360 December 29, 2016

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Ring in the New Year at area events This Weekend, Page 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 29, 2016

TUNING UP PAGE 9 Jim Page plays the Conway Muse OUT & ABOUT PAGE 4

Cillian Vallely and Kevin Crawford perform in Mount Vernon

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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

TUNING UP / Page 9

AP

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is seen in a scene from “Snowden.”

been granted a short asylum to avoid a “Snowden”: Director Oliver treason trial.

Stone has never been afraid to hide his opinions or to allow his personal “When the Bough Breaks”: Surrofeelings guide his stories. He’s done gate mom becomes overly attached to that with the uncertainties of politics the father. through “JFK,” the realities of war in “No Manches Frida”: Thief tries to his “Born on the Fourth of July” and recover the loot from a robbery, but the moral shifting in a school has been built sports through “Any over the spot where he Given Sunday.” buried the money.

Upcoming Whether you agree “Close to the movie releases or disagree with Stone, Enemy”: Intelligence Following is a partial there’s no arguing that officer’s task is to enschedule of coming DVD he makes his points in sure captured German releases. Release dates distinct terms designed scientist starts working are subject to change: to open a dialogue. He’s for the British RAF. one of the primary forc“NOVA: Great es in the world of movHuman Odyssey”: Exies who lets an audience JAN. 3 amination of mankind’s know there is no passive n Blair Witch ability to travel and watching. Instead, they n Middle School: The adjust to new regions.

Worst Years of My Life must join the debate.

“The Dressmaker”: n Denial That’s why his latest Talented dressmaker n Bones: Season 11 work, “Snowden,” comes (Kate Winslet) returns n Girls: The Complete up so short. It’s not to her Australian outFifth Season that Stone doesn’t have back home to reconcile n Sleepy Hollow: definitive viewpoints with her mother.

Season 3 on what whistleblower “Ray Donovan: The n The Librarians: Edward Snowden did Fourth Season”: Work Season 2 in 2013. It’s that unlike and home life begin to n The Monkey King 2 other major topics he’s come together for Dontaken on, this one has ovan (Liev Schreiber). far more gray areas.

“Jericho of ScotDespite a strong perland Yard”: Scotland Yard detective formance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as investigates high-profile murders in Snowden, the film ends up convoluted 1950s London. and confusing.

“A Man Called Ove”: An ill-temIn case you forgot, Snowden copied pered old man is shaken in ways he and leaked mounds of classified innever would have imagined. formation from the National Security “Nature: The Story of Cats”: A Agency. That material revealed that look at the 37 species of the cat family. the United States was keeping an “Dog Eat Dog”: Ex-cons hired eye on many average citizens. This to kidnap a baby end up on the run. created a firestorm of protests and left Nicolas Cage stars.

Snowden in Moscow, where he has — Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

Blues Union plays the Rockfish Grill in Anacortes

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 Get Involved............................................ 6-7 Music Reviews............................................8 Tuning Up....................................................9 Hot Tickets................................................10 Travel..........................................................12 At the Lincoln...........................................13 Movies..................................................14-15 ON THE COVER Shutterstock image

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 WEEK’S NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS

N

ew Year’s Eve is Saturday, Dec. 31. Here are a few events to help you celebrate the arrival of 2017.

MUSIC

Beat Connection, Manatee Commune: 9:30 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W Holly St., Bellingham. $20.360-7468733 or wildbuffalo.net.

The Royal We: 9 p.m., The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

Baby Cakes: 9 p.m., The Green Frog, 1015

360-848-8882.

New Year’s Eve Bash with Aaron Crawford, Harvey Creek Band: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15-$45. 425737-5144 or locobillys. com. ‌

Stardrums, Lady Keys and Lonny Williams

N. State St., Bellingham. $15. 360-306-8273 or acoustictavern.com.

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

Naughty New Year’s

Eve with the Naughty Blokes: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

New Year’s Eve with the Pennystinkers: 8 p.m., Honey Moon, 1053 N. State St., Bellingham. $15. 360-7340728 or honeymoonmeads.com.

New Year’s Eve Party with Jasmine Greene: 9 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham. $10. 360-647-5993 or bbaybrewery.com.

‌

Aaron Crawford

New Year’s Eve party with Jukebox Duo: 8 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

New Year’s Eve Bash: Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 9 p.m. in the Bard Room: Stardrums, Lady Keys, Lonnie Williams; 7 p.m. in the Parlor: Prozac Mountain Boys, Alki Jones.

Dinner at 6 p.m. 360445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. 888288-8883 or swinomishcasinoandlodge. com.

New Year’s Eve with DJ Z: 9 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956 or anacortesh2o.com.

DINNER

New Year’s Eve dinner: 6-8 p.m., Majestic Inn & Spa, 419 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $49 per person. (360) 299-1400 or majesticinnandspa.com.

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 balloon drop. Free.

360-755-0760 or burlingtonwa.gov.

Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Pajama Party Bash: 7-9 p.m., Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall Street, Everett.

New Year’s Eve Bash with Devas and the Dudes: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Bow. Free.

360-766-6330.

New Year’s Eve: Counting Down to 2017 with DJ Jimmy Mai of FatalMix Productions: 8 p.m., Clubhouse at Eaglemont Golf Course, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon. $20$25. 360-428-2788 or eaglemontgolf.com.

Mardi Gras New Year’s Eve: 9 p.m., Swinomish Casino &

‌

The Naughty Blokes

FAMILY

Noon Year’s Eve: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” at 11 a.m. at the

$10-$15 per person advanced, $15-$20 at door. 425-258-1006 or imaginecm.org/newyearseve.

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OUT & ABOUT

THE TIME JUMPERS

ART

ART EXHIBITION: Scott Milo Gallery presents new artwork from local artists through December, at 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 is featuring photographs

by Susan Middleton, through Dec. 31, at the

Skagit Valley and North Cascades. The free event is 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Rd, Rockport. skagiteagle. org or 360-853-7626.

MORE FUN

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

‌

The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, “Ranger Doug” Green, Paul Franklin, Brad Albin, Larry Franklin, Andy Reiss, Kenny Sears, Joe Spivey, Jeff Taylor and Billy Thomas, will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham. Tickets are $39.50 to $79.50. tickets@mountbakertheatre.com or 360-734-6080.

