360: Arts - Entertainment - Recreation by Skagit Publishing

Reviews Music: Trey Songz, Tamia, Corb Lund Video Games: “Madden NFL 13” PAGES 6-7

Tuning Up The Swingnuts play the Rockfish Grill in Anacortes on Friday PAGE 11

Roger Ebert Excess violence overshadows well-made “Lawless” PAGE 16

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday August 30, 2012

Catch GROOVE FOR THOUGHT and much more at Oak Harbor Music & Jazz Festival PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, August 30, 2012

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Think Like a Man”: A relationship expert has trouble with his own love life. Anyone thinking about making a romantic comedy should take a look at director Tim Story’s “Think Like a Man” before shooting the first frame of film. It’s not often you see a movie that touches your heart and funny bone so perfectly. It proves romantic comedies can work if you start with the right mixture of love and laughs, toss in a cast that’s so endearing you want the best for them and tie it all together with a smart comical thread. “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”: A pirate looks to Charles Darwin for help to win a top pirate contest in this animated tale. The gang at Aardman Animations, producers of the whimsical and wonderful “Wallace & Gromit” films, have made this story of a pirate and his motley crew the company’s most entertaining venture — without a Brit and his best buddy dog — yet. “The Lucky One”: A soldier (Zac Efron) searches for the person in a photograph who saved his life. The film’s not a total loss. Efron is believable as the confused ex-Marine, and there are some emotional moments. Those just aren’t enough to make up for a film that, with any bit of logical thinking, would end before the first teardrop fell. “Battleship”: The Navy must stop an alien invasion. Watching “Battleship” is like getting ready to play the board game on which the film is based but then having to sit through an hour of vacation photos before you can start. If you can make it through the first dragging hour, the rest is kind of fun. “Homeland: The Complete First Season”: Showtime series starring Claire Danes. “Once Upon a Time: The Complete First Season”: TV series about a place where reality and fairy tales come together. “The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season”: Survivors look for safety from mobs of zombies. “Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Second Season”: Steve Buscemi stars. “Injustice”: A tale of murder, conspiracy, secrets and guilt. “Spongebob Squarepants: Ghouls Fools”: Gang hunts treasure. “The Viral Factor”: An agent is double-crossed during a secret mission. “The Heineken Kidnapping”: A beer baron is kidnapped. Rutger Hauer stars. “Green Lantern the Animated Series: Season One, Part One”: Green Lantern

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

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming

movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: SEPT. 4 Piranha 3DD -- Anchor Bay Safe -- Lionsgate

This Weekend / Page 5

SEPT. 11 Girl In Progress -- Lionsgate What to Expect When You’re Expecting -- Lionsgate Snow White and the Huntsman -- Universal SEPT. 18 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -- Fox The Cabin in the Woods -- Lionsgate Strings -- House Lights Hysteria -- Sony Katy Perry: Part of Me -- Paramount SEPT. 25 Damsels in Distress -- Sony OCT. 2 Dark Shadows -- Warner

Catch the ‘Biggest Little Circus in the World’ this weekend in Bow

OCT. 9 The Raven -- Fox

Inside

OCT. 16 Moonrise Kingdom -- Universal That’s My Boy -- Sony n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Corps faces a new intergalactic mission. “Life Happens”: An unexpected pregnancy changes the lives of three friends. “Poirot: Series 6”: David Suchet plays the mystery solver. “Blood Money”: A Shaolin warrior turns to crime after his parents are killed. “Monsieur Lazhar”: A substitute teacher brings stability to a school shaken by a suicide. “Looney Tunes: The Chuck Jones Collection Mouse Chronicles”: Features 19 remastered theatrical shorts. “Bob the Builder: The Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection”: Includes 10 episodes. “Big Time Movie and Rags: Double Movie”: Double feature of Nickelodeon films. “Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe”: Standup special starring Gaffigan. “Headhunters”: Based on Jo Nesbo’s best-selling novel. “’50s TV Classics”: Includes Bob Hope, Ed Sullivan. “10 Things You Don’t Know About”: Series deals with little known facts. n Rick Bentley, McClatchy Newspapers

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

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

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - E3

MUSIC

Festival offers something for every music lover

CHERYL JEWELL AND THE SALTWATER OCTET

CHRIS EGER

STEVE TREMBLY Skagit Valley Herald staff

Musical acts of many stripes come together this weekend to perform at the Oak Harbor Music & Jazz Festival, running Friday through Sunday in downtown Oak Harbor. Jazz, rock, gospel, rhythm-and-blues, folk music and more will be represented on two stages on Pioneer Way. Entertainment begins at 5:45 p.m. Friday, and the weekend’s final bands wrap up at 6 p.m. Sunday. Among the headliners are the Chris Eger Band, Steve Trembley, Cheryl Jewell and the

Saltwater Octet, Pearl Django, Groove for Thought (which performed on NBC’s “The Sing-Off” in 2010) and Tenyce Mobley. According to festival organizers, proceeds will go partly to help the Blue Fox Drive-In make the transition to digital projection. In addition, a scholarship fund is being established to honor Ed Bridges, the former music director at Oak Harbor High School. Numerous food booths and commercial vendors will be on hand at the festival. Admission is free.

