360 December 12 2013 full by Skagit Publishing

A week of music at McIntyre Hall Page 3 Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 12, 2013

Reviews

Tuning Up

Movie Review

Music: “Nashville” soundtrack Video Games: ‘Mario Party Island Tour’

The Walrus plays the Big Lake Bar & Grill on Saturday

Jackson rediscovers hobbits can be funny in ‘Desolation of Smaug’

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NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Fast & Furious 6”: This is a fun thrill ride as long as director Justin Lin keeps the pedal to the metal in the action scenes. It’s when he moves over to the slow lane to deal with relationships that the movie hits some big potholes. No film franchise has gone through as big a transformation. It started a dozen years ago with “The Fast and the Furious,” the story of an undercover cop infiltrating the Los Angeles street-racer world to stop a hijacking ring. These days, the team of fast-driving criminals — paced by the gruff Toretto (Vin Diesel) and ex-cop Brian (Walker) — fight international terrorists. “F&F6” is the kind of movie where logic should be left in park. The action scenes are so big and over the top that, at times, they are laughable, such as a highflying save by Toretto between two interstate bridges. And the final confrontation, which includes numerous cars dangling from a cargo plane, only works if the runway is 137 miles long. “Despicable Me 2”: Super villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls and all those wonderful Minions are back. The new DVD release doesn’t have nearly as much heart as the original film, but it makes up for that deficiency with a lot more humor. It’s tough to find the same kind of emotional notes that made the original film — the 2010 hit where Gru goes from a super villain who steals the moon to the loving father of three orphans — so enjoyable. That’s why the sequel leans more on the humor, especially with a muchexpanded role for the jabbering, yellow, round assistants known as his Minions. These are the funniest yellow characters this side of “The Simpsons.” Not since the “Madagascar” movies — where the feisty penguins stole the movie — has a group of supporting players been so much fun. Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud were smart enough to throw in a steady stream of inane antics by the Minions — particularly the three stooges of Kevin, Bob and Stuart — to get the movie back on its laugh track. The characters are pure silliness, and that works beautifully. “Doc Martin, Series 6”: The doctor tackles fatherhood and the return of his mother. “Battle of the Year”: A break-dancing crew returns to its roots. “Zombie Night”: Two families must fight zombies to survive the night. “Jump”: Romantic thriller follows three seemingly unconnected sets of

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: DEC. 17 Elysium — Sony The Family — Fox Kick-Ass 2 — Universal The Lone Ranger — Disney Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters — Fox Prisoners — Warner

Holiday Events / Page 5

DEC. 24 Insidious: Chapter 2 — Sony DEC. 31 Don Jon — Fox JAN. 7 Closed Circuit — Universal Inequality For All — Starz / Anchor Bay Runner Runner — Fox Thanks for Sharing — Lionsgate n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

young people. “Angels Sing”: Film that reminds us a little Christmas cheer can go a long way. “Adore”: Two women explore the intricacies of love, family, morality and passion. “The Ultimate Life”: A rich man begins to question what’s important in his life. “The Seasoning House”: Deaf and mute Angel (Rosie Day) is abducted and sent to a Balkan brothel. “Cult Movie Marathon: Volume One”: Includes “Invasion of the Bee Girls,” “The Devil’s 8,” “Unholy Rollers” and “Vicious Lips.” “Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary”: This Julie Andrews movie is being rereleased. “Game: the Sixth Season”: TV series about women who have a boyfriend, husband or son on the same professional football team. “Touchy Feely”: Comedy about finding your place in the world. “The Gene Autry Show: The Complete Television Series”: Includes 91 episodes of the western series. “The Nature of Genius”: This collection features DVD and Blu-ray versions of two outstanding documentaries — “Inspirations” and “Me & Isaac Newton.” “American Bomber”: Disgraced ex-soldier looks to become first American-born suicide bomber. “Muppet Movie Collection”: Includes “Muppet Treasure Island” and “The Great Muppet Caper.”

Check out the holiday events going on this week.

Inside

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

Music, Video Game Reviews...........6-7 Get Involved........................................ 8 On Stage, Tuning Up....................10-11 Travel............................................12-13 Hot Tickets........................................ 14 At the Lincoln.................................... 15 Movie Review: “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”............... 16 Movie Listings, Mini-Reviews.......... 17 Out & About.................................18-19

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

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E3

MUSIC

A musical week at McIntyre Hall Skagit Valley Herald staff

Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, one of the premier venues in the state for music and theater, has a busy slate of holiday events this week. Voices and instruments alike are set to soar, as the Christmas holidays are celebrated. “HERALDING CHRISTMAS” The Skagit Valley Chorale will present its annual holiday choral performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $14-$25.

Discounts available for seniors and students. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Symphony Chorus will present its annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The program will feature a HOLIDAY YOUTH CONCERT variety of Christmas and holiday music, The Fidalgo Youth Symphony will including a carol singalong. Advance present its Holiday Concert at 1 p.m. tickets: $20-$40 from the McIntyre Hall Saturday, Dec. 14. Enjoy a variety of box office, 360-416-7727 or 866-624Christmas and holiday music performed 6897. For information, visit skagitsym by young musicians ages 5 to 21. $15 phony.com. adults, $10 seniors, $1 for children and students. 360-416-7727, 866-624-6897 or WINTER CONCERT mcintyrehall.org. The Mount Vernon High School Choirs will present the Winter Concert HOLIDAY SYMPHONY CONCERT at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Skagit Symphony and Skagit $15, $10 seniors, $1 students and chil-

dren. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org. “SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold” 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19-20. From the author of “Late Nite Catechism” comes this holiday mystery extravaganza. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you’ve ever seen. $25, $15 ages 12 and younger. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall. org.

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MOVIES

Jackson on expanding ‘The Hobbit’ and Tolkien’s world which has been usurped by the evil dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Ian McKellen’s LOS ANGELES — Charting wizard Gandalf has more of a a course through Middle-earth solo role to play, ferreting out a can be nearly as taxing as survivgreat, ancient evil that is settling ing an international media tour over the land. for an end-of-year blockbuster. Bilbo and Thorin’s travels take Peter Jackson knows this better them to the forest of Mirkwood, than anyone. where they encounter not only His film journeys through the giant, woodland spiders but vast realms of J.R.R. Tolkien’s also a race of Sylvan elves that writings are familiar terrain. includes Orlando Bloom’s regal Just last week, his salt-andLegolas (a featured member pepper curls fell at slightly of the “Rings” ensemble) and unruly angles and his white Evangeline Lilly’s warrior Taudress shirt looked more comfortriel. ably lived in than She is the first character wholfreshly pressed ly invented for a Tolkien film by as he posed on a Jackson, Walsh and Boyens (Del giant chair flown Toro also is credited as a screenin from New Zeawriter on “Smaug”). land from the set “For some reason that I don’t of his latest film, quite understand, a lot of women “The Hobbit: The love these stories more than Desolation of other types of fantasy,” Jackson Smaug.” said. “We just felt it was a bit Jackson Still, the direcmale-heavy and we could do tor was in good something about it.” humor. “Smaug” opens in theThere are other new players, aters tonight but is already winincluding Luke Evans’ human ning high marks from a chain of Bard the Bowman, who resides James Fisher / Warner Bros. Pictures via AP admirers, many of whom comin the enclave of Lake-town, This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows director Peter Jackson (left) during the filming which sits in the shadow of pare its jovial spirit to the highof “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” water mark of Jackson’s career, the Lonely Mountain near the his epic “The Lord of the Rings” deserted area known as the Desens have expanded the narra“The Lovely Bones,” an adapta- olation of Smaug. trilogy. tive to include new characters tion of Alice Sebold’s bestseller, “Quite a few people are saying Narratively, Jackson said he SEE THE REVIEW and moments referenced in the though neither caught fire in the that,” said Jackson, 52, sipping felt greater freedom with this ■ Read Roger Moore’s review of appendixes of “The Lord of the same way his Middle-earth mov- installment than with “Unextea between photos shoots at “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Rings.” ies had. a Beverly Hills hotel. “We are Smaug.” / Page 16 pected Journey” or the upcoming “That was one of the decisions He’d been set to produce “The “There and Back Again.” He consciously trying to deepen the we made at the very beginning,” Hobbit” as a two-parter helmed neither had to establish the story characterizations and conflicts ing the creature Gollum was Jackson said. “Do we take a by Guillermo del Toro, but once and introduce the characters nor without straying too far from universally praised as matching Tolkien.” Jackson’s earlier, Oscar-winning children’s book, a very simplistic Del Toro stepped down in 2010, deliver “an exciting climax” for children’s book, and faithfully it wasn’t long before Jackson Yet last year, when “The Hob- achievements. the trilogy. assumed the reins, expanding bit: An Unexpected Journey” By contrast, “Smaug” is brim- adapt it? Or do we make a film But there was dragon anxiety. that will live alongside the other the project to three movies. (The He acknowledged that he felt opened, many fans struggled ming with action, including a three movies that we made? third, “The Hobbit: There and to embrace the film, even as it show-stopping fight sequence some apprehension over finally “We are the same storytellers, Back Again,” is set for release raked in $1 billion worldwide at filmed along New Zealand’s bringing Tolkien’s great redDec. 17, 2014.) the box office. Pelorus River. In its grand scope Philippa, Fran and I, we’re the golden beast to the screen. In this second portion of the Detractors seemed saddened and serious tone, it feels far more same people working on it. We’re “You keep hearing all this saga, Martin Freeman’s goodthat the soaring sense of adven- akin to Jackson’s original trilogy trying to be faithful to the style expectation,” Jackson said. “‘I natured Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, ture and heart that had defined than its immediate predecessor. and the tone.” want to see Smaug, I want to see That Jackson returned to continues on his quest to help the “Rings” films had gone missThe story primarily centers on Smaug.’ I hadn’t seen Smaug up another Tolkien film at all was the dwarf king Thorin Oakening, replaced by flatulent trolls, the middle portion of Tolkien’s until a few months ago, really, shield (Richard Armitage) and moments of slapstick humor and landmark 1937 youth novel, but somewhat unexpected. After not in his current form! company reclaim the treasure sluggish pacing. Jackson and his writing partners the “Rings” trilogy, he directed “Those things,” he added with a remake of “King Kong” and of their lost homeland Erebor, Only the sequence featurFran Walsh and Philippa Boya laugh, “are a bit of a pressure.” By GINA MCINTYRE Los Angeles Times