Lightcatcher building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. This 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. 360466-4446 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. The exhibition puts their art in the context of their lives. Among the couples represented: Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn 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 lacon-

nerquilts.org. n Ekphrastic: Quilts & Poetry by Fibre Arts Network of Northwest Canada. Through Dec. 30. n Victorian Christmas: 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 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, call 360-466-3125 or visit

townoflaconner.org.

LECTURES AND TALKS

LOCAL RADIO: “Speak Up! Speak Out!,” a half-hour weekly show committed to community, peace, justice and non-violence 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.

THE STORY OF THE FORESTS: Rockport State Park interpretive specialist Amos Almy presents “How Old Growth Brings New Life: The Story of the Forests.” Almy will share how old growth trees contribute to the health of forests in the

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: Come celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 31, at the 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 balloon drop. Free. 360755-0760 or burlingtonwa.gov.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS: Finish 2016 with a boom with New Year’s Eve fireworks from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31, at Windjammer Park, SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor. Free.

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OUT & ABOUT JANUARY ART

‘INTERSCAPES’ ART EXHIBIT: “Interscapes” is a collection of colorful abstract expressionist paintings by Gregory S. Walsh. A reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Fourth Corner Frames during the Downtown Bellingham ArtWalk.

The exhibit will be available through the end of January. 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.

RED TAILS, SILVER WINGS: The Schack Art Center in Everett will host an exhibit called “Red Tails, Silver Wings,” featuring 53 paintings and drawings by artist Chris Hopkins.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 5 and the exhibit runs from Jan. 5 to Feb. 25 at the center, 2921 Hoyt Ave. The center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. schack.org or 425-2595050.

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: This exhibit honors the 40-year career of an artist known for his large-scale landscapes and cityscapes.

Paul Havas (1940-2012) 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, this 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.

OVERGLAZE PAINTING: Anacortes artist Wendy Ross will demonstrate her skills in the fired arts, an overglaze painting with oils on a porcelain surface, at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at The Good Stuff Arts, 604 Commercial, Anacortes. 360-7553152.

THE GOOD STUFF ARTS GALLERY: The Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, has a new show through the end of January featuring work by Randy Emmons, Peggy Woods, Suzanne Powers, Terry MacDonald, Carla Seaton, Ruth Owen, Ron Moore and Maria Wickwire. The gallery is

CILLIAN VALLELY & KEVIN CRAWFORD

Piggle-Wiggle, and I,” at 2 p.m. Jan. 17 at Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. Becker will explore the life of author Betty MacDonald.

BLACK AVIATION THROUGH WORLD WAR II: Artist Chris Hopkins and author Guy E. Franklin will lead a lecture called “Black Aviation through World War II” at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, at the Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett. There is a $5 suggested donation and veterans are free. 425259-5050 or artsinfo@ schack.org.

STORKK

Cillian Vallely and Kevin Crawford will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. Tickets are $20 to $25.

Tickets available for purchase at celticarts.org or by calling 360-416-4934.

open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday to Saturday. thegoodstuff.com or 360 755-3152.

PLAYS

MUSICAL: “Fame – The Musical” will be performed at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham.

Tickets are $30.50 to $69.50. tickets@mountbakertheatre.com or 360-734-6080.

LECTURES AND TALKS

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. Genealogist Linda Duffield will discuss her research using the Pacific Lutheran University archives. skagitvalleygenealogy.org.

LOOKING FOR BETTY MACDONALD: Seattle author and historian Paula Becker will present “Looking for Betty MacDonald: The Egg, the Plague, Mrs.

BALD EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport, will host a series of talks and lectures in January. Admission and events are free, but donations are appreciated. All lectures are at 1 p.m. srbeatic@ frontier.com or 360853-7626. Up next: n Jan. 7: Author and photographer Kevin Ebi will present “Year of the Eagle” at 1 p.m.

Saturday. n Jan. 8: John Scurlock will present “Glaciers & Mountains: Photographic Flights Across Western North America.”

MUSIC

THE HARMONIOUS SOCIETY OF TICKLE-FIDDLE GENTLEMEN: Musical group sound|counterpoint will be joined by Christine Wilkinson-Beckman on violin and viola for an evening of music. The pieces will come from

the libraries of Thomas Britton and Gottfried Finger, featuring music

by Locke, Purcell, Matteis and others.

The concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 18th St., Mount Vernon. Tickets are $20, those 12 years old and younger get in free. salmonrunconcerts@gmail.com or 206-420-4548.

THE TIME JUMPERS: The Time Jumpers, featuring Vince Gill, “Ranger Doug” Green, Paul Franklin, Brad Albin, Larry Franklin, Andy Reiss, Kenny Sears, Joe Spivey, Jeff Taylor and Billy Thomas, will perform a concert at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham. Tickets are $39.50 to $79.50. tickets@mountbakertheatre.com or 360734-6080.

CILLIAN VALLELY AND KEVIN CRAWFORD: Cillian Vallely and Kevin Crawford will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon.

Tickets are $20 to $25.

Tickets available for purchase at celticarts. org or by calling 360416-4934.

JESSE COOK ONE WORLD TOUR: Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook will perform at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial St., Bellingham. Tickets are $20.50 to $49.50. tickets@mountbakertheatre.com or 360734-6080.

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GET INVOLVED BOOKS

robes encouraged. For information, call 360629-3132.

BOOK GROUP: The Center for Spiritual Living book group meets at 6 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursdays, and at 5:30 p.m. on third Thursdays at 1508 18th St. Mount Vernon.

Participants read and discuss books in many areas of spirituality and personal growth. Free.

For more information, contact Gabrielle Conatore at 360-920-19995 and mtvernoncsl@ outlook.com.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Let imaginations run wild with books, sing-along songs and creative activities that prepare young minds for reading at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at the Stanwood Library. Playtime or craft may follow.

For ages 3 to 5 years.

Caregiver required. For information, call 360629-3132.

HOGWARTS GALA REUNION: Return to Hogwarts and indulge in Honeydukes sweets and other delights in the great hall at 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6, at the Stanwood Library. Families welcome. Dress

PRESCHOOLERS EXPLORE STEAM: Learn through exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math at 10:30 a.m.

Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19 and 26 at the Stanwood Library. For ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver. For information, call 360629-3132.

BABY AND ME STORY TIME: Silly stories, happy songs, rhymes and activities that inspire a love of reading at 11 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27 at the Stanwood Library.

