360 August 29 2013 full by Skagit Publishing

Enjoy high-flying family fun in Bow this weekend PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday August 29, 2013

Reviews

Tuning Up

At the Movies

Music: Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett Video Games: “Saints Row IV”

Amy Hindman plays Washington Sips on Saturday evening in La Conner

Psychological thriller “Closed Circuit” comes up a bit short

PAGES 6-7

PAGE 10

PAGE 16

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, August 29, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “The Great Gatsby”: Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the latest version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel that cast a harsh light on the 1920s, showing that no matter how opulent the facade what lies behind is a decaying dream. The same can be said of Baz Luhrmann’s big-screen adaptation. The director gets so obsessed with visual fancy that he fails to reach the heart of the story. Because the adaptation of Fitzgerald’s work by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce concentrates on the love story, it loses the social commentary that makes the book such a classic. Instead of seeing the dark side of the life that Gatsby has to live to feel on the same economic level as his true love, Daisy (Carey Mulligan), it is treated as an annoying means to an end. “Pain & Gain”: The film is based on the true story of Miami bodybuilders who committed a long list of crimes, including torture and murder, in the mid-’90s. Director Michael Bay and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are proud of how they took this true story and turned it into a dark comedy. At least they can see the humor. Had it been a fictional story, it would have been a lot easier to accept the absurdity of the crimes and actions. It would have been easier to laugh at how the trio’s first victim, Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub), could not be killed despite being in a crashed car, set on fire and then run over by a van. The reality of their actions keep creeping back, making this dark humor play like a soulless recounting of a tragedy. “At Any Price”: A son rejects the family business to race cars. Dennis Quaid stars. “Tales of the City: 20th Anniversary Collection”: Peabody Awardwinning mini-series starring Olympia Dukakis, Laura Linney, Billy Campbell, Thomas Gibson. “Online”: A man discovers changing a person’s life with the click of a button can have consequences. “Elementary — The First Season”: CBS detective series starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu. “Seattle Superstorm”: Strange object crashes and creates a massive storm. “Stranded”: Crew of a U.S. military moon base is cut off from Earth. Christian Slater stars.

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

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: SEPT. 3 Evocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie - Magnolia Now You See Me - Lionsgate/Summit Stories We Tell - Lionsgate

The Weekend / Page 5

SEPT. 10 Love Is All You Need - Sony Star Trek Into Darkness - Paramount Peeples - Lionsgate SEPT. 17 The Bling Ring - Lionsgate SEPT. 24 24. Redemption - Lionsgate OCT. 1 The Croods - Fox/DreamWorks This Is the End - Sony OCT. 8 After Earth - Sony The Hangover Part III - Warner Much Ado About Nothing - Lionsgate

Check out the World of Outlaws Fan Fest on Saturday at Skagit Speedway

Inside

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“Q — The Winged Serpent”: Michael Moriarty film now available on Blu-ray. “Sapphire and Steel: The Complete Series”: Includes 34 episodes of the British sci-fi series starring Joanna Lumley and David McCallum. “Billy the Kid”: The future criminal and a bounty hunter work together to get revenge. Cody McCarver stars. “Monsuno: Combat Chaos”: Five episodes of the Nicktoons animated series. “The Idolmaker”: Taylor Hackford film about a music promoter driven by his desire to discover the next big act. “Among Friends”: A murder mystery night goes bad when someone decides to use the evening for revenge. “Sons of Anarchy — Season Five”: Cable series starring Ron Perlman. “NYC Underground”: Friends end up on the run after making a deal with a gangster. “Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection”: The police drama starring Helen Mirren is now on Blu-ray. “Missions That Changed The War: German’s Last Ace”: Gary Sinise narrates the documentary that explores the downfall of Nazi Germany. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

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

Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 Get Involved.................................... 8 Little Words..................................... 9 On Stage, Tuning Up..................... 10 Travel........................................12-13 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Movie Review “Closed Circuit”.... 16 Movie Reviews, Listings............... 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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY

Youth circus returns to Skagit County Skagit Valley Herald staff

The Wenatchee Youth Circus returns to town this weekend with performances at Thousand Trails Campground, 5409 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. Performances will be held at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. Performers ages 3 to 18 will do everything adult performers do, including the flying trapeze, high wire, swinging ladders, trampoline, juggling, performing as clowns and more. Tickets are $5-$10. For more information, call 360-724-4811.

