LEGENDARY BLUES GUITARIST COCO MONTOYA RETURNS TO MOUNT VERNON This Weekend, Page 3
Skagit Valley Herald Thursday February 4, 2016
TUNING UP
ON STAGE Anacortes Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls” this weekend PAGE 8
The Winterlings plays the Rockfish Grill in Anacortes on Saturday PAGE 9
MOVIES Hail, Coens – the brothers strike comedy gold in “Hail, Caesar!” PAGES 14-15
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NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Our Brand is Cri“Freeheld”: The sis”: The effort by film based on the 2007 Upcoming documentary short director David Gordon movie releases film of the same name Green and writer Peter Following is a partial looks at the battle by Straughan to turn the schedule of coming Laurel Hester (Juli2005 documentary of DVDs. Release dates are anne Moore), a much the same name into subject to change: heralded New Jersey a light comedy with police lieutenant, and touches of romance FEB. 9 her registered domestic Crimson Peak and political high jinks Love the Coopers partner, Stacie Andree leaves the fictional ver99 Homes (Ellen Page), to secure sion a poor candidate Freaks of Nature Hester’s pension benin the box office race. Mi-5 efits after Hester is There is no way the diagnosed with termidrama of the real elecFEB. 16 nal cancer. Black Mass tion could be surpassed Criminal Activities Hester’s health — or even matched Girls: Season 4 declines as she battles — by a fictionalized with the county’s board accounting. Green and FEB. 23 of elected freeholders Straughan’s efforts I Smile Back over whether or not do nothing more than Extraction domestic partners have Moonwalkers water down the story. the same rights as mar“Suffragette”: The n New Tribune Service ried couples. Moore is film looks at ordinary brilliant as she plays women who waged a Hester with great digwar for voting rights in nity, courage and commitment, even in England at the beginning of the 20th the final days. century. The performance works so well “Bridge of Spies”: Tom Hanks is a because it’s not filled with great brava- Brooklyn lawyer thrust into the center do, despite this battle being so imporof the Cold War. tant to same-sex couples. The strength “Show Me a Hero”: Oscar Isaac comes from Moore playing the role on stars in this HBO miniseries about a a very personal level. It’s a story bigyoung mayor battling with social issues ger than one couple, but director Peter that tear his city apart. Sollett keeps pulling the emotional “Truth”: Veteran news producer and moments back as a reminder that the anchor come under harsh scrutiny. majority of stories of national impor“Meadowland”: Couple falls apart tance start with ordinary people. after unimaginable loss. And it’s not just the very believ“Zoolander”: Original film is being able connection played out by Moore released before sequel hits theater. and Page that makes the film work. “Snow White and the Seven Michael Shannon is great in his role Dwarfs”: Classic Disney animated film as Dane Wells, Hester’s police partner available on digital HD for first time. who not only must deal with losing a “Shimmer and Shine”: Nickelodeon person he cares for deeply but also series about the misadventures of face the ugliness of the way Hester’s magical twin sisters. sexuality is treated by fellow officers. “For Better or For Worse”: WedThe script by Ron Nyswaner also ding coordinator, divorce lawyer clash. has some problems. The overall story “My Boyfriends’ Dogs”: Each failed lacks depth. Instead of showing what relationship means a new dog for a these events mean in a broader conwoman. text, Nyswaner just keeps circling back “Martyrs”: Ten-year-old girl strugto overplayed courthouse scenes. gles with nightmares after she escapes “The Last Witch Hunter”: The White from her captor. Queen seeks revenge on her killer. The “Noah’s Ark”: An angel instructs a lame plot has acting’s answer to dryfarmer to build massive boat to survive wall, Vin Diesel, playing the immortal the upcoming flood. witch hunter Kaulder. Because of a “From Dusk Till Dawn: Season truce forged years ago with the witches, Two”: Series spin-off from Robert it doesn’t seem like he’s had a lot to do Rodriguez’s cult classic film franchise. except seduce flight attendants over the past few centuries. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee
YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS
Out & About / Pages 4-5
Good Co. will play at the sixth annual Swing Dance on Saturday at the Depot Arts Center in Anacortes
Inside
SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Out & About.....................................4-5 Get Involved.....................................6-7 On Stage.............................................. 8 Tuning Up........................................... 9 Hot Tickets........................................ 10 Travel................................................. 12 At the Lincoln.................................... 13 Movies..........................................14-15 Music................................................. 15
Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251
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THIS WEEKENDin the area Stinging guitar Longtime blues guitarist Coco Montoya makes a return to trip to Mount Vernon when he and his band perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Montoya is a “fiery player and vocalist, a left-handed virtuoso who plays his guitar upside down in the manner of Jimi Hendrix and Albert King,” according to a news release. He played for 10 years with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, the legendary group that gave a kickstart to numerous blues artists, including Eric Clapton. Montoya has recorded and performed with B.B. King, Albert Collins, Tommy Castro and Debbie Davies, among many others. $20-$35. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org
CONCRETE MARDI GRAS The Concrete Chamber of Com-
‘ALONE AND BLIND AT 29,000 FEET’ The movie will be
M*A*S*H BASH! Dress as your favorite character from
merce will present the 10th annual “Mardi Gras in Concrete: Super Bowl Edition,” kicking off with a parade at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, on Main Street, followed by a party at Town Center with music by Jumbled Pie, games for the kids, food, raffles and more. Mardi Gras royalty Tim Cooley and Sharon Feller, originators of Concrete’s first Mardi Gras celebration, will reigning over this year’s festivities. Parade entry is free. Entry forms are available at the Chamber office and at parade lineup near the Concrete post office at 2:15 p.m. Entries should include the official Mardi Gras colors: purple, green and gold. 360-853-8784 or concretechamber@gmail.com.
shown at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Skagit Adventist Academy, 530 N. Section St., Burlington. Former Navy rescue swimmer Brian Dickinson decides to solo to the summit of Mount Everest after his sherpa becomes ill and turns back. At the summit he finds himself snow blind and low on oxygen. The movie depicts the way he inches his way down the highest mountain in the world. A rock climbing wall and vegetarian meal will be available from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Freewill donation. 360-202-6394.
M*A*S*H or just come as you are and enjoy music by Swingnuts Jazz from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes. $15, includes appetizers and no-host bar. 360-387-0222 or camanocenter.org.
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OUT & ABOUT ART “SECRETS OF THE MOUNT VERNON CULTURE”: After a monthlong hiatus, the Skagit County Historical Museum will reopen with a special installation, “Secrets of the Mount Vernon Culture: Uncovered, Documented and Prepared by Jack Gunter,” opening with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 4, and continuing through May 15 at 501 S Fourth St., La Conner. The show features monumental pottery sculptures, paintings and other “artifacts” created by Camano Island artist, author and world traveler Jack Gunter. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. $5 adults, $4 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $10 families. Free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/museum WINTER BIRDS: The group art show opens today, Feb. 4, and continues through Feb. 29 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. A reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 360-766-6230 or smithand vallee.com. “THE PAINTINGS OF ERIC MICHAELS”: The exhibition will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 4, and continue through April 1 at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. A signature member of the Oil Painters of America, National Watercolor Society and Pastel Society of America, Michaels’ art has taken him to exotic destinations such as Africa, Europe, Central America and Indonesia. The “Winter into Spring Juried Exhibit” featuring
the work of some 20 local and regional artists is also on display, with work by Art Center students of all ages shown in the Library Gallery. 360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.
SWING DANCE
dynamic artworks that evoke both joy and pain. SUBLIME PAINTINGS: “From Here to Eternity: the Paintings of Victor Sandblom and Brian Strobel” will be on display through Feb. 21 at i.e. Gallery, 5800 Cains Court, Edison. Strobel and Sandblom bring levity and the sublime to life on their canvases. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 206-4378534, 360-488-3458 or ieedison.com.