Playtime follows. For newborns through 18 months with a caregiver. For information, call 360-629-3132.

WISHING YOU A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON & A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR UPCOMING EVENTS

Los Cenzontles February 10

The James Hunter Six February 24

Kinobe & the Wamu Spirit March 3

Peter Rabbit Tales March 5

Barrule

March 17

March 24 & 25

And Much More!

1550353

Men are from Mars Women are from Venus

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

LEGO CONSTRUCTION ZONE: Build planes, cars, buildings and more at 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at the Stanwood Library. For school-age children. For information, call 360629-3132.

STEAM TUNNEL BUILDING CHALLENGE: Engineer a tower or weight-bearing structure using only twisty balloons or index

cards at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the Stanwood Library. For school-age children. Information: 360-629-3132.

LIBRARY STEM WORKSHOP: Build a robotic face in this four-part STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshop at 4 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 at the Stanwood Library. For grades 3 to 5.

Registration is required.

Information: 360-6293132.

TALES TO TAILS: Read to dogs to build reading skills and confidence at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Stanwood Library. For school-age children.

ART

PHOTO CONTEST: The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center presents a 2020 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 20162017, 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 the center’s Facebook page and website. Contest is open to expert and novice photographers.

Send submissions or questions to skagiteagles@gmail.com.

Contest guidelines at skagiteagle.org.

EXPLORING CREATIVITY: IN ART AND LIFE WORKSHOP: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at Screechingbird Studios in Anacortes. This day-long workshop with artist Anne Schreivogl is an invitation to explore creativity in our art and our lives. 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, visit the Parks and Recreation Department webpage at burlingtonwa.gov and click on the “Instructors Needed” tab.

For information, call 360-755-9649 or email recreation@burlingtonwa.gov.

ART CLASSES

ART JUMP START: Start off 2017 with a sampling of painting, drawing and clay projects 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 4-25, at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Children ages 7 to 12. $50 plus $20 supply fee. Registration required. 360-7559649.

CONTEMPORARY ACRYLIC PAINTING: Dottie Burton will instruct a series of classes on contemporary acryl-

ic 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.

WATERCOLOR TRAVEL JOURNALS: WITH TRISH HARDING: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Artist Trish Harding will introduce new approaches to capturing the experience of travel through the mediums of watercolor and pen and ink, through exercises using location, weather, time, sketching, lists, words and maps. $50. Limited spots available.

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/Intermediate 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.

ART JUMP START CLASS: Start off 2017 right by taking this class with Deirdre through Burlington Parks and Recreation Jan. 4, 11,

18 and 25. Participants will dabble in a bit of everything: painting, drawing and clay projects. For children, 7 to 12. Fee is $50 ($20 supply fee). Register by Dec. 29 at 360-755-9649 or recreation@burlingtonwa.gov.

AUDITIONS

”37 POSTCARDS”: Auditions for “37 Postcards” will be held on 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. ”GODSPELL”: Open auditions at 7 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 27-28 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.

DANCE

MOVING MEDITATIONS: The Dances of Universal Peace will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Skagit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 500 W. Section St., Mount Vernon. Dances include live music and singing with a focus on a particular sacred phrase. No experience necessary.

Dances are taught to the group each time.

Donation requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 360629-9190.

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GET INVOLVED

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

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at the 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.

JOLLY TIME CLUB: Have fun and dance to live music 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Gisela at 360-424-5696.

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.

CLOG DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Free lesson from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by regular clog dancing from 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. No fee, no partner needed.

First three lessons are free. Wear comfortable shoes. For information, call Rosie at 360-4244608.

SINGERS WANTED: 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.

MUSIC

BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Want to sing in a four-part Barbershop harmony? Attend a free, no-commitment rehearsal of the An-OChords. No experience necessary, no auditions required. Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages welcome. Drop in any Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Educational Service Building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes.

Rides available. Bob Lundquist, 360-9415733 or svenbob@ cheerful.com.

TIME FOR FIDDLERS: The Washington Old Time Fiddlers play acoustic old time music 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. Information: 630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held

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

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

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 at Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Enjoy guided hikes at 11 a.m., noon, 1p.m. and 2 p.m. deep into the old-growth forest. Kids can explore the Discovery Center with crafts, interactive displays, nature videos, books and more. Free.

Dress for cold, wet weather with footwear suitable for very wet trails. Discover Pass or

$10 day use fee required for parking. 360-8538461 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 2016-2017 season at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport.

Volunteers needed weekends December through January. Duties include welcoming guests, assisting nature walks and working in the gift shop.

For more information:srbeatic@frontier.com or call 360-853-7626.

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join the

BALD EAGLE CENTER: Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends December 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. Donations accepted. 360-853-7626 or skagiteagle.org.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE 20% OR MORE

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 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 are 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Jan. 29. Meeting place is inside the interpretive center. The terrain is suitable for small children and older adults.

Please dress according

Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets.

Free. For information, call 360-293-3725 or visit friendsoftheacfl. org.

OPENS NEXT WEEK! JANUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 5

EXTENDED 1 EXTRA WEEK MAND! DUE TO POPULARE DE BEST SEATS ACT NOW TO GET TH

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

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MODERN JIVE DANCE WORKSHOP: Modern jive is a fusion of jive and salsa, with no complicated footwork. Learn how from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $25 per person, $40 per couple. ej.toovey@yahoo.ca.

E8 - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Carrie Fisher: Colorful and challenged, on and off screen

MUSIC REVIEWS

By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer

NEW YORK — No one could make us laugh through the pain like Carrie Fisher.

The daughter of Hollywood stars Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, and a survivor of early fame, drug addiction and bipolar disorder, she wrote with unsentimental wit and understanding about her private struggles and about an industry she was raised in but stood apart from.

Fisher, known to the world as Princess Leia of “Star Wars,” died Tuesday at 60, four days after falling ill aboard an airline flight. Media reports said the actress had suffered a heart attack.

“I do believe you’re only as sick as your secrets. If that’s true, I’m just really healthy,” she said in a confessional 2009 interview with The Associated Press.

The public fell in love with her twice: as Princess Leia and as the wry truth-teller of such books as “Postcards From the Edge,” ‘’Wishful Drinking” and “The Princess Diarist,” in which she revealed having an intense affair with “Star Wars” co-star Harrison Ford.

