360 December 3, 2015

THE GOOD LOVELIES PERFORM AT THE LINCOLN ON FRIDAY This Weekend, Page 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 3, 2015

TUNING UP

ON STAGE Anacortes Community Theatre presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Gin Gypsy performs Friday at the Big Lake Bar & Grill PAGE 9

MOVIES If “Creed” is the final round for Rocky Balboa, it’s a most worthy encore PAGE 14

PAGE 8

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

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

On Stage / Page 8 Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, appears Friday and Saturday at the Skagit Valley Casino Resort

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 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Out & About.....................................4-5 Christmas Events................................ 6 Hot Tickets.......................................... 7 On Stage, Tuning Up........................8-9 Travel................................................. 10 New on DVD..................................... 11 Get Involved...................................... 12 At the Lincoln.................................... 13 At the Movies................................14-15

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E3

THIS WEEKENDin the area JAPANESE ARTS JaponTex, a free holiday event featuring artisans who love all things Japanese, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-6, at the La Conner Civic Garden Club, 622 S. Second St., La Conner.

The holiday show and sale will include a vintage yukata display, make and take activities and a selection of goods presented by Sylvia Pippen of Sylvia Pippen Designs, Mary Pettus of heArtful Designs, Patricia Belyea of Okan Arts and Kathy Hattori of Botanical Colors. Make-and-take activities include shibori-dyeing cotton or sewing napkins and table runners with vintage Japanese textiles.

206-571-7668 or japontex.com.

CAMANO WINTER WALK Join Friends of Cama-

Good Lovelies in concert The Canadian folk/roots vocal trio Good Lovelies, featuring Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore, will perform at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.

Their 2012 live album, “Live at Revolution,” won Canadian Folk Music Awards for the trio as both Vocal Group of the Year and Ensemble of the Year.

The group has also had an impressive string of award-winning studio albums:

its self-titled 2009 album won a Juno (the Canadian Grammy) as Roots and Traditional Album of the Year. It also won a Canadian Folk Music Award for the group as Emerging Artist of the Year. Their most recent album, Burn the Plan, has been nominated for two more Canadian Folk Music Awards. $29, $25, and $20 plus applicable fees.

Lincoln members receive a $2 discount.

no Island Parks on a guided community walk at 9:50 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Elger Bay Preserve. Meet at the junction of Dry Lake Road and Elger Bay Road, just north of Elger Bay Elementary School on Camano Island. The two-hour walk includes the signed, interpretive Elger Bay Nature Tail, a demonstration area of the Camano Wildlife Habitat project. The walk is approximately 2 to 2.5 miles on a fairly level trail with one 50-foot elevation gain. The walk takes place rain or shine. Wear appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. No dogs. friendsof camanoislandparks.org.

INVITATIONAL ART SHOW “Objectification 8” will be on display Dec. 4-31 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. A reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Featuring some 50 local and regional artists, the annual show focuses on functional and three-dimensional artwork in a variety of mediums — sculpture, ceramics, glass art, mixed media and more. Purchased items can be taken home immediately. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 360-766-6230 or smithandvallee.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

OUT & ABOUT ART

sculptures, ceramics, glass art, mixed media and more.

HOLIDAY ART WALK: Purchased items can be The Anacortes Chamber taken home immediately. of Commerce Holiday Art The gallery is open from Walk will take place from 6 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 360to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.

766-6230 or smithandvallee. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4-5, com. in downtown Anacortes.

Some 20 shops and galleries ACRYLIC PAINTINGS: A will feature work by local show of new acrylic paintand regional artists. Free. ings by Jennifer Bowman will open with a recepART INSTALLATION: Check out “An Attitude of tion during the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gratitude,” an art installation by Sun Robbins, during Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. the Holiday Art Walk from Friday, Dec. 4, and continue 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at through Jan. 26 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Comthe Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial mercial Ave., Anacortes.

Ave., Anacortes. Free. 360- Also showing: acrylics by Cynthia Richardson, oils 464-2229 or anacortescen

by Sandy Byers, phototerforhappiness.org. graphs by Lewis Jones and SEASONS OF THE CITY: Randy Dana, pastels by Barbara Benedetti Newton, The Gallery at the Ananew tables and baskets by cortes City Hall will be open during the First Friday Lanny Bergner and new tables by Gary Leake. JenArtwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. nifer Bowman will present Friday, Dec. 4, at 904 Sixth a painting demonstration St., Anacortes. The display from noon to 2 p.m. Saturfeatures the “Seasons of day, Dec. 5. Gallery hours the City” as envisioned by artists in the 98221 zip code. are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday Free. anacortesartscomm or by appointment. 360ission.com.

293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: JAPANESE ARTS: JaponA small, intimate gift show Tex, a free holiday event featuring handmade holifeaturing artisans who love day gift ideas by local artall things Japanese, will be ists will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. held from 4 to 7 p.m. Frito 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4-5, day and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Depot Arts & Com- Saturday and Sunday, Dec. munity Center, 611 R Ave., 4-6, at the La Conner Civic Anacortes. Free admission. Garden Club, 622 S. Second St., La Conner. The holiday anacortesartscommission. show and sale will include com. a vintage yukata display, make-and-take activities INVITATIONAL ART SHOW: “Objectification 8” and a selection of goods will be on display Dec. 4-31 presented by Sylvia Pippen of Sylvia Pippen Designs, at Smith & Vallee Gallery, Mary Pettus of heArtful 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison.

Designs, Patricia Belyea of A reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Okan Arts and Kathy HatSaturday, Dec. 5. Featuring tori of Botanical Colors. some 50 local and regional Make-and-take activities include shibori-dyeing cotartists, the annual show ton or sewing napkins and focuses on functional and three-dimensional artwork table runners with vintage in a variety of mediums — Japanese textiles. 206-571-

tinue through Dec. 31 at Fourth Corner Frames & Gallery, 311 W. Holly St., Bellingham. Following in Monet’s footprints, a group of regional artists visited Giverny, Eterat and Paris last Mayw From traditional to modern, their work features subjects made famous by the Impressionists. For information, including gallery hours and directions: 360-734-1340 or fourth cornerframes.com.

BILINGUAL MUSEUM TOUR: The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner, will offer a Bilingual Spanish Exhibition Tour at 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19. Join educator Melody Young for a guided tour and discussion of the museum’s current exhibitions. Tours are family-friendly and geared for native speakers as well as students of the language.

Free. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum.org.

“FABLES”: The show of paintings and sculptures

by Elaine Badgley Arnoux continues through Dec. 10 at Cassera Arts Premiers, Celebrating its 25th year, “Honey, I Shrunk The Art” continues through Jan. 10 at 106 First St., La Conner.

Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island.

“In my 80th year I have The annual invitational holiday show features small works by 40 artists working reflected on the sequence in glass, oils, acrylic, ceramic, watercolor, mixed media, stone and metal. Gallery of eras in my life. My childhours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday or by appointment. 360-387hood “Mother Goose” 2759 or matzkefineart.com. Pictured: ”Crimson and Clover” by Janie Olsen. book served as a reference for these many years.

The rhymes punctuate 7668 or japontex.com. beyalliedartists.com. of light. Featured artists the epochs to give a voice include Christopher Morand images to our changWHIDBEY ART & GIFT YEAR OF LIGHT: Allied rison, Kenni Merritt, Boning world,” says Arnoux.

