360 Dec. 26, 2019

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - E1

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HERE’S ALL THE PLACES TO WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR PAGES 4-5

Ring in 2020 with the Blind Boys of Alabama PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 26, 2019

ON STAGE PAGE 8 Northwest Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at Mount Baker OUT & ABOUT PAGE 6

Start out the new year on a healthy note with a First Day Hike

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Anthony Daniels talks long ride as C-3PO in ‘Star Wars’

By JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Anthony Daniels went through a painful experience after not receiving the same amount of public recognition as other co-stars when the first “Star Wars” film was released in 1977.

But in time, Daniels’ C-3PO character became one of the most popular in the franchise and he’s the only cast member to have appeared in all nine of the main “Star Wars” films. The British actor plays the soft-spoken “protocol droid” built by young Anakin Skywalker that is fluent in six million languages. His gold-plated character also appeared in the franchise’s spin-off “Rogue One,” and had a cameo in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”

C-3PO’s witty exchanges with fellow droid R2-D2 often served as comic relief, making the tandem fan favorites.

It’s been a long ride for the 73-year-old Daniels, who believes his appearance in “The Rise of Skywalker,” which opened in theaters Friday, will likely be his last film appearance as C-3PO. He highlights his “Star Wars” experiences in his new memoir “I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story,” which was released in late October.

AP: What has it been like to be in all nine films?

DANIELS: It’s been a ton of work, and a ton of employment, which is great. As an actor, you’re always looking for the next job. And often that next job for me has been something to do with “Star Wars.” The friendship and companionship of being C-3PO has been quite a gift.

AP: Are you surprised “Star Wars” made it this far?

DANIELS: At the end of

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

Inside New Year’s Events.................. 4-5 Out & About............................... 6 Travel........................................... 7 On Stage...................................... 8 Tuning Up................................... 9 JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP

Get Involved....................... 10-11

Anthony Daniels arrives at the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on Dec. 16 in Los Angeles.

Hot Tickets...............................12

friend, my companion. He’s somebody I know quite well.

I want to be with him all the time. I’m proud to know him.

At the Lincoln..........................13

“A New Hope,” the original film, I thought that was it.

Twelve weeks of weird and difficult work. Not entirely wonderful. I thought that was it. Then they came and said “Let’s make another one, then another.” ... So I’ve been swept along by forces beyond my control. But finally, it is ending.

AP: Is “A New Hope” your favorite film compared to the rest?

DANIELS: Yes, because I understood it. The story was simple enough that I got it.

It got a bit complicated after that. It was an innocent film out of nowhere.

AP: It was your favorite film, but you struggled with being overlooked after “Star Wars’” release as well, right?

DANIELS: It was difficult not being associated with the film when it first came out.

That was a painful experience that lasted quite a while, but then changed over the course in time. It brings me here today with my name on

the poster. Only parents care about that sort of thing.

AP: What has been your most memorable experience?

DANIELS: In the desert on the first episode. It was absolutely riveting. It had such an impact. Seeing the effect of people looking at me in the costume then seeing their reactions. You are the center of attention. They can’t see you, but you’re absorbing the energy. That was pretty intense. That stays with me.

AP: When you put on your costume, what goes through your mind?

DANIELS: Here we go again. Why am I doing this?

And then, adrenaline is a great thing when somebody on set says “action.” Suddenly, your professional skills take over. The adrenaline gently sets in and you put up with stuff. You make it work as a professional actor.

AP: What does the character, C-3PO, mean to you?

DANIELS: He’s kind of my

AP: What was it like for you not having Carrie Fisher around during filming “The Rise of Skywalker?”

DANIELS: It was little wistful. But she is so there in all these films. You sort of forget that she’s died, because she’s just there. That’s the magic of the media. Nobody is really gone anymore. You may not be able to physically touch them. But they are there. There are fond memories.

AP: What mark has your character and “Star Wars” left?

DANIELS: It’s so big that I kind of don’t get it yet. I need to be away from it for a while.

Maybe I need to talk to more fans. So many people say “Thank you for my childhood.” We have given people a lot of stuff. They have given back with all their enthusiasm and affection.

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

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Ring in the New Year with the Blind Boys of Alabama

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

MOUNT VERNON — There are times when an event surpasses that simple nomenclature and tears into the realm of an experience.

Such will be the case when the Blind Boys of Alabama take to the Lincoln Theatre stage on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31.

The Blind Boys of Alabama are a phenomenon unto themselves, with a history as rich as the riffs they play and as strong as their voices.

The group has the rare distinction of being recognized around the world as both living legends and modern-day innovators.

Their one-of-a-kind work is historical, Biblical and continues to stand the test of time.

The Blind Boys of Alabama are not just gospel singers borrowing from old traditions; the group helped to define those traditions in 20th century and almost singlehandedly created a new gospel sound for the 21st, according to the release.

Since the original members first sang together as kids at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s (including Jimmy Carter, who leads the group today), the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated roots music groups in the world.

Touring throughout the South during the Jim Crow era of the 1940s and 1950s, the group flourished thanks to their unique sound, which blended the close

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Blind Boys of Alabama will perform Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Lincoln Theatre.

harmonies of early jubilee gospel with the more fervent improvisations of hard gospel.

In the early 1960s, the band sang at benefits for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was a part of the

soundtrack to the Civil Rights movement.

The Blind Boys of Alabama followings may have waned, however, they musical beliefs have held steadfast and saw a rebirth in the 1980s.

It’s almost unbelievable that a group of blind African American singers, who started out touring during a time of whites-only bathrooms, restaurants and hotels, went on to win

five Grammy awards, a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and to perform at the White House for three presidents.

The group has been

hailed as “gospel titans”

by Rolling Stone and has collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Prince and Lou Reed, and has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Ring in the New Year Here’s where to celebrate in the region

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate the new year.

SKAGIT COUNTY THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: Described as “James Brown does Gospel,” the Blind Boys of Alabama are renowned gospel artists. They’ll play a New Year’s Eve show at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $40-70. lincolntheatre.org.

EAGLEMONT: Party with the Tighty Whities and DJ Jimmy Mai of FatalMix Productions at 9 p.m. at Eaglemont Golf Course, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon.

Ages 21-plus. $30, includes access to live events and a champagne glass at midnight.

ELKS NYE: An evening of food, music and more is in store at 5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Elks 1604, 2100 Market St., Mount Vernon. $40 per person or $75 for prime rib dinner, or $25 each and $40 per couple for no dinner.

GIN FEVER & WHISKEY FEVER NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION 2020: The night starts at 7:30 p.m. with a DJ set, then quickly moves into live music to keep everyone dancing at the Skagit Valley Inn and Conven-

tion Center, 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon.

NITE WAVE’s 80S NEW WAVE NYE: Dance like it’s the 1980s to ring in the 2020s starting at 9 p.m. at Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Event is ages 18-plus, $35.