Oak Harbor Music & Jazz Festival When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Where: Pioneer Way, downtown Oak Harbor Price: Free Information: www.oakharbormusicfestival.com

The lineup HARBOR VIEW, STAGE 1 Friday, Aug. 31 w 5:45-6:45 p.m.: Tambourine Sky w 7-8:30 p.m.: Pearl Django w 8:30-9 p.m.: Carly Calbero w 9-10:30 p.m.: Groove For Thought Saturday, Sept. 1 w 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Spoonshine w 12:45-2 p.m.: The Still Bill Band & Motown Cruisers w 2:15-3:15 p.m.: Carly Calbero w 3:45-5 p.m.: The Halyards w 5:30-6 p.m.: Nada Cantata w 6:40-8 p.m.: Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Octet w 8:30-10 p.m.: Steve Trembley

NADA CANTATA

Sunday, Sept. 2 w Noon-1 p.m.: Broken Banjo w 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Boma Cho w 3-4 p.m.: Spellbound w 4:30-6 p.m.: Chris Eger Band

PEARL DJANGO

DOCK SIDE, STAGE 2 Saturday, Sept. 1 w Noon-12:45 p.m.: Rocco and Friends w 1:15-2 p.m.: David Marshall w 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Eric Christensen and Friends w 4-5 p.m.: DB Jazz w 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Weak Sheep w 7-8 p.m.: Tenyce Mobley

STILL BILL BAND

Sunday, Sept. 2 w 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Ryan Rogers and Jamar Jenkins w 2-3 p.m.: Jacobs Road w 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Boys Makin Noise w 5-6 p.m.: Word of Everlasting Life and Faith Church

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, August 30, 2012

MOVIES By BEN FRITZ, JOHN HORN and DAVID PIERSON Los Angeles Times

China is rolling up the red carpet for Hollywood. Just six months after Chinese and American leaders reached a new agreement allowing more foreign movies into the world’s most populous nation, officials there are trying to torpedo the box office returns of some of Hollywood’s biggest summer films. American studios carefully schedule their pictures’ launch dates — often declaring them a year or more in advance — to avoid colliding with similar movies going after similar audiences. But the state-owned China Film Group, which oversees the release of imported movies, has been scheduling U.S. films from the same genres on the same dates, aiming to limit their total grosses and boost the percentage of box office generated by Chinese-made pictures. On Tuesday, the superhero movies “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the Nos. 2 and 4 films of the year at the global box office, were to open simultaneously in China. A similar case of “double dating” occurred July 27 with the release of the animated movies “Ice Age: Continental Drift” and “The Lorax” in China. Next month, the thrillers “The Bourne Legacy” and “Total Recall” are tentatively set to open opposite each other as well, according to knowledgeable people not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Blackouts China, now the world’s second-largest movie market, also insists upon monthlong “blackout periods,” during which only

Mixed reaction

in China

locally produced movies can premiere. This summer, the blackouts have lasted longer, according to American movie executives familiar with the China market. A China Film spokesman previously told the Los Angeles Times that the overlapping dates were a result of a crowded calendar. But in a subsequent interview in local media, officials gave a different explanation. “We hope those protective measures will be able to create a space for domestic movies to survive and grow,” Zhang Hongsen, deputy head of the film bureau controlled by the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, said to the state-owned People’s Daily newspaper.

China Film representatives did not respond to requests for further comment. It appears Hollywood is being punished for doing too well, the result of relaxed limits on foreign movies and Chinese consumers’ surging appetite for Hollywood blockbusters. In late February, China agreed to increase from 20 to 34 the number of foreign movies allowed in under a revenue sharing program. Thanks to the robust performances of movies such as “Titanic 3D” and “The Avengers,” imported films accounted for 65 percent of China’s $1.3 billion of box office receipts through the end of June — a possible embarrassment to the Chi-

nese government. “China can’t be seen as being dominated by Hollywood — that’s not the message they want,” said Dan Mintz, chief executive of Chinese/American media company DMG Entertainment. “And you have to assume this is going to continue.” China’s new restrictions are having the desired effects. All of the top five movies in China from January through June were American. But in the week ended Aug. 19, only one was. The double-dating is killing some movies. “The Lorax” has grossed more than $120 million at the foreign box office but only $2.2 million in China — compared with $67 million for “Ice Age.”

