities and more.

Free. Photo ID required. ferryalaska.com.

“DISCOVERING IRELAND IN 14 DAYS”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Doug and Gay Woods share details and photos from their travels across the Emerald Isle on a Rick Steves tour.

Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityof anacortes.org.

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

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.

Web buzz

Arm the iWitness app, and at the touch of a button or the screen, or by shaking Name: iWitness the phone, you can start recording your Available: iOS, Android predicament (for five minutes) and/or Cost: $2.99 per month, $29.99 per call 911. year What’s not: Be careful with the 911 What it does: It connects to emergency feature if you’re testing the app. Once services and records your whereabouts. it’s armed, all it takes is a touch of the It is set up to work in 146 countries. screen. When I tried to close out of the International users can select the region, app, the “calling 911” alarm sounded. and the app automatically localizes to Luckily you have five seconds to cancel if the emergency equivalent of 911. it’s not a real emergency.

What’s hot: Although there’s no sub Worth it: I put this app in the moststitute for common sense and being used area of my phone. Even if you use it street-smart, having immediate access to only once, it could be a lifesaver. a 911 call and a record of your situation add a second layer of personal security. n Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

Prince William, Kate to visit New York in December ington, D.C., on his own on Dec. 8 to attend a conference against the trade in illegal LONDON — British royal officials say wildlife parts. The Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and his wife, Kate, will trav- will visit a child development center, el to the United States next month on a accompanied by New York City’s first lady, trip that includes visits to the National Sep- Chirlane McCray. tember 11 Memorial and an NBA game.

The royal couple will both visit the Sept.

The Dec. 7-9 visit will be based in New 11 memorial, attend the NBA game and York, although William will travel to Wash- tour a youth organization together.

The Associated Press

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, November 20, 2014

MOVIES NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS Jennifer Lawrence stars in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.”

The three Oscar nominations Jennifer Lawrence has picked up were for the deeply dramatic “American Hustle,” the quirky “Silver Linings Playbook” and the emotionally powerful “Winter’s Bone.” Each film came dripping in the trappings — corruption, mental illness, poverty — that scream out for attention from the Academy.

Films like “The Hunger Games” series aren’t designed to draw attention to acting. They thrive on action and adventure accented with plenty of sentimentality and wrapped up in innocent romance. Lawrence showed in the first two movies in the series that she’s just as comfortable handling grand physical scenes as trading the quiet emotional moments.

“THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY — PART 1” shows that Lawrence can handle each with a skill years beyond her age. In a film that cranks up the action even more than the first two movies, Lawrence’s work grows even stronger as she commands attention with each word, phrase and breath. Often pressed into dialogue that would have come across as trite and superficial with a lesser actor, Lawrence turns every speech into a personal or patriotic anthem.

The film picks up with Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) under the protection of the military in District 13. She discovers that President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has been busy putting a spin on the disastrous events of the recent Hunger Games. His main propaganda tool is Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), a move that not only gives him a Games champion to feed out misinformation but also drives an arrow into the heart of Katniss.

District 13’s President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) wants to use Katniss as her own propaganda tool. Originally cautious about being the symbol for hope, Katniss embraces her place when she sees the destruction and callous devastation Snow has brought to the Districts.

It’s in these moments that Lawrence shines. It’s the rare actor who can show so much rage, hate, pain and hope in a single look. But she does.

And, Lawrence is not alone. Philip Seymour Hoffman turns in another masterful performance that’s a reminder of the great acting work lost with his death. Sutherland continues to grow into the tyrannical role needed to justify the heroic acts of Katniss. Even Elizabeth Banks finally gets to show her true acting skills as her buffoonish Effie Trinket gets stripped down.

Director Francis Lawrence, the man behind “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” continues to show an even-handed approach to both the emotional and big-action scenes. The main thing is that he’s smart enough to boldly display the impressive work Lawrence does from start to mid-finish.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1” has one inherent problem that even Lawrence can’t fix. The finale is presented in two parts, with the wrap-up a year away. This structure leaves the first part lacking as the action comes to an abrupt ending. Movie-making is all about the money, but this division of a finale creates a sense of frustration that lingers between the parts.

In this case, it’s even worse because Lawrence is so good and it’s disappointing to have her performance come to an end in “Part 1.”