AT MAPLE HALL: Enjoy music by The Walrus at 8 p.m. at Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner. Midnight champagne toast, party favors, while raising funds for the La Conner Live Summer Concert Series. $35 advance, $40 at the door. laconnerlive.ticketspice.com.

MASQUERADE BALL: Celebrate 2020 in masked style at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles No. 2069, 1000 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley, starting at 6:30 p.m., with a performance by Bleeding Tree at 8 p.m. There will be food, a free shuttle available and a midnight toast. $30.

WHATCOM COUNTY LAST-CHANCE MARATHON: Anyone who made a promise or resolution to run a marathon or half-marathon in 2019, this is your last chance to keep the promise. Choose between a full or half-marathon and check in at 7 a.m. at Fairhaven Park Pavillon, 107 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham.

Register by Dec. 29. $45. nwenduranceevents.com/ events/lastchance.

THE UPFRONT: Laugh your way into the new year at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. There are

three shows: 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. (the latter is ages 21-plus and features the countdown to midnight and a complimentary champagne toast). $15, $20 and $25.

NYE 2020: Groove to local funk band Groovebot at this three-bar New Year’s Eve party starting at 9 p.m. at Twin Sisters Brewing Company, 500 Carolina St., Bellingham.

Cocktail casual dress code, ages 21-plus event. $25 at the door, add $5 per person for a reserved table with full service.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: Join an evening of French-inspired cocktails and hor d’oeuvres, prize giveaways and champagne toasts at 10 p.m. at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, 1200 10th St. Suite 102, Bellingham. Black tie attire strongly recommended. $40, ages 21-plus establishment.

NYE DANCE PARTY: Attend a classic ‘80s dance party hosted

by Crystal McIntyre at 9 p.m. at the Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $2. Midnight champagne toast and balloon drop.

GATSBY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Say hello to 2020 by remembering the infamous 1920s with a Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party starting at 9 p.m. at The Bourbon Bar & Grill, 108 W. Main St., Everson. There will be a costume contest, themed cocktails, appetizers and dinner specials and a countdown to the new ‘20s. Reservations recommended.

HARVEY CREEK BAND

GROOVEBOT

‌

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NEW YEAR’S EVENTS A FIERCELY LOCAL NEW YEAR’S EVE: Celebrate both the coming new year as well as the culinary joy of farm-totable dining from 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Bellingham Cider Company, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $55 per person, $200 for a table of four.

NEW YEAR’S EVE REUNION: Two of Bellingham’s rocking cover bands headline a show kicking off at 9 p.m. at the Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. Flannel plays ’90s rock covers and Voyager covers ‘80s hard rock and metal. $15, ages 21-plus event.

ALICE IN BOOGIE WONDERLAND: Enjoy Alice in Wonderland-themed cocktails, live soul and funk music, spectacles, raffles, champagne toasts and more starting at 8 p.m. at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham. A VIP cocktail hour is from 6:30-8 p.m. and general admission follows. $100 for VIP, $75 for the rest.

DEMING LOG SHOW: Dance to live music in your best ‘80s prom attire at 8 p.m. at the Deming Logging Showgrounds, 3295 Cedarville Road, Bellingham. Dinner at 8:30 p.m., $3 drinks all night, games, camping for free.

Ages 21-plus, $20 at the door.

PERFECT VISION 2020: Three DJs will be curating a journey of beats to take guests into the New Year in style at 9 p.m. at Studio B, 202 E. Holly St., Bellingham.

GOLDBAR NYE: Martinis, champagne, dashing attire, hors d’oeuvres and other earthly delights are at the

GIN GYPSY Goldbar New Year’s Eve Party starting at 9 p.m. at Swim Club, 1147 11th St., Bellingham. $50, can be purchased prior to the event at the bar only.

COMMUNITY BALL: Burn down the dance floor at the Bellingham Firefighter’s Community Ball and New Year’s party starting at 7 p.m. at Hotel Leo, 1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. Live music, DJ, circus performers and special midnight performance by Bellingham firefighter pipes and drums. Tickets from $751,200, ages 21-plus event.

GAME LOUNGE: Shred up the night on Rockband or Guitar Hero at 8 p.m. at 1-Up Lounge (formerly Best Buds Gaming Lounge), 1121 McKenzie Ave., Bellingham.

DAIKAIJU: Daikaiju will be playing the coveted New Year’s Eve slot with openers The Phone Books at 9 p.m. at the Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham.

Midnight toast, ages 21plus, $20-22.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH: Ring in the New Year by enjoying some good beer at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham.

The party starts at 9 p.m.

TARA NELSON PHOTO

with barbecue, dancers, champagne, goodie bags and a midnight “keg drop.” $35 per person, $60 for couples, ages 21plus event.

‘80S NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH: Ring in 2020 in attire from the 1980s at Semiahmoo Resort’s celebration starting at 5:30 p.m. and going until 1 a.m. at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine.

Music from two bands, a buffet dinner, photo booth and champagne toast included. $35 for adults, $16 for kids between 6-12 years old, and $35 for those arriving after 9 p.m.

NYE BASH & OYSTER POP-UP: Celebrate the end of the 2010s in style with friends and oysters at Thousand Acre Cider House, 109 Grand Ave., Bellingham.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m., when guests can either head home or head to the next bar to celebrate more. Oysters by Knut of Paellaworks. Free, ages 21-plus venue.

NYE COUNTRY CONCERT: Jesse Allen Harris headlines the New Year’s bash starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Camel Club, 216 Main St., Lynden. $25, includes

a midnight champagne toast.

NEON SKATE PARTY: Games galore are in store at this neon skate party from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Lynden Skateway, 421 Judson St., Lynden.

Countdown is at 4 p.m.

Prices from $5-10.

MANHATTAN NYE: Enjoy a four-course meal while Tim Kraft, a Frank Sinatra impressionist, plays music, watch a live stream of the Times Square Ball Drop at 9 p.m., bid at both the live and silent auctions and sip on beverages from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $99.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY HARVEY CREEK BAND: Stomp to country, classic rock and bluegrass covers performed by the Harvey Creek Band starting at 6:30 p.m. at Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

There will be a buffet and midnight champagne toast. $15 advance, $25 at the door, $25 for reserved seats with no buffet, $45 for reserved seats with buffet. Ages 21-plus.

NYE PARTY: Celebrate the coming new year with the kids from 7 to 9 p.m. at Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett. There will be a variety show, science demonstrations, party hat-palooza, face painting, balloons, bowling and a ball drop at 9 p.m.

Members can arrive at 6 p.m. for a special magic show. $10.

NYE MAGPIE BALL: Celebrate all things shiny and dress and glitter, sequins and gold lame at 9 p.m. at AFK Tavern, 1510 41st St., Everett.

ROARING 20S: Dress

like a flapper and partake in some prohibition-style revelry at 6 p.m. at Crucible Brewing, 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite D440, Everett. There will be glitter beer only available via a secret password, prizes for best dressed couple, music, a photo booth and a midnight countdown.

