360 August 1 2013 full by Skagit Publishing

County fair just around the corner PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday August 1, 2013

Recreation

Reviews

Arts

Deception Pass to host celebration of 100th anniversary of state parks system

Music: Backstreet Boys, Glen Campbell Video Games: “NCAA Football 14”

Gala benefit to feature evening of music, art and gourmet dining

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PAGES 8-9

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”: After most of the Joes are assassinated, the remaining members of the team retaliate. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have tightened the story — an improvement over the first film that felt like an extended commercial to sell action figures. The writers reduced the number of Joes, created an outlandish — but clear-cut — evil plot for the group to foil and capitalized on the dry humor of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Roadblock) and the scene-stealing ways of Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jaye). The result is a campy film — but not so campy to detract from the whiteknuckle action. With a role in this film, “Red Dawn,” and a very brief stint as TV’s new Wonder Woman, Palicki’s becoming the queen of combat. It doesn’t hurt that she looks just as confident dressed in army fatigues as a red evening gown. “Cloudburst”: Olympia Dukakis turns in a magnificent performance as the tough-talking Stella in this film adaptation of Thom Fitzgerald’s stage production. It’s the moving and funny story of two mature women, partners for 31 years, who head to Canada to get married. Dukakis gets the standout role as the strong — but never silent — protector of the pair. In less experienced hands, the role might have become a cartoon character. But Dukakis knows exactly when to put on the hard-nosed persona and when to back off to show emotional cracks. Brenda Fricker’s low-key performance might have been overshadowed had not the veteran actor brought such strength and dignity to the role. Her performance is a snug fit with the work done by Dukakis. “Fernando Di Leo: The Italian Crime Collection Vol. 2”: The three-DVD set includes “Shoot First, Die Later,” which has never been available on DVD. “Filly Brown”: Jenni Rivera’s final on-screen performance is this musical drama. “The Bronte Sisters”: The 1979 film about the English literary giants stars Isabelle Huppert. “Peggy Sue Got Married”: The ’80s romantic comedy is now available on Blu-ray. “Black Rock”: A weekend getaway to a remote island turns into a fight for survival. “Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Fourth Season”: The Blu-ray

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: AUG. 6 A Boy and His Dog - Shout! Factory Eddie: The Sleepwalking Cannibal - Music Box Mud - Lionsgate Oblivion - Universal The Place Beyond the Pines - Universal West of Memphis - Sony

The Weekend / Page 5 The Mark Whitman Band will play the Cap Sante Summer Concert Series on Friday in Anacortes

AUG. 13 Olympus Has Fallen - Sony The Big Wedding - Lionsgate The Company You Keep - Sony Emperor - Lionsgate AUG. 20 Scary Movie V - Anchor Bay AUG. 27 The Great Gatsby - Warner Pain & Gain - Paramount n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

release of the sci-fi series is available. “Rushlights”: Two teenage lovers travel to a small southern town to falsely claim a dead friend’s inheritance. “Midsomer Murders”: Five seasons of the British series about a small town’s crimes have been released. “Being Human: Season 5”: This is the final season of the UK version of the story about three strange housemates. “The Angry Beavers: The Complete Series”: Beaver brothers leave their childhood home to begin living the life of wild and crazy bachelors. “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox”: The world’s turned upside down when the Flash wakes up devoid of his super speed powers. “Touched by an Angel: The Eighth Season”: An earthbound angel (Roma Downey) continues her helpful ways. “Blaze You Out”: A young woman must face a town’s dangerous drug underworld. “The Fog”: John Carpenter’s 1980 film is now on Blu-ray. “Assault on Wall Street”: A man looks for revenge after he loses his job. “Flying Lessons”: A woman faces major changes when she returns home. Maggie Grace stars. “Teen Beach Movie”: Musical about two teens who find themselves in the middle of a battle between two beach factions. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

Inside

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

Travel............................................6-7 Music, Game Reviews..................8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up................10-11 Get Involved.................................. 12 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Movie Reviews, Listings..........16-17 At the Lincoln................................ 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

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Thursday, August 1, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY

It’s Skagit County Fair time Skagit Valley Herald staff

The unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of the Skagit County Fair return to Mount Vernon on Aug. 7-10. This year’s version of the Fair — which has its roots in the area beginning in 1898 — includes hours of entertainment and numerous attractions. From live music that begins at 11 a.m. each day, to magicians and hypnotists, to livestock exhibits and judging, 4-H exhibits and contests, and the Car Show & Shine and the second annual Diaper Derby, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Add to that the food options — gyros, burgers, barbecue, funnel cakes, fried Twinkies, crepes, cheese curds and more — and a dozen carnival rides, and one of the summer highlights of Skagit Valley will be in full swing.