Local exhibitors and moviegoers are not happy with the situation. Pan Xiaming, the manager of a multiplex in Shengzhou, a city of about 800,000 in eastern Zhejiang province, said the “SpiderMan” and “Dark Knight” sequels should never have gone head to head. “I was so anxious in July and August because there were no interesting big blockbusters and now suddenly we have two very good films together with good reputations,” said Pan, who runs an eight-screen theater next to a shopping center. “I wonder why China Film Group doesn’t just separate them by one week or half a month.” The faceoff between “The Dark Knight” and “SpiderMan” was the No. 2-trending topic Monday on Sina Weibo, China’s wildly popular Twitter alternative, drawing nearly 13 million comments by the early evening. “Spiderman and Batman are exhibited the same day, if I can only choose one, which one should I choose?” wrote one micro-blogger. “The American studios are getting more movies into China … but on the other hand there are these new constraints occurring,” said Steven Saltzman, a Loeb & Loeb partner with extensive experience in China. “One shouldn’t be surprised, however, because this is a market where noncommercial considerations, including political ones, matter greatly.”

Unclear guidelines In Hollywood, China’s decision-making process on whether and when to release an imported movie has long been mystifying. Companies that desire to have their movies distributed in China submit them to SARFT several months before their U.S. launch date

in hopes of getting permission to open there and an optimum release date. “The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “The Lorax” and “Ice Age” were cleared by government censors and given a coveted quota slot relatively quickly. The studios then waited — half a year in the case of “The Lorax” — until officials from the China Film Group, part of SARFT, informed them they would be opening against competitive Hollywood pictures. China Film refused to provide an explanation to the studios for its decision. Hollywood executives with China experience were shocked. None could recall two quota films ever opening against each other, let alone similar ones. There is no official appeals process, and unofficial lobbying efforts by studio representatives in Beijing were unsuccessful. The Motion Picture Assn. of America, Hollywood’s trade organization, has been similarly unable to persuade Chinese authorities to change their policies. The studios’ only recourse would appear to be withholding future releases from China, cutting off a growing revenue stream in an increasingly important foreign movie market. Spokespeople for the MPAA and several Hollywood studios declined to comment. People familiar with the thinking of studio executives said they were fearful that speaking publicly on the matter would antagonize Chinese authorities and lead to further punitive measures. “While there has been change in the way China handles American movies, it has been and will remain incremental for the foreseeable future,” said Saltzman. “To expect otherwise is an unsophisticated approach in this market.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area WENATCHEE YOUTH CIRCUS The “Biggest Little Circus in the World” will perform at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at Thousand Trails Campground, 5409 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. Wenatchee Youth Circus members, ages 3 to 18, will offer displays of juggling, tightwire walking, high-flying aerial acrobatics and other professional circus acts. Tickets, more information: 360-724-4811.

STANWOOD ART WALK

“Your Passport To Art,” Stanwood’s third annual artwalk, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, in downtown Stanwood. Participating restaurants and businesses will showcase the work of local artists during the event. Meet the artists and enjoy music, appetizers, art and prizes. Free. 360-629-0562.

Skagit Valley Herald file photos

GUEMES FALL FESTIVAL

Check out the Guemes Island Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Guemes Community Hall, 7549 Guemes Island Road. Enjoy arts and crafts, artist demonstrations, hot dogs, a bake sale and more.

SAIL CAM ISLE

The Cama Beach Celebration of Small Boats will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2, at Cama Beach State Park, 1880 S. West Camano Drive, Camano Island. Enjoy waterfront fun, music, food, games, sailing and more. Bring your own small boat or rent one from Camano Sail or the Center for Wooden Boats. Discover Pass required to park. www.camanosail.com.

“ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS AND BACK” A show of new artwork by Skagit Valley native Lisa Gilley will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, and continue through Sept. 30 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. Gilley’s new work explores her familiar Skagit tidelands as well as the warmer palettes of the Palouse, Yakima and Methow valleys. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or www.smithandvallee.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, August 30, 2012

