360 December 6 2012

The majesty of eagles on the Skagit PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday December 6, 2012

Reviews

Tuning Up

‘The Hobbit’

Boxed sets: Beatles, Elvis and more Video Games: “Far Cry 3”

Catch Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Quartet on Saturday in Anacortes

First part of “Lord of the Rings” prelude suffers from story bloat

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

DVD COLLECTIONS “Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection” ($299.99): When it comes to action movies, Bond films leave you shaken and stirred. This set includes all 22 James Bond films from “Dr. No” to “Quantum of Solace.” There’s even a slot for the latest Bond thriller, “Skyfall,” when it is released on DVD next year.

Nine of the films — including “Goldeneye,” “A View to a Kill” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” — have never been released on Blu-ray.

“Doctor Who: Limited Edition Gift Set” ($249.95): You don’t have to own a Tardis to travel through time to buy the complete seasons of the latest incarnations of the long-running science-fiction series. Included are six seasons featuring Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith as the Doctor. Along with 70 hours of programming, there are three specials, three original art cards, a 11th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver and the comic, “Doctor Who at Comic Con.” “Carol Burnett” ($295.95): The box set of 50 episodes of the long-running variety show has several of Burnett’s favorite skits, including “Went With the Win!,” a parody of “Gone With the Wind.” There are 20 hours of bonus material.

“Lawrence of Arabia” ($95.99): This special edition of the David Lean film marks the 50th anniversary. Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif star in the film that won seven Academy Awards, including a Best Director Oscar for Lean and Best Picture. The director’s cut has been restored from the original negative.

“Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season” ($99.97): Fans of the brilliant and brutal HBO series can pick up the entire freshman season in this set that includes a Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy.

There’s also a bonus disc that looks at the first episode of season two. It comes in a collector’s box that features the sigils of the four main houses and a dragon egg paperweight.

“Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection” ($119.99): The set includes the Quentin Tarantino-directed movies “Inglorious Basterds,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 1,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Jackie Brown,” “True Romance” and “Death Proof,” plus the feature “Quentin Tarantino: 20 Years of Filmmaking.”

“All in the Family: The Complete Series” ($199.99): This series may seem tame by today’s standards, but when it was broadcast in the early 1970s it was the first show to push the boundaries of language and topics on TV. Creator Nor-

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

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: THIS WEEK Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry - IFC/ MPI Beasts of the Southern Wild - Fox Butter - Anchor Bay Hope Springs - Sony The Odd Life of Timothy Green - Disney

This Weekend / Page 5

DEC. 11 The Bourne Legacy - Universal Ice Age: Continental Drift - Fox Ted - Universal DEC. 18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Fox Pitch Perfect - Universal 10 Years - Anchor Bay Trouble With the Curve - Warner DEC. 21 Arbitrage - Lionsgate Premium Rush - Sony Resident Evil: Retribution - Sony DEC. 24 The Words - Sony DEC. 31 Looper - Sony JAN. 1 The Trouble With Bliss - Anchor Bay JAN. 8 Dredd - Lionsgate House at the End of Street - Fox The Inbetweeners Movie - Lionsgate

Two chances to listen to Cantabile of Skagit Valley in concert

Inside Holiday events in the area Pages 12,19

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

man Lear’s groundbreaking work opened the door for many of the gritty and realistic dramas and comedies on the air today.

Included are the original and second “All in the Family” pilots.

Also: w “The Fugitive: Most Wanted Edition The Complete Series” ($226.99): w “The Incredible Mel Brooks: An Irresistible Collection of Unhinged Comedy” ($89.93) w “Friends: The Complete Series” ($279.98) w “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Classic Series Collection” ($99.98) w “Desperate Housewives: Complete Collection” ($149.87) w “Entourage: The Complete Series” ($249.99) w “Watchmen” ($74.98) w “JAG: The Complete Series” ($199) w “Mission Impossible: The Complete Television Series” ($359.99)

Recreation....................................... 3 Public Enemy’s Chuck D................ 4 Music CD Reviews.......................... 6 Video Game Reviews...................... 7 Travel............................................8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up................10-11 Hot Tickets.................................... 13 Get Involved.................................. 14 Movie Review: “The Hobbit”....... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.................................. 18

n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee Cover photo by Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E3

RECREATION

Skagit River Interpretive Center offers plenty for eagle devotees Center will ask for donations to offset costs

If you go For more details on the day-to-day activities offered at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center during the season, visit www.skagiteagle.org or call 360-853-7283.

By VINCE RICHARDSON Staff Writer

ROCKPORT — It’s that time of year again, when the Skagit River is inundated with salmon returning to spawn — and that means the return of bald eagles.

And as the iconic bird of prey stalks the waters and shorelines of the river in search of food, flocks of individuals make the pilgrimage upriver in order to view our nation’s symbol in its natural habitat.

No trek in search of the bald eagles would be complete without a stop at the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center. The Bald Eagle Awareness Team has once again opened the center’s doors to share its vast knowledge about eagles with visitors. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend in December, as well as the week of Dec. 27-Jan. 1.

“For the first time, we are going to be asking for donations, above and beyond those for the refreshments we offer,” said team member Deanna Ray Ensley. “We will have an actual donation station. We just really want to regain some of the operating costs.

“We really want to keep the interpretive center going.

It’s for the tourists and it helps local businesses, but we are facing funding problems.

We are going to take one more stab at it. But this may be it.”

An eagle is spotted with a long-range camera lens near the Skagit River.

Photos submitted

by Kelly Regan

The center has been housed for the past six years in the transformed park ranger residence at Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The center offers watershed stewardship education and general information for Eastern Skagit County bald eagle enthusiasts, as well as wintering visitors.

“We get lots of visitors,” Ensley said. “Especially as the holidays come along. We even stay open extra hours. In January, we can get hundreds of visitors per day.”

It’s not uncommon for the center to host some 3,000 visitors during its short season.

“It’s the safest and best place to get eagle information,” Ensley said. “It’s a place where visitors can learn where the best places are to see the eagles in a safe manner. Plus, they can go on walks and listen to a specialist.”

A lack of funds has already meant the end of the popular Friday School Group presentations; however, the center will still have guest speakers (usually on Saturdays), nature walks, area watershed and festival souvenirs, eagle-viewing information and equipment and educational displays.

“We’ve always had more visitors than we can handle, but never enough funds,” Ensley said. “So it’s kind of ironic because we’ve never really worried about the financing.

Now we do.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

MUSIC

By CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER (Minneapolis) Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS — More than any other act, they gave hiphop its social conscience — the Bob Dylans of the rap world, if you will. They also had a big hand in rock fans taking rap music seriously. And they scared a lot of people.

When you remember all those facets of Chuck D and Public Enemy, it’s no surprise that the pioneering New York rap troupe found no place for themselves in today’s corporate-run, fluff-catering, mind-numbing mainstream hip-hop industry.

It might come as a surprise, though, that these giants of rap looked to little old Minneapolis for some guidance on how to reinvent themselves.

“Honestly, Rhymesayers was one of the two main outfits we looked at in figuring out how to move forward,” Chuck D said, with no prompting, about Minnesota’s independent hip-hop miniempire. “They set up a real good prototype for the rest of us and showed us how to do it.”

That was just one of the things Chuck D discussed in a phone interview the day after Thanksgiving to promote the Hip-Hop Gods Tour.

An all-star revue of sorts featuring Public Enemy and eight other rap acts that date back to the ’80s — including Monie Love, the X-Clan and Schoolly D — Hip-Hop Gods is an extension of HipHopGods.Rapstation. com, one of several new websites that Chuck is involved in to give veteran hip-hop artists a platform to create and promote new music. Another of those sites, the distribution aggregator SpitDigital.com, is how PE released two new albums over the past four months.

These new-era platforms seem ironically timed to the other big news about Public Enemy: Chuck and his cronies are on the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 25 years after the release of their debut album “Yo! Bum Rush the Show.”

Even more than N.W.A. (also on the ballot), they seem like a

Public Enemy’s Chuck-D (right) and Flavor Flav perform at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas March 16, 2007 / AP

“

I just don’t believe that any of these cats believe in what they’re spitting about anymore.” CHUCK D

PUBLIC ENEMY’S CHUCK D STILL PULLS NO PUNCHES shoo-in to be the fourth rap act to hit the hall, after Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five and the Beastie Boys, who were inducted by Chuck himself at last year’s ceremony.

The rapper pointed to some of the hall’s biggest names for what he said is “racist treatment of our legacies by the music industry.”

“I think it’s time for classic hip-hop to start getting treated more like classic rock,” said the real-life Carlton Ridenhour, now 52. “There are too many radio stations to count still playing the Beatles and the Stones and Led Zeppelin, but there aren’t any still playing Run-DMC and LL Cool J and Public Enemy.”

Pointing to the parent companies of BET, MTV and many FM stations, he added, “We clearly can’t rely on Clear Channel and Viacom — who have way too much power over the modern rap world — to keep our legacies relevant, or to lend any support to new music we are creating.

“I think we’re as classic as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” he concluded with a laugh. (Coincidentally, he

stars with Abdul-Jabbar in a new episode of the Sundance Channel’s “Iconoclast” series.)

Most hip-hop fans would agree with Chuck’s assessment of Public Enemy, which he created with high-wire sidekick Flavor Flav while they were attending Adelphi University on Long Island in New York. After joining RunDMC and the Beasties on Rick Rubin’s fledgling Def Jam label to release “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” the group quickly put out two more incendiary and revered albums, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” and “Fear of a Black Planet.”

Controversy came hand in hand with success. With its militaristic stage shows (guns included), radical politics and blunt deliveries, PE struck a combative stance epitomized in its anthem “Fight the Power” — a song that played a pivotal role in “Do the Right Thing,” Spike Lee’s Oscarnominated 1989 drama about the racial divide.

“None of it was ever contrived in any way, or done just for the sake of stirring up controversy and getting attention,” Chuck

recalled. With a slight laugh, he added, “You gotta remember: In the Reagan and first Bush era, any black person who raised their voice was considered controversial. So it really wasn’t hard to get that kind of attention.”

He addressed one specific controversy circa 1989, when one of the group’s three DJ/producers, Professor Griff, was accused of making anti-Semitic statements while discussing turmoil in the Middle East. Griff is the only original member still active in PE’s Bomb Squad production crew.

“Griff didn’t say anything antiSemitic,” Chuck insisted. “The real controversy there was: ‘Why is this black man talking about something as intellectually challenging as Israel and Palestine?

Go back to talking about the less consequential things rappers and DJs are supposed to talk about.’”