2:05. Rating: PG-13 for violence, disturbing images. HHH

“REACH ME” is an indie comedy whose primary virtue is its cast, well-known actors who took small roles on a lark — a chance to play against “type.”

So here’s Sylvester Stallone as a rich, ruthless gossip website operator, a sometime painter who is all about “flow,” and being endlessly quotable.

“Promises are written on water. They sink!”

Then there’s Kyra “The Closer” Sedgwick, a pyromaniac fresh out of prison, ready to be redeemed.

Tom Berenger is the homeless savant and reluctant, reclusive guru whose book, “Reach Me,” is turning Southern California’s lost souls into self-helped successes.

“It’s never too late to grow up and be special,” he preaches on the page. “This is between you … and you!”

Funny tough guy Terry Crews is his agent, his “inspiration,” according to him.

And then there are the players cast on-the-nose.

Nelly plays an ex-con rapper who sings the praises of “Reach Me” to one and all — mostly nearby El Segundo and Redondo Beach, where the film is set and was shot.

Thomas Jane is an undercover cop who wears a new-fangled six-shooter in an Old West holster. He shoots people and then seeks forgiveness from an increasingly repelled priest (Danny Aiello).

“I’m startin’ to feel like an ACCOMPLICE!” And Kevin Connolly (“Entourage”) is the would-be novelist, working as a hack investigative gossip for Stallone’s “Daily Contact” website. He’s the guy charged with finding this Teddy Raymond (Berenger), going through the guru’s cured stutterer intermediary (Lauren Cohan).

The trouble with all-star comedies like this is how much the process of writing attractive bit parts for big names works against the central story and characters. Writer-director John Herzfeld keeps introducing new players — Tom Sizemore, Kesley Grammer, Danny Trejo — when we’d much rather hang with Jane’s cracked avenging angel cop or Stallone’s paint-slinging muckraker or Cary Elwes’ creepy Brit actor prone to groping his female co-stars. Instead, we sort of follow Connolly’s Roger King as he tracks down his quarry, whom we can guess is going to try and redeem the jerk.

Connolly and Sedgwick are still cable show leading players. The big screen overwhelms them. Berenger comes off convincingly earnest, damaged and shy, and the Aiello/Jane trips to the confessional deliver consistent laughs. I love it when Jane sits opposite Aiello, leans toward the priest and says “You wanna go first?”

1:35. Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, violence, language, drug use, and smoking. H1⁄2

n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

n Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Lionsgate via AP

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“A Walk Among the Tombstones” — Liam Neeson plays Matthew Scudder, an alcoholic private investigator hired to find a drug dealer’s kidnapped wife. Scudder spends a lot more time working out his demons than he does drawing his gun, and that makes him all the more interesting. Thriller, R, 114 minutes. HHH “Big Hero 6” — Disney’s animated story about a teenager befriending a healthcare robot is a big, gorgeous adventure with wonderful voice performances, some dark undertones that give the story more depth, an uplifting message and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Animation action comedy, PG, 108 minutes.

HHH1⁄2 “Dumb and Dumber To” — Maybe it’s the “Jackass” world we live in, or maybe it’s the aging of stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, but the slapstick seems more forced and sadder in this sequel. I cracked up a good half-dozen times, but there were long stretches when the movie was just spinning its wheels. Comedy, PG-13, 110 minutes. HH “Foxcatcher” — Disturbing and memorable, “Foxcatcher” is based on a bizarre true story, and even if you know exactly what happens, when it does happen, it’s shocking. Steve Carell nails the role of a rich eccentric, with Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo revelatory as the wrestlers he mentors.

Sports drama, R, 134 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Fury” — In his attempt to portray the horrors of war — even a war in its final days — writer/director David Ayer has squandered a great opportunity with “Fury.” There is much to potentially like about the film, in particular the actors. But it draws far too heavily from the warmovie-cliché list: the grizzled, no-nonsense veteran; the dim Southern bully; the meek newcomer who gets a quick and brutal indoctrination. Stars Brad Pitt, Shia LeBeouf, Logan Lerman and

Michael Pena. War drama, R, 2:13, HH “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me” — Directed by the veteran actor James Keach, this documentary is a poignant, stark, lovely and sometimes devastating film — a tribute to one of the great crossover stars of his time, and an unblinking look at how Alzheimer’s disease relentlessly chips away at one’s memories and thought process, brick by brick. Documentary, PG, 116 minutes.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” — Chris Pratt plays the leader of a misfit band of anti-heroes, including a cynical raccoon and a walking tree, in this refreshing confection of entertainment, a mostly lighthearted and self-referential comic-book movie with loads of whizbang action, some laugh-outloud moments and a couple of surprisingly beautiful and touching scenes as well.