“THE GREAT BLUE HERON”: The art show will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5-6, at the Depot Arts and Community Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. The exhibition will feature two- and threedimensional artworks in a variety of media. anacortes artscommission.com. DICK GARVEY: PHOTOGRAPHY: The show will open with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, and continue through March 1 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The Final Chapter is a closing show for all of the remaining Dick Garvey prints from the estate’s inventory. The exhibit will feature some 30 canvas prints, as well as a selection of matted prints available for the last time. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com. “HALF-REMEMBERED DREAMS”: Black and white photographs by Jane Alynn will be featured during the First Friday Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at ACME Creative Space, 705 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Alynn’s gelatin silver prints evoke memories and half-remembered dreams, a sense of the fragile, the fleeting and ephemeral. SURFACE DESIGN: “Beyond The Surface,” featuring work by the Whidbey Island Surface Design Group, continues through March 27 at the
LECTURES AND TALKS
The Anacortes Public Library Jazz Committee will hold its seventh annual Swing Dance, with music by the six-piece Good Co. band (pictured), from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $5 adults, free for ages 17 and younger. Snacks and water included; soft drinks, wine and beer available for purchase. 360-2931910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org. La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. The exhibit includes artwork created with fiber and fabric as a base, and embellished using a variety of processes including dyeing, wrapping, felting, stitching, weaving, image transfer, beading, quilting, painting, printing and collage. A show of Embroidered Fiber Art by Anne Middleton continues through Feb. 28. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconner quilts.org. NORTHWEST ART: A trio of exhibitions continues through March 17 at the Museum of Northwest
Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Free admission. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum.org. n “April Surgent: Observations of Life on Ice”: As a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artist and Writers program, Surgent conducted eight weeks of fieldwork in the Antarctic during the Austral summer of 2013. Surgent’s cameo glass engravings on layered-glass panels depict her experiences and impressions of the Antarctic and the work happening there. n “Here and There: Topographic Conversations with Morris Graves”: “Here and There” engages viewers in a discussion
between Graves, eight contemporary artists and their environments. In addition to works by these eight artists, the exhibit features two pieces created by Graves while he was living in both Skagit and Humboldt counties. Not only did these artists live in the same topographical regions as Graves, but like him they are also contemplating the natural world and its ability to inspire creativity. Also included are several photos of Graves taken by Imogen Cunningham and Mary Randlett. n “Appassionata: The Art of Jacqueline Barnett 1990-2015”: Often used as a musical term, appassionata refers to an intensely impassioned period or person. Curated by Seattle gallery owner Francine Seders, the exhibit includes
“INCREASING YOUTH VOTER PARTICIPATION”: Skagit County Auditor Jeanne Youngquist, retired civics teacher Vince Sellen and Kathy Reim of the League of Women Voters will speak on “Increasing Young Voter Participation” at the next Fidalgo Democrats meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-7114. “RECENT NE PACIFIC WARMING: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Blob”: with Dr. Nick Bond, Ph.D., Washington State climatologist and senior research scientist, UW: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, Northwest Educational Service District Building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes. A huge area of abnormally warm water has formed along our nation’s Pacific coast. Coined “The Blob” by Bond, this phenomenon may be affecting our local weather and has been linked to weird weather events across the U.S. and the disruption of marine food webs and ecosystems, according to a news release. Free. 360-293-0773 or skagitbeaches.org.
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OUT & ABOUT MARITIME SPEAKER SERIES: “Exploring the Undersea World With Small Submersibles”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Neil McCurdy, COO of OceanGate, which provides five-man submersibles for exploration, discusses the tasks the organization has undertaken, with photos and video of the undersea world. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org. DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENINGS: The SedroWoolley Public Library is hosting the new documentary series “The Raising of America” at 802 Ball St., Sedro-Woolley. The film series asks “questions about education and child care, and where we, in America, need to be in order to build a brighter future,” according to a news release. Free. Cookies and discussions follow each screening. 360-8551166. Next up: n 6:30 p.m. today, Feb. 4: Episodes 2 and 3: “Once Upon a Time: When Childcare for All Wasn’t Just a Fairy Tale” and “Are We Crazy About Our Kids?” n 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9: Episodes 4 and 5: “Wounded Places: Confronting Childhood PTSD in America’s ShellShocked Cities” and “DNA Is Not Destiny: How the Outside Gets Under the Skin.” INSECTS AS FOOD?: David Gordon, author of “The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook,” will present “Adventures in Entomophagy: Waiter, there’s NO fly in my soup!” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 Washington Ave., Burlington. Includes
samples of insect snacks. Free. 360-755-0760.
MORE FUN MARDI GRAS FUNDRAISER: Skagit Valley College’s Music and Culinary Arts programs will host a Mardi Gras fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. today, Feb. 4, in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Enjoy dinner, entertainment and auction bidding. $30. Tickets are available at the SVC Student Grounds coffee shop or cafeteria, or call 360-416-7655. SINGING VALENTINE: Have the An-O-Chords men’s barbershop chorus deliver a singing Valentine to your favorite person at their home, job, restaurant or other location on Saturday, Feb. 13. A quartet will deliver two love songs and a long-stemmed rose. $35. For reservations, contact info@anochords.org with your contact phone number and where and when you’d like the singing Valentine delivered. CONWAY DADDY DANCE: All are welcome to join in the fun: dads, uncles, brothers, moms: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Conway School gym, 19710 Highway 534, Mount Vernon. Children must be accompanied by an adult. You don’t have to go to Conway School to attend. $20 per couple. Tickets available at the school office. 360-4455785. SWEETHEART DANCE: The annual Daddy and Daughter Sweetheart Dance will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Burlington Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. Enjoy desserts,
healthy snacks, raffles, goodie bags, music, photos and more. Advance ticket sales only. $22 per couple, $6 for additional sweethearts. 360-755-9649 or burlingtonwa.gov/ recreation. FATHER DAUGHTER VALENTINE BALL: Daughters and dads (or other father figure) can dress up for an evening of dancing and more from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Mount Vernon High School cafeteria, 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. For girls ages 18 and younger and fathers (or father figure over 18). Bring your camera. Tickets must be purchased in advance; no sales at the door. $22 per couple, $11 each additional daughter. Stop by the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation office, 1717 S. 13th St., or call 360-3366215. LUNAR NEW YEAR: Celebration and Blessing: Residents from all faiths and traditions are invited to welcome the Lunar New Year with a nondenominational ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at the NWLA Cultural Center, 5024 Langley Road, Langley. Shodo Harada Roshi, founder of Whidbey Island’s Tahoma One Drop Zen Monastery and the abbot of the 300-year-old Sogenji temple in Okayama, Japan, will lead the celebration, which will include setting intentions for the New Year and the traditional ringing of 108 bells. Light refreshments will be served. Free. nwlacc.org. TULIP FEST AMBASSADOR EVENT: One girl and one boy will be selected as the 2016 Tulip Festival ambassadors at
5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Cascade Mall center court, 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington. The public is invited to watch as fourth- and fifth-grade girls and boys from Skagit County compete for the honor. The winners will represent the festival at events around the county and beyond. For information or an application: 360-428-5959 or tulip festival.org. SPOTLIGHT FILM FESTIVAL: The Lincoln Theatre hosts a series of documentaries on issues that impact the lives of Skagit County residents at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Each film highlights a different topic, followed by a community panel or discussion. $5 suggested donation. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org. Next up: n Feb. 11: “Having it All”: Three women set out to live their dreams of balancing career, marriage and children. After two trying years of unanticipated trade-offs and painful sacrifices, each finds herself with a changed life and a changed idea of what “Having it All” really means. A discussion with filmmaker Vlada Knowlton will follow the film. GLASS QUEST: The sixth annual Great Northwest Glass Quest will run Feb. 12-21 in and around Stanwood and Camano Island. Plastic “clue balls” will be hidden in local businesses and parks. The public is invited to search for clue balls to win handblown glass treasures created by glass artists Mark and Marcus Ellinger. For a list of participating businesses, pick up a guide book at locations around
town or visit thegreatnw glassquest.com. MODEL TRAINS ON DISPLAY: The WhatcomSkagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. Check out the club’s large, permanent HO- and N-scale indoor railroad layouts. Admission is by donation to maintain and expand the layouts. whatcomskagit mrc.org.