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Lionel Loueke

“Heritage” Lionel Loueke’s distinctive blend of African rhythms and modern jazz has already impressed such jazz legends as Herbie Hancock, who has prominently featured the guitarist on his recent recordings and in his touring bands. On “Heritage,” his third release for the Blue Note label, Loueke teams with another innovative, genre-stretching musician, keyboard player Robert Glasper, whose richly textured music combines jazz with hip-hop, R&B and soul. Glasper coproduced and performs on the album and also contributed two compositions. Loueke’s new lineup — with a powerful rhythm section of electric bassist Derrick Hodge (of Glasper’s Experiment band) and drummer Mark Guiliana — has a sound that is more groove-oriented and electric compared with the guitarist’s previous releases. Loueke himself switches from the softer nylon-string acoustic guitar to play steel-string acoustic and electric guitars. On the opening “Ife” (“Love” in Yoruba), Loueke begins with some percussive guitar work, uses clicking sounds to accent his vocals and creates infectious Afrorhythm grooves colored by electronic effects. The bittersweet ballad “Chardon” (“Thistle” in French) is more Europeaninfluenced with Loueke displaying a delicate, lyrical touch on acoustic guitar. Glasper’s “Tribal Dance,” featuring backup vocals by Gretchen Parlato, has repetitive, soaring, trance-inducing melody lines that rise and fall in intensity, while Loueke’s feel-good, high-energy “Freedom Dance” has Loueke playing an electric guitar solo over Hodge’s funky bass lines. Loueke wrote most of the 10 tunes on “Heritage.” It reflects the guitarist’s musical roots and personal odyssey from his native Benin in West Africa to France and then the U.S., where he has established himself as one of the most distinctive new artists on today’s jazz scene. n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press

Trey Songz “Chapter V”

Other than that lustrous tenor voice, the nicest thing about R&B crooner Trey Songz is he gets better with age. He didn’t peak with his 2005 debut or fade into the sunset with fewer hits, as so often happens in the nusoul stakes. Although not flashy, each album since his start shows Songz getting rougher around the edges, a little freakier and more willing to face down top-notch guest rappers. The freak-a-deak side of Songz is satisfied by the panting “Panty Wetter” and the racy, racing club-a-dub “2 Reasons.” An unnecessarily Auto-Tuned Songz finds G-rated humanity between grumbling MC Young Jeezy and the overplayed growl of Lil Wayne on the rudely clickclacking “Hail Mary” (rappers T.I., Rick Ross, Diddy, and Philly’s Meek Mill are littered throughout V, for better or worse). Songz does best when he goes it alone while keeping slow and low down. The beeping, laid-back “Heart Attack” is a handsome showcase for the singer’s sultry vocals, as is “Simply Amazing,” which finds Songz and his paramour lost under the covers with a subtle melody line and a slinky beat to warm them.

mode. He later observes that “(You Ain’t a Cowboy) If You Ain’t Been Bucked Off,” and offers a stark outlaw tale in “Pour ‘Em Kinda Strong.” Like-minded American Hayes Carll joins in for the wry road story “Bible on the Dash,” and on “Cows Around” Lund extols the joys of a constant bovine presence, set to nimble Western swing. But this cowboy also likes to go “90 miles an hour on a German motorcycle” (“Mein Deutches Motorrad”). He also knows the allure of the big city, which deepens the poignancy of his plea to his girlfriend in the ringing country-rocker “September.” And if he does end up having to try to lose “these country-boy blues,” he’s going to do it with “The Gothest Girl I Can.” Through all of this Lund is backed by his three-man band, the Hurtin’ Albertans, and their unfussy, live-in-the-studio approach gives everything an extra kick.

the quirkiness and emotional connection that made Dear’s earlier albums cult hits. n Katherine Silkaitis, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Tamia

“Beautiful Surprise”

Tamia, whose voice is one of music’s most powerful — and underrated — should be among the ranks of divas like Aretha, Chaka, Mariah and Beyonce. But her 17-year career hasn’t translated to charttopping songs and multiplatinum album sales. Despite that, the R&B songstress — best known for the hits “Stranger in My House” and “Into You” with Fabolous n Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer — has released four outstanding albums, including her stellar 1998 self-titled debut, Matthew which featured production work by Quincy Jones and Jermaine Dupri. Tamia’s fifth Dear release, “Beautiful Surprise,” is another “Beams” consistent effort, filled with soulful ballads and midtempo grooves. On his fifth The album’s biggest — and best — surfull-length prise is Tamia’s take on country music. album, popShe nicely remakes Wynonna Judd’s “Is electronic artist It Over Yet,” and “Still” is a beautiful, Matthew Dear twang-inspired version of a song from her has toned down the dark edginess that characterized his earlier releases in favor third album, “More.” Tamia’s bold leap into a new genre of a more accessible but less memorable makes up for some of the album’s shortalbum. n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer The 11 tracks of “Beams” feature some comings, including the lukewarm first single and title track, produced by frequent standout tunes — “Headcage,” the only Amy Winehouse collaborator Salaam Corb Lund track from last year’s eponymous EP to Remi. make it to the album, is the weirdest. “Cabin Fever” The 11-track set — her second indeWith a bubbling, underwater qualpendent release — also includes bouncy ity reminiscent of the film “The Abyss” Coming out tunes like “Lose My Mind” and “Believe and distant, robotic vocals that are sexy of western in Love,” both produced by the Runners in their withheld emotion, it’s also the Canada, Corb (Rick Ross, Rihanna, Usher). Fellow singalbum’s most compelling track. There’s Lund is weller Jazmine Sullivan co-writes and sings also the uplifting and tender “Ahead of versed in the background on the power ballad “Still Myself,” a nostalgia-filled song punctucowboy culture. Love You,” which finds Tamia stretching ated with breathless, staccato synth beats, But he also has her voice to new heights. seen life beyond the ranch, and that range a version of which Dear includes on every CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: On the soulalbum. of experience informs this bracing and There are other good tunes, some that stirring gospel tune “Because of You,” sharp-witted set. Tamia wonderfully returns to her church Cabin Fever begins with “Gettin’ Down feature memorable bass lines and others with industrial or even calypso influences. roots. on the Mountain,” with the singer sensBut for all its bright spots, “Beams” lacks n Stacy A. Anderson, Associated Press ing apocalypse and going into survivalist

