360 December 13 2012

Skagit Symphony gets in the holiday spirit PAGE 3 Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 13, 2012

Holiday Events

Music CDs

Roger Ebert

The region offers something for everyone to celebrate Christmas

“channel ORANGE,” “Kaleidoscope Dream” among 10 best in 2012

Bill Murray hits the right tone as FDR in “Hyde Park on Hudson”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Ted”: The movie works because Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and all of the non-Hasbro-created cast members treat seriously the story of a grown man dealing with his cherished childhood toy. Because they don’t question a world where a teddy bear can come to life, it’s easier for the audience to accept the concept and just laugh at the pull-nopunches humor. Against a musical score that sounds like it was ripped off from the old TV series “That Girl,” the film smoothly goes from romantic comedy to buddy picture to stalker movie. Ted has less tact than Don Rickles and Daniel Tosh combined, but Seth MacFarlane, who’s both director and writer, finds places to make the character warm and fuzzy. How can you not like a teddy bear who laments that he looks like “Snuggles’ lawyer” when he wears a suit?

“The Bourne Legacy”: The series continues with a new hero (Jeremy Renner), whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films. For a film franchise that’s going through a rebirth, “Bourne Legacy” looks a lot closer to retirement age.

The film moves slowly with a convoluted plot, uninspired action scenes and too many people babbling scientific and spy jargon. This is not the legacy the series deserves. The film’s climactic chase scene starts with lots of running across rooftops. When it finally gets to street level, director Tony Gilroy plays the scene so long that the tension is drained long before the payoff. Even the bystanders watching two men battle on motorcycles seem bored. Renner’s a capable replacement for Matt Damon on the action side; what he lacks is the on-screen charisma of his predecessor, and that makes his Cross far less complicated — and interesting — than Bourne.

“Backwards”: A rower who fails to make the Olympics takes a job coaching rowers at a high school. Sarah Megan Thomas stars.

“Ice Age: Continental Drift”: The gang must use an iceberg as a ship when their continent begins to drift.

“Law & Order: Criminal Intent — Season 9”: TV crime drama starring Vincent D’Onofrio.

“JAG: The Complete Series”: Includes 10 seasons of the TV military law show.

“The Story of Film: An Odyssey”: A 15-part documentary looks at the movie business.

“Mankind”: The 12-hour History Channel series spans the first flourishing

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. 18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Fox Pitch Perfect - Universal 10 Years - Anchor Bay Trouble With the Curve - Warner

This Weekend / Page 5

DEC. 21 Arbitrage - Lionsgate Premium Rush - Sony Resident Evil: Retribution - Sony DEC. 24 The Words - Sony DEC. 31 Looper - Sony JAN. 1 The Trouble With Bliss - Anchor Bay JAN. 8 Dredd - Lionsgate Frankenweenie - Disney House at the End of Street - Fox The Inbetweeners Movie - Lionsgate JAN. 15 Branded - Lionsgate The Other Dream Team - Lionsgate The Possession - Lionsgate 17 Girls - Strand Taken 2 - Fox To Rome With Love - Sony

Northwest Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” this weekend at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham

Inside

Phone 360-416-2135

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

of civilization in Mesopotamia to the discovery of America.

“Creep Van”: A misfit teams with a con man to stop the murderous vehicle.

“Django!”: Two spaghetti Westerns — “A Man Called Django” and “Django and Sartana Showdown” — are available on one DVD. “Futurama: Volume 7”: Billy West is a voice talent for the animated series.

“Hazel: The Complete Fourth Season”: Shirley Booth stars in the TV comedy.

“41”: HBO documentary on George Herbert Walker Bush.

“Gunsmoke: The Seventh Season, Volume 1”: James Arness stars as the famous lawman.

“Dick Tracy”: The film about the comic strip cop is now available on Bluray.

“The Portrait of a Lady”: Nicole Kidman stars in the film based on the Henry James novel.

“Families of Italy”: The latest release in the “Families of the World” series. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items)

Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

2012’s Top 10 Pop Albums...........6-7 Travel............................................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Get Involved.................................. 12 Hot Tickets.................................... 13 Roger Ebert.................................... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.................................. 18

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E3

COMMUNITY

Skagit Valley Herald staff

The Skagit Symphony and Skagit Symphony Chorus will present their annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

The program will feature soloists Katherine and Bronn Journey. Music director Roupen Shakarian will conduct the orchestra, and Dave Cross will conduct the symphony chorus. Shakarian will present a preconcert lecture at 6:45 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20-$40 from the McIntyre Hall box office, 360-416-7727 or 866-624-6897. For more information, visit www.skagitsymphony.com.

Submitted photos

Bronn Journey will play the harp and his wife Katherine will sing in the Skagit Symphony’s Holiday Concert on Friday, Dec. 14, at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY: A variety of elegant holiday place settings and whimsical Christmas decorations are on display through the end of the year at the Anacortes Museum, 1305 Eighth St., Anacortes. Members of the Ana Curtis and Fidalgo Finderskeepers chapters of the International Questers Organization have filled the Anacortes Presents case with painted pieces by Spode, Lenox, Johnson Bros., Avon, Gibson, Mikasa and other fine china makers. The exhibit also includes a miniature holiday tea party featuring dolls and a set of tiny Christmas plates, as well as a number of different versions of “The Night Before Christmas.” Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is free. 360-2931915.

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS: More than a million Christmas lights will be displayed at the 16th annual Lights of Christmas, from 5 to 10 p.m. today through Sunday, Dec. 13-16, and daily Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-29, at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. The largest holiday light display in the Northwest covers 15 acres and features family-oriented entertainment, live music, theater, crafts, food, pony rides, a petting farm, Polar Express Train rides and overnight getaway options. Meet Santa Claus or talk with “Bruce the Spruce” Christmas tree. General admission: $9-$15. Pay-whatyou-can nights are offered Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and 29. Season passes are available. Theater events are extra.

Call 800-228-6724 or visit www. warmbeachlights.com.

etc. Judging for businesses will end Dec. 14; judging for homes Dec. 18.

To ensure that your home is judged, the chamber recommends that you sign up at the Chamber office, 714-B Metcalf St., or at www.sedro-woolley.com. Homes not registered may receive an award, and those signed up will be judged.

Businesses may sign up by email at swchamber@sedro-woolley.com.

360-855-1841.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE AREA

uted during the week of Dec. 17 to Conner. Enjoy story times with Meals on Wheels clients.

Mrs. Claus, carol singing, gingerbread houses and more. Free HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: The with museum admission. Museum 33rd annual Allied Arts Holiday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday Festival of the Arts will take place through Sunday. $4, $3 seniors and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for through Sundays, through Dec. 24, members and children ages 5 and at 1200 Meador Ave., Bellingham. younger. 360-466-3365 or www.

The festival features the work skagitcounty.net/museum. of more than 100 local artisans GIVING TREE: Meals on Wheels and craftspeople and includes a PICTURES WITH SANTA: Noon program staff will collect Christvariety of handmade products to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15; Washmas gifts for clients who may not ranging from jewelry to paintings ington Federal Bank, 1017 Comotherwise receive gifts during to wearable art to specialty foods. mercial Ave., Anacortes. $10 donathe holiday season. Giving Trees Enjoy live music, artists in action tion gets your photo printed on are set up at each Skagit County and a children’s art project on the site, $25 donation gets your photo senior center with tags that donors weekends. 360-676-8548 or www. printed on site and digitally stored can take and attach to their donat- alliedarts.org. on a CD. 360-293-3515. ed gift before leaving it with center staff. New, wrapped or unwrapped HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDE: Join SKAGIT CHRISTMAS: Check gifts priced between $5 and $20 Santa Claus aboard the Lake out special exhibits showing how for either male or female are early Skagitonians celebrated the Whatcom Railway’s Christmas requested. Monetary donations for Yuletide season, through Dec. train at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 staff members to buy gifts are also 21, at the Skagit County Historip.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 22, accepted. The gifts will be distrib- cal Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La leaving from Wickersham, 10 miles

MV LIBRARY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: The Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., will host several free holiday activities for kids during December. 360336-6209.

Next up: Holiday Crafts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.

Storytime with Santa: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.

Holiday Crafts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22.

north of Sedro-Woolley on Highway 9. Meet Santa and his elf, sing Christmas carols and enjoy music

by Ben the banjo player. $20 ages 18 and older, $10 ages 2 to 17, free for ages 1 and younger. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Lake Whatcom Railway, P.O. Box 91, Acme, WA 98220. When ordering tickets, give a second and third choice of date and time, as rides often sell out. 360-595-2218 or www.lakewhatcomrailway.com.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Shelter Bay Chorus will perform The Many Moods of Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La Conner. Admission by donation. 360466-3805.