MARY AND THE BAD CAT DADDIES: Let music from Mary, Jevon, Bill, Howard and Tom bring 2019 to a close and welcome in 2020 starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Pub, 905 Madison St., Everett.

HAUNTED SALOON NYE: Music from Highway 9 will be featured at the Oxford Saloon, 913 First St., Snohomish, starting at 8 p.m. There will be a four-course meal and a midnight champagne toast. The upstairs Suite 913 and the cellar will also be open. Reservations: oxfordsaloon@ hotmail.com.

ALL-AGES DISCO SKATE: Ring in 2020 on the skating rink at 7:30 p.m. at Everett Skate Deck, 9700 19th Ave. SE, Everett. Party favors provided, photo backdrop, alcohol for sale.

ISLAND COUNTY FIREWORKS: Party in the park and see the sky fill with light starting at 9 p.m. over Oak Harbor Bay, visible from Windjammer Park, 1600 SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor.

CASINO ROYALE: Dress to impress at this “Casino Royale”-themed New Year’s Eve soiree at 9 p.m. at the Terrace Wine Bar and Bistro, 791 SE Fidalgo Ave. Suite 104, Oak Harbor. $40 per person or $70 per couple, includes one free drink,

themed appetizers and a midnight champagne toast. Dress to impress.

BOWL INTO 2020: Celebrate the New Year with strikes and spares and a celebration at Oak Bowl and Mario’s Pizza, 531 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. A family-friendly party is from 6 to 8 p.m., then an all-ages celebration from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $125 for one lane with up to 11 bowlers, bottomless soda, six $5 arcade cards, party favors, champagne and sparkling cider for midnight toasts.

A CAPTAIN’S NEW YEAR: Spend the last moments of 2019 treating yourself to a four-course meal at Captain Whidbey Inn, 2072 Whidbey Inn Road, Coupeville.

Stunning Venue Exquisite Cuisine Exceptional Service Convenient Location Event Planning Support Full Beverage Service Ample Free Parking Lodging Packages & More!

Weddings & Special Events

360.416.7622

mcintyrehall.org

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OUT AND ABOUT

ART

ED BEREAL: The exhibit “Wanted: Ed Bereal for Disturbing the Peace,” featuring six decades of work from the Bellingham-based artist, is on display until Jan. 5 at the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham.

NESTS AND LANDSCAPES: Kris Ekstrand is the featured winter artist at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden.

Work from artists around the region will be featured until Feb. 28. jansenartcenter.org.

ANNIVERSARY SHOW: The Scott Milo Gallery is celebrating 25 years with art from 15 favorite artists until Jan. 28 at the gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

INSPIRED BY DESIGN: The 34th annual holiday showcase is back at WaterWorks Gallery, 315 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor, through Jan. 4.

PEGGY WOODS: Local watercolor artist Peggy Woods is the featured artist for December at Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

BENJAMIN VANDERWERFF: Work from abstract and impressionistic painter Benjamin Vanderwerff can be viewed at Hadrian Art Gallery, 5717 Gilkey Ave., Bow. MARGARET DAVID-

SON: Drawings from Fir Island artist Margaret Davidson can viewed at the i.e. gallery, 5800 Cains Court, Edison.

MUSIC

GUEMES CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Music of Stamitz, Tartini, Vivaldi, Haydn and Simon and Garfunkel will be performed by area musicians at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Guemes Island Community Center, 7549 Guemes Island Road. $25 at the door. myguemes. org.

MORE FUN

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger, off Old Highway 99. $3 suggested donation.

NEW YEAR’S PAJAMA PARTY: Ring in the new year with a kids’ celebration from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett.

There will be a variety show, science demonstration, party hat-palooza and more. $15. imaginecm.org.

LOOKING AHEAD

”THE CURIOUS SAVAGE”: ALTA Theatre presents “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick, opening on Jan. 3 at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane. Dessert theater at 7 p.m. Jan. 3-4,

First Day Hikes to start 2020

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

Say hello to 2020 with a New Year’s Day hike at one of the state parks.

To celebrate the changing year, the parks offer free parking and easy to moderate guided hikes.

ISLAND COUNTY n Cama Beach Historical State Park: 11 a.m., meet at the drop-off shelter for a one-hour hike along Cranberry Lake. n Deception Pass State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the West Beach shelter for a half-mile hike to Sand Dune or a two-mile hike to North Beach. n Fort Casey Historical State Park: 1 p.m., meet at the parking lot for a 1-mile hike through Battery Loop Interpretive Trail. An-

9-10, 11, 17-18. Matinees at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5 and 19. brownpapertickets.com, altatheatre.com, altainfo2001@gmail.com or 360-424-5144.

THE LANGUAGE OF PATTERN: Five regional artists will be featured in January at i.e. gallery, 5800 Cains Court, Edison. An opening reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4.

JOURNEY TO THAILAND AND NEPAL: Linzi Bowman will talk about her eight-week trip to Thailand and Nepal and

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS

other hike is at 3:30 p.m. along the same route.

Bring a flashlight and leave kids under 8 at home.

SKAGIT COUNTY n Rockport State Park: 10 a.m., meet at the day-use parking lot for a 2.5-mile hike along the Evergreen trail.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY n Wallace Falls State Park: noon, meet at the poetry sign about 1/4

the time she spent with children at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

GERMANIC IMMIGRATION TO NORTH AMERICA: The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society will present “Germanic Immigration to North America in the 1800s: Including Luxembourgers, Swiss and Austrians” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington.

BIKE TRIP ACROSS AMERICA: Adventurer

mile into the Small Falls Loop Trail for a 1-mile roundtrip hike. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking area trailhead for a 4.2-mile hike to Middle Falls.

WHATCOM COUNTY n Larrabee State Park: 9 a.m., meet at the Cyrus Gates Overlook at the top of Cleator Road for a 4-mile roundtrip hike along the Rock Trail to Lost Lake.

Patrick McGinty will share his experiences from a 3,411-mile bike trip from California to Florida at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. $5 suggested donation.

CHRONIC PAIN: Author Julie Hanft has written two books on living with chronic pain and will present a free seminar on the topic at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham. ”THE CURIOUS

SAVAGE”: ALTA Theatre presents “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick, opening on Jan. 3. Dessert theater at 7 p.m. Jan. 3-4, 9-10, 11, 17-18. Matinees at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5 and 19. Brown Paper Tickets, www.altatheatre.com, altainfo2001@gmail.com or 360-424-5144.

SKAGIT WEDDING SHOW: Connect with bridal vendors in a variety of categories at the Skagit Wedding Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Skagit Center, 1000 Fountain St., Burlington. For tickets and more information, visit skagitweddingshow.com.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 11 and Feb. 8, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger, off Old Highway 99. $3 suggested donation.

“THE BARN SHOWS”: Hear how two women preserved a piece of the Skagit Valley’s art history in a book called “The Barn Shows” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger, off Old Highway 99. $3 suggested donation.