SHOW: The Whidbey Allied Arts of Whatcom County nie Abbasi, Jennifer and Artists Art & Gift Show has partnered with SPIE Tom Dolese, Pat Wickline, For information, including gallery hours and direcwill be held from 10 a.m. to and the International Year Carole McNeese, Ellen tions: 310-691-9391 or 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday of Light to create a unique Clark and Eric Brown. casseraartspremiers.com. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunart exhibit pairing light Gallery hours are 10 a.m. day, Dec. 4-6, at the Coupe- and technology, opening to 5 p.m. Tuesday through LOCAL ARTIST: Painter ville Recreation Hall, 901 with a reception from 6 to Friday and noon to 5 p.m.

Nicolette Harrington is the NW Alexander St., Coupe- 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday. 360-676-8548 or featured artist in a show at ville. Some 20 artists will continuing through Dec. alliedarts.org.

The Shop, 18623 Main St., show and sell a wide variety 18 at the Allied Arts GalConway. Shop hours are 11 of traditional and nontralery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., “IN MONET’S FOOTa.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday ditional art. An ornament Bellingham. Artists were STEPS”: The show will through Saturday. 360-391sale will benefit Friends of invited to present work open with a reception for 2691 or theshopconway.

Ebey. Free admission. sari that exemplifies, honors or the artists from 6 to 9 p.m. com. lynn9@yahoo.com or whid speaks to the importance Friday, Dec. 4, and con-

SMALL ART

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E5

OUT & ABOUT REPURPOSED TIN: Artworks created from repurposed tin by Nan Wonderly are on display through Dec. 11 at the Skagit Valley College Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

Wonderly uses products at the end of their intended life cycle, making art without driving the demand on additional resources, according to a news release.

She uses the colors on the tin pieces as her palette, and individual cut pieces as brushstrokes. The gallery is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-416-7812.

Friday through Sunday, or by appointment. 360-7084787 or gallerycygnus.com.

11 and younger. 360-4664288 or laconnerquilts.org.

described in the book. Free. The Anacortes Museum 360-755-0760 or burlington Foundation’s annual wa.gov/library. holiday reception will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

CONTEMPORARY ULTIMATE CHEAPQUILTS & MORE: SevThursday, Dec. 10, at the INDIGENOUS ART: “Not SKATE: Jeff Yeager, who eral new exhibits of quilts, Anacortes Museum, 1305 Vanishing: Contemporary wearables and other fiber Eighth St., Anacortes.

Expressions in Indigenous bills himself as “The Ultimate Cheapskate,” will arts continue through Dec. Art, 1977-2015” continues The celebration will be 30 at the La Conner Quilt preceded by the Museum through Jan. 3 at the Muse- give a free presentation at & Textile Museum, 703 S. Foundation’s annual meetum of Northwest Art, 121 S. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, Second St., La Conner. ing and election at 6 p.m.

First St., La Conner. Curat- at the Stanwood/Camano Resource Center, 9612 “Great Lakes Seaway: Members will vote on founed by Gail Tremblay and War of 1812 International dation board officers, with Miles R. Miller, the exhibit 271st St. NW, Stanwood.

Yeager blends offbeat Challenge”: This traveling nominations accepted from examines the evolution of humor and practical advice the floor. 360-293-1915 or exhibition sponsored by the the Contemporary Native Great Lakes Seaway Trail museum.cityofanacortes.

American Arts Movement for living a better life. He believes people can have a org. features 26 quilts, newly and the works of artists happier, healthier and full made, but true to 1812-peri- living in the Northwest, od quilting patterns, fabrics with emphasis on the Puget life if they spend and conSPOTLIGHT FILM FESTIand colors. Interpretive pan- Sound and Plateau regions. sume less. 360-629-3132.

VAL: The Lincoln Theatre els tell each quilt’s “story” will host a series of docuMuseum hours are 10 a.m.

PHILOSOPHY IN CIN— some real, some imagmentaries on issues that to 5 p.m. Tuesday through EMA: “Seriously Funny: ined — and its relevance to Saturday, and noon to 5 impact the lives of Skagit Humor, Film and PhilosoLUMMI MOUNTAIN IN what many historians conCounty residents at 7 p.m. p.m. Sunday and Monday. phy”: Enjoy a conversation Thursdays at 712 S. First St., ART: A show featuring “the sider America’s second war Free. 360-466-4446 or with Everett Community singular power of Lummi for independence.

Mount Vernon. Each film monamuseum.org.

College philosophy instruc- highlights a different topic, Mountain and how its pres“Illusions & Shadows: tor Mike VanQuickenborne followed by a community ence plays out in the art Colleen Wise”: Wise’s LECTURES at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, of Northwest painters” is quilts have a “sense of panel or discussion. $5 sugat the Anacortes Public on display through Dec. 27 depth that goes beyond the AND TALKS gested donation. 360-336LOCAL RADIO: “Speak Library, 1220 10th St., Ana- 8955 or lincolntheatre.org. at i.e. gallery, 5800 Cains surface. Elements seem to Up! Speak Out!,” a halfcortes. Presented by the Court, Edison. “Called float above the surface or Next up: hour weekly show commit- Anacortes chapter of the Cloud Catcher by some and recede into the depths of Dec 10: “The Raising of ted to community, peace, Socrates Café and Humani- America”: The film illusconsidered sacred ground the quilt. She feels comjustice and nonviolence ties Washington. 360-299by the Original People, pelled to assign a private trates how a strong start for issues, broadcasts at 5 p.m. 0415 or benmcbroom@ Lummi Mountain is there narrative to every piece, all our kids leads not only Wednesdays and 8 p.m. yahoo.com. through the decades in the starting with a title and to better learning, earning art-making of the locals,” story, and building the work Sundays on Skagit Valley and physical and mental Community Radio Station MUSIC according to a news release. from there.” health, but also to a healthKSVR 91.7 FM (Mount Gallery hours are 11 a.m.

“Best of the Festival ier, safer, better educated, CELTIC MUSIC: CampVernon), KSVU 90.1 FM to 5 p.m. Friday through 2015”: The first floor of more prosperous nation. bell Road will perform tra(Hamilton), KMRE 102.3 Sunday or by appointment. the Gaches Mansion hosts Jan. 14: “Dark Side of ditional Celtic music from 206-437-8534, 360-488-3458 the blue ribbon quilts, wear- FM (Bellingham) and the Full Moon”: The film 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, or ieedison.com. ables and fiber art from the KSJU 91.9 FM (Friday delves into the unseen Dec. 7, at the Mount VerHarbor). speakupspeak 2015 Quilt & Fiber Arts world of maternal mennon City Library, 315 Snooutradio.org.

PAINTINGS EXPRESS Festival. On exhibit will tal health in the U.S. and qualmie St. Free. 360-336LOSS: A show of paintings be Best of Show and all exposes the disconnect 6209 or mountvernonwa.

GEOLOGY UNDERFOOT:

by Camano Island artist the top entries in each catwithin the medical commugov/library.