When: WednesdaySaturday, Aug. 7-10, 10 a.m.10 p.m. Where: Skagit County Fairgrounds, 479 W. Taylor St., Mount Vernon Tickets: Adults $7, advance tickets $5; youths (ages 6-17) and seniors (65+) $6; family (two youths, two adults) $20; 5 and under free. All tickets before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7 are $4. Advance carnival tickets: $20, can be purchased at the fair office, 315 S. 3rd St., to be exchanged at the Davis Amusement Carnival’s ticket booth for one all-day bracelet. Phone: 360336-9414 Website: skagitcounty. net/fair

Skagit Valley Herald file photos

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E4 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

RECREATION

A group of kayakers paddle Deception Pass in the spring of 2008. File photo

Celebrating 100 years of state parks By VINCE RICHARDSON @Sports_SVH

DECEPTION PASS — People of Washington have been camping, hiking, biking, boating, picnicking and fishing in state parks for a century. The state is home to one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country, as well as one of the first in the U.S. The Washington State Park System was established on March 19, 1913, and now features 117 parks. One of most popular is Deception Pass State Park, which will be the host of a public celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the parks system from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. The celebration, which will take place in the East Cranberry Lake area near the park’s main entrance, is the signature Centennial 2013 event for Western Washington. Visitors are required

to display a Discover Pass to enter the park. “It’s exciting,” said Deception Pass State Park Manager Jack Hartt. “It’s going to be a day to have fun, a lot of fun. It’s going to be a day where people can come and explore the park. It’s going to be something people can come to and say later, ‘I was a part of that.’” The event will feature music as well as Junior Ranger and other activities for children, model sailboat races, park tours and a Volkssport walk. There will be information booths, crafts and a variety of food items available for purchase. A birthday ceremony will include remarks by dignitaries and a special birthday moment with an opportunity for crowd participation. The stage schedule: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Cannery Underground, folk music

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Still Bill Band, rhythm and blues 1-2 p.m.: Birthday celebration ceremony 2-4 p.m.: Jacobs Road, classic rock Deception Pass State Park receives about 1.75 million visits a year. The large marine and camping areas of the park consist of more than 4,000 acres. There is 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 34,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. “In the early 1900s, Deception Pass was a gathering place for folks from Oak Harbor. We will certainly be recognizing that,” Hartt said. “Over the decades, it has become a part of the communities that surround it. It has touched a lot of people’s lives, and we are really looking forward to celebrating that.” The park’s signature attraction is the dramatic 1930s-era bridge

connecting park land on Fidalgo and Whidbey islands over the turbulent North Puget Sound waters of Deception Pass. Favorite areas within the park include Cornet Bay, Bowman Bay, Ben Ure Island and Rosario Beach, with the Maiden of Deception Pass story pole depicting the story of the Samish people and Kukutali, an area of the park managed in cooperation with the Swinomish Tribe. The park also includes oldgrowth forest, abundant wildlife and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. “This park is a premier destination,” said Hartt. “And we’ve been building to this centennial celebration for quite some time. Every park in the state has done one thing or another. There are two signature events, the second of which is right here at Deception Pass.”

The Legislature created the State Board of Park Commissioners on March 19, 1913, mainly to accept citizen donations of park lands. By 1929, the state system had expanded from a humble 26 acres to more than 8,000. The ups and downs of budgets and the Great Depression took their toll, but the park system grew tremendously in the post-World War II expansion years, through the 1960s and beyond. Today, the commission manages 117 developed parks and a total of about 120,000 acres of park lands. Approximately one-third of the land has been donated by citizens over the years. State parks receive an estimated 40 million visits a year statewide and generate a total annual direct contribution of more than $1 billion to state and local economies and more than $30 million in state tax receipts.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area SPLASHTACULAR The free children’s health and The sixth annual Cap Sante Summer Concert Series features live concerts at Seafarers’ Memorial Park in Anacortes. All shows start at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Free. 425-303-1848 or snohomishartistguild.org. Next up: The Mark Whitman Band (blues), Friday, Aug. 2.

safety event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. today, Aug. 1, at Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., Anacortes. Sponsored by Skagit-Island Safe Kids Coalition, local organizations will provide games and activities focusing on fire safety, bike safety and helmet use, sun safety, CPR demos, heart health, poison prevention and more. There will also be face painting, a bouncey house and other activities. For information, contact Harveen Sandhu at 360-416-8338 or email hsandhu@skagit valleyhospital.org.

