360 December 15, 2016

NORTHWEST BALLET THEATER PRESENTS ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ This Weekend, Page 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday Dec. 15, 2016

TUNING UP PAGE 9 Wayne Hayton plays The Old Edison on Friday HOLIDAY EVENTS PAGE 12

Still plenty of events to take in for the entire family

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NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK discovers a refuge for “Equity”: “Wall Upcoming children with special Street,” the 1987 abilities.

Michael Douglas film, movie releases “Bridget Jones’ proclaimed that “greed Following is a partial Baby”: British publishis good.” “Equity,” the schedule of coming DVD ing executive (Renee latest film to look at releases. Release dates Zellweger) in her 40s the ins and outs of are subject to change: discovers she is pregnant.

Wall Street, takes that “Fear the Walking proclamation one step DEC. 20 Dead: The Complete further by showing that n Sully Second Season”: greed is equally good n The Magnificent Seven Blended family continfor women. n Storks ues to look for safety in “Equity” also reinn The Disappointments a world of walkers. forces the notion that Room “Train to Busan”: living on the financial n Greater Zombie thriller that edge of buying and selln 31 follows a group of ing stocks can be just as n Goat terrified passengers on dangerous for any sex. n Dad’s Army a bullet train.

The biggest problem n It Had to Be You “Teletubbies: with “Equity” is that it’s a n Maximum Ride Snowball”: Six new little too polite. ReacDEC. 27 adventures featuring tions to major events are n When the Bough Breaks Tinky, Winky, Dipsy, treated with so much n Snowden Laa-Laa and Po. calm that the dramatic n American Honey “The Driller Killer”: elements become dilutn In a Valley of Violence An artist’s grip on realied. A few more emon Dog Eat Dog ty begins to slip. tional eruptions seem in n Pet “19-2: Season 3”: order. Part of that comes n Ray Donovan: The Partners in the Montrefrom Anna Gunn, who Fourth Season al Police Department tends to play characters n The Dressmaker must put aside their from the inside out. n Versailles: Season One differences.

She’s at her best playing — Tribune News Service “Morgan”: Scientists those who are emotionare working on a genetally guarded, but a little ically designed human. more externalizing is Kate Mara stars. not always a bad thing.

“Stagecoach: The Texas Jack “Florence Foster Jenkins”: There Story”: Western loosely based on are times when it is obvious that the the real-life story of outlaw Nathaniel star of a movie has more invested Reed. in the project as a potential way to “Southside With You”: A look at win awards than in entertaining the the efforts of a young Barack Obama audience. It may not be a conscious to capture the heart of the young decision to approach the work that woman who would eventually become way, but the results are the same. his first lady.

“Florence Foster Jenkins” comes “Ben-Hur”: Jack Huston stars in across as one of those kinds of the story of a prince who is falsely acprojects. It looks like a production cused of treason and ends up a slave. designed more to be a lure for Meryl “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Streep to be nominated for awards than it is intended to be a solid overall Earth’s Last Stand”: The heroes movie. And, she’s Streep. Even a home must save New York from the Triceratons. video of Streep on Facebook would “The Twilight Zone: The Comget Oscar consideration. plete Series”: Set includes all 156 Sadly, the movie fails to find the tempo that would make the story sing episodes.

“800 Word: Season 1”: A widow’s for audiences. The vulnerability, sentiplan to start a new, quiet life is upset. mentality and sweetness of the movie “Girls Lost”: Three best friends are like the singing voice of Florence explore gender identity.

Foster Jenkins: After a few minutes, “Black Christmas”: A stranger everything goes flat. stalks a sorority house.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for —By Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee Peculiar Children”: A young boy

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

ON STAGE / Page 8

The Guemes Island Chamber will play on Sunday

INSIDE

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Out & About............................................ 4-5 Travel............................................................6 Hot Tickets..................................................7 On Stage.......................................................8 Tuning Up....................................................9 Get Involved........................................10-11 Christmas Events................................12-13 Movies..................................................14-15 At the Lincoln...........................................15 ON THE COVER Emily DesChane and John Bishop are featured in Northwest Ballet Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker.” Kari Marttila photo

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? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THIS WEEKENDin the area ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT MCINTYRE HALL Northwest Ballet Theater presents four performances of “The Nutcracker,” starting Saturday, Dec. 17, at McIntyre Hall on the campus of Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, and continuing the following week at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham.

Based in Bellingham, Northwest Ballet Theater has performed a full-length version of “The Nutcracker” since 1999, according to a news release. This year, the company has added new scenic backdrops painted by artist Karen Bakke, and principal dancer Emily DesChane will perform the role of Princess Pirlipat.

Dec. 17-18 at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-35.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org. Dec. 23-24 at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. From $26. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre. com. northwestballet.org.

‘SWING DANCE AND JINGLE JAZZ’ The A Town big band will perform a swing dance at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. The band will play music from bandleaders of the swing era. Light refreshments will be served. Free.

JINGLE BELL DASH The AAUW-Anacortes 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash to Santa will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, at Seafarer’s Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes. Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Kids’ Dash at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K at 11 a.m.

Registration: $25 ages 18 and older, $20 ages 7 to 17; Kids Dash to Santa for ages 6 and younger, free with a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank. 360391-3188 or jinglebelldashanacortes.net.

HIKING TALK

KARI MARTTILA PHOTOS

Above: Dasha Smirnova is Clara in Northwest Ballet Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Top: Ona Underwood is the Dew Drop Fairy in Northwest Ballet Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Outdoors writer and guidebook author Craig Romano will present “Hiking in the Skagit Valley” at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. A hike will follow.

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OUT & ABOUT

ART

‘OBJECTIFICATION 9’ ART EXHIBITION: Smith and Vallee Gallery presents the art installation “Objectification 9” through December at the gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. The exhibition focuses on functional and 3-dimensional artwork, showcasing more than 40 artists. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Sunday, with special holiday hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 23.

ART EXHIBITION: Scott Milo Gallery presents new artwork from local artists through December at the gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. New artwork includes pastels

by Amanda Houston, acrylics by Jennifer Bowman, photographs

by Randy Dana and Lewis Jones, photo encaustics by Kathy Hastings, flame-painted wire mesh by Lanny Bergner and jewelry by Melanie Brauner. The gallery is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment. scottmilo.com.

IN THE ART BAR: Paintings by Deirdre Czoberek are on display through December at the Lincoln Theatre Art Bar, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon.

Inspired by her natural surroundings, Czoberek creates her own universe of luminous colors and organic shapes. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

ART EXHIBITION: ACME Creative, 705 Commercial Ave.,

Anacortes, welcomes local artists Kathleen Faulkner and AnnMarie DeCollibus to the gallery through December.

The exhibition features Faulkner’s northwest scenes and DeCollibus’ functional water-inspired vessels and tableware. Free. 360-399-6333 or acmecreative.com.

‘SPINELESS: PORTRAITS OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES’: The Whatcom Museum features photographs

by Susan Middleton through Dec. 31 at the Lightcatcher building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. The result of several years of fieldwork across the Pacific Ocean, and showcasing the photographic techniques Middleton has developed over the past three decades, the exhibition shows rarely or never-before-seen ocean dwellers, many of which inhabit Northwest waters and were photographed at Friday Harbor Marine Lab on San Juan Island. 360778-8930 or whatcommuseum.org.

ART AT MoNA: Work by Northwest artists is featured at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Free admission. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum.org. n Matched Makers: Northwest Artist Couples: through Jan. 1: A display of the work of 28 couples who have shared creative lives.

