360 February 11, 2016

THE TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET COMES TO MCINTYRE HALL ON FRIDAY This Weekend, Page 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday February 11, 2016

TUNING UP

OUT & ABOUT ALTA presents “Father’s Been to Mars” this weekend in Alger PAGES 4-5

Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely play the Conway Muse on Friday PAGE 9

TUNING UP The Margaret Wilder Band plays Evelyn’s Tavern in Clear Lake on Saturday PAGE 9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

2 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Spectre”: The lathave made the film far Upcoming releases scarier. est in the long-running 007 series proves that “99 Homes”: A Following is a partial even James Bond father struggles to get schedule of coming can have a bad day. back the home that DVDs. Release dates are subject to change: The film’s convoluted his family was evicted script, watered-down from by a greedy real FEB. 16 villain and forgetestate broker. It’s Black Mass table Bond girl makes an often nail-biting Steve Jobs “Spectre” the worst of thriller.

The 33 the Bond films featur“Love the CooCriminal Activities ing Daniel Craig as the Trumbo pers”: Four generacharismatic spy. It has tions of Coopers come FEB. 23 so many flaws that it together for their The Good Dinosaur falls into the bottom annual Christmas Eve Spotlight third of all Bond movcelebration.

My All American ies.

“Touched By An I Smile Back It’s not unusual for Extraction Angel: The Complete Moonwalkers a Bond script to be so Series”: Includes all twisted and complicat211 episodes of the MARCH 1 ed that it is impossible series starring Roma Creed to keep up with what Downey.

The Night Before is happening, even “Freaks of Nature”: The Danish Girl with long explanation Room Trio of misfit high Legend speeches by both the school students face All Roads Lead to Rome good and bad guys. At an alien invasion.

Life least those films had a “Power Rangers The Fall, Series 2 story line to twist and Time Force: The ComZ Nation: Season 2 turn. plete Series”: ConDaniel Craig seems MARCH 4 tains the 40 episodes bored and that’s Entertainment of the ninth season. passed on to the audi“Convergence”: MARCH 8 ence. Until this misDetective on the trail The Peanuts Movie step, Craig had been of a terrorist finds Victor Frankenstein one of the top actors himself in a supernatuCommunity – Season 6 to play the British spy.

Grease Live rally charged trap.

His lack of energy, Macbeth “American ExperiManhattan: Season 2 coupled with the long ence: Murder of a The Benefactor list of other miscues, President”: Soon after Spoils of Babylon: leaves “Spectre” bland, taking office, James A. Season 1 very bland.

Garfield is shot and n Tribune News Service “Crimson Peak”: efforts to save him Mia Wasikowska’s keep him alive for 79 character (Edith Cushdays. ing) in “Crimson Peak” “Grandma”: Lily Tomlin stars in is a novice writer. The one thing this story of a grandmother’s efforts everyone notices is that her latest to help her granddaughter. work deals with ghosts. She’s quick “Hee Haw: Kornfield Klassics”: to tell them that it’s not a ghost story Highlights from the country TV varibut a story with a ghost. ety show.

The same can be said of “Crimson “Sociopathia”: Twisted psychologPeak.” The film is less about scares ical thriller from first-time co-writers/ and more of a watered-down verdirectors Ruby Larocca. sion of “Downton Abbey” meets “The Leftovers”: A small town in “Game of Thrones.” The majority of Texas was spared the sudden vanishthe movie feels like the usual period ing of 2 percent of the population. piece about a pair of siblings who will “MI-5”: Search is started for an go to any extreme to save their famescaped terrorist. Peter Firth stars. ily home. Ghosts occasionally show “A Date With Miss Fortune”: up to point out clues.

Couple must deal with idealistic ideas More attention to the terror and about themselves. less to the Victorian-style tale of love, betrayal and murder would n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

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

On Stage / Page 8

Comedian Brian Regan plays Mount Baker Theatre on Friday night

Inside

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Out & About.....................................4-5 Get Involved.....................................6-7 On Stage.............................................. 8 Tuning Up........................................... 9 Travel................................................. 10 Hot Tickets........................................ 11 At the Lincoln.................................... 12 Movies..........................................14-15 Music................................................. 15 Cover photo by Jati Lindsay

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

Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 3

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THIS WEEKENDin the area FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES Join Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

No pets. Free. 360-293-3725 or friendsoftheacfl.org.

