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YOUR GUIDE TO TULIP FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES PAGE 4

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - E1

Tulip Street Fair offers food, music, art and more PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday April 18, 2019

TUNING UP PAGE 9 Joan Penney Jazz Quintet plays the Conway Muse OUT & ABOUT PAGE 5

Celebrate spring with the Buffett Beach Bash in Anacortes

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NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK

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

Inside Tulip Festival.............................. 4 Out & About........................... 5-7 On Stage...................................... 8 Tuning Up................................... 9 Get Involved.............................10 Travel.........................................11 “TITO AND THE BIRDS”: Directors Gustavo Steinberg, Gabriel Bitar and André Catoto deliver a heartwarming and inspirational story through a lavish design that flows with beauty and strength. Their fluid style of animation wipes away the traditional stiff borders to make the film look like it is alive. The production is both staggeringly beautiful in look and story.

The film is a cautionary tale presented through a shy 10-year-old boy who is called on to do heroic things in a world on the brink of a pandemic. It is not a disease that threatens the world, but fear that manifests itself through the crippling and then transformation of people.

Tito realizes the research his father had been doing for years could provide the cure. All he has to do is find a way to utilize the local pigeon population and their songs to create a way to counteract the fear. That mission becomes more and

more impossible as those around him are consumed by fear.

The release contains both the original Portuguese language version of the film with English subtitles, and the English language dub, as well as an interview with Steinberg and Bitar as a bonus feature.

“A PLACE TO CALL HOME: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION”: This period drama, which debuted on Acorn TV, follows nurse Sarah Adams (Marta Dusseldorp) after she returns home to 1950s Australia after being in Europe for 20 years. It doesn’t take long for Adams to become involved in the lives of the wealthy Bligh family, from dashing widower George (Brett Climo) to his demanding mother, Elizabeth (Noni Hazlehurst).

Although the series is gorgeously filmed, it is the strong cast and smart writing that makes it such a strong offering. At the top of the list is Dusseldorp, who brings both an intelli-

gence and timeless beauty to the role.

The collection also includes two hours of bonus features, drink coasters, notecards and more.

ALSO NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY APRIL 23 “TARGET: ST. LOUIS”: Exposes the conspiracy of the U.S. Army’s aerosol radiation testing in segregated neighborhoods of North St. Louis during the Cold War. “ESCAPE ROOM”: Six strangers gather for what they think is a fun time in an escape room only to discover they are playing for their lives.

“THE GREEN INFERNO”: The 2013 film about a group of student activists captured by a pack of bloodthirsty cannibals is being rereleased.

“ALIEN 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION”: The film that proved in space no one can hear you scream is being released to mark the 40th anniversary.

“DESTROYER”: Nicole Kidman plays a self-de-

structive detective who must pull herself together when the head of a drug ring returns.

“SHAMELESS: THE COMPLETE NINTH SEASON”: William H. Macy stars in this cable series featuring one of the most functional dysfunctional families on television.

“FARINELLI”: In the 18th century, during Handel’s time, no man could eclipse the fame or passion of the opera singer Farinelli.

“I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE: Déjà Vu”: Woman who suffered through attack and acts of revenge faces a new threat to her life and her daughter’s.

ON DIGITAL HD APRIL 23 “WHAT MEN WANT”: Successful sports agent (Taraji P. Henson) mysteriously gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts. Will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on May 7.

– Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service

Hot Tickets...............................12 At the Lincoln..........................13 Movies................................. 14-15 SUBMISSIONS Email: features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Address Skagit Publishing 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 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? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com

TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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FOOD, MUSIC AND MORE AT TULIP FESTIVAL STREET FAIR

By JACQUELINE ALLISON @Jacqueline_SVH

A tradition just one year younger than the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the annual festival street fair kicks off Friday, April 19, in downtown Mount Vernon.

The free event, hosted by the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, will feature three days of food, music, art and more.

Eight blocks of First Street will close for the fair.

What started as a sidewalk sale has grown to an event covering a halfmile that regularly brings in between 25,000 and 40,000 people, said Ellen Gamson, the association’s executive director.

There will be 16 food vendors, and 160 booths for artisans and other vendors. Each year, the association gives away a dozen booths to local nonprofits, she said.

“It’s a great way to draw locals and visitors to downtown Mount Vernon to see our community, and a nice revenue generator for our nonprofits,” Gamson said. “It gives us an excuse to invite people into our wonderful downtown.”

The street fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 21.

Live entertainment begins at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Burlington-based musician Marcia Kester said the street fair was one of her first gigs when she

‌

Marcia Kester

started performing about 15 years ago.

“It kicks off the very busy season of festivals, and it’s a privilege to interact with people in that kind of a setting,” she said.

Kester is a one-woman band and guitarist. Her music is a mixture of country, rock, pop, blues and oldies, she said. She is currently working on a new Patsy Cline tribute show, which she plans to test out at the festival.

Kester will perform at 11 a.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday.

The Chris Eger Band, another local group, will take the stage from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday. Chris Eger, the band’s frontman, described the music as combining blues, rock and country, with an emphasis on guitar.

The band will play with the Powerhouse Horns, a group of trumpet and saxophone players.

“Mount Vernon is my hometown, so it’s always good to get back and play for friends and relatives,” Eger said.

CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

Chris Eger Band

‌

Cozmic Sauce

TULIP FESTIVAL STREET FAIR ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 19 n 10-11 a.m.: LaVenture Jazz n 11 a.m.-noon: LaVenture Marimba n Noon-2 p.m.: Prozac Mountain Boys

‌

Prozac Mountain Boys n 2-4 p.m.: Cozmic Sauce n 4-6 p.m.: Chris Eger Band

n 2-4 p.m.: Little Mountain Combo n 4-6 p.m.: Jimmy Wright Band

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

n 10-11 a.m.: Peter Ali n 11 a.m.-noon: Marcia Kester n Noon-1 p.m.: Harmony NW Chorus n 1-2 p.m.: Los Solecitos Del Valle

n 11 a.m.-noon: Peter Ali n Noon-1 p.m.: Marcia Kester n 1-3 p.m.: Puirt Na Gael n 3-5 p.m.: HK & the 4WD Band

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Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: April 19-26 For the full month’s listing of events, maps and directions, visit tulipfestival.org.

KIDS’ GIANT GARAGE SALE April 20: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. New and gently used items.

Free admission. 360-7559649 or burlingtonwa. gov.

ENGLISH TEA April 19-20: Reserve a spot for an English Tea session at a manor house and tour the grounds at Willowbrook Manor, 27420 Minkler Road, Sedro-Woolley. 360-2184585 or teaandtour.com.

TULIP FESTIVAL STREET FAIR April 19-21: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, South First Street, downtown Mount Vernon. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, a variety of food booths and hundreds of juried arts and crafts vendors.

360-336-3801 or mountvernondowntown.org.

TULIP PEDAL April 20: The 38th annual Safe Kids Tulip Pedal will begin at 7 a.m.

Saturday at La Conner Middle School, 503 N. Sixth St. The event includes 20-, 40- and 60mile courses around tulip fields between Mount Vernon and La Conner, near Samish and Padilla

bays, and features views of Mount Baker and the Cascade foothills.

Proceeds will benefit child injury prevention efforts in Skagit County.

Entry fee: $35 advance, $40 day-of. Jerseys are available for $12. Ages 14 and younger ride free.

To register online: thetulippedal.com.