WONDERLAND WALK: Enjoy Christmas lights, caroling and hot cocoa from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15, at Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., Anacortes. The park will be decorated in Christmas lights. Free. 360-2931918 or www.cityofanacortes.org.

BREAKFAST WITH MRS. CLAUS: Join the United General Hospital Auxiliary for a festive morning with Mrs. Claus at 8:30 MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS: The or 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Com- the Coho Cafe at United General merce is holding the Magic of Hospital, 2000 Hospital Drive, Christmas Decorating Contest and Sedro-Woolley. Enjoy a breakfast is asking town residents to decoof French toast, eggs, fruit, bacon rate their businesses and homes and sausage; crafts, letters to Santa this week and next. and photos with Mrs. Claus. $10 The chamber will award ceradults, $5 ages 11 and younger. tificates and provide yard signs Tickets available at the UGH front for varied categories such as The desk or call 360-856-7615.

Clark Griswold Award, The Charlie Brown award, Most Traditional, See EVENTS, Page E19

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area

‘The Nutcracker’

Northwest Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. FridaySunday, Dec. 14-16, at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15-$24. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbaker theatre.com

SKAGIT TOPICS: “COLLECTING CHRISTMAS”

LIVE RADIO BROADCAST Enjoy a live broad-

HOLIDAY CONCERT The Fidalgo Youth

PET ADOPTION Red Waggin’ Rescue will

6 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 13, Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Members of the Skagit Reliques, Chapter 1407 of The Questers, will share their collections of vintage Christmas decorations and discuss how to find treasures, determine value and enjoy your collections. Free with museum admission. $4, $3 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for members and children ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounty.net/museum

cast of 92.9 KISM Radio’s Brad & John Show from 6 to 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Stop by and watch Brad and John in action, hear the latest on the theater’s fundraising campaign, enjoy free treats, win a movie ticket and more. Free.

360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com

Symphony will present its holiday concert at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

Adults $15, seniors $10, children/students $1. 360-416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org

have an array of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Skagit River Produce, located in the red barn at exit 221 off of I-5, in Conway.

All of the animals have had an initial vet check and are vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, and microchipped. Please note that Red Waggin’ Rescue does not do same-day adoptions. Applications will be taken and approved applicants will be able to adopt the following week. Email: connellpetrescue@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/RedWagginRescue

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

MUSIC

I

t’s Frank Ocean’s popmusic world. Everybody else is just swimming in it. “channel ORANGE,” the spare and seductive debut album by the California R&B singer who’s part of the notorious Odd Future hip-hop collective, hasn’t dominated the sales charts the way pop princess Taylor Swift has. Swift sold 1.2 million copies of “Red” in the first week of its release in October; before the sales bump Ocean will get from nabbing six Grammy nominations last week, he had sold fewer than 500,000 albums.

But sales figures and cultural clout are different things. And in a year when African-American and gay and lesbian voters were key in re-electing the president of the United States, Ocean’s revelation last summer that he once loved a man caused quite a to-do in and around the casually homophobic hip-hop milieu in which he’s a key player.

It also set him up as a living, breathing, singing symbol of societal change, potentially burdening his music with art-crushing significance.

As you can see in the Top 10 list below, one of the triumphs of “channel ORANGE” is that it’s not suffocated by that burden in the slightest, and instead soars on its musical merits. It may not be the best album of the year — I prefer Miguel’s “Kaleidoscope Dream,” the other R&B standout in my list. But by a long shot, Ocean’s is the one that captures the zeitgeist.

Now, on to the list:

Top 10 2012 THE

pop albums of

the cusp of 30 who rock out with anthemic energy all the more urgently because time is fleeting. Or, as they put it in “Younger Us”: “Remember saying things like ‘We’ll sleep when we’re dead’ / And thinking this feeling was never gonna end?” Download: “The House That Heaven Built.”

JAMEY JOHNSON, “LIVING FOR A SONG” (MERCURY)

There are more great singers on this record than you can shake a stick at. Jamey Johnson, the

By DAN DeLUCA / The Philadelphia Inquirer bearded, burly Alabaman who’s on the short list of major-label Nashville artists who get away with doing whatever they please, is one of them. He’s also a formidable songwriter, but on “Living for a Song,” he’s recorded 16 tunes by Hank Cochrane, the late country tunesmith who mastered the honky-tonk tear-jerker on classics like “I Fall to Pieces” and “Make the World Go Away.” Singing along are a murderer’s row of partners including Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss, ukulele (and electric guihas catered less and less reserved for Jack White’s the ’80s. Download: “Ain’t Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello and “Blunderbuss,” aiming tar) player Elizabeth Mor- to the marketplace in her Messin ‘Round.”

Bobby Bare. Sometimes to give this list a little ris, is cute, all right. But artistic approach. “The JAPANDROIDS, you wish there was one Morris’ melancholy songs Idler Wheel …,” whose full rock-star juice. But while vocalist per song rather “Blunderbuss” has a great “CELEBRATION ROCK” are marked by flinty intel- title runs to 23 words, feathan two or three, but title and a handful of bone- (POLYVINYL) ligence as well as enraptur- tures Apple pounding on “Long lit up tonight and the singing is impeccable quaking riff monsters, ing melodies. “Tallulah” her piano while producer still drinking / Don’t we throughout. Download: shares its name with an Charley Drayton bangs on it’s hardly the ex-White have anything to live for?” “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Stripe’s most fabulous album by the great Austhe drums. Apple uses her Japandroids duo Brian King of Hurting Me.” work. Instead, let’s give tralian indie band the Go- expressive, unvarnished and David Prowse shout the love to Gary Clark, Betweens, and hearing it voice as a percussive as well that question at the start KENDRICK LAMAR, the 28-year-old killer guimakes Morris’ heart ache, as a melodic and dramatic of the well-titled bromance “GOOD KID, M.A.A.D. CITY” tarist from Austin, Texas, as she wonders “if I’ve instrument. It’s uneasy lis(AFTERMATH) record of the year. They already heard all the songs tening, to be sure, but hard- who, after slaying festival Like previous Dr. Dre know the answer: “Well, crowds made an ambitious that will mean something.” ly unpleasing. “I just want collaborator Eminem, of course we do.”

Nihilism Surely, more will come her to fee-eee-eeel everything,” major-label debut. Despite Kendrick Lamar is a masway. But tunes as precious the 35-year-old singer sings a few slips, his album went never enters the equation ter storyteller with a flair for this Canadian duo. But beyond Clark’s jaw-dropas those on “Europe” will on “Every Single Night.” for internal rhyme, a rapin a year in which demoALLO DARLIN’, “EUROPE” ping Stevie-Ray-Vaughanalways be hard to come by. On “Idler Wheel …” she per with unassailable skills graphic outreach has often (SLUMBERLAND) and-Jimi comfort zone into Download: “Tallulah.” does so at peril to herself, who’s the creative equal been reduced to singing out I can’t think of a song I contemporary R&B and and to our benefit. Downin a partnership with one the word “Young!” — see loved more this year than FIONA APPLE, “THE IDLER hip-hop.

And it did it in load: “Hot Knife.” of the most formidable Ke$ha’s “Die Young,” One WHEEL …” (EPIC) “Tallulah,” on the shimpursuit of pop-music releproducers in hip-hop hisFiona Apple has released GARY CLARK JR., mery second album by vancy, something Clark has Direction’s “Live While tory. Lamar — full name, We’re Young” and fun.’s London indie-pop quartet four albums in her 16 a better chance of achiev“BLAK AND BLU” Kendrick Lamar Duck“We Are Young” — the (WARNER BROS.) years, and the perenniAllo Darlin’. The band, ing than any legit bluesworth — is an almost Japandroids are dudes on This spot had been fronted by Australian-born ally tortured songwriter man since Robert Cray in

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E7

MUSIC unfailingly serious man whose confidence in the life-and-death tales he spins is great enough that he hardly bothers to outfit his songs with choruses and hooks. No matter: Thanks to Dre and beatmaking helpmates like the Neptunes, the gripping tracks nod to ’70s funk and let Lamar bob and weave as he details his coming up on the streets of Compton.

Download: “Swimming Pools (Drank).”

MIGUEL, “KALEIDOSCOPE DREAM” (RCA)

The second album by Miguel, born Miguel Jontel Pimentel, is a Prince-ly platter that moves with sleek erotic confidence as it reshapes R&B to its own purposes every bit as successfully as Ocean does on “channel ORANGE.” “Kaleidoscope Dream” is musically promiscu-

ous as it makes effective psych-rock and soft singersongwriter moves, quoting the Zombies’ “Time of the Season” in “Don’t Look Back,” and toying with big ideas in “What’s the Fun in Forever.” Never too slick or off-puttingly earnest, it delivers the hits with the luscious “Adorn” and the devious “Do You …” and shows a rare depth of songwriting. Download: “Do You …”

FRANK OCEAN, “CHANNEL ORANGE” (DEF JAM)

Context is everything.