Join author Dave Tucker Michelle Bear continues egory; plus the pieces that nity to effectively screen, through Dec. 24 at Gallery have been given an Award for a virtual field trip from refer and treat the 1.3 mil“MUSIC IN THE Cygnus, 109 Commercial, of Excellence. Included are 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, lion mothers affected each STACKS”: The Cantabile La Conner. Bear’s paintings traditional quilts, art quilts, Dec. 9, at the Burlington year by postpartum depreschoral ensemble will perare a “poignant expression wearable arts and fiber arts. Public Library, 820 E. sion. form sacred and secular of loss. Her grounding is Christmas dolls: Christ- Washington Ave., Burlingmusic from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ton. Tucker, the author of a sense of place, a habitat mas-themed dolls created HOLIDAY BAZAAR: The Monday, Dec. 14, at the “Geology Underfoot in that’s damaged and still

by Gloria Burke are on Bellingham Circus Guild Mount Vernon City Library, Western Washington,” will wildly beautiful. It is identi- display. will host a holiday bazaar 315 Snoqualmie St. Free. offer a book talk and slide fied with wildlife that sufThe museum is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 360-336-6209 or mount presentation featuring one fers, and she gives that loss from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 15, at the Cirque vernonwa.gov/library. of the 22 field trips to placa voice through powerful Wednesday through SunLab, 1401 Sixth St., Suite es in the Cascades, Puget images that symbolize what day. Admission: $7, $5 stu102, Bellingham. Expect a MORE FUN we’re missing.” Gallery dents and military with ID, lowlands, Olympic Mounvariety of goods including hours are noon to 5 p.m. free for members and ages tains and the Pacific shore HOLIDAY RECEPTION: illustrated greeting cards,

artisan salts and tinctures, soaps and herbal teas, felted earrings and drinking chocolate, woolly winter hats and more. Free admission.

Stick around for Circus Guild Vaudvillingham performances at 7 and 9 p.m. for a $5 suggested donation.

360-421-7827 or bellingham circusguild.com.

WINTER SOLSTICE SOUND PRAYER: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Rev. Elke Siller Macartney will use crystal singing bowls, drumming and chanting to sound a prayer for peace and wellbeing the world over. Bring a small votive candle holder and your intentions for the upcoming year. $10 per person, $15 per family. RSVP: 360-464-2229 or anacortes centerforhappiness.org.

MOVIE NIGHT: Enjoy a free screening of “Strange Brew” at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1508 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon.

Bring your own pillows/ blankets/snacks/water bottles (no other beverages permitted). Not handicapped accessible.

Donations accepted. 360202-2329.

MUSIC AND MEMORIES: The fourth annual “Music and Memories” benefit for The Bradford House and Gentry House will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Pete Leinonen’s Salon du Swing band will be the featured entertainment for the evening. The event will include dinner, music and raffles, as well as live and silent auctions. $50.

Sponsorships are available.

360-428-5972 or skagit adultdayprogram.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN THE AREA TREE LIGHTING, ARRIVAL OF SANTA: Santa Claus will arrive to light the tree at 6 p.m. today at Alpha Park on Fairhaven Avenue, Burlington. Coffee, cocoa and treats will follow at the Visitor Information Center, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave. Free.

360-757-0994.

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS: More than a million Christmas lights will be displayed at the annual Lights of Christmas, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-23 and 26-29, at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. General admission: $11-$16, free for ages birth to 3 years. Paywhat-you-can nights: Dec. 3, 10, 28 and 29. Season passes available. Theater events are extra. 800-228-6724 or thelightsofchristmas.com.

ANACORTES TREE LIGHTING: Celebrate the

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

Dec. 4 6-9pm The Good Stuff Anacortes Oil & Vinegar Bar A.C.M.E. Creative Spaces Classic Style & Co. Burton Jewelers Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa The Apothecary Spa Anacortes Arts Festival Office The Depot Gallery City Hall www.anacortesart.com

community Christmas tree lighting from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, 819 Commercial Ave. Students from local schools, the An-O-Chords, Anacortes Community Theatre and the Salvation Army Brass Band will perform. Free pictures with Santa and hot cocoa and cookies from the American Red Cross. Free.

360-293-7911.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS: The Economic Development Association of Skagit (EDASC) will host its 15th annual “Swing Into The Holidays” dinner, dance and auction at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Enjoy a catered dinner, auction bidding, live music and dancing. $100, $720 table of eight.

360-336-6114 or skagit.org.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP: The Skagit Valley Family YMCA will host Santa’s Workshop Family Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at 215 E. Fulton St., Mount Vernon. Kids ages 3 to 12, with parents, can make holiday decorations, decorate cookies, take photos with Santa and more.

Take a trip on Santa’s sleigh through the pool and warm up with hot apple cider and a snack. $5 per child; bring a donation of nonperishable food, arts and crafts supplies,

toiletries, and/or reusable water bottles to support the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter.

360-336-9622 or j.farmer@ skagitymca.org.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: Cantabile of Skagit Valley will perform “Joy of Christmas: A Feast of Carols.” The 24-person ensemble will sing a mix of sacred and secular, old and new holiday favorites, at: n 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, United Methodist Church, 2201 H Ave., Anacortes. n 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. n 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th, Mount Vernon.

Tickets: $15, $8 students.

425-312-4565 or cantabile ofskagitvalley.org.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: Bethany Covenant Church will present “Go Tell It on the Mountain” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4-6, at 1318 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon.

Admission and refreshments afterward are free. Childcare will be provided during the Sunday performance. 360424-9399 or bccmv.org.

“A DICKENS CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts”: Whidbey Playhouse, Dec. 4-20, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. The

Stykes-Upon-Thump Repertory Company embarks on its 15th annual tour of the Dickens classic. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger.

360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

SANTA BREAKFAST: The Rotary Club of La Conner will host a Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Ave., La Conner. Have your child’s photo taken with Santa after breakfast. $7 adults, $3 children. laconner rotary.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Enjoy breakfast with Santa from 8 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. Kids can enjoy photos with Santa, art projects and live entertainment. $6. Advance ticket purchase required. 360-2991967 or cityofanacortes.org.

ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSE: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, That’s Knot All Artist’s Co-op, 128 First St., La Conner. Enjoy demonstrations, food and more. Free admission. 360-399-1660.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Anacortes Lions Club’s annual Christmas Parade will take place at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, along Commercial Avenue to Causland

Give the Gift of Entertainment!

2016 Season Tickets Now Available / 6 Great Shows for the Price of 5-$100 SHOWS •Calendar Girls •The Drowsy Chaperone •Proof •That’s Not My Department •The Music Man •The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

DATES Jan 22–Feb 13 Mar 25–Apr 23 May 27–June 18 July 22–Aug 13 Sept 23–Oct 22 Nov 25–Dec 17

918 M Ave. Anacortes • 293-6829 • act@acttheatre.com • www.acttheatre.com

Memorial Park in Anacortes. Mount Vernon. 360-424-6760 Lineup begins at 10 a.m. or skagitvalleygardens.com. anacortes.org.

CHRISTMAS IS FOR TREE LIGHTING, SANTA KIDS: Kids of all ages can ARRIVES: Enoy holiday enjoy hands-on crafts, music, caroling and the cookie decorating and more arrival of Santa Claus by from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunantique fire truck to light day, Dec. 6, at the Skagit the tree beginning at 4 p.m. County Historical Museum, Saturday, Dec. 5, at Gilkey 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner.

Square in La Conner. Hot Also on display are special cider and decorated cookexhibits showing how early ies will follow the festivities. Skagitonians celebrated Free. 360-466-4778. the Yuletide season. $5, $4 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $10 SEDRO-WHOOLfamilies, free for members LEYVILLE’S MAGIC OF and ages 5 and younger. 360CHRISTMAS: The fun will 466-3365 or skagitcounty. start with pony and train net/museum. rides, face painting and more at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, COOKIES WITH MRS. along with free crafts for CLAUS: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, kids by the Sedro-Woolley Dec. 6, at the Concrete TheBoys & Girls Club. The tree atre, 45920 Main St., Conlighting will begin at 5 p.m., crete. Free. 360-941-0403 or marking the start of the concrete-theatre.com. lighted Christmas parade.