KIWANIS SALMON BARBECUE Through April 28: The annual Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Enjoy alder-grilled salmon with baked potato, coleslaw, garlic bread, beverages and dessert. $15 large plate, $12 medium plate.

Groups of 15 or more,

call for reservations 360428-7028 or kiwanisbbq. com.

ART AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE Through April 30: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, historic 1888 schoolhouse at Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Members of the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild offer a variety of original artworks and demonstrations. Free.

360-466-3821 or stanwoodarts.com.

ART IN A PICKLE BARN Through April 30: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at Schuh Farms, 15565 Highway 20, Mount Vernon. The

Skagit Art Association’s annual show features award-winning artists in a variety of media, including paintings, glass, photography and more.

Free. 360-424-1580 or skagitart.org.

4-H CLUB PETTING ZOO Weekends in April: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 13391 Avon Allen Road, Mount Vernon. Rabbits, chicks, goats, ponies, ducks and baby pigs. $5 donation.

360-202-5023.

ANACORTES QUILT WALK Through April 30: Hours vary. See a wide variety of traditional, contemporary, modern and art quilts on display in downtown Anacortes businesses during reg-

ular shop hours. Maps available at participating merchants and the Anacortes Visitors Center.

Free. fidalgoislandquilters.com.

PHOTO CONTEST Through April 30: The annual photo contest is running on the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Facebook page, Facebook.com/ SkagitValleyTulipFestival. Submit your photos and view entries. The winners will have their photo published in the 2020 brochure.

DISPLAY GARDENS n Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning March 30. Gardens, flowers, gifts and more. Week-

days: $7, free for ages 5 and younger. Weekends: $10, children ages 6-11 are $5, free for ages 5 and younger. No pets, no drones. 360-424-8152. n RoozenGaarde, 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Flowers, bulbs, gifts and more. Weekdays: $7, free for ages 5 and younger.

Weekends: $10, free for ages 5 and younger.

Military with ID: $1 off regular admission price.

No pets. 360-424-8531. n Azusa Farm and Gardens, 14904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Display gardens, plants, flowers, art and more.

360-424-1580. n Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Gardens, greenhouses, plants, art and more. 360-466-3821. n Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Gardens, plants, gifts, cafe and more. 360424-6760. n Schuh Farms, 15565 Highway 536, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cut tulips, gifts, bakery, playground, tractor train and hayrides and more. 360-42406982. n WSU Discovery Garden, 16650 Highway 536, Mount Vernon: Dawn to dusk daily. Gardens showcasing plants that do well in the Pacific Northwest. Docents are on hand to answer gardening questions on the weekends.

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OUT AND ABOUT

ART

SKAGIT ARTISTS: Skagit Valley artists Caroline Garland, Ron King and Donna Nevitt-Radtke are exhibiting their realistic and abstract paintings and photographs during April in the lobby of the Majestic Inn and Spa, 419 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

HART JAMES: The abstract oil and charcoal paintings of Hart James and the sculptures of Jan Hoy are featured during April at the Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

ARTWOOD GALLERY: The wood, stone and metal work of Karen Healy is being featured during April at the Artwood Gallery, 1000 Harris Ave., Bellingham.

Healy will be at the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26.

ART MEDLEY: Hadrian Art Gallery, 5717 Gilkey Ave., Bow, will showcase a variety of work from artists of all kinds from April 6-30.

SCULPTURE DAY: Cloudstone Sculpture Park and Gallery will be open to the public on International Sculpture Days, April 27-28, at 5056 Cloudstone Lane, Freeland. $10 per person, $35 for four.

PAT SAYRE: Acrylic artist Pat Syre is being featured during April at the Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

SPRING SHOW: Over 200 works by 38 artists will be featured at River Gallery, 19313 Landing Road, Mount Vernon, through April 28.

Buffet Beach Bash in Anacortes

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

ANACORTES — Spring is here and the Anacortes Arts Festival is throwing a big old Buffett Beach Bash to celebrate.

The event starts Friday and wraps up on Saturday, April 19-20, at the Port Transit Shed, 100 Commercial Ave. There will be music by Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads (a Jimmy Buffett tribute band), dancing, margaritas, a costume contest and more.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45, available at the door or at anacortesartsfestival.com/2019-buffett-beachSTUDENT POETRY AND ART: Celebrate National Poetry Month by attending the Burlington-Edison School District’s poetry and art

HEALTH SCREENING EVENT TUESDAY APRIL 30 8-11 a.m.

Health Resource Center at Island Hospital

1211 24th St., Anacortes NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

INFO: 360-299-1309

www.islandhospital.org/classes .islandhospital.org/classes

ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL

Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band

bash.

The money raised from the bash will support Anacortes School District art programs.

showcase from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington.

LECTURES

& TALKS

NORTHWEST INNOVATION RESOURCE CENTER: The center hosts events and speakers for entrepreneurs and innovators

interested in learning about technology and networking. All events begin at noon at TheLab@everett, 1001 N. Broadway, Suite A3, Everett. Next up: n April 22: Trademark: Protect Your Brand. n April 30: IoT and Edge Computing: New Industry Opportunities.

JOAN PENNEY ON JAZZ: Joan Penney will speak on classic jazz at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 18, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. The talk will include audio and video recordings. Free.

RA COOK: Local author RA Cook will read from her new book “Calvin Splinter & His Splendid Splinter Ideas” at 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 20, at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham.

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OUT AND ABOUT “NATURAL HIGHS”: Matt Bellace, a youth motivational speaker and stand-up comedian, will present “Natural Highs: Supporting Teens in Making Healthy Choices,” a talk about the vulnerability of the adolescent brain, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Mount Vernon High School, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. Bellace has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology. Free. ”THE SUCCESS LIE”: Author Janelle Bruland host a launch event for her book “The Success Lie: 5 Simple Truths to Overcome Overwhelm and Achieve Peace of Mind” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham.

MUSIC

TERRY ROB: Acoustic

CELEBRATING IN SONG SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE APRIL 27 & 28

THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG PACIFIC NORTHWEST OPERA FRIDAYS , MAY 3 & 10 SUNDAYS, MAY 5 & 12

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

blues master Terry Rob will perform at 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 25, at the Conway Muse, 184444 Spruce St., Conway.

A’TOWN BIG BAND: The A’Town Big Band will perform at a free swing dance at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.

AT THE OPERA HOUSE: Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Next up: n The Buckaroosters: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. $5. n LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27. $15. n Rondo Swing: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16. $5.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT JAZZ: The Sylvia Center for the Arts and Whatcom Jazz Music Arts Center have teamed up to present jazz at 7 p.m.

Wednesdays at the center, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. Tickets are available at the door, prices vary.

Next up: n April 24: Bill Anschell Trio. n May 1: Birch Pereira and The Gin Joints. n May 8: D’Vonne Lewis and Limited Edition. n May 15: Greta Matassa. n May 22: Miles Black and Thomas Harris. n May 29: Ron Jones and the Jazz Forest.

THEATER

”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: Sylvia Center for the Arts artistic director Glenn Hergenhahn-Zhao will premier his latest original play, “Unstable

by Design,” at 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays through Saturdays, April 18-27,

Caspar Babypants plays Everett

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

EVERETT — Tell the kids Caspar Babypants is coming back to town.

Babypants is a children’s entertainer, but parents will probably recognize him as Chris Ballew, the lead singer and songwriter for The Presidents of the United States of America.