Next up: Senior/Adult Hike, Heart Lake, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 12. Meet at Heart Lake parking lot.

‘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. belling hamcircusguild.com.

In concert The award-winning Turtle Island Quartet will perform its interpretations of jazz classics and more at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $30$40. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

HEALTHY HIKES Join Valerie Stafford, owner of Encore Fitness in Concrete, for a guided hike through old growth forest beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Stafford will share stretching techniques and other healthy hiking tips. Meet in the parking lot near the restrooms for the moderate-paced hike on the 3-mile Evergreen Trail. Participants can also choose to hike trails on their own. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on leash. The park features an ADA-accessible trail. Hikes end with warm drinks in the Discovery Center.

Rangers and guests will lead hikes in the park each Saturday through April 30. Participants who hike 100 miles in Rockport State Park during 2016 will earn a hand-carved walking stick made by Don Smith, artist and senior park aide. Miles can be logged on the staffled hikes or anytime in 2016 on one’s own. The log must be completed at the park after each hike.

The hikes are free, but a Discover Pass or $10 day pass is required to park, except for March 19 and 26 and April 22, which are State Parks “Free Days.” For information, contact Laura Busby, interpretive specialist, at 360-853-8461 or rockport@parks.wa.gov.

COLORING FOR ADULTS The Burlington Public Library will host free coloring sessions for adults from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington. Coloring sheets and art supplies will be provided or bring your own. Free. 360-755-0760.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

4 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

OUT & ABOUT ART “SECRETS OF THE MOUNT VERNON CULTURE”: After a monthlong hiatus, the Skagit County Historical Museum is featuring a special installation, “Secrets of the Mount Vernon Culture: Uncovered, Documented and Prepared by Jack Gunter” 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 children ages 6 to 12, $10 families.

Free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360466-3365 or skagitcounty. net/museum.

Kat Houseman, Peregrine O’Gormley, Kris Ekstrand Molesworth, Marceil DeLacy, Gabe Newton, Nate Reese, Caryn Friedlander, David Blakesley, Toni Ann Rust, Joe Kaftan, Vikki Jackson, Lyn Jackson, Pieter VanZanden, Jazz Morgan, Dee Doyle, Catherine Thompson, Bob Prowda, Randena Walsh, Cheri O’Brien, Peter Belknap and Lindsay Kohles.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 360766-6230 or smithand vallee.com.

‘FROM THE FOREST’: Check out a collection of fungi, bones and paintings of and from local forests opening Friday, Feb. 19, and continuing through March 19 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial, La Conner. Gallery hours are noon to five p.m. Friday through Sunday. 360-7084787 or gallerycygnus.com.

“THE PAINTINGS OF ERIC MICHAELS”: The exhibition continues 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.

WINTER BIRDS: The group art show 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.

Participating artists include Karen Hackenberg, Graham Schodda, Jay Steensma, Karen Blanquart, Susan Cohen Thompson, Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen, Jason Johnsen, Tara Almond, Eve McCauley, Catherine Kerwick, Rosa Frank, Nancy Vogel, Kathleen Faulkner,

DICK GARVEY: PHOTOGRAPHY: The show continues 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.

ALTA PRESENTS ...

Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

ALTA presents the comedy “Father’s Been to Mars”

by William Dalzell & Newt Mitzman at the Alger Community Church, on Old Highway 99, one-quarter mile north of Alger, Exit 240 (1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger). Dessert performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13. A matinee (and final) performance will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. altatheatre.com or 360-424-5144 or redemaster@ comcast.com. Pictured (from left): Amanda James, Derick Dong and Robert Cervantez.

“FROM ETCHING ...

TO ETCHING”: A show of printmaking through the ages continues through Feb. 29 at Fourth Corner Frames & Gallery, 311 W. Holly St., Bellingham.

Examples included in the show range from the earliest woodblock techniques to engraving, aquatint etching and finally today’s digital printing. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 360-734-1340 or fourthcornerframes.com.