After the parade, kids can GINGERBREAD HOUSE visit with Santa and get their AND COOKIE PARTY: 10 pictures taken at the Woola.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, ley Market, 829 Metcalf Dec. 6, Gretchens Kitchen, St. 360-855-1841 or sedro509 S. First St., Mount Verwoolley.com. non. Use icing, candy and sprinkles to create the perFREE FILM SHOWING: fect gingerbread house to Enjoy a screening of “The take home. $10. RSVP: 360Polar Express” at 5 p.m. Sat- 336-8747 or gretchens urday, Dec. 5, at the Concrete kitchen.com.

Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Free admission.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Harmony Northwest ChoCANDLELIGHT SERVICE: rus will perform “Harmony The Center for Spiritual Liv- Holiday” from 3 to 5 p.m. ing will host “This Light of Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Mount Mine,” a candlelight service, Vernon Community and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Senior Center, 1401 Cleveat 1508 N. 18th St., Mount land Ave., Mount Vernon.

Vernon. Speakers will share Refreshments and door brief stories and poems, prizes. $7, $5 seniors, free followed by finger food for ages 10 and younger. refreshments. 360-355-9029. Food bank donations will be accepted. 360-201-5861.

PICTURES WITH SANTA: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. CHRISTMAS PARADE, 6, Skagit Valley Gardens, TREE LIGHTING: 5 p.m.

18923 Peter Johnson Road, Sunday, Dec. 6, down First Mount Vernon. Bring the Street in downtown Mount kids for photos with Santa.

Vernon. Greet Santa afterEnjoy hot cider, cookies and ward at the ceremonial tree more. Free, but donations lighting in Pine Square. Free. will be accepted to benefit 360-336-3801 or mount The Friendship House in vernondowntown.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E7

HOT TICKETS THE CHAINSMOKERS: Dec. 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

BEENZINO: Dec. 4, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ODESZA: Dec. 5-7, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

DECK THE HALL BALL: featuring Death Cab For Cutie, Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Walk The Moon, Alabama Shakes, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, X Ambassadors: Dec. 8, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

THE DANDY WARHOLS: Dec. 9, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

AVERAGE WHITE BAND: Dec. 10-13, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

SLOW MAGIC, GIRAFFAGE: Dec. 11, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

MUSE: Dec. 12, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

THE ENGLISH BEAT: Dec. 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

FALLING IN REVERSE, ATREYU: Dec. 14, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

FOREVERLAND (Tribute to Michael Jackson): Jan. 9, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

JANET JACKSON: Jan. 13, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONAMY SCHUMER STERS: Jan. 14, The Showbox, Dec. 31, KeyArena, Seattle. 800- Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

745-3000 or livenation.com.

TRIBAL SEEDS: Jan. 21, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODSUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil ERN JUKEBOX: Dec. 15, Showbox Diamond): Jan. 22, The Showbox, SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox showboxonline.com. online.com.

NIYKEE HEATON: Dec. 15, The STS9: Jan. 23, The Showbox, Crocodile, Seattle. 877-987-6487 or Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox thecrocodile.com. online.com.

CIARA: Dec. 16, The Showbox, NEVER SHOUT NEVER: Jan. 26, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745online.com.

X: Dec. 18, The Showbox, Seattle. 3000 or showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.

Jan. 31, Lincoln Theatre, Mount com.

Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincoln YELLOW CLAW: Dec. 18, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 theatre.org. or showboxonline.com.

LETTUCE: Feb. 4, The Showbox, THE 1975: Dec. 20, Showbox Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or online.com. showboxonline.com.

BUILT TO SPILL: Feb. 5-6, The G-EAZY: Jan 7, WaMu Theater, Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or

showboxonline.com.

BLACK SABBATH: Feb. 6, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GRACE POTTER: Feb. 13, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BRAD PAISLEY: Feb. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: Feb. 18, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BORGEOUS & MORGAN PAGE: Feb. 20, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showboxonline. com.

CRADLE OF FILTH: Feb. 23, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

GALACTIC: Feb. 26, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

BARCELONA: Feb. 26, The Crocodile, Seattle. 877-987-6487 or thecrocodile.com.

PAPADOSIO: Feb. 27, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

KEYS N KRATES: Feb. 28, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ST. LUCIA: March 2, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MARCHFOURTH! MARCHING BAND: March 5, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

HELLOWEEN: March 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

AOIFE O’DONOVAN: March 6, Columbia City Theatre, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

NIGHTWISH: March 7, 2016, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com.

MUTEMATH: March 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DISTURBED: March, 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DAUGHTER: March 19, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MASTERS OF ILLUSION: March 24, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877784-4849 or livenation.com.

TONIGHT ALIVE/SET IT OFF: March 24, Neumos, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE FLOOZIES: March 26, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com. n For complete listings, visit goskagit.com and click on “Entertainment.”

E8 Thursday, December 3, 2015

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 3-10 Thursday.3 THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Friday.4

HERMAN’S HERMITS, STARRING PETER NOONE 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Benjie Howard and Gentry Watson: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

DANCE

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 3 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. Get autographs and photos with cast members at a free meet-andgreet at 1 p.m. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $24 adults, $20 seniors and military, $17 youths. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

Thursday.10

MUSIC

Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Good Lovelies: 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20$29. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

DANCE

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Saturday.5

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Good Ol’ Fashioned Square Dancing with Conway West: 7 to 9 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 2 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $17. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $24 adults, $20 seniors and military, $17 youths. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

DANCE

MUSIC

Comedy Night: Drew Barth and Benji Wright, 8 p.m., Max Dale’s Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. $10. Reservations required: 360424-7171 or maxdales.com.

Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

COMEDY

THURSDAY.3

THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 3Sunday.6

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.4-5

THEATER

THEATER

Thursday, December 3, 2015 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Concrete Jazz Combo: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360982-2649.

Open Mic & Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500.

FRIDAY.4

THURSDAY.10

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

360-422-6411.

RABBIT WILDE 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-982-2649.

FRIDAY.4 Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Friday Swing, with Duane Melcher and Ken Vanderhyde (’30s, ’40s & ’50s classic tunes): 7 to 9 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. No cover.

360-707-2683.

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

360-422-6411.

Little Joe Argo and Rick Star: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Michelle Taylor Band (R&B, classic rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

The Skeptix: 8 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6266.

Lowdown Drifters: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10.

425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500.

The Sky Colony, Vacationeer, INGS: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8.

360-778-1067.

Good Vibrations: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

360-848-8882.

Acoustic night with J.P. Falcon and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6330.

SATURDAY.5 MuseBird Cafe: Val D’Alessio, Jaspar Lepak and Avery Hill, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Michelle Taylor Band (R&B, classic rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

SUNDAY.6 Ron W. Bailey & The Tangents: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

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

MONDAY.7 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Swingnuts Jazz: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Angel of the Winds Casino, 3438 Stoluckquamish Lane, Arlington. 360-474-9740.

The Alley Gatorz: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-7666266.

WEDNESDAY.9 Stilly River Band: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

The Robbie Walden Band: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10. Free line dance lessons. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.

Perry and the Katy’s, Human Ottoman, Tusk: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-7781067.

Stubborn Son: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6330.

Rabbit Wilde: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-982-2649.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.