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TRAVEL

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

This vacation should go to the dogs

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES FamilyTravel.com

Whoa! (That’s genuine musher speak.)

Take time to learn about the animals and commands that are part of a dog sled adventure in a scenic winter destination. Here are five to consider: 1. PARADISE VALLEY, MONTANA Energetic Alaskan Huskies will pull your sled through the snowy wonderland of the Absaroka Mountain wilderness east of Montana’s scenic Paradise Valley. Layer up and choose a half- or full-day adventure. Your family will learn how to encourage these enthusiastic animals along the trail. For those who want to learn more, a three-day mushing school is offered. Later, relax in the steamy waters at Chico Hot Springs Resort or take a horse-drawn carriage from the historic inn. chicohotsprings.com; visitmt.com 2. TROY, NEW HAMPSHIRE Meet the sled dogs from the Muddy Paw Kennel while staying at the Inn at East Hill Farm, a working farm in southern New Hampshire. With Mount Monadnock as your backdrop, help harness the team ahead of a thrilling ride into the

SHUTTERSTOCK

Absaroka Mountain, Montana

woods. Throughout your stay, hang out with the animals, pet the bunnies, collect eggs, groom the pony, and help milk the cow and goat. The all-inclusive experience includes three meals and an extensive list of family-friendly activities. dogslednh.com; easthill-farm.com 3. MCMILLAN, MICHIGAN Meet seven-time Iditarod finisher Ed Stielstra, his wife, Tasha, also a competitor, and their team of top-notch Alaskan huskies. Drive a dog team or relax in the sled through the pristine wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Take off for a 10or 20-mile sledding trip or overnight with your team for a star-filled adventure during which the kiddos can help care

for the dogs. Add to the winter fun with snow tubing, skiing or snowshoeing to the ice caves in nearby Marquette.

All-inclusive packages are available. natureskennel.com; puremichigan.com 4. QUEBEC, CANADA A traditional form of transportation in the Great White North, dog sledding remains popular throughout the snowy regions of Quebec. Choose a tour that lasts several hours or several nights, offering fantastic views as your glide past lakes, around mountains and through the forests. A guided, seven-night adventure will give you the chance to sleep in a teepee, a rustic cabin or in more luxurious digs. For those ready to expend a little more energy, try ski pulka, a combina-

tion of dog sledding and cross-country skiing. quebecoriginal.com 5. FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Journey aboard Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train to see the snow-covered Last Frontier and embark on a dog-sledding voyage.

Travel from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, near the Gates of the Arctic National Park, to learn about caring for a sled team above the Arctic Circle. In the summer, helicopter in to the majestic Chugach Mountains and onto Punch Bowl Glacier to enjoy a scenic ride powered by sled dogs. alaskarailroad.com; travelalaska.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: 360-4747479. n Winter Birding for Kids: An “I Spy” Adventure in Skagit Valley. Through March, Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30-4:30 pm. Transportation and binoculars provided.

Reservations required by phone, 360-474-7479. n Hike n’ Cruise to Cypress Island, daily, 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Departs from Skyline Marina, Anacortes. Kidand dog-friendly. Reservations required.

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 360733-4030, ext. 1015, or visiting the tour office at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

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. 360755-0492.

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.

E8 - Thursday, December 26, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 27-31 Friday.27 BALLET ”THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

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

COMEDY HOLIDAY HELLINGHAM: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

HOLIDAY GAMES: 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

Saturday.28 BALLET ”THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

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

COMEDY HOLIDAY HELLINGHAM: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

‌

Northwest Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.”

HOLIDAY GAMES: 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

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

Sunday.29

Monday.30

BALLET ”THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

MUSIC M80’S: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

MUSIC A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-27. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Tuesday.31 MUSIC BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org.

M80’S: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

COMEDY NYE IMPROV: 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 27-31 Friday.27 THE ENTHUSIASTS: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

THE MACHINE: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

EPISCOOL: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

HOT DAMN SCANDAL, HOLY LOCUST, BELLOW WING: 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

IDELL DRIVE, SAM AND THE SAVAGES: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. 360-7701067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

Saturday.28 GROOVEBOT: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

THE MACHINE: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Saturday.28

SIR MIX-A-LOT 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-7468733 or wildbuffalo.net.

SIR MIX-A-LOT: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

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

ME AND MAE, COOKIE AND THE CUTTERS: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. 425-7375144, 360-629-6500 or locobillys.com.

RAIN FARMER: 8 p.m., Honey Moon, 1053 N. State Street Alley, Bellingham.

360-734-0728 or honeymoonmeads.com.

Sunday.29 RON BAILEY & THE TANGENTS: 5:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

Monday.30 M80’S: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Tuesday.31 DECEPTION CONNECTION: 8 p.m.-midnight, Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Members and signedin guests only. 360848-8882.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

M80’S: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Saturday.28

COOKIE AND THE CUTTERS With Me and Mae: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. 425-737-5144, 360629-6500 or locobillys.com.

EBB, SLACK, & FLOOD; JOHN BISAGNA: 9 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-2932544 or brownlantern. com.

FLANNEL AND VOYAGER: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

HARVEY CREEK BAND: 8:30 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

425-737-5144, 360629-6500 or locobillys. com.

DAIKAIJU NYE PARTY WITH THE PHONE BOOKS: 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

TIGHTY WHITIES: 9 p.m., Eaglemont Golf Course, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon. 360-428-1954 or fireweedterrace. com.

GIN GYPSY AND WHISKEY FEVER: 7:30 p.m., Skagit Valley Inn and Convention Center, 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon.

NITE WAVE: 9 p.m., Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. 888288-8883 or swinomishcasinoandlodge. com.

GROOVEBOT: 9 p.m., Twin Sisters Brewing Company, 500 Carolina St., Bellingham.

FLANNEL AND VOYAGER: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

JESSE ALLEN HARRIS: 8:30 p.m., Camel Club, 216 Main St., Lynden. $25.

MARY AND THE BAD CAT DADDIES: 8:30 p.m., Madison Avenue Pub, 905 Madison St., Everett.

E10 - Thursday, December 26, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART CLASSES

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART: 121 S. First St., La Conner. n Adult Watercolor Class: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. $18. n My Adult & Me Painting Class: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15. For kids (ages 3-9) and parents to learn together. $25 per pair. n Drawing Jean Behnke: 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. $30.

THE GOOD STUFF ARTS GALLERY: 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3152.

A GUILDED GALLERY: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. aguildedgallery.com. Prices include all classes in a series.

TRI DEE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at Tri Dee Arts, 215 S. First 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. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org. n 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 503 Morris St., La Conner. 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.

360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com.

STANWOOD CAMANO ARTS GUILD: A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood, offers a variety of art classes and workshops.

For information or to register: 360-629-2787 or stanwoodcamanoarts. com.

ANACORTES SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER: The senior center hosts a variety of art programs each week at the center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. 360-293-7473. n Creative Circle: 9 a.m. Mondays. n Woodcarving: 9 a.m.