SURFACE DESIGN: “Beyond The Surface,” featuring work by the Whidbey Island Surface Design Group, continues through March 27 at the 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.

Participating artists include Liz Axford, Danielle Bodine, Mary Burks, Debra Calkins, Fine Gelfand, Zia Gipson, Carol Barton Jerome, Cheryl Kamera, Janet King, Patricia King, Barbara Kuznetz, Kristin Lasher, Nan Leaman, Nancy Loorem-Adams, Pat Morse, Natalie Olsen, Marie Plakos, Diane Reardon, Bergen Rose, Laura Stangel Schmidt, Ilene Rae Sorenson, Janet Steadman, Larkin Jean Van Horn, Sande Wascher-James and Colleen Wootton.

A show of Embroidered Fiber Art by Anne Middleton continues through Feb. 28. Middleton’s handstitched work focuses on Northwest Rock Art, and features petroglyphs and pictographs.

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 laconnerquilts.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.

“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.

“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. Participating artists include Lanny Bergner, Ann Chadwick Reid, Eve Deisher, Lori Goodman, Leslie Kenneth Price, Julie McNiel, Allen Moe and Emily Silver.

“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 dynamic artworks that evoke both joy and pain. A panel discussion and reception will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20.

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.

LECTURES AND TALKS ‘CAPITALIST FAMILY VALUES’: Author Polly Myers will speak about her recently published book, “Capitalist Family Values: Gender, Work and Corporate Culture at Boeing,” at the next meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11, at Westminster Church Fellowship Hall, 1300 Ninth St., Anacortes. Placing women’s stories at the center of her book, Myers examines how working conditions, expectations, corporate culture and relationships evolved during the 20th century as Boeing became more diverse, expanded and adapted to historical and social developments.

Socializing will precede the meeting at 6:30 p.m. anacortes-wa.aauw.net.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 5

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT “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.

GETTING TO KNOW THE D.A.R.: Join fellow researchers for “Getting to Know the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.)” at the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society’s meeting at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf St. Enter on the east entrance to the building. Linda Maki will speak on “What Does the D.A.R. Do?”; Karen Manatt will discuss “The History of the Ann Washington Chapter”; Mayo Shears will explain “DAR Ancestor Research and the Application Process”; and Mollie Sackman will share historic DAR scrapbooks. For details: roots project@frontier.com or skagitgenealogy.org.

MEET THE AUTHOR: Gloria Koll, with musician Mary McLeod: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW, Stanwood.

Koll will read from her recently published novel “Skipping Stones,” with

Norwegian and early American songs played and sung by McLeod.

Koll’s book includes stories of Scandinavian mass migration, influenza, the Great Depression, Dust Bowl and the wide-angle sweep of World Wars I and II across the homefront of South Dakota and Montana. Free. 360-629-3132.

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.

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 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.

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE CO-OP: The Skagit Valley Food Co-op will host a free screening of “A Year in Burgundy” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 202 S. First St., Room 309, Mount Vernon.

The film follows seven wine-making families in the Burgundy region of France for an entire year as it chronicles the cultural and creative process of making wine, from vines to grapes to wine.

Free admission, popcorn and juice. 360-336-9777 or skagitfoodcoop.com.

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: 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.

‘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.

ROCK & GEM SHOW: The Whidbey Island Gem Club will present its 51st annual “Sweetheart of Gems” Rock and Gem Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13-14, at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor. Check out displays of rocks, fossils and gemstones, lapidary demonstrations, vendors, door prizes and more.

Free admission. 360-6751837.

MODEL TRAIN OPEN

HOUSE: Check out the model train layout during an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley. Enjoy railroad history videos, “Rails and Romance” refreshments, vintage Valentines on display and a chance to win a romantic Valentine basket and other raffle prizes for railroad buffs of all ages.

360-855-2390.

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.

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.

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 skagitweddingshow.com until Feb. 19, or at the door for $10.

Vendor space is available.

Contact Creative Celebrations at 360-428-5972.

ANTIQUES DISCOVERY: The American Association of University Women will host the ninth annual Antiques Discovery event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Have your antique goods evaluated by certified appraisers. $15 per item.