PIONEER PICNIC The Skagit County Pioneer Association’s 109th annual picnic and meeting is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. today, Aug. 1, at Pioneer Park, near the Rainbow Bridge in La Conner. This year’s honorees are the Summers family of Fir Island and Bill Mitchell of Anacortes. A barbecued salmon lunch will be served, followed by the business meeting and a memorial tribute for departed pioneers. Admission: $12, includes lunch, membership in the Pioneer Association and free admission to the Historical Museum the day of the picnic at 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. 360466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/museum.

CONQUERING CANCER CONCERT Members of The

Summer concert series

Rocket Band and friends will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Anacortes First Baptist Church, 2717 J Ave. Free. Donations will help defray costs of cancer treatment for barber/musician Eric Neufeld. Donations can also be made at any Whidbey Island Bank branch.

BIRDSTOCK The seventh annual Music Festival and Fermentation Celebration will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Birdsview Brewing Company, 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. Enjoy music by Fanny Alger, Jack Mattingly & Whiskey Fever, Bare Feet, Apollo’s Mystic Caravan, Br’er Rabbit and Say Banzai. $5 cover. Food and beverages available for purchase. All ages welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Birdsview Fire Department. 360-826-3406 or birdsviewbrewing. com.

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E6 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

TRAVEL

Ohio gallery is mini-Cooperstown for baseball fans By DAN SEWELL Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ohio — Shoeless Joe Jackson might have asked if THIS is heaven. Here was one of his thick-handled bats, being gripped lovingly and studied for cleat nicks and baseball smudges from games he played 100 years ago. Newly arrived, it soon will be carefully displayed, near a rare Jackson signature, and in the days and years to come, it will be viewed by dedicated fans who will also be mingling with stars of the game.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

Aug 2 6-9pm Anne Martin McCool Gallery Studio 1010 Burton Jewelers Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa Apothecary Spa

(2nd floor Majestic Inn)

Gallery at the Depot www.anacortesart.com

n Green Diamond Gallery: Cincinnati, Ohio. greendiamond gallery.com

Jackson, depicted in the movie “Field of Dreams,” was banned from baseball for his role in the 1919 “Black Sox” World Seriesfixing scandal, by lore disappointing a young fan who shouted: “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” But the ill-fated star has a place amid such greats as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron in the Green Diamond Gallery in suburban Cincinnati. The gallery showcases a top private collection of baseball memorabilia while hosting a small club of fans who in recent months have been able to ask pitcher Jack Morris about falling short of making the Hall of Fame, slugger Jose Canseco about illicit steroid use, and manager Tony La Russa about secrets of the St. Louis Cardinals’ success. “There’s Cooperstown, then it’s Green Diamond, and I don’t know what would be a close third,” La Russa said, referring to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Hall’s president, Jeff Idelson, has visited the gallery and agrees it’s unlike anything else he’s seen outside Cooperstown. The gallery’s roots are in a child’s first trip to a baseball game five decades ago. Bob Crotty still savors memories of the sights, sounds and smells of Crosley Field, then home of the Cincinnati Reds. He was drawn to the souvenir stand, buying

Photos by Al Behrman / AP

Owner Bob Crotty holds a bat used by Shoeless Joe Jackson as he stands next to a display on the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal inside the Green Diamond Gallery in Cincinnati. The club houses baseball memorabilia and allows members to hear inside stories from the game’s greats in monthly meetings. of all this stuff or do something with it,” said Crotty, now 54. He met with Kevin Manley, who had worked for a nonprofit that Crotty’s company supported, to brainstorm. Most collectors by nature want to protect their privacy and valuables, so not many fans get to view what they have. “I always wanted to give this a home where I could display it, share it in A document from Greenville, S.S., shows the signature, some capacity, maybe create upper right, of Shoeless Joe Jackson. an environment where we could do something different,” said Crotty, who made buttons and other inexpenHe networked with colsive trinkets. lectors and learned the best Manley the manager of what And so it began. auction houses and authenti- opened in 2007. It included: n A one-floor exhibit area “Once I got the bug, I got cators while becoming a top packed with 4,000 items such it pretty bad,” Crotty said. executive in the family-run as autographed baseballs, The preteen boy cut lawns Van Dyne Crotty uniform game-used jerseys, ballpark for cash to fund his new company. When it was relics, rare documents, phopassion, and he spent hours bought in 2006 by industry tos and letters, organized writing letters to teams giant Cintas Corp., Crotty requesting yearbooks and suddenly had plenty of time into categories such as Hall of Famers, greatest teams, other items. His bedroom and money — and a very the Negro Leagues and a desk and shelves filled, then large collection. tribute to character and his entire bedroom, then the “I was pretty much at a courage honoring Jackie family’s basement. crossroads … either get rid