Mondays. n Acrylics: 9:30 a.m.

Loads of laughter with Exit 192 Improv

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

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

EVERETT — Looking to laugh this holiday season? Exit 192 Improv Comedy has you covered.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., a collection of the region’s funniest improv comedians will take to the stage to create comedy from audience suggestions.

The all-ages show is held monthly and costs $12-15.

Mondays. n Rock Painting: 1 p.m. Mondays. n Miracle of Art: 1 p.m. Tuesdays. n Mosaics/Stained Glass: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. n Color Me Calm: 10 a.m. Thursdays. n Drawing Animals: 2:15 p.m. Thursdays. n Watercolor: 9:30 a.m.

AUDITIONS

”MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940”: Auditions for Whidbey Playhouse’s April production of “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the playhouse, 730A Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor.

Prepare a short monologue or song. Details at whidbeyplayhouse.com.

WHIDBEY HAS TALENT: Children in grades K-12 are invited to audition for Whidbey Has Talent on Feb. 10-

Anderson at 360-9331779 or visit bellinghamscd.org.

13. $10 fee. Details at whidbeyplayhouse.com.

BOOKS

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

THE DOGS IN THE NIGHTTIME: The Anacortes Sherlock Holmes Society meets at 5 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Village Pizza, 807 Commercial, Anacortes.

DANCE

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE: Join an spiritual practice that draws inspiration from sacred traditions around the world at this guided dance class from 5:45 to 8 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at Skagit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 500 W. Section St., Mount Vernon. By donation.

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 360755-9649.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View.

Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. 7 to 9:30 p.m.

First session free, $5 thereafter. No partners needed. Gary or Ginny, 360-766-6866.

SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Bellingham. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes without heels. $8 per class. For information, call Mary

MONDAY DANCING: Dance to The Skippers or Good Vibrations from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. Public welcome. Information: Kenneth Kossman (360336-3682) or the center (360-416-1585). $7 per person.

MUSIC

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL: Harmony Northwest Chorus, a women’s a cappella group singing four-part harmony barbershop style, welcomes all voice parts ages 15 and up.

Meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Mondays at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. Contact Carol Ward: 425-2329171 or contact@harmonynorthwest.org.

OPEN MIC NITE: 6 to 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Lil’Nut Cafe and Diner, 330 Cherry St., Sumas.

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.

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED MUSIC LESSONS: Three professional instructors at the Peterson Conservatory of Music & Arts, 314 S. Section St., Mount Vernon, are offering a variety of classes for music students from youth aged 6-10 ($10) to ages 11 to adult ($40-50). pcmusical.org.

UKULELE FUN & SONG CIRCLE: 12:30 to 1:30 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-OChords, a four-part 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. 360-6797473.

TIME FOR FIDDLERS: The Washington Old Time Fiddlers play at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Free; donations accepted. 360630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Rehearsals on 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. 360293-2544.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

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

RECREATION

BURLINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION: The Burlington Parks and Recreation Department hosts a variety of oneday and multiple-day sports and recreation classes. Prices vary. 360755-9649 or burlingtonwa.gov/parksandrec.

SUPPORT GROUP: The Skagit and Island Counties Council for the Blind meets 1-3 p.m. the second Saturday of the month at the Washington Federal Bank rear conference room, 300 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. 425-218-0190 or arvidsonandy@gmail. com.

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

GENEALOGY: Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers meetings are held at 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Ave., Oak Harbor. whidbeygensearchers.org.

LACROSSE: The Skagit Valley Flyers is a lacrosse club for boys and girls, grades 2-12.

Participation is free and no experience is necessary. svflyers.uslaxteamsw.com. Questions?

Email: svflyers2009@ gmail.com.

Model railroad open house in Alger

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

ALGER — If your 2019 New Year’s resolution was to visit a model railroad open house, don’t worry, there is still time.

The Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club will open its doors to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.

The club has large layouts for N-scale and HO-scale model railroads. Children are encouraged to come and learn about the hobby.

Admission is donaGRUMPY OLD MAN’S YOGA: Build strength and flexibility at this accessible yoga class 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. Women are welcome. $5 donation.

NORTH PUGET SOUND DRAGON BOAT CLUB: The organization is looking for new members. Two teams practice in the Oak Harbor Marina. n Team Stayin’ Alive practices from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; its season runs through October.

Contact Norma Lisherness at njlish@gmail. com. n Team Tsunami practices year-round from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Cathie Harrison at

SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD FILE PHOTO

A HO scale model train crosses over a miniature handmade trestle during an open house at the Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club’s headquarters in Alger.

tion-based, and the money collected is used to develop more layouts for the club.

The Whatcom Skagit cathieanne@aol.com.

First three paddles are free.

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join the Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

No pets. Free. 360-2933725 or friendsoftheacfl. org. n Heart Lake Loop Hike: A 4-mile roundtrip hike through old growth flora at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Meet at the Heart Lake parking lot.

Listed as challenging. n Little Cranberry Corridor: A 4-mile roundtrip hike through second growth forest at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.

Meet at the ACFL kiosk on A Ave. and 37th St. Listed as challenging. n Big Beaver Pond Loop: Three-mile roundtrip hike through beaver territory at 9 a.m.

Friday, March 20. Meet at the Little Cranberry

Model Railroad Club is located off of Old Highway 99 at 1469 Silver Run Lane.

Lake parking lot. Listed as intermediate. n Little Round Top Traverse: Five-mile traverse through Whistle Lake at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 28. Meet at Heart Lake parking lot. Listed as advanced.

GUIDED WALKS: Friends of the Camano Island Parks hosts a series of guided walks for the public at 9:50 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. Dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes.

No dogs. Suggested donation $1. friendsofcamanoislandparks.org. n Jan. 4: A 2.6-mile walk at Camano Island State Park with two elevation gains of 50 feet.

Meet at the picnic shelter near the boat ramp on the south beach of the park. n Feb. 1: A 2.5-mile walk through the Camano Ridge Forest Preserve.

Meet at the Camano Ridge West entrance parking lot.

n March 7: A 3.5mile walk from Cama to Camano Island State Park. Park at Ivy Road and Dry lake Road Junction. Shuttle service available to return drivers. n April 4: A 2-mile walk on the perimeter of the Four Springs Lake Preserve. Meet at the parking area at the preserve.

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION: Christian Motorcyclists Association Morning Star Chapter 39 meets the third Saturday of every month at Royal Star Buffet, 2300 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon. Dinner at 6 p.m. (optional) with meeting at 7 p.m. First-time attendees get a free dinner. Contact President Dwight Kaestner at 425-770-6154 or cmachapter39@gmail.com.

SCOUT MEETING: Cub Pack 4001 and Boy Scout Troop 4001 meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, at First United Methodist Church, 1607 E. Division, Mount Vernon. New members welcome.

TRAIL GUIDES, BIKE MAPS & MORE: Learn about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County, including trail guides, an activity tracker and local resources at www.wta.org/ go-hiking/hikes/port-ofskagit-nature-trails.