THURSDAY.10 Jim Page: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

E8 Thursday, December 3, 2015

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 3-10 Thursday.3 THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Friday.4

HERMAN’S HERMITS, STARRING PETER NOONE 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Benjie Howard and Gentry Watson: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

DANCE

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 3 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. Get autographs and photos with cast members at a free meet-andgreet at 1 p.m. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $24 adults, $20 seniors and military, $17 youths. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

Thursday.10

MUSIC

Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

Good Lovelies: 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20$29. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

DANCE

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Saturday.5

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Good Ol’ Fashioned Square Dancing with Conway West: 7 to 9 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 2 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $17. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

“A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $15 adults, $10 ages 16 and younger. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“The Addams Family: A Musical”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Uncle Fester’s Ooky Saloon opens one hour before each performance. $24 adults, $20 seniors and military, $17 youths. 800-6387631, 360-221-8268 or wicaonline.org.

DANCE

MUSIC

Comedy Night: Drew Barth and Benji Wright, 8 p.m., Max Dale’s Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. $10. Reservations required: 360424-7171 or maxdales.com.

Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $45-$50. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

“The Nutcracker”: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20-$37. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

COMEDY

THURSDAY.3

THEATER

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 3Sunday.6

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.4-5

THEATER

THEATER

Thursday, December 3, 2015 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Concrete Jazz Combo: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360982-2649.

Open Mic & Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500.

FRIDAY.4

THURSDAY.10

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

360-422-6411.

RABBIT WILDE 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-982-2649.

FRIDAY.4 Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Friday Swing, with Duane Melcher and Ken Vanderhyde (’30s, ’40s & ’50s classic tunes): 7 to 9 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. No cover.

360-707-2683.

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

360-422-6411.

Little Joe Argo and Rick Star: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Michelle Taylor Band (R&B, classic rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448.

The Skeptix: 8 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6266.

Lowdown Drifters: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10.

425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500.

The Sky Colony, Vacationeer, INGS: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8.

360-778-1067.

Good Vibrations: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon.

360-848-8882.

Acoustic night with J.P. Falcon and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6330.

SATURDAY.5 MuseBird Cafe: Val D’Alessio, Jaspar Lepak and Avery Hill, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Michelle Taylor Band (R&B, classic rock, blues): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

SUNDAY.6 Ron W. Bailey & The Tangents: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

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

MONDAY.7 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Swingnuts Jazz: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Angel of the Winds Casino, 3438 Stoluckquamish Lane, Arlington. 360-474-9740.

The Alley Gatorz: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-7666266.

WEDNESDAY.9 Stilly River Band: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

The Robbie Walden Band: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10. Free line dance lessons. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.

Perry and the Katy’s, Human Ottoman, Tusk: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-7781067.

Stubborn Son: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6330.

Rabbit Wilde: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-982-2649.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.

THURSDAY.10 Jim Page: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E10 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

TRAVEL FAMILY TRAVEL 5

Give the gift of going

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News

It’s hard to go wrong with the gift of travel. Here are five ideas to consider that will enrich and expand the experiences of your family.

1. Animal lovers. Consider an active adventure in Zambia. Visitors can learn the art of game tracking while walking from one bush camp to the next with expert guides from Wildland. The guides will share their extensive experience as you travel through habitat where wild dogs roam among herds of buffalo, giraffe, elephant and wildebeests. Paddle canoes along the shores of Lower Zam-

THE NUTCRACKER SKAGIT VALLEY ACADEMY OF DANCE DECEMBER 4 - 6 HERALDING CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 11 & 13 HOLIDAY CONCERT FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY DECEMBER 12 HOLIDAY CONCERT SKAGIT SYMPHONY DECEMBER 12 MVHS CHOIRS CONCERT DECEMBER 16 THE NUTCRACKER NORTHWEST BALLET DECEMBER 19 & 20

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

bezi National Park, scoping for hippos, elephants and lions in the area. wildland.com/trips/ africa/zambia/Wild_Zam bia _Safari/overview.aspx 2. Thrill-seekers.

Explore three mountain cultures during a ski safari in Italy’s Dolomite Mountain region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During a seven-day adventure, families will experience the Dolomiti Superski, a collection of 12 interconnected mountaintop resorts, each with its own terrain. After a day on the slopes, you’ll arrive at a cozy bed and breakfast and enjoy a hearty meal. A private guide will lead the

way and offer local insight as you make tracks through the South Tyrol, Badia and Cortina regions. dolomitemountains.com/ en/winter_spring_trips/ dolomites_ski.htm 3. Cruise lovers. Are the young ones in your family fans of “Shrek” or in love with the penguins from “Madagascar?” If so, they’ll go wild for Royal Caribbean’s DreamWorks Experience on board the Anthem of the Seas.

From character breakfasts and meet-and-greet moments to screenings of the latest animated films in the ship’s theater, your family will create a variety of memories. Kids’ activi-

Web buzz

ties into a timeline that suits you. The map tool shows a possible driving route. I Name: Inspirock.com loved the ability to ask friends questions What it does: It’s a quick, customizabout the trip and have their feedback able, plug-and-play itinerary builder for added to the itinerary. This site has a lot trips within the United States and Europe. of growth potential; I hope it adds more Take Inspirock’s suggestions, then fill in activities such as music, sports, theater the gaps with tips from friends and ideas and more. of your own. Assign a co-traveler or plan What’s not: Although it was nice to have ner and share it on Facebook, Twitter, the itinerary blocked out by time slots — Google(plus), Pinterest or email. and easily adjusted to personal taste — it What’s hot: Start your trip planning here didn’t leave open any spots for meals. I to save you lots of time. Just plug in your also couldn’t find ideas or tips for local travel dates, describe your travel pace restaurants. Foodies will have to add their and click “See the Plan” plus “Edit Itiner- restaurants one at a time. ary” to watch your adventure unfold. Use the Calendar tool to drag and drop activi- n Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

ties include bumper cars, a climbing wall, pools, music and a teen center. Newly designed family accommodations provide appealing and comfortable options for larger groups on the activity-rich megaship, the second in the cruise line’s Quantum Class. royalcaribbean.com 4. Road-trippers. How about an old-fashioned car

trip wrapped with a little modern technology? Pure Adventures can help you get from here to there with self-guided tours customized to your budget, time frame and interests. Get started with a National Park pass, award-winning audio guides of parks, premier accommodations, a detailed road book and hiking suggestions in regions that include the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion national parks. pure-adventures.com 5. Memory lane. Package your family history

Local travel

and share your story with the kids. Return to your hometown, tour your college campus or introduce them to your favorite sport.

Visit the scene of your favorite film or the setting of the novel that sparked a lifetime interest. Follow the trail of your ancestors and explore the culture and cuisine that influenced members of your clan. It will be a trip long remembered and always treasured. n (Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel. com. Email her at lohayes@ familytravel.com.

“ASIAN ADVENTURE: TOKYO & KAMAKURA”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Don and Joyce Paradine share their cruise to Tokyo and other Asian locales, including Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand. Free.

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

Festival of Lights: 12:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16. Enjoy plenty of time for shopping and a nohost meal before heading to Van Dusen Gardens, transformed into a winter wonderland complete with elves, light shows, strolling carolers and more. The drive home will feature a detour to see some festive neighborhood displays. $72$74. Register by Dec. 9.

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. Next up: Granville Island and Van Dusen Botanical Garden’s

ESCORTED TOURS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., has several 2016 international trips planned: Tropical Costa Rica, Feb. 29-March 8; a European River Cruise, Budapest to Amsterdam, Oct. 12-27; and Hawaii, Nov. 12-19. For information, contact Pat at pgardner@ oakharbor.org or 360-2794582.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Goodnight Mommy”: “Mistress America”: In Twins question the woman the new comedy-drama, Upcoming who is supposed to be their Greta Gerwig attacks each movie releases mother. word of dialogue with the Following is a partial “Cooties”: Cafeteria ferocious zeal of a puppy schedule of coming movfood virus turns elementary clinging to a favorite sock. ies on DVD. Release school children into killers.