Skagit Valley Herald file photos

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, August 29, 2013

ADVENTURES IN BARRYWOOD

fter a bloody battle at the box office, Ashton Kutcher has retained his title of “World’s Biggest Star For No Apparent Reason.” Kutcher, who has somehow parlayed a silly ’70s sitcom, a “Candid Camera” rip-off and a marriage to Demi Moore into a bustling show business empire, went down for the count with his Steve Jobs biopic. “Jobs” was deleted at the box office after millions of Apple customers and Kutcher’s millions of Twitter followers refused to show up to fill movie theaters. Apparently, movie-goers weren’t interested in watching a bad actor play a bad person (Hey, all I know about Jobs is what I learned in this movie). Rumors of Kutcher’s inclusion in this year’s Oscar race were premature, but all is not lost for the man who not only replaced Charlie Sheen on “Two and a Half Men,” but does a horrible job of it and gets paid $2 million a week. As a consolation, he won a coveted spot on our annual list of the summer movie season’s biggest losers. It’s been an interesting summer for some pretty big names, and by “interesting,” we mean “disheartening” and “disastrous” and “disappointing” and “disconcerting” and other words that begin with the letter “d.” Before I start, I want to acknowledge that every person appearing on this list is richer, more successful and better looking than me, so please don’t write to tell me that I’m jealous. I may be jealous of them, but at least I’m not on this list of losers. My only regret is that Adam Sandler does not appear on this list for his sequel “Grown Ups 2.” In no particular order: 1. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson — Both these

Summer movie season had more than fair share of missteps By BARRY KOLTNOW / The Orange County Register

DENZEL WASHINGTON AND MARK WAHLBERG, “2 GUNS” Universal Pictures via AP

JOHNNY DEPP AND ARMIE HAMMER, “THE LONE RANGER” Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Jerry Bruckheimer Inc. via AP

ASHTON KUTCHER, “JOBS” Open Road Films via AP

guys will survive “The Internship,” but if they truly want to apologize for this well-publicized return of the guys from “Wedding Crashers,” they’ll send personal checks to reimburse the cost of movie tickets, parking, babysitters and popcorn. 2. Will Smith — We don’t get to use the words “Will Smith” and “summer loser”

in the same sentence very often, but “After Earth” was a dismal failure. Still, the Fresh Prince will endure. 3. Johnny Depp — One of my wonderful readers took me to task for mocking Johnny for his role of Tonto in “The Lone Ranger.” It is her contention that people of my ilk are blaming him for the failure of

the filmmakers to make an entertaining movie. I do blame the filmmakers, but I also think Johnny needs to receive recognition for his part in this silliness. 4. Ryan Reynolds — I have pontificated upon this actor’s deficiencies in a previous column so I won’t belabor the point. Suffice to say that his film “R.I.P.D”

did not do well. The initials must stand for: “Rest in Peace, Dude.” 5. Channing Tatum — “White House Down” is certainly not his fault. But he was the face and biceps up there on the posters so his reputation took a bit of a hit for a film that gave movie-goers a sense of déjà vu. Several months earlier,

a very similar movie called “Olympus Has Fallen” opened in theaters, and it had Morgan Freeman in it. 6. Guillermo del Toro — The director of the brilliant “Pan’s Labyrinth” was off his game in “Pacific Rim,” an homage to the Godzilla movies he loved so much while growing up in Mexico. He spent a fortune on this movie, but he should have spent more on recognizable stars and a screenwriter. 7. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis — Who among us could have resisted the money thrown at these guys for “The Hangover Part III?” At some point, however, people have to look at themselves in the mirror and wonder how they’re going to give us back two hours of our lives. With great salaries comes great responsibility. 8. Denzel Washington — Why does every comedian want to play Hamlet and every dramatic actor want to be funny in “2 Guns?” Denzel has a perfectly good dramatic career going, so why would he want to mess with his reputation by appearing in something so silly? Take your Oscars and laugh all the way to the bank, Mr. Washington. 9. Bruce Willis — Let’s be honest; Bruce doesn’t care about being on this list. He doesn’t care much about anything. He’ll show up just about anywhere, even if it’s an AARP action sequel called “Red 2.” And speaking of aging action stars, it has been reported that Willis rejected an offer to be in the third “Expendables” movie because they wouldn’t pay him $4 million for three days work. 10. Ashton Kutcher — As I was watching his movie “Jobs,” I kept expecting Ashton to jump out from behind the screen to tell me I was being punk’d.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKEND in the area SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Dead

Edsels are next up on the sixth annual Cap Sante Summer Concert Series lineup, at 7 p.m. Friday. Aug. 30, at Seafarers’ Memorial Park in Anacortes. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Free. 425-303-1848 or snohomishartistguild.org.