Fisher told plenty of secrets about others — about her parents’ breakup when she was 2, about being advised by Warren Beatty on wearing a bra in “Shampoo,” and about arguing with then-husband Paul Simon about whether it was better to be a man or a woman.

Asked by NPR recently why she wrote about her

AP FILE

In this Oct. 5, 1978 photo, actors Harrison Ford (from left), Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew take a break from filming a television special in Los Angeles to be telecast during the holidays. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, Fisher died at the age of 60.

fling with Ford, who was 15 years older and married, she joked that she could hold back no longer because he had refused to die: “I kept calling and saying, ‘When are you going to die because I want to tell the story?’”

But she was toughest on herself and unafraid to turn trauma into humor. She became the most knowable of celebrities, with a great and generous gift for bringing us into her unusual life.

“One of the therapists came in to admit me and asked how long I had been a drug addict,” she wrote in Postcards,” her autobiographical novel that became a movie of the same name. “I said I didn’t think I was a drug addict because I didn’t take any one drug. ‘Then you’re a drugs addict,’ she said. She asked if I had deliberately tried to kill myself. I was insulted by the question. I guess when you find yourself having overdosed, it’s a

good indicator that your life isn’t working.”

She is survived by her mother; her daughter, Billie Lourd, from a relationship with talent agent Bryan Lourd; her brother, the actor-filmmaker Todd Fisher; and her half-sisters, actresses Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher. Her father died in 2010.

Born and raised in Beverly Hills, Carrie Fisher was a bookish child who had difficult relationships with both parents. In a celebrity breakup that made headlines everywhere in 1958, Eddie Fisher left his family for Elizabeth Taylor. Eddie Fisher was hardly present for his daughter in her early years, and Reynolds’ second husband, shoe store magnate Harry Karl, was even worse.

He squandered his own money and Reynolds’ on gambling and prostitutes and left the actress and her children broke and devastated.

VARIOUS ARTISTS, “Waxing the Gospel: Mass Evangelism and the Phonograph, 1890-1900” — “Waxing the Gospel” is a three-disc set of 102 gramophone and wax-cylinder recordings from the 1890s, many newly discovered. With a 408-page hardcover book of liner notes, it is an otherworldly glimpse into the history of recording and into fin de siècle American voices, mostly male, mostly white, singing vibrant Protestant hymns and reciting prayers.

The first CD collects commercial releases, beginning with a reading of the Lord’s Prayer

by Emile Berliner, who invented the gramophone (and staged its public debut at the Franklin Institute in 1888), and including the earliest known recording of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (1894).

The second CD focuses on famous evangelist Ira D. Sankey. The third and most fascinating disc collects amateur and home recordings, including 18 from a Methodist camp meeting in Ocean Grove, N.J., in 1897.

This CD includes the only known recording of Fanny Crosby, writer of more than 8,000 hymns, as well as family sing-alongs and

children’s choirs.

The sound quality varies wildly and the performances can be stilted, but “Waxing the Gospel” is an absorbing, revealing historical document.

— Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer

GAVIN BRYARS, “The Fifth Century” — Experimental English composer, percussionist, and bassist Gavin Bryars has forever confounded audiences as to whether he’s a minimalist or maximalist. Does he crave accessibility with majestic themes à la Wagner, intimate quietude à la Satie, testy silence like Cage, or all of the above?

Bryars’ newest cantata for regal modern choir and saxophone quartet, “The Fifth Century,” is based upon Centuries of Meditations, contemplative prose-poems by 17th-century British mystic poet Thomas Traherne.

It was commissioned by Philadelphia chamber choir the Crossing and its conductor, Donald Nally, and recorded

by ECM’s pristine engineers at the Curtis Institute with the neoclassicist Prism Quartet reeds.

Rather than a difficult, lengthy elegy, “The Fifth Century’s” a cappella voices and

sax counterpoint craft spare, uplifting mini-epics that feel simultaneously medieval and modern.

— A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer

SHADOW, “Sweet Sweet Dreams” — Shadow is the Mighty Shadow, a.k.a.

Winston Bailey, the now-elderly calypso singer from Trinidad and Tobago.

“Sweet Sweet Dreams” is a dynamite reissue. The album, originally released (and not warmly received) in 1984, found Shadow moving away from the sociopolitical commentary he was known for and getting personal about suffering from a state of tabanca, or heartsickness.

As with the recent reissues of 1980s Nigerian synthesist William Onyeabor on the Luaka Bop label, “Sweet Sweet Dreams,” which sports a striking purple LP cover, finds Shadow mixing indigenous rhythms with electronic textures on delicious extended jams like “Let’s Get Together” and “Moon Walking.”

What might have come off as jarring in the 1980s sounds remarkably fresh and in the electro-pop now.

— Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 29-January 7 Thursday.29 MuseBird Cafe with Rick Fogel, WB Reid and Jo Jeffrey: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

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.

Friday.30

The Royal We: 9 p.m., The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

Quinn Krovanick: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Bow. Free. 360-7666330.

Chris Eger Band: 8:30 p.m., Big Lake Bar and Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

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

360-399-1321.

Blues Union: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

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

Saturday.31

Beat Connection, Manatee Commune: 9:30 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $20.360-7468733 or wildbuffalo.net.

The Royal We: 9 p.m., The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

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

New Year’s Eve party with Jukebox Duo: 8 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

FRIDAY.6 JIM PAGE

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

360-445-3000.

FRIDAY.30 BLUES UNION

8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

New Year’s Eve Bash with Aaron Crawford, Harvey Creek Band: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15-$45. 425737-5144 or locobillys. com.

New Year’s Eve Bash: Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 9 p.m. in the Bard Room: Stardrums, Lady Keys, Lonnie Williams; 7 p.m. in the Parlor: Prozac Mountain Boys, Alki Jones.

Dinner at 6 p.m. 360445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash with Devas and the Dudes: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Bow. Free.

360-766-6330.

Eric Stendal and the

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

Greimes: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Wednesday.4

Friday.6

Marcia Kester: 6 p.m., Anacortes Eagles, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Members and signed-in guests only. 360-757-9687.

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.

TimE3Jazz: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Thursday.5 Sheri Roberts

Marcia Kester: 6 p.m., Rhode’s River Ranch Restaurant, 22016 Entsminger Road, Arlington. $5.

Reservations recommended. 360-474-8313.