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E5

COMMUNITY Skagit Valley Herald staff

This week’s holiday events range from music to shopping to food and theater. HOLIDAY LIGHTS & SHOPPING: Join Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation for a holiday tour of Bellevue Square and Garden D’Lights from 1:30 to 9 p.m. today, departing from Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Enjoy holiday shopping at Bellevue Square, followed by a visit to the Garden D’Lights, comprised of more than half a million tiny lights, which transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. Then head back downtown to Snowflake Lane for an enchanting holiday show. Ages 12 and older. $57-$59. Register by Dec. 5. 360-336-6215.

Holiday events this week

LUNCH WITH MRS. CLAUS: Dine and visit with Mrs. Claus from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Coho Cafe at United General Hospital, 2000 Hospital Drive. Tickets are $5 per child ages 12 and younger, $10 adults, for lunch, cookie decorating, crafts and writing letters to Santa (Mrs. Claus will deliver them!). Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit hospital programs and patients. Reservations are requested: 360-856-7245 or events@unitedgeneral.org or at the hospital front desk

HOLIDAY MUSICAL REVUE: The Whidbey Playhouse will present “Christmas Snapshots” at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Dec. 12-13 and 19-20, and at 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, at 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. CHRISTMAS DINNER SHOW: The Stanwood Community & Senior Center will present “Club Christmas” from 6 to 8 p.m. today at 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. Enjoy a prime rib dinner and special holiday entertainment. $14. Proceeds will benefit the Stanwood Community & Senior Center. Advance purchase only. For reservations, contact Kathy Ahern at 360-629-7403. NATIVITY FESTIVAL: Check out a wide variety of nativity displays, live music and more at the Arlington Nativity Festival, today through Dec. 15 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 17222 43rd Ave. NE, Arlington. The nondenominational festival will feature nativity displays from around the world, holiday music by local musicians, decorated Christmas trees, a live nativity scene, refreshments, children’s activities, a dress-up photography room and more. Festival hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 3 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-15. A special choral concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. arlingtonnativityfestival.org. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Mount Vernon Christ the King church presents

Santa on Saturday morning, Dec. 14, at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St. Children can come and eat a breakfast of waffles, sausage links, orange slices and choice of milk or apple juice for free (parents can eat by donation). After breakfast, they can visit with Santa and get their picture taken with him, also at no charge. (Pictures can be picked up later at the Chamber office.) For information, call 360-855-1841 or visit sedro-woolley. com.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Enjoy Geoffrey Castle’s Christmas Show at 7 p.m. today at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. With special guests Beth Quist of Cirque du Soleil, Bagpiper Don and Santa. $15-$25. 360-941-0403 or concrete-theatre.com. “A Star is Born,” a musical about the meaning of Christmas, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets are requested to benefit area homeless shelters. 360-848-5116. “HERALDING CHRISTMAS”: The Skagit Valley Chorale will present its annual holiday choral performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. Discounts available for seniors and students. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Enjoy dessert theater performances of the

Christmas musical “A Star is Born” at 6:30 p.m. Friday or 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13-14, at Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Sophia Spaghetti learns the true meaning of Christmas — it’s really NOT about her, or the presents. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit local homeless people. 360-848-5116. WONDERLAND WALK: Enjoy Christmas lights, caroling and s’mores from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, at Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., Anacortes. The park will be decorated in Christmas lights. Free. 360-2931918 or cityofanacortes.org. SANTA BREAKFAST: Join Santa for the Beta Sigma Phi Breakfast with

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club will host a special holiday open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. See why model railroads are part of the Christmas tradition. Bring kids and grandkids to view large, permanent HO and N scale layouts. Admission is by donation. whatcomsk agitmrc.org. “A GIFT OF DANCE”: Fidalgo DanceWorks will present a contemporary holiday dance concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Anacortes High School’s Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Dancers of all ages will perform a tribute to the season in a variety of dance forms, from modern and jazz to tap, hip hop and more. $8-$10. 360299-8447 or fidalgodanceworks.org. HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: Check out the gaily decorated homes in the Sedro-Woolley Museum Historic Holiday Home Tour, starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the museum and the tour from 5-9 p.m. Pick up a walking tour guidebook at the museum. Bring a flashlight. A horse-drawn carriage will be available for those who want to ride to the featured homes. Tickets are $5 at the Oliver-Hammer store or the museum, 725 Murdock St., 360-855-0203.

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E6 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Nashville

“The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Volume 1” Like the rare, maybe mythical man who only reads Playboy for the articles, some must surely claim to watch “Nashville” solely for the music. That’s no crime — those who aren’t much for sudsy nighttime soaps would do well to check out the ABC show’s songs on “The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Volume 1.” While the storylines strain credulity, these sonic underpinnings hold the show together — as should be the case with a series set and filmed in Music City. The actors sing their own parts, and the leads, Hayden Panettiere and Connie Britton, do fine jobs at the mic. Yet the true revelations are found in the musical chops of others, such as Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio. “The Music of Nashville” runs the gamut from the slick and sassy (“Can’t Say No to You,” ‘’Trouble Is”) to tender, deeper cuts (“Why Can’t I Say Goodnight,” ‘’This Town”). Still, less can be more: The acoustic, demo-like take of “Ball and Chain” sung by Palladio and Bowen on the show is preferable to the Stetson and rhinestone-laden version on the soundtrack by Britton and Will Chase. Overall, this collection has many hooks worth a listen — and could hook a few more viewers who might typically forgo froth on TV. n Jeff Karoub, Associated Press

Parmalee “Feels Like Carolina”

Parmalee’s debut album, “Feels Like Carolina” (Stoney Creek), is so good that the band is perched on the edge of an overnight success story. Hey, it’s only taken the quartet a decade or so of touring to get there. Thanks to the well-crafted, pop-leaning smash “Carolina,” interest in the group

— and its combination of likable, Luke Bryan, lighthearted country and arena rock — is running high. Matt Thomas’ distinctive vocals have that tender-but-tough quality that works in a variety of settings, from the catchy country of “Close Your Eyes” to the laid-back, summer-soaked sweetness of “Day Drinkin’” and even out to the southern-fried Def Leppardlike anthem “I’ll Bring the Music.”spicing things up. n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday

Childish Gambino

“Because the Internet” Donald Glover’s newest album as Childish Gambino, “Because the Internet,” is a selfaware portrait of a young man isolated by technology, celebrity and relentless introspection. Anyone who caught Glover’s recent bloodletting Instagram session (in which he listed a barrage of self-criticisms on hotel stationery) might think that unplugging from the Web would give his brain a much-deserved break. But then he’d have lost his source material for this sometimes goofy, often sad, very capable laptop-rap album. Trollish Web-culture jokes abound here (there’s a song named after the indicted hacker Weev and the popular fight-video site Worldstar Hip-Hop), but it’s all done in service of documenting the rootless, distracted millennial male mind. “3005” is a lush, electro-bendy production where he tries to muster up a commitment to fidelity; “Crawl” takes moves from Odd Future’s gnarled, noisy goth-rap while “No Exit” nails the aimless night-driving of a guy who wants to be out late but suspects he’s too old for this. For fans who will miss his less-thanentirely-jovial exit from his day job on “Community,” “Because the Internet” carves a place for him in today’s Webaddled indie-rap world, even if some offline fresh air might do him some good as well. n August Brown, Los Angeles Times

Vladimir Horowitz

“Vladimir Horowitz Live at Carnegie Hall”

than history would have us think. n David Patrick Stearns, Philadelphia Inquirer

Wolfgang Sawallisch

One of the great musicians of the 20th century, Horowitz didn’t approach any repertoire systematically. So the only sensible anthology approach is to present whole concert programs, all live, many widely circulated already (such as his 1965 comeback after a long retirement), but some never previously issued, including four discs from the pianist’s private collection. Often thought to have acquired depth and maturity only in his later years, Horowitz is heard in the 1940s and ‘50s confiding in his audience one miraculously imaginative phrase reading after another. The sound quality isn’t always great, but never are Horowitz’ great powers of communication impeded in the least.