FIREFIGHTERS FAMILY FAIR The Con-

way Muse will host the event Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, at 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. Enjoy free overnight camping on Saturday, and a full lineup of activities both days: w Saturday’s activities will include a free family river float from noon to 5 p.m.; a barbecue dinner at 5 p.m. for $12; and live music by the Modern Relics and Drummer Boy from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. for $12. w Sunday will start off with brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $10; free trout fishing and swimming from noon to 5 p.m. at Lake Sixteen; and live music by the Mark Dufresne Blues Band from 6 to 9:30 p.m. for $10. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Seattle Firefighters Benevolent Fund. 360-445-3000.

World of Outlaws Fan Fest Race fans are invited to the Monster Meltdown World of Outlaws Fan Fest Party from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Skagit Speedway, 4796 Old Highway 99 N, Alger. Get autographs from the drivers, enjoy classic rock music from The Unknown, meet the Monster Energy girls and more. Free parking and admission. 360-724-3567 or skagitspeedway.com.

SAIL CAM’ISLE The second annual cel-

ebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, at The Center for Wooden Boats at Cama Beach State Park, 1880 SW Camano Drive, Camano Island. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy toy boat building for the kids, crabbing and fishing demonstrations, sailboat racing, umiak rides, rowing competitions, crab catching races, live music and a potluck barbecue. The Center for Wooden Boats will grill the meat, you bring the sides. Monday is member appreciation day, with free boat rentals for CWB members. All activities are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Discover Pass required for park admission. 360-3879361 or cwb.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, August 29, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Bob Dylan

even back then, Dylan was constantly inspired by it. “Another Self Marcus has another theory to explain Portrait (1969“Self Portrait,” suggesting it was Dylan’s 1971): The Bootleg attempt to step away from people who Series Vol. 10” worshipped him as a musical genius, a voice of his generation. “He was trying to In the latest entry quit, but no one would accept his resignaof his ongoing vaultdiving releases, Bob Dylan revisits one of tion,” he wrote. Fine. So why would anyone want to his least-heralded albums. “Self Portrait,” released in 1970, is remembered less today buy a four-disc resignation statement? Through the years, Dylan’s bootleg series for its music than the classic first line has provided some real thrills, and interof a Rolling Stone magazine review by Greil Marcus that greeted it: “What is this esting new perspectives on his work. This one doesn’t. Only completists will find (expletive)?” It was hard not to see why. The cultural something interesting. icon baffled his fans with a badly pron David Bauder, Associated Press duced collection of minor compositions, some live cuts, covers of traditional folk ‘Alabama and blues songs and even contemporary & Friends’ songs like “The Boxer.” Marcus, who Various artists writes the liner notes for this four-disc box set, wisely doesn’t step back from that Nowadays, long assessment. He shouldn’t. Time doesn’t hair and loud guiimprove the work. tars are common It seems amazing four decades later in country music. That wasn’t always that an artist of Dylan’s caliber would the case. The new album “Alabama & take such a hands-off attitude toward his Friends” pays tribute to a pioneering band art, packing up his basic tracks and sendthat proved decades ago how popular ing them to a Nashville producer who merging country and Southern rock could adds some truly cringe-worthy arrangements. Maybe that was precisely the point. be. Forty years after country rockers AlaTwo of the discs are primarily Dylan’s original recordings with several outtakes, bama formed, the band’s sound no longer most with minimal arrangements. They’re carries the shock of the new. But a gang of contemporary country stars, all of whom almost uniformly better than what was incorporate rock into their music, celeon the original “Self Portrait.” There are brate another country music trait: concise, a handful of interesting curios: a version of “If Not for You” with a haunting violin catchy songs survive the ages. Several 21st century stars put their accompaniment, an unreleased studio session with George Harrison and a full-band stamp on Alabama favorites. Jason Aldean adds arena-guitar crunch to “Tennessee version of “I Threw It All Away.” River,” Luke Bryan finds joyous fun in Disc three is a recording of the 1969 concert at the Isle of Wight festival, which “Love in the First Degree” and Florida Georgia Line brings extra bounce to “I’m interrupted a period of seclusion for Dylan. Hard to go wrong with a recording in a Hurry (and Don’t Know Why).” Even better is the intimacy Kenny of Dylan performing with The Band, but Chesney instills into “Lady Down on the performance has a tentative, almost Love” and the Bob Seger-like soul Toby rushed feel to it. Keith pumps into the underrated “She Although the “Self Portrait” sessions and I.” Best of all, Jamey Johnson’s perseemed strange at the time, Dylan’s formance of “My Home’s in Alabama” fits subsequent work gives it more context. him like an old denim jacket — the rare Still performing regularly at 72, Dylan’s tribute that improves on the original. concerts keep his formidable catalogue After a 10-year break from recording, alive along with an American blues, rock and folk tradition that predates even him. Alabama reunited to cut two new songs, These 1970 recordings make clear that which was at least one too many, as nei-