Among the couples represented: Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn

JINGLE BELL DASH

SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD FILE

The AAUW-Anacortes 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash to Santa will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Seafarer’s Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Kids’ Dash at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K at 11 a.m.

Registration: $25 ages 18 and older, $20 ages 7 to 17; Kids Dash to Santa for ages 6 and younger, free with a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank. 360-3913188 or jinglebelldashanacortes.net.

Knight, Robert Sperry and Patti Warashina, Fay Jones and Robert Jones, Flora Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick, Sheila Klein and Ries Niemi, Deborah Butterfield and John Buck, Daniel Mihalyo and Annie Han, and Claire Cowie and Leo Berk.

TEXTILE ARTS: Several exhibits are on display at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger.

360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org. n Ekphrastic: Quilts & Poetry by Fibre Arts Network of Northwest Canada. Through Dec. 30. n Victorian Christ-

mas: Antique quilts and trees, soft sculpture dolls. Through Dec. 30. n The Nature of Place: Pictorial quilts by Charlotte Bird and Ree Nancarrow. Through Jan. 29.

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBIT: The La Conner Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit is on display through March 1, 2017, at public locations around La Conner. The annual juried exhibition features work by some of the Northwest’s most accomplished artists. For information, including a map of the sculptures and works available for sale: 360-466-3125 or townoflaconner.org.

‘50 GREATEST PHOTOS’: “National Geographic’s 50 Greatest Photographs” continues through Jan. 15 at the Whatcom Museum’s

Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. The exhibition includes Steve McCurry’s Afghan girl, Nick Nichols’ image of Jane Goodall with a chimpanzee and Thomas Abercrombie’s view of Mecca. Visitors will learn the stories behind the photos through text panels and video interviews with the photographers. For some images, visitors will be able to see the sequence of images made in the field before and after the perfect shot. The Lightcatcher is open from noon to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $10, $8 youth/student/senior/ military, $5 ages 2-5, free for children under 2 and museum members. 360778-8930 or whatcommuseum.org.

‘FUN AND GAMES’: Work by artists Sue

Roberts and Natalie Niblack is on display through Jan. 6 in the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. The artists use a visual vocabulary of toys and games to explore more adult concerns such as gun violence, environmental degradation and the current lack of reasoned argument in politics mixed with the extremes of emotion in childish forms. Free. skagit.edu.

‘HONEY, I SHRUNK THE ART’: View more than 200 pieces of fine art glass, sculptures and paintings by 40 artists at the 26th annual “Honey, I Shrunk The Art,” through Jan. 15, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday, and weekdays by appointment. Free. 360387-2759 or matzkefineart.com.

‘INTERSCAPES’ ART EXHIBIT: “Interscapes” is a collection of bold, colorful abstract expressionist paintings

by Gregory S. Walsh, who discovered painting after a long career in the music and film industries. A reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Fourth Corner Frames during the Downtown Bellingham ArtWalk.

The gallery is located at 311 W. Holly St., Bellingham. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. fourthcornerframes.com.

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OUT & ABOUT ART AT MoNA: Three new exhibitions will open with a reception at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, and continue through March 26 at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Free admission. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum.org. n Paul Havas: A Life of Painting: The exhibit honors the 40-year career of an artist known for his large-scale landscapes and cityscapes. Born, raised and educated on the East Coast, Havas (19402012) came to the Northwest for graduate school at the University of Washington and ultimately became one of the major painters of the region. n Indigenous Influences: Curated by Regan Shrumm, through the Dana and Toni Ann Rust Curatorial Fellowship at MoNA, the exhibit looks at works from MoNA’s permanent collection that are influenced by Pacific Northwest indigenous communities. n Continuum: Glass from the Permanent Collection: Featured in the Benaroya Glass Gallery are selections of glass from the permanent collection with an emphasis on continuum — of the medium of glass, of the continuity of forms, and of tradition through to innovation.

LECTURES AND TALKS

LOCAL RADIO: “Speak Up! Speak Out!,” a half-hour weekly show

committed to community, peace, justice and nonviolence issues broadcasts at 5 p.m.

Wednesdays and 8 p.m.

Sundays on Skagit Valley Community Radio Station KSVR 91.7 FM (Mount Vernon) and KSVU 90.1 FM (Hamilton). speakupspeakoutradio.org.

HIKING TALK: Outdoors writer and guidebook author Craig Romano will present “Hiking in the Skagit Valley” at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Rd, Rockport, WA 98283. A hike will follow.

THE STORY OF THE FORESTS: Rockport State Park interpretive specialist Amos Almy will present “How Old Growth Brings New Life: The Story of the Forests” from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport.

Almy will share how old growth trees contribute to the health of forests in the Skagit Valley and North Cascades. skagiteagle.org or 360853-7626.

SCANDINAVIAN IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE: The Skagit Valley Geneological Society will host the program “The Scandinavian Immigrant Experience” at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave. Professional genealogist Linda Duffield will discuss her research using the Pacific Lutheran University archives. In

the 1970s, 282 Scandinavian immigrants were interviewed by PLU students. skagitvalleygenealogy.org.

MUSIC

JAZZ AT THE CENTER DINNER CONCERT: Jazz at the Center presents its winter dinner concert from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. today, Dec. 15, at the Camano Center, Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Ron Jones Big Band and Northern Influence Jazz band will perform. $35 adults, $15 students.

360-387-0222.

‘SWING DANCE AND JINGLE JAZZ’: The A Town big band will perform a swing dance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. The band will play music from bandleaders of the swing era, and there will be a few festive “jingle jazz” songs. Light refreshments will be served. Free.

JAZZIN’ WITH THE CLASSICS: The Stanwood Historical Society and Concerts at the Floyd will present the 11th annual Jazzin’ with the Classics for Christmas concert at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27139 102nd Ave. in Stanwood.

The concert will feature Christmas chamber music. Admission is $15 a person. Ages 18 and younger admitted free.

360-629-6110.

‘MUSIC AND MEMORIES’: The fifth annual “Music and Memories” will take

place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Blackstone and Burnett Band will be the featured entertainment. The event will feature dinner, music, raffles and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit The Bradford House and Gentry House. $60. skagitadultdayprogram.org.

JAZZ AT THE CENTER: Cory Weeds and Harold Mabern will play from 7 to 9:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $20; students free.

360-387-0222.

MORE FUN

MOVIE NIGHT: The Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., will host a screening of “Pursuing Happiness” at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16. The movie highlights some of the happiest people in the country. Experts lend their opinions on what it means to be truly happy and how to achieve it.

Admission by donation.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18, at Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club, 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger.

View newly revised model railroads. Admission by donation. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

90TH ANNIVERSARY MOVIE SERIES: The Lincoln Theatre presents monthly movies to celebrate its 90th anniversary at 712 S.

First St., Mount Vernon.

All films are priced according to the year of release. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org. n Saturday, Dec. 17: “Love Actually”, 5 p.m. $6.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: A candlelight vigil in honor of those who have passed away while homeless will be held at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, outside the Skagit County Courthouse, Third and Kincaid streets, Mount Vernon. tina@skagitfriendshiphouse.org.

ISLAND ICE: Visit Windjammer Park this holiday season for ice skating in the park, hot cocoa and coffee from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Dec. 26-31, at Windjammer Park, SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor.

BLACK & WHITE BALL: Camano Center’s Black & White Ball will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Enjoy dancing, appetizers and a champagne toast. $15, $8 students, $40 family. 360-387-0222 or camanocenter.org.