ANACORTES MOVIE NIGHT: Enjoy a screening of the Oscar-nominated short film “Cavedigger” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Artist Ra Paulette digs otherworldly, sculptural caves using nothing but hand tools. This portrait examines the cost of Paulette’s obsession. By donation. RSVP: 360-464-2229 or anacortescenterfor happiness.org.
‘MY CIRCUS VALENTINE’: The Bellingham Circus Guild will present its sixth “almost-annual” Valentine’s Day event with performances at 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14, at The Cirque Lab, 1401 Sixth St., Suite 102, Bellingham. The 6 p.m. shows are family-friendly, with clowns, aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and more. The 9 p.m. cabaret-style shows are intended for mature audiences ages 21 and older. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 ages 9 and younger. bell inghamcircusguild.com.
WEDDING SHOW: The Skagit Wedding Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Swinomish Casino & Lodge Wa Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Connect with bridal vendors in a variety of categories and enjoy the latest trends in the wedding industry, a continuous fashion show, prize drawings and more. Purchase advance tickets for $8 at skagitwedding show.com until Feb. 19, or at the door for $10. Vendor space is available. Contact Creative Celebrations at 360-428-5972.
FILM SCREENING: A benefit screening of “Milk Men: The Life and Times of Dairy Farmers” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. “Milk Men,” Jan Haaken’s documentary on dairy farms in Skagit and Whatcom counties, offers a “corrective to both the highly romanticized and demonized portraits of dairy farmers that circulate in mainstream media,” according to a news release. Haaken will be in attendance. $12, $10 members, $8 seniors and students. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.
MODEL SHOW/SWAP MEET: Performance Modeling Club of Northwest Washington will hold its 21st annual Model Show and Swap Meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center, 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon. Model entry fee (includes admission): $5 for up to three models, $1 for each additional model. Swap meet tables available. Show admission: $4 adults, $3 seniors (ages 62 and older) and juniors (16 and younger), free for ages 6 and younger. 360755-9464 or performance modelingclub.net.
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GET INVOLVED ART CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Mount Vernon Downtown Association is developing a roster of artists interested in showing their art in downtown Mount Vernon galleries and businesses during First Thursday Art Walks, held the first Thursday of each month from April through October. The organization is seeking artisans from all media, including painters, photographers, sculptors, fabric artists and more. 360-336-3801 or dep. mvda@gmail.com. CALL FOR ART: The Town of La Conner Arts Commission is accepting entries through Feb. 8 for the 2016 La Conner Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. Artists who reside in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Brit-
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Feb. 5 6-9pm A.C.M.E. Creative Spaces Anacortes Oil & Vinegar Bar Burton Jewelers Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa The Depot Gallery www.anacortesart.com
ish Columbia may submit examples of existing works of art available for exhibition and purchase. Works will remain on public display for two years and the Arts Commission will promote their sale through statewide advertising. A prospectus and entry form can be downloaded at townoflaconner.org. For questions: 360-466-3125 or arts@townoflaconner.org. CALL FOR ANACORTES ARTISTS: “Art Across the Waters”: The Anacortes Arts Commission seeks submissions of twodimensional artworks from Anacortes artists for a new exhibition at the Anacortes City Hall and at an International Exhibition at the Tulista Art Centre in Sidney, B.C. Selected artworks will be on display in the Tulista Art Centre
from May 26-29 and then return to Anacortes to be displayed at City Hall from June through November. Artists residing in the 98221 ZIP code may submit up to three images for consideration by Feb. 24. For information, including complete submission guidelines, contact Mary Snyder at Anacortes Parks and Recreation, 360-2931918 or mary@cityofana cortes.org, or Karla Locke at kklocke1@me.com. ART COMMISSION MEETING: The Mount Vernon Arts Commission will meet at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in the conference room at Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-6215.
AUDITIONS ‘WHIDBEY HAS TALENT’ WORKSHOP: Whid-
bey Playhouse will host a “Whidbey Has Talent” workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. Students in grades K-12 interested in entering the talent show, or being the master of ceremonies, stage crew or assistant stage managers are invited. Learn about the show, requirements for various tasks, and get suggestions for making your own act better. Auditions will take place in March. Free. 360679-2237 or whidbeyplay house.com. “HOT MIKADO”: The Skagit Valley College Drama Department will hold auditions for a contemporary retelling of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb.
8-9, at the Philip Tarro Theatre, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Auditioners should prepare a one-minute audition piece and sing 16 bars of an up tempo song. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided. Performances of the operetta will take place May 13-21. 360-416-6636 or damond.morris@skagit. edu. AUDITIONS FOR ONEACT PLAYS: The Poseidon Players will hold auditions at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27, at the Whidbey Playhouse Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. Performances will take place April 21-23. The Poseidon Players are open to anyone interested in becoming a playwright, director, actor or technician. All levels of experience accepted. 360679-2237 or whidbeyplay house.com. “SOUTH PACIFIC”: Auditions will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28-29, at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. A variety of parts are available for several men and women. Performances of the musicalcomedy will take place June 3-26. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com. “WHIDBEY HAS TALENT”: Auditions for Whidbey Island’s first talent show will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 5-6, at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. Youths in grades K-12 are invited to audition and showcase their talents in song, music, drama, dance and comedy. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.
DANCE COMMUNITY DANCE EXPERIENCE: One Heart: A Nia Reggae Dance Class Experience will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Studio 1010, 1010 Sixth Ave., Anacortes. Enjoy the 52 moves of Nia blended with the reggae music of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Stevie Wonder and more. All fitness levels welcome. $10-$20 suggested donation. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. 360-293-1860 or studio 1010.net. MOVING MEDITATIONS: The Dances of Universal Peace will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Skagit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 500 W. Section St., Mount Vernon. Dances include live music and singing with a focus on a particular sacred phrase, inspired by spiritual traditions from around the world, including Christian, Jewish, Native American, Hindu, Buddhist and others. No experience necessary. Dances are taught to the group each time. Donation requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 360-629-9190.
MUSIC B.Y.O.G. (Bring Your Own Guitar): Beginner/ intermediate acoustic guitar jam from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. Free. 360-707-2683. DRUM CIRCLE: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Center for Spiritual Living, 1508 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Bring your drum or borrow one. Handicapped accessible. Free. Freewill offering accepted. 360-305-7559.