Of course, Chuck believes that popular hip-hop has gone back to being inconsequential: “I just don’t believe that any of these cats believe in what they’re spitting about anymore.”

Which led him to Minneapolis again. He is a fan of Rhyme-

sayers co-founder Slug’s work in Atmosphere (“just a true original”) and he heaped praise on another of the label’s stars, Brother Ali. “Now there’s a guy you can tell believes in what he’s saying 150 percent,” he said of Ali, who got Chuck to guest on his “Us” album and repaid the favor by appearing on one of the new PE records. “He has a voice like Ray Charles. It’s authentic, and you know it when you hear it. It’s full of conviction and passion.”

Those qualities still define Public Enemy, too, as heard on both of the new albums, “Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamps” and “The Evil Empire of Everything.” Chuck’s and Flavor’s distinctive rapping styles are unchanged, but the themes reflect current issues, and the production has gotten a reboot. You’d be surprised how much sonic punch these records deliver.

They’re the group’s first fulllength releases in five years.

During that time Flavor Flav became a reality-TV series star, a fried-chicken restaurant owner and something of a punch line — none of which caught Chuck by surprise.

“He has always been somebody to look at and wonder,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve been through so much over the years, none of that had any effect on our relationship.”

Just the thought of Public Enemy remaining an active group reflects something missing in today’s hip-hop, he said.

“That’s one thing that has spoiled rap as an art form, I think, is everybody only doing it by themselves and for themselves,” he said. “You can’t replace the chemistry that comes from being in a group.

“One-on-one, there are a lot of other rappers who are better than me. When I’m with my group, though, no one can touch me.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area

Cantabile of Skagit Valley in concert

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley will celebrate the holiday season with “On a Cold Winter’s Night” during two area performances: Friday, Dec. 7: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes.

Saturday, Dec. 8: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon.

Admission by donation. www.cantabileofskagitvalley.org.

S-W HOLIDAY HOME TOUR The 20th anniversary tour will

FISH HATCHERY TOURS Skagit Fisheries Enhancement

JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY The Paul Sorenson Trio will perform

take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, starting from the Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St. Participating homes will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, Christmas music and more. Pick up a walking tour guidebook at the museum.

Bring a flashlight. $5. Advance tickets available at OliverHammer or at the museum. 360-855-0203.

Group will offer free guided tours of the Marblemount Fish Hatchery facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8-Jan. 27, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount. Learn about the enhancement group, hatchery operations, salmon and their life cycle and other visitors to the area, such as bald eagles. Tours start inside the visitors center. The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours.

360-336-0172, ext. 304, or education@skagitfisheries.org.

from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Enjoy jazz and swing tunes with Paul Sorenson on piano, Clive Collins on bass and Grant Ball on drums. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

E6 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS The Philadelphia Inquirer

Boxed CD sets cater to obsessives, and there’s always more in the vaults. This year, there are a number of sets in which a single classic album has been padded with extras to fill a box, including the Michael Jackson “Bad” set reviewed here, as well as sets dedicated to “The Velvet Underground & Nico” and The Beach Boys’ “Smile.”

The concomitant trend is to compile absolutely everything an artist recorded for a label in one foreboding package.

The 63-CD Johnny Cash set and 22-pound Beatles vinyl box lead that list, but there are also exhaustive new reissues dedicated to Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and jazz guitar pioneer Charlie Christian, not to mention a career-spanning 10-CD set dedicated to the King of the Blues called “Ladies and Gentlemen … B.B. King.”

The Beatles, “Stereo Vinyl Box Set”: Returning to the Beatles catalog is one of the great pop music pleasures. This release of all the remastered albums on 180gram LPs — the original 12 British albums, the U.S.-only “Magical Mystery Tour” and two “Past Masters” rarities sets — is the latest excuse for EMI to take the Fab Four back to the bank, and for aficionados to reconsider what their favorite Beatles album is. (This week, I’m leaning toward “Help!”) The remastered pressings sound great and a 300-page color book is included. The mixes are in stereo. If you demand mono, you’ll have to wait: That box comes next year. (14 LPs, $399) Dan DeLuca Elvis Presley, “Prince From Another Planet”: This three-disc set documents

DVD, 1 Blu-ray, and 1 LP, 63-CD set presents the music $71.99; or one DVD, $22.99) that defines Johnny Cash’s Dan DeLuca monumental legacy, and you can’t help but be awed by Heart, “Strange Euphothe breadth and power of his what were — hard to believe ria”: Seattle’s Wilson sisters work. A hitmaker not afraid — the King’s only concert started their alluringly to go against the grain, lover performances in New York melodic metal act with the of the old (the Carter FamCity. And Elvis, who had yet notion of creating a female ily) and champion of the new to begin his sad fade, was Led Zeppelin, with Nancy’s (Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferreally on for these crisp 1972 glass-shattering howls replac- son), electric live performer, shows at Madison Square ing Zep’s chest-thumping songwriter, gospel singer, Garden: He rocks with machismo. From their 1976 folklorist — Cash is always conviction and soars majesdebut to this box’s finale true to himself. The albums tically on the ballads. The (Zep covers, an Amazon are packaged in reproducDVD includes grainy, 8mm exclusive) they’ve stayed tions of their original covers, fan-shot footage that shows that course, electrically and so you see liner notes such the superstar in all his blueacoustically (save for their as these (from Cash’s superb jumpsuited glory. (2 CDs, 1 hair rawk/ power ballad ’80s) 1971 “Man in Black”): “I’m DVD, $26.15) with guts and grace. (3 CDs/1 always changing, always will Nick Cristiano DVD, $49.98; exclusive Ama- be changing. … I’m still being zon.com edition has 4 CDs/1 born. You haven’t seen the Michael Jackson, “Bad DVD, $34.99) complete me yet.” (63 CDs, 25th Anniversary Deluxe A.D. Amorosi $255.99) Edition”: Revisionist critics Nick Cristiano argue that the 1987 album “Surf-Age Nuggets: Trash “Bad” — not the 1979 break& Twang Instrumentals, “Work Hard, Play Hard, through “Off the Wall” or 1959-1966”: This is a Pray Hard: Hard Time, Good 1982 juggernaut “Thriller” delightful box of instrumen- Time & End Time Music, — is the best of Michael tals by mostly obscure — 1923-1936”: The majority Jackson’s Quincy Jones-prothough Dick Dale does turn of this breathtaking old-time duced solo masterworks. I’m up — crazy-about-reverb country music is all the more not buying it, but from the surf-rock bands of the ’60s, precious because folklorist wickedly swinging “The Way with names like the Fugitives, Nathan Salsburg literally resYou Make Me Feel” to the Countdowns and Newport cued it from the trash heap time-tested “Man in the MirNomads. Chris Isaak and after the death of Louisville, ror,” “Bad” is very good. This Tom Petty guitarist Mike Ky., 78 collector Don Wahle. package grows into a box Campbell pen the liner notes. The compilation gathers with an outtakes disc note“This music is thrilling to rural string band and sacred worthy for the funk workout play,” the latter writes. To lis- music makers in songs like “Song Groove (A/K/A Aborten to, too. (4 CDs, $58.99) Alfred G. Karnes’ dream tion Papers)” and the comDan DeLuca of heavenly escape “Where bative “The Price Of Fame,” are crucial tracks like We’ll Never Grow Old.” (3 plus a concert disc and DVD. Junior Murvin’s “Police and Bill Withers, “The ComCDs, $32.98, 3 LPs, $45.98) (3 CDs, 1 DVD, $34.99) plete Sussex and Columbia Dan DeLuca Thieves” alongside obscuriDan DeLuca ties like Pluto Shervington’s Albums”: It’s a Bill Withers world — the folk-soul singer The Brecker Brothers “Ram Goat Liver.” (4 CDs, “Reggae Golden Jubilee: $59.98) was the subject of the 2009 “The Complete Arista Origins of Jamaican Music”: Albums Collection”: TrumDan DeLuca documentary “Still Bill,” Before Edward Seaga was and his influence is apparpeter Randy and tenor prime minister of Jamaica in ent on rising genre-blenders saxophonist Michael Brecker The Rolling Stones, the 1980s, he owned a record “Charlie is my Darling”: like Michael Kiwanuka and were elite New York session company. Seaga, now 82, players who formed their Never mind “Crossfire Hur- Lianne La Havas. This set, spent his retirement compil- ricane,” the career-spanning with liner notes by Michael own band of like-minded ing this 100-song set, timed compadres, mixing jazz and HBO documentary. “Charlie Eric Dyson, gathers the to the 50th anniversary of funk. This set represents their is my Darling” is the archival “Lean On Me” and “Ain’t Jamaican independence.

No Sunshine” singer’s best complete works from 1975Stones find of the season.

Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff work from the ’70s. (9 CDs, 82, including six CDs under Unavailable for decades, and Burning Spear show up, Peter Whitehead’s film cap$74.98) their own names and two but the set’s real value is in Dan DeLuca live nights at the Montreux tures Mick and the boys on how Seaga pieces together Jazz Festival. The collection a two-date tour of Ireland in a cultural history as styles Johnny Cash, “The Comstarts off high with 1975’s 1965. The box includes a live changed from ska to rock plete Columbia Album Col“The Brecker Bros.” and CD and LP from the band steady to dancehall. Included at its primal best. (2 CDs, 1 lection”: This mammoth drifts downward, with disco

elements and collaborators who don’t quite fit. Yet the daring remained, with amazing solos, experiments with electronically altered horns, and a keenness for funk. By the final CDs, they’ve come full circle, back to being sidemen, albeit leading ones. (8 CDs, $69.98) Karl Stark Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “50th Anniversary Collection”: Preservation Hall — New Orleans’ traditional jazz venue — was started by the late Allan Jaffe, a Pottsville, Pa., native who leveraged a Wharton degree to create a permanent home for classic Crescent City music. Now run by his son Ben, Preservation Hall sits atop arguably the most important vein of popular American music extant.

There is no way not to be charmed by these cuts, recorded between 1962 and 2010, and plucked from the vaults of Atlantic Records, CBS Records, Sony and the hall’s label. There’s humor and pathos and enough energy to blow back a hurricane.