It’s impossible to separate this album from the fuss kicked up when Ocean, who’s closely connected to the provocative, often homophobic hip-hop collective Odd Future, revealed last summer that he had been in love with a man. But what’s most exciting about Ocean has

nothing to do with that. It’s his music. It’s not just that he’s a superb singer who uses an intimate falsetto to communicate interior conflict, and a skilled producer who, along with artists like Miguel and the Weeknd, is reshaping R&B. The Grammy darling born Christopher Breaux writes complex, character-driven songs far more sophisticated in perspective than your standard-issue pop.

Download: “Thinkin Bout You.”

from bipolar disorder.

And that gave context to the tortured lyrics that describe episodes of drunken depression in what, perhaps paradoxically, is one of the brightest-sounding, catchiest electro-pop records this year. Angelakos pairs tales of his tortuous emotional life with music that doesn’t bring you down, but lifts you up. Download: “On My Way.”

TAME IMPALA, “LONERISM” PASSION PIT, “GOSSAMER” (MODULAR RECORDINGS) As with Passion Pit, (COLUMBIA)

As with “channel ORANGE,” “Gossamer’s” release last summer was accompanied by news about its principal creator, songwriter Michael Angelakos, that changed the perception of his music.

In the case of Angelakos, 25, it was that he suffers

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM presents

EN HU DS RR SO Y ON

Peak of their Professions: The Murrow Brothers SKAGIT COUNTY’S MOST FAMOUS SONS

What Blanchard boy’s adult voice was heard round the world for 25 years and dined with presidents and prime ministers?

Find the answer to this question – and more – in our featured exhibit.

Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. thru December 21st $4 Adults / $8 Families / $3 Seniors & Children 6-12 / Members & Under 6 Years FREE

Skagit County Historical Museum

501 S. 4th Street, at the top of the hill in La Conner 360.466.3365 | www.skagitcounty.net/museum PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Dunlap Towing, Skagit Publishing, Washington State Department of Transportation

!

there are a bunch of guys in the Tame Impala band photo, but the music reflects the vision of just one. That would be Kevin Parker, the Australian auteur who worked all by his lonesome on “Lonerism,” an evocation of late-period Beatles psy-

chedelic rock. It is not about undisciplined jamming but about sunburst melodies and an experimental impulse in which cool-sounding effects are employed in the service of intensely pleasurable tunes.

It’s the rarest of 55-minute albums that gets better as it goes along, and on top of that, my nearly 90-yearold mother likes it. “Not bad,” she said. “They’re not screeching all the time!”

Download: “Music to Walk Home By.” HONORABLE MENTIONS

Neneh Cherry & the Thing, “The Cherry Thing” (Smalltown Supersound); The Coup, “Sorry to Bother You” (Anti-); Divine Fits, “A Thing Called Divine Fits” (Merge); Bob Dylan, “Tempest” (Columbia); Grimes, “Visions” (4AD/Arbitus); Pink, “The Truth About Love”

(RCA); Bruce Springsteen, “Wrecking Ball” (Columbia); Titus Andronicus, “Local Business” (XL); Jack White, “Blunderbuss” (Third Man Records); The Very Best, “MTMTMK” (Moshi Moshi).

Continue the cycle – please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

TRAVEL

New Orleans restaurants revive a Creole custom

By STACEY PLAISANCE Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Christmastime for Tyson and Ginny Graham means driving nearly 300 miles south of their Columbus, Miss., home to New Orleans for shopping, holiday concerts and the highlight of their trip — indulging in a grand reveillon dinner.

The elaborate meals, which stem from the old French tradition of eating a lavish meal after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, have become a popular draw for visitors to New Orleans during the holiday season.

In the weeks surrounding Christmas, some 50 restaurants offer four- to fivecourse meals of pan-roasted oysters, braised pork belly, duck confit, foie gras beignets and other holiday delicacies. The recipes have roots that date back to the beginning of the French city’s nearly 300-year history.

Though some restaurants serve reveillon dinners after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and after midnight fireworks on New Year’s Eve like in the old days, most offer the special menus during regular dinner hours.

“Thank goodness,” Tyson Graham, 71, said with a laugh. “After midnight is a little late for me.”

Graham said since he and his wife of 45 years, Ginny, discovered the city’s reveillon dinners about 15 years ago, they’ve been to New Orleans almost every December.

“It’s been a great way for us to experience all the restaurants we’ve frequented over the years, but we get to have something a little different,” he said.

The way it works: Restaurants offer fixed-price reveillon menus on top of their regular dinner menu starting in the weeks before Christmas and continuing through New Year’s Eve. Reveillon dinner prices can range from $35 to $90 a person depending on the restaurant.

John Magill, a historian and curator at The Historic New Orleans Collection museum and research center, says reveillon is French for “awakening” and was a term Gerald Herbert / AP used by early Creoles to describe a meal The reveillon menu of executive chef Kristin Butterworth is seen with wine pairings that followed an evening event. In the 1700s and cafe brulot in a tea siphon (center rear) at the Grill Room of the Windsor Court and 1800s, that could be as simple as beignets and cafe au lait at the French Market Hotel in old New Orleans. Roughly 50 restaurants in New Orleans are reviving an after a night out at the opera. old Creole custom called reveillon, which stems from the old French tradition of “You would eat to revive yourself after eating a lavish meal after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

On the Web New Orleans Reveillon Dinners: www.neworleansonline.com/holiday The Historic New Orleans Collection: www.hnoc.org

an evening event,” Magill said. “It didn’t always have to be a big heavy meal.”

Reveillons surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Eve, however, were grand affairs, he said. Families would spend days preparing a menu of comfort foods such as grits and grillades, gumbo, cakes and pastries, and the New Year’s Eve spread would be even more decadent, with oysters, duck and lamb.

The Christmas reveillon would traditionally take place after a full day of fasting for communion at midnight services.

Magill talks about reveillons in the 2009 book he co-wrote titled, “Christmas in New Orleans,” which also touches on the long-held tradition of holiday shopping on streetcar-lined Canal Street, caroling in the French Quarter and worshipping at St. Louis Cathedral.

Richard Stewart, a fifth-generation New Orleanian who is Catholic, says he wasn’t familiar with the old tradition of reveillon until the mid-1980s, when French Quarter restaurant owners began reviving the practice as a way to get more diners during the holidays.

“In December, you were lucky if you got 10 people a night in your restaurant,” said Stewart, co-owner of the Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter for 30 years before selling the establishment four years ago.

Stewart became fascinated with the fancy meals and even hosted one for his family in 2009. He said the five-course meal took weeks of research and days of preparation, with a menu that included an oyster soup and daube glace — braised short-ribs chilled to a gel form, then sliced and served with crackers or thin toasted French bread.

Today Stewart serves on a committee that oversees the city’s reveillon menus to ensure chefs are using ingredients that would have been used in the early days.

“The idea is to keep it as traditional as possible but leaving some room for creativity with the ingredients,” he said.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E9

TRAVEL At The Grill Room at the Windsor Court, executive chef Kristin Butterworth — a recent transplant to New Orleans from Pittsburgh — researched for months before presenting her first reveillon menu of braised pork belly with Gulf shrimp and white beans, local snapper with fennel and crawfish sausage and tenderloin with winter squash.

“When I delved into it and started to look at the history and the tradition of this meal, it was so amazing and so interesting to me,” she said. “I wanted to get it right.”

Even the salad took months of preparation, she said. Her winter greens are served with baby beets and squab prosciutto that Butterworth and her team cured in-house with salt, sugar, peppercorn and other spices over the past two months.

“A lot of love went into

this menu,” she said.

Select restaurants offer a wine-pairing option with each reveillon course Butterworth and cafe brulot — a traditional New Orleans holiday beverage of strong coffee infused with strips of citrus, sugar, cloves, cinnamon and cognac or brandy.

Stewart, like other traditionalists, says the hot, thick and sweet concoction is “the perfect cap to a big holiday meal.”

Some restaurants serve the beverage flaming tableside for added drama.

Though New Orleans is just about the only U.S. city that celebrates reveillon, the tradition is still alive in France, parts of Canada and other French-speaking

places where it is a long dinner and celebration held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Reveillon is also celebrated in Brazil and Portugal on New Year’s Eve. Some two million people flock to the shores of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro for music and fireworks.

“It’s like what we do in Times Square but on a larger scale and on the beach,” said Michelle Sobhraj, spokeswoman for a New York-based marketing company that promotes Brazilian tourism.