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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
GET INVOLVED RECREATION DEEP FOREST EXPERIENCE: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Feb. 14, Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Enjoy guided hikes at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. deep into some of the 670 acres of oldgrowth forest at Rockport State Park at the foot of Sauk Mountain. Kids can explore the Discovery Center with crafts, interactive wildlife displays, books and games. Free. Discover Pass or $10 day use fee required to access the park. 360-853-8461 or rockport@ parks.wa.gov. MINI KICKERS SOCCER CLASSES: The 10-week session will meet Tuesday mornings, April 12-June 14, at Skagit River Park, 1100 S. Skagit St., Burlington. Ages 2-3 will meet from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Ages 4-5 will meet from 10 to 10:45 a.m. British Challenger’s professional, licensed coaches will teach kids basic soccer skills, while helping them develop strength, balance, coordination, listening skills and teamwork. $99. First-time players will receive a jersey, shorts, ball and certificate. Returning players receive a backpack, ball and certificate. Preregister at minikickersoccer .com. For information, contact Burlington Parks and Recreation at 360-7559649. TRAIL BUILDERS: Mount Vernon Trail Builders seeks volunteers to help with trail building and maintenance at Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon. Work sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, rain or shine. Lunch, snacks, tools and training are provided. 360-336-6215 or mount
vernontrailbuilders.com. Next up: Feb. 13 and 27. SKAGIT VALLEY BOOT CAMP: with Laura Ochoa, 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, through Feb. 25 (no class Feb. 18, makeup class on Wednesday, Feb. 24), at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. The boot camp, for ages 18 and older, includes strength and core training, body weight exercises, plyometrics, HIIT intervals, cardio conditioning and circuits. Eight-class option, $64; drop in, $10 per class. Preregistration required: 360-755-9649 or burlingtonwa.gov/ recreation. SCHOOL SPIRIT RUN: Inspire Church of Skagit Valley will host the Thank You 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5, beginning and ending at Sedro-Woolley High School, 1235 Third St., Sedro-Woolley. Registration: $10-$30. More information at facebook. com/thankyou5k, icskagit valley.org/the-thank-you5k or 360-856-0871. SHAMROCK SHUFFLE: The third annual Shamrock Shuffle 5K Fun Run will be held March 12 at the Port of Skagit Nature Trails, 15000 Crosswind Drive, Burlington. The 5K begins at 10 a.m., kids’ 1⁄4mile run begins at 11 a.m. $15 registration for fun run, suggested $5 donation for kids’ run. Prizes will also be given for best child and adult costumes or decorations. Registration available at runsignup. com/race/wa/burlington/ BCP5K, or at the starting location on March 12. 360424-9399 or knbccmv@ gmail.com. DAFFODIL BICYCLE
RIDE: In conjunction with the La Conner Daffodil Festival, the second annual Dandy Daffodil Tweed Ride will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at La Conner Channel Lodge, 205 N. First St., La Conner. Early check-in will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Hellam’s Vineyard, 109 N. First St., with day-ofride check-in from 9 to 10 a.m. An after-ride party will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Hellam’s Vineyard, where prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories, including most dapper chap, most snappy lass, most stylish steed, most marvelous mustache (men & women), most interesting picnic blanket, most classic teacup and best limerick. The bike ride is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Registration: $10. thedandydaffodil.com. HAVE A HEART RUN: The seventh annual Have a Heart Run will be held Saturday, May 7, at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon. The family-friendly event features a timed 5K/10K Run, 2K Walk (dogs and strollers permitted) and a free Half-Pint Half-Mile for ages 9 and younger. Check in starts at 8:15 a.m. Registration: $10$30. T-shirts available for purchase at registration. New this year is the Couch to 5K training package, which includes eight weeks of training, entrance into the 5K Run and a limited edition T-shirt. Registration: $70-$80. For information or to register: haveaheartrun.org. CAMANO WINTER WALK: Join Friends of Camano Island Parks on a guided community walk at 9:50 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Camano Ridge Forest Preserve. Meet at the
Camano Multipurpose Center, 141 N. East Camano Drive, Camano Island. The first half-mile of trail has a 200-foot gain. Trails on top are fairly level and include a forest loop. The 3.3-mile walk includes a brief stop at the Kristoferson Beaver Marsh during the return to the parking area. The walk takes place rain or shine, canceled for high winds or snow. Wear appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. No dogs. Free. friendsof camanoislandparks.org.
n Senior/Adult Hike: Heart Lake: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 12. Meet at the Heart Lake parking lot. n Winter Fitness Hike: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot. This 8-mile, fast-paced hike for the very fit will explore many of the trails in the Whistle Lake area. Friends of the Forest will provide a chocolate tasting after the hike.
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join the Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets. Free. 360-293-3725 or friendsoftheacfl.org. Next up:
FREE ADULT ACTING CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre offers free acting classes for adults twice each month: from 7 to 10:30 p.m. the first Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday at 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Hosted by Nello Bottari, classes include
THEATER
monologue work, scripted scenes, improv games and more, with a different topic each month. Each class is independent, so you don’t have to commit to every session. 360-840-0089 or freeadultactingclass.com.
WORKSHOPS BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE: Learn how to design and create your own website from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce boardroom, upstairs at 819 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The class will cover choosing a template, choosing a domain name, planning and page layout, advanced designing, keywords/meta data, linking, media and blogs. No experience necessary. No software required. $60. To register: 360-588-6968 or kklocke1@mac.com.
E8 Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday, February 4, 2016 E9
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 4-11
TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 4-11
THURSDAY.4 The Woodland Giants: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-9822649. Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425737-5144 or 360629-6500.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY.4-6 “CALENDAR GIRLS” 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com. Pictured (from left): Kelly Visten, Beth Greatorex, Shelli Stahl Prudhomme and Judy Crane Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald
Thursday.4 COMEDY
Stand-up comedy: Alex Elkin and Friends, hosted by Simon Kaugman, 7:30 p.m. Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000 or conway muse.com.
THEATER
“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
Friday.5 THEATER
“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors and students, includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com. “Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
Coco Montoya: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20-$35. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org. “My Romance”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial, La Conner. Free, donations accepted. 360-466-4409 or skagit communityband.org.
Saturday.6 THEATER
“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors and students, includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com. “Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
“Camano in a Clam Shell”: South End String Band, 7 to 9 p.m., Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15 suggest donation. 360-6296110 or sahs-fncc.org. “My Romance”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Free, donations accepted. 360-4664409 or skagitcommunityband.org.
Sunday.7 THEATER
“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.
Thursday.11 THEATER
“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.
Michael Belfi photo
FRIDAY.5 THE WINTERLINGS 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.
Metales M5: 10 a.m. and noon, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.
CC ADAMS BAND 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000. Jim Lykins photo
FRIDAY.5 David Ritchie, John Meier: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.
Popular Charlies: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.
“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
SATURDAY.6
Friday Swing, with Duane Melcher and Ken Vanderhyde (’30s, ’40s & ’50s classic tunes): 7 to 9 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. No cover. 360-707-2683.
The Alkis: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.
Acoustic Jam Night: Nick Anthony and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake. 360-399-1321.
The Winterlings: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.
Midnight Radio Revival, Skablins, Anterez: 8 p.m., Mirkwood & Shire Cafe, 117 E. Division St., Arlington. All ages. $5 cover. 206-321-9389.
J.P. Falcon Grady and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.
Country Jim: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only. 360-848-8882.
SATURDAY.6 Popular Charlies: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.
CC Adams Band (blues, rock): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.
SUNDAY.7 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.
Hair Nation: 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.
WEDNESDAY.10 Orville Johnson: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266.
Stilly River Band: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.
Louis Ledford: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.
Lowdown Drifters: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.
Josey Wails: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.
THURDAY.11 The Spider Ferns, Ultra Violent Rays, Ever So Android: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.
MuseBird Café: Joe Kaplow, John Holmes, Larry Murante, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.
Square Dance: Bruce Molsky, John Hurd, Pharis and Jason Romero, 8 to 10 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Loft, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.
Janette West: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.
Honky Ska: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360982-2649.
Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.
City Hall, Moon Dial, Vacationeer: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.
Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-7375144 or 360629-6500.
E8 Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday, February 4, 2016 E9
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 4-11
TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 4-11
THURSDAY.4 The Woodland Giants: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-9822649. Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425737-5144 or 360629-6500.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY.4-6 “CALENDAR GIRLS” 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com. Pictured (from left): Kelly Visten, Beth Greatorex, Shelli Stahl Prudhomme and Judy Crane Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald
Thursday.4 COMEDY
Stand-up comedy: Alex Elkin and Friends, hosted by Simon Kaugman, 7:30 p.m. Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000 or conway muse.com.
THEATER
“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
Friday.5 THEATER
“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors and students, includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com. “Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
Coco Montoya: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $20-$35. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org. “My Romance”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Maple Hall, 104 Commercial, La Conner. Free, donations accepted. 360-466-4409 or skagit communityband.org.
