360 December 12, 2019

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E1

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS A HOLIDAY GETAWAY FOR FAMILY PAGE 4

‘Shrek the Musical’ on stage at B-E High School PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 12, 2019

ON STAGE PAGE 8 Skagit Symphony in concert at McIntyre Hall ON STAGE PAGE 8

Peggy Woods art featured at Good Stuff Arts Gallery in Anacortes

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

AP’s top songs of 2019: Aiko, Smith, Normani

By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer

NEW YORK — The top 10 songs of the year by Associated Press Music Editor Mesfin Fekadu.

1. JHENÉ AIKO, “TRIGGERED (FREESTYLE)” Jhené Aiko brilliantly captures so many emotions in one song on “Triggered (freestyle),” as she rapidly spits out lyrics in a raw way that range from “I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW” to “Sup, you up?”

She’s a ball of emotions, but she’s direct and honest, and those lyrics are piercing and appealing, and make for a great song — rather, the song of the year. She’s trying to move on, but she needs closure. She’s saying I hate what you did, but I can’t still be with anyone else intimately yet. She’s angry. And bitter. And hurt.

And healing. Overall, she’s human. And she’s a beast of a songwriter.

2. SAM SMITH AND NORMANI, “DANCING WITH A STRANGER” Sam Smith’s recent songs have been a batch of dance-flavored bops, and we need more of it.

3. H.E.R., “MAKE IT RAIN — LIVE AT AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” H.E.R. is one of the best live performers of our time, and her rendition of Foy Vance’s “Make It Rain” is heavenly. Her magical guitar playing mixed with her powerful voice — and the voices of her groundbreaking background singers — make this track one of the best of the year.

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

Inside Holiday Events....................... 4-5 Out & About............................... 6 On Stage...................................... 8 Tuning Up................................... 9 Get Involved.............................10 Hot Tickets...............................11 Travel.........................................12 At the Lincoln..........................13 Movies................................. 14-15 ON THE COVER Chloe Brady (from left), Emma DeBoer, Carlos Roques and Kohlton Wagoner are shown in a scene from the Burlington-Edison High School Theatre Department production of “Shrek The Musical.” Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald ‌

“Triggered (freestyle)” by Jhené Aiko was named the top song of the year by the Associated Press.

4. LEWIS CAPALDI, “SOMEONE YOU LOVED” The award for the song most likely to make you cry goes to breakthrough singer Lewis Capaldi, who bares it all on “Someone You Loved,” one of the songs we loved all year long.

5. DADDY YANKEE AND SNOW, “CON CALMA” Though the contemporary Latin music world has been dominated by young and emerging acts, Daddy Yankee has continued to shine brightly, and he’s even outshone most of his counterparts. Long after blazing the charts with “Gasolina,” he’s still putting out hits,

and this year it was with the anthemic “Con Calma.”

And we’re talking about the original version featuring rapper Snow, not the gentrified one with Katy Perry.

6. KEHLANI FEATURING TY DOLLA $IGN, “NIGHTS LIKE THIS” Kehlani and Ty Dolla $ign are the prom king and queen of R&B thanks to this hella addictive track.

7. CHRIS BROWN FEATURING GUNNA, “HEAT” Chris Brown’s “Indigo” album has 32 tracks, but “Heat” is the hottest.

8. CITY GIRLS, “ACT UP” Wake up. Brush teeth.

Wash face and body. Listen to “Act Up.” Leave the house feeling untouchable.

9. ROSALÍA AND OZUNA, “YO X TI, TU X MI” Rosalía. Can. Do. No. Wrong.

10. NORMANI, “MOTIVATION” I probably account for 70 million of the 72 million views Normani’s fun, striking and eye-popping “Motivation” has on YouTube. The song and video is just the beginning for this future icon.

SUBMISSIONS

Email: features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Address Skagit Publishing 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page

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Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E3

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CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

The Burlington-Edison High School Theatre Department presents “Shrek The Musical,” with performances Dec. 12-14.

B-EHS Theater Department presents a sly ‘Shrek the Musical’ ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’

Performances: 7 p.m. today, Dec. 12; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 Location: Burlington-Edison High School cafetorium (next to main gym), 301 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington Tickets: Available 30 minutes before showtime. $9 for adults, $6 for B-E staff/students/ senior citizens/military, $27 for family of four

“That’s where we met, the drama program. It was special for us,” she said. “We’re of @sports_SVH the age of when ‘Shrek’ came The main character — a out; we’re the group that jovial green ogre well-known clung on to it.” to pop-culture fans — isn’t The Sharpes are directing the only familiar aspect of after a request by BurlingBurlington-Edison High ton-Edison Drama teacher School’s production of “Shrek Holly Wood, who also picked The Musical.” the play. McKenzie Sharpe Two of the school’s gradu- said it’s an excellent choice. ates have returned to direct “It had a wonderful mesthe theater department’s sage that you can be who production, which opened you want to be, you can be earlier this month and will accepted. For this age group have further productions it’s important, because high Dec. 12-14, including both a school is very hard,” she matinee and evening perfor- said. mance on Dec. 14.

Based on the popular McKenzie Sharpe, who is movie and book, “Shrek co-directing with her husthe Musical” follows the band, Joshua, said it’s exciting adventures of the titular, whenever the couple gets to green-skinned ogre as he return to the school. encounters cheeky variations

By TREVOR PYLE

of fairy-tale characters, as well as original ones including Fiona the princess and Donkey. The musical has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori; the original Broadway production opened in 2008 and was nominated for eight Tony awards.

Sharpe said everyone involved in the production has thrown themselves into it, from the crew to the cast who took on roles of colorful fairy-tale characters.

CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD “I knew it would be a great The Burlington-Edison High School Theatre Department presopportunity to have a big cast, a big group of kids,” she ents “Shrek The Musical,” with performances Dec. 12-14. From said. “The kids immediately left: Emma DeBoer, Carlos Roques and Chloe Brady. from day one took on their itpublishing.com, Twitter: @ been doing awesome.” roles and have become a Sports_SVH, Facebook.com/ — Reporter Trevor Pyle: family in a short amount of bytrevorpyle time. Ten weeks. They’ve 360-416-2156, tpyle@skag-

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Holiday Events Christmas is Wednesday, Dec. 25. There are dozens of holiday-related events on the schedule, below are just a few.

Dec. 13-14, at the park, 6300 Sunset Ave., Anacortes. There will be campfires, hot chocolate and music each night.