In Brazil, revelers don outfits in the color that symbolizes their wishes for the New Year, such as red for romance and white for peace and luck. Many carry pockets full of money for continued prosperity and a bay leaf in their wallets for luck.

Local travel “EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED: AN ANACORTES FAMILY’S CARIBBEAN SAILING ADVENTURE”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Jeff and Kris Gleckler will share their adventure with their three children as crew aboard the 46-foot Morgan sloop “Tradition.” What began as an 18-month sabbatical cruise to the Caribbean turned into a 3 1/2-year family voyage in the tropics. Free. 360293-1910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org.

day, Jan. 29. Check out the latest boats and boating gear. $15-$20, transportation only. Buy tickets at the door for $12. Pay by Jan. 15.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for participants ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). For information or to register, call 360-3366215.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from DAY TRIPS: Camano Center and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, offers trips for seniors and 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. others, departing from and returning to Camano Center, For information or to register: 606 Arrowhead Road, Cama- 360-733-4030, press #, ext.

47015, or wccoa.org/index. no Island. 360-387-0222 or php/Tours. www.camanocenter.org.

“Fiddler on the Roof”: Saturday, Jan. 26. Celebrate the STANWOOD SENIOR CENpower of tradition and change TER TRIPS: The Stanwood with this multi-award-winning Senior Center offers occasional trips around the Puget musical. $65-$70. Pay by Sound area and beyond, Dec. 20. departing from and returning Seattle Boat Show: Tues-

to the center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For information or reservations, contact Sandy Kitchens at 360-6297403.

Next up: LeMay, America’s Car Museum: Saturday, Dec. 15.

Enjoy a luxury coach ride to Tacoma and check out the four-story museum’s collection of more than 3,500 vintage, classic and historically important cars, trucks and motorcycles. Santa and Mrs. Claus will pose for photos with their 1906 Cadillac. $35, transportation only. Museum admission will be $10 and lunch is on your own.

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 at http://travel.state.gov or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.

Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas Celebration December 15, 2012

Children’s Matinee - 4 pm Evening Concert - 7 pm Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Event Center

December 13 • Collecting Christmas – Historical Museum 6-8pm December 15 • Small Shop Saturday –Tis the Season! Favorites • Nefarious Cellars Tasting & Live Music Hellams Vineyard 1–7pm December 19 • Family Fun Night – La Conner Regional Library 5:30–7pm

Geoffrey Castle The Gothard Sisters Steve Fossen Somar Macek Mac Macdonald

E10 Thursday, December 13, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 13-20 Thursday.13

Saturday.15

THEATER

BALLET

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

DANCE

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

Friday.14 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15$24. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbaker theatre.com.

MUSIC

Holiday Concert: Skagit Symphony and Skagit Symphony Chorus, with soloists Katherine and Bronn Journey, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$40. Tickets: 360-416-7727 or 866-624-6897. Information: www.skagitsym phony.com.

Fidalgo Youth Symphony Holiday Concert: 1 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Adults $15, seniors $10, children/students $1. 360-416-7727, mcintyrehall.org.

“The Many Moods of Christmas”: Shelter Bay Chorus, 2 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La Conner. Admission by donation.

360-466-3805.

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org

The Met Live in HD presents “Aida”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. 360-336-8955.

THEATER

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-3363012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

“My Homework Ate My Dog”: 2 and 7 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. $3-5. 360-855-3520.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

VARIETY

“Ho-Ho-Hootenanny”: 7:30 p.m. Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby, Everett. $16.50, $13 seniors/students/military, $5 ages 12 and younger. 425-258-6766.com.

SATURDAY.15

Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-3362884.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY.15-16 “HERALDING CHRISTMAS” Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org. Check individual listings for times.

Sunday.16

Monday.17

BALLET

MUSIC

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15-$24.

360-734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre. com.

MUSIC

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“Celtic Yuletide”: Boulding family ensemble, Magical Strings and friends, 3 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $16-$22. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 4 p.m., dessert matinee at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $24 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

KELLY JOE PHELPS (pictured), NATHANIEL TALBOT 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $15 cover.

360-445-3000.

Barney McClure: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

MUSIC

WWU’s Firehouse Piano Series featuring Madeline Slettedahl and Ben Rosenblatt: 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $5-$10.

360-650-6146 or www.tickets.wwu.edu.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

THURSDAY.13

“Winter Celebration”: Fidalgo DanceWorks, 4 p.m., Anacortes High School, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $10. 360299-8447 or www.fidalgodanceworks.org.

THEATER

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-3363012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 13-20

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15-$24. 360734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

“The Many Moods of Christmas”: Shelter Bay Chorus, 7:30 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La Conner. Admission by donation. 360-466-3805.

“My Homework Ate My Dog”: 7 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. $3-5. 360-855-3520.

Thursday, December 13, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Bronn and Katherine Journey and friends’ 31st annual Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$24. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Tuesday.18 No events submitted

Wednesday.19

Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. www. redlightbelling ham.com.

SUNDAY.16 NICK VIGARINO (pictured), TERRY NELSON & FRIENDS 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

FRIDAY.14 Salvadore Dali Llama (alternative rock, indie pop): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. $3 cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

Steve Meyer and Ben Starner (piano): 7:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Nitecrew (top 40): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448 or www.theskagit. com.

David Ritchie & Friends (jam session): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or washingtonsips. com.

Maggie’s Fury: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Joe Argo (Texas country, folk): 8 p.m., Big Rock Café & Grocery, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-424-7872.

Scott Pemberton Trio, Champagne Sunday: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 cover. 360-4453000.

Sarah in the Wild, The Family Crest: 9 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. www.redlight bellingham.com.

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

360-422-6411.

Fat James/ Johnny Brewer (of Fatback): 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Nitecrew (top 40): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877275-2448 or www. theskagit.com.

Amy Hindman (pop, light rock): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1037 or washington sips.com.

The Fabulous Roof Shakers: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Midlife Crisis and the Alimony Horns: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Kelly Joe Phelps, Nathaniel Talbot: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $15 cover. 360-4453000.

Ann ‘n’ Dean (country): 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Open to the public. 360-848-8882.

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

360-422-6411.

MUSIC

Mount Vernon High School choirs winter concert: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $6-$8.

Some discounts available for 4 p.m. performance. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall. org.

Thursday.20 THEATER

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

SATURDAY.15 Tony Bridges: 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. $3 cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

SUNDAY.16 Orville Johnson: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

WEDNESDAY.19 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-8552263.

Nick Vigarino, Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner.

No cover. 360-466-4488.

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

THURSDAY.20 Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 6 to 8 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in.

Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. www.red lightbellingham.com.

E10 Thursday, December 13, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 13-20 Thursday.13

Saturday.15

THEATER

BALLET

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

DANCE

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

Friday.14 BALLET

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15$24. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbaker theatre.com.

MUSIC

Holiday Concert: Skagit Symphony and Skagit Symphony Chorus, with soloists Katherine and Bronn Journey, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$40. Tickets: 360-416-7727 or 866-624-6897. Information: www.skagitsym phony.com.

Fidalgo Youth Symphony Holiday Concert: 1 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Adults $15, seniors $10, children/students $1. 360-416-7727, mcintyrehall.org.

“The Many Moods of Christmas”: Shelter Bay Chorus, 2 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La Conner. Admission by donation.

360-466-3805.

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org

The Met Live in HD presents “Aida”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. 360-336-8955.

THEATER

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-3363012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

“My Homework Ate My Dog”: 2 and 7 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. $3-5. 360-855-3520.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

VARIETY

“Ho-Ho-Hootenanny”: 7:30 p.m. Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby, Everett. $16.50, $13 seniors/students/military, $5 ages 12 and younger. 425-258-6766.com.

SATURDAY.15

Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-3362884.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY.15-16 “HERALDING CHRISTMAS” Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org. Check individual listings for times.

Sunday.16

Monday.17

BALLET

MUSIC

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15-$24.

360-734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre. com.

MUSIC

“Heralding Christmas”: Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $16-$25. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“Celtic Yuletide”: Boulding family ensemble, Magical Strings and friends, 3 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $16-$22. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 4 p.m., dessert matinee at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $24 per person. 800228-6274 or www.warmbeachlights.com.

KELLY JOE PHELPS (pictured), NATHANIEL TALBOT 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $15 cover.

360-445-3000.

Barney McClure: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

MUSIC

WWU’s Firehouse Piano Series featuring Madeline Slettedahl and Ben Rosenblatt: 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. $5-$10.

360-650-6146 or www.tickets.wwu.edu.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

THURSDAY.13

“Winter Celebration”: Fidalgo DanceWorks, 4 p.m., Anacortes High School, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $10. 360299-8447 or www.fidalgodanceworks.org.