“Sawallisch in Prague”

n David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer

n David Patrick Stearns, Philadelphia Inquirer

Before becoming Philadelphia Orchestra music director, Sawallisch was a beloved guest of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, as documented in these five discs of previously unissued live performances. Leaner and less suave than the orchestras he was used to, the Czech orchestra nevertheless had a distinctive electricity with Sawallisch in Mozart (Symphonies Nos. 40 and 41), Beethoven (1 and 6), Mendelssohn (2), and less characteristic repertoire such as Janácek’s “Glagolitic Mass” and Martinu’s Symphony No. 4. An important chapter in the maestro’s life.

Herbie Hancock “Herbie Hancock: The Complete Columbia Album Collection 19721988”

In this 16-year capsule of his legendary career, pianist and composer Herbie Giuseppe Verdi Hancock shows how deftly he traversed “The Complete Works” the artistic and the commercial. This epic set begins as the onetime Chicago child It’s all here — the string quartet, ballet prodigy is emerging from the second Miles music, choral works, and all of the operas, Davis Quintet (1963-68) and creating the often in multiple versions (“Don Carlo” in “Mwandishi” Sextet, which used African French and Italian, “La Forza del Destino” influences. It includes the famed Headin both 1862 and 1869 versions). Perforhunters and V.S.O.P. recordings, the Oscarmances are thoughtful, intelligent, and civi- winning soundtrack for the movie “Round lized, with conductors such as Carlo Maria Midnight,” the pop efforts of the Rockit Giulini, Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti band, and eight CDs released in Japan but and Carlos Kleiber, plus singers such as never here. About half made Billboard’s top Carlo Bergonzi, Margaret Price and Ileana 200 albums charts, attesting to Hancock’s Cotrubas. commercial juju. He was also an astute comIt’s not for those who like more feral, poser: The collection features multiple renlife-and-death fierceness. Yet these perfor- ditions of classic tunes, such as “Watermelon mances show what lies beneath the surface Man,” “Maiden Voyage” and “Dolphin heat of the operas, which is particularly Dance.” valuable in Verdi’s “other half” — earlier works such as “Oberto” that are far better n Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E7

Comedy Central renews ‘Tosh.0’ for three seasons

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Mario Party Island Tour’ Genre: Nintendo 3DS Genre: Party Publisher: Nintendo ESRB Rating: E for Everyone Grade: 3 stars (out of 5 stars)

If you’re going to throw a party where friends stare down at their handheld devices, you’d behoove yourself to at least make it fun by swapping those Facebook and Instagram updates for a 3DS and “Mario Party Island Tour.” Those familiar with the “Mario Party” franchise on the consoles can regale you with funny stories of grown adults making fools of themselves all in the name of collecting coins and stars. Porting this franchise down to the 3DS makes perfect sense, as the minigame format obviously translates well to the portable device. While not all the offerings make for the most fun, when you have such a scattered selection of games you almost have to expect some duds in the bunch. “Island Tour” allows you to share one copy of the game with up to three other players. It is surprising to see that local play is the only way to compete with others, since no online modes exist. You can roll solo and conquer the single-player Bowser’s Tower (a progression of more difficult levels and minigames), but it doesn’t deliver anywhere near the excitement equal to playing with others. The variety of games keeps your reflexes firing. Archery one moment, drag racing another, and others making inventive use of the stylus and microphone means less repetition and more engagement from all the players. Yes, as stated earlier, a few worthless minigames crop up to slow the pacing and enjoyment (especially when the winner is determined by pure luck rather than skill), but at least when you encounter them you know it’ll only be a few minutes until the next one picks up the pace again. “Island Tour” delivers a fun minigame system that works well on the portable device and will hopefully tease gamers into what can be done to tie the 3DS into Wii U party games like this in future releases. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but its one of the better 3DS games to come out in recent months.

‘Fighter Within’

Platform: Xbox One Genre: Fighting Publisher: Ubisoft ESRB Rating: T for Teen Grade: 1 star (out of 5 stars) If there is a friendship you want to end, you could hustle things along by inviting that person to play “Fighter Within” alongside you. A game this frustrating and lacking in technical proficiency could likely lead to someone getting punched by accident (or on purpose, depending on your intentions), or at least have nerves frayed to the point where the person gives up all hope for you and leaves in search of a new buddy. Choosing to play solo in the story mode may only lead to you hate yourself more for enduring this pain alone. The game’s dialogue reminds me of an old “NewsRadio” episode (Google “Super Karate Monkey Death Car” and thank me later) where a character’s book is translated from English to Japanese and then back into English, resulting in hilarious phrasing and word choices. In “Fighter Within” the characters lack all common sense and just spout off random sentences to signal a scene change or start of another fight. I can see the intention for it to be laughably satiric, but it’s instead just dumb. I haven’t even addressed the gameplay itself. You play via the Kinect, and it’s one of those “flail wildly at the screen and hope your actions register” kind of games. Sometimes your punches and kicks work, most times not. The characters are worthless stereotypes. The real goal of “Fighter Within” is not to win the game, but to make sure no one is around to video you attempting to play it. You’ll end up on YouTube or DailyMotion, and not in a good way. I feel for anyone who gets stuck with this game at a holiday party.

By JESSICA GELT Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Daniel Tosh got a huge vote of confidence from Comedy Central on Tuesday when the network pledged to renew his show “Tosh.0” for three consecutive seasons (6, 7 and 8). The show, which finds Tosh blithely riffing on some of the funniest and most buzzworthy clips on the Internet, was to conclude its fifth season Tuesday evening. Season 6 (which will consist of 30 episodes) will premiere on Feb. 18. During its five-year run, “Tosh.0” has scored big successes. It’s the No. 1 entertainment series on Tuesday nights among the coveted demographic of men ages 18 to 24, and it averages 3 million viewers. The cornerstone of the show is a weekly feature called “Web Redemption” where Tosh offers subjects of particularly embarrassing viral videos a chance to re-create the humiliating experiences with a different ending. “I am extremely fortunate and very

grateful that I can continue to work with such fun and talented people on a very supportive network,” said Tosh in a news release. “Sorry for the lack of snark — I will leave that open for the comments section.”

Oysters • Clams • Mussels Geoduck • Dungeness Crab Scallops • Prawns • Salmon Halibut • Pickled Herring Gift Certificates & Shipping

n Follow Chris Campbell at twitter.com/ campbler or email him at game_on_games@ mac.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.

Continue the cycle — please recycle this newspaper

AP file

Daniel Tosh

Open 7 Days • 9am - 5pm Christmas Eve 9am - 2pm Closed Christmas & New Year’s Days

360-766-6002 2182 Chuckanut Dr. • Bow, WA www.taylorshellfish.com

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E8 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART

power of texture in art. $45. 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Register by Jan. 28: 360-755- at Mount Vernon Christian 9649. School, 820 W. Blackburn ART CLASSES Road, Mount Vernon. To ACRYLICS FOR BEGININTRO TO ACRYLIC & arrange an audition, contact NERS: With Jennifer WATERCOLOR PAINTS: Artistic Director Lynne Bowman: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Deirdre Czoberek: Rheinhardt at lynnt2001@ Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, msn.com. cantabileofskagit p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18-19, at Feb. 5-25, 2014, at Burlingvalley.org. the Anacortes Center for “1776: A New Musical”: Happiness, 619 Commercial ton Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Auditions will be held from CALL FOR SCULPTORS: Ave., Anacortes. $165, plus Ave., Burlington. For ages 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 6 DEADLINE EXTENDED: optional $20 fee to borrow 7-13 years old. Students will to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11-12, Northwest sculptors are Jennifer’s materials. 360paint and create something at the Whidbey Playhouse invited to submit entries 464-2229 or anacortescent new each week as they Star Studio, 730 SE Midway by Jan. 31 for La Conner’s erforhappiness.org. explore a range of techBlvd, Oak Harbor. Parts are ninth annual Outdoor niques with different mate- available for 23 men ages 15 Sculpture Exhibition, set to ART CLASSES: Dakota rials. Subjects include “Paint to 70, and two women, one begin March 8, 2014. Artists Art Center offers a variety RECYCLED ART CONfrom Washington, Oregon, of art classes and workshops your dreams,” “Crazy crea- age 30 to 50 and one age 18 TEST: Entries will be tures,” “My favorite places” to 35. Come prepared to sing Idaho, Alaska and British at 17873 Highway 536, accepted through Jan. 23, and “Out of this world.” $50, 16 bars of music; an accomColumbia should submit Mount Vernon. 360-4162014, for the fifth annual plus $20 supply fee payable panist will be provided. Wear digital images or slides of 6556, ext. 5, or dakotaart Recycled Art Contest, set to instructor. Register by comfortable clothing as a their work for jury review. center.com. for Jan. 25-26, at the ConJan. 29: 360-755-9649. light dance will be required. Several sculptures will be crete Community Center. Bring a resume and recent selected for display, and the ART CLASSES: Sign up Entries must include at PASTEL PAINTING: with photo. The play will run city will actively promote for a variety of art classes at least 60 percent recycled or April 4-27. For information, their sale during the twoA Guilded Gallery (former- Deirdre Czoberek: 4:30 to repurposed materials and call 360-679-2237 or visit year public display period. ly Gallery by the Bay), 8700 6 p.m. Wednesdays, March should be easily portable. 5-26, 2014, at Burlington whidbeyplayhouse.com. For a prospectus, entry form 271st St. NW, Stanwood. To Entry forms are available Parks and Recreation Cenand more information, con- register, stop by the Stanat Annie’s Pizza Station or ter, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., PLAY SELECTION COMwood Camano Art Guild’s Northwest Garden Bling in tact Lori at 360-466-3125, Burlington. For ages 7-13 email planning@townofla MITTEE: The Whidbey cooperative gallery from Grasmere Village, Concrete. years old. Students will use Playhouse, 730 SE Midway conner.org or visit townof 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday Prizes will be awarded by laconner.org. through Saturday. 360-629- oil pastels to create vibrant Blvd., Oak Harbor, is lookpopular vote in youth and paintings on heavy board as ing for people who want 2787 or stanwoodcamano adult categories. No entry they explore themes includ- to help choose plays for its CALL TO ARTISTS: arts.com. fee. For information, entry ing “Under the sea,” “My 2014-2015 season. Commitforms and rules, call Athena United General Hospital’s backyard,” “Over the moun- tee members will read and Fine Art Committee seeks “FIRE & ICE” (Anime at 360-708-3279 or email pizzaannieb@netscape.net. uplifting, healing art by local style): with Max Elam: 4 to tains” and “Forest animals.” evaluate scripts and help $50, plus $20 supply fee pay- determine the production artists for display in the hos- 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 4-26, lineup. For information or to 2014. Create four artworks able to instructor. Register POSTER ART CONTEST: pital’s “Gallery Hall.” Artby Feb. 27: 360-755-9649. sign up, call 360-679-2237 or in the popular anime style, The Mount Vernon Farmers work, in any medium, can email office@whidbeyplay be for sale, with a portion of with subject matter from Market seeks submissions house.com. the proceeds going toward fantasy to sci-fi, and dinoAUDITIONS of artwork by Jan. 25 for saurs to dragons. Learn CANTABILE AUDITIONS: its 2014 poster. Artists may the purchase of a permaCALL FOR THEATER nent art collection. Contact about complementary and Cantabile of Skagit Valley submit up to three images in any medium. The winPatsy Prutzman by email: contrasting colors and the will hold auditions from 7 to VOLUNTEERS: The WhidCALL FOR ARTISTS: The Anacortes Arts Commission invites artists to submit twoand three-dimensional artworks on the theme “Winter at PLAY” for a show set for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 3-4, at the Depot Arts & Community Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Space is limited. No applications, first come, no fees. Contact Karla Locke at 360-5886968 or email kklocke1@ mac.com.

ning artist will receive $500. Send images in jpeg format via email to mvfarmer1@ hotmail.com. Snail mail submissions should go to P.O. Box 2053, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. For information, visit mountvernon farmersmarket.org.

W inners LO U N G E

patsyprutzman@gmail.com.

thursday 12/12

Chargers vs. Broncos Seahawks @ Giants

I-5 Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448 SVH

Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. every Thursday at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse in La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident. 360-466-3805. WOMEN SING FOURPART HARMONY: Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from 7 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Seeking women who like to sing a cappella music. All skill levels welcome. BRASS CHOIR: The Basically Brass Choir is seeking trumpet and trombone players to join a group of about 12 musicians, playing a varety of styles. Rehearsals are the first and third Mondays in Burlington, with regular performances. Contact David Soiseth at 360-757-0351 or dsois@com cast.net.

Watch the games on the BIg screen! Football EntErtainmEnt sunday 12/15

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

bey Playhouse is seeking a team of behind-the-scenes folks for its April 2014 production of the Tony-award winning musical “1776” that celebrates the birth of our nation. Assistance is needed for set-building and decorating, lighting, prop acquisitions and costuming. For information, contact the theater at 360- 679-2237 or email director Gaye Litka at whidbey995@comcast.net.

5:25 pm

10 am

monday 12/16

Ravens vs. Lions

5:40 pm

GamE timE SpEcialS Food and drink specials available in the lounge and at the bar top from Kick-off ‘til end of the Game!

FrIday 12/13

DJ Roy Boy

Classic & Contemporary Dance 9 pm – 1 am

saturday 12/14

Gold Digger

Hit Top 40 Dance Show and Live DJ 9 pm – 1 am

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E9

GET INVOLVED CALL FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS: The Mount Vernon-based Fidalgo Youth Symphony offers opportunities for young musicians ages 5 to 21 to study and perform orchestral music. For information, including tuition costs and rehearsal schedules, contact Sara Fisher at 360-682-6949 or Anita Tatum, 360-969-1681 or visit fysmusic.org.

DANCE

FOLK DANCING: SkagitAnacortes Folkdancers meet at 7 p.m. most Tuesdays at the Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Mount Vernon. Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. Instruction begins at 7 p.m. followed by review and request dances until 9:30. The first session is free, $3 thereafter. All are welcome. No partners needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-7666866.

ual change of music rhythms. $40-$42. Register with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, 360-336-6215. CLOG DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Free lesson from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by regular clog dancing from 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. No fee, no partner needed. First three lessons are free. Wear comfortable shoes. For information, call Rosie at 360-4244608.

ON STAGE

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

and refinement, and the club is looking for new members interested in completing the work and showing the layout at area train shows. Contact Karl Kleeman at trainswas@ gmail.com or Mike O’Brien at sales@xtrains.com. INTERPRETIVE CENTER: The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7-Jan. 26, at the Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. The Center will present speakers, birding information and guided walks along the Skagit River through the park. 360-853-7626 or skagiteagle.org.

FISHING DERBY: The fourth annual Resurrection Derby will take place Friday OPEN MIC: Jam Night: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, at at the Conway Pub & Eatery, the Port of Friday Harbor 18611 Main St., Conway. 360- on San Juan Island. Sponsored by the the Fidalgo-San 445-4733. Juan Islands chapter of the SCOTTISH DANCING: Puget Sound Anglers, this BURLINGTON OPEN MIC: Bellingham Scottish Counfinal stop in the Northwest 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays, at try Dancers meet from 7 to Salmon Derby series boasts 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. a $15,000 guaranteed purse, Burlington Blvd., Burlington. Fairhaven Library audito$10,000 of which goes to the rium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Hosted by Daniel Burnson. angler boating the heaviest Rock, blues, funk, folk, ukeBellingham. Wear comfortsalmon. Derby tickets are lele, poetry and more. 360able clothes and soft-soled now on sale. For informa707-COVE (2683) or north shoes without heels. $8 per tion, visit resurrectionderby. covecoffee.com. class. For information, call com. Mary Anderson at 360-933OPEN MIC: 9 p.m. to mid1779 or visit bellinghamscd. FLYSWATTER VOLLEYnight Wednesdays at the First org. BALL: 9 a.m. Thursdays at Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, the Sedro-Woolley Senior THURSDAY DANCE: Enjoy 612 S. First St., Mount VerCenter, 715 Pacific St., Sedronon. Ages 21 and older. No dancing to the music of the Woolley. All ages and all Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. cover. 360-336-3012 or river levels of ability are welcome. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, belledinnertheatre.com. Free. 360-855-1531. 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact RECREATION ADULT BASKETBALL/ Doris at 360-588-8239. SEEKING MODEL TRAIN VOLLEYBALL LEAGUES: ENTHUSIASTS: The WhatSkagit County Parks & RecCREATIVE RHYTHM & com Skagit Model Railroad reation is now accepting regMOVEMENT DANCE CLASS: Club is seeking new memistration for men’s and womFor ages 3 to 6: 4 to 4:50 p.m. bers for its On30 narrow en’s basketball leagues, and Mondays through Dec. 30, gauge group in Bellingham. coed volleyball leagues set at Hillcrest Park Skylight The club has constructed a to begin playing in January Room, 1717 S. 13th St., modular layout with 14 mod- at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon. This balletules, each 5 feet by 30 inches, Mount Vernon. For informabased class will focus on designed to be set up in a tion, call 360-336-9414, email coordination, skipping, leap- variety of configurations. The tonyt@co.skagit.wa.us or visit ing and jumping with contin- modules still need some work skagitcounty.net/parks.

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E10 Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 12-19

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 12-22

Thursday.12

THURSDAY.12

FRIDAY.13

THEATER

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Knut Bell (country, folk, Americana): 7 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-424-7872.

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

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Janette West: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Pine Hearts (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360445-3000. Equal Opportunity: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360755-0165.

“Grace on Deck!” (musical comedy): 6 p.m., The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Dinner theater: $39-$48. 800-228-6724 or warmbeachlights.com. Mount Vernon High School Jazz Combo: 7 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012.

Mudflat Walkers, Sky Colony, Paul Benoit, The Dovetails, Robert Blake, Christopher Nunn, Strangely and Friends, Peter Ali: 6:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 donation to benefit the Blue Skies Children’s Instrument Loaner Program. 360-445-3000.

Friday.13 THEATER

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 6:30 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116. “Grace on Deck!” (musical comedy): 6 p.m., The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Dinner theater: $39-$48. 800-228-6724 or warmbeachlights.com.

MUSIC

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. 360416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Cumulus, Candysound, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067. Ann ‘N Dean: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-8488882.