DECK THE OLD CITY HALL: The Whatcom Museum’s annual Deck the Old City Hall is a monthlong celebration of the holidays with themed decorated holiday trees available for viewing Wednesdays through Sundays inside the museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham.

More events: n Handmade Holiday: noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7-28. All-ages event to make crafts to take home. Each week is a different craft.

SLEIGHBELLS RING: Bellewood Farms Holiday Festival takes place every weekend in December at 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden. n Horse-drawn trolley rides: 1-4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 22. n Santa sightings: noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 22. n Live caroling: 1-5 p.m. until Dec. 22.

CHRISTMAS ON CAMANO: Enjoy an art show and holiday celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Sunnyshore Studio, 2803 SE Camano Drive, Camano. There will be cinnamon rolls, caroling and artwork from over 15 artists.

WONDERLAND WALK: Enjoy the creative spirit of the holidays at the Wonderland Walk at Washington Park where the museum will decorate and other groups will provide more cheer from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday,

UGLY SWEATER DECORATING: Bring a sweater and decorate it as ugly as desired from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Pancakes, juice, coffee, kids crafts, free books and Santa Claus from 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. $5.

FAIRHAVEN WINTERFEST: Events in December include the opportunity to visit Santa Claus

The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood

LIGHTSOFCHRISTMAS.COM

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

STANWOOD — Over 1 million Christmas lights are strung and lit and ready to be viewed.

The Lights of Christmas is the largest holiday festival in the region, with Christmas lights galore and plenty of family-friendly activities to boot.

The festival is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 12-15, 18-23 and 26-29, at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood.

There’s a dinner theater, musical performances, Santa, train rides, a talking Christmas tree and so much more.

Tickets are $13-18; visit thelightsofchristmas.com/tickets. noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday at the Fairhaven Village Inn, 1200 10th St., and a firelight stroll from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14. There are also window displays in all of the shops. For more information, visit

fairhavenwinterfest.com.

FRIDAY HARBOR OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS MARKET: Shop for holiday items and enjoy treats made with island-grown ingredients from 10 a.m. to

3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Friday Harbor Brickworks, 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor.

BOWMAN BAY HOLIDAY: Support the Deception Pass Park Foundation and celebrate

the holidays at the Bowman Bay Holiday from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the park, 41229 Highway 20, Oak Harbor. $5 suggested per vehicle.

A CUP OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: Enjoy refreshments from the Olde Towne Grainery Tea Room and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Mount Vernon Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon.

WINTER SOLSTICE WALK: Tulip Valley Gardeners invite families to join a Winter Solstice celebration walk along the Riverwalk in downtown Mount Vernon at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.

Bring a candle to carry.

Meet at the Emma Jarvis Memorial Garden, which runs along the west side of First Street near the corner of Kincaid Street. The walk ends at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, 202 S. First St., where hot drinks will be available for purchase.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER: Anacortes Lutheran Church will host a free community Christmas dinner from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, at the church, 2100 O Ave., Anacortes.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS DINNER CONCERT: Celebrate the season with a holiday dinner concert featuring the Jose Gonzales Trio at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $35.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Marcia Kester will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Hickson Community Hall, 20594 Prairie Road, Sedro-Woolley. marciakester.com.

WINTER CELEBRATION: Fidalgo DanceWorks will present a contemporary dance concert at 3 and 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Island View Elementary School theater, 2501 J Ave., Anacortes. $8, tickets available at my360tix.com.

A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: The Skagit Valley Chorale will be joined by a brass band for performances of classic Christmas tunes at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-27. mcintyrehall.org.

SEAMUSE WINTER SOLSTICE: Four friends who comprise the band SeaMuse will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Fire House Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. They will also be celebrating the release of their CD. $8-20.

JAZZIN’ WITH THE CLASSICS: Vocalist Gail Pettis and a jazz band will perform classic Christmas music at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15 suggested.

A JAZZY CHRISTMAS: The Stanwood-Camano Chorale will perform jazzy Christmas tunes at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 15, at Stanwood United Methodist Church, 27128 102nd Drive NW, Stanwood. Free, donations accepted.

COOL YULE HOLIDAY JAZZ: Swing into the holidays with selections from Louis Armstrong’s Christmas favorites at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

HOLIDAY DANCE: The Sea Notes will play at a holiday dance party from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Chief Petty Officers’ Club, 1080 W. Ault Field Road, Oak Harbor. $10.

JINGLE JAZZ: The 17-piece A’Town Big Band will perform Christmas music at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Kennelly Keys Music, 1904 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Free.

O ANTIPHONS: Vox Antiqua will present an intimate choral concert and Vesper service at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham.

THEATER

”ELF THE MUSICAL JR.”: Watch the story of Buddy and his friends at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-15, at Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. $15. whidbeyplayhouse.com. ”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: The classic tale of a man’s journey to change his direction via ghostly interception — but with a twist — will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Satudays, through Dec. 21, at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. $10-20. sylviacenterforthearts.org.

Peggy Woods featured at Good Stuff Arts Gallery

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

ANACORTES — Detailed and lifelike watercolor works from a local artist are featured at the Good Stuff Arts Gallery this month.

Peggy Woods captures natural scenery in her watercolors with fine execution. This collection features new work from Woods inspired by her kayaking trips to the islands.

Other work in the gallery was produced with the theme “Water.”

The gallery is located at 604 Commercial Ave.

‌

“Tide Pool Girl” watercolor, by Peggy Woods

Henry Klein Homes: Light, Form and MaterialityThrough the Decades November 22, 2019 - March 2020

Henry Klein is recognized as one of the most important and influential northwest architects of the region. He founded the Henry Klein Partnership in 1952 and, throughout his career, designed numerous iconic public buildings. His work in the private residential sector is equally significant, spanning six decades. This exhibit will celebrate the houses that Henry designed and the people whose lives they touched, including owners, contractors, and other design professionals with whom he worked.

”AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and 3:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10-25. lincolntheatre. org.

Opening reception November 22nd from 5 to 7 PM at the Museum.

“ONCE UPON A WINTER’S WALK”: Join Esperanza the Snow Queen on her adventure at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St., Blaine. $10.

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 501 S. 4TH STREET, LA CONNER (AT THE TOP OF THE HILL) 360.466.3365 • WWW.SKAGITCOUNTY.NET/MUSEUM This project received funding from Skagit County • www.visitskagitvalley.com

1957524

MUSIC

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT

ART

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

A festive holiday celebration at Bowman Bay

NESTS AND LANDSCAPES: Kris Ekstrand is the featured winter artist at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. Work from artists around the region will be featured until Feb. 28. jansenartcenter. org.