THEATER

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-3363012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 13-20

“The Nutcracker”: Northwest Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $15-$24. 360734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

“The Many Moods of Christmas”: Shelter Bay Chorus, 7:30 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La Conner. Admission by donation. 360-466-3805.

“My Homework Ate My Dog”: 7 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. $3-5. 360-855-3520.

Thursday, December 13, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Bronn and Katherine Journey and friends’ 31st annual Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$24. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Tuesday.18 No events submitted

Wednesday.19

Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. www. redlightbelling ham.com.

SUNDAY.16 NICK VIGARINO (pictured), TERRY NELSON & FRIENDS 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

FRIDAY.14 Salvadore Dali Llama (alternative rock, indie pop): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. $3 cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

Steve Meyer and Ben Starner (piano): 7:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Nitecrew (top 40): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448 or www.theskagit. com.

David Ritchie & Friends (jam session): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or washingtonsips. com.

Maggie’s Fury: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Joe Argo (Texas country, folk): 8 p.m., Big Rock Café & Grocery, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-424-7872.

Scott Pemberton Trio, Champagne Sunday: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10 cover. 360-4453000.

Sarah in the Wild, The Family Crest: 9 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. www.redlight bellingham.com.

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

360-422-6411.

Fat James/ Johnny Brewer (of Fatback): 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Nitecrew (top 40): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877275-2448 or www. theskagit.com.

Amy Hindman (pop, light rock): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1037 or washington sips.com.

The Fabulous Roof Shakers: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Midlife Crisis and the Alimony Horns: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Kelly Joe Phelps, Nathaniel Talbot: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $15 cover. 360-4453000.

Ann ‘n’ Dean (country): 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

Open to the public. 360-848-8882.

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

360-422-6411.

MUSIC

Mount Vernon High School choirs winter concert: 4 and 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $6-$8.

Some discounts available for 4 p.m. performance. 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall. org.

Thursday.20 THEATER

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www.whidbeyplay house.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

SATURDAY.15 Tony Bridges: 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. $3 cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

SUNDAY.16 Orville Johnson: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

WEDNESDAY.19 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-8552263.

Nick Vigarino, Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner.

No cover. 360-466-4488.

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

THURSDAY.20 Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 6 to 8 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in.

Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. www.red lightbellingham.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

OUT & ABOUT ART CLASSES

MUSIC

NATIVE FLUTE WORKSHOP: 11 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 16, Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Room 309, 202 S. First St., Mount Vernon.

Peter Ali will share stories of the flutes he plays and of his rich ethnic heritage. Come listen to the sounds of eagles, running river, nature and spirit in the flute’s song, WATERCOLOR FOR KIDS!: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9-30, at the Burling- and learn how to play from the heart. Free.

Preregister with a co-op cashier, call 360ton Community Center craft room, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. Kids ages 7 to 336-5087, ext. 139, or email jill@skagitfood 13 will learn brush handling, color mixing coop.com. and more. $40 plus $20 one-time supply fee payable to instructor. Register by Jan. RECREATION 3 with Burlington Parks and Recreation: WINTER BREAK PROGRAMS: Burling360-755-9649. ton Parks and Recreation will offer a variety of winter break activities for ages 6 to INTRO TO ILLUSTRATION ART CLASS12. Limited enrollment. Register by Dec. ES: Burlington Parks and Recreation will 21: 360-755-9649. offer a series of art classes for ages 8 to Gymnastics, Games and Goop: 10 a.m.

14. Instructor Max Elam will introduce to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26. Be spoiled young artists to a variety of styles and art with one hour of gym time at Dimensions mediums. Each four-session class costs of Gymnastics, then play games and make $45. Supplies included. To register, call goopy messes at the Parks and Recreation 360-755-9649.

Center. $25. Pack a lunch.

Absolute Air Play & Playtime: 10 a.m.

AUDITIONS to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec 27. Enjoy two “LEGALLY BLONDE”: Auditions will be hours of jump time at Absolute Air Play, followed by more fun games and crafts. held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 6 to $35. Pack a lunch.

8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15-16, at Anacortes Ice Skating, Pizza and Cocoa CreCommunity Theatre, 911 M Ave., Anaations: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec 28. cortes. Parts are available for 16 women Travel to the Everett Ice Arena for some and seven men, young to middle aged.

Music and scripts are available in the ACT skate time and pizza, then back to the office. The play will run March 29-April 27. Parks and Recreation Center for some hot cocoa treats. $35.

360-293-4373 or www.acttheatre.com.

ART CLASSES: Dakota Art offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360416-6556, ext. 5, or www.dakotaartcenter. com.

MURDER MYSTERY CABARET: The First Street Cabaret & Speakeasy will hold auditions for its new 1920s Prohibition-era murder mystery dinner show at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, and at 6 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, Dec. 17-20, at 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Parts are available for 16 men and women, ages 18 or older — gangster types, gun molls, flappers, singers, dancers, musicians and comedians. Improv ability is a must. Two sets of performers will alternate performances each week on Thursday evenings and late Sunday afternoons. Pay scale is based on experience. To schedule an audition, call 360-336-3012. Bring a resume and headshot.

DANCE ARGENTINE TANGO PARTY: The Conway Muse will host a Tango Dance Party with music by Tocato Tango at 8 p.m. today at 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway.

Pay what you will. 360-445-3000 or www. conwaymuse.com.

FLY-FISHING COURSE: The Fidalgo Fly Fishers will teach “Introduction to Fly Fishing” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 2-March 13, at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon. Beginning fly fishers will learn the skills required to start catching trout in area lakes and streams. Topics include lines, rods and reels; casting; trout foods and related flies; basic fly tying; trout habitat and behavior; and fly-fishing methods. $120, includes course materials. Class is limited to 16 students. To register, call 360-416-7638, stop by the registration office on the SVC Mount Vernon campus or visit www.skagit.edu and print and submit the mail-in “Non-Degree seeking Registration Form.”

THEATER THEATER CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre’s Class Act School for the Performing Arts is enrolling kids from preschool through 12th grade for winter classes on acting and theater arts. Classes are held at ACT, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. 360-2936829 or www.acttheatre.com/classact.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E13

HOT TICKETS “THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theater: Dec. 14-16, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or www.mount bakertheatre.com.

THE CLASSIC CRIME: Dec. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

LAMB OF GOD: Dec. 16, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

JINGLE BALL: featuring Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Ed Sheeran, 3OH!3, Owl City, Alex Clare, Cher Lloyd: Dec. 16, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: Dec. 17, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MOSCOW BOYS CHOIR: Dec. 18, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

2 CHAINZ: Dec. 21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA: Dec. 23, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

ZEDS DEAD: Dec. 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

DIGABLE PLANETS: Dec. 29, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

PICKWICK: Dec. 31, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

TWO STORY ZORI: Dec. 31, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

RESOLUTION 2013: featuring DOCTOR P, MORD FUSTANG, RUSKO, W&W: Dec. 31, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

NEUROSIS: Jan. 5, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

LADY GAGA: Jan. 14, 2013, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation. com.

CIRQUE ZIVA: Jan. 17, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

QUICKSAND: Jan. 18, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

JACKSON BROWNE: Jan. 20, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.livenation.com.

DOWN: Jan. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

PINBACK: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

THE WALKMEN: Jan. 27, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livebation.com.

“AMALUNA”: Cirque du Soleil: Jan. 31-Feb. 24, 2013, Marymoor Park, Redmond. 800450-1480 or www.cirquedusoleil.com.

LEWIS BLACK: Feb. 1, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MUSE: Feb. 1, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

THE SONICS, MUDHONEY: Feb. 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

EXCISION: Feb. 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: Feb. 4, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH: Feb. 7, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

RA RA RIOT: Feb. 8, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil Diamond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

TOMAHAWK: Feb. 12, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

LEFTOVER SALMON: Feb. 15, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Feb. 16-17, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcastarenaeverett.com.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

EELS: Feb. 19, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

GALACTIC: featuring Corey Glover: Feb. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

AARON NEVILLE: Feb. 23, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: March 1-2, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

MOE: March 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.livenation.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

BRIAN REGAN: March 13, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

SARAH BRIGHTMAN: March 22, 2013, Comcast Area at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.livenation.com.

RIHANNA DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR: April 3, 2013, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

NANCI GRIFFITH: April 5, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

D.C.’s International Spy Museum salutes ‘50 years of Bond Villains’ GeT

30 $ 20 $

By TISH WELLS McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — Do you have what it takes to be James Bond?

You can test yourself at the new exhibit “Exquisitely Evil: 50 years of Bond Villains,” which just opened at the International Spy Museum. It runs through 2014.

The character of James Bond was created by the late British writer Ian n On the Web: www.spymuseum.org Fleming, a former Naval Intelligence officer during World War II. The character has become an icon known worldwide.