BACK COUNTY HORSEMEN OF WASHINGTON: Join the Skagit chapter of the Horsemen at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at Sedro-Woolley Eagles No. 2069, 1000 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

E12 - Thursday, December 26, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: Dec. 26-29, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

PANCHO SANCHEZ: Dec. 30-31, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

PEARL DJANGO: Jan. 7-8,2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

PETER WHITE: Jan. 9-12, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

CHRIS BOTTI: Jan. 14-16 and 17-19, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com.

HARRIET TUBMAN: Jan. 21-22, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

STEVE GADD BAND: Jan. 23-26, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

DERMOT KENNEDY: Jan. 26, 2020, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

PETER BERNSTEIN, LARRY GOLDINGS, BILL STEWART: Jan. 28-29, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

SARAH MCLACHLAN: Feb. 2, 2020, , Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 866-833-4747, or benaroyahall.org or livenation.com.

SUPERM: Feb. 4, 2020, Ac-

cesso Showare Center, Kent.

866-973-9613 or livenation. com.

REVEREND HORTON HEAT: Feb. 4-6, 2020, The Crocodile, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle. com.

MARTIN TAYLOR, FRANK VIGNOLA: Feb. 4-5, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY: Feb. 6-9, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

SONNY LANDREATH, MARCIA BALL: Feb. 11-12, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

PEE WEE HERMAN: BIG ADVENTURE: Feb. 15, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

JACK BROADBENT: Feb. 19, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

DAVID SANBORN JAZZ QUINTET: Feb. 20-23, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

WILLIAM DUVALL: Feb. 29, 2020, The Triple Door, Seattle. 206-838-4333 or thetripledoor.net. ”STU FOR SILVERTON”: Jan. 31-Feb. 23, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle.

206-625-1900 or 5thavenue. org.

REVEREND HORTON HEAT Feb. 4-6, 2020, The Crocodile, Seattle. 206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

HAYLEY KIYOKO: March 8, 2020, Showbox Sodo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

VICTOR WOOTEN: March 12-15, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. ”SISTER ACT”: March 13-April 5, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org.

AMANDA SHIRES: March 20, 2020, The Crocodile, Seattle. 877-987-6487 or Eventbrite.com.

BILLIE EILISH: April 10, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ALICE COOPER: April 20, 2020, McCaw Hall, Seattle.

844-827-8118 or uniquelives.com.

MILKY CHANCE: Aug. 24, 2020, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH: April 23, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

STURGILL SIMPSON, TYLER CHILDERS: May 20, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

DEAD CAN DANCE: May 3, 2020, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

CHER: May 4, 2020, Angel of The Winds Arena, Everett.

866.332.8499 or angeloft-

hewindsarena.com. ”ONCE ON THIS ISLAND”: May 12-24, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle.

206-625-1900 or 5thavenue. org.

APOCALYPTICA: May 14, 2020, Showbox at The Market, Seattle. 888-929-7849 or AXS.com, JOURNEY, THE PRETENDEERS: May 16, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

ALANIS MORISSETTE: June 3, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

BRANDI CARLILE, SHERYL CROW, YOLA: June 6, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or

livenation.com. ”EVITA”: June 12-July 4, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

OZZY OSBOURNE, MARILY MANSON: July 11, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

GREEN DAY, FALL OUT BOY, WEEZER: July 17, 2020, T-Mobile Park, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

TAME IMPALA: Aug. 7, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

MAROON 5: Aug. 15, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

HARRY STYLES: Aug. 18, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

MOTLEY CRUE, DEF LEPPARD, POISON, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS: Sept. 2, 2020, T-Mobile Park, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BLACK CROWES: Sept. 4, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

DOOBIE BROTHERS: Sept. 5, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

KISS, DAVID LEE ROTH: Sept. 19, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

A frigid plunge at the Padden Polar Dip

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — Is there a better way to start the new year off than by plunging into the icy depths of a lake?

The Padden Polar Dip is a much-loved annual event in which the bravest of the brave congregate at Lake Padden, 4882 Samish Way, to subject themselves to an icy swim.

The event starts at 11 a.m. with a run/ walk around the lake, about 2.6 miles. Then, at 11:59 a.m., a countdown to the dip begins.

At noon sharp, the masses enter the lake.

It is recommended that any who dare attempt this dip wear real shoes with laces and consult a physician before allowing children 10 and under to participate.

BELLINGHAM PARKS

Polar Dip

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

AT THE LINCOLN ‘Downton Abbey’ 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 27-28 5:30 P.M. SUNDAY, DEC. 29 7:30 P.M. MONDAY, DEC. 30 The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

Rated PG. $10.50 general; $9.50 seniors, students and active military; $8 ages 12 and under. Sunday bargain prices: $9 general; $7.50 ages 12 and under.

NT Live: ‘Present Laughter’

1 P.M. SUNDAY, DEC. 29 As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colorful life is in danger of spiraling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Captured live from The Old Vic in London, “Present Laughter” is a giddy and modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students and children plus applicable fees. Lincoln members receive $2 off.

New Year’s Eve 2020: Blind Boys of Alabama

FOCUS FEATURES

“Downton Abbey” will be shown Friday-Monday, Dec. 27-30, at the Lincoln Theatre.

DINING GUIDE

Uncaged electricity with the MegaZapper

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

Coming Up: SPARK MUSEUM OF ELECTRICAL INVENTION

Enjoy the SEAHAWKS vs 49ers Season!

Sun. 5:20 pm

Fresh Local Strawberries FRI. 1/3 7:30PM BADD DOG BLUES SOCIETY WEDS. 1/15 6PM EL COLONEL

Pies

WEDS. 1/8 6PM BLUES UNION

• Beef Tenderloin Medallions andWaffles Dungeness Crab Cakes. $29.95

Pancakes

SAT. 1/18 7:30PM SCRATCH DADDY

360-588-1720 anacortesrockfish.com

320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

• Seafood Fettuccine.

Milk Shakes$20.95 Call for reservations!

-MORE-

360.466.4411

1585064 1474688

A menu of Polish family recipes and Northwest faremade madein-house in-housefrom from eclectic fare fresh, local ingredients

Craft Beer • PNW Wines House-Infused Vodkas

Shortcake NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIALS 1967934 1933806 1625562

the show costs an additional $9-12.

A cascade of demonstrations start the show. By the end of the show, the bravest of volunteers (over the age of 18) will be selected to enter the Cage of Doom, where volts of loose electricity will blast out of one of the largest Tesla coils in the entire country.

COUGS vs Air Force Cheez-It Bowl Fri. 7:15 pm

Family Friendly

La Conner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

Weekend Brunch & Bloody Build your own Bloody Mary!

Mary Bar Saturdays & Sundays Sat-Sun 11am to 2pm

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC CHECK LISTINGS

aneliaskitchenandstage.com OPEN 11AM WED-MON Kitchen open until last call 513 1st Street, La Conner 360-399-1805

1901454

MegaZapper

1967883

BELLINGHAM — What is there to do in the precarious week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you ask?