She backs that up with an dates are subject to “Tokyo Tribe”: Peace energy that would power a change: treaty among gangs in futursmall city, if only it could be DEC. 8 istic Japan falls apart. harnessed.

Minions “I Hope You Dance: The Director Noah BaumAnt-Man Power and Spirit of Song”: bach loses control of the The Transporter Refueled Documentary about the movie as it begins to take Knock Knock song written by Mark D. more of a French farce Sanders and Tia Sillers. pacing, building out-ofDEC. 15 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Mission: Impossible control energy and chaos.

5 Rogue Nation Turtles: Revenge!”: The And, when you are having Ted 2 Turtles encounter new characters speak so quickly Maze Runner 2: mutants, time travel. and smartly, anything that Scorch Trials “Where the Children shades the edges of realFantastic Four Play”: Woman faces painful ity tends to fog the whole He Named Me Malala memories when she returns picture.

DEC. 22 home.

“Fear the Walking Pawn Sacrifice “All About E”: Two Dead: Season One”: It Dragon Blade women go on the run in the was as inevitable as human Australian Outback. brains at a zombie cookout.

DEC. 29 “National Lampoon’s The five years of massive The Perfect Guy Christmas Vacation”: The A Walk in the Woods television ratings success Hitman Agent 47 Chevy Chase comedy is for AMC’s “The Walking Jenny’s Wedding available on Blu-ray.

Dead” have finally sparked “Merry Krissmas”: the launch of a series JAN. 5 Impromptu mistletoe kiss inspired by the hit: “Fear The Visit could be the spark for a new the Walking Dead.”

The Walk romance.

The Green Inferno The new show features “Amy Schumer: Live at the same basic idea of n Tribune News Service the Apollo”: The comic stars humans battling zombies. in her first HBO special.

The biggest difference “Mystery Science Theis that the action takes ater 3000: Vol. XXXIV”: “The Saga of the place in Los Angeles at the beginning of Viking Women and Their Voyage to the the undead apocalypse that has caused Waters of the GreatSea Serpent” is one of “The Walking Dead” so many angst-filled the four films included. moments over five seasons.

“War Pigs”: Dolph Lundgren stars in “Amy”: Documentary that looks at the this World War II film. life of Amy Winehouse. The new docu“The Bold Ones: The Lawyers: The mentary from director Asif Kapadia is a Complete Series”: Burl Ives stars in this reminder that she died just four years ago.

TV law drama.

The film also is a reminder that the link “Zoolander”: The Ben Stiller comedy is strong between the euphoria and soulabout the modeling world is available on wrenching pain that comes from the creBlu-ray. ative process.

“Crown for Christmas”: Former maid The film is both a well-made reminder of accepts job to be a governess. the musical skills Winehouse used to turn “Angry Birds Toons: Season One — Volthe music world on its ear and a sad testiume One”: Series follows the adventures of mony to what happens when people can’t deal with the success they struggled so hard Stella and her five BFFs. “Desert Dancer”: Group forms underto find. ground dance company at a time when It hasn’t been that long since her death, dancing is forbidden. but “Amy” feels timeless, partly because of “Assassination”: A group of exiled Winehouse’s intoxicating sound and partly rebels are planning a hit on an army combecause her tale has become an unfortumander in Japanese-occupied Korea. nate norm.

“The Hunting Ground”: Expose of sexual “Some Kind of Beautiful”: College proassault on U.S. campuses. fessor gives up one-night-stands for fatherhood. Pierce Brosnan stars. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

GET INVOLVED ART CALL TO ARTISTS: The Skagit Art Association is accepting new member applications. Benefits include networking with area artists in a variety of mediums and participation in the association’s annual “Art in a Pickle Barn” show/sale held during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Applications are available at skagitart.org. For more information: 360-770-3660 or earthnclay@ outlook.com.

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

MOVING MEDITATIONS: The Dances of Universal Peace will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1508 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Dances include live music and singing with a focus on a particular sacred phrase, inspired by spiritual traditions from around the world, including Christian, Jewish, Native American, Hindu, Buddhist and others. No experience necessary. Dances ART COMMISSION MEETING: The are taught to the group each time. Donation Mount Vernon Arts Commission will meet requested, but no one is turned away for at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the confer- lack of funds. 360-629-9190. ence room at Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-6215.

SQUARE DANCE: 7 to 9 p.m. today, Dec.

ART CLASSES ARTISTIC PLACE BOOKS: Hand-made books and art journaling with Cameron Decker, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. Students will learn how to stitch together an art journal using watercolor paper and dense cardboard. Once the books are completed, students will be guided through a series of artistic prompts and techniques for documenting ideas and processes. $95, discount available for MoNA members. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum. org.

3, Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

MUSIC DRUM CIRCLE: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, Center for Spiritual Living, 1508 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Bring your drum or borrow one. Handicapped accessible. Free. 360-305-7559.

RECREATION

HOME FIREARM SAFETY: The North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association will offer the NRA Home Firearm Safety class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the NWSA range, 886 Gun Club Road, Oak AUDITIONS Harbor. The course will familiarize partici“LOST IN YONKERS”: Auditions will be pants with safe gun-handling procedures held at 2 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Monday, and offer guidelines for storing pistols, rifles Jan. 31-Feb. 1, at the Whidbey Playhouse/ and shotguns in the home. This is a nonfirStar Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak ing course; the emphasis is on safe handling, Harbor. Parts are available for two men, not marksmanship. $20, includes book. 360two teen boys and three women (one older). 675-8397, NWSA.Training@gmail.com or The dramatic comedy will run April 1-17. northwhidbeysportsmen.org.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for WINTER DANCE CAMP: Skagit Valthe weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets. ley Academy of Dance will host a Winter Free. For information, call 360-293-3725 or Dance Camp for ages 4 to 7 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Wednesday, Dec. 28 and visit friendsoftheacfl.org. Next up: Senior/Adult Hike: Whistle Lake: 10 30, at 1522 Jay Way, Mount Vernon. Begina.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 11. Meet at the ning and intermediate dancers will learn Whistle Lake parking lot at the end of creative movement, character, lyrical and jazz dance styles, and enjoy creative arts and Whistle Lake Road. crafts. $35, includes a snack. 360-424-6677 or JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK: Registration skagitvalleyacademyofdance.com. is open for the 2015 Skagit Jingle Bell Run/ Walk for Arthritis, set for 8 to 11:30 a.m.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meets most Tuesdays at Bay View Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., BurlCivic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View. Learn ington. Registration: $30, 5K run and walk; to folk-dance to a variety of international music. Instruction begins at 7 p.m., followed $40, dog trot; $10, 1K Kids Fun Run With by review and request dances until 9:30. The the Elves. 360-733-2866, ext. 1, or skagit jinglebellrun.org. first session is free, $3 thereafter. No part-

DANCE

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E13

AT THE LINCOLN Good Lovelies

8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 Good Lovelies, an award-winning trio from Canada, bring their Canadian folk/roots music to the Lincoln stage. For more, see This Weekend on Page 3. $29, $25 and $20 plus applicable fees. Lincoln members receive a $2 discount.

NT Live: ‘Hamlet’

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s “Sherlock,” “The Imitation Game”) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

Tickets: $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 students and children, with $2 off for Lincoln members.