Jessica Lynne: 9 p.m., The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Jim Page: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Salsa Night: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

The Mountain Flowers: 9 p.m., The Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. 21 and over. 360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

Norris and Nicely: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Saturday.7

Jessica Lynne: 9 p.m., The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Cee Cee James and Rob “Slideboy” Andrewa: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

E10 - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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

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

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”: Dec. 31, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 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.

206-682-1414 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.

SMOKEY ROBINSON: Jan. 13, Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma. 253-5947777 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

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO Jan. 31, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

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.

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.

AIR SUPPLY: Feb. 14, Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma. 253-594-7777 or livenation.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.

‘RENT’: Feb. 21-26, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or stgpresents.org.

HIPPO CAMPUS: Feb. 24, Neumos, Seattle. 206709-9442 or neumos.com.

TENNIS: Feb. 28, Neumos, Seattle. 206-7099442 or neumos.com.

THE RADIO DEPT.: March 1, Neumos, Seattle.

206-709-9442 or neumos. com.

JENS LEKMAN: March 5, Neumos, Seattle. 206709-9442 or neumos.com.

BLUE OYSTER CULT: March 11, Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma. 253-5947777 or livenation.com.

LAKE STREET DRIVE: March 15, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: March 17, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000

or LiveNation.com.

ALI WONG: March 17, Moore Theatre, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

DAYA: March 18, Neumos, Seattle. 206-7099442 or neumos.com.

PANIC! AT THE DISCO: March 21, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

RICKIE LEE JONES & MADELEINE PEYROUX: March 22, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 206-6821414 or ticketmaster.com.

ARIANA GRANDE: March 23, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

CHRIS STAPLETON: March 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

LOCASH: March 29, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

206-682-1414 or ticketmaster.com.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: LUZIA: March 30-April 30, Marymoor Park, Redmond. cirquedusoleil. com/luzia.

GAME OF THRONES LIVE CONCERT: March 31, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

REGINA SPEKTOR: April 3, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or LiveNation.com.

SLEAFORD MODS: April 5, Neumos, Seattle.

206-709-9442 or neumos. com.

GROUPLOVE: April 6, The Showbox SODO, Seattle. 888-929-7849 or axs.com.

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: April 8, Neumos, Seattle. 206-7099442 or neumos.com.

‘AMPLIFY!: RAISING WOMEN’S VOICES’: April 13-Aug. 27, Sound Theatre Company, Seattle. soundtheatrecompany.org.

THE WEEKND: April 26, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or LiveNation. com.

LIONEL RICHIE, MARIAH CAREY: April 28, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

PJ HARVEY: May 5, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 26-28, The Gorge, George. sasquatchfestival.com.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: with Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul: June 7, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or LiveNation. com.

BRUNO MARS: July 24, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

NEIL DIAMOND: July 26, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or LiveNation.com.

GUNS N’ ROSES: Sept.

3, The Gorge, George.

LiveNation.com.

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

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

From ‘Deadpool’ to ‘Stranger Things,’ a year of pop culture collisions

By STEVEN ZEITCHIK Los Angeles Times

Without someone’s decision to enact the smart — sometimes unlikely — combination, much of what we admire wouldn’t exist.

Absent DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul would be lobbing to empty air. The latest Korean American fusion dish would just be a lonely hamburger dreaming longingly of kimchi slaw. The Labradoodle would be but a mythical creature.

But rarely has so much disparateness been brought together so frequently, or so effectively, as in entertainment circa 2016. This has been the year of the combination — or, more accurately, the collision. Creators took ingredients from remote places, studied them closely, then ground them together.

Somehow, in all that genre-mashing and form-smashing, concoctions emerged that were never thought possible.

This was a good thing.

Mostly.

The first months of the movie year yielded a pair of such phenomena.

In February, “Spotlight,” from Tom McCarthy and his writing partner Josh Singer, won the Academy Award for best picture by melding the values of traditional fictional storytelling with the diligence and social-consciousness of activist reporting.

Its story of the Boston church-abuse scandals became the first modern winner of Oscar’s top prize that also was arguably an act of journalism in its own right.

That same month, Ryan Reynolds’ “Dead-

pool” offered its own improbable fusion of the raunchy comedy and the superhero crusader.

For the last decade, the two dominant film coins have been the spandex stalwart and the blue one-liner. Director Tim Miller synthesized them in this Marvel movie.

Then Fox put out the result in the experimental precincts of late winter.

Turns out we loved the hybrid, rewarding it with more than three-quarters of a billion dollars in worldwide box office.

The idea of bringing together forms that rarely coexist was all over television, not least with the resurgent live musical, which in 2016 became expanded to a full-fledged category on multiple networks thanks to Fox’s “Grease” and NBC’s “Hairspray.”

Meanwhile, a 1980s popcorn throwback met 21st-century streaming technology in Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” And rigorous documentary film became, startlingly, the stuff of episodic cable television in “O.J: Made in America.” What was on one level a TV show about a case was on another an epic piece of cinema about race.

From the minute it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January, director Ezra Edelman took pains to note that the medium and installment-format of “O.J.” screamed television, but the ambition and execution bellowed cinema.

ESPN then underscored these collisionary aims — and complicated the lives of awards voters — by qualifying the piece for the Academy Awards. Which means the thing no one could quite define could win

an Oscar and an Emmy in the same year.

Television and film had for so long been set up as parallel lines, running together yet never intersecting. But recent years of crossover — all those directors and stars moving between the media — had now reached its natural end point. Here was a work that could at the same time be anointed the best movie and best TV series of the year.

Something new was in the air this year; a desire to experiment, yes, but also an almost darelike attempt to try new Hydras, to see if what had never been brought together suddenly could marry. It was as if entertainment had collectively made the postmodern acknowledgment that pure originality was impossible, so the only thing left to do was take what already existed and create new permutations.

As audience members, it should be said, we made a decision of sorts too — to open ourselves up to these experiments, our jaundiced 21st-century feelings that we’d seen it all evaporating with the sheer novelty of the attempt if not the outright appreciation of its result.

Nor was it just screen entertainment. Much has been rightly made of the musician deaths of 2016, a long and sad list topped by David Bowie and Prince. Both the Thin White Duke and the purple-clad one were of course the kings of collision, bringing together disparate forms of fashion and music in the same person. And although they died this year, several musical personalities took the baton in their absence.