For tickets and reservations: 360-422-5341.

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. Check out a variety of plastic and resin model cars, trucks and more, along with swap meet vendors offering model kits, tools, modeling supplies and lots more.

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. 360-7559464 or performance modelingclub.net.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

6 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

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 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. 360-3366215.

ART CLASSES

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

FAMILY ART DAYS AT MoNA: The Museum of Northwest Art offers Family Art Days each month at 121 S. First St., La Conner. Sessions are open to ages 5 and older at all skill levels and include guided walk-throughs of MoNA exhibitions. $5 per family, free for members. Limited enrollment. Preregistration required. 360-466-4446 or monamuseum.org. Next up: Mixed Media Bird Nests: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Create your own artistic bird’s nest using strips of paper, found objects, magazine pages and matte medium to glue it all together.

Clay Mugs: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19. Create a handmade clay mug while experimenting with vari-

ous textures, and then finish by painting with glaze.

Artworks will be fired offsite and returned to MoNA for pickup.

soft music. By donation.

All materials provided.

RSVP: 360-464-2229 or anacortescenterfor happiness.org.

CREATIVE ARTS: The Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts, 12636 Chilberg Road, Mount Vernon, offers a variety of classes, workshops and programs for artists working in a variety of mediums. 360466-0110 or gailcreative studies.com. Next up: Stitching In Circles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Circular stitches can be used to bring interest and pattern to any textile. Participants can try hand stitching with a fun and interesting flair. No experience necessary. $125.

AUDITIONS

ART 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: 360678-3396 or pacificnorth westartschool.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.

BALLET AND TAP DANCE CLASSES: ages 3 to 5: Classes will meet from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Tuesdays, March 1-22, at Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon.

Children will learn the terminology and preparatory steps of ballet and tap while building grace, poise and strength. $40. Preregistration required. Stop by the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation office at Hillcrest Park or call 360336-6215.

“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.

FOLK DANCING: SkagitAnacortes Folk Dancers meets Tuesdays at the Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View. Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music.

Instruction begins at 7 p.m., followed by review and request dances until 9:30 p.m. The first session is free, $3 thereafter. All are welcome. No partners needed. Contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866.

AUDITIONS FOR CHORAL SINGERS: Cantabile Chamber Choir seeks to audition experienced choral singers. Rehearsals are 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays

THURSDAY DANCE: Dance to The Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information,

BURLINGTON ART CLASSES: Burlington Parks and Recreation will offer these art classes for kids at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave. 360-755-9649 or burl ingtonwa.gov/recreation.

Mixed Media Collage: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, March 2-23. Ages 7 to 12 will use paper, paint and acrylic to create layered art work. $50, plus $10 supply fee. Register by Feb. 23.

COLOR ME SUNDAY: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Coloring beautiful patterns of your choice and listen to

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. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

in Mount Vernon. The group’s next concerts are April 23-24. Check us out on Facebook. Contact Jennie Bouma at cantabile chamberchoir@gmail.com or 425-312-4565.

DANCE MOMMY & ME DANCE CLASS: ages 1 to 3 years with a parent or guardian: 9:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, March 1-22, Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. $30. Preregistration required: Stop by the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation office at Hillcrest Park or call 360336-6215.

contact Gisela at 360-4245696.

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 studio1010.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 BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Attend a free, no-commitment rehearsal of the An-O-Chords, a four-part barbershop harmony. No experience necessary, no auditions required. Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages. Drop in any Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Educational Service Building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes.

Rides available. Bob Lundquist, 360-941-5733 or svenbob@cheerful.com.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED CALL FOR MUSICIANS: 5b’s Bakery, 45597 Main St., Concrete, is looking for musicians to perform easylistening acoustic music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Sunday Brunch. In exchange, musicians will receive audience contributions and a meal. 360-8538700 or info@5bsbakery. com.

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

360-630-1156.

SKAGIT VALLEY MUSIC CLUB: The club welcomes performers (intermediate and above), listeners and guests to join the fun at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Vasa Hall, 1805 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon.