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

CHRISTMAS ON CAMANO: Enjoy an art show and holiday celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Sunnyshore Studio, 2803 SE Camano Drive, Camano.

YEAR(S) IN REVIEW: A cross-section of art work from the Smith & Vallee Gallery will be featured at a 20% discount through Dec. 22 at the gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

INSPIRED BY DESIGN: The 34th annual

nity Center, 7549 Guemes Island Road. $25 at the door. myguemes.org.

THEATER

”NUMBER THE STARS”: Anacortes Community Theatre presents the story of friends helping each other escape from Nazi-occupied Germany during World War II at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21, at the theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. acttheatre.com.

MORE FUN

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

Celebrate the holidays and the beauty of state parks all at once at the Bowman Bay Holiday this weekend. holiday showcase is back at WaterWorks Gallery, 315 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor, through Jan. 4.

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

BENJAMIN VANDERWERFF: Work from abstract and impressionistic painter Benjamin Vanderwerff can be viewed at Hadrian Art

This fourth annual fundraising event will be held from 3 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14.

There’s a $5 suggested donation for each car.

A Discover Pass ($10) is required for parking.

Proceeds go to the enGallery, 5717 Gilkey Ave., Bow. MARGARET DAVIDSON: Drawings from Fir Island artist Margaret Davidson can viewed at the i.e. gallery, 5800 Cains Court, Edison.

LECTURES & TALKS AUDUBON AT THE MUSEUM: Join experts from the North Cascade Audubon Society in the John M. Edson Hall of Birds to learn about migration, conservation,

hancement of the park.

Cabins will be lit up, the fire will be lit up, and children’s faces will be lit up when they see Santa Claus hanging out at the festivities.

Dress for cold weather and bring a flashlight. birds in peril and the importance of studying birds at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham.

Included with museum admission ($5-10).

MUSIC GUEMES CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Music of Stamitz, Tartini, Vivaldi, Haydn and Simon and Garfunkel will be performed by area musicians at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Guemes Island Commu-

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 28, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger, off Old Highway 99. $3 suggested donation.

CHEER AND BAND CRAFT FAIR: Over 50 vendors will be selling items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Sedro-Woolley High School, 1235 Third St., Sedro-Woolley.

NEW YEAR’S PAJAMA PARTY: Ring in the new year with a kids’ celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett. There will be a variety show, science demonstration, party hat-palooza and more.

$15. imaginecm.org.

LOOKING AHEAD

GERMANIC IMMIGRATION TO NORTH AMERICA: The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society will present “Germanic Immigration to North America in the 1800s: Including Luxembourgers, Swiss and Austrians” at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington.

SKAGIT WEDDING SHOW: Connect with bridal vendors in a variety of categories at the Skagit Wedding Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Skagit Center, 1000 Fountain St., Burlington.

For tickets and more information, visit skagitweddingshow.com.

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

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

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Dionne Warwick talks about her new Christmas album

By BRANDON T. HARDEN The Philadelphia Inquirer

The wonders of the season at Fairhaven Winterfest

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — The sights and sounds in Fairhaven are magical all year round, but wintertime is when the area really shines.

This year’s Winterfest extends throughout the month with plenty of activities to get into the holiday and seasonal spirit.

Around the center of Fairhaven, shops are competing in a window display contest. Voting continues until Dec. 21, and each person who votes is entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

Each Saturday there will be local student buskers filling the streets with sounds, and this year will be a Signs of the Season treasure hunt.

To participate in the hunt, download a passport

from fairhavenwinterfest. com and keep eyes peeled for clues. Each clue will warrant a stamp from shopkeepers in the shops where the clue was found.

A drawing for all completed passports is on Dec. 21.

Of course, is it even winter without horses? The answer is no, so thankfully horses are on hand at the Fairhaven Village Inn, 1200 10th St. Every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., a horsedrawn carriage will offer rides around the neighborhood. Father Christmas will be inside the inn during those times to take pictures as well.

This weekend only is a special firelight stroll along a wooded path lined with luminaria. The half-mile walk begins at 5 p.m. at First Federal Bank at 10th and Harris.

Dionne Warwick knows music.

For nearly 60 years, she’s delivered hit songs in her distinct, buttery voice.

In the 1960s, Warwick encouraged us to “Walk on By.” In the ’70s, “Then Came You” became her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In the ’80s “That’s What Friends Are For” — with Warwick singing alongside Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder — became one of the most popular songs of the decade.

Warwick, 78, has earned six Grammys (including the 2019 Grammy Lifetime Achievement award) and has sold over 25 million albums and 75 million singles, according to Billboard — and she’s not done.

In October, she released her 38th studio album, “Dionne Warwick & the Voices of Christmas.”

She talked with The Inquirer recently about the new album and shared her thoughts on the current state of music. This is an edited and condensed transcript.

Q: What made you want to record a Christmas album?

A: Christmas is my favorite time of year. And I only have one Christmas CD, so it was time for another one.

Q: You collaborated on it with artists like Aloe Blacc and Chloe x Halle.

How did you go about choosing who you wanted to work with?

A: I chose the songs first, then started matching the artist to the songs. I think I did a

pretty good job.

Q: Philadelphia is home to some of the best soul singers in the business. Did you ever perform here earlier in your career?

A: Absolutely. I don’t think there’s anyone in the industry who hasn’t.

Q: Are these artists you listen to regularly?

A: No, they are people that I have heard and of course, I had the help of my son Damon Elliot who Warwick Q: What was it produced the CD. like for you?

He knew Aloe A: Oh, it was wonderful, Blacc as a friend and he and it still is. I worked in reached out to him and Philadelphia during a tour asked if he wanted to be with Sam Cooke. That a part of the CD, which dates back to the ’60s. I was wonderful — just as everyone else that was on received the Marian Anderson Award in 2017. the CD. They all wanted to be a part of it, which Q: How do you define a made it that much more great singer? fun and so much easier.

A: First off, someone who loves their craft.

Q: Was this your first Someone who has an idea time working with your of what a melody actually son on an album?

A: Oh no, he’s done my is about and sticks to it.

And I guess that’s basically last three or four projit. In Philly, there’s Patti ects.

LaBelle, and of course, there was Teddy Pendergrass. There’s a wealth of talent coming out of Philly.

Q: What do you think is missing from today’s musical scene?

A: (Laughing) We don’t have enough time. But I don’t know that there are any songs that we’re going to still hear 30 years from now.

I don’t know, it’s not for me to say. Music has an incredible way of evolving and continuing to go on, so I can’t say we won’t have classics. But if you’re asking me if I’ve heard any, no. I haven’t.