Sci-fi action, PG-13, 122 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Gone Girl” — Ben Affleck gives one of his best performances as the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. It’s a thing of beauty watching the characters from Gillian Flynn’s novel manipulate, stumble, recover and stumble again. Mystery thriller, R, 149 minutes.

HHH1⁄2 “Interstellar” — What a beautiful and epic film is “Interstellar,” filled with great performances, tingling our senses with masterful special effects, daring to be openly sentimental, asking gigantic questions about the meaning of life and leaving us drained and grateful for the experience. Adventure/ mystery/sci-fi, PG-13, 169 minutes. HHHH “Kill the Messenger” — Jeremy Renner’s performance as 1990s investigative journalist Gary Webb is one of the more authentic portrayals of an old-fashioned, telephone-working reporter in recent memory.

This movie, a solid tribute to his work, is as much about what happens to Webb after the story breaks as it is about his investigative heroics. Biographic drama, R, 112 minutes. HHH “Men, Women & Children” — We can reach others

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014 - E19

MOVIES “The Homesman” — to brilliant physicist, Eddie Tommy Lee Jones directs Redmayne undergoes a and stars in “The Homesremarkable transformation. man,” a stark, beautiful, But it’s a memorable perforbleak portrait of a hardwork- mance in a rather ordinary ing farmer (Hilary Swank) in love story about his romance the Midwest in the 1850s. with future wife, Jane (FelicFocus Features via AP With the help of a drifter ity Jones). Biography, PG-13, (Jones), she escorts three 123 minutes. HH1⁄2 women driven mad in the “Whiplash” — At times Nebraska territory on a one feels enervated during journey across the plains this film’s intense confrontaand back to Iowa. It’s not an tions between a cruel jazz easy, comfortable viewing maestro (J.K. Simmons, in experience, and that’s part one of the most memorable of what makes it unique. performances of the year) Drama, R, 120 minutes. and his drumming pupil 1 HHH ⁄2 (Miles Teller). And then the “The Judge” — Robert music comes together, and Downey Jr. commands the the moment soars, and the screen as a hotshot lawyer result is nothing short of director Josh Boone to second Academy Award for who returns to his small exhilarating. Music drama, transcendent star Shailene his portrayal of a violent, cor- hometown and defends his R, 106 minutes. HHH1⁄2 Woodley and beyond, has rupt police officer in “Training father (Robert Duvall) against “You’re Not You” — Hilary talents way beyond the aver- Day.” That film was far from a murder rap. But by the time Swank plays a pianist who age. Drama, PG-13, 125 flawless, but Washington all the ghosts and feuds have develops ALS and comes to minutes. HHHH was electric and the movie been put to rest, it’s surpris- depend on her hot mess of “The Equalizer” — The crackled with a grimy, big-city ing how little we care about a caregiver (Emmy Rossum). movie reunites director energy. By contrast: For all these characters. Drama, R, Both performances are brilAntoine Fuqua with Denzel its bloodletting and earnest 141 minutes. HH liant, and in its own unique Washington, who earned his approach, “The Equalizer” “The Theory of Everyway, “You’re Not You” is one ends up being a bit on the thing” — Playing the young of the best buddy movies of listless side. Action-drama, Stephen Hawking from reck- the year. Drama, R, 104 minOAK HARBOR CINEMAS 1 AT AREA THEATERS R, 128 minutes. H ⁄2 less Cambridge student utes. HHH Nov. 21-27