He will performing his hit songs about frogs, cats, dune buggies, peaches and more at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave. Tickets are $8. historiceveretttheatre.org. at the Sylvia Center, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15.

MORE FUN

UNITED WAY LIVE CELEBRATION: The event will begin at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. $30 individual, $500 per table. unitedwayskagit.org.

“WHO ARE WE?”: The exhibit spotlighting a diverse group of Washingtonians is on display at the Skagit County Historical Museum 501 S Fourth St., La Conner. ”PLANE TRUTHS”: Sound Defense Alliance will present the 33-minute film “Plane Truths,” created by Whidbey Island filmmakers, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. The film examines the impacts of local Navy aircraft and program expansion. sounddefensealliance.org.

CHUCKANUT RADIO HOUR: Author Laura Kalpakian will be the guest at Chuckanut Radio Hour at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Whatcom Community College, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham. Author and journalist John Dodge will be the guest at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21.

The Chuckanut Radio Hour is a radio variety show that airs at 7 a.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, and at 9 p.m. Sundays on 102.3 KMRE-FM. BUFFET BEACH BASH: The Anacortes Arts Festival will host the second annual Buffet Beach bash at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, at Port Transit Shed, 100 Commercial St., Anacortes. There will be music and margaritas. $45. anacortesartsfestival. com.

EGG SCRAMBLE: Bring the kids to scramble for colorful eggs and plant their eggs with dirt and seeds from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett.

TER PARADE: 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 20, on First Street in downtown Snohomish. The Easter Bonnet Contest follows the parade at the corner of First Street and Avenue A. EASTER BRUNCH: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, Eaglemont Golf Course, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon.

BRIAN KASNYIK

BOTTLE AUCTION: The Camano Masonic Lodge will host its annual Bottle Auction at 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 20, at the Camano Masonic Center, 27205, 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. The auction wraps spirits, wine and maybe ketchup to be auctioned off at the highest price. Must be 21 or older to attend. Money supports the Bikes for Books program at local schools.

EASTER EGG DASH: Kids ages 12 and under are invited to dash for over 1,000 Easter eggs at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Skagit Speedway, 4796 Old Highway 99 N. Road, Burlington. Racing starts at 7 p.m. $14 for adults; $10 for juniors, seniors and military; free for kids under 10.

KIDS’ GIANT GARAGE SALE: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20, Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave. New and gently used items. Free admission. 360-755-9649 or burlingtonwa.gov.

SNOHOMISH EAS-

BELLINGHAM BEER WEEK: April 19-27, culminating with the 18th annual April Brews Day from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 27, at the Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham. Full schedule at taptrail.com.

FAMILY PALOOZA: Bright Beginnings Family Palooza is for expectant parents and families with infants and toddlers. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 479 W. Taylor St., Mount Vernon. There will be informational booths, games and prizes. Free.

BELLINGHAM SOUP: Pay $10 to enjoy a bowl of soup, watch presentations on ways to improve downtown Bellingham and vote on the most deserving one at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham.

POETRY NIGHT: Poets Jourdan Imani Keith and Larry Laurence will read from their collections of poetry and writing at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse, 520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Music by Brad Killion.

360-293-1852.

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OUT AND ABOUT SPRING GARDEN OPEN HOUSE: Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, 145 Aversion Boulevard, Everett, will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 27. Music

by David Lee Howard on acoustic guitar.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AUCTION AND DINNER: The Bellingham Festival of Music will host an auction and dinner to raise money for the festival from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Bellingham Golf and Country Club, 3729 Meridian St., Bellingham. $110. bellinghamfestival. org.

GALA OF HOPE: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. $150, or $2,000 for a table of ten. Features auction and dinner. Proceeds benefit the Island Hospital Foundation. islandhospitalfoundation.

WOMEN’S EXPO: Learn about products, programs and services for women from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island.

VALLEY MEADE MARKET: The monthly event is held outside elSage Designs, 110 N. First Str., Mount Vernon, featuring more than 20 vendors, local artisans, live music and food. The next event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28. (Other dates: May 19, June 9, July 14, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 13).

CITY WORKS DAY: Bring the kids to learn about the City of Sedro-Woolley and its pro-

grams and services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Memorial Park, next to the Central Skagit Library, 802 Ball St., Sedro-Woolley.

LOOKING AHEAD

STUDIO ART TOUR: Join Island Transit for a guided tour to six Camano and Stanwood studio on regularly scheduled Island Transit buses on Friday, May 10. RSVP: 360-3877433 or travel@islandtransit.org.

RAPTOR’S DELIGHT: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, The Depot, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. The fun starts with the Anacortes First Friday Art Walk at 6 p.m. Friday, Kris Strell’s raptor art in the Depot, and the Cantabile Chamber Choir’s performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s lineup will feature Strell’s exhibit, the opening of the farmers market, and a one-hour live raptor presentation at 11 a.m.

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE & ODESZA: The two Bellingham bands will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Civic Stadium, 1445 Puget St., Bellingham. The show is a fundraiser for WWU Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment. Tickets are $60 and up. doublemajorbellingham.com.

SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Concerts are at 7 p.m. at the Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, 18101 Fir Island Road, Conway. Suggested donation $15-$25. n Monday, May 6: Baroque Trio JEST. n Wednesday, May 22: Bach’s Triple Concerto. n Friday, June 7: Early 17th-Century Canzonas. n Friday, June 21: Late 18th-Century Quartets.

Kimya Dawson brings unique musical palette to Bellingham

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — Indie singer-songwriting hero Kimye Dawson is coming to Whatcom County.

Dawson is known for packing her songs with meandering stories told through quick and catchy folk lyrics.

Fans of “Juno” might remember her upbeat songs from the movie’s soundtrack.

The concert will take place at 8 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Make.Shift Project, 306 Flora St., Bellingham.

The bands Wizard Apprentice and Your Heart Breaks will open for Dawson.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of the show.

Make.Shift Project is an all-ages venue that promises “no booze, no drugs, no jerks.” For more information, visit makeshiftproject.com. ”ORLANDO”: The Bellingham premiere of “Orlando” by contemporary American playwright Sarah Ruhl will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham.

The play runs at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, May 2-18. $16-20. ”MURDER & MAYHEM IN THE FOURTH CORNER”: Bellingham-based author Todd Warger will speak about the release of his new book, “Murder & Mayhem in the Fourth Corner: True Stories of Whatcom, Skagit & San Juan Counties’ Earliest Homicides” — the third in a series — which features pre-Depression era homicides in Skagit County: n May 5: The 1895 gun battle on the Samish Island wharf, Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. n May 22: The 1899 shooting death of Anacortes attorney David Woodbury at the Platt Building, 7 p.m. at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

PUGET SOUND

UNDERWATER: Drew Collins will highlight his adventures in scuba diving and photography for his award-winning book “Puget Sound Underwater” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. $5.

“LET IT NOT HAPPEN AGAIN”: Clarence Moriwaki, president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, will present “Let It Not Happen Again: Lessons of the Japanese American Exclusion” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington.

LAYERING THE LANDSCAPE: The Skyline Garden Club will host a presentation on overcoming lazy gardening by garden columnist Marianne Binetti at 1:30 p.m.

Monday, May 20, at the Skyline Beach Club, 6041 Sands Way, Anacortes.

Free for members, $5 for nonmembers.