Q: Do you know a song is a classic the moment you record it?

A: I would be sitting on a mountain of rubies if I knew.

$5 tickets in advance at Oliver-Hammer & the museum Same-day tickets and maps after 4:00 pm at the museum

Walking tours begin at 5:00 pm Sedro-Woolley Museum 725 Murdock Street, Sedro-Woolley 360-855-2390 www.sedro-woolleymuseum.com

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 12-19 Thursday.12 THEATER ”SHREK THE MUSICAL”: 7 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School cafetorium, 301 N. Burlington Blvd, Burlington. Adults $9, B-ESD staff/students/seniors/military $6, family of four $27. 360-757-4074.

”CRAZY FOR YOU”: 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-16. bellinghamtheatreguild. com. ”NARNIA”: 7:30 p.m., Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. $10-14. 360-3544425 or theclaire.org. ”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $15-20. 360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org. ”NUMBER THE STARS”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Friday.13 MUSIC SKAGIT SYMPHONY: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall. org.

THEATER ”SHREK THE MUSICAL”: 7 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School cafetorium, 301 N. Burlington Blvd, Burlington. Adults $9, B-ESD staff/students/seniors/military $6, family of four $27. 360-757-4074.

”HONK!”: 7 p.m., BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St., Bellingham. 360-306-8531 or baay. org/theatre. ”CRAZY FOR YOU”: 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-16. bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

JOHN YAEGER PHOTO

Friday.13

SKAGIT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

”NARNIA”: 7:30 p.m., Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. $10-14. 360-3544425 or theclaire.org.

”HONK!”: 2 and 7 p.m., BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St., Bellingham. 360-306-8531 or baay.org/theatre.

”CRAZY FOR YOU”: 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-16. bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $15-20. 360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

”CRAZY FOR YOU”: 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-16. bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

”NARNIA”: 2 p.m., Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. $10-14. 360-354-4425 or theclaire.org.

”NUMBER THE STARS”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

”NARNIA”: 2 and 7:30 p.m., Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. $10-14. 360354-4425 or theclaire.org.

Saturday.14

”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $15-20. 360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

MUSIC FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY: 1 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE — A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER ”SHREK THE MUSICAL”: 2 and 7 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School cafetorium, 301 N. Burlington Blvd, Burlington.

Adults $9, B-ESD staff/students/ seniors/military $6, family of four $27. 360-757-4074.

”NUMBER THE STARS”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Sunday.15 MUSIC SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE — A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER ”HONK!”: 2 p.m., BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St., Bellingham.

360-306-8531 or baay.org/theatre.

”NUMBER THE STARS”: 2 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Monday.16 MUSIC MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-4167727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Wednesday.18 BALLET ”THE NUTCRACKER”: Opus Performing Arts and BAAY Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham.

360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

Thursday.19 BALLET ”THE NUTCRACKER”: Opus Performing Arts and BAAY Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham.

360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

MUSIC MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL AND CHORAL MUSIC: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall. org.

THEATER ”A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m., Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. $15-20. 360-305-3524 or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

”NUMBER THE STARS”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 13-19 Friday.13 RICK COOPER: 6:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Members and signed-in guests only. 360-8488882.

MARCIA KESTER: 7 p.m., Hickson Community Hall, 20594 Prairie Road, Sedro-Woolley.

Open to the public; donations accepted. marciakester.com.

SKAGIT SYMPHONY: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

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

DESOLATION SOUND: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

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

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

GRACE LOVE: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham.

360-770-1067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

PETUNIA WITH DEVIN CHAMPLIN & JAN PETERS: 8 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

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

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

Tuesday.17 CORY VINCENT AND CHRIS EGER UNPLUGGED: 7 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

BRAD COLE

Friday.13 CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

Tuesday.17

CORY VINCENT AND CHRIS EGER UMPLUGGED 7 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

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

Sunday.15 Saturday.14 FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY: 1 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

JOHN ELLIOTT & FRIENDS — A BENEFIT FOR LYDIA PLACE: 5 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge. com or facebook.com/ TheFireflyBham.

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE — A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-4167727 or mcintyrehall.org.

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

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

CEILLA: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 360-7468733 or wildbuffalo.net.

PETUNIA: 8 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

BOB FOSSIL AND THE DAWN BOMBS: 8 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge. com or facebook.com/ TheFireflyBham.

FANTASY BAND: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

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

DEAN REICHERT TRIO: 7:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

BOB FOSSIL, PUBLIC POOL, & THE DAWN BOMBS: 9 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE — A VERY BRASSY CHRISTMAS: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-4167727 or mcintyrehall.org.

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

TETRACHROMAT: 8 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. 360-770-1067 or shakedownbellingham. com.

Monday.16 MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

Wednesday.18 CORY VINCENT: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Thursday.19 MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL AND CHORAL MUSIC: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 360-4167727 or mcintyrehall.org.

JOAN PENNEY COOL YULE HOLIDAY JAZZ WITH JAQUELINE TABOR: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

E10 - Thursday, December 12, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART CLASSES

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART: 121 S. First St., La Conner. museumofnwart.org. n Adult Watercolor Class: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. $18. n My Adult & Me Painting Class: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. For kids (ages 3-9) and parents to learn together. $25 per pair. n Drawing Jean Behnke: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. $30.

ANACORTES SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER: The senior center hosts a variety of art programs each week at the center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.

360-293-7473. n Creative Circle: 9 a.m.

Mondays. n Woodcarving: 9 a.m.

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

Mondays. n Rock Painting: 1 p.m.

Mondays. n Miracle of Art: 1 p.m.

Tuesdays. n Mosaics/Stained Glass: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. n Color Me Calm: 10 a.m. Thursdays. n Drawing Animals: 2:15 p.m. Thursdays. n Watercolor: 9:30 a.m.

MUSIC

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL: Harmony Northwest Chorus, a women’s a cappella group singing four-part harmony barbershop style, welcomes all voice parts ages 15 and up. Meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon.

Contact Carol Ward: 425-232-9171 or contact@ harmonynorthwest.org.

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

BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Join the AnO-Chords, a four-part barbershop harmony group that meets at 7 p.m.

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

No experience necessary, no auditions required.

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

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

360-630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Rehearsals on Thursdays at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. 360223-3230.

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

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

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

RECREATION

BALD EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: Each weekend in December and January the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center offers guided nature

Good Time Girls lead Bellingham tours

SHUTTERSTOCK

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

BELLINGHAM — The Good Time Girls are back for the holiday season to delight their tours with tales of historic Bellingham holiday highs, lows and hijinks.