Robinson, Lou Gehrig and Roberto Clemente. n A private club, initially 100 dues-paying members, then upped to 250 with two levels of membership. The club, which includes female members, has a waiting list for the few spots in the toplevel Wright Society that open each year, at $2,000 annual dues. n A charitable foundation, supporting baseballrelated activities for economically disadvantaged youths and disabled and sick children. Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench has headlined fundraising events. n Monthly receptions, featuring question-andanswer sessions with baseball’s stars and characters. Hall of Fame pitchers Steve Carlton, Bert Blyleven and Jim Bunning (also a former U.S. senator) were among last year’s speakers, and hitting star Rod Carew is coming up this month.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013 - E7

EXPLORE it all

TRAVEL

AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE

July 29 - August 31

ABOVE: Signed players contracts, personal letters and signed checks from greats such as Henry Aaron, Walter Johnson, Lou Gehrig, and Honus Wagner. BELOW: A collection of bats used by all the players who have hit 500 home runs, along with signed baseballs by the players. “I was overwhelmed,” said La Russa, who spoke last month. “The collection is staggering, the whole concept of the club … You are surrounded by people who love the game.” Among them: Buck Newsome, an investment adviser who was part of initial word-of-mouth membership recruiting. “I was like a little kid again. It was just unbelievable,” Newsome recalled. “Within five or 10 minutes, I asked, ‘How do I join?’” Newsome tries to make every meeting, appreciating the chance to rub elbows with stars in a convivial atmosphere for hearing inside stories. Speakers like talking baseball with knowledgeable fans who aren’t hounding them for

meetings and wedding rehearsal dinners help cover operating costs. Tight space and security concerns restrict numbers of visitors, but the gallery opens once or twice a year for paid tours. Crotty, meanwhile, keeps adding. Besides the Jackson bat, he just bought Warren Spahn’s Hall of Fame ring after the late pitcher’s son put memorabilia up for auction. He doesn’t disclose prices paid and said the only way to know the value of his collection would be to sell it. autographs; after visiting, “When you’re a collector, La Russa decided to help it can be a lonely journey,” arrange for a Cardinal preCrotty said. “The beauty decessor, Hall of Famer Red of having this model is I Schoendienst, to make an can continue to collect, and upcoming appearance. I’ve made friendships and Rentals for special events relationships you can’t put a such as off-site corporate monetary value on.”

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Local travel

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 12 and older (adult supervision Jex for day trips and yoga. Each adventure required for ages 18 and younger). For inforincludes fun activities at an area attraction combined with a yoga class. For information mation or to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: or to register, call Jex at 360-631-0587 or Abbotsford, B.C., International Airshow: visit yoga-gypsies.com. Next up: Aug. 11: Anacortes Kayak Yoga Trip: Join Jex 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. at 9 a.m. in Anacortes for a six-hour kayak tour of the San Juan Islands that will include 13th St., Mount Vernon. Proof of citizenship an hour of beach yoga. Bring your own lunch required (passport, DMV enhanced driver’s license or NEXUS card). $68-$70. Register and water-safe shoes. $117.94, includes kayak rental, all gear and yoga. by Aug. 2. YOGA ADVENTURE SERIES: Join Dawn