Come and sing, play the club’s piano or organ, play your own instrument or just enjoy a variety of music — ’20s to ’70s classical, popular, western and gospel. Free. For information, call Elaine at 360-4284228.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 3 to 5 p.m. every Monday (except 2 to 4 p.m. the first Monday each month) at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident. 360770-7354.

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.

ANACORTES OPEN

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

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.

RECREATION TRAIL GUIDES, BIKE MAPS & MORE: Learn about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County, including trail guides, an activity tracker and local resources at beactiveskagit.org.

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.

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 mountvernontrailbuilders .com. Next up: Feb. 13 and 27.

SALMON HABITAT RESTORATION: Join Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (SFEG) to help restore native riparian plants in the Skagit and Samish watersheds. These plants provide shade and cover for salmon and leaf litter for aquatic insects, which in turn provide food for salmon. These riparian zones also improve water quality by controlling erosion and filtering pollutants. All planting events take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For information, directions or to sign up: 360-336-0172 or sfeg@skagitfisheries.org.

Next up: March 5: Nursery potting party.

activities. Registration (includes a T-shirt): $10 ages 19 to 69; $5 ages 13 to 18; free for ages 12 and younger, 70 and older and veterans of all ages. Dayof-race registration available. databarevents.com/ dash.

VOLUNTEER BEACH NATURALIST: Volunteer Beach Naturalist Program classes meet weekly beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, in the West Beach Shelter at Deception State Park, with one class at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and a Saturday field trip to Rosario Beach. Volunteers receive training on topics including tide pool ecology, intertidal invertebrates, marine mammals, human history, environmental education and more. The training is free in exchange for a commitment to volunteer at Rosario Beach. deceptionpassfoundation. org/naturalist, dpbeach naturalist@gmail.com or 360-675-3767, ext. 31.

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.

D.A.S.S.H.: “Doing a Sprint for Samish Health,” the 5K Family Fun Run/ Walk for Clean Water Awareness, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.

The race will begin at Edison Elementary School, 5801 Main St., and winds through Edison. Enjoy prizes, refreshments, geoduck chowder, booths and

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.

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.

THEATER FREE IMPROV WORKSHOP: Sheila Goldsmith, director of Improv Playworks in Bellingham, will offer a free improv workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. All skill levels welcome. No experience necessary. Free.

360-756-0756.

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.

SCULPTURE WORKSHOP: The Spring Stone Sculpture Hand Tooling workshop will be held Friday through Sunday, April 22-24, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. Master stone carver Sue Taves will cover history, concepts, processes, techniques, materials and tools associated with the creation of three-dimensional forms in stone. Tuition: $415. Materials and tools will be available for purchase. A limited number of loaner tools will be available. Lodging not included. Application and fees are due by April 1. 360-387-2759, matzke@ camano.net or matzke fineart.com.

Barbershop Quartet SINGING VALENTINE!

$35

Saturday, February 13th 9am - 5pm You pick the time! within 30 miles of Anacortes

360-293-3483

E8 Thursday, February 11, 2016

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 11-18 Thursday.11

TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 11-18 Sunday.14

THURSDAY.11

THEATER

BRIAN REGAN Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $49.75. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.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.

THEATER

“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $10. 360424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

MUSIC

Metales M5: 10 a.m. and noon, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.

COMEDY

MUSIC

Brian Regan: Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $49.75. 360-734-6080 or mountbaker theatre.com.

Friday.12 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.

Janette West: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Honky Ska: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-982-2649.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.

City Hall, Moon Dial, Vacationeer: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6.

360-778-1067.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-737-5144 or 360-6296500.

Jazz at the Library: Paul Sorenson Quartet, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-1910.

Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7.

360-445-3000.

SATURDAY.13 MARGARET WILDER BAND 8 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake. 360-399-1321.

FRIDAY.12 RANDY NORRIS AND JEFF NICELY 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

FRIDAY.12

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Square Dance: Bruce Molsky, John Hurd, Pharis and Jason Romero, 8 to 10 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Loft, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

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

The Joan Penney Jazz Band Valentine’s Show: 6:30 to 9 p.m., Bertelsen Winery, 20598 Starbird Road, Mount Vernon. $10 cover. Reservations: 360540-2212.