ther carries the nostalgic weight of their more famous songs. Still, there is plenty here to make these old Southern rock pioneers proud. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Franz Ferdinand

“Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action” It’s been four years since Franz Ferdinand released an album, and a full eight since the Scottish dance-rock foursome, named after the Austrian archduke whose assassination triggered World War I, sounded as vigorous and as entertaining as they do on “RT, RW, RA.” When last heard from, on 2009’s sluggish “Tonight,” torpor was setting in. But this time around, FF are clearly on again, making music for all the correct reasons. The guitars are razor-sharp, and locomoting tunes like “Treason! Animals” sport jagged grooves and lacerating selfcriticism. “I’m in love with a narcissist,” Alex Kapranos sings as he gazes into a mirror of self-awareness. Add a previously undiscovered knack for melody to go with the band’s trademark rhythmic flair, and this album amounts to a stylishly energetic comeback of the first order. n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

A$AP Ferg “Trap Lord”

A$AP Rocky is the leader of the weirdly swaggering, Southern-inspired A$AP Mob. He’s the Frank Sinatra of their Rat Pack. But the chairman of the board, the hip-hopping Dean Martin of Mob, is A$AP Ferg, a formidable, salesworthy (especially on tracks such as “Work”) equal whose style balances the Rock’s spite-and-sweat-filled provocations. Ferg, a debonair but diabolical Harlem rapper, is certainly as bugged out, boastful, and darkly frank as Rocky. “Cocaine Castle” is a deliciously evil anthem of

greed, gall and avarice. But on tunes such as “Murda Something” and “Shabba,” there’s a salty, old-school, thug romanticism to what Ferg does (to say nothing of his throaty voice) that’s vaguely reminiscent of Notorious B.I.G. There’s also more variety in soundscape and rhythm, and more lyrical depth, in Ferg’s work than in anything the A$AP camp has done. While A$AP’s Southern soul-hop roots come on strong in “Make a Scene,” Ferg shows he’s a fan of lush melody and cool chorales when he teams with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for the most epic track on the album, “Lord.” n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Jimmy Buffett “Songs From St. Somewhere”

On Jimmy Buffett’s first album in four years, the mayor of Margaritaville returns to mixing softly swaying beach tunes with pirate tales of foreign intrigue and social commentary. The problem, however, is Buffett’s voice doesn’t sound nearly as engaged as his imaginative songwriting and a few turns with inspired guests. The 66-year-old veteran sounds bored on the island songs, snapping off each word with a clipped tone and a bland sense of phrasing — an about-face from the performances that made Buffett such an enjoyable performer in the past. He sounds livelier on a series of ambitious songs about the mysterious adventures of a world traveler, but the tunes lack the hooks that made Buffett’s famous songs of long ago so memorable. There are positive exceptions, especially when guests Mark Knopfler (on “Oldest Surfer on the Beach”) and Latin singer Fanny Lu (on a Spanish version of “I Want to Go Back to Cartagena”) stir up the proceedings. Best of all is a duet with country star Toby Keith. “Too Drunk to Karaoke” bobs along with common-man humor and vivid writing and performing. It’s the one song from the new album sure to become a favorite during Buffett’s ever-popular live shows. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Saints Row IV’