AP

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Ryan Reyonlds in a scene from the film, “Deadpool.” The film was nominated for a Golden Globe award for best motion picture musical or comedy on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The 74th Golden Globe Awards ceremony will be broadcast on Jan. 8, on NBC.

E12 - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

What drops on New Year’s Eve? Not just the ball

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — That glittering ball in Times Square may be the bestknown object dropping on New Year’s Eve, but it’s by no means the weirdest.

There’s stiff competition in that category: Everything from a fish to a shoe to a giant candy Peep will descend on Saturday to welcome in 2017.

The tiny lakeside town of Port Clinton, Ohio, will celebrate the new year by dropping a 20-foot-long, 600-pound replica of a walleye fish. The annual Idaho potato drop in Boise will feature a massive lit-up “glowtato” to celebrate one of the state’s most famous products. In Lake Tahoe, Nevada, a brightly lit gondola is dropped at the Heavenly Mountain ski resort.

In Key West, Florida, four different things — including two humans — are lowered to welcome the new year.

A giant conch shell is dropped at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a costumed “pirate wench” is lowered outside the Schooner Wharf Bar, a wedge of Key lime descends into a huge margarita glass at the Ocean Key House Resort, and of course in what is probably Key West’s most famous New Year’s Eve tradition, a large red high-heeled shoe carrying female impersonator Gary “Sushi” Marion is lowered outside the Bourbon Street Pub complex on

Local travel briefs ANACORTES SISTER CITIES: Anacortes Sister Cities Association (ASCA) will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. ASCA Student Travel Fund recipient Alyssa White will share the story of her internship in Argentina. For questions, contact Barb Smart at b.smart@juno.com.

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.

AP

This undated photo provided by Vail Resorts shows a brightly lit gondola dropping at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe, Nev. It’s one of a number of ceremonies in which various objects are dropped around the country to welcome in the new year.

Duval Street.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, hosts a two-day family-friendly Peeps festival that includes the dropping of a 200-pound lit-up Peeps chick. Peeps manufacturer Just Born began operating in Bethlehem in the 1930s.

In Memphis, Tennessee, a lit-up guitar is dropped at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street. Raleigh, North Carolina, which calls itself the city of oaks, drops a giant acorn to welcome the new year.

Atlanta hosts a peach drop, and New Orleans drops a fleur-de-lis.

The tradition of dropping a ball to mark a moment dates back to the 19th century, but it didn’t originate as a New Year’s Eve custom.

“Time balls” were once displayed in harbors and lowered daily to signal a certain time of day so that ships

AP

This undated photo provided by Lake Erie Shores & Islands shows the tiny lakeside town of Port Clinton, Ohio, celebrating its annual walleye fish drop at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s one of a number of objects dropped around the country to welcome in the new year, from a giant shoe in Key West, Fla., to the famous ball in Times Square.

could precisely set the chronometers they used for navigation.

The New Year’s Eve tradition began in 1907 when a time ball was dropped as part of a public celebration hosted by The New York Times at its building in Times Square.

The Times Square ball has been rede-

signed a number of times over the decades.

It was originally made of iron, wood and 25watt lightbulbs.

The ball that will drop Saturday night in the moments leading up to midnight is made from Waterford crystal triangles, illuminated by thousands of LED lights.

PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTATION: John Scurlock, aerial photographer, presents “Glaciers and Mountains: Photographic Flights Across Western North America” from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. Scurlock shares his experience as a pilot helping document glacial change. Information: skagiteagle. org, srbeatic@frontier.com or 360-853-7626.

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.

For information or to register: 360-733-4030, ext. 1015, or wccoa.org/index.php/Tours. n Water View Luncheon and Peking Acrobats: Wednesday, Jan. 25. Experience ancient Chinese folk-art performances. Enjoy lunch at Arnie’s on the waterfront, traditional performances by the Chinese Peking Acrobats follow the meal. Watch performers execute the lion dance, aerialist stunts, juggling and contortionists. $59.

Trip includes transportation, waterfront lunch, aerialist show and tour escort. n Blissful Bali Tour: March 5-13. Explore Bali with Whatcom Senior Tours with a beach resort experience.

Deluxe coach tours including cultural and geographic treasures in Mas, Celuk, Batubulan and the Ubud rainforest district. $2,590 per double occupancy or $2,965 single occupancy. Trip includes roundtrip 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. Stay in the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel one night before embarking aboard a paddle wheeler down the longest river in North America. Ports of the trip 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.

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

AT THE LINCOLN

DINING GUIDE This Week at The Rockfish Grill and H2O: FRI. 12/30 8PM BLUES UNION

WEDS. 1/4 6PM TIME3JAZZ

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC CHECK LISTINGS AT aneliaskitchenandstage.com

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ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

‘No Man’s Land’

2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land,” broadcast live to cinemas from Wyndham’s Theatre, London.

One summer’s evening, two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, meet in a Hampstead pub and continue their drinking into the night at Hirst’s stately house nearby.

As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories increasingly unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the return home of two sinister younger men.

Appropriate for audiences 15 years old and up. $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students and children, plus applicable fees, with $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members.

WED. 1/4 3PM WING WEDNESDAY

Make Reservations for New Years Eve

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7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 30-31 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2 Dutch immigrant Harry deLeyer journeyed to the United States after World War II and developed a transformative relationship with a broken down Amish plow horse he rescued off a slaughter truck bound for the glue factory.

Harry paid 80 dollars for the horse and named him Snowman. In less than two years, Harry and Snowman went on to win the triple crown of show jumping, beating the nations blue bloods. They were famous for their day and traveled around the world together. Their chance meeting at a Pennsylvania horse auction saved them both and crafted a friendship that lasted a lifetime.

Eighty-six-year-old Harry tells their Cinderella love story firsthand, as he continues to train on today’s show jumping circuit.

Not rated. $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. Lincoln Theatre members save $2 per film ticket.

PIEROGIES

Weekend Brunch & Bloody Mary Bar! Sat. & Sun. 11am-2pm

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“Harry and Snowman” tells the story of the relationship between a Dutch immigrant and a broken-down Amish plow horse he rescued off a slaughter truck.

FRI. 1/6 8PM RANDY NORRIS & JEFF NICELY THURS. 12/29 8:30PM TRIVIA with BOSTON BOB

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E14 - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS

‘A Monster Calls’ delivers a special kind of magic

By KENNETH TURAN Los Angeles Times

From its elegant title to its unexpectedly edgy tone, “A Monster Calls” makes its own way. There is magic, real magic here, and if it doesn’t manifest itself in every frame, it’s just going to have to be that way.