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Madden NFL 13’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Vita Genre: Sports Publisher: EA Sports ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone Grade: 3 stars (out of 5) After years of being berated by critics and fans (OK, probably more by critics than by fans, since this is still an 800pound gorilla of a franchise), “Madden NFL 13” injected some new technology — and life — into its creaky old knees. The changes result in an uneven product overall. Yes, gamers will flock to it because they love football and cannot get enough of it from August to February. But beneath the surface of the shiny packaging gamers will find old problems left unresolved. A new physics engine and an overhaul of the visual presentation and accompanying play-by-play commentary highlight the major overhauls to the “Madden” franchise. The new engine allows for a wealth of new tackle animations, but almost every play looks like 20 rag dolls are being chucked around the field, with necks and limbs bending and twisting in physically impossible ways. I kept awaiting the arrival of the “Madden ’92” ambulance to cart off every player on the field, but they somehow kept getting up. Most gamers want reassurance that “Madden 13” delivers the thrilling NFL experience they expect. Rest easy, but prepare yourselves for a shockingly level playing field. The convoluted play-calling system means less creativity, with more teams running the same sets and routes. It’s ridiculous to watch Seattle and New England run the same offense successfully. Players make a difference in the real NFL, but clearly in “Madden” everyone is a Hall of Famer. A big tip of the hat goes to EA for breathing some new life into the series. These “Madden” alterations, while not always hitting the mark, could set the stage for bigger and better things to come next year. Here’s hoping that happens.

‘Transformers: Fall of Cybertron’ Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC Genre: Action Publisher: Activision ESRB Rating: T, for Teen Grade: 3 stars

While watching the seemingly 500th cutscene in “Fall of Cybertron,” it became clear that this should have been the movie Michael Bay made instead of the chaotic mess we were handed that happened to have “Transformers” in the title. “Fall of Cybertron” presents a planet on the precipice of destruction. The Autobots struggle to maintain the last vestiges of their home while the Decepticons unleash brute force in a “if we can’t have it, we’ll sure as hell burn it” mentality. The game shifts perspective from iconic hero Optimus Prime to numerous other Autobots, some famous and a few not. This gives players the opportunity to try on many gameplay hats and see which ones fit best without committing to a particular style. When players arrive at the big final battle, this concept gets thrown into hyperdrive. Missions where characters alternate between flights and ground battles stand out from the duller missions. The online cooperative mode provides exciting action and the ability to create and customize a Transformer character. As a sequel to “War for Cybertron,” “Fall” is a worthy and strong successor. But disjointed gameplay may lead players to marvel more at the cinematics than the game itself. n Follow Chris Campbell @campbler or email him at game_on_games@mac.com.

Please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, August 30, 2012

GET INVOLVED ART

call 360-766-6419.

CALL TO ARTISTS: United General Hospital’s Fine Art Committee seeks uplifting, healing art by local artists for display in the Sedro-Woolley 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: patsyprutzman@gmail. com.

FAMILY ART DAYS AT MoNA: Skagit Artists Together and the Museum of Northwest Art offer Family Art Days each month at MoNA, 121 S. First St., La Conner. Sessions are open to all ages and skill levels and include guided walk-throughs of MoNA exhibitions. Limited to 15 participants per session. To register: 360-466-4446, ext. 108, or FAD@museumofnwart. org. Information: www. museumofnwart.org. Workshops are free with museum admission. Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger. Next up: Painting With Light: with Amy Griffin, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Explore different painting techniques, including watercolor, acrylic paint and mixed media. Exploring the Circle: with Barbara Silverman Summers, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Discover the possibilities of the circular form using watercolor, collage and pastel.

ARTS VENDORS: Immaculate Conception Regional School is accepting vendors for its Autumn Arts Festival, slated for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at St. Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th St., Mount Vernon. An 8-foot by 10-foot booth rents for $40-$45, with an additional fee for tables and electricity. For information or an application, call 360-4210641 or visit www.icrsweb. org.