overt references to pop culture and you have to wonder if the Zucker brothers Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC were behind the making of this game. To Genre: Action top it off, every time the game strains and Publisher: Deep Silver nears disaster, something happens to pull ESRB Rating: M, for Mature players back from the edge and everyGrade: 4 stars (out of 5) thing makes sense. In short, this game makes no sense and yet everything about The “Saints it makes total sense. Row” franchise has “Saints Row IV” plays smoothly, even changed dramaticalas players get thrown into about 75 videoly from one edition game scenarios. Third-person shootouts, to the next. I don’t flying sequences, 16-bit side-scrolling think a single gamer fights, just about the entire gaming library would think the first appears — except for maybe a Pokemon and fourth games character. came from the same The action switches styles so often franchise if played side by side. The sheer lunacy of “Saints” can’t quite that if you don’t keep your eyes glued to be quantified. When I first played “Saints the screen you might forget which game you’re playing. Row” about seven years ago, I enjoyed Some gamers may compare the action the violent-yet-slapstick way players rose in this franchise to that of a headless up the ranks to eventually conquer the city of Steelport’s mafia landscape. It was chicken, what with all the random gameGodfather Lite, with a distinctively street- play elements and juvenile setups (coarse language and customizable outfits that level emphasis on lifestyle and violence, even allow nudity). But a worthwhile and it worked well. game exists here, and those who have Subsequent iterations have ratchstuck with the “Saints” franchise might as eted up the crazy, however, to the point well dive into the crazy and play this one, where now, in “IV,” the main character too. becomes president of the United States and acquires superpowers in a digital/fake n Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @camp version of Steelport (a la “The Matrix”). bler or email him at game_on_games@mac. com. Toss in the constant winks, nods and

New video game releases The following games are among those scheduled for release this week, according to Gamestop.com: n Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (PC, PlayStation 3; rated T) n Killer Is Dead Limited Edition (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; rated M) n Lost Planet 3 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; rated T) n Sweet Fuse: At Your Side (Sony PSP; rated T) n Madden NFL 25 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; rated E) n Painkiller Hell and Damnation (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; rated M) n Lego Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey (Nintendo DS; rated E10+) n Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.)

CONTINUE THE CYCLE – PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, August 29, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART CLASSES

Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com.

Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. ACRYLICS FOR BEGINFor ages 7-13. Learn drawNERS: With Jennifer ing basics using line and Bowman, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLAY CLASSES: Ceramic form, depth and perspective Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 artist Sue Roberts offers to draw animal studies and p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12-13, at a variety of classes and people, places or things with the Anacortes Center for workshops at Tower Arts pencil, pen and charcoal. Happiness, 619 Commercial Studio, 5424 S. Shore Drive, $50, plus $20 supply fee Ave., Anacortes. $165, plus Guemes Island. For inforpayable to instructor. Regisoptional $20 fee to borrow mation, call 360-293-8878 or ter by Oct. 2: 360-755-9649. Bowman’s materials. visit towerartsstudio.com. 360-464-2229 or anacortes DANCE centerforhappiness.org. ART CLASSES: Sign up THURSDAY DANCE: for a variety of art classes at ART CLASSES: Choose Enjoy dancing to the music A Guilded Gallery (formerfrom painting, photography, ly Gallery by the Bay), 8700 of the Skippers from 1 to fiber and 3D art workshops 271st St. NW, Stanwood. To 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hilltaught by professional artcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., register, stop by the Stanists at the Pacific NorthWest wood Camano Art Guild’s Mount Vernon. For inforArt School, 15 NW Birch mation, contact Doris at cooperative gallery from St., Coupeville. For informa- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday 360-588-8239. tion and a complete sched- through Saturday. 360-629ule: 360-678-3396 or pacific 2787 or stanwoodcamano BEGINNER SQUARE northwestartschool.com. DANCE LESSONS: 7 p.m. arts.com. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. ART CLASSES, WORKDRAWING FUNDA10, at the Mount Vernon SHOPS: Dakota Art Center MENTALS: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Senior Center, 1401 Cleveoffers a variety of art classes Wednesdays, Oct. 9-30, land St. Couples and singles Burlington Parks and and workshops at 17873 welcome. First two weeks

Join Us for SPAWNtaneous Fun!

Skagit River Salmon Festival

Saturday, September 7 • 10 am to 6 pm Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon

SALMON FESTIVAL

Great Music • Local Artisans • Kids Crafts • Salmon BBQ Cultural Activities • Free Entry • SkagitRiverFest.org

are free, then $4 per lesson. Sponsored by the Mt. Baker Singles and Skagit Squares. 360-424-4608 or 360-4249675.