SCANDINAVIAN SMORGASBORD! Dec. 6th & 13th Reservations Required

$6.99 BURGER SPECIAL Mon-Fri, 11:30am-4pm

Weekend Brunch & Bloody Mary Bar! Sat. & Sun. 11am-2pm LOCAL LIVE MUSIC CHECK LISTINGS AT

aneliaskitchenandstage.com

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8

Plan your Holiday gathering at Anelia’s and Enjoy Good Food & Great Music!

Fri. 12/4 & Sat. 12/5

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

GIN GYPSY

KARAOKE Fri/Sat • BLUES Sun HAVE YOUR PARTIES HERE!!

1/2 POUND SIMPLY THE

STEAK BEST PAN FRIED

BURGERS

W/KISM & WAYNE HAYTON 12/16

OYSTERS

422-6411 CONWAY PUB & EATERY 18247 State Route 9 Breakfast I-5 Exit 221 9 AM 360-445-4733

Mount Vernon

15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Winter Brewers Night

6 Breweries THURS. 12/3

FRI. 12/4 8PM

LITTLE JOE ARGO & RICK STAR

7”

SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET

WED. 12/9 8PM

December 6th & 13th

STILLY RIVER BAND

$30.95 Seniors $33.95 Adults Children under 12 - $1 per year 12pm-6pm Reservations: 466-4411

ROCKFISH GRILL Local Food, Local Beer, Made Here

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

320 Commercial Ave 360.588.1720

www.anacortesrockfish.com

8am-7pm ORDER PRIME RIBS, TURKEYS, OR HAMS TO GO

Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails 24 Draft Handles • Live Music Follow the Fish

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LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND MORE

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Sat. 12/5 7:30pm CC ADAMS BAND

314 Commercial • 360-755-3956 3/4”

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Dine at the Majestic

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NEW YEARS EVE

LIVE MUSIC

The production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. n The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon.

360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

513 S 1st Street, La Conner • 360.399.1805

2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6

NT Live: ‘Jane Eyre’

THURSDAY NIGHTS:

BEEF STROGENOFF PIEROGIES

OPEN 11AM WED-MON Kitchen open until last call

‘Home Alone’ 25th anniversary

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister has become the man of the house, overnight. Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, Kevin gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly. Two bumbling burglars are trying to break in, and Kevin’s rigging a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them.

Free; first-come, firstseated, one ticket per person and no reserving seats.

Rated PG.

FRIDAY ~ PRIME RIB SATURDAY ~ SEAFOOD

A menu of Polish family recipes & eclectic fare made in-house from fresh, local ingredients.

Craft Beer • PNW Wines • House-Infused Vodkas

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Call Today 360-299-1400

Four course menu found online at majesticinnandspa.com 419 Commercial Ave.Anacortes

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 03, 2015

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS

REVIEW When we met Rocky Balboa in 1977, he was a rough-edged, punch-drunk Philadelphia club fighter who worked as an enforcer for a local mobster.

Rocky’s only friend was Paulie, a brute and a drunk.

He had a thing for Paulie’s sister, Adrian. He worked out at a gym run by an old salt named Mickey. He had a couple of turtles named Cuff and Link, he eventually acquired a dog named Butkus — and of course he was plucked from obscurity to fight Apollo Creed, the greatest boxer the world had ever known.

Cut to present day. Rocky Balboa is almost 70 now. Just about everyone he knew or cared about is gone. He spends his days and nights quietly tending to business at Adrian’s, the cozy Italian restaurant named after his

Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan star in “Creed.” beloved late wife.

Rocky had a good run.

A GREAT run. And with the exception of the unfortunate “Rocky V” (Tommy Gunn is the Mister Freeze of “Rocky” villains), we had a fantastic run with one of the most memorable movie characters of our time.

Was there anything left for Rocky to say, to experience?

With “CREED,” the answer is a resounding yes.

Although “Rocky Balboa” had to stretch plausibility to the sky to get Rocky back in the ring in a legit fight (we know from the tragic Drago-Creed fight of “Rocky IV” that “exhibition bouts” can get serious in a hurry), I thought it was a strong, respectful, fitting farewell to the champ — and I was worried “Creed” would be more gimmick or spinoff than faithful next chapter.

But thanks to a charismatic, natural performance from star-in-the-making Michael B. Jordan, a script from writer-director Ryan Coogler that expertly navigates paying tribute to the franchise while creating an effective stand-alone film, and fine work from Stallone, whose work as Rocky through the years has often been underrated, “Creed” is a terrific addition to the “Rocky” canon.

Through a one-scene

flashback and a few establishing scenes, we learn of young Adonis Johnson (Alex Henderson), the product of an affair between a mother who didn’t want him and none other than Apollo Creed, who died before Adonis was born. Adonis bounces around the system until Apollo’s widow, Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad), takes the boy in.

Flash forward a decade, and now the 25ish Adonis (Jordan) is working for a Los Angeles financial firm during the week and sneaking down to Tijuana to fight in brutal, black-market matches on the weekends.

Even though Mary Anne has provided Adonis with a top education and he’s a rising star in the corporate world, Adonis is simmering with anger and resentment, and filled with the urge to fight. He sets out for Philadelphia to make a name for himself — and that name WON’T be Creed — as a professional fighter.

Enter Rocky, and you want to cheer the first time Stallone as Balboa slowly emerges out of the shadows at Adrian’s, still wearing that familiar hat, still carrying himself like a prizefighter with every step.

It doesn’t take long for Rocky to figure out who Adonis Johnson really is; it doesn’t take Adonis long to persuade Rocky to train

him — at Mickey’s old gym, now refurbished but still an old-school joint where you can practically smell the sweat and the broken dreams before you open the door.

Writer-director Coogler (who directed Jordan in the excellent “Fruitvale Station” in 2013) takes a chance in revisiting so many familiar and beloved touchstones from previous “Rocky” films, from the training sequences to another journey up the stone steps at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the introduction of yet another colorful, seemingly indestructible champion — this time one “Pretty” Ricky Conlan (Anthony Bellew), an undefeated, undisputed light-heavyweight from Great Britain who is getting one last fight before he’s off to prison. In nearly every instance (save a goofy, choreographed sequence with some Philly street-bike daredevils), Coogler pulls it off in stylish fashion.

While Rocky develops a (sometimes contentious) father-son bond with Adonis (Rocky’s own son is conveniently out of the picture, having taken a job in Vancouver), Adonis strikes up a sweet romance with a smart and beautiful performance artist/musician named Bianca (Tessa Thompson).

Stallone is no mere supporting player in “Creed.”

While Adonis’ journey is front and center, Rocky is never off-screen for too long. It’s arguably Stallone’s best piece of acting in the role since he introduced Balboa to audiences nearly 40 years ago.

Once again, I find myself saying if this is the last time we see Rocky Balboa, it’s a worthy encore.

Sports drama, PG-13, 113 minutes, HHH ½

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Burnt” — Sobered up a decade after his drug-fueled flameout, a visionary chef (Bradley Cooper) hopes his comeback can lead to a three-star Michelin rating.