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E8 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Glen Campbell

talking about love and commitment, but the songs bleed into each other despite not “See You There” being similar. The group is too concerned to show us how they’ve matured to remember At 77 and stricken that it’s sexy vibes that sell. with Alzheimer’s “Breathe,” “Feels Like Home,” “Permadisease, Glen Campnent Stain” and “Make Believe” are averbell looks back at a age, but they provide the much-needed key lifetime of work on hooks for the dance floor. “Try” is too Eric “See You There.” He revisits classics such as Clapton-esque to stand out in this day and “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston” with age, while acoustic downers “Madeleine” a contemplative, late-night feel, stripping and “Trust Me” bring the sex appeal facdown to small-combo arrangements based tor to a zero (thankfully “Show ‘Em (What on brushed rhythms, gently sustained organ You’re Made Of)” raises the temperature notes and twangy, single-note, electric guifor a bit). tar. The album’s best moment is its first song: The vocals mostly were recorded a The Max Martin-produced lead single and few years ago, around the time Campbell title track has simple guitar chords that recorded “Ghost on the Canvas,” released draw you in and a catchy, wholesome beat in 2011. His voice is pure, strong and as soulful as ever, with only sporadic moments that keeps you tapping your feet. But the rest of the album heads in one where his tone wavers. “Gentle on My direction — downhill. Mind,” for example, finds Campbell’s voice sounding damp and slurred in places. n Cristina Jaleru, Associated Press Overall, though, this is a testament that Campbell has remained a potent interpreter Vince Gill & of good songs. Proof comes not only in how he hits the notes of a classic like “Hey Little Paul Franklin One,” but in the emotional layers he brings “Bakersfield” to songs written in recent years. In “What I For those disWouldn’t Give” and “There’s No Me . Without You” he acknowledges the melancholy mayed by contemporary country music’s of aging while assuring loved ones there is lack of steel guitar something better beyond this life for all of and shuffle rhythms, “Bakersfield” is your them. antidote. n Michael McCall, Associated Press With Vince Gill no longer competing for top radio hits, he turns his attention to Backstreet one of the bedrock styles of the traditional American music that he loves. Recruiting Boys Paul Franklin — by far the most recorded “In a World Like This” pedal steel guitarist in Nashville in the last 25 years — Gill swaggers into the TelecastBackstreet’s back, er-and-steel country sounds of Merle Hagall right! gard and Buck Owens, heroes to these two Not all right, actumusicians and millions of others who revere ally. brawny, succinctly poetic working-class The Backstreet Boys managed to bring music. fifth member Kevin Richardson back into Gill’s tender tenor swings into these clasthe fold for an eighth album and a world tour to celebrate 20 years of making music. sic lyrics in a manner that tips his hat to the distinctive styles of both masters, yet finds “In a World Like This” is also the first his own honky-tonk persona through them. to come out from under their own label, K-BAHN, after parting with longtime part- While his voice rises to the occasion, Gill’s Fender guitar and Franklin’s pedal steel ner, the now defunct Jive Records. are just as substantial, both coming up with The boys collaborate mostly with proinventive licks that pay tribute to the origiducers Martin Terefe and Morgan Taylor nals without being carbon copies. Reid on the 12-track album that lacks the Balancing five songs from both the cataimmediate hooks that their earlier hits had. logs of Haggard and Owens, the selections BSB’s album is a grown-up mix of tunes

include standards such as Hag’s “Branded Man” and “The Bottle Let Me Down” as well as Owens’ “Together Again” and “Foolin’ Around.” But the album benefits from reaching beyond the well-known hits. Gill and Franklin dig out less familiar gems such as “Holding Things Together” by Haggard and “He Don’t Deserve You Anymore” by Owens, both as good as anything on “Bakersfield” — a great country album in any era. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Marc Anthony “3.0”

Marc Anthony has remained his own man. He married Jennifer Lopez and never got a stupid hybrid title (no J-Arc or Ma-Lo). He sang “God Bless America” at baseball’s All-Star Game and got Twitter grief for it (“How dare immigrants sing our song?”). But he brushed it off, went on TV, and reminded audiences he was of Puerto Rican descent and born in New York. As a singer, he’s rarely succumbed to slick, gringo pop. But salsa is where Anthony lives, where he made his bones, and where his pointedly expressive voice settles most handsomely. It is thrilling, then, that “3.0” is his first original tropical recording in eons (he covered salsa sensation Héctor Lavoe for his 2007 film “El Cantante”). Make no mistake: There is lush pop in ballads such as “Espera.” For all the beauty of his voice and the rocky romanticism conveyed throughout “3.0,” there is swagger. “Hipocresía” is as gutsy as it is graceful. The guaguanco grooves of “Flor Pálida” open wide for Anthony’s warning — that an untended flower is a dead one. Impresionante. n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Robin Thicke “Blurred Lines”