The market also offers a small stipend for each performance slot. The market supplies a 10-by-10-foot overhead canopy and two 110V outlets. Contact market manager Leslie Collings SALSA DANCE LESat 360-202-3932 or email SONS: 7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 17, at the Ana- leslie@portsusan.org. cortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., RECREATION Anacortes. Learn the basic TRAIL TALES: Friends of salsa rhythm, Cuban body Skagit Beaches lead a series motion, leading/following of informative walks along techniques, footwork and the Tommy Thompson Trail basic turns. $10 per class, in Anacortes. For informa$50 for all six. 360-464-2229 tion, visit skagitbeaches.org. or anacortescenterforhappi Next up: ness.org. Next up: The Shore’s Dynamic CLOG DANCING FOR Edge: Opportunities and BEGINNERS: Free lesson Challenges Where the from 10 to 11 a.m., followed Two Worlds Meet: 2 to by regular clog dancing 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. from 11 a.m. to noon ThursMeet at Fidalgo RV Park, days, at the Mount Vernon 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road. Senior Center, 1401 CleveGain a new appreciation land St., Mount Vernon. of the organisms, systems No fee, no partner needed. and strategies that are First three lessons are free. integrated in the shoreline Wear comfortable shoes. edge. The flat, paved trail is For information, call Rosie handicapped accessible. at 360-424-4608.

scenic courses ranging from 22 to 97 miles through Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. Enjoy full meals, stocked rest sites and afterride activities. For information or to register, call 206284-4254 (press 5) or visit bikemsnorthwest.org.

OUTDOOR SKILLS FOR WOMEN: Women can learn the basics of fishing, hunting and other outdoor skills at a Sept. 13-15 workshop at Camp Waskowitz in North Bend. Coordinated by Washington Outdoor Women, the workshop will be taught by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife experts and other certified instructors. Workshop participants must be at least 18. A state recreational fishing license is required to participate in the fishing sessions. The workshop fee of $250 includes lodging, meals and use of equipment. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for first-time parSALMON DERBY: The ticipants. 425-455-1986 or MUSIC annual Ray Reep Salmon washingtonoutdoorwomen. Derby will be held Saturday, org. CALL FOR SINGERS: Shelter Bay Chorus is look- Sept. 7, at Edgewater Park, 600 Behrens Millet Road, ing for people of all ages THEATER Mount Vernon. Weigh-in who love to sing. Come to YOUTH THEATER takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. a barbecue after the first CLASSES: The Whidbey Prizes will be awarded to rehearsal of the fall season Playhouse “Would Be Playat 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. the top three weights and ers” theater program for one mystery weight in the 5, at the Shelter Bay Clubages 8 to 18 will offer a humpy category and one house in La Conner. No workshop from 3:30 to 5:30 audition required. Rehears- random drawing for the p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, silvers category. Entry fee: als are held from 2:45 to Sept. 9-Oct. 29, at the Whid$15. Tickets available at 4:45 p.m. every Thursday. bey Playhouse Star Studio, Mount Vernon Parks and 360-466-3805. Recreation, Holiday Sports, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. A special threeand Master Marine. 360CALL FOR MUSICIANS, hour rehearsal will be held 336-6215 or mountvernon PERFORMERS: Soloists, on Sunday, Oct. 27, and the wa.gov. duets or trios with low workshop will culminate amplification are needed with public performances BIKE MS: The annual to perform between 3 and at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 28-29. Stubicycling fundraiser for 7 p.m. Fridays, through dents will learn a variety multiple sclerosis will take Oct. 18, at the Port Susan Farmers Market, located at place Saturday and Sunday, of theater skills, including theater acting, vocal trainViking Village, at the corner Sept. 7-8, beginning and ending at the Skagit County ing, body language, stage of Highway 532 and 88th presence, blocking and Fairgrounds in Mount Avenue NW, Stanwood. more. $75. For information Performers can sign up for Vernon. Join some 2,000 one-hour slots and may set cyclists to help raise money or to register, contact Stan for research while riding out a tip jar and sell CDs. Thomas at 360-675-0574.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013 - E9

September 1-30 Share the adventure, enjoy the taste!