ART CLASSES ART WORKSHOPS: Jeanne Gardner is offering a series of two-hour workshops for ages 7 to adult at That’s Knot All Artists’ Co-op, 128 S. First St., La Conner. $20 per session, includes materials; 10 percent discount for additional family members. Register at the Artists’ Co-op or

CLAY CLASSES: Ceramic artist Sue Roberts offers a variety of classes and workshops at Tower Arts Studio, 5424 S. Shore Drive, Guemes Island. For information, call 360-770-6140 or visit www.towerartsstudio.com. Next up: Ceramics For Everyone: The six-week class will meet from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 4. The class will focus on making functional ware using a variety of handbuilding techniques. Open to all levels of experience. $190, includes materials. Mosaic Garden Forms: The class will meet for six weeks from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Sept. 10. Learn how to hand-build a simple vase or sphere out of clay, then turn it into a colorful mosaic piece using fragments of ceramic tiles, mirror, potter, found objects and trinkets. $190 includes most materials. Introduction to Mosaics: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16. Students will make a colorful mosaic item using ART CLASSES: Dakota fragments of ceramic tile, mirror, trinkets and found Art offers a variety of art objects. All materials are classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount provided, but students are Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. encouraged to bring their

Stay & Savour the last rays of Summer in September. Stroll the streets of Sidney, shop & save at the variety of boutiques and check out our seaside town’s collection of unique bookshops. Then unwind with an oceanfront dinner in Haro’s Restaurant + Bar.

BOOK NOW FROM:

169

* based on Single/Double Valid September 1 - 30, 2012. Subject to availability

LESSONS: Thursday evenings at The Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway. $12 drop-in fee, AUDITIONS $60 for six classes. “LA BOUTIQUE FANn Basics for beginners TASQUE”: Auditions for at 6 p.m. No experience the holiday ballet will be or partner needed. Open held Saturday, Sept. 1, at dance practice follows Firehouse Performing Arts from 7 to 7:15 p.m. Center, 1314 Harris Ave., n Intermediate instrucBellingham. $5 audition tion at 7:15 p.m. Previous fee. Ages 3 and older. No Tango experience required. experience required for Attend the basics class at ages 11 and younger. For no extra charge. information and audition n Open tango dancing times, call 360-908-1653 or from 8:15 to 10 p.m. every email harperandi@hotmail. fourth Thursday. Practice com. your new tango techniques. No cover. 360-708-8076 or CALL FOR YOUNG email secure@cnw.com. MUSICIANS: Fidalgo Youth Symphony invites MUSIC young musicians to audiFREE MUSIC JAMS: tion and register for the Come and play or just 2012-13 season on Thurswatch the fun at Cyndy’s day, Sept. 6, at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Free for LaVenture Road,Mount Vernon. For information or participants and spectators. All-Ages Open Mic: 7 an audition appointment, p.m. second and fourth call 360-969-1681 or visit Tuesday each month. www.fysmusic.org. Jam Night: 8 p.m. Thursdays. DANCE 360-629-4800 or www. BEGINNER SQUARE cyndysbroiler.com. DANCE LESSONS: The Mount Baker Singles ON STAGE Square Dance Club will OPEN MIC: 7 p.m. offer lessons at 7 p.m. TuesThursdays, The Soup Bowl days, starting Sept. 11, at at Common Ground, 351 the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Pease Road, Burlington. Families, couples or singles Sign-ups begin at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome to perwelcome. First two weeks are free, then $4 per lesson. form or come to watch and listen. Free. For informa360-424-4608 or 360-424tion, contact Tobie Ann at 9675. 425-870-6784. EAST COAST SWING: RECREATION 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 10-Oct. 1, Anacortes HUNTER EDUCATION Center For Happiness, 619 CLASSES: The Central Commercial Ave., AnaWhidbey Sportsman’s cortes. Kim Hargrove will Association will offer a lead the four-week course shooter training/safety in this versatile dance, also education course from 6 to known as the Jitterbug. 9 p.m. Wednesday through $38, $70 couple. 360-464Friday and 9 a.m. to noon 2229 or www.anacortescen- Saturday, Sept. 5-8, and terforhappiness.org. again Sept. 12-15, at the CWSA clubhouse near ARGENTINE TANGO Coupeville.

5, or www.dakotaartcenter. own special mementos to com. use in the mosaic. $120.

Package includes: a discount card from participating Sidney shops, free parking and a $25 Haro’s dining credit.