(4 CDs, $59.98) Karl Stark Charles Mingus, “The Jazz Workshop Concerts 196465”: Long before the current DIY craze in music, bassist and composer Charles Mingus was recording his own music, intending to put it out himself. Now, to honor what would have been his 90th year, his wife Sue has done just that, releasing seven discs from 1964-65, covering 13 months of live concerts at New York’s Town Hall along with venues in Minneapolis, Amsterdam and Monterey, Calif. The recordings catch Mingus just after Eric Dolphy died and as great works like “Fables of Faubus” were coming into focus. The ambition is outsized, the energy undeniable. (7 CDs, $119, mosaicrecords.com) Karl Stark

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Far Cry 3’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Genre: Shooter Publisher: Ubisoft ESRB Rating: M, for Mature Grade: 4.5 stars (out of 5) There is a lot to chew on in “Far Cry 3,” and, luckily, it’s mostly meat and no gristle: Luscious scenery, a uniquely twisted and enjoyable main villain, and enough side missions and activities to take up a couple of days’ worth of gaming time. This fullfeature, first-person shooter brims with excellent content from start to finish.

These sandbox games, where everything is thrown at you as you chart your own adventure while occasionally dipping into the main campaign just to keep the narrative churning along, are fabulous showcases of creativity and technical execution.

You play as Jason Brody, as he and a group of friends on vacation get scooped up into a war among pirates, drug runners and tribal factions. While survival and rescuing your friends remain your primary focus, “Far Cry 3” features a rich and expansive open world. No, really, it’s huge.

Thank goodness for fast-travel locations, because the islands are littered with side missions and activities ranging from shootouts with gangs to hunting rare animals.

The main villain, Vaas, rarely disappoints in his quasi-insanity.

Some multiplayer modes exist, and though they may initially appear shallow, start playing Firestorm or messing around with the multiplayer map editor and you’ll discover that more treasures await.

‘The Walking Dead: Episode 5 – No Time Left’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Genre: Adventure Publisher: Telltale Games ESRB Rating: M, for Mature Grade: 3.5 stars “Walking Dead” fans expecting a thrilling shootout a la the TV show’s midseason finale at the O.K. Woodbury will discover disappointment in this final chapter of the video-game series. After the first three episodes full of tension, deep character development and compelling stories, the final two episodes (and this last episode even more so) get the “dud” label.

That you can finish the final episode in around an hour speaks to the game losing steam after a strong start. That hour or so of game time doesn’t drag. You have less room to roam and interact as the story and undead hem you into a tighter environment. The conclusion of this episode and the fate of Lee (whom you’ve been guiding along through every episode) and Clementine doesn’t lack for heart-wrenching drama, and everything sets up perfectly for a second season of this game.

Yet “The Walking Dead” video-game series introduced gamers to not only a well-crafted franchise, but also took video games to new places with a unique distribution model and gameplay style. Episode 5 doesn’t close as strongly as episodes 1-3 opened, but those who stuck with the franchise this long would be fools not to see how it ends.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

TRAVEL

Phoenix: More than sun in the desert exhaustive trails at the base.

You may also get a warm-up having to park a little farPHOENIX — With cactus ther away. The free lot fills and strip malls obstructing up quickly. the views at times, visitors City officials are tentacould easily write Phoenix tively scheduled to begin off as a place where water improvements to traffic and culture are scarce. congestion in early 2013.

But this metropolis — Considered one of the best which includes upscale hiking cities, Phoenix has Scottsdale and college town several other peaks that Tempe — is a nature lover’s don’t cost a cent to climb: oasis with pristine peaks and http://phoenix.gov/parks/ the vast Sonoran desert. trails/index.html.

As for the urban landFIRST FRIDAY ART WALK scape, it’s more than just Downtown Phoenix takes golf courses crowded with retirees. In central Phoenix, on another life come night fall the first Friday of each which predates Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, you month. This walk started out can find historic homes and in 1994 with galleries and other venues staying open classic bungalows, includlater to showcase local arting one designed by masists. ter architect Frank Lloyd But First Friday has snowWright. Brightly colored balled into a people-watchmurals around town show ing phenomenon. Art aficiohow much the Hispanic nados, skater-boys, and teens community has influenced looking like they just came the city. from Comic-Con deluge Now that the summer Roosevelt Street in the Roomonths have given way to sevelt Row neighborhood. milder temperatures and Artists selling anything from snowbirds are finding their T-shirts to Day of the Dead way here to escape colder figurines are stationed along climates, here are five free the sidewalks. ways to heat things up in It’s also worth venturing Phoenix: onto streets off Roosevelt.

You’ll find numerous old CAMELBACK homes converted into busiMOUNTAIN HIKE One of the most popular nesses. The locals frequent views is from the top of this this area for the bars, latenight munchies and Roosred, sandstone landmark evelt Growhouse, a boutique situated between Phoenix and community garden that and Scottsdale. Trekking to the top, which extends 2,704 also houses a beehive. feet above sea level isn’t for TEMPE TOWN LAKE the faint of heart.

This 2.5-mile man-made Fortunately, there are less

By TERRY TANG Associated Press

Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau via AP

Camelback Mountain, located between Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., provides one of the area’s most popular views from the top of the red, sandstone landmark, which rises 2,704 feet above sea level. man Arizona.

RIO SALADO AUDUBON CENTER

Forget about city life just a couple miles south of downtown at this hidden nature center. The Rio Salado Audubon Center is nestled in a 600-acre preserve along the Salt River.

The park is home to at least 200 species of birds and other wildlife including coyotes and jackrabbits. Take a walk or bicycle ride along Ross D. Franklin / AP the 16 miles of riding trails.

Indoors, there are interacThe Growhouse, a boutique and community garden, tive and photo displays to is a popular attraction in the Roosevelt Row peruse. Parents looking to neighborhood in Phoenix. amuse their children can choose from numerous free lake that provides flood and even dragon-boat raccontrol for Tempe is also a ing on the water. The lake is activities after school and on weekends. haven for cycling, jogging also the site of free special You can also toast Mother and other activities. Feel free events, from July Fourth Nature at a monthly Birds to skate or stroll the 12-foot fireworks to the Fantasy of ‘n Beer talk (lecture and paths that lie on either side Lights Boat Parade every of the lake.

December. Typically, there’s snacks are free, beer from a local brewery is offered On any given day, you can no fee to watch annual spot people kayaking, sailing sporting events such as Iron- at a reduced rate). Closed

Mondays, http://riosalado. audubon.org.

HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS TOUR

In 1996, a coalition of city residents led by Gerry and Marge McCue sought to dispel the myth that downtown Phoenix wasn’t safe and had no decent housing. Their grassroots effort culminated in a handy guide to 34 historic neighborhoods.

You won’t find any cookie-cutter rows on these treelined streets. Each one is a showcase of past architectural trends. The styles range from Tudor to American Colonial and craftsman.

Make sure any selfguided tour includes a stop at Encanto Park. Home of the Phoenix’s first public pool and golf course, the lush 222-acre park is a historic landmark. Paddle-boat across the lagoon or take the kids on the carousel.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E9

TRAVEL Local travel

A couple jogs along Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Ariz.

Matt York / AP

With an estimated 80,000 printed over the years, the free maps have become staples in some hotels and antique stores.

You can also get a copy by calling the McCues, who say they will leave it on their porch for pick-up.

If the couple happens to be home when you retrieve it, you may also get free

advice about how to make the most of your visit (602253-5579).

Frank Lloyd Wright fans should go to east Phoenix to gaze upon the home Wright built for his son at 5212 E. Exeter Blvd., which sparked a recent controversy when it was bought by a developer who announced plans to tear

it down.

Constructed in the 1950s, the home has a circular spiral layout modeled after the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The property remains in preservation limbo as the city council considers granting it landmark designation, which would delay demolition for up to three years.

December 7 • Ladies Night Out: Hellams Vineyard 6-9pm December 8 • Small Shop Saturday: Surprise Packages • Story Time & Cookie Decorating w/ Mrs. Claus: Historical Museum 1-3pm • Christmas Boat Parade: 6 pm December 9 • Season of Giving: Benefitting Boys & Girls Club • Small Town Holiday Music: Maple Hall 2pm

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities SCENIC TREASURES OF THE SOUTHfor participants ages 12 and older (adult WEST: Vistas and Details of the Sandstone supervision required for ages 18 and Canyon Country”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. younger). For information or to register, call 12, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., 360-336-6215.

Anacortes. Photographer and adventurer Lance “Seadog” Ekhart will share photos ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County and narrative focusing on the natural beauty Tour Program offers a variety of day trips of lesser-known areas of Utah, Arizona, New and longer tours, with most trips departing Mexico and Nevada, including Goblin Valley, from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Valley of the Gods, Little Finland and the Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham.

Bisti Badlands. Free. 360-293-1910, ext.

For information or to register: 360-73321, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

4030, press #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/ index.php/tours.

“EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED: An Anacortes Family’s Caribbean Sailing Adven STANWOOD SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: The ture”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Anacortes Stanwood Senior Center offers occasional Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. trips around the Puget Sound area and Jeff and Kris Gleckler will share their beyond, departing from and returning to the adventure with their three children as crew center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For aboard the 46-foot Morgan sloop “Tradiinformation or reservations, contact Sandy tion.” What began as an 18-month sabbati- Kitchens at 360-629-7403. cal cruise to the Caribbean turned into a 3 Next up: 1/2-year family voyage in the tropics. Free. LeMay, America’s Car Museum: Saturday, Dec. 15. Enjoy a luxury coach ride to Taco360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityof ma and check out the four-story museum’s anacortes.org. collection of more than 3,500 vintage, classic and historically important cars, SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: Skagit County trucks and motorcycles. Santa and Mrs. senior centers offer short escorted trips departing from and returning to local senior Claus will pose for photos with their 1906 centers. For information, call the Anacortes Cadillac. $35, transportation only. Museum Senior Center at 360-293-7473 or sign up admission will be $10 and lunch is on your own. at your local senior center.

E10 Thursday, December 6, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 6-13 Thursday.6 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

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

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Friday.7 BALLET

“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 www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes. Donations accepted at the door.

360-588-9392.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

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

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

Thursday, December 6, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 6-13

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

SATURDAY.8

FRIDAY.7

CHERYL JEWELL AND THE SALTWATER QUARTET 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover.

360-588-1720.

RJ KNAPP AND HONEY ROBIN 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndys broiler.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Saturday.8 BALLET

“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 www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Donations accepted at the door.

360-588-9392.

THEATER

The Met Live in HD presents “Un Ballo In Maschera”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955.

THURSDAYSUNDAY.6-9

Sunday.9 BALLET

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

MUSIC

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

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

360-445-3000.

“THE PAJAMA GAME” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12.

360-733-1811 or www.bellingham theatreguild.com.

Check individual listings for times.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H. St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

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

THURSDAY.6

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

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes.

Donations accepted at the door. 360-5889392.