NOON YEAR’S EVE: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 31, Burlington Public Library, 820 Washington Ave., Burlington. Enjoy family activities for ages 3 and older (younger siblings welcome), including crafts, snacks, games and prizes, all while counting down to a noon year balloon drop.

Free. 360-755-0760 or burlingtonwa.gov.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS: 9 to

9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, Windjammer Park, SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor. Free.

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM: The museum is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, at 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner.

Admission: adults $5, seniors $4, families $10.

360-466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/museum. n “Mas Voces Del Valle: More Voices Of The Valley”: through Dec. 31: Latinos recount stories of their community in Skagit County from 1940 to recent history. Come and share your own stories, too.

MVSD TECHFEST: The Mount Vernon School District will present 2017 TechFest from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Mount Vernon High School, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. The event will feature robots, classroom tech, interactive exhibits, digital arts, green screen video, photo booths, food trucks, prizes and giveaways. Free admission. 360-428-6165 or mvtechfest.com.

ROBERT BURNS SCOTTISH SUPPER: The Celtic Arts Foundation will host its 25th annual Robert Burns Scottish Evening at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. Celebrating one of Scotland’s favorite sons, the event will include dinner, readings of Burns’ poetry, Highland dance, whisky and — of course — haggis. $50. 360-416-4934 or celticarts.org.

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TRAVEL

A world of travel wonders await those who dare

By ELLEN CREAGER Detroit Free Press

How many fantastic destinations are still waiting for you to discover them? So many you probably haven’t even heard of them all.

For the travelers on your Christmas list, make it easy for them to navigate the world with these four new travel books, which are part inspiration, part explanation: “1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die,” updated 3rd edition, by Patricia Schultz (Workman, $24.95): The “1,000 Places” bucket list trend began in 2003 when Schultz published the original “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” guide, describing don’t-miss spots around the world.

Now comes the 3rd edition of the North America volume, which is probably more useful to the traveler in your life than the original.

Completely updated, it now includes sights such as the High Line in New York City, St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, and Fogo Island in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a good gift because it should prompt a little competitive bragging among family members on Christmas morning, when each person figures out how many spots he or she has already been to, like Mackinac Island and Niagara Falls.

That’s two. Only 998 to go.

“Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2017” (Lonely Planet, $14.99): What’s hip, what’s novel, what’s “unmissable” in travel today? The theme of this slender volume is pointing experienced travelers in the right direction for their trendy travel planning for next year. Its top three cities for 2017: Bordeaux, France; Cape Town, South Africa; and Los Angeles. Get packing.

“Must Eat Paris: An Eclectic Selection of Culinary Locations” by Luc Hoornaert (Lannoo, $24.95.): This book, part of a series, may become quickly outdated, what with restaurants closing and opening at the speed of light. For now, it is a detailed guide to Paris dining, much of it off the beaten track.

Divided by regions of the city, it includes famed spots like Septime and a whole lot of Paris’ obscure restaurants tucked into small corners of various neighborhoods. For foodies only.

“Wild Beautiful Places: Picture Perfect Journeys Around the Globe,” edited by George Stone (National Geographic Books, $40.): This gorgeous gift book highlights 50 world destinations beloved by photographers.

Destinations include Ilulissat, Greenland; Sable Island, Nova Scotia; the Albanian Alps and the

Chocolate Hills in the Philippines.

You’ll be inspired. You’ll also be getting out a map to figure out exactly where these remote places actually are — and trying to figure out how to get there.

Web Buzz Name: airrating.com What it does: The website ranks airlines from 10 (highest) to zero (lowest), based on Twitter mentions of airline Twitter handles. The latest tweets for represented airlines are shown.

What’s hot: You’ll see myriad tips, gripes and gushing statements depending on what is happening in the skies when you look at the site. I particularly liked the tweets that showed photos, such as the one of a Singapore Airlines flight attendant helping a child into a seat and a selfie of a happy traveler on JetBlue. Travel tips both good and bad can be found if you click on the name of the airline and see its latest tweets. My favorite tips were flight deals I found sifting through tweets about Virgin America. As you can imagine, the lower the airline rating, the more humorous — or angry — the tweets can get. Happy flying — I mean snooping.

What’s not: The website might want to add a warning about adult language. When I was browsing the tweets about the worst airlines of the week, I found a few curse words I wouldn’t want my daughter to read. That said, I was chuckling.

— Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

Local travel briefs RACE TO ALASKA: Jake Beattie, executive director of the Northwest Maritime Center and creator of the R2AK race, will speak at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or to register, call 360-336-6215.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

360-733-4030, ext. 1015, or wccoa.org/index.php/Tours. n Leavenworth Tree Lighting Festival: Saturday, Dec. 17. Live music, shopping, special foods and the tree lighting ceremony. $55. Trip includes roundtrip motorcoach, free time to browse in Leavenworth, meals on your own and escort. n Water View Luncheon and Peking Acrobats: Wednesday, Jan. 25. Experience ancient Chinese folkart performances that originate back from 220 BC. $59. Trip includes transportation, waterfront lunch, aerialist show and tour escort. n Blissful Bali Tour: March 5-13. Deluxe coach tours includes cultural and geographic treasures in Mas, Celuk, Batubulan and the Ubub rainforest district. $2,590 per double occupancy or $2,965 single occupancy. Trip includes round-trip airfare, seven nights at Grand Mirage resort, daily breakfast, three tours, dinner on the beach and English-speaking tour guide assistance. n Mississippi River Cruise: March 5-13. Stops include New Orleans, Oak Alley, St. Franksville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge and Nottoway. $3,999 per double occupancy for inside cabins, or $4,999-5,999 per double occupancy for outside staterooms. Trip includes roundtrip transportation from Bellingham to SeaTac airport, roundtrip airfare, one night at New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel, city tour of New Orleans, eight-day Mississippi cruise with meals, port charges and taxes, meals and entertainment on cruise.

OAK HARBOR DAY TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., offers fun day trips for members. 360-279-4587.

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

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HOT TICKETS The Showbox, Seattle.

888-929-7849 or axs.com.

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE: Dec. 21, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. stgpresents.org.

MANATEE COMMUNE ON ICE!: Dec. 23, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA: Dec. 26, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or stgpresents.org.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: Dec. 27, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

MACHINEDRUM: Dec. 27, Neumos, Seattle. 206709-9442 or neumos.com.

ILLENIUM: Dec. 29, The Showbox, Seattle. 888929-7849 or axs.com.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”: Dec. 31, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

BEATS ANTIQUE: Dec. 31, The Showbox SODO, Seattle. 888-929-7849 or axs.com.

HELL’S BELLES: Dec. 31, The Showbox, Seattle.

888-929-7849 or axs.com.

HENRY ROLLINS: Spoken Word, Jan. 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION WITH CHRIS THILE: Jan. 7, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or stgpresents.org.

‘FINDING NEVERLAND’: Jan. 10-15, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or stgpresents.org. dWIGHT yOAKAM: Jan. 13, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or livenation.com.

KATHY GRIFFIN: Jan. 14, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or livenation.com.

THE TIME JUMPERS, VINCE GILL: Jan. 15, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

GREAT GOOD FINE OK: Jan. 17, The Crocodile Cafe, Seattle. 206-4414618 or thecrocodile.com.