For information call toll free 1 866 659 9445 9805 Seaport Place, Sidney BC www.sidneypier.com

Attendance all four days is mandatory to receive credit. There is no charge for the classes, but donations are accepted to cover the cost of materials. For more information or to register, call Sam Weatherford at 360-914-0354 or John Boling at 360-9692440. ZOMBIE INVASION: Join in a live zombie adventure/ survival game Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9, at Cornet Bay at Deception Pass State Park. Check-in is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and the object is to survive for 24 hours in a zombie apocalypse, armed only with Nerf guns and boffer-safe weapons. If a survivor is “killed” by one of the zombies, he or she then puts on zombie makeup and joins the attackers. Bring food, water, bedding and appropriate clothing to survive in the largely outdoor event. Some bunks may be provided. Ages 18 and older. No alcohol or drugs. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For information or to register, visit www.biomechine. net/lastgames/index.php. TRAIL TALES: The last of this summer’s interpretive walks will be held Sept. 5 and 15. All walks are free and handicapped accessible. For more information, go to the Trail Tales link at skagitbeaches. org. Wednesday, Sept. 5: 10 to 11:30 a.m., Fidalgo Bay RV Park, 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Anacortes. Walk along the Tommy Thompson trestle and learn about the history of Weaverling Spit, Fidalgo Bay and March Point from earliest European contact to the 21st century. One-and-ahalf miles round trip on flat, paved path and trestle bridging Fidalgo Bay.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 30, 2012 - E9

GET INVOLVED Saturday, Sept. 15: 10 to 11:30 a.m., 34th Street crossing of the Tommy Thompson Trail, Anacortes. Learn about the history and cleanup of the old plywood mill site at the east end of 34th Street. Also learn about Washington Ecology’s current cleanup project to remove toxins and restore a healthy shoreline. About 1 mile of walking in total. Saturday, Sept. 15: 3 to 4:30 p.m., Fidalgo Bay RV Park, 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Anacortes. Walk along the Tommy Thompson Trail and identify and discuss about a dozen different plants, including how they fit into the environment and how they were used by humans of different backgrounds. The walk is along a paved, flat trail.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS GOLF TOURNEY: The 17th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Golf Tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 7, at Avalon Golf Links in Burlington. Registration: $125, $500 for a foursome, includes green fees, carts, snacks, lunch, dinner and prizes. Dinner only: $25. Sponsorships are available. For information or to register, call 360-4285972 or email info@ccev entplanning.com.

and Island counties. Enjoy full meals, stocked rest sites and after-ride activities, including music and a beer garden. For information or to register, call 800344-4867 (press 2) or visit www.bikemsnorthwest.org.

ANNE JACKSON MEMORIAL RUN/WALK: The fourth annual 5K/10K run and 2-mile walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington. BIKE MS RIDE: The Day-of-race registration: 7 annual bicycling fundraiser to 9 a.m. Walk starts at 9:15 for multiple sclerosis will a.m., followed by the run take place Saturday and at 9:30 a.m. Awards for the top three race winners, plus Sunday, Sept. 8-9, beginning and ending in Mount additional random prizes. Registration: $12, $22 with Vernon. Join some 2,000 cyclists to help raise money T-shirt, in advance; $5 additional, day of event. Free for research while ridfor ages 14 and younger ing scenic courses rangor 70 and older. Shirt only: ing from 22 to 97 miles $10. Walk participants: through Skagit, Whatcom

Polio Plus

A Musical Celebration

A Rotary Encore Performance

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 7:30 pm THIS PERFORMANCE IS DEVOTED TO FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY $10 PER PERSON • FESTIVAL SEATING McIntyre Hall • 2501 E. College Way • Mount Vernon

Pirate Adventures: kinwashingtonoutdoorwomen. org or call Ronni McGlenn dergarten through second at 425-455-1986. grade, 4 to 5:15 Fridays, Sept. 28-Nov. 2. Students will create their own THEATER unique pirate character THEATER CLASSES: and play fun theater games Anacortes Community that will develop their Theatre’s Class Act School OUTDOOR SKILLS FOR acting skills and ability to for the Performing Arts is WOMEN: Women can work with others. Class will learn the basics of fishing, enrolling kids from preculminate in a play, perhunting and other outdoor school through 12th grade formed in ACT’s theater for fall classes on acting skills from Washington on the last day of class. $50. and theater arts. Classes Department of Fish and Wildlife experts and other are held at ACT, 918 M WORKSHOPS Ave., Anacortes. 360-293certified instructors at a QUILTING FOR BEGIN6829 or www.acttheatre. Sept. 14-16 workshop at NERS: Learn how to handcom/classact. Camp River Ranch in quilt from 9 a.m. to 12:30 The Magic Box: preCarnation. Participants p.m. Mondays at the Conmust be at least 18. A state school-age children, 10 crete Center, 45821 Railrecreational fishing license to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 25-Oct. 30. Students will road Ave., Concrete. Bring is required. The worktake part in a variety of a flat edge thimble, roundshop fee of $250 includes creative dramatic games needle puller, small scissors lodging, meals and use of equipment. A limited num- designed to use their imag- and No. 9 go-betweens quilting needles. Tips and ber of partial scholarships ination, improve self-conare available for first-time fidence and provide social technique how-tos on the interaction in an organized last Monday each month. participants. For more information, visit www. class setting. $50. 360-853-8400. collect $50 or more in pledges to get free T-shirt and registration; dogs welcome. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Skagit County. 360-757-0445 or www.skagithumane.com.