Well, at SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention you can watch the MegaZapper zap away.

The Megazapper Electrical Show is both educational and entertaining, as it uses a variety of machines that look like they may have originated in a mad scientist’s laboratory, to delight audiences.

Shows are at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 26-29, at the museum, 1312 Bay St. Admission to the museum is $5-8 and

7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, DEC. 31 $40-$70. Lincoln members receive $2 off. For more information, see page E3.

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

E14 - Thursday, December 26, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI REVIEWS

‘1917’ a stark, breathtaking World War I film

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

Sam Mendes’ “1917” is nothing short of astonishing. Designed as two extraordinarily long, unbroken shots, the film is a stunning feat of cinematography, production design and performance moving seamlessly as one piece. But the most incredible thing about “1917” is how often you forget about the trick of it all, absorbed in character and story rather than any “gimmick.”

For Mendes, it’s a deeply personal story, a passion project dedicated to his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, “for the stories he told us,” which places this breathtaking World War I film into a stark and very human reality.

Although the cinematic undertaking is complex, the story, scripted by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns from a fragment of a war story told to him by his grandfather, is simple: A message must be delivered. Two young lance corporals, Blake (Dean Charles-Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay), are summoned by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) and given the order to deliver a message by morning to a battalion of British soldiers who are walking into a trap if they attack the German line as planned. Blake’s brother is a lieutenant in the battalion, so whether or not he is “good with maps,” as the general mentions, he’s determined to fight his way through No Man’s Land and the occupied

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP)

George MacKay (center) is shown in a scene from “1917.”

French village of Écoust to bring the message in time and save his brother from the massacre.

Blake and Schofield are constantly moving, as they wind their way up and down the trenches, and across the razor wire and mud caught with bloated and desiccated corpses both human and animal.

The people they encounter along the way will seem to wander into their path almost by happenstance.

Over the next eight hours, they’ll creep through deserted German trenches and war fields littered with ordinance; they’ll wander through abandoned farm houses where buckets of milk are left standing.

Through the hellish, ruined inferno that is Écoust lies a river and then a wood where their destination awaits. In the back of a rattling, rusted truck, a young English soldier will question why they’re fighting and dying over a

few feet of the unremarkable farmland.

Legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins is the genius behind the camera that positions the audience as a witness to the harrowing journey. The camera is almost a spectral presence, floating across muddy craters filled with bodily decay, circling around characters to reveal their spatial relationship to one another, winding its way through crowds of young soldiers sharing a moment of peace in the woods. At first the camera follows our pair, but in the last act, it tends to lead our young messenger on the journey’s final leg, as he pushes through soldiers lining a white-walled trench and bolts down a battlefield littered with bombs.

The function of the camera and its impossibly long shots (there are some concealed cuts in order to create the continuous effect) is to communicate

the immediacy of the action and to place us within the horrors and harsh realities of this era. But we wouldn’t care to follow this journey if we didn’t care about our traveling companions.

Chapman, as the charming, chatty sweet young Blake, is the heart, while McKay, as the reserved but soulful Schofield, is the body of this endeavor. Chapman, best known as Tommen on “Game of Thrones,” gives one of the most heartbreaking performances of the year, while McKay’s physicality, both explosive and intimate, is astounding. “1917” is staggering in its cinematic scope, but scaled to human size it embodies the truthful experience and enormous sacrifice of this war.

– 1:59. Rated R (for violence, some disturbing images, and language).

HHH½ (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Uncut Gems” — In one of the most authentic deep dives into the world of the gambling addict ever put on film, Adam Sandler’s performance as a New York jeweler with a variety of voracious appetites might just be the best dramatic performance by an actor in all of 2019. Crime comedy, R, 135 minutes. HHHH “Little Women” — Through the prism of the blazingly talented writer-director Greta Gerwig, it’s as if we’re meeting the March sisters for the very first time, and we’re immediately swept away in a gorgeously filmed, wickedly funny, deeply moving and, yes, empowering story. Drama, PG, 135 minutes. HHHH “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” — Action-filled and plot-packed, Episode IX of the space opera saga features a twist and turn and surprise around nearly every corner.

It rarely comes close to touching greatness, but it’s a solid, visually dazzling and warm-hearted victory for the Force of quality filmmaking. Fantasy adventure, PG-13, 141 minutes.

HHH “A Hidden Life” — In 1940s Austria, a farmer is jailed for refusing to sign a loyalty oath to Hitler, as his wife and children suffer without him. This is a Terrence Malick film, so you can count on feeling dazzled by spectacular shots of heaven on Earth, and impatient at the sheer overpowering deliberateness of it all. Historical drama, PG-13, 180 minutes. HHH “Jumanji: The Next Level” — Like 2017’s “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” this rousing, funny, warm-hearted, old-fashioned adventure movie puts high school students into video game avatars that look like Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and others. There’s more than enough charm to overcome the occasional overlong action sequence. Action adventure, PG-13, 123 minutes. HHH “Richard Jewell” — The latest economically filmed, well-crafted gem from Clint Eastwood recalls the cop wannabe who was proven innocent after being named as the prime suspect in the 1996 Olympics bombing in Atlanta.

Paul Walter Hauser delivers screen-commanding work as the title character. Historical drama, R, 130 minutes. HHH½ “Knives and Skin” — When a teen disappears in a seemingly quiet Midwestern town, reactions range from the strange and disturbing to the REALLY strange and disturbing in this cool and badass and blazingly original social satire/horror thriller. Rating: Thriller, no MPAA rating, 112 minutes. HHH½ “The Two Popes” — With Anthony Hopkins portraying Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as the cardinal who would become Pope Francis, we have the privilege of seeing two of the world’s finest actors sinking their chops into rich albeit sometimes overly fanciful dialogue. But with an overlong running time, “The Two Popes” is the kind of wellmade but flawed release you can wait to catch on home video. Biography, PG-13, 125 minutes. HH½ “A Million Little Pieces” — There’s nothing Hollywood or glamorous about Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s work as self-destructive, hardcore addict James Frey. This is an effective blunt instrument of a film — a rough-edged, unvarnished, painfully accurate portrayal of addiction and rehabilitation.

Drama, R, 113 minutes. HHH

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

REVIEW

You won’t leave the theater purring after seeing ‘Cats’

By RAFER GUZMAN Newsday

“Cats,” Tom Hooper’s film version of the celebrated stage musical, crept into theaters on little human feet over the weekend weekend. Featuring live dancers covered in digital fur from ankle to neck, “Cats” lies at the very bottom of the uncanny valley — a term borrowed from robotics that denotes the revulsion we feel when a creature is recognizably but not fully human. It’s as good a description as any of this extravagant but

unsettling musical.

Fans of the show, one of Broadway’s longest-running, may feel differently about this adaptation, which is faithful in many ways. Namely, it has impressive choreography (by Andy Blankenbuehler and “cat movement specialist” Sarah Dowling), a lovely score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and not much of a story (it’s based on a book of poems by T.S. Eliot).