These two-hour tours have all of the fun of the Good Time Girls’ usual summer tours but with extra holiday cheer mixed in for good measure.

The tour is a guided walk through downtown Bellingham with a focus on historical events that occurred around the holidays.

There is also trivia and caroling, and a few drinks to be shared at Thousand Acre Ciderhouse and Uisce Irish Pub. Proceeds from the event support Animals as Natural Therapy’s mission to support at-rick youth, veterans and elders.

Tours are at 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21. $20-40. Meeting spots will be revealed at checkout. bellinghistory.com. hikes along the Skagit River and educational speakers. The center, which offers elementary and high school educational tours as well as community group tours, is located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. n Dec. 14-15: Hike at 11 a.m. Saturday. Dr. Steven Glenn will speak at 1 p.m.

Saturday on “Salmon, Eagles, People and a River: Systems Ecology.” Totem carver and native storyteller Sasa Bellah will speak at 1 p.m. Sunday.

For a complete list of speakers, visit skagiteagle. org

JINGLE BELL DASH: Walk or run the 5- or 10-kilometer Jingle Bell Dash to support the STEM programs for the community at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Seafarer’s Memorial park, 601 Seafarer’s Way, Anacortes. $30-40. jinglebelldashanacortes. com.

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

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

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets.

Free. 360-293-3725 or friendsoftheacfl.org. n Heart Lake Loop Hike: A 4-mile roundtrip hike through old-growth flora at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Meet at the Heart Lake parking lot. Listed as challenging. n Little Cranberry Corridor: A 4-mile roundtrip hike through second-growth forest at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.

Meet at the ACFL kiosk on A Avenue and 37th Street.

Listed as challenging.

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

Dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes. No dogs.

Suggested donation $1. friendsofcamanoislandparks.org. n Jan. 4: A 2.6-mile walk at Camano Island State Park with two elevation gains of 50 feet. Meet at the picnic shelter near the boat ramp on the south beach of the park. n Feb. 1: A 2.5-mile walk through the Camano Ridge Forest Preserve.

Meet at the Camano Ridge West entrance parking lot.

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION: Christian Motorcyclists Association Morning Star Chapter 39 meets the third Saturday of every month at Royal Star Buffet, 2300 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon.

Dinner at 6 p.m. (optional) with meeting at 7 p.m.

First-time attendees get a free dinner. Contact Pres-

ident Dwight Kaestner at 425-770-6154 or cmachapter39@gmail.com.

GREAT DECISIONS: Registration is open for Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions Classes. Classes will be held from 3-5 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 29-March 18, at Anacortes United Methodist Church, 2201 H. Ave. Great Decisions is a video lecture and discussion series involving issues concerning U.S. policymakers (www.fpa.prg/ great_decisions). The 2020 topics are climate change and global order, India and Pakistan, Red Sea security, modern slavery and human trafficking, U.S. relations with the Northern Triangle, China’s road into Latin America, the Philippines and the U.S., artificial intelligence and data. Registration deadline is Jan. 8. Maximum number of attendees is 45. $33, includes the FPA Briefing Book. John Shafer (kwakushafe@aol.com) or 832-928-8957.

THEATER

BIZPROV: Use the tenets of improvisation to excel at work in this interactive presentation from seasoned improvisor Billy Tierney at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Grand Willow, 17926 Dunbar Road, Mount Vernon. $2540. Sign up: sihrma.org.

WAY NORTH COMEDY SHOWCASE: Skagit Valley’s monthly comedy showcase brings four top-tier Pacific Northwest touring comics to the stage before opening the stage to local talent. Shows are Sundays monthly, ages 18plus and free at Farmstrong Brewing, 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon. Sign up at facebook.com/waynorthcomedy.

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS AVERAGE WHITE BAND: Through Dec. 15, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

TREVOR NOAH: Dec. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA: Dec. 13-14, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

STATIC-X: Dec. 14, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle. com.

DAVID BENOIT, SARA GAZAREK: Dec. 17-18, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

DEADMAUS: Dec. 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

JUDY COLLINS HOLIDAYS & HITS: Dec. 19-22, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

POISON IDEA: Dec. 21, El Corazon, Seattle. 206262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: Dec. 26-29, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle.

206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com.

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

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: Dec. 31, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

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

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

CHRIS BOTTI: Jan. 14-16 and 17-19, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

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

‌

Blind Boys of Alabama will perform Dec. 26-29 at Jazz Alley in Seattle and Dec. 31 at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. or jazzalley.com.

STEVE GADD BAND: Jan. 23-26, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

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

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

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

SUPERM: Feb. 4, 2020, Accesso Showare Center, Kent. 866-973-9613 or livenation.com.

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

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

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY: Feb. 6-9, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com.

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

PEE WEE HERMAN: BIG ADVENTURE: Feb. 15, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

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

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

WILLIAM DUVALL: Feb.

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

206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

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

VICTOR WOOTEN: March 12-15, 2020, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com. ”SISTER ACT”: March 13-April 5, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

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

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

ALICE COOPER: April 20,

2020, McCaw Hall, Seattle.

844-827-8118 or uniquelives.com.

MILKY CHANCE: Aug. 24, 2020, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH: April 23, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

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

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

CHER: May 4, 2020, Angel of The Winds Arena, Everett. 866.332.8499 or angelofthewindsarena. com. ”ONCE ON THIS ISLAND”: May 12-24, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

APOCALYPTICA: May 14, 2020, Showbox at The Market, Seattle. 888-9297849 or AXS.com, JOURNEY, THE PRETENDEERS: May 16, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ALANIS MORISSETTE: June 3, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BRANDI CARLILE, SHERYL CROW, YOLA: June 6, 2020, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. ”EVITA”: June 12-July 4, 2020, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

OZZY OSBOURNE, MARILY MANSON: July 11, 2020, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GREEN DAY, FALL OUT BOY, WEEZER: July 17, 2020, T-Mobile Park, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or

livenation.com.

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

MAROON 5: Aug. 15, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

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

MOTLEY CRUE, DEF LEPPARD, POISON, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS: Sept. 2, 2020, T-Mobile Park, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BLACK CROWES: Sept. 4, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

DOOBIE BROTHERS: Sept. 5, 2020, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE SKAGIT SYMPHONY DECEMBER 13

JOY FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY DECEMBER 14

HERLADING CHRISTMAS SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE DECEMBER 14-15

WINTER CONCERT MOUNT VERNON HS CHOIRS DECEMBER 16

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org

E12 - Thursday, December 12, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

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

National Geographic suggests ‘epic journeys’

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES FamilyTravel.com

You’ll marvel at dozens of bucket list-worthy vacations ideas found within National Geographic’s illustrated guide to “Epic Journeys: 245 Life-Changing Adventures.”