“When Ian Fleming wrote his books, in particular when the books began to be turned into films, nobody knew anything very much about British intelligence at all,” says Dame Stella Rimington, former director general of the British Security Service MI-5.”In those days the government didn’t even acknowledge that MI-6 existed, so the films came into a sort of blank world, and told us that British Intelligence contained men wearing black ties and dinner jackets and looking extraordinarily elegant and drinking martinis, shaken not stirred. I do believe that people actually thought that was true for a good long time.”

Starring six actors over 50 years, the 23 Bond movies have always changed their villains to suit their times. Megalomaniacs, evil global tycoons, men set on wiping out all of mankind, and, on a more personal level, disaffected secret agents have all run up against Bond — and failed.

This exhibit tells their stories.

“Exquisitely Evil” starts with Fleming artifacts, including a one-of-a-kind walking stick with a golden-eye grip. Props from all the films are represented.

Many will remember the steel teeth belonging to Jaws from “Moonraker,” elaborately handled torture knives, and a small-scale model of the Aston-Martin DB5 first driven by Sean Connery in “Goldfinger.”

“James Bond’s films exceeded by several billion dollars all the other franchises in Hollywood history,” says Milton Maltz, who founded the International Spy Museum 10 years ago.

His original concept for the museum was that it be about espionage in the real world, not fiction. So, along with Bond, “Exquisitely Evil” includes 15 video clips from former CIA agents including Valerie Plame, whose cover was blown by

Tuesdays

FOr

Tish Wells / MCT

A visitor tests one of the interactive exhibits at the International Spy Museum’s exhibit “Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains” in Washington, D.C. the George W. Bush administration, and Robert Baer, author of “See No Evil,” explaining how intelligence gathering really works. The clips are called “My Bond Moments.”

Rimington says, “As the films have moved on, the world has moved with them, and they’ve moved with the world.

So with the latest film, ‘Skyfall,’ it’s a very different, different picture that’s presented.” The closing room is devoted to the dangers of modern day cyber-warfare.

Museum goers will enjoy the interactive exhibits. There’s “Can you hang?” where you can test how long you can hang onto a metal bar — which starts to slowly turn after a certain point.

Anna Slafer, director of the museum, says they wanted to make people “reflect on ‘how have I been affected by fiction over the years.’” One question from an interactive poll is “007 has a license to kill.

Do you think that real intelligence officers have a license to kill?”

Another question: Would today’s intelligence services accept James Bond as an agent?

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E15

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

MOVIES

Murray portrays the human core of FDR B

ill Murray wasn’t my first thought for an actor to play President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but he may have been the right choice for “Hyde Park on Hudson.” The role requires him to show Roosevelt as a sometimes lonely and sad man whose vacation getaway is his mother’s family mansion, Springwood, near Hyde Park in upstate New Roger York.

We’re Ebert accustomed to think of Roosevelt as a powerful man, elected four times to the presidency, the leader of the free world in World War II. Here we see him as the captive of a female-dominated private life, where his mother, Sara (Elizabeth Wilson), his wife, Eleanor (Olivia Williams), and his secretary, Missy (Elizabeth Marvel), pretty much run things. To this domain in the summer of 1949 he invites a sixth cousin, Margaret “Daisy” Suckley (Laura Linney), for a visit, and craftily begins a sweet romance with her under the eyes of the others, who understand much and accept much.

Murray makes a number of good choices for the character. He’s smaller and thinner than Roosevelt, but wears his summer hat at a jaunty angle, keeps his cigarette holder tilted high, and has quiet humor in his speech. It was well but not widely known that Roosevelt was a polio victim, and he had the cooperation of the press corps in never photographing him in his wheelchair. His convertible is modified to be driven with

Focus Features via AP

Bill Murray stars as Franklin D. Roosevelt in “Hyde Park on Hudson.” hands only, and he makes full use of this freedom of mobility to take fragrant Cousin Daisy for drives around the estate, where he leaves the Secret Service behind, treats her to views of his favorite landscapes, and seduces her to, as we might say, pleasure him.

To this bucolic retreat in June 1939, he receives guests whose visit could change the course of world history.

England’s King George V (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) make a detour from their state visit to Canada, hoping to get Roosevelt’s pledge to

and gives a bracing talk to “Bertie.”

Daisy isn’t present, of HHH1⁄2 course, although the whole FDR........................................................... Bill Murray film is presented as her point Daisy...................................................... Laura Linney of view (after her death in Bertie.................................................... Samuel West Elizabeth...............................................Olivia Colman 1991, the story of her fling Missy................................................Elizabeth Marvel with Roosevelt was found Sara..................................................Elizabeth Wilson in a case containing her letDaisy’s Aunt............................................ Eleanor Bron ters and journals). As Daisy, Eleanor................................................ Olivia Williams Laura Linney plays a 50ish n Running time: 94 minutes. MPAA rating: R (for brief single woman with great sexuality). sympathy and affection for her distant cousin. Roosevelt join in the war against Hitler. and Franklin curses his polio. uses her as a confidant, in This is officially a “social Standing up with great diftheir first meeting proudly visit,” and actually their cru- ficulty and making his way by showing her his stamp colcial meeting with each other holding onto his desk, FDR lection, maybe as a test; later, takes place late at night when explains that the public has he confides that when he’s George curses his stammer little idea of his paralysis, besieged by bores they can

‘HYDE PARK ON HUDSON’

usually be depended upon to drift away when his stamp albums come out.

This isn’t a serious historical film. It plays different instruments than Spielberg’s “Lincoln.” Bill Murray, who has a wider range than we sometimes realize, finds the human core of this FDR and presents it tenderly. Much of the film is a comedy, including a “typical American picnic” at which the royals are served something called a “hot dog.” Elizabeth is not thrilled, but Bertie digs in gamely. Eventually America joined in the war against Hitler. Daisy was there.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Flight” — After opening with one of the most terrifying flying scenes I’ve witnessed, in which an airplane is saved by being flown upside-down, Robert Zemeckis’ “Flight” segues into a brave and tortured performance by Denzel Washington -one of his very best. Not often does a movie character make such a harrowing personal journey that keeps us in deep sympathy all of the way. Washington plays a veteran commercial pilot who has built up a tolerance for quantities of alcohol and cocaine that would be lethal for most people. Drama, R, 138 minutes. HHHH “Hyde Park on Hudson” — Bill Murray plays Franklin Roosevelt as a sometimes lonely and sad man whose vacation getaway is his mother’s family mansion, Springwood, near Hyde Park in upstate New York.

Here in June 1939, he receives guests whose visit could change the course of world history: England’s King George V (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman).

Witnessing from backstage is his sixth cousin, Daisy (Laura Linney), with whom FDR has a sweet and secret affair. Murray finds the exact tone, gentle and confiding, for this view of Roosevelt. Biography, R, 94 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Life of Pi”: A miraculous achievement of storytelling and a landmark of visual mastery.

Inspired by a worldwide bestseller that seemed unfilmable, it is a triumph over its difficulties. It is also a moving spiritual achievement, a movie whose title could have been shortened to “Life.” The story involves the 227 days that its teenage hero (Suraj Sharma) spends drifting across the Pacific in the same lifeboat as a Bengal tiger. The movie quietly combines various religious traditions to enfold its story in the wonder of life.

How remarkable that these two mammals, and the fish beneath them and birds above them, are all here. One of the year’s best. Fantasy, PG, 125 minutes. HHHH “Lincoln” — Steven Spielberg’s new film focuses on only a few months of Lincoln’s life, including the passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, the surrender of the Confederacy and his assassination. Rarely has a film attended more carefully to the details of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis

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

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 14-20 The Metropolitan Opera: Aida (NR): Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG13): Friday-Thursday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:30 Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Thursday: 4:05, 6:40 Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 8:50; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10 Flight (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 3:55, 6:35, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:15, 3:55, 6:35 360-293-7000 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CONCRETE THEATRE Dec. 14-16 Skyfall (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386).

creates a Lincoln who is calmly self-confident, patient and willing to play politics in a realistic way. Not about an icon of history, but about a president who was scorned by some of his opponents as a hayseed from the backwoods. He understood them better than they did him.

Sure to win many Academy Award nominations. Drama, PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH “Playing for Keeps” — Tells the story of George (Gerard Butler), a has-been soccer star whose career is foundering but who is a completely nice man with none of the character flaws that soccer stars have been known to possess. Moving to Virginia to be near his ex-wife (wonderful Jessica Biel) and young son (Noah Lomax, a natural), he finds himself a seduction target for all the trophy wives and divorced moms in the grandstands. Unreels pretty predictably. Romantic comedy, PG-13, 105 minutes.