SATURDAY.14

MUSIC

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

FRIDAY.13

Gold Digger: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Cover. 877-2752448. The Pop Offs: 9 p.m. to midnight, Swinomish Casino Main Stage, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. 888-288-8883. Badd Dog Blues Society: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

COMEDY: DANIEL DUGAR (ABOVE), LANCE WOODS (RIGHT): HOSTED BY RANDALL RAGSDALE 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

360-422-6411.

Wild Throne, Lozen, Gaytheist, The Family Curse: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.15

Saturday.14

Sunday.15

Thursday.19

THEATER

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “A Star is Born” (musical dessert theater): 2 p.m., Christ The King Community Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Free admission. Donations of new or gently used blankets will benefit area homeless. 360-848-5116. “Grace on Deck!” (musical comedy): 6 p.m., The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Dinner theater: $39-$48. 800-228-6724 or warmbeachlights.com.

VAUDEVILLE

The Back Alley Cats: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Grace on Deck!” (musical comedy): 4 p.m., The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Dessert matinee: $24-$29. 800-228-6724 or warmbeachlights.com.

MUSIC

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. 360416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org. “Hands Across The Sea”: North Cascades Concert Band, Anacortes High School Choir: 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $12, $10 seniors, $5 ages 17 and younger, $25 family. Tickets at Watermark Book Co. or at the door. nccband.org.

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Grace on Deck!” (musical comedy): 6 p.m., The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Dinner theater: $39-$48. 800-228-6724 or warmbeachlights.com.

Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266. Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

Trevor Hanson: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012. Lane Fernando (Americana, rock): 8 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-424-7872. El Colonel and Doubleshot with Mary De La Fuente (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Washington Blues Society Holiday Party: with Nick Vigarino, Sammy Eubanks, Jesse James and friends: 3 to 10 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5, free for members and ages 18 and younger. 360-445-3000.

Fat James and Fatback: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Little Joe Argo: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Ria Peth Vanderpool and Karina Mitchell: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012. Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360766-6266. Funky Santa Costume Party: with the Chris Eger Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Midnight Sun: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Open to the public. 360-848-8882. Navigator Communicator, He Whose Ox Is Gored, Thieves of Eden: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Sly Mr. Y: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No Cover. 877-275-2448. Smoke Wagon: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266. A Clambake Christmas, with Sanoma: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

FRIDAY.13

SUNDAY.22 Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

WEDNESDAY.18

FRIDAY.20

SATURDAY.21 Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

SATURDAY.14

Country Lips: 8:30 p.m., Edison THE WALRUS Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-766-6266.

Matt Rehfeld: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

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

E10 Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 12-19

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 12-22

Thursday.12

THURSDAY.12

FRIDAY.13

THEATER

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Knut Bell (country, folk, Americana): 7 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-424-7872.

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

“Christmas Snapshots”: Holiday Musical Revue: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Janette West: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Pine Hearts (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360445-3000. Equal Opportunity: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360755-0165.

Friday.13 THEATER

MUSIC

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $14-$25. 360416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Cumulus, Candysound, Vervex: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067. Ann ‘N Dean: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-8488882.

SATURDAY.14

MUSIC

“Mama Won’t Fly”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

FRIDAY.13

COMEDY: DANIEL DUGAR (ABOVE), LANCE WOODS (RIGHT): HOSTED BY RANDALL RAGSDALE 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

360-422-6411.

Wild Throne, Lozen, Gaytheist, The Family Curse: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

SUNDAY.15

Saturday.14

Sunday.15

Thursday.19

THEATER

VAUDEVILLE

The Back Alley Cats: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

MUSIC

Caleb Klauder Country Band: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266. Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

Fat James and Fatback: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Little Joe Argo: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

FRIDAY.13

SUNDAY.22 Rock and blues jam with CC Adams: 5-9 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

WEDNESDAY.18

FRIDAY.20

SATURDAY.21 Goodson: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

SATURDAY.14

Country Lips: 8:30 p.m., Edison THE WALRUS Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-766-6266.

Matt Rehfeld: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

TRAVEL

Holiday events around the country: lights, trees, gingerbread By BETH J. HARPAZ AP Travel Editor

NEW YORK — Lights, trees, gingerbread and the Grinch are among the Christmastime attractions on display around the country. Here are some details. New York City’s holiday traditions include the tree at Rockefeller Center, the Radio City “Christmas Spectacular” show, origami decorations on the tree at the American Museum of Natural History, the Neapolitan Baroque creche and tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and of course windows decorated with Christmas themes in stores around the city.

In the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden hosts its annual train show, with model trains winding around miniature replicas of New York landmarks made from plant materials like bark, leaves and nuts. At Grand Central Terminal, there are real trains, along with a light show each evening through Dec. 26 from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. And at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, an interactive exhibit called “The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop” is up through Dec. 31, along with a synthetic ice rink where kids can skate in their socks. In Florida, Universal Orlando offers the “Grinchmas Wholiday

HOLIDAY SALE! NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE RETAIL STORE

Spectacular” show and reenactments of New York’s Macy’s parade with balloons and costumed characters, through Jan. 4. At Walt Disney World, festivities include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, the candlelight processional at Epcot, and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s no snow for Santa’s sleigh in Florida’s coastal cities, so he arrives by water, with Christmas boat parades held in harbors and on waterways around the state. Most take place the first two weekends of December. For calendar listings,

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The AAA Four Diamond Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa via AP

This photo provided by the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside, Calif., shows the entrance archway at the historic landmark decorated for Christmas. Nearly 4 million lights illuminate the property through Jan. 5. visit floridabywater.com/ component/content/ article?id=1647:boatparades . In Virginia, the Ice Palace, a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, a light show, huge snow globes and a 360-degree interactive exhibit on the Arctic, is on display through Dec. 24 at Norfolk’s MacArthur Center. The Dominion Garden of Lights, a 2-mile drivethrough light show at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Hampton Roads, is held nightly through Dec. 31. Elsewhere in Virginia, Busch Gardens Williamsburg claims one of the largest light displays in the country, with 6 million lights covering the park. Gingerbread displays include the Connecticut casino Mohegan Sun’s lifesize gingerbread house, so big visitors can walk through it. In Honolulu, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel hosts a gingerbread village with creations depicting world landmarks

VisitNorfolk / AP

This photo provided by VisitNorfolk shows the Ice Palace, a 30-foot ice dome at MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Va., which features falling snow, a light show, huge snow globes and a 360-degree interactive exhibit on the Arctic. like the Eiffel Tower and Australia’s Sydney Opera House. And in New York City, Le Parker Meridien hotel is hosting a display of gingerbread creations by local chefs depicting city sights like Coney Island. Visitors can view the display for free but voting on a favorite costs $1, with proceeds going to City Harvest, a local food bank.

In Las Vegas, the Bellagio Resort & Casino’s winter display includes more than 32,000 fresh poinsettias and a 45-foot-tall tree, along with a chocolate reindeer and life-size candy house. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is hosting a nightly light show with 400 animated lights along the 2.5-mile racetrack.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E13

TRAVEL Local travel

STANWOOD SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: The Stanwood Senior Center offers occasional trips around the Puget Sound area and beyond, departing from and returning to the Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For information or reservations, contact Sandy Kitchens at 360-629-7403. Next up: n Christmas Tree Lighting in Leavenworth: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Witness the Bavarian village transformed into a sparkling wonderland of lights. $45.

Kathy Willens / AP

Anna Ladner (left) and Vanja Ojes Dahlberg sip champagne in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after it was lit in New York. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has turned its Boulevard Pool into an ice rink, and there’s also a rink above the Grand Canal at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas. And while real snow is highly unlikely, Town Square Park hosts a show of artificial snowflakes falling at 7 p.m. nightly until Dec. 23, with a second show at 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday. One of the tallest decorated trees in the country is a live fir at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho. The tree stands more than 160 feet tall and is festooned with 40,000 lights. The resort’s holiday offerings include other lighting displays and animated figures. In Western Massachusetts, Springfield hosts “Bright Nights” at Forest Park, a drive-through experience with nearly 3 miles of lighting displays depicting characters from Dr. Seuss, Jurassic World and more. Gaylord Opryland in Nashville hosts “A Country Christmas” with 2 million

twinkling lights decorating the resort’s gardens and waterfalls. Holiday shows include the Rockettes at the Grand Ole Opry reprising Radio City’s “Christmas Spectacular.” In North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate offers 56 decorated trees in the main house, 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the estate’s Winter Garden, and evening musical performances, along with classes on building gingerbread houses and

caring for Christmas plants. The National Historic Landmark is located in Asheville, N.C. In California, the Legoland theme park in Carlsbad has a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree created from 245,000 green Duplo bricks. Finally, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside is illuminated by 3.6 million lights and also hosts 400 animated characters, live reindeer and an outdoor skating rink.

SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: Skagit County Senior Centers offer short escorted trips departing from and returning to local Senior Centers. For information, call the Anacortes Senior Center at 360-293-7473 or sign up at your local senior center. Next up: The Blind Boys of Alabama at Benaroya Hall: 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Blind Boys of Alabama perform “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” their Grammy-winning Christmas show. Bring money for food and purchases. $85.

to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: n Best of Bellevue: Holiday Garden D’Lights and Snowflake Lane: 1:30 to 9 p.m. today. Enjoy shopping at Bellevue Square, followed by a visit to the Garden D’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, transformed into a blossoming winter wonderland with more than half a million tiny lights. Then head back downtown to Snowflake Lane for the Northwest’s most enchanting holiday show. Ages 12 and older. $57-$59. Preregister by Dec. 5. EXTENDED TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center is organizing several small-group trips for 2014: San Antonio in March, Scotland in June, Trains of Colorado in July and New England in September. Trips will depart from Oak Harbor/Mount Vernon. Contact Pat Gardner at pgardner@oakharbor.org.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: The Anacortes Public Library accepts U.S. passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available online at http://travel.state.gov or pick up an application and passport guide at the library. SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and n The Oak Harbor Senior Center accepts Recreation offers several travel opportunities for participants ages 12 and older, adult super- passport applications, by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday vision required for ages 18 and younger. Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 at 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor. 360-2794580. S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

HOT TICKETS CHRIS HARDWICK: Dec. 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. SMooCH BENEFIT: with ALLEN STONE, THE HELIO SEQUENCE, THE LONELY FOREST, SHELBY EARL, JOHN RICHARDS: Dec. 14, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: with Colt Ford and Dallas Smith: Dec. 14, ShoWare Center, Kent. 866973-9613 or ShoWareCenter.com. CHANCE THE RAPPER: Dec. 15, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. IVAN & ALYOSHA: Dec. 21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. SIZZLA: Dec. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. ROCKY HORROR SHOW: Dec. 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. BINGO PLAYERS: Dec. 28, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. SUPER DIAMOND: THE NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE: Dec. 31, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. IN THIS MOMENT: Jan. 3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com. REVEREND HORTON HEAT: Jan. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. REEL BIG FISH: Jan. 11, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com. PANIC! AT THE DISCO: Jan. 14, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. INTERNATIONAL CAT VIDEO FILM FESTIVAL: Jan. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Jan. 17, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR! PIRATE & PRINCESS ADVENTURE: Jan. 19, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett.com. JAKE BUGG: Jan. 20, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com. ROBERT DELONG: Jan. 23, The Barboza, Seattle. 206-709-9442 or thebarboza.com. NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALL-STARS: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market,

COLIN HAY (of Men At Work): Jan. 24-25, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. EXCISION: Jan. 24, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com. LORD HURON: Jan. 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT: Jan. 30-March 2, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org. INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: with Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi: Feb. 1, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org. THE DEVIL MAKES THREE: Feb. 1, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com. MARY LAMBERT: Feb. 1, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com. WHITE LIES: Feb. 7, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. TOAD THE WET SPROCKET: Feb. 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. BIFFY CLYRO: Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. IMAGINE DRAGONS: Feb. 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU: Feb. 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. KARMIN: Feb. 14, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com. THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Feb. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. MILEY CYRUS: Feb. 16, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 16, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett. com. AMOS LEE: Feb. 17, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or LiveNation.com. PAUL SIMON, STING: Feb. 19, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. PENTATONIX: Feb. 20, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or LiveNation.com. THE ENGLISH BEAT: Feb. 21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. DOC SEVERINSEN, THE SAN MIGUEL FIVE: Feb. 21-22, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit.com. WALK OFF THE EARTH: Feb. 26,

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. MARCHFOURTH MARCHING BAND: Feb. 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. GLASVEGAS: Feb. 28, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 or columbiacitytheater.com. SKINNY PUPPY: March 1, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com. GALACTIC: March 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. HERMAN’S HERMITS: starring Peter Noone: March 14-15, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit.com. BRING ME THE HORIZON: March 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. ROBIN THICKE: March 26, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. GUNGOR: March 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS: March 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. KINGS OF LEON: March 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. SHARON JONES & THE DAP

KINGS: April 2-3, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. YOUNG THE GIANT: April 4-5, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com. BASTILLE: April 8, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. IL DIVO: April 9, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 866-833-4747 or LiveNat ion.com. YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND: April 10, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: April 12, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org. DIANA KRALL: April 16, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or LiveNation.com. ELLIE GOULDING: April 23, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or LiveNation.com. THE 1975: April 24, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. FRANZ FERDINAND: April 24, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. THE WANTED: April 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: April 26/Nov. 15, Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-6711709 or suddenvalleylibrary.org. STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY: May 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 206-224-5481 or aeglive. com. SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 23-25 and July 4-6, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. sasquatchfestival.com. LADY GAGA’S artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball: May 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNat ion.com. PARADISO FESTIVAL: June 27-28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. CHER: June 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com. NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: July 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or tickets.com. JOURNEY, STEVE MILLER BAND: July 19, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or LiveNat ion.com. ARCADE FIRE: Aug. 8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-7453000 or LiveNation.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E15

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon 360-336-8955 n www.lincolntheatre.org

An undisputed master of Falstaff, Music Director James Levine conducts Verdi’s opera for the first time at the Met since 2005. Robert Carsen’s production — the first new Met Falstaff since 1964 — is set in the English countryside in the mid-20th century. Ambrogio Maestri (Dulcamara in the Opening Night production of “L’Elisir d’Amore”) sings the title role of the brilliant and blustery Sir John Falstaff, opposite a marvelous ensemble that includes Angela Meade, Stephanie Blythe, Lisette Oropesa and Franco Vassallo. $23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students with $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members.

Celtic Yuletide

3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

Join in a celebration three decades in the making, as the Celtic family ensemble Magical Strings brings their 35th annual Celtic Yuletide concert to the Lincoln. Combining lush and gorgeous Celtic-flavored holiday music, with singing, dancing, juggling, caroling, storytelling, and more, the acclaimed Celtic Yuletide concerts are staged annually by three generations of the multitalented Boulding family and friends. $22 1st Section, $20 2nd Section, $18 3rd Section, $16 4th Section with an additional $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

MOVIES

Jackson rediscovers hobbits can be funny in ‘Desolation of Smaug’ By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Bilbo turns tougher and more cunning and “The Hobbit” turns altogether more entertaining in “The Desolation of Smaug,” Peter Jackson’s livelier, funnier and action-packed middle film in his trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s slight delight of a novel. It looks more like a fantasy — fantastical, with more murk and the otherworldly light of those mass-produced Thomas Kinkade paintings. Characters feel more distinct, with Martin Freeman’s Bilbo making the transition from mere passenger on this dwarf’s quest “beneath the Lonely Mountain” to the brains of the motley crew. And there’s just more going on. Jackson and company wisely tamper with the Holy Writ of Tolkien to invent a lady elf and to find Orlando Bloom’s elf Legolas a part to play. They’re more concerned with making this all a prelude to “The Lord of the Rings,” so foreshadowing and the suspicions of Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) step to the fore. That ups the ante, creates urgency and sets up a love triangle, just one of several elements that become cliffhangers before “The Desolation of Smaug” ends. The company of quarrelsome dwarfs led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) stumble through Mirkwood as they make their way through spiders, suspicious elves and Lake-town toward the Lonely Mountain, where they have a date with a dragon who wiped out their kingdom and stole a vast treasure. Bilbo, who found this magical ring he refuses to tell them about, saves their biscuits time and again. Gandalf, worried that “The enemy has returned,” leaves them on their own, of course. So they stumble into Wood-elves, which is where Legolas and the lovelybut-deadly Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) enter the story. Tauriel takes a shine to the tallest of

Martin Freeman (left) and John Callen star in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” Mark Pokorny Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

‘THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG’

HHH Cast: Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, James Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry Running time: 2:39 MPAA rating: PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images

the dwarfs. (No, it’s not who you think.) Fans of the novel will be impressed with the gloom of Mirkwood (“Fell things creep beneath these trees.”) and the vast complex of the dwarf’s city beneath The Lonely Mountain.

Lake-town, the community of men at the base of the mountain long terrorized by the dragon Smaug, is a Teutonic fairytale Venice, a watery city of canals and wood and downtrodden residents, all in leather and dirty shades of brown. Stephen Fry is the town’s dictator, the Master, one of the few “name” players in this semi-obscure cast. Luke Evans is Bard the Boatman, another Lake-town resident destined to play a key part in the third film. Jackson stages a splendid chase and a few stirring brawls with legions of digitally augmented goblins. And he lets the dwarfs and their sometimes incredulous hobbit “burglar” be funny. They’re greedy, petty and far more in need of help than they’d

ever admit. Bilbo, given Freeman’s exquisite double-takes, can only shake his head and endure their put-downs and suicidal orders. Quibbles? The landscapes mostly look like matte paintings and the murk can be a bit too much. Jackson costumes the soldiers of Lake-town in battle gear from the Wicked Witch of the West Collection. And Jackson’s use of 48-frames-per-second filming speed does nothing to smooth out digital action beats, which have a jerky video game-graphics quality. The dumbest voice casting stunt ever may be Benedict Cumberbatch, utterly unrecognizable as Smaug, the synthetic-voiced digital dragon. The BBC/PBS Sherlock Holmes gets to team up

with his Dr. Watson (Freeman), but any voice actor could have done that and we’d have been none the wiser. And the padded scenes that allowed them to stretch this brief book into three films are obvious. But “The Desolation of Smaug” is engagingly desolate and absorbingly back-engineered to prefigure “The Lord of the Rings,” a movie that clips along and amuses as it does. Look for Jackson’s cameo in the opening, which sets the tone. Call it another visual triumph for New Zealand’s vision of Middle Earth. Still, the national tourism board shouldn’t start counting the cash from another uptick in visitors, thanks to this. The Land of the Kiwis never looks so digitally desolate.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E17