As an often cliche-riddled tale of redemption, “Burnt” is the equivalent of a sleek, well-lit, trendy restaurant serving up mildly creative dishes on an otherwise predictable menu. ComedyDrama, R, 100 minutes. HH “Bridge of Spies” — Steven Spielberg has taken the largely forgotten 1960 exchange of U.S. and Soviet spies and turned it into a gripping character study and thriller that feels a bit like a John Le Carre adaptation if Frank Capra were at the controls. Tom Hanks, in full modern-day Jimmy Stewart mode, stars as the genial U.S. negotiator. Historical thriller, PG-13, 142 minutes HHHH “Chi-Raq” — Spike Lee’s update of the Greek comedy “Lysistrata” is a shattering, thunderous wake-up alarm -- a call to lay down arms aimed at the gun culture, the gang culture, the government and a society that doesn’t always care about killings as long as those killings are taking place OVER THERE. Satire, R, 127 minutes. HHH½ “Experimenter” — Peter Sarsgaard’s portrayal of Stanley Milgram, the professor who told his subjects to send increasingly painful electric shocks to testtakers, sometimes seems more about the mannerisms and the tics than giving us true insight into the character. Writer-director Michael Almereyda has a seemingly endless array of stylistic tricks up his sleeve, but when you have such rich material to work with, pushing it to the next level isn’t necessarily the best choice.

Biographical drama, PG-13, 90 minutes. HHH½ “Heist” — It’s hard to recall a more terrible performance in Robert De Niro’s career than his weirdly offkey work as a very, very bad casino owner in this stilted

and dopey thriller. The screenplay is so clunky, not a single cast member manages to sound believable.

Action thriller, R, 90 minutes Zero stars.

“Legend” — Playing twin British gangsters in 1960s London, Tom Hardy makes some bold and always entertaining if not entirely successful choices. The fictionalized version of the terrifying, violent and twisted Krays manages to be pedestrian and derivative for long stretches. Crime biography, R, 131 minutes. HH½ “Meadowland” — Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson deliver authentic performances as parents dealing with loss in different ways. It is a well-photographed and sometimes surprising story, a character study about what happens to a marriage when a child has gone missing and in all likelihood will never be found. Drama, R, 95 minutes. HHH “I Smile Back” — Known for comedy, Sarah Silverman is unforgettable in delivering a brave, vulnerable, ironyfree dramatic performance that chilled me to the bone.

She plays a wife and mother whose addiction is wreaking havoc on herself and just about everyone who matters to her. Drama, R, 85 minutes HHH “Our Brand Is Crisis” — This mixed-bag satire stars Sandra Bullock as a washed-up U.S. political consultant recruited to help a long-shot candidate for president of Bolivia. Its ambitions veer wildly from sharp political insight to slapstick farce to inspirational semiautobiography, but it never finds solid ground in any of those genres. (ComedyDrama, R, 107 minutes. HH “Secret in Their Eyes” — Three members of a counterterrorism unit (Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Chiwetel Ejiofor) are haunted for years by a devastating crime and the horrible injustice that followed. Roberts and Ejiofor are especially strong in this powerful gut punch of a thriller. Drama, PG-13, 111 minutes. HHH ½ “Spectre” — The 24th James Bond film is solidly in the middle of the all-time rankings, which means it’s still a slick, beautifully

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 03, 2015 - E15

MOVIES AT AREA THEATERS

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 4-10 Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet (NR): Saturday: 12:55 p.m.; ANACORTES CINEMAS Thursday: 7 p.m.

Dec. 4-10 Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York Bolshoi Ballet: The Lady of the Camellias (NR): Sunday: 12:55 PM City Ballet (NR): Saturday: 12:55 p.m.; Creed (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, Thursday: 7 p.m.

Bolshoi Ballet: The Lady of the Camel- 3:35, 6:20, 9:25; Sunday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:35, 6:20 lias (NR): Sunday: 12:55 PM The Good Dinosaur (PG): Friday-Satur Creed (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, day: 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10, 9:00; Sun3:35, 6:20, 9:25; Sunday-Thursday: day-Thursday: 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10 12:50, 3:35, 6:20 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part The Good Dinosaur (PG): Friday-Saturday: 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10, 9:00; Sun- 2 (PG-13): Friday: 12:30, 3:20, 6:30, 9:20; Saturday: 3:20, 6:30, 9:20; Sunday-Thursday: 12:00, 2:15, 5:00, 7:10 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part day: 6:30; Monday-Wednesday: 12:30, 3:20, 6:30; Thursday: 12:30, 3:20 2 (PG-13): Friday: 12:30, 3:20, 6:30, 360-279-2226 9:20; Saturday: 3:20, 6:30, 9:20; Sunday: 6:30; Monday-Wednesday: 12:30, STANWOOD CINEMAS 3:20, 6:30; Thursday: 12:30, 3:20 Dec. 4-10 360-293-7000 Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet (NR): Saturday: 12:55 p.m.; CONCRETE THEATER Thursday: 7 p.m.

Dec. 4-6 Krampus (PG-13): 1:10, 3:20, 6:45, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 9:35 2 (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Creed (PG-13): 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:05 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.; The Polar The Good Dinosaur in 3D (PG): 1:15, Express (G): 5 p.m. Saturday 6:40 The Good Dinosaur (PG): 3:50, 8:55 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Victor Frankenstein (PG-13): 3:40, 9:15 Oak Harbor The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Dec. 4-6 The Good Dinosaur (G) and The Hunger (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 9:00; Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13). The Saturday: 1:00, 6:30, 9:00; SundayWednesday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 9:00; first movie starts at 6 p.m.

Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30 The Peanuts Movie (G): Friday: 1:25, CASCADE MALL THEATERS 7:00; Saturday: 7:00; Sunday-WednesBurlington For showings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262- day: 1:25, 7:00; Thursday: 1:25 360-629-0514 4386)

photographed, action-packed, international thriller with a number of ludicrously entertaining set pieces. Daniel Craig remains a tightly coiled, deadpan funny 007, and as the sadistic villain, Christoph Waltz is wonderfully insane. Action thriller, PG-13, 148 minutes.

HHH “Spotlight” — A fine team of actors, including Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo, portrays the fine team of Boston Globe journalists that investigated child abuse by priests in 2001. It’s one of the smartest and most involving movies of the years. Historical drama, R, 128 minutes. HHH½ “The Good Dinosaur” — Partnered up with a boy, a timid dinosaur tries to steer clear of a seemingly endless supply of dangerous creatures. One strange, aggressively gross and dark adventure, this second-level Pixar family film could give the little ones some serious nightmares. Animated adventure, PG, 95 minutes. HH “The Night Before” — Joseph GordonLevitt, Seth Rogen and Anthony Mackie play longtime friends who get into all sorts of misadventures on one crazy Christmas Eve of self-discovery. At times, it’s really funny. More often, it’s “shocking” for the sake of shock value, gross for the sake of being gross, and

stupid-goofy without much of a payoff. Comedy, R, 101 minutes. HH “The Peanuts Movie” — A CGI, 3-D feature about Charlie Brown and his gang could have been a recipe for disaster, but to my great relief, this is a meticulously faithful and clearly loving tribute to America’s favorite blockhead. It’s a sweet, funny, smart, genuine all-ages movie with simple, timeless messages. Animated, G, 88 minutes. HHH½ “Trumbo” — It’s great fun to watch the great Bryan Cranston chewing the scenery as Dalton Trumbo, the screenwriter imprisoned for refusing to testify about his communist ties in 1947. This is a corny, well-made B-movie about an A-list screenwriter who had to take jobs writing B-movies after he was blacklisted. Historical drama, R, 124 minutes. HHH½ “Truth” — Robert Redford plays Dan Rather with Cate Blanchett as his trusted producer Mary Mapes in a dramatization of their infamous and spectacularly flawed 2004 report about George W. Bush’s service in the National Guard. It’s a strange interpretation, in which the visuals nudge us in one direction as the screenplay tells us something quite different. Drama, R, 125 minutes.

HHH½