HH “Red Dawn” — Opens with a hard-fought high school football game before the next day in Spokane, is interrupted by the thud of bombs. The young gridiron stars of the Wolverines race outside to see enemy aircraft flying overhead in formation, dropping paratroopers from the skies. Light on dialogue, heavy on mindless action. Action, PG-13, 93 minutes H1⁄2 “Rise of the Guardians” —

‘Searching for Sugar Man’ OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 14-20 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG13): Friday-Thursday: 1:15, 4:30, 7:45 Red Dawn (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:35, 3:45, 6:30, 8:45; Sunday-Thursday: 1:35, 3:45, 6:30 Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:25, 3:55, 6:40, 8:55; Sunday-Thursday: 1:25, 3:55, 6:40 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Dec. 14-20 The Metropolitan Opera: Aida (NR): Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG13): 1:00, 2:30, 4:15, 6:00, 7:30 Life of Pi (PG): 1:20, 6:30 Rise of the Guardians (PG): 3:55, 6:50 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (PG-13): 1:30, 4:05, 6:40, 9:05 Skyfall (PG-13): 1:10, 8:55 Flight (R): 3:45, 9:00 360-629-0514

Hyperactive 3D animated fantasy regarding the plight of Jack Frost, who nobody seems able to see. Called upon in a crisis to help the Guardians (Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, etc.), he saves the day.

Younger children like the breakneck action, magical ability to fly, and the young hero who has tired of being overlooked. Their parents and older siblings may find the 89-minute running time quite long enough. Animated adventure, PG, 89 minutes.

HHH “Skyfall” — “Skyfall” triumphantly reinvents 007 in one of the best Bonds ever made. This is a full-blooded, joyous, intelligent celebration of a beloved cultural icon, with Daniel Craig taking full possession of a role he earlier played unconvincingly. The film at last provides a role worthy of Judi Dench, returning as M, who is one of the best actors of her generation. She is all but the co-star, with a lot of screen time, poignant dialogue, and a character who is far more complex and sympathetic than we expect. In this 50th year of the James Bond series, with the dismal “Quantum of Solace” (2008) still in our minds, I don’t know what I expected in Bond No. 23, but certainly not an experience this invigorating.

If you haven’t seen a 007 for years, this is the time to jump back in. Action, PG-13, 143 minutes. HHHH

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” — “The Hobbit” is stuffed with Hollywood’s latest technology — 3-D, high-speed projection and Dolby’s Atmos surround sound system. The result is some eye candy that truly dazzles and some that utterly distracts, at least in its test-run of 48 frames a second, double the projection rate that has been standard since silent-film days. It’s also overstuffed with, well, stuff.

Prologues and sidestepping backstory. Long, boring councils among dwarves, wizards and elves. A shallow blood feud extrapolated from sketchy appendices to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to give the film a bad guy. Fantasyaction, PG-13, 169 minutes.

HH1⁄2 “Wreck-It Ralph” — The new Disney animated feature for families takes place inside several arcade-style video games, providing an excuse for the backgrounds, ground rules and characters to constantly reinvent themselves. Its hero is one of those clumsy, misunderstood big guys who dream only of being loved. Ralph (voice by John C. Reilly) spends every day knocking down an apartment building, which is constantly repaired by Fix-It Felix Jr. (Jack McBrayer). Lively, endlessly colorful nonstop action, also with Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman. Animated comedy, PG, 101 minutes. HHH

7:30 p.m. Friday-Monday, Dec. 14-17 “Searching for Sugar Man” tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest 1970s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late ’60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album that they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. Instead, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide.

But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero.

Rated PG-13. $10 general, $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under.

Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

The Met Live in HD: ‘Aida’ 9:55 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15

The Met’s unforgettable production of Verdi’s ancient Egyptian drama stars Liudmyla Monastyrska as the enslaved Ethiopian princess caught in a love triangle with the heroic Radamès, played by Roberto Alagna, and the proud Egyptian princess Amneris, sung by Olga Borodina. Fabio Luisi conducts. In Italian with English subtitles. $23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

Celtic Yuletide

3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 The 34th annual concert joins three generations of the Boulding family and friends for Celtic-flavored holiday music with singing, dancing, juggling, caroling, storytelling and more. $16-$22. $2 discount for Lincoln members.

The Met Live in HD: ‘Un Ballo In Maschera’ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19

Director David Alden’s dreamlike setting provides a compelling backdrop for this dramatic story of jealousy and vengeance. Marcelo Álvarez stars as the conflicted king; Sondra Radvanovsky is Amelia, the object of his secret passion; and Dmitri Hvorostovsky is her suspicious husband. Kathleen Kim is the page Oscar, and Stephanie Blythe sings the role of the fortune teller Ulrica. Fabio Luisi conducts. In Italian with English subtitles. $23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, December 13, 2012

OUT & ABOUT ART

SMALL CANVAS: Anne Martin McCool Gallery is featuring a Holiday Special Small Paintings Show through the end of the month at 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The event includes small paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool, and other gallery artists will be featured as well. 360-293-3577.

NEW WWU GALLERIES: Western Washington University will celebrate the opening of three new gallery spaces at 4:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14, at the WWU Performing Arts Center on Western’s Bellingham campus. The ceremony will feature a ribboncutting and a brief program honoring Virginia Wright, whose recent gift of $250,000 allowed the university to create the new galleries in the Mainstage and Concert Hall lobbies, and to renovate an existing gallery, which houses a rare collection of tapestries by Alexander Calder.

Free parking for the celebration will be available from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the gravel lots on the south end of Western’s campus.

360-650-6825.

“WE REMEMBER JOHN SIMON”: Gallery Cygnus is featuring paintings by John Simon through Dec. 24 at 109 Commercial St., La Conner. The show includes more than 30 paintings from the late artist’s estate. This work spans the artist’s career and has not been seen by the public since Simon’s death in 2010. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday. 360-7084787 or www.gallerycygnus.com.

FALL ART SHOW: The Salish Sea Plein Air Art Group’s fall show continues from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through December at the Rexville Grocery, 19271 Best Road, Mount Vernon. 360-4665522 or www.rexvillegrocery.com.

“GLACIAL SPEED”: A show of recent artwork by Cynthia Camlin continues through Jan. 13 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center on the SVC campus, 2405 E. College

Franklin Koenig, Louise Kikuchi, James Minson, Viola Patterson and Mark Tobey.

Pilchuck: IDEAS”: Celebrating 50 years of Studio Glass, the show features work from the Pilchuck permanent collection rarely seen off the famous glass school’s campus. These pieces from the early days of the revolution in studio glass were created by some of the most important artists working in the medium, including Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Joey Kirkpatrick, Flora Mace, Ben Moore, Lino Tagliapietra, Italo Scanga and more.

The works on display are especially significant because they show these artists in the process of teaching, experimenting and in some cases searching for iconic forms and expressions for which A show of new paintings by Jennifer Bowman continues through they have become famous. Groupings of early glass are shown next Jan. 29 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. to mature examples of the artists’ Also showing are photographs by Randy Dana, Dick Garvey and work from private collections.

Lewis Jones; fused glass by Robin Larson; oils and pastels by Amanda Houston; and pastels and acrylics by Joel Brock. Gallery Museum hours are noon to hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, 360-293-6938 or www.scottmilo.com. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. $8, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members Way, Mount Vernon. The exhibit “Best of the Festival”: Check and ages 11 and younger. 360interprets environmental change out the quilts that were juried 466-4446 or www.museumof through visual metaphors, depict- and judged to be the best at the nwart.org. ing the phases of melting glaciers 2012 Quilt Festival. In addition to the Best of Show, the exhibit through abstracted forms. GalMORE FUN lery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes the top entries in the TWO-MUSEUM PASS: Take Monday through Friday. 360-416- traditional and nontraditional pieced quilts, wearable arts, eco- your family to visit two local 7812. green and embellished categories. museums for one price with Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 a two-museum pass from the VALLEY SCENES: Local artp.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Skagit County Historical Museist Roger Small is showcasing um and the Children’s Museum Regular admission: $7, $5 stuacrylic paintings of Skagit Valdents and military, free for mem- of Skagit County. $15 buys a famley scenes from noon to 5 p.m. ily pass good at both museums: Fridays through Sundays during bers and ages 11 and younger. the Historical Museum, 501 S. 360-466-4288 or www.laconner December at J’s Gallery, 101 N. Fourth St., La Conner; and the quilts.com.