THE BAD PLUS: Jan. 19, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

COMPANY WAYNE MCGREGOR “ATOMOS”: Jan. 20, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

THE FIGHTER AND THE KID: Jan 20, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD: Jan. 20-21, Skagit Valley Casino, Pacific Showroom, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

‘THE KING AND I’: Jan. 24-Feb. 3, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or stgpresents.org.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS: Jan. 25, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

BURAK CINGI PHOTO

HENRY ROLLINS Jan. 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

BASSEM YOUSSEF: Jan. 26, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

MARTIN SEXTON: Jan. 27, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

BI-2: Jan. 29, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

JUICY J: Jan. 30, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: Jan. 31, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

ADAM ANT: Feb. 3, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

CHERRY GLAZERR: Feb. 8, The Crocodile Cafe, Seattle. 206-441-4618 or thecrocodile.com.

ACE FREHLEY: Feb. 11, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

J BOOG: Feb. 16, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS: Feb. 17-18, Skagit Valley Casino, Pacific Showroom, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

ANGEL OLSEN: Feb. 18, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

LOS CAMPESINOS!: Feb. 20, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

— For complete listings, visit goskagit.com and click on “Entertainment.”

– LIVE ON STAGE! HOLLYWOOD’S CLASSIC MUSICAL W ON SALE

JANUARY 6 – 29, 2017 TICKETS NO

1550819

‘DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID’: Through Dec. 31, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S “THE NUTCRACKER”: Through Dec. 28, McCaw Hall, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

TIG NOTARO: Dec. 15, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

SWEATER BEATS: Dec. 15, Neumos, Seattle. 206709-9442 or neumos.com.

TACOCAT: Dec. 15, The Showbox, Seattle. 888929-7849 or axs.com.

ILIZA: Dec. 16, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

CASH CASH: Dec. 16, The Showbox SODO, Seattle. 888-929-7849 or axs.com.

RED FANG: Dec. 16, The Showbox, Seattle.

888-929-7849 or axs.com.

EBI: Dec. 17, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

MUDHONEY: Dec. 17-18, The Crocodile Cafe, Seattle. 206-441-4618 or thecrocodile.com.

DAVID BAZAN’S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: Dec. 18, Neumos, Seattle.

206-709-9442 or neumos. com.

NEUROSIS: Dec. 19, Neumos, Seattle. 206-7099442 or neumos.com.

THE SOUNDS: Dec. 20,

EVERETT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • (425) 257-8600 • VILLAGETHEATRE.ORG

SPONSORED IN PART BY

E8 - Thursday, December 15, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area Dec. 15-24 Thursday.15

MUSIC Guemes Island Chamber Music Series: 3:30 p.m., 7549 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes. Nancy Bean, violin; David Bean, violin; Karie Prescott, viola; Lloyd Smith, cello; Patrick Neher, double bass. $20. guemeschambermusic.wordpress.com.

THEATER “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

MUSIC Ron Jones and the Northern Influence Jazz Band (dinner concert): 5:30 p.m., Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $1535. 360-387-0222.

Wednesday.21

VARIETY Christmas at the Playhouse: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. $15.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

Friday.16

THE GUEMES TIDE PHOTO

SUNDAY.18

THEATER “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

GUEMES ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES 3:30 p.m., 7549 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes. Nancy Bean, violin; David Bean, violin; Karie Prescott, viola; Lloyd Smith, cello; Patrick Neher, double bass. $20. guemeschambermusic. wordpress.com.

OPERA “Amahl and the Night Visitors”: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25-59. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

BALLET Northwest Ballet Theater: “Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-35. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC Shelter Bay Chorus Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. $10.

360-941-1437.

VARIETY Christmas at the Playhouse: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. $15.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

Saturday.17 THEATER “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

MUSIC Shelter Bay Chorus Holiday Concert: 3 p.m., Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. $10.

360-941-1437.

A’Town Big Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 1701 22nd St. Free.

VARIETY Christmas at the Playhouse: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. $15.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

DANCE “Winter Celebration”: Fidalgo DanceWorks, 3 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $12. brownpapertickets. com/event/2719793. 360-299-8447 or fidalgodanceworks.org.

“Swing Dance and Jingle Jazz”: 7 p.m., Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. Free. 360-2937473.

Sunday.18 OPERA The MET: “L’Amour De Loin” (Saariaho): 1 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $17-23.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

BALLET Northwest Ballet Theater: “Nutcracker,” 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-35.

Traditional Christmas dinner available at noon: $40 adults, $20 children. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

VARIETY Christmas at the Playhouse: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor. $15.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

MUSIC The Journey’s Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-24.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall. org.

“Jazzin’ with the Classics for Christmas”: Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Jeffrey Cohan, flute; Martin Lund, piano, clarinet and flute; and Tom Collier, vibraphone: 7 p.m., Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger. 360629-6110 or candlelightseattle.org.

Friday.23 BALLET Northwest Ballet Theater: “Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. From $26. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. ”A Circus Carol”: 3 Leg Torso and The Wanderlust Circus, 7:30 p.m., Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. 425-258-6766 or historiceveretttheatre.org.

Saturday.24 BALLET Northwest Ballet Theater: “Nutcracker,” 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham.

From $26. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

Thursday, December 15, 2016 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues Dec. 15-22 Thursday.15

Jam Night/Open Mic: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover.

425-737-5144 or locobillys.com.

Podunk Funk: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Tool, Crimes and The Mummies: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067 or shakedownbellingham. com.

Friday.16

4more: 9 p.m., Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

Jimmy Wright: 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar and Grill, 18247 Washington 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Nick Anthony and Friends: 8 to 11 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

Wayne Hayton: 8 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-840-0902.

Cee Cee James and the Mission of S.O.U.L.: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

FRIDAY.16

FRIDAY.16

WAYNE HAYTON

JIMMY WRIGHT 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar and Grill, 18247 Washington 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Deception Connection: 6 to 9 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

Blake Angelos: 6 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-3923100 or hotelbellwether. com.

A Very Clambake Christmas, The Fabulous Bakettes, The Second Hand Suits, The Dirty Bird Cabaret: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067 or shakedownbellingham. com.

J.P. Falcon: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Bow. Free.

360-766-6330.

Saturday.17

The Walrus: 7 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $7. wildbuffalo.net.

4more: 9 p.m., Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

Desperate Measures: 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar and Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

CC Adams Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Blake Angelos: 6 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-3923100 or hotelbellwether. com.

The Lowdown Drifters: 6:30 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10. 425-737-5144 or locobillys.com.

8 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-8400902.

Sunday.18

Alicia Dauber Quintet: 4:30 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360392-3100 or hotelbellwether.com.

Shawnee Kilgore: 5:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7-$10.

360-778-1067 or shakedownbellingham.com.

Tuesday.20

Too $hort: 9:30 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $25. wildbuffalo.net.

Christian Casolary Trio: 5 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-

392-3100 or hotelbellwether.com.

Wednesday.21 Wayne Hayton: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Adrian Clarke: 5 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-3923100 or hotelbellwether. com.

Thursday.22

Jam Night/Open Mic: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover.

425-737-5144 or locobillys.com.

E10 - Thursday, December 15, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART

CALL FOR SCULPTURES: San Juan Islands Sculpture Park invites sculptors to submit entries for its ongoing juried sculpture review. All sculptures must be deemed “safe” and should be suitable for exhibition in an outdoor setting and capable of withstanding occasional high winds, rain and possible snow.

Accepted sculptures will be installed for a twoyear period (if not sold sooner) in the 20-acre park located near Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. For complete submission guidelines: sjisculpturepark.com.