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part ANACORTES CINEMAS 1 (PG-13): Friday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, Nov. 21-27 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 9:30; Saturday: 10:30, 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:30; Sunday: 10:30, 12:45, 3:45, 6:45; (PG-13): 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15 Monday-Tuesday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45 Big Hero 6 (PG): Friday: 1:25, 3:55, Big Hero 6 (PG): Friday: 12:55, 3:55, 6:40, 9:00; Saturday: 1:35, 3:55, 6:40, 6:30, 8:45; Saturday: 10:20, 12:55, 3:55, 9:00; Sunday-Tuesday: 1:25, 3:55, 6:40, 6:30, 8:45; Sunday: 10:20, 12:55, 3:55, 9:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 4:00, 6:20 6:30; Monday-Tuesday: 12:55, 3:55, 6:30 Interstellar (PG-13): Friday-Tuesday: Interstellar (PG-13): Friday: 1:05, 4:40, 1:15, 4:40, 8:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 8:00; Saturday-Sunday: 10:10, 1:05, 12:45, 8:40 Penguins of Madagascar (PG): Wednes- 4:40, 8:00; Monday-Tuesday: 1:05, 4:40, 8:00 day-Thursday: 1:15, 3:30, 6:40, 8:50 360-279-2226 The Metropolitan Opera: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (NR): Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

STANWOOD CINEMAS 360-293-6620 Nov. 21-27 Grammy Award winners Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel have performed, recorded and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 CASCADE MALL THEATRES toured together for over 26 years with 19 albums to their credit. They are friends who (PG-13): Friday-Monday: 1:00, 2:00, 3:35, Burlington 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 9:05; Tuesday: 1:00, enjoy each other’s company and truly love making music!

For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2622:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:30, 9:05; Wednesday4386).

Thursday: 1:00, 3:35, 6:30, 9:05 Dumb and Dumber To (PG-13): 1:15, BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN 3:45, 6:40, 9:00 Oak Harbor Big Hero 6 (PG): Friday-Tuesday: 1:30, Nov. 21-23 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 3:55, 6:35, 8:55; Wednesday-Thursday: 3:55, 6:25 (PG-13) and Big Hero 6 (PG). First movie Interstellar (PG-13): Friday-Tuesday: starts at 6 p.m.

12:45, 4:40, 8:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 360-675-5667 12:45, 8:50 Also, SAG Presents: Three Artists You Won’t Want to Miss!

Sponsored by: Horrible Bosses 2 (R): Tuesday: 8:00; www.snohomishartistguild.org CONCRETE THEATRE Wednesday-Thursday: 1:45, 4:15, 7:00, Nov. 21-23 9:15 St. Vincent (R): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Penguins of Madagascar (PG): WednesSaturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 day-Thursday: 1:30, 4:05, 6:50, 8:55 and 6:30 p.m.

The Metropolitan Opera: Il Barbiere di 360-941-0403 Tayla Lynn & Eric Tingstad Danny O’Keefe The Libertine Belles Siviglia (NR): Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

Country “Goodtime Charlie’s Got the Blues” Sweet & Hot Vintage Swing Vocal Trio January 24th February 28th March 20th & 21st 360-629-0514 www.TaylaLynn.com www.DannyOKeefe.com www.theLibertineBelles.com

constantly, but we still struggle to truly communicate with one another. This is the abiding theme of Jason Reitman’s perceptive, moving slice of modern life -- a time capsule of a film that understands how much technology dominates the lives of teenagers, as well as the parents trying their best to keep up with the times.

Comedy drama, R, 116 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Miss Meadows” — Katie Holmes plays a preschool teacher who dresses like she’s in a 1950s television show, but has a secret life gunning down local creeps.

We get it after the first halfhour. This is one of the most irritating movies of the year.

Satire drama, not rated, 88 minutes. H “Nightcrawler” — As a freelance vulture who records video of crime and crash scenes for TV news, Jake Gyllenhaal plays one of the most disturbing movie

characters of the year. But the film veers from dark satire to tense crime thriller before the tires come off near the end, leaving the entire vehicle just short of worth recommending. Crime thriller, R, 117 minutes.

HH1⁄2 “St. Vincent” — This story of a chain-smoking gambler baby-sitting the neighbor kid is a prime showcase for Bill Murray and his skill set. Nearly every scene is contrived, but writer-director Ted Melfi has a nice way with dialogue, and the cast -including Melissa McCarthy and young Jaeden Lieberher -- is uniformly outstanding.

Comedy, PG-13, 102 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “The Fault in Our Stars” — With lesser source material, an average director and an OK cast, the adaptation of John Green’s novel about the glory and unfairness of life could have lost me.

But everyone involved, from

Eddie Redmayne portrays Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.”

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