First St., La Conner. Also feaChildren’s Museum, located tured: Ed Kamuda, Jay Bowen, inside the Cascade Mall in BurMoNA EXHIBITIONS: New Tom Pickett, Chuck Bankuti and exhibits continue through Jan. 1, lington. Passes are available at Dan Soler. either location. For information, 2013, at the Museum of NorthQUILTED ART: Two quilt shows west Art, 121 S. First St., La Con- contact the Historical Museum at 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounner. continue through Dec. 20 at the ty.net/museum, or the Children’s “CIRCULAR: From The PerLa Conner Quilt & Textile MuseMuseum at 360-757-8888 or www. manent Collection”: Artworks um, 703 Second St., La Conner. skagitchildrensmuseum.net. selected from the museum’s “Material Men: Innovation & collection explore the meanThe Art Of Quiltmaking”: The FISH HATCHERY TOURS: ing and influence of the circular exhibit showcases the work of Skagit Fisheries Enhancement form. The show features works 16 male quilters and the many Group will offer free guided innovations in design, technique by Maria Frank Abrams, Guy Anderson, Marc Boutté, Kenneth tours of the Marblemount Fish and materials these men have Hatchery facility from 10 a.m. to Callahan, Doris Chase, Claybrought to the traditionally 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, ton James, Leo Kenney, John“women’s work” of quilting.

ACRYLIC PAINTINGS

through Jan. 27, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount.

Learn about the enhancement group, hatchery operations, salmon and their life cycle and other visitors to the area, such as bald eagles. Tours start inside the visitors’ center. The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours. 360336-0172, ext. 304, or education@ skagitfisheries.org.

NEW MOON FAMILY DRUM CIRCLE: 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 13, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

The Rev. Elke Macartney will lead the event to drum in new ideas and drum out the old. Bring your hand drums and rattles or borrow hers. Suggested donation: $5-$10. 360-464-2229 or www. anacortescenterforhappiness.org.

SISTER CITIES HOLIDAY PROGRAM: The annual Anacortes Sister Cities Holiday Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 13, in Anacortes. See photos from the Sister Cities recent trip to Romania and enjoy a dinner of turkey, ham, potatoes, dressing and gravy.

A guest from Romania will be on hand to answer questions. $5.

Bring a vegetable, salad or dessert to share. Reservations required: Jo Fuqua at 360-293-6923 or email fuqua4@comcast.net.

STANWOOD WINTER DINNER: Wayne’s Corner Café will sponsor a community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Dec. 13, at Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Dinner $12 per person, includes soup, choice of ham or beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, roll and dessert. Live music by the South End String band. Proceeds benefit the Life Enhancement Assistance Program. Tickets available at the center. 360-629-7403.

PANCAKES & SANTA: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Kids crafts, pancakes and Santa.

Bring a camera, an appetite and some holiday spirit. $5 adults, $8 kids. Tickets available at Snow Goose Bookstore, 8616 271st St. NW, Stanwood. 360-629-7403.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 - E19

COMMUNITY

w Events Continued from Page E4

HOLIDAY STOCKING SHOPPING: More than 25 vendors will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Tulip Valley Winery, 16163 Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon. Finish all your Christmas shopping under one roof. Enjoy refreshments and door prizes. For information, call Ector at 360-840-1630 or Kymbr at 360-421-8898.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club will host a holiday open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 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. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

HOLIDAY YOUTH CONCERT: Fidalgo Youth Symphony will present its Holiday Concert at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15 adults, $10 seniors, $1 children and students. 360-416-7727, 866624-6897 or www.mcintyre hall.org.

HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES: Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, around downtown Anacortes, starting from Alley Cat Antiques, 309 Commercial Ave. For information, call the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce at 360-293-7911.

VISIT WITH SANTA: Visit Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. 360-826-

3406 or www.birdsview brewingcompany.com.

WINE & SHOPPING: Tulip Valley Winery will collect unwrapped toys and cash donations for the Forgotten Children’s Fund, benefitting Skagit County children in need, during a Christmas shopping and wine-tasting event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at 16163 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. Drawings for door prizes and Christmas cookies to snack on. 360-421-8898 or 360840-1630.

WINTER CELEBRATION: Fidalgo DanceWorks will present its annual winter dance concert at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at Anacortes High School’s Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $10. 360-2998447 or www.fidalgo danceworks.org.

day, Dec. 15, starting from Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes. Subject to rough weather. 360-2933134.

CHRISTMAS, DOWNHOME STYLE: Enjoy the Ho-Ho-Hootenanny at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby, Everett. The family-friendly event’s musical lineup will include songwriter Tim Noah, folk musicians Real Folk and young bluegrass band Northern Departure. $16.50, $13 seniors/students/military, $5 ages 12 and younger. 425-258-6766 or www.brownpapertickets. com.

will present a Christmas party and dinner for kids ages 4 through sixth grade from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the SedroWoolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St., SedroWoolley. Parents can drop off the kids and spend an evening out on their own. $5 per child. Registration required: 360-853-2039 or www.swctk.com.

The Mount Vernon High School choirs will present their Winter Concert at 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $6-$8. Some discounts available for the 4 p.m. performance. 360-4167727 or www.mcintyrehall. org.

KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY: Hillcrest Church HOLIDAY CONCERT: will host a kids’ party so Bronn and Katherine Jour- parents can have a night ney and friends will present out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. their 31st annual Holiday Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Concert at 7:30 p.m. Mon- church, 1830 S. 13th St., day, Dec. 17, at McIntyre Mount Vernon. 360-424Hall, 2501 E. College Way, 3006, hillcrestmv.org.

Mount Vernon. Broadway, folk, classical and sacred CHRISTMAS WITH THE music will be featured in CELTS: Enjoy Celtic music, addition to traditional dance and more at 7:30 Christmas classics. $20p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at $24. 360-416-7727 or www. the Mount Baker Theatre, mcintyrehall.org.

104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $20-$42. 360WINTER CONCERT: 734-6080 or www.mount-

bakertheatre.com.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Seattle’s ACT Theatre presents Dickens’ classic holiday tale through Dec. 30 at The Allen Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle.

Showtimes vary. $27-$55 plus applicable fees. 206292-7676 or www.acttheatre .org.

WINTERFEST: Enjoy free and affordable activities and entertainment through Jan. 6 at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. Visit Center House for free performances of music and comedy, jazz and dance, cultural celebrations, ice sculpting, student showcases and more.

The Winterfest Ice Rink will be open daily (except Christmas) through Jan 6. $2-$7.

206-684-7200 or www. seattlecenter.com.

“HERALDING CHRISTMAS”: The Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by Sinfonia 1685, will present its annual holiday choral performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday and 2 p.m. Sun- SVH_4.949x4.75_ December Week 2-4 CELTIC CHRISTMAS day, Dec. 15-16, at McIntyre COMMUNITY CONCERT: Hall, 2501 E. College Way, The third annual Anacortes Mount Vernon. $16-$25.

Celtic Christmas Commu- Discounts available for Paying Out Up To $7.1 MillionPaying Out Up To $7.1 Million nity Celebration featuring seniors and students. 360violinist Geoffrey Castle 416-7727 or www.mcintyre will take place at 4 and 7 hall.org. p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Transit Shed Event PANCAKES WITH Center, 100 Commercial SANTA: Kids eat free at Ave., Anacortes. The 4 the annual Santa’s Panp.m. matinee show will be cake Breakfast and can 9AM SPECIAL NEW YEARS EVE geared toward families with have their picture taken COSTUME CONTEST BREAKFAST BINGO children. Food and beverwith him, from 8 to 11 a.m.

MONDAY MYSTERY GIFT SUNDAYS ages available. Admission: Sunday, Dec. 16, at Skagit DECEMBER 31 HOT SEAT DRAWING December 9, 16, 23 & 30 suggested $20 donation to Valley Senior Village, 400 7PM SESSION the Rick Epting FoundaGilkey Road, Burlington.

FRIDAYS 8 Regular Games Paying: “Father Time, Mother Nature, December 7, 14, 21 & 28 $250 ea. & Baby New Year” tion for the Arts, or a new $5 adults. 360-755-5550. (costumes may not be over revealing) 2 Blackout Games Paying: unwrapped toy or nonper(1) Winner drawn at all session $500 ea.

1st Prize: $700 ishable food item to benefit CHOIR PERFORMANCE: halftimes. Each winner will pick Cost: $15/9-on 2nd Prize: $500 a “Gift” from the prize board to Toys for Tots and local food The Calvary Baptist (pack includes 2 Blackout Games) 3rd Prize: $300 determine cash prize.

Contest winners will be announced banks. Reserved seating: Church adult choir will A Free Breakfast is available prior to the start of the Lotto Blackout. with a valid bingo receipt buy-in. suggested $25 donation perform “The Night Before Winners must be actively playing a All participating bingo contestants must through Brown Paper Tick- Christmas” at 10:45 a.m.

Breakfast will be available from bingo slot machine to claim prize. be present and playing with a valid 8am to 9am No seat hopping allowed. receipt to claim prize. ets at 800-838-3006 or www. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. brownpapertickets.com.

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