EXPLORING CREATIVITY: IN ART AND LIFE WORKSHOP: artist Anne Schreivogl, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, Screechingbird Studios in Anacortes.

Learn tools to work with resistance, be with the unknown and return us to a state of flow. Especially for those feeling “stuck” with art or in life. No art experience required. $125. Register online at screechingbird.com. Questions: Contact Anne at aes@ fidalgo.net.

CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS: Burlington Parks and Recreation is looking for qualified instructors to expand its enrichment classes for youth and adults. To download an instructor’s packet, burlingtonwa.gov and click on the “Instructors Needed” tab. 360-7559649 or recreation@ burlingtonwa.gov.

CALL FOR TEXTILE & FIBER ARTISTS: The La Conner Quilt

& Textile Museum will present FiberFest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at La Conner Middle School, 404 N. Sixth St., La Conner. The one-day sale features fabrics, yarns, textiles, embellishments and tools for the quilt and fiber artist. While finished products and wearable art are welcome, priority is given to textiles and fiber art materials. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 10, or until all slots are full. Call the museum at 360-466-4288 or Karen at 360-770-5346, or email FiberFest@ laconnerquilts.org.

CALL FOR ART TEACHERS: The Good Stuff Arts, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, is looking for qualified, experienced beginning art teachers in watercolor, drawing, sketching and mixed media art forms. Call to schedule a meeting to show your work and discuss your experience. Kat Peterson, 360 755-3152.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Peacehealth United General Medical Center seeks artists to display and sell art in its facility, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley. Artwork must be framed and ready to hang, with a wire hanger — no sawtooth hooks. Attach a label with the artist’s name, title of work, size, medium and price. All artwork is subject to approval by committee.

Artists are responsible for hanging and removal of their work, which will be displayed for three months. Contact Barb Kaufman at 360-8567530 or bkaufman@ peacehealth.org.

The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center (SRBEIC) presents a 20-20 photo contest in celebration of 20 years of eagle stewardship. The top 20 photos that capture moments while eagle watching or other outdoor adventures will be selected to represent 20 seasons of eagle watching and Skagit River ecosystem education. Photos must be taken during fall and winter 2016-17, the deadline is Sunday, Jan. 15. One grand prize winner will receive an Eagle Float Tour

by Skagit River Guide Service, and the top 20 photos will be featured on SRBEIC’s Facebook page and website. The contest is open to expert and novice photographers. Send submissions or questions to skagiteagles@gmail.com. Contest guidelines: skagiteagle.org.

ART CLASSES

LA CONNER QUILT AND TEXTILE MUSEUM: Varied exhibits and classes are available to the public at 703 S. Second St., La Conner.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and ages 11 and under. 360-4664288 or laconnerquilts. org.

— Fiber Fridays: bring any type of fiber art project, quilting, knitting, embellishing, etc., to work on while visiting with other fiber artists from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday. Free and open to all.

ART JUMP START: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25, Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Ages 7 to 12. $50 plus $20 supply fee.

Registration required.

360-755-9649.

CONTEMPORARY ACRYLIC PAINTING: Dottie Burton will instruct a series of classes on contemporary acrylic painting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 4-Feb. 1, at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. $150. 360-629-2787 or stanwoodcamanoarts. com.

DRAWING BASICS: Val Taylor will instruct a class on Drawing Basics, Pen and Ink Drawing and Mixed Medium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 10-31, at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. $150.

360-629-2787 or stanwoodcamanoarts.com.

ACRYLIC PAINTING: Judy Sullivan will present a workshop on Beginning/Interme-

diate Acrylic Painting featuring wildlife from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 13-Feb. 10, at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. $120.

360-629-2787 or stanwoodcamanoarts.com.

and March 1, at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. The production will run Thursdays-Sundays, May 4-21. 360-354-4425 or clairevgtheatre.com.

WATERCOLOR: Michele Cooper will present a workshop on watercolor from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 16, at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. $150. 360-6292787 or stanwoodcamanoarts.com.

”37 POSTCARDS”: Auditions will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sunday and Monday, Feb. 5-6, at Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.

Parts are available for one man age 28-35, one man age 60-75 and four women ages 20-75. The show runs April 14-30.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

ART CLASSES: Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for artists of every level at 12636 Chilberg Road, Mount Vernon. Online courses are also available. For information and a complete schedule: 360466-0110 or gailcreativestudies.com.

ART CLASSES: Choose from painting, photography, fiber and 3D art workshops taught by professional artists at the Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 N.W. Birch St., Coupeville. For information and a complete schedule: 360-678-3396 or pacificnorthwestartschool.com.

ART CLASSES: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com.

AUDITIONS

”GODSPELL”: Open auditions at 7 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 27-28

CANTABILE CHAMBER CHOIR AUDITIONS: Cantabile Chamber Choir seeks experienced choral singers who want to be part of a group of chamber singers. Auditions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon.

Rehearsals are 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays from September through May. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Jennie: cantabilechamberchoir@gmail.com or 425-312-4565.

DANCE

BEGINNING SQUARE DANCING: Learn how to square dance from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 10, at Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. Couples and singles ages 10 and older are welcome.

The first two evenings are free, $4 thereafter.

360-424-4608 or rosie@ valleyint.com.

Thursday, December 15, 2016 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT TANGO PRACTICA: 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. 360-464-2229 or anacortescenterforhappiness.org.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Mount Vernon. Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music.

Instruction begins at 7 p.m. followed by review and request dances until 9:30 p.m. The first session is free, $3 thereafter. All are welcome.

No partners needed.

For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866.

SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Bellingham. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes without heels. $8 per class. For information, call Mary Anderson at 360-933-1779 or visit bellinghamscd.org.

MUSIC

BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Attend a free, no-commitment rehearsal of the AnO-Chords, a four-part barbershop harmony group. No experience necessary, no auditions required. Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. Ages 12 and up. Drop in any Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Educational Service Building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes. Rides available.

Bob Lundquist, 360941-5733 or svenbob@ cheerful.com.

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

360-630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident.

360-223-3230.

LOVE TO SING? Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Monday at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Seeking women who like to sing a cappella music. All skill levels welcome.

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

OPEN MIC: Jam night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

DRUM CIRCLE: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 15, Center for Spiritual Living, 1508 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Bring your drum or borrow one. Handicapped accessible. Free. Freewill offering accepted. 360305-7559.

RECREATION

GUIDED NATURE HIKES: The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center will host guided nature hikes in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service during the height of bald eagle migration this December and January. Hikes are lead by U.S. Forest Service field rangers from Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Hikes follow the Sauk-Skagit Reach trail in Howard Miller Steelhead Park focusing on eagles, salmon and their interconnected relationships within the Skagit River watershed. Hikes will be held at 11 a.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, through Jan. 29 (no hikes on Dec. 24-25).

The meeting place is inside the interpretive center. The mostly flat terrain is suitable for small children and older adults. Dress according to the weather. Free.

Donations appreciated to benefit host organization. Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, skagiteagle. org, srbeatic@frontier. com, 360.853.7626.

DEEP FOREST EXPERIENCE: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through February, Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Enjoy guided hikes at 11 a.m., noon, 1p.m. and 2 p.m. deep into the lush old-growth forest that includes ancient fir, cedar, hemlock and maple trees, some towering 250-feet tall and more than 300 years old. Kids can explore

the Discovery Center with crafts, interactive displays, nature videos, books and more. Free.

Dress for cold, wet, winter weather with footwear suitable for very wet trails. Discover Pass or $10 day-use fee required for parking.