Chanukah Concert: What the Chelm!, 2 p.m., Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. $3 suggested donation, free for museum members.

360-778-8963 or www.whatcommuseum. org.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

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

FRIDAY.7

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 2 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 4 p.m., dessert matinee at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $24 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Monday-Wednesday.10-12 No events submitted

RJ Knapp and Honey Robin (rock, blues): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroil er.com.

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

360-766-6266.

Joe Sneva & The Sweet Dominiques (surf, reggae, folk): 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

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

360-445-3000.

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

Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble, Baltic Cousins: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10.

360-778-1067.

Gin Creek: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band (R&B): 9 p.m., Big Rock Café & Grocery, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4247872.

Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SATURDAY.8 Classic Roads (rock/ country): 9 p.m. to midnight, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800.

Sardines: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Thursday.13

Greta Matassa, Jovon Miller (jazz vocals, dance): 3 to 6 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20. 360671-1709, 360-306-1800 or www.suddenvalleylibrary.org.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448 or www.the skagit.com.

Pearl Django (gypsy jazz): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20.

360-445-3000.

Helms Alee, Kowloon Walled City, The Narrows, Cower: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8.

360-778-1067.

Ford Giesbrecht (American standards, Brazilian Jazz): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or www.wash ingtonsips.com.

Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Quartet: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

JB Quartet: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

Lane Fernando and Mark Pickerel: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Ages 21 and older. 360-2932544.

Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes.

Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in.

Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

THEATER

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

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

SUNDAY.9 Puirt na Gael (traditional Celtic instrumentals): 3 to 6 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

WEDNESDAY.12 Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360855-2263.

Rich Rorex, Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4664488.

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

THURSDAY.13 Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

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

E10 Thursday, December 6, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area December 6-13 Thursday.6 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

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

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Friday.7 BALLET

“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 www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes. Donations accepted at the door.

360-588-9392.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

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

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

Thursday, December 6, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues December 6-13

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

SATURDAY.8

FRIDAY.7

CHERYL JEWELL AND THE SALTWATER QUARTET 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover.

360-588-1720.

RJ KNAPP AND HONEY ROBIN 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndys broiler.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Saturday.8 BALLET

“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 www.mcintyrehall.org.

MUSIC

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Donations accepted at the door.

360-588-9392.

THEATER

The Met Live in HD presents “Un Ballo In Maschera”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955.

THURSDAYSUNDAY.6-9

Sunday.9 BALLET

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

MUSIC

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 7:30 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 6 p.m., dinner theater at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

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

360-445-3000.

“THE PAJAMA GAME” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12.

360-733-1811 or www.bellingham theatreguild.com.

Check individual listings for times.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H. St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

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

THURSDAY.6

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

“On a Cold Winter’s Night”: Cantabile of Skagit Valley, 7 p.m., Anacortes Christian Church, 1211 M Ave., Anacortes.

Donations accepted at the door. 360-5889392.

Chanukah Concert: What the Chelm!, 2 p.m., Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. $3 suggested donation, free for museum members.

360-778-8963 or www.whatcommuseum. org.

THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

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

FRIDAY.7

“Miracle on 34th Street”: 2 p.m., Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd. $7 adults, $5 students.

360-757-4074.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: 4 p.m., dessert matinee at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $24 per person. 800-228-6274 or www.warm beachlights.com.

Monday-Wednesday.10-12 No events submitted

RJ Knapp and Honey Robin (rock, blues): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroil er.com.

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

360-766-6266.

Joe Sneva & The Sweet Dominiques (surf, reggae, folk): 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

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

360-445-3000.

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

Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble, Baltic Cousins: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10.

360-778-1067.

Gin Creek: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Chris Eger Band (R&B): 9 p.m., Big Rock Café & Grocery, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4247872.

Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SATURDAY.8 Classic Roads (rock/ country): 9 p.m. to midnight, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800.

Sardines: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Thursday.13

Greta Matassa, Jovon Miller (jazz vocals, dance): 3 to 6 p.m., Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, 8 Barnview Court, Bellingham. $20. 360671-1709, 360-306-1800 or www.suddenvalleylibrary.org.

Latigo Lace (contemporary country): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover.

877-275-2448 or www.the skagit.com.

Pearl Django (gypsy jazz): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20.

360-445-3000.

Helms Alee, Kowloon Walled City, The Narrows, Cower: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8.

360-778-1067.

Ford Giesbrecht (American standards, Brazilian Jazz): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or www.wash ingtonsips.com.

Cheryl Jewell and the Saltwater Quartet: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

JB Quartet: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

Lane Fernando and Mark Pickerel: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Ages 21 and older. 360-2932544.

Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes.

Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in.

Miles Harris & Triple Threat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon.

360-422-6411.

THEATER

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

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

SUNDAY.9 Puirt na Gael (traditional Celtic instrumentals): 3 to 6 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

WEDNESDAY.12 Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360855-2263.

Rich Rorex, Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4664488.

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

THURSDAY.13 Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-2884.

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

COMMUNITY CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Enjoy Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas Celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $20. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre. com.

NATIVITY FESTIVAL: Check out hundreds of nativity displays, live music and more at the Arlington Nativity Festival, Dec. 6-9, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 17222 43rd Ave. NE, Arlington.

The nondenominational festival will feature nativity displays from around the world, holiday music by local musicians, decorated Christmas trees, a live nativity scene, refreshments, children’s activities, a dressup photography room and more.

Festival hours are 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. A choral concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. www.arlingtonnativityfesti val.org.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE AREA p.m., followed by an elegant catered dinner, lively auction bidding, entertainment and dancing to the sounds of Swingtime Express. $75, $575 table of eight. 360-3366114 or www.skagit.org.

ART SALE: The Croatian Cultural Center in Anacortes will hold a Budget Art Sale from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7, at 801 5th St., Anacortes.

HOLIDAY ARTWALK: The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7-8, in downtown Anacortes. More than 20 merchants will display the work of local artists, including paintings, sculpTREE LIGHTING: Celtures, jewelry, photography, ebrate the community Christmas tree lighting from music, treats and more. 3606 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at 293-6938. the Anacortes Chamber of “THE NUTCRACKER”: Commerce, 819 Commercial Ave. The town crier and stu- Skagit Valley Academy of dents from Anacortes High Dance presents the 23rd annual performance of this School, Fidalgo and Island classic Christmas story FriView schools will perform.

Free pictures with Santa and day through Sunday, Dec. hot cocoa and cookies. Free. 7-9, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Ver360-293-7911. non. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

SWING INTO THE HOLIDAYS: The Economic Development Association SING FROM THE HEART: of Skagit (EDASC) will host Local singers — organizaa dinner, dance and auction tions, quartets, choirs, famiat 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at lies and friends — will share Swinomish Lodge, 12885 their musical talents Dec. 7-9 Casino Drive, Anacortes. to raise money for local food Dress in your festive holiday banks or the MS Society attire and enjoy a social from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, noon hour with music by the An- to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon O-Chords beginning at 6 to 6 p.m. Sunday at area

Haggen stores.

Groups must register for a time slot in advance at the guest services counter of a Haggen store or by phone.

Burlington: 757 Haggen Drive. 360-814-1500.

Mount Vernon: 2601 E. Division. 360-848-6999.

Stanwood: 26603 72nd Ave. NW. 360-629-4400.

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR: The fourth annual Oak Harbor Soroptimist Christmas Home Tour will take place from 4 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8. The tour includes five homes. $15.

Proceeds benefit Soroptimist programs for women and girls. Tickets available at The Casual House and McBride’s Hallmark, or call Barb at 360-679-8531.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Bring your kids in grades K-3 to decorate gingerbread houses at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, at Same Ol’ Grind, 508 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. Reservations required: 360-661-6720.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. FEAST DAYS: The Croa8, at the Anacortes Senior tian Cultural Center will host St. Nicholas Feast Days Activity Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. Enjoy photos events after the downtown Christmas Parade from noon with Santa, crafts and live entertainment. $6. 360-293to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 1918 or www.cityofanacortes at 801 5th St., Anacortes.

Vela Luka Croatian Dancers .org. with orchestra, Dave & The SANTA BREAKFAST: Dalmatians Men’s Choral Join Santa for breakfast Ensemble, and a wide variSaturday morning, Dec. 8, ety of Croatian food and at the Sedro-Woolley Comdrink. 360-299-2525. munity Center, 703 Pacific St. Children can come and STANWOOD LIONS eat a breakfast of waffles, SANTA DASH 5K FUN sausage links, orange slices RUN/WALK: 8 a.m. Satand choice of milk or apple urday, Dec. 8, 8815 272nd juice for free (parents can St. NW, Stanwood. $15 eat by donation). After preregistration, $20 day breakfast, they can visit of race. Preregistration with Santa and get their is available at Candie’s picture taken with him, Kids, 8620 271 St. NW, or also at no charge. (Pictures register.accustatsportstimcan be picked up later at ing.com/register/default. the Chamber office.) www. aspx?event=15892. Race sedro-woolley.com or 360begins and ends at Thrifty Shop. 360-629-8500 or pink 855-1841. candy84@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: POLAR EXPRESS: Santa The Anacortes Lions Club’s annual Christmas Parade will arrive in Stanwood on the “Polar Express” Amtrak will take place at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, along Comtrain at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the train platform mercial Avenue to Causland in downtown Stanwood. The Memorial Park in Anacortes.

Lineup begins at 10 a.m. first 100 kids to arrive will receive a Polar Express bell. www.anacortes.org.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE: The Swinomish Yacht Club’s annual Lighted Boat Parade will begin around 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, departing from the north basin of the Port of Skagit marina in La Conner, turning south along the waterfront and ending up in Shelter Bay. 360-4664902 or www.swinomish yachtclub.org.

Y-STAR: Formally known as Rec N Roll, Y-STAR is a YMCA program for individuals with disabilities. To sign up for holiday events and activities, call 360-3369622 or email j.mcadams@ skagitymca.org.

Upcoming Y-STAR events: All Aboard: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 200 Valley Highway, Sedro-Woolley. Get into the holiday spirit with a ride on the Lake Whatcom Railway Christmas Train. $20.

Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach: 4 to 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 29. Meet at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, 215 E. Fulton St., Mount Vernon. Dress appropriately and bring extra money if you want to shop. $10.

works.org.

FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT: Navy Band Northwest will present the Home for the Holidays concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Oak Harbor High School Performing Arts Center, 950 NW Second Ave., Oak Harbor. Santa Claus will make a special appearance and a U.S. Marine Corps representative will accept donations for Toys for Tots. Free.