Saturday.6 THEATER
“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors and students, includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com. “Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
“Camano in a Clam Shell”: South End String Band, 7 to 9 p.m., Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15 suggest donation. 360-6296110 or sahs-fncc.org. “My Romance”: Skagit Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Free, donations accepted. 360-4664409 or skagitcommunityband.org.
Sunday.7 THEATER
“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.
Thursday.11 THEATER
“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.
Michael Belfi photo
FRIDAY.5 THE WINTERLINGS 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.
Metales M5: 10 a.m. and noon, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.
CC ADAMS BAND 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000. Jim Lykins photo
FRIDAY.5 David Ritchie, John Meier: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.
Popular Charlies: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.
“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.
MUSIC
SATURDAY.6
Friday Swing, with Duane Melcher and Ken Vanderhyde (’30s, ’40s & ’50s classic tunes): 7 to 9 p.m., North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. No cover. 360-707-2683.
The Alkis: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.
Acoustic Jam Night: Nick Anthony and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake. 360-399-1321.
The Winterlings: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.
Midnight Radio Revival, Skablins, Anterez: 8 p.m., Mirkwood & Shire Cafe, 117 E. Division St., Arlington. All ages. $5 cover. 206-321-9389.
J.P. Falcon Grady and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.
Country Jim: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only. 360-848-8882.
SATURDAY.6 Popular Charlies: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.
CC Adams Band (blues, rock): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.
SUNDAY.7 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.
Hair Nation: 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.
WEDNESDAY.10 Orville Johnson: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6266.
Stilly River Band: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.
Louis Ledford: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.
Lowdown Drifters: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $10. 425-7375144 or 360-629-6500.
Josey Wails: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.
THURDAY.11 The Spider Ferns, Ultra Violent Rays, Ever So Android: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.
MuseBird Café: Joe Kaplow, John Holmes, Larry Murante, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.
Square Dance: Bruce Molsky, John Hurd, Pharis and Jason Romero, 8 to 10 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Loft, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.
Janette West: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.
Honky Ska: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360982-2649.
Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.
City Hall, Moon Dial, Vacationeer: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.
Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-7375144 or 360629-6500.
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
10 - Thursday, February 4, 2016
HOT TICKETS COCO MONTOYA: Feb. 5, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org. BUILT TO SPILL: Feb. 5-6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com. BLACK SABBATH: Feb. 6, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com. BRIAN REGAN: Feb. 11, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. GRACE POTTER: Feb. 13, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com. BRAD PAISLEY: Feb. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com. THE SECOND CITY: Feb. 14, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080
or mountbakertheatre. com. INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS: Feb. 18, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com. BORGEOUS & MORGAN PAGE: Feb. 20, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-7453000 or showboxonline.com. TAKE 6: Feb. 20, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mount bakertheatre.com. CRADLE OF FILTH: Feb. 23, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com. GALACTIC: Feb. 26, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com. BARCELONA: Feb. 26, The Crocodile, Seattle. 877-987-6487 or the crocodile.com.
CRAIG FERGUSON: March 6, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360734-6080 or mountbaker theatre.com.
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA: March 20, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.
NIGHTWISH: March 7, 2016, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.
MASTERS OF ILLUSION: March 24, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.
PAPADOSIO: Feb. 27, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.
MUTEMATH: March 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
TONIGHT ALIVE/SET IT OFF: March 24, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.
KEYS N KRATES: Feb. 28, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
DISTURBED: March 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
JOHNNY RIVERS: March 25-26, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.
ST. LUCIA: March 2, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.
SOLAS: March 17, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.
MARCHFOURTH! MARCHING BAND: March 5, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
DAUGHTER: March 19, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
“A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN”: March 25-April 17, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org.
A FIDDLER’S FEAST: with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas and Jay Unger and Molly Mason: Feb. 27, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-7346080 or mountbaker theatre.com.
METALES M5 MEXICAN BRASS FEBRUARY 11
TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET FEBRUARY 12
JAZZ FESTIVAL
SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE MARCH 1
LUNASA
MARCH 4
MVHS FESTIVAL CONCERT MARCH 8
360.416.7727
mcintyrehall.org
GINO VANNELLI Feb. 26-27, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com
HELLOWEEN: March 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com. AOIFE O’DONOVAN: March 6, Columbia City Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.
SLAYER, TESTAMENT, CARCASS: March 19, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. purchase.tickets.com. LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES: March 20, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or livenation.com.
THE FLOOZIES: March 26, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
ELLIE GOULDING: April 2, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.
THE WHO: May 15, KeyArena, Seattle. thewho. com.
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III: April 2, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org.
BILLY JOEL: May 20, Safeco Field, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation. com. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5
SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: April 2/Nov. 5, Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-671-1709 or FSWL.org. ANDERS OSBORNE: April 3, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com. IRON MAIDEN: April 11, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com. ELVIS COSTELLO: with Larkin Poe: April 17, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mount bakertheatre.com.
IGGY POP: March 28, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.
MELISSA MANCHESTER: April 29-30, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or the skagit.com.
UNDEROATH: March 30, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.
SELENA GOMEZ: May 13, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.
STING & PETER GABRIEL: July 21, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. WATERSHED FESTIVAL: with Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Keith Urban and more: July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. watershedfest.com. DEMI LOVATO, NICK JONAS: Aug. 21, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER: Aug. 28, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com. DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Sept. 2-4, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. davematthewsband.com. MAROON 5: Oct. 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 11
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
A quick look at Oscar-nominated short films By BARRY PARIS Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As tasty morsels go, the Oscar short films category — my annual favorite — is like the box of Russell Stover’s chocolates we bought Mother every Christmas. I’d poke a little hole in the bottom to see if it was a flavor I liked and, if not, furtively replace it, enraging my sister Pamela when she (inevitably) discovered the rejects. Hoping thumbnail critiques are equally revealing but less transgressive than thumbnail holes, I offer you them below. This year’s overall crop is excellent, if decidedly more downbeat than usual. ANIMATED SHORT FILMS
“Bear Story,” directed by Gabriel Osorio, Chile (11 min.) A sad old bear takes a fantastic mechanical diorama he has created out to street corners. For a coin or two, passers-by can look into the peephole and see the drama-trauma of being captured, caged and taken to a circus — longing to escape and return to his family. The realistic and surrealistic movements are superb in this wistful, original, 2016 best-of-show entry. “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos,” Konstantin Bronzit, Russia (15 min.) Two best friends — dreaming since childhood of becoming cosmonauts — have endured the rigorous training together. Hilarious sequences of their weightless and nausea-inducing exercises inside gyroscopes precede the successful launch of one of them, and demise of the other. It’s wistful and lovely. “World of Tomorrow,” Don Hertzfeldt, USA (17 min.) More cosmic debris here, with a nod to Frank Zappa, in this heaviest ontological entry. Little stick-figure Emily is taken on a fantastic tour of her future by a visiting “analyst” monitoring her life’s progress and transitions: “Your time is the Internet. Our time is the Outernet.” The guide reveals unnerving secrets (“We all die horribly”) as well as her own work on the moon, where she fell in love with a rock and sent back depressed poetry. “Sanjay’s Super Team,” Sanjay Patel, USA (7 min.) Pixar animator/character designer Sanjay Patel (“Bug’s Life,” “Ratatouille”) tells his semiautobiographical tale of a first-generation Indian-American boy whose love of Western pop culture conflicts with his father’s Hindu traditions. Visually dazzling and very sweet. “Prologue,” Richard Williams, UK (6 min) During the Spartan-Athenian wars
of 2,400 years ago, a terrified girl witnesses angry warriors battle each other brutally to the death. No dialogue, just horribly natural grunts and groans accompany the intensely realistic animation of Richard Williams, best known for his work on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and the Oscar-winning “A Christmas Carol.” This one is spellbinding but grim, indeed. Parental warning: The graphic violence and male nudity are not for small kids. LIVE-ACTION SHORTS
“Ave Maria,” Basil Khalil, Palestine/ France (15 min) Five nuns living in the West Bank have their routine disrupted when a car carrying a family of Israeli settlers breaks down outside the convent. Unable to use the telephone on the Sabbath, they need the nuns’ help, but the sisters’ vow of silence presents other hurdles. Sweetly funny juxtaposition/dilemma of dueling religious quirks. Silence — for bickersome Jews with an incontinent mother-in-law. No phone use on Saturday — for isolated nuns. “Shok,” Jamie Donoughue, Kosovo/ UK (21 min.) In 1988 Kosovo, two young boys are best friends living happily until war engulfs them and daily existence is filled with fear and violence. Manipulated by soldiers, the choices they make jeopardize not only their friendship but their families’ lives. A tragedy, based on true events. “Everything Will Be OK,” Patrick Vollrath, Germany/Austria (30 min.) A divorced father devoted to his 8-yearold daughter Lea picks her up for their usual weekend together. It seems a lovely normal time until the nervous dad takes her to a passport office, then the airport. As Lea gradually catches on, it becomes truly harrowing and suspenseful — stupendously well-acted by Simon Schwarz and Julia Pointner. “Stutterer,” Benjamin Cleary, UK/Ireland (12 min.) A lonely, scruffy typographer has an online sort-of romance without revealing the incapacitating speech impediment that keeps him so isolated. Now faced with having to meet his virtual girlfriend in the flesh and reveal the truth, he’s understandably freaked out. “Day One,” Henry Hughes, USA (25 min.) A young, divorced Afghan-American woman joins the military as an interpreter and on her first Afghanistan mission accompanies troops in pursuit of a bomb maker. When they find him, it’s up to her to bridge the huge gender/culture gap and assist his pregnant wife. The wrenching delivery scene is very hard to watch in this over-the-top entry.