360-853-8461 or rockport@parks.wa.gov.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and advocacy are invited to join the team as a volunteer and/or board member for the 2016-17 season at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport.

Volunteers are needed on weekends through January. Duties include welcoming guests, assisting nature walks and working in the gift shop. For more information:srbeatic@ frontier.com or 360853-7626.

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets.

Free. 360-293-3725 or friendsoftheacfl.org.

BALD EAGLE CENTER: Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends through January, and Monday through Friday, Dec. 26-30, at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. Learn about bald eagles during the peak of eagle migration and salmon spawning

on the Skagit River. Guided hikes are offered at 11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, with special presentations at 1 p.m. most Saturdays. Free. Donations accepted. 360-853-7626 or skagiteagle.org.

Next up: n Saturday, Dec. 17: Craig Romano, outdoors writer and guidebook author, will present “Hiking in the Skagit Valley” at noon with a hike to follow. n Saturday, Dec. 31: Amos Almy, Rockport State Park Interpretive Specialist, will present “How Old Growth Brings New Life: The Story of the Forests” at 1 p.m.

‘STARRY, STARRY NIGHT’: 4 to 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, Larrabee State Park, 245 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham.

Join park staff for a holiday celebration of lights, lantern-walk, caroling, a bonfire, hot cocoa and cider, and holiday shopping at the park store. Bring lanterns or lamps (battery tealights) and dress for winter weather. Meet at the first shelter past the main park entrance.

Free. Discover Pass required for vehicle access to the park. 360676-2093 or Larrabee@ parks.wa.gov.

HIKING IN THE SKAGIT VALLEY: Craig Romano will share his expert knowledge of hiking the North Cascades and Skagit Valley at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport.

After the talk, join Romano on a group

hike along the Skagit River looking for eagles and other wildlife. Free.

360-853-7626 or skagiteagle.org.

FREE INTRODUCTORY TAI CHI CLASS: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, Hillcrest Park Lodge, Mount Vernon.

No registration required. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.

360-336-6215.

KIDS CLUB: Nat Geo Kids teams with Cascade Mall Kids Club for fun educational games and activities for kids at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Cascade Mall Center Court, 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington. Free. 360558-3270 or shopcascademall.com.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST OPERA DECEMBER 16

THE NUTCRACKER NORTHWEST BALLET THEATER DECEMBER 17 & 18 BRONN JOURNEY’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 21

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

E12 - Thursday, December 15, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

CHRISTMAS EVENTS This week

OPERA: “Amahl & The Night Visitors”: Pacific Northwest Opera, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25, $10 children.

Tickets: mcintyrehall. org or 360-416-7727, ext. 2.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Shelter Bay Chorus presents its annual holiday concert “Christmas Bells are Ringing,” with a special appearance by La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes, at 7:30 p.m.

Friday and 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16-17, at Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner.

Suggested donation $10. 360-941-1437.

BOWMAN BAY HOLIDAY: 4 to 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, Deception Pass State Park, 41020 Highway 20, Oak Harbor. See the CCC shelters lit up for Christmas and warmed with fires in the fireplaces.

Greet Santa and pose for photos Enjoy local music, hot chocolate and baked goods, crafts for the kids and more. $5 admission per family, free parking with Discover Pass. Sponsored by Deception Pass Park Foundation. 360-6753767.

“STARRY, STARRY NIGHT”: 4 to 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, Larrabee State Park, 245 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham. Join park staff for a holiday celebration of lights,

lantern-walk, caroling, a bonfire, hot cocoa and cider, and holiday shopping at the park store. Bring lanterns or lamps (battery tealights) and dress warm for winter weather. Meet at the first shelter past the main park entrance.

Free. Discover Pass required for vehicle access to the park.

360-676-2093 or Larrabee@parks.wa.gov.

JINGLE BELL DASH: The AAUW-Anacortes 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash to Santa will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Seafarer’s Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Kids’ Dash at 10:30 a.m. and the 5K at 11 a.m. Registration: $25 ages 18 and older, $20 ages 7 to 17; Kids Dash to Santa for ages 6 and younger, free with a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank. 360-391-3188 or jinglebelldashanacortes.net.

PANCAKES & SANTA: 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Pancake breakfast, kids’ crafts and a visit with Santa.

Bring a camera. $5.

360-629-7403 or stanwoodseniorcenter.org.

LIVING CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: Make delicate glass balls showcasing Tillandsia, tiny lichens, moss, twigs and other forest trimmings at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec.

17, at Garden Spot Nursery, 900 Alabama St., Bellingham. All ages. $15 per ball, $13 each for three or more.

Includes all supplies.

360-676-5480.

“THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theatre: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday and 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 17-18, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $24-$35. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

WINTER CONCERT: Guemes Island Chamber Music Series will hold a winter concert at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at Guemes Island Community Center, 7549 Guemes Island Road, Anacortes. $20. 360-5888206 or guemeschambermusic.wordpress. com.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club will host a Christmas open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. Check out the club’s large, permanent HO- and N-scale indoor railroad layouts. Admission is by donation to maintain and expand the layouts. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

AN ELVIS FAMILY CHRISTMAS: with Danny Vernon, 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Enjoy Elvis Presley’s Christmas classics, cookies and family-friendly beverages. $12 adults, $5

ages 17 and younger.

888-288-8883 or swinomishcasinoandlodge. com.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: Bethany Covenant Church will present “Handel’s Messiah: Part I” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at 1318 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. The Bethany Choir with chamber orchestra and soloists will perform. Proceeds from a freewill offering will benefit Skagit Habitat for Humanity.

360-424-9399 or bethanycovenant.church.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Enjoy a complimentary chef-prepared breakfast and a Santa photo provided

by Windsor Square Retirement Community, 9912 48th Drive NE, Marysville, 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23. RSVP to Stacie at 360-653-1717.

FESTIVAL OF TREES: 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22, Windsor Square Retirement Community, 9912 48th Drive NE, Marysville. Freshly baked desserts and hot drinks, winter wonderland train display and live holiday music.

RSVP Stacie Thesenvitz at 360-653-1717.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Bronn and Katherine Journey will present their final Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

The concert will feature traditional Christmas songs performed on the harp by Bronn, with Katherine joining

in song. $20-$24. 360416-7727 or mcintyrehall.org.

HOLIDAY POTLUCK: Concrete Heritage Museum will host its Christmas Potluck dinner at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Concrete Center, 45821 Railroad St., Concrete. Open to the public. Bring a dish to share. Free. 360-8538784.

YULETIDE CONCERT: “Jazzin’ with the Classics for Christmas”: with Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Jeffrey Cohan, flute; Martin Lund, piano, clarinet and flute; and Tom Collier, vibraphone: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

Enjoy a blend of jazz and classical music. $15 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger. 360-6296110 or candlelightseattle.org.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE: Enjoy a free screening of the classic holiday film “White Christmas” at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. 360-941-0403 or concrete-theatre.com.

HOLIDAY SERVICE: The Center for Spiritual Living will host a holiday service to celebrate Solstice, Christmas and Channukah from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22, at 1508 N 18th St., Mount Vernon. The service will include spiritual leader Niobe Weaver and musician Miriam Fein. Free.

Donations accepted.

360-920-1995.

“A CIRCUS CAROL”: See a playfully spooky holiday revusical and interpretation of the Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Avenue, Everett. “A Circus Carol” features live music by 3 Leg Torso and theatrics, aerialists, jugglers, singers and dancers from the circus troupe, The Wanderlust Circus. $28. 425-258-6766 or historiceverettheatre.org.

“THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23-24, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham.

Enjoy this traditional holiday favorite. Tickets start at $26. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

CHRISTMAS DINNER: The Mount Vernon Moose Lodge will host the 43rd annual Vic Cain/ Donna Moore Memorial Christmas Dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25, at the lodge, 602 W. Division St., Mount Vernon. Free and open to anyone (donations welcome). 360-3363662.

ISLAND ICE: Visit Windjammer Park for ice skating, hot cocoa and coffee from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Dec. 26-31, at Windjammer Park, SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor.

Thursday, December 15, 2016 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

DINING GUIDE

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Check out the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion decorated in holiday splendor from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, through Dec. 30, at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. $7 admission, $5 students and military with ID, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.com.

“SKAGIT CHRISTMAS”: Check out special exhibits showing how early Skagitonians celebrated the Yuletide season, through Dec. 31, at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday. $5, $4 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $10 families, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/museum.

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HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL: The annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Dec. 24, at 4145 Meridian St., Bellingham.

The festival features the work of more than 100 local artisans and craftspeople offering handmade products including jewelry, paintings, wearable art, specialty foods, art from found materials and more.

Enjoy live music, artist demos and workshops, and fun art projects for kids. 360-676-8548 or alliedarts.org.

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CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE: Permits to cut Christmas trees in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be purchased through Jan. 6.

In Skagit County, permits are sold from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Mt. Baker Ranger Station, 810 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley. Call ahead, 360-856-5700, ext. 515, to make sure permits are available.

Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet.

Trees taller than 12 feet require a tall tree permit for $20. The permits are nonrefundable, and may be purchased with cash, checks or credit cards.

(Verlot and Glacier Public Service Centers only accept cash and checks).

The Forest Service also is offering a free holiday tree permit to fourth graders through the national “Every Kid in a Park” initiative. To obtain a free permit, students must visit everykidinapark.gov, where they can print out a paper voucher to present to a Forest Service office.

Cutting areas are located within national forest lands in the eastern portions of Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Pierce and King counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold.

The Forest Service also recommends that you plan to purchase a parking permit if your tree-cutting trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot.

Getting a tree early before snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. Most trees are accessible only by narrow, unplowed mountain roads.

High-clearance vehicles are often required along with tire chains and a shovel.

Check ranger stations for road and weather information or visit fs.usda.gov/ mbs/road-trails.

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E14 - Thursday, December 15, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS

‘Rogue One’ is an enjoyable installment in ‘Star Wars’ universe

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

It’s right there in the title, and “Rogue One” proves to be most definitely a “Star Wars” story. As a spinoff chapter with a cast of new characters and a darker, grittier look and tone, the possibilities were endless for just how different “Rogue One” could be. The wait is over and the results are in: It doesn’t break the mold in terms of franchise formula, and it’s an enjoyable installment in the “Star Wars” canon. However, it’s not much more than that.

The title separates “Rogue One” from “Episodes” 1-7, but it feels like watching an episode of a series, despite the self-contained story. Written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy, directed by Gareth Edwards, it uses the same well-established cinematic language of “Star Wars.”

In terms of the timeline, consider “Rogue One” to be around Episode 3 1/2, a chapter of Rebel Alliance history briefly alluded to in “Episode 4 — A New Hope.”

This chapter concerns a rebel effort to thwart a world-destroying weapon wielded by the Imperial forces, led by Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), a sneering, ambitious captain, resplendent in a white cape and jodhpurs. Continuing in the trend started by last year’s sensational “The Force Awakens,” “Rogue One” has a steely loner heroine at its center,

LUCASFILM LTD. VIA AP

Felicity Jones and Diego Luna star in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), the long-lost daughter of Galen (Mads Mikkelsen), a weapons scientist forced to work for the Empire.

Jyn’s been on her own since childhood, but her familial connections make her an asset for the Rebel Alliance fighting the Empire. She’s soon teamed up with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a lifelong rebel, and his reprogrammed Imperial droid, the droll K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), who offers strategic assessments with absolutely no tact or filter.

Along the way, they pick up pilot Bodhi (Riz Ahmed), spiritual warrior Chirrut Imwe (Donny Yen) and his buddy Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen). Legendary martial artist Yen steals the movie as Chirrut, a blind, bowstaff wielding worshiper of the Force.

The plot follows the standard action-adventure format about a band of plucky fighters in pursuit of a little thingamabob that might save the world.

Blasting and shooting and crashing and exploding ensue. But if you have a sense of the main events of the series, there inevitably comes a creeping sense of darkness over the proceedings, as you deduce the foregone conclusion.

Despite that pallor, the third act is a bombastic, unrelenting action sequence on the tropical beaches of the planet Scarif. It’s all a bit much — the fighting is overkill, literally.

A glut of heroic moments in a row drain the impact of each one individually.

But the film sticks the landing on the emotional payoff beautifully.

There have been debates over whether “Rogue One” contains overt political messages. The franchise represents escapist blockbuster fantasy, but politics have always been central to the films’ conflicts, and as it is, “Rogue One” is decidedly for standing up to dictatorships and abuse of power. Audiences can and will draw their own conclusions to current events in light of exhortations like “save the rebellion, save the dream,” and “rebellions are built on hope.” But “Rogue One” is open enough to be what you want, and if that only happens to be a very good “Star Wars” installment, this’ll do just fine.

— 2:13. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action. HHH (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Office Christmas Party” — Despite the eminently likable cast, featuring such reliable talents as Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and T.J. Miller, this is one of those loud, forced, party-hard movies where everyone onscreen is trying their best to convince us we’re watching a zany, edgy romp — but the antics come across as juvenile and tired. Comedy, R, 105 minutes.

HH “Jackie” — “Jackie” is a morbid, uneven, sometimes elegant, sometimes insightful examination of the immediate aftermath of the assassination of JFK, as told through the lens of the first lady. Natalie Portman is sure to be nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the title role, and deservedly so — even though there are some moments when the dialogue and the overt symbolism come dangerously close to camp.

Biography-Drama, R, 99 minutes. HHH “Man Down” — Shia LaBeouf’s off-putting performance as a Marine combat veteran battling PTSD gave me optical sprains from rolling my eyeballs throughout the viewing experience. He’s all over the place here, and never in a good way. Drama, R, 90 minutes. H “Manchester by the Sea” — With this story of a bitter Boston custodian (Casey Affleck) returning to his hometown after his brother’s death, writer-director Kenneth Lonergan has delivered a modern masterpiece reminiscent of the classic, gritty dramas of the 1970s.

It’s no easy journey, but my goodness is it brilliant.

Drama, R, 137 minutes. HHHH “Allied” — A taut, tense thriller for its first half, this World War II film starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard later becomes a weird hybrid of domestic drama and wartime intrigue that sometimes stretches credulity and veers close to unintentional humor. The highs are so impressive and the lows are so ... weird. War thriller, R, 124 minutes. HHH “Bad Santa 2” — Some 13 years after the fantastic, brutally offensive “Bad Santa” became something of a cult classic, this lazy, crummy-looking, poorly paced, why-bother follow-up lacks the Christmas bells to go full-out politically incorrect. Billy Bob Thornton half-heartedly reprises the title role, with Kathy Bates cracking unfunny jokes as his mother. Comedy, R, 89 minutes. H½ “Rules Don’t Apply” — Warren Beatty writes, directs and co-stars as Howard Hughes in a 1950s love story about the forbidden romance of two young people (Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich) in Hughes’ employ. It’s a sweet, entertaining and great-looking slice of Old Hollywood. Romance, PG-13, 126 minutes. HHH½ “Bleed for This” — Miles Teller gives the performance of his career as Vinny Pazienza, a boxer who won the title then fought to come back after a horrific car accident fractures his neck. As Vinny’s trainer, Aaron Eckhart takes what could have been a cliched role and turns it into something special. This is one of the best movies of the year. Sports drama, R, 116 minutes.