The story of a small boy who must learn adult lessons about life and letting go and leans for help on a terrifying creature embodied by Liam Neeson, “Monster” is almost too ambitious to be completely realized. But when it works, which is most of the time, its story has a power which lingers in the mind.

“Monster” comes by its singularity honestly. Directed

by J.A. Bayona, it’s a gently spooky hybrid, mixing any number of elements — fable and reality, animation and live action, special effects and sincerity — in a way that, not surprisingly, is intended for both children and adults.

Only the fierce bond of honest emotion keeps it from flying apart right in front of us.

This duality starts at the very beginning, with an idea for a novel that came to British young-adult writer Siobhan Dowd when she was dying of cancer. Another author, Patrick Ness, was inspired by the idea and agreed to take it on.

The result was a modern classic that has been published in close to 40 languages. It did more than win the Carnegie Medal for Ness: illustrator Jim Kay, whose images are a strong influence on the film, won the Kate Greenaway Medal for his artwork, the first time one book has won both of these venerable awards.

Spanish filmmaker Bayona,

QUIM VIVES / FOCUS FEATURES

Lewis MacDougall portrays Connor in “A Monster Calls.”

whose previous work includes “The Orphanage” and the tsunami-themed “The Impossible,” has always been a gifted visual director, and that is very much a factor in making “A Monster Calls” a success.

But here he’s been helped by some strong acting, not just by “Rogue One” star Felicity Jones as a young mother with a terrible disease, but especially by the odd-couple combination of newcomer Lewis MacDougall as her 12-yearold son, Conor O’Malley, and the 64-year-old veteran Neeson as the monster in question.

Set in a bleak season in the cheerless north of England, the film begins with what we come to recognize as one of Conor’s recurrent nightmares: an austere nearby church and its graveyard collapse into an enormous gaping crater that is threatening to swallow his mother as well. As both parent and child scream in terror, he loses his grip on his mother and she starts to disappear into the abyss.

Waking with the proverbial start, the clearly distraught

Conor does things not usual for 12-year-olds on school days: he makes his own breakfast, gets the laundry started and looks in on his sleeping mother, whose wan look and short hair signal the seriousness of the unnamed disease she is suffering from.

At school, things do not improve, as Conor can’t concentrate on his studies and is bullied unmercifully by a handful of thuggish louts.

Back home, though there is a lovely interlude of watching the original “King Kong” with his mother on old 16mm equipment, Conor has an additional worry. It’s the thought of having to move in with his obdurate grandmother (an unconvincing Sigourney Weaver), a toe-the-line type he feels no connection to.

Then in the dead of night, he hears a voice calling out “Conor O’Malley, Conor O’Malley” in deep, disturbing tones that seem to come from another dimension.

Looking out his upstairs window, he (and we) are beyond shocked to see a large

yew tree in that churchyard magically metamorphosizes into an enormous, 40-foottall tree monster, made of roots and branches with fire burning inside, a dour and relentless being with a mission on his mind.

Making the ground shake as he approaches, the monster presents Conor with an agenda. He will return on consecutive nights and tell the boy three stories, after which the tables will be turned: “You will tell me a fourth and it will be the truth. Your truth.”

Referencing that Conor likes to draw, the monster’s three tales are presented in vivid animation created by the Spanish firm Headless Productions. But though they enchant visually, these are oblique, opaque tales that do not initially make sense to the boy.

It’s not only the stories that are wonderfully conveyed, so is the beast itself. Bayona has wisely chosen to use practical effects whenever possible, mandating that full-scale animatronic versions of the monster’s head and shoulders, arms, hands and feet be created out of foam.

While the monster/Conor moments never falter, not all the other elements in the story registers as strongly.

Still, when the chips are down, especially in the ending, everyone rises to the occasion, especially the monster.

Both real and a reflection of Conor’s mental state, the creature is not meant to be seen as a representative of another world but part of us, adversary and guardian spirit all rolled into one. Conor is fortunate to have him around, and so are we.

— 1:48. Rating: PG-13, for some thematic content and scary images

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Hidden Figures” — You might just find yourself applauding during certain moments of dramatic triumph in the unabashedly sentimental and wonderfully inspirational story of three black female mathematicians (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae) who worked for NASA in the 1960s. Historical drama, PG, 127 minutes. HHH½ “Fences”— In the movie adaptation of August Wilson’s great play about a tragically dysfunctional family in the 1950s, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis reprise their Tony-winning Broadway roles, and there are times when the film feels stagey and over the top. What works: the brilliant dialogue and the raw intensity of the performances. Drama, PG-13, 139 minutes. HHH “Lion” — Half of “Lion” is about a boy in India separated from his family, and half is about his quest to find them as an adult (Dev Patel), and each is remarkable in its own way. It’s a magical tale grounded in reality, sure to reduce most moviegoers to tears that are honestly and legitimately earned. Drama, PG-13, 120 minutes. HHH½ “Passengers” — Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt play travelers who wake up prematurely from hibernation during a 120-year spaceship journey.

The visual effects, while arresting at times, are just diverting eye candy, momentarily distracting us from the realities of the off-putting, ridiculous storyline. Sci-fi romance, PG-13, 116 minutes. H½ “Why Him?” — The premise of this multivehicle car wreck — man (Bryan Cranston) thinks his daughter’s boyfriend (James Franco) isn’t worthy of her — is SO tired. This stinker is in the bottom 1 percent of movies I’ve ever seen. Comedy, R, 111 minutes. Zero stars.

“La La Land” — Under the innovative and captivating direction of Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”), Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone deliver genuine movie-star turns as two struggling, aspiring artists who fall in love, break into song and engage in delightfully choreographed dance numbers. The “real world” fades into the background and we are welcomed into a dreamlike fantasy. Musical, PG-13, 128 minutes. HHHH

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES “Barry” — In a fictionalized telling of Barack Obama’s experiences as a transfer student at Columbia University in the New York City of the early 1980s, the future POTUS is dabbling in the party scene and just beginning to figure out his place in American society. Devon Terrell does a fine job of mimicking the vocal cadences of the 20-year-old Obama. Biography, not rated, 104 minutes. HHH “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.