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 Ginger Ups: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Acoustic Jam Night: Nick Anthony and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

#Raccune Album Release Party: Prongs, Nomolos Erolf El, 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

Jukebox Duo Valentine’s Dance: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

J.P. Falcon Grady and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-7666330.

MUSIC

MUSIC

Amuze Cabaret (dinner theatre and variety show): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20, $35 with dinner. 360-445-3000.

MuseBird Café: Joe Kaplow, John Holmes and Larry Murante, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

THEATER

“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.

VARIETY

THURSDAY.11

“Ombre de mon amant: A story of love and death” (French Baroque music): 2 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $20 suggested donation, free for ages 12 and younger. 206-420-4548 or salmonrun. wix.com/salmon-run-concerts.

Thursday.18

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Turtle Island Quartet: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $30-$40. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Brian Friedman photo

Saturday.13 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.

VARIETY

Amuze Cabaret (dinner theatre and variety show): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main. $20, $35 with dinner.

360-445-3000.

“Cape Breton Night”: with Celtic fiddlers Wendy MacIsaac and Andrea Beaton, and Scottish smallpipe player Dr. Gary West: 7:30 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. $25. 360-416-4934 or celticarts. org.

SATURDAY.13 Margaret Wilder Band (funk, soul): 8 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

Joe T. Cook (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Ivy & The RainMakers: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SUNDAY.14 Valentine’s Day Special: Mercedes Nicole and the Acoustic Jazz/ Blues Trio, 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $18, $35 with dinner. 360-4453000.

Knut Bell and the Blue Collars: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

WEDNESDAY.17 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360445-4733.

Lucas Hicks and Jenny Rose: 6 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Babycakes: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6266.

Wayne Hayton: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

WingsN Things (music of Paul McCartney): 7 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Cat Bomb, Hey Lover, SOSA, Greece: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-7781067.

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

THURSDAY.18 Open Mic: hosted by Something Strange, 6 to 8 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360982-2649.

Reid Jamieson: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Cannon and The Lion of Judah: 6 to 8 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-9822649.

Uncle Doug Cooper (Neil Young tribute): 7 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover.

425-737-5144 or 360-6296500.

Jansen Jazz Band: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, Chamber Hall, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10.

360-354-3600.

E8 Thursday, February 11, 2016

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area February 11-18 Thursday.11

TUNING UP Playing at area venues February 11-18 Sunday.14

THURSDAY.11

THEATER

BRIAN REGAN Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $49.75. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.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.

THEATER

“Father’s Been to Mars” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $10. 360424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

MUSIC

Metales M5: 10 a.m. and noon, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $5. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.

COMEDY

MUSIC

Brian Regan: Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $49.75. 360-734-6080 or mountbaker theatre.com.

Friday.12 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.

Janette West: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Honky Ska: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-982-2649.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.

City Hall, Moon Dial, Vacationeer: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6.

360-778-1067.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover. 425-737-5144 or 360-6296500.

Jazz at the Library: Paul Sorenson Quartet, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free.

360-293-1910.

Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7.

360-445-3000.

SATURDAY.13 MARGARET WILDER BAND 8 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake. 360-399-1321.

FRIDAY.12 RANDY NORRIS AND JEFF NICELY 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

FRIDAY.12

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Square Dance: Bruce Molsky, John Hurd, Pharis and Jason Romero, 8 to 10 p.m., Conway Muse, Bard Loft, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

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

The Joan Penney Jazz Band Valentine’s Show: 6:30 to 9 p.m., Bertelsen Winery, 20598 Starbird Road, Mount Vernon. $10 cover. Reservations: 360540-2212.

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 Ginger Ups: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Acoustic Jam Night: Nick Anthony and Friends, 7 to 10 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

#Raccune Album Release Party: Prongs, Nomolos Erolf El, 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

Jukebox Duo Valentine’s Dance: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

J.P. Falcon Grady and guests: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-7666330.

MUSIC

MUSIC

Amuze Cabaret (dinner theatre and variety show): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20, $35 with dinner. 360-445-3000.

MuseBird Café: Joe Kaplow, John Holmes and Larry Murante, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

THEATER

“Calendar Girls” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829, acttheatre.com.