Here are five ideas sure to tempt your family’s travelers: 1. BIKE THE BALTICS This compact region, comprised of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, is rich in scenic beauty, history and heritage.

Given the largely flat terrain and cycle-centric culture, it’s possible to explore the area’s ancient ruins, fairy tale-like castles, Russian Empire and Soviet-era remnants as well as to sample the important cultural and folk traditions in one 10- or 12-day biking trip.

You’ll also want to explore the medieval old towns of all three capital cities — Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn — during your two-wheeled adventure. Consider a visit to the Hill of Crosses, a fabled pilgrimage site covered with more than 100,000 metal and wooden crucifixes and other religious icons. visiteurope.com/en/destination/baltic-states/; VBT.com; exodustravels.com 2. SINK INTO THE YUCATAN CENOTES, MEXICO Choose to dive, snorkel or swim in the gem-colored waters near Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. More than 6,000 natural limestone sinkholes, some with large pools, others, small and sheltered, once provided fresh water for the Mayan people and were considered portals

MICHAELA URBAN / CHICAGO TRIBUNE VIA TNS

Red lechwes enjoy the lush surrounding in in Bwabwata National Park in Nambia.

to the gods. In fact, the word “cenote” means sacred well.

Today, visitors can explore the craggy depths surrounded by colorful fish and turtles or swim on the surface, relishing the clear water that has been filtered by the earth. Some cenotes, such as the Gran Cenote of Tulum, are popular with tourists.

Others are more remote and frequented by locals. Ask your hotel concierge or fellow travelers to find one that suits your style and interests. visitmexico.com 3. DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF PALAU This Pacific archipelago, made up of 500 islands, is one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, and home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral. During your visit to this aquatic wonderland you can paddle and snorkel amid the multicolored brain coral of the Rock Islands, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hike to waterfalls, swim among nonstinging jellyfish, dive

amid sharks, giant manta rays, turtles and bright blue starfish, and kayak in caves, through mangroves and to hidden lagoons. History lovers will find the WWII heritage compelling. pristineparadisepalau.com 4. EXPLORE NAMIBIA One of the least populated countries in the world, Namibia begs to be explored. From the capital city of Windhoek to the stark Skeleton Coast, you’ll find a timeless landscape where desert-adapted wildlife — elephants, lions and the rare, black rhino — share the vast landscape with birds, antelopes, cape foxes and brown hyenas.

Drive through barren moonscapes and search for small herds of Hartmann’s zebras or find pink flamingos and other migratory birds in a coastal wetland.

Hike up Namibia’s highest ochre-colored sand dune and watch the sunset before slip-sliding down. Few people and sparse development translate into a magnificent

display of stars. Don’t forget to look up. namibiatourism.com; andbeyond.com 5. PADDLE NEAR THE ORCAS One of the best places to see orcas in the wild is in the protected waters of the Johnstone Strait off Vancouver Island’s northeastern coast. There, paddlers glide past old-growth rain forests, empty stone beaches, and remnants of ancient settlements as they make their way through the Straight and around tiny islands.

Adventurers might see an orca fin up close, pass curious dolphins or experience the waves resulting from an aerobatic humpback. Scout island beaches for other wildlife including black-tailed deer, river otters and sea lions as eagles and seabirds soar overhead. vancouverisland.travel; seakayakadventures.com – Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer.

Local travel briefs OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of tours daily in the Skagit Valley and surrounding areas. Reservations required: 360-474-7479. n Winter Birding for Kids: An “I Spy” Adventure in Skagit Valley. Through March, Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30-4:30 pm. Transportation and binoculars provided. Reservations required by phone, 360-474-7479. n Hike n’ Cruise to Cypress Island, daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Departs from Skyline Marina, Anacortes. Kid- and dog-friendly. Reservations required.

SKAGIT SENIOR TOURS: Skagit Guided Adventures offers a variety of local nature and hiking day tours for seniors. Reservations required: 360-474-7479.

WHATCOM SENIOR TOURS: Sign up by calling 360-733-4030, ext. 1015, or visiting the tour office at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

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

STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1-800-544-1800 or tourisminfo@ watourismalliance.com. Staff members assist travelers who have questions, refer them to specific destination marketing organizations and other travel resources across the state for more detailed information, and take orders for the Washington State Visitors Guide.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts new passport applications and applications for passports that have been expired for more than five years by appointment from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.

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

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

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

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

AT THE LINCOLN

DINING GUIDE !

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FOOD • OYSTERS • BURGERS STEAKS • SEAFOOD • SALADS

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Serving GOOD BREAKFAST Daily!

SPECIALS HAPPY OYSTERS ONTHE 1/2 SHELL • Mondays $10 Burgers HOUR SATURDAY & SUNDAY PULLTABS

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***BLOODY MARY’S*** SUNDAY SPECIAL $6.00 9amto $4.50 11:30am to close $2.50 tillclose 11:30am

“It’s a Wonderful Life” will be shown Saturday at the Lincoln Theatre.

The MET Live in HD: ‘The Magic Flute’

Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide 3 P.M. SUNDAY, DEC. 15 For many in the Northwest, it wouldn’t be the holidays without the harps, dulcimers and energetic Celtic sounds of acclaimed family ensemble Magical Strings, performing Celtic yuletide concerts for the 41st year.

Three generations of the Boulding family set the stage ablaze with the Tara Academy Irish Dancers, lively fiddling of Jocelyn Pettit, soulful songs with Dublin guitarist Colm MacCarthaigh, powerful vocals and singalongs led by Prescott Breeden, and dynamic percussionist Matt Jerrell. Philip and Pam’s Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer sing mysteries from their most recent sojourns in Ireland, augmented by cello, violin, whistles, accordion and concertina. $17-26. Lincoln members receive $2 off.

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

Enjoy the Season!

VIEWING PARTY SEAHAWKS vs PANTHERS Sun. 10:00 am

Fresh Local Strawberries Shortcake Tired ofPies Christmas shoppingWaffles and errands?

TakePancakes a break and have a hearty meal or Milk Shakes holiday-MOREtreat or drink.