COOKIE WALK: Mount Vernon Christian School’s Cookie Walk will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the school, 820 W. Blackburn Road, Mount Vernon. Choose and purchase your favorite festive cookies. Small box $6, large $12. Add $1 for prepackaged boxes. 360-428-4632.

CHRISTMAS TREES: Christmas trees will be sold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8150 Garden of Eden Road, Sedro-Woolley. Choose from a large variety of noble and grand fir trees, which will be cut and loaded for you. All proceeds support Friendship House. 360-840-9129.

SKAGIT CHRISTMAS: Enjoy a variety of Christmas-themed displays and activities during December at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. All events are free with museum admission. $4, $3 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounty.net/ museum.

Next up: “THE NUTCRACKER”: Saturday, Dec. 8: Cookie Fidalgo DanceWorks will perform this beloved holiday decorating from 11 a.m. to tradition at 7 p.m. Saturday 5 p.m. Story time with Mrs. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8-9, Claus from 1 to 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9: Live at Anacortes High School’s music with pianist Ruth Ann Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $10-$15. 360-299- Burley from 1 to 3 p.m.

8447 or www.fidalgodanceSee EVENTS, Page E19

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E13

HOT TICKETS

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

PINBACK: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or JOHN CALE: Dec. 6, Showbox the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 www.showboxonline.com. at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

THE WALKMEN: Jan. 27, Neptune or www.showboxonline.com.

DWEEZIL ZAPPA: Dec. 23, NepTheatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or THE CAVE SINGERS: Dec. 7, Show- tune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 www.livebation.com. box at the Market, Seattle. 800-745- or www.livenation.com.

“AMALUNA”: Cirque du Soleil: Jan. 3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

ZEDS DEAD: Dec. 26, Showbox at 31-Feb. 24, 2013, Marymoor Park, THE TRAGICALLY HIP: Dec. 7, the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Redmond. 800-450-1480 or www.

Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745or www.showboxonline.com. cirquedusoleil.com.

3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

DIGABLE PLANETS: Dec. 29, NepLEWIS BLACK: Feb. 1, Paramount “THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest tune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or Ballet Theater: Dec. 14-16, Mount or www.livenation.com. www.livenation.com.

Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734PICKWICK: Dec. 31, Showbox at THE SONICS, MUDHONEY: Feb. 2, 6080 or www.mountbakertheatre. the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800com. or www.showboxonline.com.

745-3000 or www.showboxonline.

THE CLASSIC CRIME: Dec. 15, RESOLUTION 2013: featuring com.

Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800- DOCTOR P, MORD FUSTANG, RUSKO, EXCISION: Feb. 2, Paramount 745-3000 or www.showboxonline.

W&W: Dec. 31, WaMu Theater, Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or com.

Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticket www.livenation.com.

LAMB OF GOD: Dec. 16, Showbox master.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: Feb. 4, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or NEUROSIS: Jan. 5, Showbox at the SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

JINGLE BALL: featuring Calvin www.showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: Harris, Afrojack, Ed Sheeran, 3OH!3, LADY GAGA: Jan. 14, 2013, Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Owl City, Alex Clare, Cher Lloyd: Dec. Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.

16, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745- 3000 or www.livenation.com. ec4arts.org.

3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

CIRQUE ZIVA: Jan. 17, Edmonds BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH: THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: Dec. 17, Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425Feb. 7, Columbia City Theater, SeatShowbox at the Market, Seattle. 800- 275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org. tle. 800-838-3006 or www.brown 745-3000 or www.showboxonline.

QUICKSAND: Jan. 18, Showbox at papertickets.com. com. the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The MOSCOW BOYS CHOIR: Dec. or www.showboxonline.com.

Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-78418, Edmonds Center for the Arts, JACKSON BROWNE: Jan. 20, Ben- 4849 or www.livenation.com.

Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www. aroya Hall, Seattle. 206-215-4747 or RA RA RIOT: Feb. 8, Neptune ec4arts.org. www.livenation.com.

Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or 2 CHAINZ: Dec. 21, Showbox at DOWN: Jan. 22, Showbox at the www.livenation.com.

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DECEMBER 31 7PM SESSION

HOT SEAT DRAWING

8 Regular Games Paying:

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2 Blackout Games Paying:

(costumes may not be over revealing)

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MONDAY

SUNDAYS

$500 ea.

(pack includes 2 Blackout Games)

A Free Breakfast is available with a valid bingo receipt buy-in.

Contest winners will be announced prior to the start of the Lotto Blackout.

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All participating bingo contestants must be present and playing with a valid receipt to claim prize.

$5 OFF BINGO Any 11AM or 7PM Session

Bring in this ad and receive $5 Off

1 coupon per guest • Redeem at cashier window - Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Only original ad will be honored for special offers - no copies.

Management reserves the right to cancel or amend promotion at any time.

MYSTERY GIFT FRIDAYS

December 7, 14, 21 & 28 (1) Winner drawn at all session halftimes. Each winner will pick a “Gift” from the prize board to determine cash prize.

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No seat hopping allowed.

Valid 12/01/12 - 12/30/12 MG BNG01212

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SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil Diamond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

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

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

PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866332-8499 or www.comcastarena everett.com.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

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

GALACTIC: featuring Corey Glover: Feb. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www. ec4arts.org.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE BURED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: March 1-2, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

877-784-4849 or www.livenation. com.

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

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www. ec4arts.org.

MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.live nation.com.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

BRIAN REGAN: March 13, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or www.livenation.com.

SARAH BRIGHTMAN: March 22, 2013, Comcast Area at Everett. 866332-8499 or www.livenation.com.

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

NANCI GRIFFITH: April 5, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

LOCAL NATIVES: April 26, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

COWBOY JUNKIES: April 27, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

ONE DIRECTION: July 28, 2013, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

GET INVOLVED ART CLASSES

p.m. Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., BellA GUILDED GALLERY ART CLASSES: ingham. Wear comfortable clothes and Sign up for a variety of art classes at A leather-soled shoes. For information, call Guilded Gallery (formerly Gallery by the Mary Anderson at 360-933-1779 or visit Bay), 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. To reg- www.bellinghamscd.org. ister, stop by the Stanwood Camano Art Guild’s cooperative gallery from 10 a.m. to FALL DANCE CLASSES: Harper & I 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 360-629- offer intermediate and advanced bal2787 or www.stanwoodcamanoarts.com. let technique, pointe, contemporary and PACIFIC NW SCHOOL CLASSES: Choose from painting, photography, fiber and 3D art workshops taught by professional artists at the Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 NW Birch St., Coupeville.

For information and a complete schedule: 360-678-3396 or www.pacificnorthwest artschool.com.

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

AUDITIONS “LEGALLY BLONDE”: Auditions will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15-16, at Anacortes Community Theatre, 911 M Ave., Anacortes. Parts are available for 16 women and seven men, young to middle aged.

Music and scripts are available in the ACT office. The play will run March 29-April 27.

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

CALL FOR SINGERS: NBC will hold open auditions for its new singing game show “The Winner Is” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike St., Seattle. Singers of any kind of music are welcome — groups, duos, solo, a cappella groups, cabaret groups, high school choruses, singers of country, pop, rock, hip hop, opera and more. The weekly show will feature bracket-style singing battles for a shot at $1 million. littlechadcasting@gmail.com or www.singinggameshow.com.

hip-hop dance classes at The Bell Tower Studios, 1430 N. Garden St., Bellingham.

360-908-1653 or www.facebook.com/ harperandi.

ARGENTINE TANGO LESSONS: Thursday evenings at The Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway. $12 drop-in fee, $60 for six classes. n Basics for beginners at 6 p.m. No experience or partner needed. Open dance practice follows from 7 to 7:15 p.m. n Intermediate instruction at 7:15 p.m.

Previous Tango experience required.

Attend the Basics class at no extra charge.

Open tango dancing from 8:15 to 10 p.m. every fourth Thursday. Practice your new tango techniques. No cover. 360-7088076 or email secure@cnw.com.

TANGO PARTY: The Conway Muse will host a Tango Dance Party with music by Tocato Tango at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway. Pay what you will. 360-445-3000 or www.con waymuse.com.

ROMANIAN CROATIAN FUSION DANCE WORKSHOP: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturdays during December and January at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Dance master John Lovric is joined by guest dance master Anamaria Dulama (visiting from Romania) to offer this special series of classes. $10 per session.

Free for children. For information or to register, call 360-464-2229 or visit www.anacortescenterforhappiness.org.

Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-4453000 or www.theconwaymuse.com.

confidence and provide social interaction as they create crazy characters, sing and dance. $50.

Superhero Stories: for kindergarten through second grade, 4 to 5:15 p.m. FriNATIVE FLUTE WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. days, Feb. 1-March 8. Students will create Sunday, Dec. 16, Skagit Valley Food Co-op, Room 309, 202 S. First St., Mount their own superhero as they play fun theater games and work on their acting skills.

Vernon. Peter Ali will share stories of the flutes he plays and of his rich ethnic Class will culminate in a performance heritage. Come listen to the sounds of March 8 on ACT’s Second Stage. $50. eagles, running river, nature and spirit in “Alice in Wonderland”: third through the flute’s song, and learn how to play sixth grade, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and from the heart. Free. Preregister with a Wednesdays, Jan. 28-March 6. Students co-op cashier, call 360-336-5087, ext. 139, will stage a retelling of the classic tale of or email jill@skagitfoodcoop.com.

Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole, starting with auditioning, creation of a character, SEEKING SINGERS, MUSICIANS, LIS- memorization of lines and culminating TENERS: The Skagit Valley Music Club with a full public performance complete welcomes performers, listeners and guests with costumes and makeup March 8-9 on at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Vasa ACT’s Second Stage. $100.

Hall, 1805 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon.

Are We There Yet?: grades seven Come and sing, play an instrument or just through 12, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and enjoy the music. Free. For information, Thursdays, Jan. 22-Feb. 28. This class starts call Marsha Pederson at 360-757-4906. with auditioning for a part and continues with creation of a character, memorization of lines and a full public performance ON STAGE with costumes and makeup March 1-2 on CALL FOR DIRECTORS: The Bellingham Theatre Guild is seeking submissions ACT’s Second Stage. $100. from prospective directors for its 85th season, 2013-14. The Play Selection Team WORKSHOPS will read all proposals and scripts submitQUILTING FOR BEGINNERS: Learn ted by newcomers and veterans alike. how to hand quilt from 9 a.m. to 12:30 Send clearly marked submissions and p.m. Mondays at the Concrete Center, scripts by Dec. 15 to: Play Selection Team, 45821 Railroad Ave., Concrete. Bring a 1600 H St., Bellingham, WA 98225. For flat edge thimble, round-needle puller, information, contact Sam Creed at 360small scissors and No. 9 go-betweens 223-3271, or visit www.bellinghamtheatre- quilting needles. Tips and technique howguild.com/auditions/directors.html. tos on the last Monday each month. 360853-8400.