VARIETY

THURSDAY.11

“Ombre de mon amant: A story of love and death” (French Baroque music): 2 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $20 suggested donation, free for ages 12 and younger. 206-420-4548 or salmonrun. wix.com/salmon-run-concerts.

Thursday.18

“Moon Over Buffalo” (comedy): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Turtle Island Quartet: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $30-$40. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Brian Friedman photo

Saturday.13 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.

VARIETY

Amuze Cabaret (dinner theatre and variety show): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main. $20, $35 with dinner.

360-445-3000.

“Cape Breton Night”: with Celtic fiddlers Wendy MacIsaac and Andrea Beaton, and Scottish smallpipe player Dr. Gary West: 7:30 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. $25. 360-416-4934 or celticarts. org.

SATURDAY.13 Margaret Wilder Band (funk, soul): 8 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

Joe T. Cook (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-4453000.

Ivy & The RainMakers: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SUNDAY.14 Valentine’s Day Special: Mercedes Nicole and the Acoustic Jazz/ Blues Trio, 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $18, $35 with dinner. 360-4453000.

Knut Bell and the Blue Collars: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Lucas Hicks: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

WEDNESDAY.17 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360445-4733.

Lucas Hicks and Jenny Rose: 6 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Babycakes: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6266.

Wayne Hayton: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

WingsN Things (music of Paul McCartney): 7 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Cat Bomb, Hey Lover, SOSA, Greece: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-7781067.

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

THURSDAY.18 Open Mic: hosted by Something Strange, 6 to 8 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360982-2649.

Reid Jamieson: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Cannon and The Lion of Judah: 6 to 8 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-9822649.

Uncle Doug Cooper (Neil Young tribute): 7 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360399-1805.

Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover.

425-737-5144 or 360-6296500.

Jansen Jazz Band: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, Chamber Hall, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10.

360-354-3600.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

10 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

TRAVEL FAMILY TRAVEL FIVE

Sweet! Choose a lovely getaway in February

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News

Enjoy a sweet February holiday with your family. Here are five destinations to consider: 1. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. The Little Lovebirds package is crafted to treat your family to a special weekend in February.

Stay in a two-bedroom suite with private balconies, talk about how to spend your $100 culinary credit at the Piedmont Grille, and make good use of four tickets to the Birds of Prey exhibit at Callaway Gardens. After a busy day, the whole clan can relax with a free family-friendly movie while the grown-ups enjoy champagne and strawberries and youngsters savor s’mores and milk. Wrap up a wonderful weekend with a soothing couples’ massage for adults and manicures and pedicures for the little ones. callawaylodgeandspa.com 2. Loveland, Colorado. Visit the nation’s Sweetheart City for a Valentine’s Day treat. Check out the free, familyfriendly Loveland Fire & Ice Festival where you’ll find red and white twinkling lights, ice sculptures, a carousel and horse-drawn carriage rides, a kids zone

Local travel

and fireworks.

Be on the lookout for giant red hearts adorned with love notes dangling from lampposts. If you bring your own valentines ready to mail, volunteers will cheerily hand-stamp them with an endearing message of local love. lovelandfireandice.com; visitlove landco.org

its romantic history and ambience. The American-born founder of Paris Perfect has personally designed, vetted or renovated more than 90 apartments in desirable locations within the City of Light.

She’ll help choose the right accommodations, tours, language lessons and galleries and also provide insider tips. parisperfect.com

3. Riverplace Hotel, Portland, Oregon.

This 84-room waterfront hotel is a great home base for families visiting the City of Roses. After a day exploring, a familyfriendly happy hour makes it possible for grown-ups to sample local wines and craft beers while the kiddos sip on Italian sodas or other seasonal drinks.

During February, kids can get creative at the make-your-own-valentines station and craft messages. Later, the Bedtime Butler comes knocking, offering Conversation Hearts and other treats as well as books, movies and bath toys for the kids, and nightcap options for adults.

Also possible: a kids camp-out kit, which includes a tent, nightlight, teddy bear and sleeping bag. riverplacehotel.com

5. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix. Combine family fun with a date night for the parents. Available Feb. 12-13, the package includes resort credits, discounts at the Wildfire Golf Club and Revive Spa and passes for up to two children per guest room. The passes provide access for youngsters, ages 4 through 12, to their own gala each evening where seasonal crafts, games, treats and movies are part of the fun.