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5:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DEC. 14 Frank Capra’s classic bittersweet comedy/drama features George Bailey (James Stewart), who wishes he had never been born, and an angel (Henry Travers) who is sent to Earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

Capra’s first production through his newly formed Liberty Films, “It’s a Wonderful Life” lost money in its original run, when it was perceived as a fairly downbeat view of small-town life. Only after it lapsed into the public domain in 1973 and became an Art House staple and a Christmastime TV perennial did it don the mantle of a holiday classic.

Cast includes James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi and Gloria Grahame.

Rated PG; free admission.

Coming Up:

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‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

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12:55 P.M. SATURDAY, DEC. 14 James Levine conducts an ensemble that includes tenor Matthew Polenzani, baritone Nathan Gunn, and bass René Pape in this abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s classic fable. $17-23. Lincoln members receive $2 off.

EXPIRESJANUARY 8, 2020

E14 - Thursday, December 12, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI REVIEWS

Amping up the body swapping with hilarious returns

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

In 2017, director Jake Kasdan rebooted the ’90s family adventure film “Jumanji” by plunking John Hughes-style teen characters into a wilderness-set video game. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was a critical and commercial success, anchored by the charms of megastars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black, and the unique pleasure of watching them all play against type.

Kasdan and company (including co-writers Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg) know a good formula when they see it. So the sequel, “Jumanji: The Next Level,” simply offers more and more of it: There’s more jaw-droppingly crazy video game hijinks, and especially, more stars playing personas vastly different from theirs.

The video game setting allowed a motley crew of teens (Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, Morgan Turner and Ser’Darius Blain) to choose their own avatars and see what happens to them when they get to be someone else for a little while. Self-effacing nerd Spencer (Wolff) learned his own strengths as the muscle-bound Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Johnson), but it was also hilarious to watch Johnson play the insecure and jumpy Spencer.

However, the breakout player of the “Welcome to the Jungle” ensemble was most definitely Jack Black, who perfectly inhabited teen queen Bethany (Iseman) in his portly cartographer’s bod. In “The Next Level,” Kasdan doubles, even triples down on this conceit, to rather hilarious returns.

The film opens with the pals now in college, returning home for winter break. It’s a bit of a rocky opening, especially since it feels like Danny DeVito, as Spencer’s grandfather

SONY VIA AP

Kevin Hart (from left), Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black and Karen Gillan star in “Jumanji: The Next Level.”

Eddie, and Danny Glover, as his longlost friend and business partner Milo, have been seemingly shoehorned into the dynamic. But the reason for their presence all becomes clear when Martha (Turner), Bethany and Fridge (Blaine) discover that Spencer’s gone missing. They once again transport themselves into the game, accidentally bringing Eddie and Milo with them.

This time, Fridge ends up in Black’s avatar, Oberon, while DeVito and Glover find themselves in the form of the strapping Bravestone and tiny zoologist Finbar (Hart), respectively.

If you’ve ever needed to hear Johnson attempt (and somewhat master) DeVito’s signature northern New Jersey accent, you’re in luck (though there’s another performer who later takes on the DeVito drawl who is a bit more naturally inclined to the cadence).

For a film that features such eye-popping sequences as aggressive mandrills on floating bridges, inexplicable blimps and an ostrich herd/ dune buggy race, this is very much a performance-driven picture. The

second time around, there’s even less of a plot, with Rory McCann in some impressive post-apocalyptic Night’s Watch gear snatching the jewel they have to recover to win and escape the game.

The pleasures of “Jumanji: The Next Level” are not visual or story-based, as they revolve around the ability of each of our stars and their abilities to do impressions. Hart’s nuanced mimicry of Glover is downright inspired, and the story offers up a few chances for the characters to avatar swap, showing off the actors’ abilities to embody the different jock/nerd/cheerleader/cantankerous grandpa personas. Once again, this is a one-joke movie, but for the time being, that joke still has some tread on the tires, especially with such charming stars and some light innovation. It remains to be seen how much mileage this franchise can sustain on charm alone, however.

– 2:03. Rated PG for menacing fantasy action and some mild language.

HH½ (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Richard Jewell” — The latest economically filmed, well-crafted gem from Clint Eastwood recalls the cop wannabe who was proven innocent after being named as the prime suspect in the 1996 Olympics bombing in Atlanta.

Paul Walter Hauser delivers screen-commanding work as the title character. Historical drama, R, 130 minutes.

HHH½ “Knives and Skin” — When a teen disappears in a seemingly quiet Midwestern town, reactions range from the strange and disturbing to the REALLY strange and disturbing in this cool and badass and blazingly original social satire/horror thriller. Rating: Thriller, no MPAA rating, 112 minutes. HHH½ “The Two Popes” — With Anthony Hopkins portraying Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as the cardinal who would become Pope Francis, we have the privilege of seeing two of the world’s finest actors sinking their chops into rich albeit sometimes overly fanciful dialogue. But with an overlong running time, “The Two Popes” is the kind of well-made but flawed release you can wait to catch on home video. Biography, PG-13, 125 minutes. HH½ “A Million Little Pieces” — There’s nothing Hollywood or glamorous about Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s work as self-destructive, hardcore addict James Frey. This is an effective blunt instrument of a film — a rough-edged, unvarnished, painfully accurate portrayal of addiction and rehabilitation. Drama, R, 113 minutes. HHH “Queen & Slim” — A man and woman on a first date end up on the run after a police encounter goes bad in one of the best and most important movies of the year.

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

HHH “Knives Out” — This crackling good, old-fashioned murder mystery is one of those movies where it looks like the immensely appealing cast — including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis and Chris Evans — had as much fun making the film as we have watching it. Murder mystery/ comedy, PG-13, 131 minutes. HHH “21 Bridges” — In a plot with more holes than a box of doughnuts, Chadwick Boseman plays an NYPD detective who shuts down the bridges out of Manhattan to trap a duo of cop killers. The movie looks cheap and grimy, and the story has supposedly smart people doing really stupid things. Crime action, R, 99 minutes. H½ “Waves” — This beautiful and pensive and heartbreaking drama begins with perfect little moments, all designed to immerse us in the world of a high school wrestler, his sweet little sister and their father and stepmom. But soon we begin to see signs of the tidal wave of trouble ahead.

Drama, R, 135 minutes. HHHH

Thursday, December 12, 2019 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

Thrilling visuals keep a plot-deflated ‘Aeronauts’ aloft If you’d been pining to see Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones of “The Theory of Everything” together again, “The Aeronauts” is the ticket.

Boy, are they together — confined for long stretches in a hot-air balloon basket about the size of your bathroom. That’s the good part, as claustrophobic as it sounds.