OPEN MIC: All ages: 7 p.m. Thursdays, The Soup Bowl at Common Ground, 351 INDEPENDENT WREATH MAKING: 9 Pease Road, Burlington. Sign-ups begin a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Dec. 24 at at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome to perform Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, or come to watch and listen. Free. For Mount Vernon. Two wreath-making information, contact Tobie Ann at 425machines will be available from 9 a.m.

870-6784. to 4 p.m. Wire rings and greenery are

available for purchase, or you may bring your own. Complimentary. Reservations required: 360-466-3821 or www.christian THEATER CLASSES: Anacortes ComMUSIC munity Theatre’s Class Act School for the sonsnursery.com.

CALL FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS: The Performing Arts is enrolling kids from FREE MUSIC JAMS: Come and play Mount Vernon-based Fidalgo Youth BASKET-WEAVE SCARF WORKSHOP: preschool through 12th grade for winter or just watch the fun at Cyndy’s Broiler, Symphony offers opportunities for musi9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at classes on acting and theater arts.

Classes 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Free for cians ages 5 to 21 to study and perform Tower Arts Studio, 5424 S. Shore Drive, are held at ACT, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. participants and spectators. orchestral music. For information, includGuemes Island. Make an open weave felt 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com/ Teen Jam: 7 p.m. second and fourth ing tuition costs and rehearsal schedules, scarf as a beautiful, comfortable holiday classact Tuesday each month. contact Mrs. Hobson at 360-293-8180 or gift for someone special, or a unique piece Imagination Explorers: preschoolJam Night: 8 p.m. Thursdays. visit www.fysmusic.org. to adorn yourself. $105, includes all mateage children, 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, 360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroiler. rials. Studio is just two walkable blocks Jan. 29-March 5, or Wednesdays, Jan. com.

DANCE from the Guemes Island ferry dock. For 30-March 6. Students will take part in information, call Sue at 360-293-8878 or SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham ScotOPEN MIC: Share your music or enjoy creative dramatic games designed to visit www.towerartsstudio.com. use their imagination, improve selftish Country Dancers meet from 7 to 9:30 the musical talents of others at 7:30 p.m.

THEATER

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E15

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

MOVIES

Review: ‘The Hobbit’ suffers from story bloat

By DAVID GERMAIN AP Movie Writer

‘THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY’

J

udging part one of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” prelude “The Hobbit” is a bit like reviewing a film after seeing only the first act.

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

It’s also overstuffed with, well, stuff. Prologues and sidestepping backstory.

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

Remember the interminable false endings of “The Return of the King,” the Academy Award-winning finale of Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings”? “An Unexpected Journey” has a similar bloat throughout its nearly three hours, in which Tolkien’s brisk story of intrepid little hobbit Bilbo Baggins is drawn out and diluted by dispensable trimmings better left for DVD extras.

Two more parts are coming, so we won’t know how the whole story comes together until the finale arrives in summer 2014. Part one’s embellishments may pay off nicely, but right now, “An Unexpected Journey” looks like the start of an unnecessary trilogy better told in one film.

Split into three books, “The Lord of the Rings” was

HH1⁄2

Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. Running time: 169 minutes.

Warner Bros. via AP

Gollum, voiced by Andy Serkis, is shown in a scene from “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” a natural film trilogy, running nearly half a million words, five times as long as “The Hobbit.”

Jackson and his wife, Fran Walsh, along with screenwriting partners Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro — who once was attached to direct “The Hobbit,” with Jackson producing — have meticulously mined Tolkien references to events that never played out in any of the books (stuff the filmmakers call the “in-between bits”).

With that added material, they’re building a much bigger epic than Tolkien’s book, the unexpected journey of homebody Bilbo (Martin Freeman, with Ian Holm reprising his “Lord of the Rings” role as older Bilbo).

Bilbo has no desire to hit the road after wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen, grandly reprising his own “Rings” role) and a company of dwarves turn up to enlist him on a quest to retake a dwarf

mountain kingdom from the dragon that decimated it.

Yet off he goes, encountering trolls, goblins, savage orcs and a grisly guy named Gollum (Andy Serkis, recreating the character that pioneered motion-capture performance in “The Lord of the Rings”). Improved by a decade of visual-effects advances, Gollum solidifies his standing as one of the creepiest movie creatures ever. And as big-screen prologue moments go, Bilbo’s acquisition of Gollum’s precious ring of power may be second only to Darth Vader’s first hissy breath at the end of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” prequels.

“An Unexpected Journey” resurrects other “Rings” favorites, some who didn’t appear in “The Hobbit” (Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Cate Blanchett as elf queen Galadriel, Christopher Lee as wizard Saruman) and some who did (Hugo Weaving as elf lord Elrond).

Richard Armitage debuts as dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield, ennobled from a fairly comical figure in Tolkien’s text to a brooding warrior king in the mold of Viggo Mortensen from the “Rings” trilogy.

The filmmakers also pluck orc bruiser Azog out of Tolkien’s footnotes and make him Thorin’s sworn enemy.

Azog’s a bland antagonist, adding little more than onedimensional bluster.

While there are plenty of orc skewerings and goblin beheadings, the action is lighter and more cartoonish than that of “The Lord of the Rings.” Still, much of it is silly fun, particularly a battle along a maze of footbridges suspended throughout a goblin cave.

The potential sea change with “The Hobbit” is Jackson’s 48-frame rate.

Most theaters are not yet equipped for that speed, so the film largely will play at the standard 24 frames a

second.

Proponents, including James Cameron, say higher frame rates provide more lifelike images, sharpen 3-D effects, and lessen or eliminate a flickering effect known as “strobing” that comes with camera motion.

I saw the movie first at 24 frames a second and then at 48, and they’re absolutely right that higher speeds clarify the picture. Strobing noticeable at 24 frames is gone at 48, providing a continuity that greatly improves the action sequences. And the panoramas are like Middle-earth actually come to life, as though you’re standing on a hill looking down at the hobbits’ Shire. If Cameron’s “Avatar” was like looking through a window at a fantastical landscape, “An Unexpected Journey” at 48 frames is like removing the glass so you can step on through.

But with great clarity comes greater vision. At 48

frames, the film is more true to life, sometimes feeling so intimate it’s like watching live theater. That close-up perspective also brings out the fakery of movies. Sets and props look like phony stage trappings at times, the crystal pictures bleaching away the painterly quality of traditional film.

This may be cinema’s future, and the results undoubtedly will improve over time. It’ll be an adjustment for audiences, though, and like the warmth of analog vinyl vs. the precision of digital music, the dreaminess of traditional film vs. the crispness of high-frame rates will be a matter of taste.

The technology may improve the story’s translation to the screen. There’s just not that much story to Tolkien’s “Hobbit,” though.

Jackson is stretching a breezy 300 pages to the length of a Dickens miniseries, and those in-between bits really stick out in part one.

“I do believe the worst is behind us,” Bilbo remarks as “An Unexpected Journey” ends.

From a hobbit’s lips to a filmmaker’s ears. Let’s hope Jackson has the goods to improve on a so-so start.

Otherwise, “The Hobbit” — subtitled “There and Back Again” by Tolkien — is going to feel like traveling the same road more than twice.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

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

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Dec. 7-13 The Metropolitan Opera: Un Ballo in Maschera (NR): Friday: 9:55 a.m.

Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Saturday: 4:00, 8:55; Sunday-Thursday: 4:00 Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:00, 6:15 Flight (R): Friday: 1:05, 3:50, 6:35, 9:15; Saturday: 3:50, 6:35, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:05, 3:50, 6:35 The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:25, 8:45; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:25 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (NR): Sneak preview, Thursday: 11:59 p.m.

360-293-7000

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Dec. 7-13 Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:35, 8:50; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:35 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40, 9:00; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40 Flight (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (NR): Sneak preview, Thursday: 11:59 p.m.

360-279-2226

“Argo” — Ben Affleck directs and stars in the incredible true story of how, at the height of the Iranian hostage crisis, a CIA agent and a couple of Hollywood professionals dreamed up a cockamamie scheme to free six Americans who were not being held in the American Embassy but had found refuge with the Canadian Embassy.

Kept top secret for 18 years, the operation created a fake sci-fi production named “Argo,” convinced the Iranians it was STANWOOD CINEMAS real and used it to spirit the Dec. 7-13 Americans out of the coun The Metropolitan Opera: Un Ballo in BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN try. Drama, R, 120 minutes.

Maschera (NR): Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

Oak Harbor HHHH Life of Pi (PG): Friday-Thursday: 1:00, Dec. 7-9 “Flight” — After opening with 3:35, 6:35, 9:10 Rise of the Guardians (PG) and Hotel Tran- Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Thursone of the most terrifying flying sylvania (PG): 9 p.m. scenes I’ve witnessed, in which day: 1:20, 3:20, 6:45, 8:50 360-675-5667 an airplane is saved by being The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part flown upside-down, Robert 2 (PG-13): Friday: 1:10, 3:40, 6:40, 9:00; CONCRETE THEATRE Zemeckis’ “Flight” segues into Saturday: 3:40, 6:40, 9:00; Sunday-ThursDec. 7-9 a brave and tortured perforday: 1:10, 3:40, 6:40, 9:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part mance by Denzel Washington - Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 12:40, 2 (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 one of his very best. Not often (3:25), 6:30, 9:15 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m. does a movie character make Flight (R): Friday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:30, 360-941-0403 such a harrowing personal 6:25, 9:05 journey that keeps us in deep The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (NR): CASCADE MALL THEATRES sympathy all of the way. WashSneak preview, Thursday: 11:59 p.m.