A Family Event Celebrating Our Skagit River

Skagit River Salmon Festival

Saturday, September 15 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon

Composer Rick Vale at the Piano Skagit Symphony led by Dave Cross PolioPlusCelebration.org

Tickets: www.mcintyrehall.org or call McIntyre Box Office 360.416.7727 ext. 2

SALMON FESTIVAL

100% of proceeds benefit PolioPlus! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 • 5:30 PM • ROTARY PERFORMANCE • BLACK TIE OPTIONAL Featuring Past RI President, Ray Klinginsmith • $100 Donation to PolioPlus Per Person

Music • Activities • Arts & Crafts • Beer & Wine Garden Free Admission • SkagitRiverFest.org This event received funding from Skagit County

E10 Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area August 30-September 16 Thursday-Friday.30-31

TUNING UP Playing at area venues August 30-September 6 SUSAN JONES

No events submitted

Saturday.1 THEATER

“Make ’em Laugh”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, The Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

FRIDAY.31

THURSDAY.30

TRAINWRECK 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyndysbroiler.com.

Lane Fernando: 6 to 9 p.m., Seeds Bistro and Bar, 623 Morris St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4663280. Matney Cook and the Mudflat Walkers: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Sunday-Wednesday.2-5

FRIDAY.31 SWINGNUTS 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-588-1720.

No events submitted

FRIDAY.31

Thursday.6

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

COMEDY

Comedy Night with Michelle Westford and Susan Jones: 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956 or www. anacortesH2O.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY.31-2 Bad Religion, Black Flag, Alkaline Trio: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Swingnuts: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

The Prozac Mountain Boys: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5-$7. 360-445-3000.

Friday-Sunday.7-9

Trainwreck (country rock): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyndys broiler.com.

Chico’s Paradise: 8 p.m., Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-671-2305 or www.bluehorse gallery.com.

Ravinwolf (blues): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

No events submitted

SATURDAY.1

LOOKING AHEAD FRIDAY.14

Jeff Foxworthy: 7:30 p.m., Puyallup Fair. $25-$65, includes fair admission. 888-5593247 or www.thefair.com/concerts. “Legally Blonde: The Musical”: Seattle Musical Theatre: 7:30 p.m., Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle. $35-$40. 206-363-2809 or www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org.

SATURDAY.15

“Legally Blonde: The Musical”: Seattle Musical Theatre: 7:30 p.m., Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle. $35-$40. 206-363-2809 or www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org.

SUNDAY.16

“QUE SERA! Celebrating Doris Day”: Kristi King and the Hans Brehmer Quartet, 5:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $24-$28. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre. org. “Legally Blonde: The Musical”: Seattle Musical Theatre, 2 p.m., Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle. $35-$40. 206-363-2809 or www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org.

THURSDAY.6 COMEDY NIGHT WITH MICHELLE WESTFORD AND SUSAN JONES 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956 or www.anacortesH2O.com.

MICHELLE WESTFORD

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411. Jenny & The TomCats: 6 to 9 p.m., Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon. $7 cover. 360-848-6673 or www. carpentercreek.com.

Yogoman: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266. Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-7579687 for guest sign-in.

Scott Pemberton: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956 or www.anacortesH2O. com.

Con Brio (soul, funk): 8 p.m., Blue Horse Gallery, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-6712305 or www.bluehorse gallery.com.

Blues Redemption: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-588-1720.

Jon Mutchler (piano): 6 to 9 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. www.semiahmoo.com.

Lee Howard (12-string guitar): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

Stilly River Band: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5-$7. 360-445-3000.

Blues Redemption: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-588-1720.

Mount Eerie, Hungry Cloud Darkening, Ever Ending Kicks: 5 to 8 p.m., The Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes. $7. 360-2933515.

SUNDAY.2 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

WEDNESDAY.5 New Iberians: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266.

The Kiss of Jazz/ Trish Hatley Quartet: 5 to 7:30 p.m., The Farmhouse Inn, 13724 La Conner Whitney Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-4411.

The Spittin’ Cobras, Black Beast Revival: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-778-1067.

Ben Starner (piano): 6:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Savage Jazz: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-588-1720.

OAK HARBOR MUSIC AND JAZZ FESTIVAL Groove for Thought, Pearl Django, Cheryl Jewell, Carly Calbero, Nada Cantada, The Halyards, The Chris Eger Band, The Steve Trembley Band and more: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor. Free. www. oakharbormusic festival.com.

THURSDAY.6 David Lee Howard (12-string guitar): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360445-3000.

Daddy Treetops (blues): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-4453000.