Once again Redmayne is cast as a real-life change-making scientist: Here, he’s 19th-century English meteorologist James Glaisher, the man responsible for determining what dew point is, for good or ill. He’s a champion of the new discipline of

climatology, vainly trying to persuade his peers that weather can be predicted.

“We are scientists, not fortunetellers!” one scoffs.

Jones is Amelia Wren, a fictional composite of several pioneering female balloonists. Haunted by the ballooning death of her husband, with whom she had forged a loving and adventurous life, she’s understandably hesitant to take to the skies again.

But the funding-challenged Glaisher is persistent. He needs Wren’s expertise (and her family money) to conduct a series of airborne experiments.

Another film might steer his wooing in a romantic direction; refreshingly, the two remain respectful colleagues. Love, frankly, would just gum up the

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” — It’s a tricky performance for one American icon to play another American icon, but the perfectly cast Tom Hanks expertly captures Fred Rogers’ calming and measured cadence in the story of the cardigan-clad, gentle host of one of the most beloved children’s programs ever to enter our living rooms. Biography, PG, 108 minutes. HHH “Frozen 2” — An uplifting and true-hearted and worthy (if not equal) sequel to the 2013 mega-blockbuster, this beautifully animated film is sprinkled with good humor and filled with sister-power bonding moments. And there are more than a few trippy, New Age-y detours along the way. Animated fantasy, PG, 103 minutes. HHH “Honey Boy” — Shia LaBeouf, writer of this film’s sharp and unflinchingly

honest screenplay, portrays a fictional version of his own abusive father in a raw and riveting psychodrama based on his beginnings as a child actor. Drama, R, 93 minutes.

HHH “The Report” — Adam Driver does powerful work as a Senate investigator looking into post-9/11 torture tactics sanctioned by the U.S. government. This is a smart, solid and engrossing paper-chase story about one man’s dogged determination. Historical drama, R, 118 minutes. HHH “Marriage Story” — The funnier moments of this divorce story are reminiscent of 1970s/1980s Woody Allen, whereas the confrontational scenes are more Ingmar Bergman-esque, giving stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson the opportunity to flex their Oscar muscles.

Comedy drama, R, 136 min-

By CYNTHIA DICKISON Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

AMAZON STUDIOS VIA AP

Felicity Jones is shown in a scene from “The Aeronauts.”

works.

The balloon journey itself unfolds nearly in real time, and you’re surprised to see that it has taken only minutes to rise to 20,000, 25,000, 30,000 feet. You’re also surprised to see how few precautions are taken against the

brutal subzero atmosphere. The basket even is outfitted with furniture, including a little desk at which Glaisher makes notes with his fountain pen at the aforementioned 30,000 feet, before he falls unconscious from altitude sickness.

utes. HHH “Ford v Ferrari” — Christian Bale, playing hotheaded 1960s race car driver Kenny Miles, and Matt Damon, as the auto designer who hires him to help Ford compete at Le Mans, have a relaxed, confident, sometimes very funny chemistry in this rip-roaring and heart-pounding 1960s action/drama. One of the best movies ever made about auto racing. Action biography, PG-13, 152 minutes.

HHH½ “The Good Liar” — Even the legendary Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen can’t overcome the convoluted, unfocused and increasingly implausible storyline of this con-game thriller. The more we learn about the main characters, the less we believe they’d do the things they do. Crime thriller, R, 109 minutes. HH “Last Christmas” —

Watch Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding walking the snow-dappled streets of London, lost in each other’s gaze, and you feel as if you’ve landed in Romantic Comedy/Drama Heaven. But this heart-tugging love story rises above the standard, lightweight holiday fare.

Romantic comedy, PG-13, 103 minutes. HHH½ “Midway” — In this superficial World War II epic, Woody Harrelson, Mandy Moore and Dennis Quaid are among the stars delivering lines straight out of a second-rate, mid-20th-century war movie, while competing with 21st-century CGI pyrotechnics. War action, PG-13, 138 minutes. HH “Doctor Sleep” — A decades-down-the-road sequel catches up with Danny Torrance, the psychic boy who endured horrific trauma in “The Shining,” in a most

The suspension of disbelief soars highest when Wren, attempting to unclog a frozen valve at the very top of the balloon, climbs from the basket, clinging to the webbing that girds the giant gaseous blob, without gloves, then takes off her high-heeled boot to hammer the valve free. All at 7 miles above the Earth. Realistic? Who knows? But it’s a breathtaking, thrilling sequence that puts Jones in the pantheon of 2019 film superheroes.

By contrast, the rest of “The Aeronauts” feels, well, deflated. The gravity-defying feats (Glaisher really did set an altitude record, and nearly died in the process) are jarringly interposed with flashbacks and other earthbound side

stories. Poor Himesh Patel (“Yesterday”), as Glaisher’s comrade Henry Coxwell, is reduced to gazing heavenward and tossing off such banalities as, “Some reach for the stars; some push others towards them.” It’s a pity, because Coxwell was Glaisher’s actual right-hand man for his record-setting flights.

But the choice to replace Coxwell with a fictional heroine pays off; Jones is the undisputed star of this two-hander. Whether spitting out proto-feminist psychobabble or deftly working the ropes with icicles rimming her hair, she’s appealingly plucky.

Too bad even she can’t keep the proceedings aloft.

– PG-13 for some peril and thematic elements.

HH½ (out of four stars)

At area theaters CONCRETE THEATER Dec. 13-15 Ford v Ferrari (R): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 8 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

360-941-0403 ANACORTES CINEMAS 360-293-7000 STANWOOD CINEMAS 360-629-0514

satisfying manner. Ewan McGregor is brilliant as grownup, alcoholic Danny, coming to the aid of a similarly gifted girl (Kyliegh Curran, spectacularly good) in peril. Horror, R, 132 minutes. HHH “The Irishman” — My only complaint about Martin Scorsese’s epic and masterful American crime saga about a hitman who claims he killed Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa is that the 209-minute running time is too short.

BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor Dec. 12-15 Jumanji 2 (PG-13), Charlie’s Angels (PG-13). First movie starts at 7 p.m.

360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL CINEMAS Burlington 360-707-2727

This is one of the best films of the decade. Drama, R, 209 minutes. HHHH “Frankie” — While Isabelle Huppert is magnificent as a dying actress who reunites with her family in picturesque Sintra, Portugal, the sophisticated dialogue often comes across as so “written,” so staged, we can practically see the words on the page as the actors deliver their lines. Drama, PG-13, 100 minutes. HH

E16 - Thursday, December 12, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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