After spending most of his decadelong recording career as one of R&B’s journeymen — a sensuous crooner with the occasional crossover hit — Robin Thicke has exploded into

pop’s consciousness with “Blurred Lines”: It’s the undeniable song of the summer and may turn out to be the single of the year. The Marvin Gaye-inflected, sex-filled dance groove (and its naughty video counterpart) has become a cultural flashpoint, sparking parodies, commentaries, endless radio replays and an unknown number of hookups. It’s a triumph for Thicke, to be sure — but the tricky part of having success is sustaining it. It’s not something Thicke has managed that well through the years, particularly after scoring with 2007’s smoldering “Lost Without U.” Will “Blurred Lines” end up being a transcendent, but very singular moment for the 36-year-old singer? If it does, it won’t be because of his music. Thicke has always created cohesive albums that are remarkably underrated; with his sixth album being released as its title track continues on its path to world domination, Thicke may finally get the audience his songs deserve. With 11 tracks, “Blurred Lines” is tightly woven but still manages to bring different flavors, from electronic dance music to R&B anthems to between-the-sheets grooves. Thicke wrote or co-wrote every track, and while he enlists Pharrell for “Blurred Lines” and has names like Dr. Luke and will.i.am as contributors, he remains the star of his own show. Thicke charms throughout, whether he’s using a sexy falsetto, smooth tenor or even a few raps, which he does fairly well on the retro-sounding “Top of the World” (showing he’s learned something from those numerous Lil Wayne pairings). He even succeeds when his lyrics fail, like some cringe-worthy attempted come-ons on the disco-ball whirring electrobeat tune “Give It 2 U” (Kendrick Lamar does a much better job with his verses, thankfully). Thicke usually does romance right, though, and it’s where he shines on the album’s best track, “4 the Rest of My Life,” a gorgeous ode to the lady in his life that seems tailor-made for countless wedding first-dances (and honeymoon playlists). The song encapsulates everything that makes Thicke’s music so alluring: sexy, perfectpitch vocals, enticing lyrical foreplay and the music that delivers. With “Blurred Lines,” Thicke’s path to music’s top spot should be clear from now on. n Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013 - E9

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘NCAA Football 14’

Don’t get me wrong. The Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 on-field action Genre: Sports still provides Publisher: EA Sports plenty of fun. ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone By the time new Grade: 2.5 stars (out of 5) Kentucky coach Mark Stoops Just when I thought I’d seen role-playwas giving his ing elements invade every genre in video remarks at SEC games, the good folks at EA blindsided Media Days last me by making its college-football franweek, I’d already chise into an RPG game. guided my alma No, you won’t see a +7 Shield of Blitz Protection or get to cast a Hands of Glue mater to its second bowl game in Dynasty mode. The requisite improvements in spell on your receiving corps. Although, in-game player movement, tackling and man, that would be awfully hilarious and overall visuals are there, so whether you I’d be more inclined to go through the Create A Team feature and field a team of are playing alone in Dynasty or against players named after “Skyrim” and “Dun- friends competitively, the experience of college football feels alive and real in geons & Dragons” characters. “NCAA Football 14.” Instead, what you get is another year When you step away from the field, with a rather bland football game featurthough, the game starts (bad-pun alert!) ing minor tweaks and a new sheen on a committing penalties, the most egregious game you’ve played a million times.

being the Dynasty mode’s inclusion of experience points. Just like your standard strategy RPG, you earn points for wins and in-game achievements. You spend these points on a skill tree that improves your coaching staff, recruiting ability and team skills. I understand the need for skill trees and appreciate them when used properly, but the execution in “NCAA Football 14” feels like the result of needing to change the system for the sake of change, not for any real purpose. It doesn’t make recruiting or improving your team more enjoyable or meaningful; you simply spend XP on upgrades to say you did. On the other hand, EA did a wise thing in building a smart tutorial system to introduce gamers to the finer points of how to play. I’ve long mastered the art of virtually guiding my Wildcats to football glory despite being cellar dwellers in real life. Yet I was impressed with the way the tutorial can help teach even the most

savvy and cynical of gamers about blocking techniques, route running and so on. The tutorial provides a decent amount of depth where sports franchises normally focus on action, action and more action at all times. “NCAA Football 14” lacks the moldbreaking change that would propel it forward. Instead, the series continues to feel stale. This franchise needs a shot of adrenaline to make it truly exciting, and one that doesn’t involve coaches wielding wizard staffs. n Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @campbleror email him at game_on_games@mac. com.