Twenty-five of Mount Vernon’s best restaurants have joined together to celebrate the wondrous bounty of Skagit Valley. Throughout September, these restaurants will have special menu items, including beverages, which feature Skagit Valley products and showcase local farms. Eat Local Mount Vernon is a cornerstone event of the 2013 Mount Vernon Mayor’s Wellness Challenge, which is a month-long series of free activities to inspire the community to healthier lifestyles. Don’t forget to vote in the People’s Choice Award Contest and you’ll be entered to win a gift certificate from participating restaurants! Share the adventure and enjoy the taste! Participating restaurants include:

Eat Local Mount Vernon is sponsored by the Mount Vernon Community Marketing Campaign, which includes the City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Mount Vernon School District, Port of Skagit, Skagit Regional Health, Skagit Valley College. Participating sponsors include Mount Vernon Mayor’s Wellness Challenge, Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC), North Sound Food Hub, Mount Vernon Farmers Market and Washington Restaurant Association. Our media partners include Skagit Publishing and KAPS/KBRC Radio.

For more info, call: 360.428.8547

EatLocalMountVernon.com

E10 Thursday, August 29, 2013

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area August 30-September 7 Friday.30

Friday.6

Saturday.7

Sunday.8

MUSIC

THEATER

Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: The Dead Edsels (1950s revue): 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. 425-3031848 or snohomishartist guild.org.

“Too Soon For Daisies”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

‘Duck Dynasty’ is a canny curation of cultures By MARY McNAMARA Los Angeles Times

“Too Soon For Daisies” (pictured): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues August 29-September 5 THURSDAY.29 Debbie Miller: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

D.O.A., Human Infest, Muppet Fetish, The Basque Rats: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $12.

1967 (THE BAND)

SATURDAY.31

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

10 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S. First St., Mount Vernon. No cover.

Knut Bell and the Blue Collars: 7:30 to 10 p.m., The Corner Pub, Steve Rudy and Bob Storm (jazz): 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front No cover. 360-757-6113. St., Lynden. No cover.

SUNDAY.1

1967 (the band): 5 p.m., The Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. No cover.

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

The Pine Hearts: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Skip Hamilton: 6 to 9 p.m., Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, 416 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-299-2120.

Jim Cull: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882.

Rich Rorex (jazz, blues, classical, pop): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

Ann ‘n’ Dean (dance, country, rock): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. 360-2933012.

Queen Anne’s Revenge, Slacks, Curse of the Black Tongue: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-778-1067.

1967 (the band): 10 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S. First St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-336-3626.

The Modern Relics, Drummer Boy: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $12. 360-445-3000.

Trish, Hans & Phil: 6 to 8 p.m., The Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes. $7. 360-293-3515.

Amy Hindman (light rock, pop, Americana): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

Br’er Rabbit: 7 to 9 p.m., Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. 360-826-3406.

John Dennis (acoustic guitar): 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

SATURDAY.31 Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Daddy Treetops: Joe Johnson (blues, 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, pop, rock): 8 p.m., 1st 5829 Cains Court, Street Cabaret & Speak- Edison. 360-766-6266. easy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012.

Blues Playground: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Ann ‘n’ Dean (dance, country, rock): 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. 360-2933012.

The Unknown: 3 to 5 p.m., World of Outlaws Fan Fest Party, Skagit Speedway, 4796 Old Highway 99 N, Alger. Free. 360-724-3567.

Fox and the Law, The BGB: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.1 Mark DuFresne Band (blues): 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

TUESDAY.3 Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

1967 (the band): 5 p.m., The Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. No cover. 360-757-6113.

Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

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

Thursday, August 29, 2013 E11

C.C. Adams and friends Sunday Jam, featuring $cratch Daddy, Coyote Blues and more: 5 to 9 p.m., Station House, 315 E. Morris St., La Conner.

Royal Thunder, Totalizer: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

THURSDAY.5 The Silver City Band: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