CINCO DE MAYO ART AUCTION AND DINNER: Children of the Valley After School program will host its annual

KIMYE DAWSON

fundraiser at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 3, at Maplehurst Farm, 18495 Dike Road, Mount Vernon. $50, includes admission, dinner and beverage. childrenofthevalleymv.org.

CAMP FIRE SAMISH DINNER & AUCTION: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. $70. campfiresamish.org/annual-auction.

BILLY WAPLES DAY: All the shops in the Waples Mercantile Building, 444 Front St., Lynden, are throwing a block party from noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 5. Enjoy an afternoon of prizes, a chowder feed, beer garden and other family-friendly activities.

CASCADIA POETRY FESTIVAL: This year’s Cascadia Poetry Festival is a tribute to late poet Sam Hamill and includes many workshops and opportunities to work on poetry.

The event will take place from Thursday to Sunday, May 9-12, in Anacortes. cascadiapoetryfestival.org.

STANWOOD GARAGE SALE: A garage sale will

be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, at Camano Masonic Center, 27205 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Merchandise donations will be accepted until May 9. Items include furniture, clothing, pet items, books and housewares. 425-263-6808 or augustarms@aol.com.

CASA PLANT AND BAKE SALE: Camano Animal Shelter Association will sponsor a Plant and Bake Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Island County Multipurpose Center, 141 E Camano Drive, Camano.

ROCKIN’ FOR THE RE STORE: Join the Third annual Rockin’ for the RE Store Benefit at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham.

Raffles, silent auction, live music and more.

MOUNT VERNON FARMERS MARKET: The Mount Vernon Farmers Market returns Saturday, May 18. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until Oct. 12 at Riverwalk Park, 501 Main St., Mount Vernon.

E8 - Thursday, April 18, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area April 18 - 28

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Thursday-Saturday.18-20

”SILENT SKY” 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. Pictured (from left): Dawn Uroff Meade, Glynna Goff and Melissa Bridges.

Thursday.18 THEATER ”SILENT SKY”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15. 360305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

Friday.19 THEATER ”SILENT SKY”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15. 360305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

COMEDY EXIT 192 IMPROV COMEDY: 8 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

COMEDY THE DOPE SHOW: 8 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-2586766 or historiceveretttheatre. org.

Saturday.20

Thursday.25

THEATER ”SILENT SKY”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

THEATER ”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15. 360305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15. 360305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

MUSIC CASPAR BABYPANTS: 1 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett.

425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

Friday.26 THEATER ”UNSTABLE BY DESIGN”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $12-$15. 360305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

Saturday.20

CASPAR BABYPANTS 1 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

MUSIC SKAGIT COMMUNITY BAND: 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 108 Commercial, La Conner.

Free, donations welcome. 360391-1375 or skagitcommunityband.org.

Saturday.27 THEATER ”ARTRAGEOUS”: 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $18-$40. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

MUSIC CELEBRATING IN SONG: AMERICAN JOURNEYS: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

JEFFERSON STARSHIP: 7 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett.

425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

Sunday.28 MUSIC CELEBRATING IN SONG: AMERICAN JOURNEYS: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

SKAGIT COMMUNITY BAND: 3 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St., Anacortes. Free, donations welcome. 360-3911375 or skagitcommunityband.org.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues April 18 - 25 Thursday.18

MAMA DIRTY SKIRT: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

WHITE DENIM: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

Sunday.21

BIG BUSINESS: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. 360-770-1067 or shakedownbellingham. com.

Saturday.20

MARY ELLEN LYKINS & CRAIG ADAMS: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

SAWYER FREDERICKS FEATURING WOLFCHILD: 8 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

KNUT BELL & THE 360S: 6:30 p.m., Bow Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. 360757-6113 or bowcornerpub.com.

Friday.19 JOHN DELOURME: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 First St., La Conner. 360-3991805 or aneliaskitchenandstage.com.

JOAN PENNEY JAZZ QUINTET: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

NICK SWANSON: 6 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-392-3100 or hotelbellwether.com.

DARCI CARLSON: 5:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

MAMA DIRTY SKIRT 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison.com.

Saturday.20 SKYHOOK: 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Friday.19

JOAN PENNEY JAZZ QUINTET 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-4453000 or conwaymuse.com.

SWEET GOODBYES: 6:30 p.m., Guemes Island General Store, 7885 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes. 360-2934548 or guemesislandgeneralstore.com.

EZRA BELL, KILCID: 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook. com/TheFireflyBham.

LAUGHINGSTOCK, ANALOG BRASS, THE MARY ANNS: 8 p.m., Make.Shift Project, 306 Flora St., Bellingham. $6. All ages. 360-9331849 or makeshiftproject.com.

PAUL METZGER: 7:30 p.m., The Alternative Library, 519 Maple St., Bellingham. $10. altlib.org.

RANDY HAMILTON: 7:30 p.m., American Legion No. 43, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-0520.

ANN ‘N DEAN: 6:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

NITECREW: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

PETTY OR NOT: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

BAPTISTS, EROSION: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. 360770-1067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

MARY ELLEN LYKINS & CRAIG ADAMS: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805 or aneliaskitchenandstage. com.

ROKSTA: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

720 STRING BAND: 7:20 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

NICK SWANSON: 6 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-392-3100 or hotelbellwether.com.

JESSE TAYLOR BAND: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. 425737-5144, 360-629-6500 or locobillys.com.

JP FALCON BAND: 6:30 p.m., Bow Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. 360-7576113 or bowcornerpub. com.

BEAUTIFUL FREAKS, THE GROANS, RAZZLEBERRY: 8 p.m., Make.

Shift Project, 306 Flora St., Bellingham. $6. All ages. 360-933-1849 or makeshiftproject.com.

RANDY HAMILTON: 7:30 p.m., American Legion No. 43, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-0520.

NITECREW: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Wednesday.24 FIDALGO SWING: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

TEN PIN BREWING: 6 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

APOLOGY WARS: 8 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. $6-$8. 360-7701067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

Thursday.25 TERRY ROBB: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

KNUT BELL: 6:30 p.m., Bow Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. 360-7576113 or bowcornerpub. com.

SHAWNEE KILGORE, COLIN GILMORE & STEPHEN RAY LESLIE TRIO: 6 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook. com/TheFireflyBham.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART

CALL TO ARTISTS: The City of Anacortes is looking for entries for the third annual eight-month outdoor sculpture exhibition. Sculptures must withstand outdoor conditions. anacorteswa.gov.

ART CLASSES

PAINT AND LEARN: Kids ages 1-8 and their families are invited to this class all about learning to paint at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Sedro-Woolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St., Sedro-Woolley.

Free.

TRI DEE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at Tri Dee Arts, 215 S 1st St., Mount Vernon. trideearts.com.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST QUILT AND FIBER ARTS MUSEUM: Varied exhibits and classes are available to the public at 703 S. Second St., La Conner.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and under. 360466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org.

■ Fiber Fridays: bring any type of fiber art project, quilting, knitting, embellishing, etc., to work on while visiting with other fiber artists from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday. Free and open to all.

GAIL HARKER CENTER: Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for artists of every level at 12636 Chilberg Road, Mount Vernon. Online courses are also available. For information and a complete schedule: 360-466-0110 or

gailcreativestudies.com.

PACIFIC NW SCHOOL: Choose from painting, photography, fiber and 3D art workshops taught by professional artists at the Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 NW Birch St., Coupeville. For information and a complete schedule: 360-678-3396 or pacificnorthwestartschool. com.