Please recycle this newspaper

Arts Festival

August 2 - 4

free Fine Art Opening 6 - 8 pm Port Transit Shed

E10 Thursday, August 1, 2013

Thursday, August 1, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area August 1-8

TUNING UP Playing at area venues August 1-8

FRIDAY.2

THURSDAY.1 SATURDAY.3

AMARA GRACE & PHIL NAKANO 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037

“THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR” Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., RexvilleBlackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

THURSDAY.1

Thursday.1

Saturday.3

Sunday.4

THEATER

MUSIC

THEATER

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., RexvilleBlackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: Cream Tangerine: (The Beatles and more), 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. 425-303-1848 or snohomishartistguild.org. HAPA (pan-Polynesian music): 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $30-$35 advance, $40 at the door. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org.

Friday.2 MUSIC

Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: The Mark Whitman Band (blues), 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. 425-303-1848 or snohomishartist guild.org.

THEATER

“Hamlet”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206317-3023 or shakesnw.org. “The Importance of Being Earnest”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: OutCast Productions, 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater, Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/event/313099 or email ocp@whidbey.com.

THEATER

TUESDAY.6 KIM ARCHER BAND 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Part of Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: Kim Archer Band (blues), 425-303-1848 or snohomish artistguild.org.

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., RexvilleBlackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org. “The Importance of Being Earnest”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: OutCast Productions, 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater, Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/event/313099 or email ocp@whidbey.com.

“Hamlet”: Shakespeare Northwest, 2 p.m., Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID, $30 family (two adults, two children). 206317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

SATURDAY.3 THREEISH 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012.

FRIDAY.2

Jam Night: Open mic, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

Waterbear: 7:30 to 10 p.m., The “New” Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. No cover. 360-7576113.

Showdown at the Shakedown: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $1. 360-778-1067.

Andy Koch (of Badd Dog Blues): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

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

Gentri Watson & Benjie Howard: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Skip Hamilton: 6 to 9 p.m., Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, 416 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360299-2120.

Amara Grace & Phil Nakano (jazz, blues, Americana): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-3991037.

Kodiak, Night Nurse, Agonizer: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

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

SATURDAY.3

Tuesday.6 MUSIC

Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: Kim Archer Band (blues), 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. 425-303-1848 or snohomishartistguild.org.

We Are Heros (rock): 9 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S. First St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360336-3626.

VARIETY

Ms. Betty Desire, Jason Daniel Wall: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $3 cover. 360336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

Thursday.8 THEATER

“Hamlet”: Shakespeare Northwest: 7 p.m., Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206317-3023 or shakesnw.org. “The Importance of Being Earnest”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Threeish (folk, pop, rock): 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360336-3012.

The Sardines: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

Woodrush (alternative, Americana): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Jaime Reynolds of 1967 (acoustic rock): 9 p.m. to midnight, Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360399-1037.

Troy Fair Band: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360766-6266.

SUNDAY.4 SmokeWagon: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Folichon Cajun Band: 7 to 10 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360755-3956.

MONDAY.5 Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. $3 cover. 360-445-4733.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-8552263.

C.C. Adams and friends Sunday Jam, featuring $cratch Daddy, Coyote Blues and more: 4 to 8 p.m., Station House, 315 E. Morris St., La Conner. 360-4664488.

King Tuff, Bright Weapons, Candysound: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

Alicia Dauber Quartet: 6 to 8 p.m., Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete. Free admission with purchase of a bottle of wine per adult. 425422-6988.

WEDNESDAY.7 Savage Jazz: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Birdstock VII Say Banzai, Br’er Rabbit, Apollo’s Mystic Caravan, Bare Feet, Jack Mattingly and Whiskey Fever, Fanny Alger; noon to 9 p.m., Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. $5 cover. All ages. 360-826-3406 or birdsviewbrewingcom pany.com.

Dog Shredder, Falling Up Stairs, Pan Pan, Totalizer, Navigator Communicator: 7 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5$10. 360778-1067.

John Dennis (acoustic folk, jazz, indie): 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360354-3600.

THURSDAY.8 Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely (blues), with Ryan Bart (the Magic Man): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Trish Hatley: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Cheryl Hodge (blues, jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-3543600.