Reality TV is experiencing something of a “Mad Men” moment, with bandannas and iced tea in place of fedoras and highballs. Last week, the Season 4 premiere of “Duck Dynasty” drew nearly 12 million viewers, making A&E’s celebration of backwoods Alabama the No. 1 “nonfiction” show on cable and the No. 1 show of the week. Suddenly, people who wouldn’t know a Louisiana cedar if their Prius ran into it were chattering about the Robertsons, an extended clan of duck-call magnates who have been entertaining an increasing percentage of the population with their family-centric, redneck ‘n’ proud high jinks. With the shoulder-length hair and Old Testament beards, the Robertson men catch and eat bullfrogs, race souped-up riding mowers, and take their wives deer hunting. They fight over who blew up the duck blind, pull pranks on their eccentric Uncle Si and do anything to avoid the wrath of their wives. Amid the preening culture of today’s Golden Age of television, “Duck Dynasty” might seem an actual reality check — critics and cable execs can brag all they want about the growing sophistication of the idiot box, but in the end, people want to watch what they’ve always wanted to watch: A bunch of good ol’ boys trying to weasel out of work so they can go fishin’. This is true, and not true. “Duck Dynasty” certainly celebrates those things, but like “Mad Men,” it is also a carefully produced, tightly controlled curation of American mythology, in this case a canny mix of red- and blue-state ethos. The Robertsons occupy a unique but very American cultural sweet spot, in which great wealth coexists with the sort of nationally beloved folksiness last seen on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Like Jed and all his kin, the family of Phil and “Miss Kay”

current presidential administration. Their heated opinions are reserved for pesky neighbors who challenge them to lawnmower races. “Duck Dynasty” has cast itself, smartly and now successfully, as a classic mischief-maker tale. The Robertson males are modern-day Tom Sawyers and Huck Finns messing around with snakes and fireworks, endlessly launching adventures, while their wives provide a Greek chorus of slim blondes, lovingly shaking their heads. Unlike many situational reality shows, “Duck Dynasty” does not rely on acrimony or shock. Animals may be harmed, on screen and off — pop singer Morrissey refused to be on the same show with the Robertsons, calling them animal serial killers — but people are not. To ensure that the message is clear, Willie provides a John-Boy-like voice-over at the end of each show reminding viewers that the only thing that matters is family. The miracle of the show, and the family, is that they are at once quite sincere about who they are and very much in on their own joke. With their looks, they court assumptions that are valid A&E via AP and then again not — the telltale bulge of Skoal is real, but so is Phil Robertson (from left), Jase Robertson, Si Robertson and Willie Robertson from the A&E series, “Duck Dynasty.” the ability to oversee a successful business or a Martha StewartRobertson — four sons (the woods, but they ain’t poor nor sional fart joke and prefer play goes-woodsy wedding. The coneldest of which just joined the are they ignorant, which allows to work, but they are all smart, trivances of “nonfiction” televishow), three daughters-in-law audiences to revel in their home- articulate and equally deft with a sion — Let’s race lawn mowers! and a passel of grandchildren spun ways without any distractwell-placed one-liner as a deadLet’s give Miss Kay and Phil the — fulfilled the American dream ing worries about dental insurpan pause. wedding they never had! — are by hitting it big. Their duck calls, ance or access to education. Likewise the sins associated, inevitably balanced by moments handcrafted still from Louisiana Patriarch Phil, who invented often with alarming fondness, of surprising honesty. cedar, now fuel an empire called the golden duck call, was a star with hillbilly culture — drinking, While renewing her vows in Duck Commander, and the open- quarterback for Louisiana Tech sloth, prejudice and a propensity this season’s premiere, Miss Kay ing of the show hinges on the who turned down an offer from for violence (see, please “Hatsaid she had loved her husband contrast between the bling and the Washington Redskins because, fields & McCoys”) — are utterly for years, including those in the beards. as he told Sports Illustrated, absent here. The Robertsons are which “you weren’t very nice.” But unlike the Clampetts, the professional football would have prayerful Christians, and any The pain in her voice — loving Robertsons stayed put, in West interfered with duck season. divisive issues that might arise and forgiven pain, but pain noneMonroe, La., where they continThird son Willie, who expand- from that simply don’t. theless — told a truth about lovue to hunt, fish and mingle with ed Duck Commander and now Beyond Phil’s continual celing someone long that is rare on the locals down at the hardware serves as CEO, has a business ebration of women who know television. store. degree; he and his wife, Korie, a how to cook and carry the Bible, Too often these days, we are In sharp contrast to reality’s local who has known Willie since “Duck Dynasty” is resolutely told we must choose between the other beloved rednecks, the Rob- childhood, attended the same nonpolitical. We have no idea simple truths and sophistication. ertsons require neither coupons college. Willie and his brothers how the Robertsons feel about “Duck Dynasty” proves you can nor subtitles. They may be back- Jase and Jep may tell the occagay marriage or civil rights or the have both.