DAKOTA: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-4166556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com.

AUDITIONS

CALL FOR DIRECTORS AND PLAYS: Whidbey Island Playhouse is seeking seasoned directors for the 20192020 Playhouse Season.

Visit whidbeyislandplayhouse.com for more details or email kevinwm. meyer@gmail.com with questions.

BOOKS

SILENT BOOK CLUB: Share a book you have read and silently read another one at 4 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Pelican Bay Books, 520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

GREAT BOOKS READING GROUP MEETING: The Great Books Reading Group will examine passages from important writings in history from 6 to 8 p.m. May 13 and June 10 at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. 360-9411437 and shunji.asari@ gmail.com.

POETRY OPEN MIC: The Anacortes Poetry Group meets the second Saturday of the month for

Celebrating all that is beer

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — Ready to celebrate beer?

Nine days of it?

Bellingham Beer Week kicks off on Friday, April 19, with breweries all around town hosting special events, but the big event is the Beer Olympics.

Beer Olympics requires no athleticism and drinking beer during the games and heckling competitors is encouraged. The games start at 5 p.m. Friday at Kulshan Brewing, 1538 Kentucky St. On Saturday, Stones Throw Brewing will host a block party from poetry open mics at 7 p.m. in the Anacortes Public Library meeting room, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Poets, songwriters, acoustic musicians, storytellers, a capella singers all welcome.

DANCE

BEGINNING CLOGGING LESSONS: 11 a.m.

Saturdays until April 27 at The Cloggin’ Place, 14641 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. $20 for 10 lessons. cloggingdanceclassesmountvernonwas.com.

BEGINNING LINE DANCING: 7 to 8 p.m.

Tuesdays, Burlington Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. $6 drop-in, $25 for five classes. Adults and teens 13 and older.

Register: burlingtonwa. gov/recreation or 360-7559649.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk

11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at its Fairhaven location, 1009 Larrabee Ave..

Starting Sunday, April 21, most breweries in town will discount customers wearing any local brewery shirt $1 off any pint they order. Plus, mark your calendar for the first CHUCKANUT BREWERY AND KITCHEN.

Chuckanut Ping Pong Tournament at 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 26, at Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St. For more information, visit taptrail.com/ event/beer-week.

Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View.

Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. 7-9:30 p.m. First session free, $5 thereafter. No partners needed.

Gary or Ginny, 360-7666866.

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND AND IRISH STEP DANCE: The Clan Heather Dancers offer yearround Scottish Highland and Irish step dance classes in Bellingham, Everett and Mount Vernon. More info: clanheather.com.

THURSDAY DANCING: Dance to the The Skippers or Good Vibrations from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Information: Jim Reynolds, 360-466-4490.

MUSIC

SCOTTISH MUSIC

SESSIONS: Musicians from around the valley meet at 3 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave, Mount Vernon. The jam session generally focuses on Scottish music.

UKULELE FUN & SONG CIRCLE: 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Free. Beginners welcome and loaner ukuleles available. Song sheets provided. 206-790-4862 or yogaheartspace0@gmail. com.

BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Join the An-O-Chords, a fourpart barbershop harmony group that meets at 7 p.m.

Thursdays at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 18th St., Mount Vernon.

No experience necessary, no auditions required.

Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages welcome. anochords. org. 360-679-7473.

TIME FOR FIDDLERS: The Washington Old Time Fiddlers play at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland. St. Free; donations accepted.

360-630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner.

New members welcome.

360-223-3230.

ANACORTES OPEN MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-293-2544.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night,

9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Thursdays, Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

RECREATION

PARKSCRIPTION DAY: The first Whatcom Parkscriptions Day will take place on Sunday, April 28. The day will feature over 20 free, hosted events regarding public health. recreationnorthwest.org.

ONE-DAY KIDS CAMPS: Burlington Parks and Recreation will host a variety of one-day camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for kids ages 6-12 at Camp Kirby, 4734 Samish Point Road, Bow. 360-755-9649.

Next up: ■ Creativity!: Saturday, May 18.

■ Teen Takeover: Teen Leadership Program: Saturday, May 25. Ages 13-17.

SPRING GARDEN PARTY: Help the Central Skagit Library plant its community garden from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the library, 802 Ball St., Sedro-Woolley.

MCCLINCHY MILE: CAMANO CLIMB EDITION: Register to participate in a 33-, 40-, 50-, 68- or 100-mile bike loop on April 28. Rides start at either Arlington’s Haller Park or Stanwood Middle School and finish in downtown Arlington where burgers and beers await their arrival. Registration: $45 advanced, $55 day of. bikesclub.org/ McClinchy.

MEN’S GARDEN CLUB: Join the Skagit Men’s Garden Club at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at WSU Mount Vernon Research Station, 16650 Highway 536, Memorial Highway.

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

FA M I LY T R AV E L FI V E

Book a trip to some page-turning venues

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES FamilyTravel.com

A good book can transport us to magical places and encourage exploration. Here five examples that may inspire your travels.

1. THE STORIES OF JACK LONDON, GLEN ELLEN, CALIF. Channel the adventuresome spirit of one of the planet’s most inspired writers as you explore more than 26 miles of hiking, horseback and cycling trails across 1,400 acres in the stunning Sonoma Valley. Visit the stone barn and the home where London wrote his page-turners. The author of “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang” was laid to rest on this landscape that nurtured his creativity and drive. It is now a National Historic Landmark. jacklondonpark.com 2. A.A. MILNE’S WINNIE THE POOH, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA A century ago, a Canadian soldier launched a literary legacy when he adopted a black bear cub and named it after his hometown of Winnipeg. The soldier took the cub across the pond and eventually donated it to the London Zoo, where Winnie became the inspiration for the well-loved character. Today, Winnipeg’s Pavilion Gallery Museum houses a perma-

‌

Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen, Calif.

nent collection of Winnie the Pooh artifacts and memorabilia, including a painting by the book’s original illustrator. tourismwinnipeg.com 3. LOUISA MAY ALCOTT, CONCORD, MASSACHUSSETES Today we can visit the home of this novelist who crafted a compelling story around the relationships within her own family. You’ll take a guided tour and get a glimpse into how the Marche family lived in the home known as Orchard House. Many of the family’s treasures remain in the well-preserved structure, including family china and photographs. You’ll find out why the Alcotts kept daily diaries and visit Louisa’s bedroom where the shelf desk, upon which she wrote Little Women, still

remains. louisamayalcott.org

com, nps.gov/upde/historyculture/zanegrey.htm

4. ZANE GREY’S AMERICA Best-selling novelist and avid angler Zane Grey created robust stories detailing the life and culture of the American West. Through titles like “Call of the Canyon,” “Riders of the Purple Sage” and “The Thundering Herd,” Grey’s tales of frontier character and romance inspired many to explore new country.

His books involve every state west of the Missouri River except North Dakota. Visit his birthplace in Zanesville, Ohio, a town founded by his mother’s ancestors. You can also visit a replica of his Arizona cabin (the original burned in a 1990 wildfire), which served as his home base while exploring and writing. rimcountrymuseums.

5. “WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE” Why not use this popular and creative tome as the centerpiece of a wild and wonderful weekend with the kids? Read Maurice Sendak’s book, then visit your local zoo or wildlife park, or walk through a nearby forest and discuss the adventures of young Max, the main character. Top off the weekend by streaming the Spike Jonze movie of the same name. The whole family will enjoy the mix of real actors, computer animation and live puppeteering, the combination of which brings the story to life. netflix.com.

– Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer.

Local travel briefs OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of tours daily in the Skagit Valley and surrounding areas. Reservations required: 360-474-7479. {%%note} {/%%note} SKAGIT SENIOR TOURS: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of local nature and hiking day tours for seniors.

Reservations required: 360-474-7479.

WHATCOM SENIOR TOURS: Sign up by calling 360-7334030, ext. 1015, or visiting the tour office at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360336-6215.

RECREATION WITHOUT BORDERS: The organization offers recreational trips, tours and adventures throughout the Northwest and British Columbia. 360-766-7109 or recreationwithoutborders.com.

OAK HARBOR DAY TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., offers day trips for members. For details, call the travel desk at 360-279-4587.

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 new passport applications and applications for passports that have been expired for more than five years by appointment from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 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.

Burlington Municipal Court accepts passport applications from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 311 Cedar St., Suite A, Burlington. New and renewal forms are available. 360-755-0492.

Post offices in Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and Oak Harbor accept passport applications by appointment. Contact individual offices for available days and times.

Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor, accepts passport applications Monday through Friday. Appointments are recommended. 360-279-4580.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS KENNY G: April 18-21, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

BUDDY GUY: April 19, Tulalip Resort Casino Orca Ballroom, Tulalip. 360-7166000 or ticketmaster.com.

LIL PUMP & LIL SKIES: April 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

FAILURE, SWERVEDRIVER: April 19, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

DJ SLUSHII: April 26, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

DELFONICS: April 30-May 1, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

ARLO GUTHRIE: April 30, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

RIVAL SONS: May 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE: May 2-5, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON: May 3, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GEN. WESLEY CLARK: May 6, McCaw Hall, Seattle.

844-827-8188 or uniquelives.com.

ARCHSPIRE, INFERI, WORMHOLE, VIRVUM: May 9, El Corazon, Seattle.

206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

THE GUESS WHO: May 10, Tulalip Resort Casino Orca Ballroom, Tulalip. 360716-6000 or ticketmaster. com.

KATHLEEN MADIGAN: May 10-11, Pacific Showroom, Skagit Casino and Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

PAULA POUNDSTONE: May 10, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS: May 11, El Corazon, Seattle.

206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

THE TEA PARTY: May 14, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

SUPERSUCKERS, SPEEDEALER: May 16, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

ROBIN TROWER: May 17, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

THOMAS RHETT, DUSTIN LYNCH: May 18, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

ART GARFUNKEL: May 19, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BOB NEWHART: May 20, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or uniquelives. com.

NEIL YOUNG AND PROMISE OF THE REAL: May

RIVAL SONS May 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

20-21, Paramount Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND: May 23-24, Paramount Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

END OF THE RAINBOW WITH BASSNECTAR, LIL UZI VERT, TOM MORELLO: May 24-26, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BRANDI CARLILE: May 30, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. ”WEST SIDE STORY”: May 31-June 23, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org.

BRANDI CARLILE, EMMYLOU HARRIS, NEKO CASE: June 1, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: June 1, Tacoma

Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

TRAIN, GOO GOO DOLLS: June 7, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

DEAD & COMPANY: June 7-8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE: June 8, Tulalip Resort Casino Orca Ballroom, Tulalip. 360-716-6000 or ticketmaster.com.

‘SWAN LAKE”: June 8-9, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. northwestballet. org.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: June 9, El Corazon, Seattle.

206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

WILLIAM SHATNER: June 10, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or uniquelives. com.

ROB THOMAS: June

13, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

RAIN: June 15, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville.

425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/summer-concerts/list.

‘SWAN LAKE”: June 15-16, McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon. northwestballet.org.

THIRD EYE BLIND & JIMMY EAT WORLD: June 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

ANDERSON PAAK: June 20, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BRIAN CULBERTSON: June 20-23, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

THE ORCHESTRA: June 21-22, Pacific Showroom, Skagit Casino and Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

JUDAS PRIEST: June 21, Accesso Showare Center, Kent. 866-973-9613 or livenation.com.

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, ZIGGY MARLEY: June 21-22, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodenville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

THE PIETASTERS, NATALIE WOULDN’T, THE SENTIMENTS: June 22, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle.

com.

JEFF LYNNE’S ELO: June 28, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

LYLE LOVETT: June 28, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

ERIC CHURCH: June 28-29, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

SANTANA, DOOBIE BROTHERS: June 29, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

PENTATONIX, RACHEL PLATTEN: July 3, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

JONNY LANG, ROBERT CRAY BAND: July 5, Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, Tulalip. 360-716-6000 or ticketmaster.com.

KHALID: July 7, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

BRIT FLOYD: July 11, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT: July 12, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA: July 13, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-4881133 or ste-michelle.com/ visit-us/summer-concerts/ list.

Soothing food and open minds with Bham SOUP

By SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD STAFF

BELLINGHAM — Bham SOUP is run by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and it is seeking to create positive change in Bellingham through a unique night involving soup and public speaking.

The event will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St. The entry cost is $10 and includes a bowl of soup and bread. From there, it’s all about sitting back, enjoying soup and listening to a lineup of creative project

proposals for downtown Bellingham.

The night is based on the Detroit Soup model. Here’s how it works: Everyone watching votes for their favorite project proposal at the end of the night, and the proceeds from the event support the implemen-

tation of the winning proposal.

This is the second Bham SOUP night. The first SOUP night gave almost $1,000 to Alex McLean to fabricate more bike racks with planters.

Visit bhamsoup.com for information.

BHAM SOUP

Presenters at the first Bham SOUP on Jan. 21.

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

‘Curious Incident’ coming to Village Theatre

AT THE LINCOLN

MARK KITAOKA

‌

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

EVERETT — “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is coming to the Village Theatre.

The play is the winner of five Tony Awards and seven Olivier Awards, now cast with Village Theatre’s own actors.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” tells the story of a teenager

DINING GUIDE

‌

Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” will play Thursday at the Lincoln Theatre.

Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’

A menu of Polish family recipes and Northwest fare made in-house from fresh, local ingredients.

Craft beer • Pnw wines House infused vodkas

Celebrate Easter at&Anelia’s on Mary April 21st!

Sunday Brunch Bloody Bar! 11 amMake - 2 pmyour reservations today.

Brunch and Dinner specials.

OPEN 11AM - LAST CALL

Closed Tuesdays

513 S 1st Street, La Conner 360.399.1805

Coming Up:

MVHS Jazz Night 2019

Family Friendly

EastEr BuffEt aPrIL 21 • 9am-3:30pm

SVC Rainbow Alliance Drag Show

7 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 20 The show was created to give a space for connecting community through creative expression and sharing of knowledge and support. It will feature Lala Amish, Stasi, Rou-Lette, Kris Rose, Bertha Baby, Stefanie Pink Rose and Glamazon Prime. $16.50; $13.50 seniors/students; ages 10 and under free.

— The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. lincolntheatre.org or 360-336-8955.

Beef Bourguignon, Chicken w/Curry & Broccoli, Pit Ham, Chilled Poached Salmon, Swedish Meatballs, Salads, Breakfast Dishes, Desserts & more.