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
12 - Thursday, February 4, 2016
TRAVEL FAMILY TRAVEL FIVE
Head for ski destinations for family fun The 2016 ski season continues to offer options for adventure. Here are five destinations: 1.Telluride, Colorado. Offering beauty and trendy but casual eateries swathed in small-town charm, this high mountain hot spot offers deals at multiple price points. The Fairmont Franz Klammer Lodge Heritage Place package features accommodations in a two- or three-bedroom residence, two adult lift tickets daily, complimentary airport transfers, ski valet and valet parking. Latitude 38 offers accommodation in downtown Telluride as well as Mountain Village. Guests receive free lift tickets for all adults in the group when accommodations are booked. Check the website for pricing. visittelluride.com
Local travel VACATION DESTINA-
TIONS: A free presentation on cruise destinations around the world will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at AAA Mount Vernon, 1600 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. RSVP: 360-8482090. WOMEN’S TRAVEL ADVENTURES: The Mount Vernon City Library will host “Teaming Up for Travel: Local Women’s Adventures Abroad,” at 6:30 p.m. Mondays in February, at 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon. Destinations include Italy, Iceland, Great Britain, Mexico, Jordan and Nepal. Local deli-
special/stay-and-ski. Big Sky/Moonlight Basin, Montana. With programs offering free stuff for kids, multiple new terrain parks and a new kids’ adventure area, there is plenty to encourage families to visit this vast winter wonderland. More experienced skiers may vote for a guided “first tracks” program to experience fresh powder and the beauty of an early morning on the mountain. American Airlines’ new seasonal nonstop air service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Bozeman provides easy access. aa.com; moonlightbasin .com; bigskyresort.com. 3. Flagstaff, Arizona. Buy two adult lift tickets for the Arizona Snowbowl and your hotel stay
cacies will be available for sampling. Free. 360-3366209 or mountvernonwa. gov/library. Next up: Feb. 8: “Traveling in Italy”: Martha Raaka has spent the last decade exploring the many diverse regions of Italy and will share some of the highlights of her visits. In addition to the most popular destinations like Rome, Florence and Venice, she’ll share insights about her favorite off-the-beatenpath locations. Feb. 22: “Oaxaca and Mexico City on a Budget”: Library staff member Laura will share stories and pictures from her Mexican journey along with tips and tricks for budget travel, including public
is free when you participate in this northern Arizona town’s program, Ski and Stay Free. Pair your time on the mountain with a trip to the Grand Canyon 70 miles north or travel south (120 miles) and warm up in Phoenix. arizonasnowbowl.com; visitarizona.com. 4. Santa Fe. This year, the city has launched a program to welcome young skiers to the region, offering kids 12 and younger free lodging, meals and culturally immersive activities. Ski Santa Fe’s Chipmunk Corner offers snowbound kids and their parents a menu of options for the smallest skiers as well as top-notch instruction on some 660 acres of Rocky Mountain terrain. skisantafe.com; visitsantafe.org.
transportation, affordable accommodations and immersive experiences. SISTER CITIES PRESENTATION: Rod and Nannette (Crowell) Brandt of Burlington will offer a presentation about a recent archaeological tour of Scotland focusing on Stone Age and Pictish sites, at the next Anacortes Sister Cities Association meeting at 7 p.m. today, Feb. 4, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-873-8835. “HONG KONG TO SHANGHAI”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.
5. Snowmass, Colorado. In addition to downhill fun, children visiting this family-friendly resort can expect activities ranging from storytelling to wildlife adventures to selfies with Snowy the Mammoth. Gather for a family bowling night at Slopeside Lanes and free after-ski parties for kids on Saturdays in Base Village. From March 1 through April 17, rent children’s ski equipment from Four Mountain Sports and receive a free lift ticket. viksnowmass.com.