MOVIES AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 13-19 ROYAL BALLET: The Nutcracker (NR), Tue: 7:00 The Metropolitan Opera: Falstaff (NR), Sat: 9:55 a.m. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13), Fri-Thu: 12:30, 3:20, 6:30, 9:00 Frozen (PG), Fri-Thu: 1:00, 3:45, 6:20, 9:30 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13), Fri: 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30; Sat: 3:40, 6:40, 9:30; Sun-Mon: 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30; Tue: 12:45, 3:40, 9:30; WedThu: 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:30 360-293-6620 CONCRETE THEATRE Dec. 13-15 Thor: The Dark World (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m. (3D); Saturday 4 p.m. (2D) and 7:30 p.m. (3D); Sunday: 4 p.m. (3D) and 6:30 p.m. (3D) 360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services. Ratings are one to four stars. “Captain Phillips” — Director Paul Greengrass (“The Bourne Supremacy”) delivers another intense, emotionally exhausting thriller with amazing verite camerawork and gutwrenching realism. Smack in the middle is Tom Hanks in a career-crowning performance as a worldly sea captain taken hostage by Somali pirates. Even as Greengrass’ signature kinetic style renders us nearly seasick and emotionally spent from the action, it’s the work of Hanks that makes this film unforgettable. Thriller, PG-13, 134 minutes. HHHH “Dallas Buyers Club” — Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a grimy, shady, homophobic, substance-abusing horndog in 1985 Texas who learns he’s HIV-positive and pro-

BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor Dec. 13-15 Double feature: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13), Frozen (PG): 7:00 360-675-5667 OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 13-19 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (PG-13), Thu: 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:35 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13), Fri-Thu: 12:35, 3:20, 6:30, 9:15 Frozen (PG), Fri-Thu: 12:55, 3:45, 6:50, 9:30 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13), Fri-Tue: 12:45, 3:40, 6:40, 9:35 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Dec. 13-19 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (PG-13), Thu: 12:55, 3:45, 6:45, 9:40 Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker (NR), Tue: 7:00 The Metropolitan Opera: Falstaff (NR), Sat: 9:55 a.m. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (PG-13) Fri-Mon: 12:35, 2:00, 3:20, 5:15, 6:30, 8:30, 9:15; Tue: 12:35, 2:00, 3:20, 5:15, 8:30, 9:15; Wed-Thu: 12:35, 2:00, 3:20, 5:15, 6:30, 8:30, 9:15 Out of the Furnace (R), Fri: 12:55, 3:45, 6:45, 9:40; Sat: 3:45, 6:45, 9:40; Sun-Tue: 12:55, 3:45, 6:45, 9:40; WedThu: 1:05, 8:50 Frozen (PG), Fri-Tue: 1:05, 3:50, 6:40, 8:50; Wed-Thu: 3:50, 6:40 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG13), Fri-Thu: 12:45, 3:30, 6:20, 9:25 360-629-0514

cures unapproved means of treatment. McConaughey’s masterful job of portraying one of the more deeply flawed anti-heroes in recent screen history reminds us why he became a movie star in the first place. We start out loathing this guy and learn to love him. Jared Leto disappears into the role of a transgender drug addict and Jennifer Garner is Ron’s empathetic doctor. Drama, R, 117 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Delivery Man” — In his comfort zone, Vince Vaughn plays a fast-talking, underachieving, irresponsible lout who learns he’s the biological father of some 533 children. Weird concept. Weird movie. Writer/director Ken Scott gives us an uneven mishmash that alternates between easy gags, shameless sentimentality and some just plain bizarre choices. The story gets more ludicrous with each pass-

ing development. Comedy, PG-13, 105 minutes. HH “Diana” — Naomi Watts neither looks nor sounds like the people’s princess, but she’s not the problem in this fractured fairy tale about the last two years in Diana’s life. No actress alive could have elevated an overwrought screenplay brimming with some of the most awkward patches of dialogue heard in any movie of 2013. Biographical drama, PG-13, 112 minutes. HH “Ender’s Game” — A firstrate cast of wily veterans (Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley) and fresh-faced youngsters (Asa Butterfield of “Hugo”) deliver a rousing, challenging adventure that should satisfy most young fans of the beloved sci-fi novel while keeping the adults engrossed as well. The simulated battles against scary aliens are beautifully shot and expertly choreographed. Sci-fi adventure,

PG-13, 114 minutes. HHH “Gravity” — An accident sets two astronauts, a veteran (George Clooney) and a rookie (Sandra Bullock), adrift in space. Both a stunning visual treat and an unforgettable thrill ride, director Alfonso Cuaron’s amazing space adventure evokes “Alien” and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” During some harrowing sequences, you’ll have to remind yourself to breathe. Thriller, PG-13, 91 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Homefront” — A widowed ex-DEA agent (Jason Statham) and his adorable daughter get a hostile reception upon moving to a small Louisiana town. Director Gary Fleder knows his way around this kind of material, and the screenplay by none other than Sylvester Stallone has some salt in it, but ultimately, “Homefront” flies off the rails. James Franco’s not right as the villain, and the movie travels awfully familiar turf. Action, R, 100 minutes. HH “Last Vegas” — There’s virtually nothing subtle or surprising about this story of old guys at a Las Vegas bachelor

party, and yet one can’t but smile throughout, watching Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Mary Steenburgen -— Academy Award winners all — breeze their way through an obvious but lovely and funny adventure. (Comedy, PG-13, 104 minutes. HHH “Nebraska” — What a joy it is to watch Bruce Dern playing such a miserable SOB in the best role of his long career. Woody Grant is a crabby, boozy, sometimes delusional old guy on a road trip with his son (Will Forte) to collect a sweepstakes prize. Alexander Payne’s latest film is a modern American classic about the dynamic between a father from the generation that didn’t speak about its feelings and a grown son who’s still trying to get his father to explain himself. Stark, beautiful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Prisoners” — When his daughter and her friend go missing, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman, more impressive than ever) becomes a man possessed. The masterful

script takes us through a maze of plot complications and possible suspects. “Prisoners” is a white-knuckle, near-masterpiece of a thriller, falling short of greatness only because it goes on too long. Thriller, R, 153 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Runner Runner” — After an intriguing setup about a young poker whiz (Justin Timberlake) entering the inner circle of an online gambling mogul (Ben Affleck) in Costa Rica, “Runner Runner” devolves into a by-the-book thriller. Thriller, R, 91 minutes. HH “Rush” — “Rush” ranks among the best movies about auto racing ever made, featuring great performances from Daniel Bruhl as detailobsessed Formula One driver Niki Lauda and Chris Hemsworth as his cocky rival, James Hunt. Even if you don’t know Formula One from the Soap Box Derby, Ron Howard’s film, like all great sports movies, is foremost about getting to know and understand the characters. This is one of his most impressive efforts. Sports action, R, 123 minutes. HHHH

New Works By:

ALFRED CURRIER

La Conner Seaside Gallery

Open ﬁve days a week • Thursday - Monday 11-5 Laconnerseasidegallery.com • 101 N. 1st street, La Conner

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, December 12, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360708-4787 or gallerycygnus. com.

LOCAL WATERCOLORS: Local artist Daryl Deitz displays his paintings through Dec. 31 at the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op, 202 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon. IN THE ART BAR: Original artworks by Linda White are on display through Dec. 31, in the Lincoln Theatre Art Bar, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. White has worked in various media over the years – drawing, colored pencil, watercolor, pottery, Sumi-e and, most recently, collage. Check out her latest natureinspired creations. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org. HOLIDAY STUDIO EVENT: Check out the work of 15 craftsmen/ women from around the valley from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Studio Outback, 801 Central Ave., Sedro-Woolley. The selection includes jewelry, yard art, hand-crafted boxes, carved birds, fish, handblown glass, cloth baskets, cards, soaps and more. 360855-0373. JENNIFER BOWMAN ACRYLICS: A show of new acrylic paintings by Anacortes artist Jennifer Bowman will continue through Jan. 28, at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Bowman’s whimsical canvases feature colorful landscapes, florals and seascapes. Bowman will also exhibit her newest addition, silk scarves. The gallery will also showcase photo encaustics by Kathy Hastings, photographs by Randy Dana and Lewis Jones, oils and pastels by Amanda Houston, jewelry by Enid Oates and Kate Grinzell and custom tables and chairs by Gary Leake. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by

HOLIDAY AFTERNOON

Enjoy a holiday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Start off with a potluck, followed by holiday singing and a screening of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Bring a dish to share and pay what makes you happy. RSVP: 360-464-2229 or anacortescenterforhappiness.org. appointment. 360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

Skagit Valley artists Janie Ackerman and Gene Jaress will show recent work “BASKETS, BOWLS, through Dec. 31 at the BOXES AND BAUBLES”: Majestic Inn, 419 CommerThe show will continue cial Ave., Anacortes. Includthrough December, at Anne ed are paintings, prints and Martin McCool Gallery, drawings, many inspired 711 Commercial Ave., Ana- by the light and terrain of cortes. In addition to new Skagit Valley. 360-299-1400 paintings by Ann Martin or majesticinnandspa.com. McCool, the show will feature a variety of artworks HOLIDAY ART SHOW: by George Way, Art LearCheck out “The Peaceful month, Martha Tottenham, Season of Thanks, Love & Carole Cunningham, Deb- Joy” continuing through bie Aldrich, Tracy Powell, Dec. 31, at Raven Rocks Bob Metke, Vicki Hampel, Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Patsy Chamberlain, BarGreenbank. The show will bara Hathaway, Jane Hyde, feature a varied selection of Cathy Schoenberg and oth- handmade arts and crafts ers. Gallery hours are 11 created by gallery artists. a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday For information, including through Saturday or by gallery hours and directions, appointment. 360-293-3577 call 360-222-0102 or visit or mccoolart.com. ravenrocksgallery.com. SKAGIT INSPIRED ART:

ART INVITATIONAL:

“objectification 6,” the sixth annual 3-dimensional art invitational show, continues through Dec. 30, at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. The show will feature art objects in a variety of media from more than 20 local and regional artists. Purchases can be removed from the gallery immediately and will be replaced by new works during the run of the show. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or smithandvallee.com.