WEDS. 4/24 6PM FIDALGO SWING

ham dInnEr sPEcIaL noon - 9pm

WEDS. 5/1 6PM JOAN PENNEY

Call for reServationS

360.466.4411

1585064 1474688

La Conner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

1880263

6 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 19 The Mount Vernon Jazz Band will perform the music of Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Marvin Fisher, Count Basie and more. The Mount Vernon Mariachi Band will also perform.

Free admission, donations appreciated. Money collected will support the music boosters of all the participating schools.

1754043

LIVE MUSIC FRI & SAT CHECK LISTINGS aneliaskitchenandstage.com

SAT. 4/27 7:30PM cHRIS EGER BAND at the TAPROOM FRI. 5/3 7:30PM NATHAN MccARTNEY and the PETULANT cHILDREN

360-588-1720 anacortesrockfish.com

320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

1880191

7:30 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Returning to cinemas for its 40th anniversary, Monty Python delivers a scathing, anarchic satire of both religion and Hollywood’s depiction of all things biblical with its 1979 feature film “Life of Brian.”

Highly controversial upon its original release and banned in several countries, the film is now frequently ranked as the greatest comedy feature of all time by magazines and media outlets around the world. As Monty Python member Terry Gilliam says, “It rips bare and makes you laugh at the world we’ve created for ourselves.”

Set in 33 A.D. Judea, where exasperated Romans are trying to impose some order, it is a time of chaos and change with no shortage of messiahs and followers willing to believe in them. At its center is Brian Cohen, a reluctant would-be messiah who rises to prominence as a result of a series of absurd circumstances providing ample opportunity for the entire Monty Python ensemble (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin) to shine in multiple roles as they question everyone and everything from ex-lepers, Pontius Pilate and the art of haggling, to revolutionaries, crazy prophets, religious fanaticism, Roman centurions and crucifixion.

Rated R. $12; Lincoln members $10. No passes.

wrongly accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog and the mystery he must solve to prove his innocence. It is based on the award-winning book of the same name.

Opening night is Friday, April 26. The play runs until May 19, with evening and matinee performances. Tickets range from $29-$64. Village Theatre is located at 2710 Wetmore Ave. More information: villagetheatre.org.

E14 - Thursday, April 18, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI REVIEWS

‘Hellboy’ is a truly crazy monster mash, and it’s … a lot

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

Perhaps it was when Hellboy (David Harbour) chased a pig baby changeling in a diaper up a chimney that it fully hit me. I couldn’t help but wonder: What on earth am I watching? The insanity was almost incomprehensible, though it’s par for the course in the world of “Hellboy.”

In this new reboot, Harbour takes over the brawny red-faced role from Ron Perlman; splatter maximalist Neil Marshall takes the reins behind the camera from Mexican monster maven Guillermo del Toro. Released from the confines of Westeros, where he’s been toiling as the resident battle auteur on “Game of Thrones,” Marshall tears into the gothic fantasy comic book property “Hellboy” with a startling zeal, and a bloodthirsty zest for grime and gore.

With this noisy, fast, chaotic “Hellboy,” Marshall is at his most cheeky and most unhinged. It’s certainly … a lot. Harbour is an ideal choice to sport the crown of sawed-off horns as the demon with a heart of gold, an investigator working for his father (Ian McShane) at the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. Harbour has a warmth and humor that shines through all the prosthetics, and an ease with sarcastic wisecracks too. The snarky asides, which permeate even the solemn voice-over that opens the film (which

LIONSGATE VIA AP

David Harbour (left) and Sasha Lane are shown in a scene from “Hellboy.”

starts in yes, the 5th century, with yes, King Arthur), let us know everyone here is in on the joke. It’s OK to laugh with the movie, even if it feels like we’re laughing at it.

Describing the plot of this truly crazy monster mash is a fool’s errand.

The gist is monster hunter Hellboy has to confront his own origins and existence as halfman, half-monster while battling to save the world from the greatest monster of all, the Blood Queen witch Vivian Nimue (Milla Jovovich), who was dismembered by King Arthur and locked in separate coffins to keep her from running roughshod over the earth with her monster gang.

But within that general framework, writer An-

drew Cosby has stuffed a rogue’s gallery of ghoulish characters, subplots and flashbacks. To crib that old chestnut from “Saturday Night Live,” this movie has EVERYTHING: giants, witches, lucha libre wrestlers, cheetah werewolves, Nazi occult rituals featuring cameos by both Rasputin and Leni Riefenstahl, Sasha Lane as a psychic who pukes up slimy spiritual apparitions, a boar-man with a Scottish accent and an iron jockstrap, Winston Churchill’s desk, an amusing appearance from Merlin, mystical secret societies and of course, Baba Yaga.

All this comes straight from the comic, so fans should be pleased at the depth and breadth of the lore in the film. Those who are less familiar

with the Hellboy canon might be overwhelmed, as this all hurtles at a relentless, unforgiving pace, glued together with many, many crunchy guitar licks. You don’t so much as watch this movie as submit to being pummeled by it. That might be exactly the time you want at the movies, sitting directly in the proverbial splash zone of a geyser of giant blood while Hellboy cracks wise about the giant’s bad breath. And that’s OK. Go get your “Hellboy” fix, because despite its epic ambitions, this movie is so bananas it remains to be seen if Big Red will ever grace the silver screen again.

– 2:00. Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, and language. HH (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Crypto” — This cryptocurrency thriller is one of those wonderfully convoluted guilty-pleasure actioners full of WTF moments, like Alexis Bledel singing “House of the Rising Sun” or a man being called “a piece of country candy.”

And we haven’t even mentioned Kurt Russell as a potato farmer. Thriller, R, 105 minutes. HHH “The Chaperone” — Nearly every time the prim and proper Norma (Elizabeth McGovern) takes center stage in this 1920s drama from the “Downton Abbey” team, we’re wondering what’s happening with the teenager she’s supposed to be escorting, the wildly talented and also more than a little wild Louise Brooks. Drama, not rated, 108 minutes. HH “Pet Sematary” — A really smart guy commits one idiotic act after another in this second adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel. Though far superior to the tone-deaf 1989 version, the film ultimately comes across as more grisly and grotesque than scary and involving and thought-provoking. Horror, R, 101 minutes. HH “The Best of Enemies” — As you might expect, we get powerful work from Taraji P. Henson as a civil rights activist and Sam Rockwell as a KKK leader forced to work with each other on school desegregation in 1971. But the film falls into such a predictable rhythm, it doesn’t quite carry the emotional resonance such a powerful true-life story should convey. Historical drama, PG-13, 133 minutes. HH½ “Pet Sematary” — A really smart guy commits one idiotic act after another in this second adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel. Though far superior to the tone-deaf 1989 version, the film ultimately comes across as more grisly and grotesque than scary and involving and thought-provoking. Horror, R, 101 minutes. HH “Shazam!” — The elevator pitch of “’Superman’ meets ‘Big’” perfectly describes this movie, the origin story of a 14-year-old foster child who can transform himself into a handsome, superpowered grown man in a red suit with a gold cape. I loved the spirit and the heart of this film.