Ski clothes for kids
With fast-growing kids, keeping the clan clothed in snow-worthy duds can be a challenge. Consider getoutfitted. com, a new web service that will ship high-end, branded clothes, gloves,
Don and Joyce Paradine describe their time in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanac ortes.org. “SERENGETI SNAPSHOTS”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Retired library director Cynthia Harrison shares her 17-day African safari, including the Masai Mora Game Reserve in Kenya, a Masai village and the vistas of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Free. 360-2931910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org. SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recre-
Web Buzz Get ideas for where to go or what do to, then make suggestions and chat with your friends in order to decide — all with the same app. Name: Vurb What it does: Combines service apps such as Google Maps, Foursquare, Yelp and Lyft to help you find destinations, restaurants, movie theaters, trending videos and more. Get reviews of the place you want to try, directions and even a ride all with the same app. Available: iOS, Google Play, Amazon. Cost: Free What’s hot: If you already use apps such as Yelp as well as group chats and list makers, Vurb turns deciding what to do into a much more efficient and fun process. My favorite part was the ability to quickly create “decks” or collections of places I wanted to save and easily share them with friends from my contacts or Facebook list. I’ve also never had a quicker or smoother experience researching local movies and showtimes, with the ability to book on Fandango. What’s not: There was a small time lag in getting my friends to join my group chat but not because of the app. My friends aren’t tech progressive enough to want to add an app to their phones just to talk to me about what we’re doing Saturday night when texting has always worked just fine for us. Tick tock … n Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times
goggles and other accessories to your home or vacation destination. Save the excess baggage fees by returning the items in the prepaid
ation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1-800544-1800 or tourisminfo@ watourismalliance.com. Staff members assist travelers who have questions, refer them to specific destination marketing orga-
mailer before heading to the airport. n Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel. com. Email: lohayes@ familytravel.com
nizations and other travel resources across the state for more detailed information, and take orders for the Washington State Visitors Guide. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts new passport applications and applications for passports that have been expired for more than five years from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and by appointment only from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 13
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
AT THE LINCOLN Coco Montoya in concert 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5
‘Bridge of Spies’
5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 In Steven Spielberg’s riveting atmospheric thriller, an American lawyer (Tom Hanks) is recruited during the Cold War to defend an arrested Soviet spy (Mark Rylance) in court, and then help
the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet-captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Rylance) and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen). Rated PG-13. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 ages 12 and under. Sunday bargain prices: $8 general; $6 members; $5 ages 12 and under. n The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org
Gillespie jumped at chance to direct ‘Finest Hours’ Los Angeles Times
As soon as he read the script for “The Finest Hours,” filmmaker Craig Gillespie called his agent and told him he wanted to direct it. “Scott Silver had done the draft that I read,” the Australian-born Gillespie said over lunch in Santa Monica, Calif. The script, he added, “was beautifully restrained” and the characters “clearly defined. It was so emotional and visual.” “The Finest Hours” is based on the heroic February 1952 rescue of the Pend-
leton, one of two tankers that split in two when an enormous and destructive nor’easter struck New England. The Coast Guard station in Chatham, Mass., dispatched its best men to rescue the crew of the second ship, the Fort Mercer, while coxswain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) navigated a 36-foot motorized wooden boat with a three-man crew through hurricane-force winds, 60-foot waves and frigid temperatures to save the lives of the Pendleton crew. Webber and his men rescued 32 of the 33 men aboard the tanker. Enjoy Jumbo Hot Wings with your Choice of 10 Different Sauces 4 for $4
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14 - Thursday, February 4, 2016
MOVIES
Coen brothers raise the bar, again, in riotous ‘Hail, Caesar!’ By CRAIG PARRISH Entertainment/ Lifestyles Editor
Joel and Ethan Coen have earned themselves an enviable position in the world of movies, and the wildly imaginative filmmakers have topped themselves again with “Hail, Caesar!” The film is a throwback to the screwball comedies of 40-50 years ago, and it’s an eye-opening revelation of sorts, in terms of casting, performances and overall approach. It’s nearly always a pleasant treat when actors successfully stretch their artistic wings, and in “Hail, Caesar!”, Josh Brolin is a standout among many. He plays Eddie Mannix, the head of “Physical Production” at a Hollywood movie studio, and it’s Mannix’s job to manage and put out the fires that are part of his daily job description. On Mannix’s plate this day: a pregnant starlet; a fresh-faced young actor (Alden Ehrenreich) who thrives in silly Westerns but who has been thrust into his first dramatic role, much to the dismay of the director (Ralph Fiennes); and two newspaper columnists (both played by Tilda Swinton) who happen to be sisters, each yearning for a scoop that could propel their career upward. As if that weren’t enough, the studio’s biggest star, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) — in the midst of shooting an epic production for which the studio bosses
Universal Pictures via AP
George Clooney stars in “Hail, Caesar!”
‘Hail, Caesar!’ HHHH Cast: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Frances McDormand Running time: 100 minutes Rated: PG-13 for some suggestive content and smoking
have unrealistically high hopes — is drugged and kidnapped and taken to a beachfront lair in Malibu. Mannix is not especially concerned about Whitlock just yet; that crisis can wait, for a few hours anyway. But when Mannix gets a ransom note demanding $100,000, that particular game is on. A befuddled Whitlock wakes up and finds he’s been kidnapped by a group of Hollywood communists who are convinced that their theories about economics and society will clear the way for a Sovietdominated future. Clooney is clearly hav-
ing a ball as Whitlock; he stands out in his scenes as only a movie star like Clooney — or Whitlock — can: huge expressions, confused reactions, and the occasional comment that reveals he’s more lucid than first thought. The Coens get the same mileage from Clooney as they did in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” As the movie’s anchor, Brolin is amazing. For an actor who was so surrounded by darkness in “No Country For Old Men” and “Sicaro,” Brolin displays deft comic chops. He trades priceless rapid-fire barbs with Clooney, Swinton (who chews up her every
scene, vigorously channeling Katherine Hepburn) and Fiennes. The cameos are something special: Scarlett Johansson combines oldschool pinup allure with a moment of tenderness aimed at Jonah Hill, playing a rubber-stamping ‘fixer’; an unrecognizable Frances McDormand as a film editor in the film’s funniest scene; and Fiennes getting more and more exasperated trying to teach Ehrenreich a simple line. And Channing Tatum, portraying the impossibly handsome actor with perhaps a sinister back story, has the show-stopper: a hilariously strange musical number featuring a bar full of tap-dancing sailors. It’s surreal and hysterical. “Hail, Caesar!” is wildly entertaining and often laugh-out-loud funny, and it wisely takes time to be a little thoughtful. It may be the best time at the movies you’ll have all year.
MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services. Ratings are 1 to 4 stars. “Anesthesia” — An attack on a professor (Sam Waterston) is the starting point for a meandering and moribund multi-character journey. This ensemble piece plays like “Crash” in a minor note, with one heavy-handed scene after another, all leading up to an ambivalent, unsatisfying ending. Drama, R, 90 minutes. H½ “A Perfect Day” — In the Balkans of the mid1990s, humanitarian aid workers are met with ludicrous roadblocks to their effort to save a village’s water well. Benicio Del Toro leads the terrific cast of this searing, rough-edged black comedy. Drama, R, 106 minutes. HHH½ “Anomalisa” — Even though it is a highly stylized, stop-motion animation film featuring puppet-like human characters, the latest creation from the mind of Charlie Kaufman is a pinpoint-accurate encapsulation of some of the most banal AND some of the most exhilarating moments virtually all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Animated drama, R, 90 minutes. HHHH “Carol” — As women acting on a mutual attraction in 1950s Manhattan, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara make for one of the most intriguing and memorable movie couples of the year. Todd Haynes directs this elegant, quietly powerful film with subtle precision. Drama, R, 118 minutes. HHH½ “Dirty Grandpa” — Robert De Niro is capable of being funny as heck in the right vehicle, but this dreck just makes you hang your head for the great actor, playing a foul-mouthed widower obsessed with sex. Revolting and odious, this