NEW ARTISTS, ANNIVERSARY SHOW: Artists Alfred Currier and Anne Schreivogl have joined La Conner Seaside Gallery in partnership and representation, and will exhibit their work along with the three other artist-partners: photographer Mark Conley, and painters Mark Bistranin and Dave Nichols. La Conner Seaside Gallery, 101 N. First St., La Conner, is now featuring its anniversary art show through Jan. 31, 2014. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 360-2022956 or laconnerseasidegal lery.com. HOLIDAY ART: “Home for the Holidays” will continue through Jan. 1, at the Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The show will feature original artworks by 26 artists including glass, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, encaustics, ceramics, fiber arts, woodwork, cards, prints, books and more. Autumn gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, and closed Tuesdays except by appointment. 360-222-3070 or robschoutengallery.com.

WOMEN’S WORK STORE: As part of the Storefronts Mount Vernon program, the Women’s Work Store is now open at The President Hotel, 604 S. First St., Mount Vernon. The Store features Oaxacan handwoven wool rugs, GuaPRINTS & SCULPTURE: temalan scarves, Peruvian Jean Behnke’s one-woman jewelry, masks and tribal show will run through Dec. art from Africa, jewelry and 22 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 clothing made by Nepali Commercial St., La Conner. trafficking survivors, silk Behnke combines materisari scarves, Mexican silver als in non-traditional ways, jewelry, handmade piñatas, using relief printing, casting fair trade food and coffee and assemblage. Gallery and more. Store hours are

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, continuing through the holiday season. For information, call 360-424-5854. HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: The 34th annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 24, at 1825 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. The festival will be closed Thanksgiving Day and will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. The Holiday Festival will feature the work of more than 100 local artisans and craftspeople offering handmade products including jewelry, paintings, wearable art, specialty foods, repurposed art and more. Enjoy live music, artist demos and workshops, and fun art projects for kids. For information, contact Katy Borden at 360-676-8548, ext. 5, or visit alliedarts.org. SMALL ARTWORKS: The 23rd annual “Honey, I Shrunk The Art” show continues through Jan. 19, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features small format paintings, glass art and sculptures by 40 artists. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. 360-387-2759 or matzke fineart.com. ISLAND ARTISTS: The multimedia exhibition, “Echoes of the Tides,” will continue through Dec. 22, at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, 540 Spring St., Friday Harbor. Check out a unique selection of original artworks created in a variety of mediums by San Juan Island artists. Gallery hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 360-3705050 or sjima.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013 - E19

OUT & ABOUT ARTS & CRAFTS SALE: Anchor Art Space will feature a Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale through Dec. 22, at 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Choose from a variety of hand-crafted items including ornaments, pottery, wearables, jewelry and more. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 360-7553140 or anchorartspace.org. MoNA ART EXHIBITS: The Museum of Northwest Art is hosting two exhibits through Jan. 5, at 121 S. First St., La Conner. n “Ric Gendron: Rattlebone” features paintings and related works of Spokane artist Ric Gendron, a dual-enrolled member of the Arrow Lakes Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla. Gendron is a little-known but important late-career Native artist, and the exhibition features more than 30 years of his vibrantly expressionistic and lyrical paintings and prints. Curated by Ben Mitchell, “Rattlebone” originated at Missoula Art Museum in November 2012, and will next travel to the Museum of Contemporary Indian Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. n “Geology”: from the Permanent Collection: This multidisciplinary exhibit pairs science and art with the Northwest’s geological findings and the collection’s palette. The works offer an abstract interpretation of our otherwise familiar environment. The show includes works by Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Francis Celentano, Doris Chase, William Current, John C. Ebner, Ray Hill, JohnFranklin Koenig, Alden Mason, Peter Millet, Allen Moe, Keith Monaghan, Carl Morris, Spencer Moseley,

Geoffrey Pagen, Camille Patha, Richard M. Proctor, Kait Rhoads, Paul Soldner, Mark Tobey and Gerard Tsutakawa. Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4446 or museumofnwart.org. QUILTS, FIBER ARTS: Two shows are currently on display at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. n “Abstracted”: The exhibition by the Fiber Art Network from Western Canada explores the concept of realistic and abstract art. Pairs of artists will illustrate their subject – one in a representative fiber art piece and one in an abstract/nonrepresentative piece. Vivian Kapusta is the show’s guest curator. The show continues through Dec. 29. n “Inspired to Design: Art Quilts by Elizabeth Barton”: Through Dec. 29. Barton paints or dyes all of the fabric she uses in her non-traditional quilts, which she describes as “contemporary,” “art quilts” or “fiber collages.” Her work is focused on a few particular themes: buildings and cityscapes, industrial landscapes, black and white curves and landscapes. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-4664288 or laconnerquilts.com.

the Washington State Heritage Center, follows Washington’s original inhabitants through a war over land, a clash over culture and a revival of Native tradition today. Anacortes Museum staff worked with representatives of the Samish and Swinomish tribes to develop exhibit panels and artifact displays interpreting the experiences of Fidalgo and Guemes islands’ first people. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 360-293-1915 or museum.cityofanacortes.org.

MORE FUN

‘TIS THE SEASON: Check out the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion decorated for the holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, through Dec. 29, at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. See a special display of seasonal quilts from the museum’s permanent collection, including one of the oldest pieces in the museum’s collection — an 1840s Bethlehem Star. Also on display is a red and white Log Cabin quilt (whose top was made in the 1930s) recently hand-quilted by the Guemes Island Women’s Fellowship. $7 admission, $5 military and students, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.com.

EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Jan. 26, at the Howard Miller SteelMUSEUM EXHIBIT: head Park, 52809 Rockport “We’re Still Here: The Park Road, Rockport. The Survival of Washington Indians” continues, through Center will present speakApril 2014, in the Anacortes ers, birding information Museum’s Carnegie Gallery, and guided walks along 1305 Eighth St., Anacortes. the Skagit River through The main exhibit, created by the park. 360-853-7626 or

skagiteagle.org.

tion will present Guys Night, a holiday shopping happy HATCHERY TOURS: hour, from 4 to 8 p.m. today Skagit Fisheries Enhancein downtown Mount Vernon. ment Group is offering A dozen participating mertours of the Marblemount chants will offer a variety Fish Hatchery facility by of special incentives to help trained volunteer tour make holiday shopping a guides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. little easier, including free every Saturdays and Sungift wrapping, snacks, microdays, through Jan. 26, at 8319 brews and in-store discounts. Fish Hatchery Road, MarFor information, call Cathy blemount. Learn about the Stevens at 360- 336-3801 or operations of the hatchery email dep.mvda@gmail.com. and SFEG, salmon and their life cycle, the habitat needs NWAIA AWARDS: The of salmon and other local Northwest Chapter of wildlife, and the prestigious The American Institute of visitor to our area, the bald Architects will hold its 2013 eagle. Visitors may see part, Design Awards event at 7 if not all, of the salmon life p.m. today at the Bellingcycle at the hatchery, along ham Ferry Terminal, 355 with other wildlife, such as Harris Ave., Bellingham. the bald eagle. Self-guided Social hour at 7 p.m. and tours also are available presentation at 8 p.m. daily; they start in the visiAdvance tickets $15, or $5 tors center. Free. 360-336students, available through 0172, ext. 304. Dec. 7 at nwaia.org. Day-of tickets available at the door GUYS NIGHT: The Mount for $25, or $15 students. For Vernon Downtown Associa- more information call 360-

671-9555. DANCING & DESSERTS: Mount Vernon High School Band and Orchestra Boosters will present the Winter Waltz and Dessert Sale beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the Mount Vernon High School cafeteria, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. Dance to music by the MVHS Orchestra. No experience necessary; dance instruction will be provided. $6 at the door. A wide variety of desserts will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the MVHS Orchestra and Band. CRAFT FAIR: The SedroWoolley High School Cheer and Band group will hold its third annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the S-WHS Cafeteria, 1235 Third St., Sedro-Woolley. Choose from a wide variety of locally hand-crafted items.

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