Our heroine is Victoria, a snow-white cat played

by Francesca Hayward, an expressive dancer making her feature film debut.

Abandoned in a sack on

“The Aeronauts” — This rousing and (frostbitten) knuckle-biting adventure reteams Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything”) for a historic 1862 quest in a hot air balloon to ascend higher than any man or woman had flown up to that moment. The fact-based fairy tale has a distinctly old-fashioned, Saturday afternoon movie vibe. Historical adventure, PG-13, 101 minutes. HHH “Queen & Slim” — A man and woman on a first date end up on the run after a police encounter goes bad in one of the best and most important movies of the year.

Filled with keenly observed social commentary, it also finds time for some soaring moments of inspiration, a little bit of comedic relief and a red-hot romance. Drama, R, 132 minutes. HHHH “Dark Waters” — Mark Ruffalo plays a real-life crusading attorney who took on the case of a West Virginia farmer convinced that toxic chemical waste from DuPont poisoned his cattle and his land. It’s a role squarely in Ruffalo’s comfort zone, and it’s no surprise he knocks it out of the park. Historical drama, PG-13, 127 minutes. HHH

a London street, Victoria meets a society of “Jellicle Cats,” who each year vie to be given a new life by Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench). The movie, like the play, introduces one cat after another, each singing a song: The bumbling Jennyanydots (Rebel Wilson), the rotund Bustopher Jones (James Corden), the arrogant Rum Tum Tugger (played as a swaggering soul man by a very good Jason Derulo), and so on. Lurking on the sidelines is Macavity, an evil cat with unnatural green eyes, played by Idris Elba; he’s introduced by

“Knives Out” — This crackling good, old-fashioned murder mystery is one of those movies where it looks like the immensely appealing cast — including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis and Chris Evans — had as much fun making the film as we have watching it.

Murder mystery/comedy, PG-13, 131 minutes. HHH “21 Bridges” — In a plot with more holes than a box of doughnuts, Chadwick Boseman plays an NYPD detective who shuts down the bridges out of Manhattan to trap a duo of cop killers. The movie looks cheap and grimy, and the story has supposedly smart people doing really stupid things. Crime action, R, 99 minutes. H½ “Waves” — This beautiful and pensive and heartbreaking drama begins with perfect little moments, all designed to immerse us in the world of a high school wrestler, his sweet little sister and their father and stepmom. But soon we begin to see signs of the tidal wave of trouble ahead. Drama, R, 135 minutes. HHHH “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — It’s a tricky performance for one American icon to

Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, a slinky showgirl cat.

Is it just me, or is there something disconcertingly sexual about this movie?

The dancers’ sensuous movements, curving tails and furry cat butts all gave me unwelcome ideas. The male dancers have been digitally spayed — nothing left but a flat space — which also brings up weird questions. Worse, every now and then an actor gracelessly sticks a leg into the air. (Please, I thought, don’t do what cats usually do next.) Children’s minds might not go there. Yours most certainly, and unwill-

play another American icon, but the perfectly cast Tom Hanks expertly captures Fred Rogers’ calming and measured cadence in the story of the cardigan-clad, gentle host of one of the most beloved children’s programs ever to enter our living rooms. Biography, PG, 108 minutes.

HHH “Frozen 2” — An uplifting and true-hearted and worthy (if not equal) sequel to the 2013 mega-blockbuster, this beautifully animated film is sprinkled with good humor and filled with sister-power bonding moments.

And there are more than a few trippy, New Age-y detours along the way. Animated fantasy, PG, 103 minutes. HHH “Honey Boy” — Shia LaBeouf, writer of this film’s sharp and unflinchingly honest screenplay, portrays a fictional version of his own abusive father in a raw and riveting psychodrama based on his beginnings as a child actor. Drama, R, 93 minutes. HHH “The Report” — Adam Driver does powerful work as a Senate investigator looking into post-9/11 torture tactics sanctioned by the U.S. government. This is a smart,

ingly, will.

As for the movie’s “whitewashing” controversy, it’s a muddle. Hayward, a mixed-race actress of Kenyan descent, plays a white cat. Is that colorblind casting? By contrast, the villainous Macavity, traditionally dressed in bright oranges and yellows, now has fur the color of Elba’s skin. For what reason? At any rate, the issue seems moot when the film’s overall aesthetic is so blindingly ugly.

All right, all right, the movie has its moments.

Dench mostly retains her dignity, Ian McKellen

solid and engrossing paper-chase story about one man’s dogged determination. Historical drama, R, 118 minutes. HHH “Marriage Story” — The funnier moments of this divorce story are reminiscent of 1970s/1980s Woody Allen, whereas the confrontational scenes are more Ingmar Bergman-esque, giving stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson the opportunity to flex their Oscar muscles. Comedy drama, R, 136 minutes. HHH “Ford v Ferrari” — Christian Bale, playing hotheaded 1960s race car driver Kenny Miles, and Matt Damon, as the auto designer who hires him to help Ford compete at Le Mans, have a relaxed, confident, sometimes very funny chemistry in this rip-roaring and heart-pounding 1960s action/drama. One of the best movies ever made about auto racing. Action biography, PG-13, 152 minutes. HHH½ “The Good Liar” — Even the legendary Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen can’t overcome the convoluted, unfocused and increasingly implausible storyline of this con-game thriller. The more we learn about the main characters,

delivers a poignant version of Gus the Theatre Cat and Laurie Davidson gives Mr. Mistoffelees (“the magical cat”) an appealing sensitivity. Jennifer Hudson, as the fallen Grizabella, belts out “Memory,” the show’s famous tear-jerker, with the vocal force of an opera diva and more snot than a 3-year-old. Love it or loathe it, this “Cats” will leave a scent you won’t soon forget.

– 1:50. Rated PG (mild peril and naughty humor).

H½ (out of four stars)

the less we believe they’d do the things they do. Crime thriller, R, 109 minutes. HH “Last Christmas” — Watch Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding walking the snow-dappled streets of London, lost in each other’s gaze, and you feel as if you’ve landed in Romantic Comedy/Drama Heaven.

But this heart-tugging love story rises above the standard, lightweight holiday fare. Romantic comedy, PG-13, 103 minutes. HHH½ “Midway” — In this superficial World War II epic, Woody Harrelson, Mandy Moore and Dennis Quaid are among the stars delivering lines straight out of a second-rate, mid-20th-century war movie, while competing with 21st-century CGI pyrotechnics. War action, PG-13, 138 minutes. HH “Doctor Sleep” — A decadesdown-the-road sequel catches up with Danny Torrance, the psychic boy who endured horrific trauma in “The Shining,” in a most satisfying manner. Ewan McGregor is brilliant as grown-up, alcoholic Danny, coming to the aid of a similarly gifted girl (Kyliegh Curran, spectacularly good) in peril. Horror, R, 132 minutes. HHH

E16 - Thursday, December 26, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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