At area theaters ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 23-29 Passengers (PG-13): Friday: 12:50, 3:55, 6:40, 9:15; Saturday: 12:50, 3:55, 6:40; Sunday: 3:55, 6:40, 9:15; Monday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:55, 6:40, 9:15 Sing (PG): Friday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:20, 8:50; Saturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:20; Sunday: 3:45, 6:20, 8:50; MondayThursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:20, 8:50 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30, 9:30; Saturday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30; Sun: 3:35, 6:30, 9:30; Monday-Thursday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30, 9:30 360-293-7000 CONCRETE THEATRE Dec. 23, 25 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 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 (888-262-4386) OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 23-29 Passengers (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00, 9:30; Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00; Sunday: 3:30, 7:00, 9:30; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00,

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 9:30 Sing (PG): Friday: 1:15, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50; Saturday: 1:15, 4:10, 6:30; Sunday: 4:10, 6:30, 8:50; MondayThursday: 1:15, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; Saturday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45; Sunday: 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; MondayThursday: 12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS Dec. 23-29 Why Him? (R): Friday: 1:20, 3:45, 6:20, 9:20; Saturday: 1:20, 3:45, 6:20; Sunday: 3:45, 6:20, 9:20; MondayThursday: 1:20, 3:45, 6:20, 9:20 Passengers (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, 6:50 Sunday: 6:50; Monday-Thursday: 12:50, 6:50 Passengers 3D (PG-13): Friday: 3:30, 9:05; Saturday: 3:30; SundayThursday: 3:30, 9:05 Sing (PG): Friday: 3:55, 8:50; Saturday: 3:55; Sunday-Thursday: 3:55, 8:50 Sing 3D (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 6:40; Sunday: 6:40; MondayThursday: 1:10, 6:40 Collateral Beauty (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30; Saturday: 1:00, 4:05, 7:00; Sunday: 4:05, 7:00, 9:30; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-13): Friday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30, 9:25; Saturday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30; Sunday: 3:35, 6:30, 9:25; MondayThursday: 12:40, 3:35, 6:30, 9:25 360-629-0514

Oscars: No one has lock on best picture

By GLENN WHIPP Los Angeles Times

Time for another Oscar Watch, as we puzzle through the latest news leading up to the academy revealing its nominees on Jan. 24.

BEST PICTURE Circle of trust: “La La Land,” “Moonlight,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Fences,” “Hell or High Water,” “Silence,” “Arrival.”

Prime contenders: “Lion,” “Loving,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Jackie,” “Hidden Figures.”

Analysis: A few questions to ponder: 1) “Hidden Figures,” as expected, scored big with actors. Will it continue to show strength, appealing to other guilds, on the way to an underdog run to a best picture Oscar nomination? 2) Can “Jackie” catch on with anyone outside of critics? And 3) Is there any hope left for “Loving”? Jeff Nichols’ moving love story put up a goose egg at the SAG Awards but did manage nominations for its two leads — Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton — with the Globes.

It didn’t land a best picture drama nod, though, and the film hasn’t caught on commercially.

LEAD ACTRESS Circle of trust: Emma Stone, “La La Land”, Natalie Portman, “Jackie” Prime contenders: Annette Bening, “20th Century Women”; Ruth Negga, “Loving”; Isabelle Huppert, “Elle”; Amy Adams, “Arrival”; Taraji P. Henson, “Hidden Figures”; Meryl Streep, “Florence Foster Jenkins.”

Analysis: I have not written a word about Streep this season. I’ve listed her every week among the prime contenders, never really believing that she’d actually land yet another nomination.

That kind of thinking went

out the window when Streep earned both Golden Globes and SAG Awards nods for “Florence.” Streep’s work in “Florence” ranks among her best. And yet handing her a 20th Oscar nomination would still feel like a profound failure of imagination. Sure, Streep’s “Florence” performance is more deserving than her recent turns in “Into the Woods” or even “The Iron Lady.” But more deserving than the never-nominated Huppert or the beautifully understated Negga? Absolutely not.

LEAD ACTOR Circle of trust: Denzel Washington, “Fences”; Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea”; Ryan Gosling, “La La Land.”

Prime contenders: Viggo Mortensen, “Captain Fantastic”; Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge”; Joel Edgerton, “Loving”; Tom Hanks, “Sully”; Andrew Garfield, “Silence.”

Analysis: I also haven’t written about Mortensen, but have kept him among the prime contenders until the last column when I deleted his name … because, hey, who was thinking good thoughts about “Captain Fantastic”? Plenty of people, it turns out.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS Circle of trust: Viola Davis, “Fences”; Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea”; Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”; Nicole Kidman, “Lion”; Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures.”

Prime contenders: Janelle Monae, “Hidden Figures”; Greta Gerwig, “20th Century Women.”

Analysis: Spencer’s SAG and Golden Globes noms have me ready to sign off on this category. She and the scene-stealing Monae are equally good in the earnest

“Hidden Figures,” but the Oscar-winning Spencer possesses stronger name recognition.

SUPPORTING ACTOR Circle of trust: Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”; Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water”; Lucas Hedges, “Manchester by the Sea”; Dev Patel, “Lion.”

Prime contenders: Hugh Grant, “Florence Foster Jenkins”; Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals”; Issey Ogata, “Silence”; Mykelti Williamson, “Fences”; Andre Holland, “Moonlight”; Simon Helberg, “Florence Foster Jenkins.”

Analysis: You know who else has never been nominated for an Oscar? Hugh Grant! That’s because Grant’s (seemingly) effortless charm isn’t the kind of acting that the academy rewards. But he’s in the conversation this year for his knowing turn as Streep’s husband in “Florence Foster Jenkins.”

DIRECTOR Circle of trust: Damien Chazelle, “La La Land”; Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight”; Martin Scorsese, “Silence”; Kenneth Lonergan, “Manchester by the Sea.” Prime contenders: Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival”; Pablo Larrain, “Jackie”; Denzel Washington, “Fences”; Mel Gibson, “Hacksaw Ridge”; David Mackenzie, “Hell or High Water.”

Analysis: Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play “Fences” won key raves from the New York Times’ A.O. Scott and the Wall Street Journal’s Joe Morgenstern, with Scott praising Washington’s decision to resist “the temptation to force a lot of unnecessary cinema on the play.” But if, as Scott notes, confinement is an implied theme in “Fences,” the material’s inherent restrictions could end up hurting Washington’s chances with directors’ branch voters.

E16 - Thursday, December 29, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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