Superhero comedy, PG-13, 132 minutes. HHH½ “Hotel Mumbai” — While this depiction of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai can be an emotionally rough viewing experience, it’s an impressively staged, unfiltered, sometimes shockingly visceral film with stellar performances from the top-tier cast, including Dev Patel, Armie Hammer and Jason Isaacs. Historical thriller, R, 125 minutes. HHH “Dumbo” — With his typically eye-popping visuals, director Tim Burton remakes the Disney classic in CGI for a look closer to live action. It’s more complex and darker than the original, but the baby elephant with the oversized ears is so brave that we never stop caring. With Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito. Fantasy adventure, PG, 112 minutes. HHH “Dragged Across Concrete” — The casting of Mel Gibson as a volatile, racist, crooked cop (alongside partner Vince Vaughn) is just one of the in-your-face moves of this lurid and blood-soaked thriller. The problem is, the turtle-paced realism is likely to have the audience fidgeting — or reaching for the fast-forward button. Crime drama, R 159 minutes. HH

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

‘Breakthrough’ doesn’t break the mold, but it’s a daring depiction of a flawed, faithful woman

By KATIE WALSH

Tribune News Service

In the growing faithbased film industry, movies based on the true stories of medical miracles are ideal film fodder.

They’re more accessible to mainstream audiences than Biblical tales or conservative-baiting political fiction, and in pitting faith against medical science, they present seemingly hard proof of the existence of God — or whatever mystical forces of the universe one might believe in.

“Breakthrough” is produced by DeVon Franklin, who also produced the medical miracle film “Miracles from Heaven,”

“The Aftermath” — After WWII, the wife (Keira Knightley) of a British officer (Jason Clarke) finds comfort in Hamburg with a dashing German (Alexander Skarsgard). Though this is a well-made, occasionally involving film, it’s impossible to take the leaps of faith the story asks of us.

Romantic drama, R, 109 minutes. HH “The Highwaymen” — Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson make a great team, playing the retired Texas Rangers who were recruited to track down Bonnie and Clyde. Unlike the 1967 classic about the two outlaws, this first-rate procedural rightly depicts the Costner character as one of the great lawmen of the 20th century. Crime history, R, 132 minutes.

HHH½ “Captive State” — Like every major city in 2027, Chicago is under the control of alien invaders, but

starring Jennifer Garner.

Based on a true story, directed by Roxann Dawson and written by Grant Nieporte, it’s one of the more authentically moving entries in the genre, powered by a gripping lead performance from “This Is Us” star Chrissy Metz. While the power of prayer is certainly praised, one can’t help but be truly struck by the power of a fierce mother who practically wills her son back to health.

Metz stars as Joyce Smith, the proud mother of basketball-obsessed John (Marcel Ruiz), whom she adopted on a Central American mission trip with her husband, Brian (Josh Lucas).

Mother and son are going through typical teenage angst and emotional growing pains while John tests out his freedom and questions his identity and roots.

But there’s no mistaking this mother’s love, biological or not, when John suffers a catastrophic accident. While playing with some friends on a frozen lake, the ice breaks and John slips under.

He’s submerged for 15 minutes until rescued by a fire department emergency responder, Tommy (Mike Colter), who hears a voice that compels him to keep sweeping, searching for the boy. For 45 minutes, John has no pulse, until Joyce begins

to pray over his unresponsive body in the ER. “Breakthrough” is fairly formulaic in its storytelling of faith, persistence and positive thinking.

God is represented in gusts of wind that seem to ethereally sparkle, and in the sound of voices raised in song. Cinematically, there isn’t much of a breakthrough, or breaking of a mold, when it comes to how these stories are told.

But what distinguishes the film is the daring depiction of a complex, flawed, fierce and faithful woman. Joyce is devoted to her family, but she turns up her nose at the new pastor in town, the ultra-hip Jason (Topher

Grace), with a slick haircut and trendy wardrobe.

Outspoken and overprotective, she admonishes anyone who doesn’t speak positivity into John’s environment, refusing to hear anything other than “full recovery.” Her ferocious loyalty is impressive, but her delivery is less than graceful. Her husband begs her to incorporate a little softness, to surrender some mental and emotional control.

It’s refreshing to see a mother in this situation depicted in all her humanity. It’s more inspiring to see someone who isn’t perfectly saintly in a film like this, underscoring the idea that miracles can happen anywhere,

to anyone. Whether or not belief or faith in a Christian understanding of God has anything to do with that is up for the viewer to decide.

But the true, tangible miracle here is one of a loving community, visualized in a moving scene at the end of the film, where Pastor Jason recognizes everyone who worked on John’s rescue and recovery. It wasn’t just God at work, but the loving efforts of many, many people. And isn’t that the biggest miracle of all?

– 1:56. Rated PG for thematic content including peril. HH½ (out of four stars).

At area theaters ANACORTES CINEMAS April 18-25 Missing Link (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:30, 3:45, 7:00, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 1:30, 3:45, 7:00 Shazam! (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 8:55; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30; Thursday: 1:00, 3:30 The Mustang (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:15, 4:00, 6:45 Avengers: Endgame (PG-13): Thursday: 6:30 360-293-7000

a ragtag band of human insurgents is putting up resistance. Despite plenty of action, it’s more cerebral social commentary than blood-and-guts sci-fi thriller. Sci-fi thriller, PG-13, 109 minutes. HHH “Finding Steve McQueen” — In this enter-

STANWOOD CINEMAS April 18-25 Breakthrough (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:30 Missing Link (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:50, 6:35, 8:55; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:20, 3:50, 6:35; Thursday: 1:10, 3:30 Shazam! (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:45, 9:20; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:45; Thursday: 1:00, 3:40 Dumbo (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:05, 3:45, 6:30, 9:05; Sunday-Thursday: 1:05, 3:45, 6:30 Unplanned (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 4:00, 6:50, 9:35; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:15, 4:00, 6:50; Thursday: 1:15, 3:35, 6:50 Avengers: Endgame (PG-13): Thursday: 6:30 Avengers: Endgame 3D (PG-13): Thursday: 6:00 360-629-0514

taining if sometimes overly self-conscious 1970s period piece, small-time criminals from Ohio take a road trip with a plan to steal some $30 million from a bank in California. It’s a combo platter of crazy-but-true history mixed with creative fiction. Crime caper, R, 91

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS April 18-25 Missing Link (PG): 1:00, 3:30, 6:30 Pet Sematary (R): Friday-Saturday: 9:15 p.m.

Shazam! (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:30; Sunday-Wednesday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45; Thursday: 12:45, 3:45 Unplanned (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:40, 6:35, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:40, 6:35 Avengers: Endgame (PG-13): Thursday: 6:30 360-279-2226 CASCADE MALL THEATERS Burlington 360-707-2727

minutes. HHH “Never Grow Old” — When a killer (John Cusack, suitably chilling) rolls into an Old West town with his gang, the resulting surge of violence creates plenty of work for the undertaker (Emile Hirsch). Filmed in the shadows of the deep

CONCRETE THEATER April 19-21 Captain Marvel (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

360-941-0403 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor April 19-21 Wonder Park (PG), How to Train your Dragon 3 (PG) and Shazam! (PG-13): Friday and Saturday Wonder Park (PG) and Shazam! (PG13): Sunday First movie starts at 8:15 p.m.

360-675-5667 *Times subject to change

night and the mist of rainy days, the dark and spare and blood-spattered Western feels authentic to the rough and raw era and locale. Western, R, 100 minutes. HHH “Gloria Bell” — Julianne Moore gives a luminous performance as the title

character, a divorced mother of adult children and a regular at a Los Angeles disco. This is a quiet film, moving at its own pace, reflecting life with such realism it’s as if we’re invisible guests in Gloria Bell’s life.

Romantic drama, R, 101 minutes. HHH½

E16 - Thursday, April 18, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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