HHHH

Thursday, December 15, 2016 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES “Nocturnal Animals” — Director Tom Ford tells parallel stories of a gallery owner (Amy Adams) reading a novel by her ex as the ex (Jake Gyllenhaal) lives the story. For all of the exquisitely framed and expertly lit sequences, for all the valiant efforts by some of the finest actors around, it left me as cold and unaffected as just about any prestige, A-list project I’ve seen all year. Drama, R, 117 minutes. HH “Christine” — Playing a tightly wound TV reporter who in 1974 committed suicide on the air, Rebecca Hall gives one of the great performances of the year in this intense, stomach-churning, unblinking drama based on a true story.

Biographical drama, R, 115 minutes. HHH “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” — There’s a whole lot of movie going on in this expansion of the J.K. Rowling cinematic universe. The origin story of “magizoologist” Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne, bursting with absentminded professor charm) is populated with critters ranging from the tiny and whimsical to the enormous and ferocious.

The result is an effective if not everlasting magical spell. Fantasy, PG-13, 123 minutes. HHH “Dog Eat Dog” — Director Paul Schrader harks back to a more politically incorrect age with a bloody, trippy, bare-fanged pulp thriller featuring terrifically entertaining performances from old dogs Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe.

Crime thriller, not rated, 93 minutes. HHH “Loving” — In writer-director Jeff Nichols’ rather tepid love story

AT THE LINCOLN

At area theaters ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 16-22 Passengers (PG-13): Tuesday: 7:40; Wednesday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:55, 6:40, 9:15 Sing (PG): Tuesday: 7:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:20, 8:50 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:40, 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 9:30; Sunday-Monday: 12:40, 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00; Tuesday: 12:40, 2:00, 3:35, 5:00, 6:30; Wednesday-Thursday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30, 9:30 Arrival (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:40, 9:15; Sunday-Monday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:40; Tuesday: 1:00, 3:45 360-293-7000 CONCRETE THEATRE Dec. 16-18 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 8 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

360-941-0403 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATERS Burlington For showings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386) OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 16-22 Passengers (PG-13): Tuesday: 7:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00, 9:30

and legal drama, Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga are undeniably good as a real-life interracial couple convicted in 1958 of violating Virginia’s anti-miscegenation statute. I was impressed. I just wish I’d been more deeply moved. Drama, PG-13, 123 minutes. HH½ “Arrival” — As confusing as it is enlightening, Denis Villeneuve’s high-end alien invasion movie tells of a linguistics expert (Amy Adams) called upon to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. Even most of the what-the-heck moments are beautiful and challenging and cool in a thought-provoking, intergalactic kind of way.

Sci-fi thriller, PG-13, 116 minutes. HHH½ “Hacksaw Ridge”

Sing (PG): Tuesday: 7:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:15, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, 1:15, 3:45, 4:15, 6:15, 6:45, 9:15; Sunday-Monday: 12:45, 1:15, 3:45, 4:15, 6:45; Tuesday: 12:45, 1:15, 3:45, 4:15, 6:15; Wednesday-Thursday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45 Arrival (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00, 9:30; Sunday-Monday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00; Tuesday: 1:00, 3:30 360-279-2226 ‌

STANWOOD CINEMAS Dec. 16-22 Passengers (PG-13): Tuesday: 7:00; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:20, 4:05, 6:50 Passengers 3D (PG-13): Wednesday-Thursday: 9:05 p.m.

Sing (PG): Wednesday-Thursday: 3:55, 9:20 Sing 3D (PG): Tuesday: 7:00; WednesdayThursday: 1:10, 6:40 Collateral Beauty (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:45, 9:15; Sunday-Tuesday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:45; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday-Tuesday: 12:30, 1:10, 4:05, 6:15, 7:00, 9:55; Wednesday-Thursday: 1:00, 2:00, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 9:25 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 3D (PG-13): Friday-Tuesday: 3:30, 9:05; Wednesday-Thursday: 3:30 Office Christmas Party (R): Friday-Monday: 12:50, 3:20, 6:35, 9:00; Tuesday: 12:50, 3:20, 9:15 Moana (PG): Friday-Tuesday: 12:40, 3:50, 9:05 360-629-0514

— Director Mel Gibson dishes out the symbolism and the sermonizing in blunt and unrelenting fashion in a gruesomely effective and ultraviolent World War II movie about a man (Andrew Garfield, rising to the occasion) who was so nonviolent he refused to pick up a gun, even during combat in Okinawa. War drama, R, 130 minutes. HHH “Almost Christmas” — A wonderful cast including Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union and J.B. Smoove is unable to rescue writer-director David E. Talbert’s family comedy/drama, which contains precious few genuine laughs and even fewer legitimately earned heart-tugging moments.

Comedy drama, PG-13, 112 minutes. H½

“Moonlight” — Gorgeous and yet bleak, uplifting and yet sobering, writer-director Barry Jenkins’ modern masterpiece chronicles pivotal periods in boyhood, adolescence and adulthood in the life and times of one person played by three skilled actors. This is a film brimming with memorable work. Drama, R, 110 minutes. HHHH “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” — The first “Jack Reacher” was a dud. This one’s worse.

Nearly every scene plays like a near-parody of a Tom Cruise actioner.

It’s apropos that Cruise often is seen wielding a cellular device because this is the very definition of phoning it in. Action, PG-13, 118 minutes. H½

“A Man Called Ove” will play Saturday through Monday at the Lincoln.

‘The Magic Flute’ 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 The groundbreaking broadcast that launched the Met’s award-winning Live in HD series to movie theaters in 2006, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” is presented in a shortened English-language version. Under the baton of Maestro James Levine, the cast including Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklósa, and René Pape brings fresh life to Mozart’s timeless fairy tale. $16 general, $14 seniors, $12 students and children, with $2 off for Lincoln members.

90th Anniversary Series: ‘Love Actually’ 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 This romantic comedy weaves together a number of love affairs into one story. Starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney.

Rated R. $6.

‘A Man Called Ove’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19 Stepping from the pag-

es of Fredrik Backman’s international best-selling novel, Ove is the quintessential angry old man next door. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short fuse, who spends his days enforcing block association rules that only he cares about, and visiting his wife’s grave, Ove has given up on life.

Enter a boisterous young family next door who accidentally flattens Ove’s mailbox while moving in and earning his special brand of ire. Yet from this inauspicious beginning an unlikely friendship forms and we come to understand Ove’s past happiness and heartbreaks.

Rated PG-13. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under. Sunday bargain Prices: $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

‘L’Amour de Loin’ (Saariaho) 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 Eric Owens is the knight on a quest of love and Susanna Phillips is his lover on the other side of the sea. Conductor Susanna Mälkki makes her Met debut.

Adult $23, senior $21, student (with I.D.) $19, child (12 and under) $19.

Lincoln members receive $2 off all price levels.

E16 - Thursday, December 15, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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