is a contender for worst movie of 2016. Comedy, R, 97 minutes. No stars “Meadowland” — Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson deliver authentic performances as parents dealing with loss in different ways. It is a well-photographed and sometimes surprising story, a character study about what happens to a marriage when a child has gone missing and in all likelihood will never be found. Drama, R, 95 minutes. HHH “Mojave” — The first great performance of 2016 comes from Oscar Isaac, as a gun-toting drifter who encounters a famous actor (Garrett Hedlund) in the desert and becomes his stalker. Writer-director William Monahan gives the stars dozens of rich, intricate lines, and they’re both up to the task and then some. Thriller, R, 93 minutes. HHHH “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” — In this extra-weird twist on Jane Austen’s classic story, Mrs. Bennet tries to marry off her daughters against the backdrop of a great zombie apocalypse. Director Burr Steers does a nifty job of rocketing from periodpiece romance to gory bloodshed, with sprinkles of dark humor here and there. Action horror, PG-13, 107 minutes. HHH “Ride Along 2” — The snarling veteran cop (Ice Cube) and the motormouth rookie (Kevin Hart) head to Miami in a slick, good-looking, fast-paced and profoundly unoriginal piece of work. We’ve seen all this recycled shtick before, and often in much better films. Comedy, PG-13, 102 minutes. HH “Spotlight” — A fine team of actors, including Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo, portrays the fine team of Boston Globe journalists that investigated child abuse by priests in 2001. It’s one of the smartest and most involving movies of the
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 15
Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com
MOVIES
MUSIC
AT AREA THEATERS
OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Feb. 5--11 The Finest Hours (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 3:45, 6:35, 9:05; SundayANACORTES CINEMAS Thursday: 1:15, 3:45, 6:35 Feb. 5--11 Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): Friday-Satur The Finest Hours (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:00; Wednes- day: 1:30, 4:00, 6:40, 8:45; Sundayday: 3:50 (open caption); Sunday-Thurs- Thursday: 1:30, 4:00, 6:40 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of day: 1:10, 3:50, 6:30 Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): Friday-Saturday: Benghazi (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:35, 6:30, 9:30; Sunday-Thursday: (1:20), 4:00, 6:40, 8:50; Wednesday: 1:00, 3:35, 6:30 1:20 (open caption); Sunday-Thursday: 360-279-2226 1:20, 4:00, 6:40 Spotlight (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, STANWOOD CINEMAS 3:40, 6:25, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: Feb. 5--11 1:00, 3:40, 6:25 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (PG 360-293-7000 13): 1:00, 3:25, 6:40, 9:05 Brooklyn (PG-13): 1:10, 3:35, 6:30, CONCRETE THEATER 9:00 Feb. 5--6 The Finest Hours 3D (PG-13): 1:20, Sisters: (R): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; 8:50 Saturday: 5 and 8 p.m. The Finest Hours (PG-13): 3:45, 6:25 Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): 1:30, 8:55 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Kung Fu Panda 3 3D (PG): 3:55, 6:35 Oak Harbor The Revenant (R): Friday-Wednesday: 360-675-5667 1:40, 5:00, 8:10; Thursday: 5:00, 8:10 360-629-0514 CASCADE MALL THEATERS – Times subject to change Burlington For showings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888262-4386)
years. Historical drama, R, 128 minutes. HHH½ “The Benefactor” — Delivering a performance so self-consciously ACTORISH it often takes us right out of the film, Richard Gere stars as a multimultimillionaire bestowing his wealth on his friends’ daughter (Dakota Fanning) and the father of her child (Theo James). Drama, not rated, 90 minutes. HH “The Big Short” — Christian Bale, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling star as oddballs (based on real-life individuals) who foresee the housing bubble’s burst and set out to profit from it. Directed with feverish ingenuity, this is one of the best times I’ve had at the movies all year. Historical drama, R, 130 minutes. HHHH “The Choice” — This love story starring Teresa Palmer (a winning presence) and Benjamin Walker (never hitting his stride) is classic Nicholas Sparks, and by that I mean it’s a mediocre, well-photographed, undeniably hearttugging, annoyingly manipulative and dramatically predictable star-crossed
romance. Romance, PG-13, 110 minutes. HH “The Finest Hours” — As crew members try to keep their wrecked tanker afloat, a four-man Coast Guard team rushes to their rescue. Based on true events in 1952, “The Finest Hours” plays like a hokey, cornball 1950s-era drama filled with stock characters and weakened by a sappy ending. Adventure drama, PG-13, 114 minutes. HH “The Hateful Eight” — Quentin Tarantino’s second Western in a row is an exhilarating moviegoing experience, filled with wickedly dark humor, nomination-worthy performances and a jigsaw puzzle plot that keeps us guessing until the bloody, brilliant end. This is one of the best movies of the year. Drama, R, 187 minutes. HHHH “The Lady in the Van” — Sometimes chewing up the screen, sometimes saying volumes simply by sitting very, very still, Maggie Smith delights as a seemingly half-mad homeless woman who parks her dilapidated, overstuffed old van in front of a play-
wright’s North London home -- and stays there some 15 years. Comedy drama, PG-13, 103 minutes. HHH “The Ridiculous 6” — With solid production values, a supporting cast that includes everyone from Nick Nolte to Steve Buscemi to Harvey Keitel, and a role that requires Adam Sandler to don an actual costume instead of just shuffling about in sweats or cargo shorts, “The Ridiculous 6” indicates something akin to a genuine effort on Sandler’s part to make us laugh. It’s still a ridiculous waste of time. Comedy-Western, NR, 119 minutes. H “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” — Michael Bay’s tribute to CIA contractors who resisted a terrorist attack in Libya is no “Zero Dark Thirty” or “The Hurt Locker.” Lacking in nuance and occasionally plagued by corny dialogue, “13 Hours” is nonetheless a solid action thriller with well-choreographed battle sequences and strong work from the ensemble cast. Action, R, 144 minutes. HHH
RIHANNA, “Anti” — You can’t name your album “Anti” without inviting your audience to think about what you oppose. So what is Rihanna standing against in her eighth studio record? A smoothly choreographed product rollout, for one. After repeated delays, “Anti” finally appeared online last week, first in an apparently unauthorized leak, then as an exclusive on the streaming service Tidal; Samsung also gave away a limited number of free downloads through a complicated promotion. By Friday, the album was available for sale through iTunes and Tidal. What’s more, none of the singles Rihanna released last year during the long run-up to “Anti” — “FourFiveSeconds” (featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney), “American Oxygen” and “Bitch Better Have My Money” — made it onto the album, which suggests a level of indecision on her part. But perhaps this bumpy path to market wasn’t an accident or a sign of failure so much as an indication of Rihanna’s new approach. For much of the last decade, the singer has been a bright spot in a struggling record industry, consistently doling out hit songs one after the other. (If greatest-hits CDs were still a thing, she’d probably have two by now.) Yet somewhere in the wake of her last album, 2012’s “Unapologetic,” Rihanna seemed to lose interest in her role as radio’s most reliable rainmaker; her focus shifted elsewhere, to movies, fashion and especially Instagram, even as her pop stardom grew. Seen in that context, “Anti’s” chaotic delivery resembles a rejection of the kind of careful strategizing that drives many high-level pop careers in 2016. It also looks like an exercise of accumulated power. Certainly, Rihanna is taking advantage of her position on this album, her most adventurous by far. Throughout “Anti” Rihanna turns away from the bright, propulsive sound of her best-known songs — “Umbrella,” “We Found Love,” “Diamonds” — and toward production that’s looser and more unpredictable. “Consideration” is a scratchy hip-hop number featuring the underground R&B singer SZA of Kendrick Lamar’s Top Dawg crew. “James Joint” has Rihanna describing her love of weed over shimmering, Stevie Wonder-style electric piano. “Same Ol’ Mistakes” is a trippy remake of a tune by the Australian psych-rock band Tame Impala. “Woo” rides a dark, needling groove
produced in part by the rapper Travis Scott, whom Rihanna is reportedly dating. In each of these tracks you can hear the singer’s clear pleasure in exploring styles not necessarily keyed to chart domination. “I got to do things my own way,” she sings in “Consideration,” and no one could doubt her determination. Yet Rihanna isn’t merely flexing her hard-won control here. She’s also pushing back against her established image, which over the last few years has toughened, thrillingly, into a kind of icon of imperturbability. “Anti” is remarkably tender at points, as in “Kiss It Better,” a woozy synth-rock jam about a lover seeking reconciliation, and “Never Ending,” which sets a similar idea over an acoustic arrangement that borrows from Dido’s “Thank You,” of all things. In “Work,” a lithe, dancehallinspired duet with Drake, Rihanna’s vocal melts into love-drunk babbling; the song shares a cool sensuality with “Hotline Bling,” which contrasts with Drake’s aggressive recent work in the same way that “Anti” does Rihanna’s. The album ends with two more moments of radical vulnerability: “Higher,” a bleary retro-soul song in which she’s mulling her regrets at the end of a very long night, and “Close to You,” a sparse piano ballad that shows off her most unguarded singing. n Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times
CHARLIE PUTH, “Nine Track Mind”
— Charlie Puth, the 24-year-old singersongwriter from New Jersey, who broke through with the smash “See You Again” with Wiz Khalifa, clearly has a plan on his debut “Nine Track Mind.” Puth tries hard to avoid getting boxed in as a singer of teen pop, even though that’s really what he’s best at, like the yearning piano ballad “One Call Away.” He adds some doo-wop trappings to “Marvin Gaye,” which cleverly uses the soul singer’s name as a verb and taps into Meghan Trainor’s retro vibe even before she shows up. But the more straightforward “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Selena Gomez actually works much better, gliding along easily on its simple, acoustic, slightly tropical groove. Sometimes, Puth gets a little too cheesy, like on the cutesy “Left Right Left” and its chorus of “Left right left right left.” But where he really gets in trouble is the messy, Sam Smith-styled “Suffer,” where his material falls short of the style. n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday
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