Burlington ington plays a veteran com 360-629-0514 For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386). mercial pilot who has built up a tolerance for quantities of alcohol and cocaine that would be lethal for most people. Drama, Only dry, weary dialogue, sufmore carefully to the details actors of her generation. She is R, 138 minutes. HHHH fering and blood? Afraid so. all but the co-star, with a lot of of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis “Hitchcock” — The second Starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, creates a Lincoln who is calmly screen time, poignant dialogue, feature in a few months, after James Gandolfini, Richard self-confident, patient and will- and a character who is far more Jenkins. Crime drama, R, 97 ing to play politics in a realistic complex and sympathetic than the made-for-HBO “The Girl,” we expect. In this 50th year of way. Not about an icon of hisbased on the life of the great minutes. HH “Life of Pi”: A miraculous tory, but about a president who the James Bond series, with director. The screenplay centhe dismal “Quantum of Solachievement of storytelling and was scorned by some of his ters to a distracting degree ace” (2008) still in our minds, a landmark of visual mastery. opponents as a hayseed from on his lifelong marriage to Inspired by a worldwide bestthe backwoods. He understood I don’t know what I expected in the screenwriter and editor seller that seemed unfilmable, them better than they did him. Bond No. 23, but certainly not Alma Reville (Helen Mirren). an experience this invigorating.

Sure to win many Academy As “Hitchcock” tells it, Reville it is a triumph over its difficulIf you haven’t seen a 007 for ties. It is also a moving spiritu- Award nominations. Drama, acted as his chief adviser, years, this is the time to jump al achievement, a movie whose PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH censor, muse and friend, back in. Action, PG-13, 143 title could have been shortened “Red Dawn”: Opens with a and steered him through minutes. HHHH to “Life.” The story involves the hard-fought high school footthe uncertain waters lead “Wreck-It Ralph” — The 227 days that its teenage hero ball game before the next day ing up to “Psycho.” Anthony new Disney animated feature (Suraj Sharma) spends drifting in Spokane, is interrupted by Hopkins wouldn’t seem to be across the Pacific in the same the thud of bombs. The young for families takes place inside the first choice as Hitchcock, lifeboat as a Bengal tiger. The gridiron stars of the Wolverines several arcade-style video but I quickly accepted him. games, providing an excuse movie quietly combines various race outside to see enemy The makeup job they did on religious traditions to enfold aircraft flying overhead in forma- for the backgrounds, ground Hopkins was transformative. its story in the wonder of life. tion, dropping paratroopers from rules and characters to constantly reinvent themselves.

How remarkable that these Biographical drama, R, 98 the skies. Light on dialogue, Its hero is one of those two mammals, and the fish heavy on mindless action. minutes. HHH 1 clumsy, misunderstood big beneath them and birds above Action, PG-13, 93 minutes H ⁄2 “Killing Them Softly” — Set guys who dream only of being them, are all here. One of the “Skyfall” — “Skyfall” triumin a dreary and barren postyear’s best. Fantasy, PG, 125 phantly reinvents 007 in one of loved. Ralph (voice by John Katrina New Orleans, a cruel minutes. HHHH the best Bonds ever made. This C. Reilly) spends every day drama about organized crime is a full-blooded, joyous, intelknocking down an apartment with a cast much better than it “Lincoln” — Steven Spielberg’s new film focuses on only ligent celebration of a beloved building, which is constantly deserves. After an ill-advised cultural icon, with Daniel Craig a few months of Lincoln’s life, repaired by Fix-It Felix Jr. (Jack stickup of a high-stakes mobtaking full possession of a role McBrayer). Lively, endlessly organized poker game, a series including the passage of the he earlier played unconvincingly. colorful nonstop action, also 13th Amendment ending slavof mob executions threatens The film at last provides a role with Jane Lynch and Sarah ery, the surrender of the Conto pretty much wipe out the worthy of Judi Dench, returning Silverman. Animated comedy, local syndicate. OK. But no federacy and his assassinasuspense, romance or humor? tion. Rarely has a film attended as M, who is one of the best PG, 101 minutes. HHH

‘Old Goats’

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10 “Old Goats” is the often hilarious and always heartfelt story of three older men who refuse to go quietly into the night of retirement and old age. Cantankerous and set in their ways, each man must come to terms with the sunset years in his own unique fashion. Shot in and around Seattle, “Old Goats” finds humor in the everyday foibles of retirement life, providing a refreshing perspective on the golden years through the eyes of three men who don’t feel (or act) anywhere close to as old as they look.

Not rated. $10 general, $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 children 12 and under.

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

The Met Live in HD ‘Un Ballo In Maschera’ 9: 55 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

Director David Alden’s dreamlike setting provides a compelling backdrop for this dramatic story of jealousy and vengeance. Marcelo Álvarez stars as the conflicted king; Sondra Radvanovsky is Amelia, the object of his secret passion; and Dmitri Hvorostovsky is her suspicious husband. Kathleen Kim is the page Oscar, and Stephanie Blythe sings the role of the fortune-teller Ulrica. Fabio Luisi conducts. Every Saturday live transmission features a pre-opera lecture with Stassya Pacheco 30 minutes before the start time.

In Italian with English subtitles. $23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

The Met: Live in HD: ‘La Clemenza Di Tito’ 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

The virtuosic Elena Garanza sings Sesto in Mozart’s drama set in ancient Rome. Giuseppe Filianoti is the noble Tito and Barbara Frittoli is Vitellia, in this handsome revival of one of the composer’s final masterpieces.

Harry Bicket conducts. In Italian with English subtitles. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, December 6, 2012

OUT & ABOUT ART

on display during a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, “GLACIAL SPEED”: A Dec. 7, at several galleries show of recent artwork by and other venues in downCynthia Camlin contintown Anacortes. Featured ues through Jan. 13 at the artworks include paintings, Skagit Valley College Art prints, pastels, sculptures, Gallery in the Gary Knutfiber arts, glass, ceramics, zen Cardinal Center on the wood, photography, jewelry SVC campus, 2405 E. Coland more. 360-293-6938. lege Way, Mount Vernon.

The exhibit interprets enviSMALL CANVAS: Anne ronmental change through Martin McCool Gallery visual metaphors, depicting will feature a Holiday Spethe phases of melting glacial Small Paintings Show, ciers through abstracted opening from 6 to 9 p.m. forms. Gallery hours are Friday, Dec. 7, and running 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through the end of the through Friday. 360-416month, at 711 Commercial 7812.

Ave., Anacortes. The event will feature small paintings “HOME FOR THE HOLIon canvas and paper by DAYS”: The show continAnne Martin McCool, and ues through Jan. 1 at Rob other gallery artists will be Schouten Gallery, 765 featured as well. 360-293Wonn Road, Greenbank.

Twenty-four of the region’s 3577.

7, and continue through Jan. 29 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Bowman will offer a painting demonstration during the Artwalk reception. Also showing are photographs by Randy Dana, Dick Garvey and Lewis Jones; fused glass by Robin Larson; oils and pastels by Amanda Houston; and pastels and acrylics by Joel Brock. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

360-293-6938 or www.scott milo.com.

created by 19 area artisans.

NEW WWU GALLERIES: Western Washington University will celebrate the opening of three new gallery spaces at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the WWU Performing Arts Center on Western’s Bellingham campus. The ceremony will feature a ribbon-cutting and a brief program honoring Virginia Wright, whose recent gift of $250,000 allowed the university to create the new galleries in the Mainstage and Concert Hall lobbies, and to renovate an existing gallery, “FIRST SNOW”: Works which houses a rare collecby Aleut artist Thomas tion of tapestries by AlexStream are featured in a new show at Arctic Raven ander Calder. Free parking for the celebration will be Gallery, 130 S. First St., available from 3:30 to 6 Friday Harbor. Stream p.m. in the gravel lots on uses geometric designs the south end of Western’s embodied in his creatures finest artists have created campus. 360-650-6825.

ART AUCTION: Anchor to reflect the importance of a variety of affordable Art Space will present its Aleut spiritual beliefs.

888gifts: handblown glass, silk LECTURES second annual Art Auction 378-3222 or www.arctic scarves, jewelry, sculpture, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, raven.com.

AND TALKS ceramics, paintings and Dec. 7, at 216 Commercial “POVERTY IN OUR prints and more. Gallery STUDIO ART SALE: The TOWN”: The Fidalgo hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ave., Anacortes. The auction will feature work by 10th annual Tower Arts Democrats will host a free weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 established and emerging Studio Holiday Art Sale panel discussion at 7 p.m. p.m. weekends, closed Tuesdays. 360-222-3070 or www. Northwest artists. Proceeds and Open House will take Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the will help Anchor continue place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anacortes Public Library, robschoutengallery.com. its mission as a nonprofit Saturday, Dec. 8, at 5424 1220 10th St., Anacortes. space for art exhibits and S. Shore Drive, Guemes Speakers will include Pam “RICHARD MORHOUS: events. www.anchorart Island. The sale will feature Estvold of the Anacortes LINE PAINTINGS”: The space.org. ceramics and sculpture School District speaking show will open with a

by Sue Roberts, paintings about hunger at school, Lt. reception from 6 to 8 p.m.

HOLIDAY ARTWALK: and calendars by Cathy Josh Boyd of the Salvation today, Dec. 6, and continue The Anacortes Chamber Schoenberg, felted scarves Army speaking about the through Dec. 30 at Lisa of Commerce Holiday Art- and hats by Penny Berk food bank, Debra Adams Harris Gallery, 1922 Pike walk will take place from 6 and locally made jewelry, of the Anacortes Housing Place, Seattle. Morhous Authority on public houspresents urban scenes from to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. goat milk soap, essential to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7-8, oils, 360-293-8878 or www. ing, and others. Coffee New York, San Francisco in downtown Anacortes. towerartsstudio.com. and refreshments will be and Seattle, landscapes More than 20 merchants available. Bring a nonand floral subjects in an will display the works HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO: perishable food donation innovative style of linear of local artists, including Check out a variety of fine to benefit the food bank. abstraction. Gallery hours paintings, sculptures, jewarts and crafts from 9 a.m. 360-293-7114. are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Monday through Saturday, elry, photography, music, treats and more. 360-293Sunday, Dec. 8-9, at Studio SKAGIT TOPICS: “COLand 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SunOut-Back, 801 Central LECTING CHRISTMAS”: 6 day. 206-443-3315 or www. 6938.

St., Sedro-Woolley. Enjoy to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, lisaharrisgallery.com.

ACRYLIC PAINTINGS: A music and snacks as you Skagit County Historical browse a showcase of local Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY show of new paintings by La Conner. Members of the WALK: In conjunction with Jennifer Bowman will open artistic talent, including with a reception during the hand-carved birds, walkSkagit Reliques, Chapter the Chamber of ComFirst Friday Artwalk from ing sticks, baskets, fiber art, 1407 of The Questers, will merce Holiday Art Walk, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. jewelry, yard art and more share their collections of check out a variety of art

vintage Christmas decorations and discuss how to find treasures, determine value and enjoy your collections. Free with museum admission. $4, $3 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $8 families, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360466-3365 or www.skagit county.net/museum.

group, hatchery operations, salmon and their life cycle and other visitors to the area, such as bald eagles.

Tours start inside the visitors’ center. The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours. 360-336-0172, ext.

304, or education@skagit fisheries.org.

NEW MOON FAMILY DRUM CIRCLE: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, AnaJAZZ AT THE LIBRARY: cortes Center for HapPAUL SORENSON TRIO: piness, 619 Commercial 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, Ave., Anacortes. The Rev. Anacortes Public Library, Elke Macartney will lead 1220 10th St., Anacortes. the event to drum in new Enjoy jazz and swing tunes ideas and drum out the old. with Paul Sorenson on Bring your hand drums and piano, Clive Collins on bass rattles or borrow hers. Sugand Grant Ball on drums. gested donation: $5-$10.

Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, 360-464-2229 or www.anaor library.cityofanacortes. cortescenterforhappiness. org. org.

MUSIC

MORE FUN TWO-MUSEUM PASS: Take your family to visit two local museums for one price with a two-museum pass from the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. $15 buys a family pass good at both museums: the Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner; and the Children’s Museum, located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington. Passes are available at either location.

For information, contact the Historical Museum at 360-466-3365 or www. skagitcounty.net/museum, or the Children’s Museum at 360-757-8888 or www. skagitchildrensmuseum.net.

SISTER CITIES HOLIDAY PROGRAM: The annual Anacortes Sister Cities Holiday Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in Anacortes. See photos from the Sister Cities recent trip to Romania and enjoy a dinner of turkey, ham, potatoes, dressing and gravy. A guest from Romania will be on hand to answer questions. $5.

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

STANWOOD WINTER DINNER: Wayne’s Corner Café will sponsor a community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th FISH HATCHERY St. Dinner $12 per person, TOURS: Skagit Fisheries includes soup, choice of Enhancement Group will ham or beef, mashed potaoffer free guided tours toes and gravy, veggies, roll of the Marblemount Fish and dessert. Live music by Hatchery facility from 10 the South End String band. a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays Proceeds benefit the Life and Sundays, Dec. 8-Jan. Enhancement Assistance 27, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount. Learn Program. Tickets available at the center. 360-629-7403. about the enhancement

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - E19

COMMUNITY

w Events

Bros., Avon, Gibson, Mikasa and other fine china makers.

The exhibit also includes a Continued from Page E12 miniature holiday tea party Thursday, Dec. 13: Skagit featuring dolls and a set of Topic: Collecting Christmas: tiny Christmas plates, as well Members of the Skagit Rel- as a number of different veriques, Chapter 1407 of The sions of “The Night Before Questers, will share their col- Christmas.” Museum hours lections of vintage Christmas are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday decorations and discuss how through Saturday and 1 to to find treasures, determine 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is value and enjoy your collec- free. 360-293-1915. tions.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: BREAKFAST WITH Seattle’s ACT Theatre presSANTA: Breakfast and proents Dickens’ classic holiday fessional photos with Santa tale through Dec. 30 at The from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Allen Theatre, 700 Union St., Dec. 9, at St. Joseph’s CenSeattle. Showtimes vary. $27ter, 215 N. 15th St., Mount $55 plus applicable fees. 206Vernon. Two 5-by-7 with 292-7676 or www.acttheatre 8 wallet-size, $25. CD, $30. .org.

Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, WINTERFEST: Enjoy free coffee and juice. Donations and affordable activities and accepted. entertainment through Jan. 6 at Seattle Center, 305 HarAFTERNOON WITH rison St., Seattle. Visit Center SANTA: Spend an afternoon House for free performances with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the of music and comedy, jazz Balloon Man and a life-sized and dance, cultural celebraliving Christmas bear at 2 tions, ice sculpting, student p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at showcases and more.

Camano Center, 606 ArrowThe Winterfest Ice Rink head Road, Camano Island. will be open daily (except Kids of all ages can enjoy a Christmas) through Jan 6. variety of holiday-themed $2-$7. 206-684-7200 or www. activities. Free. 360-387-0222 seattlecenter.com. or www.camanocenter.org.

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTDINNER/KIDS’ CHOIR: MAS: More than a million Hillcrest Church will host a Christmas lights will be dinner and kids’ choir from displayed at the 16th annual 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lights of Christmas, from 5 Dec. 12, at the church, 1830 S. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360- Sundays, Dec. 6-9 and Dec. 424-3006, hillcrestmv.org.

13-16, and daily Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-29, at Warm CHRISTMAS DISPLAY: Beach Camp, 20800 Marine A variety of elegant holiday Drive, Stanwood. The largest place settings and whimsical holiday light display in the Christmas decorations are Northwest covers 15 acres on display through the end and features family-oriented of the year at the Anacortes entertainment, live music, Museum, 1305 Eighth St., theater, crafts, food, pony Anacortes. Members of the rides, a petting farm, Polar Ana Curtis and Fidalgo Express Train rides and overFinderskeepers chapters of night getaway options. Meet the International Questers Santa Claus or talk with Organization have filled “Bruce the Spruce” Christthe Anacortes Presents mas tree. General admission: case with painted pieces $9-$15. Pay-what-you-can

by Spode, Lenox, Johnson nights are offered Nov.

29, Dec. 13 and 29. Season passes are available. Theater events are extra. Call 800228-6724 or visit www.warm beachlights.com.

transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. $53-$55.

of the Christmas tradition.

Bring kids and grandkids to view large, permanent HO- and N-scale layouts.

Admission is by donation.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: The whatcomskagitmrc.org.

PICTURES WITH SANTA: Mount Vernon City Library, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 315 Snoqualmie St., will host HOLIDAY YOUTH CON8; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, several free holiday activities CERT: Fidalgo Youth SymDec. 12; Noon to 3 p.m. Sat- for kids during December. phony will present its Holiurday, Dec. 15; Washington 360-336-6209. day Concert at 1 p.m. SatFederal Bank, 1017 ComNext up: urday, Dec. 15, at McIntyre mercial Ave., Anacortes. $10 Holiday Crafts: 10 a.m. to Hall, 2501 E. College Way, donation gets your photo 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and Mount Vernon. $15 adults, printed on site, $25 donation 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, $10 seniors, $1 children and gets your photo printed on Dec. 15. students. 360-416-7727, 866site and digitally stored on a Storytime with Santa: 624-6897 or www.mcintyre CD. 360-293-3515.

10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. hall.org.

CHRISTMAS, DOWNHOME STYLE: Enjoy the Ho-Ho-Hootenanny at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby, Everett.

The family-friendly event’s musical lineup will include songwriter Tim Noah, folk musicians Real Folk and young bluegrass band Northern Departure. $16.50, $13 seniors/students/military, $5 ages 12 and younger. 425258-6766 or www.brown papertickets.com.

“HERALDING CHRISTMAS”: The Skagit Valley Chorale, accompanied by HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDE: HOLIDAY SYMPHONY WINTER CELEBRATION: Sinfonia 1685, will present Join Santa Claus aboard the CONCERT: The Skagit Sym- Fidalgo DanceWorks will its annual holiday choral Lake Whatcom Railway’s phony and Skagit Symphony present its annual winter performance at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas train at 9:30 Chorus will present their dance concert at 4 p.m. Sata.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. annual holiday concert at urday, Dec. 15, at Anacortes Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Saturdays, through Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at High School’s Brodniak Hall, Dec. 15-16, at McIntyre Hall, leaving from Wickersham, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. Col- 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $10. 2501 E. College Way, Mount 10 miles north of Sedrolege Way, Mount Vernon.

360-299-8447 or www.fidalgo Vernon. $16-$25. Discounts available for seniors and stuWoolley on Highway 9. Meet The program will feature danceworks.org. dents. 360-416-7727 or www.

Santa and his elf, sing Christ- soloists Katherine and Bronn mcintyrehall.org. mas carols and enjoy music Journey. Advance tickets: CELTIC CHRISTMAS

by Ben the banjo player. $20 $20-$40 from the McIntyre COMMUNITY CONCERT: ages 18 and older, $10 ages Hall box office, 360-416-7727 The third annual Anacortes 2 to 17, free for ages 1 and or 866-624-6897. www.skagit Celtic Christmas Community younger. Tickets must be symphony.com.

Celebration featuring violinpurchased in advance from ist Geoffrey Castle will take Lake Whatcom Railway, P.O. HOLIDAY CONCERT: The place at 4 and 7 p.m. SaturBox 91, Acme, WA 98220.

Shelter Bay Chorus will day, Dec. 15, at the Transit When ordering tickets, give perform The Many Moods Shed Event Center, 100 a second and third choice of of Christmas concert at 7:30 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. date and time, as rides often p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and at 2 The 4 p.m. matinee show will sell out. 360-595-2218 or p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the be geared toward families Gallery Walks www.lakewhatcomrailway.

Shelter Bay Clubhouse, La with children. Food and bevcom.

Conner. Admission by dona- erages available. Admission: tion. 360-466-3805. suggested $20 donation to HOLIDAY LIGHTS & the Rick Epting FoundaDecember 7 SHOPPING: Join Mount WONDERLAND WALK: tion for the Arts, or a new Vernon Parks and RecreEnjoy Christmas lights, carunwrapped toy or nonper6 - 9 pm ation for a holiday tour of oling and hot cocoa from 5 ishable food item to benefit Country Village and Garden to 8 p.m. Friday and SaturToys for Tots and local food D’Lights from 12:30 to 7:30 day, Dec. 14-15, at Washing- banks. Reserved seating: sugp.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, ton Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., gested $25 donation through Anne Martin McCool Gallery departing from Hillcrest Anacortes. The park will Brown Paper Tickets at 800Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount be decorated in Christmas 838-3006 or www.brownpapSamish Gallery of Native Arts Vernon. Visit the historic lights. Free. 360-293-1918 or ertickets.com. 360-293-3134.

Country Village Shops in www.cityofanacortes.org.

Scott Milo Gallery Bothell, home to more than LIGHTED BOAT FLOTILLA: 40 boutiques, specialty stores MODEL RAILROAD OPEN Decorated boats will parade The Majestic Inn and Spa and cafes. After exploring HOUSE: The Whatcomup and down the Guemes the holiday-decorated shops Skagit Model Railroad Club Channel beginning about Anchor Art Space and enjoying a no-host late will host a holiday open 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, lunch/early dinner, head house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting from Cap Sante Gallery at the Depot over to the Garden D’Lights, Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1469 Boat Haven in Anacortes. comprised of more than half Silver Run Lane, Alger. See Subject to rough weather. www.anacortesart.com a million tiny lights, which why model railroads are part 360-293-3134.

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