Meanwhile, the grown-ups can let love bloom at the spa or during a candlelit dinner. Under the Arizona sun, the whole gang can enjoy the 1,600-foot lazy river, water slides and tennis courts. marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jwmarriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resortand-spa

4. Paris, France. Share the season of love with your family in a city famous for

n Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel.com. Email: lohayes@familyTravel.com.

“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. 360-293-1910, ext.

21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

can journey along with tips and tricks for budget travel, including public transportation, affordable accommodations and immersive experiences.

Feb. 28: "Girls Trip to Europe": Library staff members Alisa and Alberta, and friend Bonnie, will share their collective lessons learned and tips and tricks for independent or solo travel to Europe. Destinations to be explored include Iceland, Great Britain, Venice and Paris.

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. Local delicacies will be available for sampling. Free. 360-336-6209 or mountvernonwa.gov/library. Next up: Feb. 22: "Oaxaca and Mexico City on a Budget": Library staff member Laura will share stories and pictures from her Mexi-

“A TIERRA DEL FUEGO TRAVEL ADVENTURE”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Author Reanne Hemingway Douglass describes her 300-mile bicycling expedition through “horrendous weather and appalling road conditions across one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the planet.” Free.

360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.city ofanacortes.org.

SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or to register, call 360-3366215.

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

ESCORTED TOURS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., has these trips planned: South Dakota, Sept.

4-10; Legendary Waterways of Europe, Budapest to Amsterdam, Oct. 12-27. 360279-4580.

STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from

Web Buzz Searching for a shortcut through your terminal? Want to speed through security? Need a power outlet or shower?

Name: Airport by FLIO What it does: The app simplifies every task you might need to do at an airport, pointing you toward automated teller machines, electric outlets, restaurants, shortcuts and more.

Available: Requires iOS 8.2 or later.

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. On Google Play, requires Android 4.2 and up.

Cost: Free What’s hot: This app gets straight to the point; you can access travel tips with fewer clicks and less scrolling than other airport apps. Even if you don’t need a shower, ATM, pharmacy, lunch, spa, power outlet or lounge, the app’s handy tips, such as how to get through passport control faster at JFK, can help every traveler (“The shortest line for passport control is Line 3 — it’s hidden behind a pole so passengers tend to miss it”). It even stores your info so you can access the local airport Wi-Fi without having to fill out those sign-in pages. Want to know if your plane is on time? Now you have a departures and arrival board in the palm of your hand too.

What’s not: You do have to turn on a few items in your phone’s settings to access all the app’s features, but the instructions are clear. n Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

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

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 11, 2016 - 11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS BRIAN REGAN: Feb. 11, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

IRON MAIDEN: April 11, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

GRACE POTTER: Feb. 13, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

ELVIS COSTELLO: with Larkin Poe: April 17, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham.

360-734-6080 or mount bakertheatre.com.

BRAD PAISLEY: Feb. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND March 24, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12

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.

CRADLE OF FILTH: Feb. 23, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.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.

GINO VANNELLI: Feb. 26-27, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

A FIDDLER’S FEAST: with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas and Jay Unger and Molly Mason: Feb. 27, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

PAPADOSIO: Feb. 27, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.

SELENA GOMEZ: May 13, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

THE WHO: May 15, KeyArena, Seattle. thewho. com.

BEYONCÉ: May 18, CenturyLink Field, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation. com. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22

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.

MELISSA MANCHESTER: April 29-30, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

KEYS N KRATES: Feb. 28, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

ST. LUCIA: March 2, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.

MARCHFOURTH! MARCHING BAND: March 5, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

HELLOWEEN: March 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.

AOIFE O’DONOVAN: March 6, Columbia City Theatre, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

CRAIG FERGUSON: March 6, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-7346080 or mountbaker theatre.com.

NIGHTWISH: March 7, 2016, Showbox SoDo,

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

MUTEMATH: March 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.

DISTURBED: March 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.com.

SOLAS: March 17, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham.

360-734-6080 or mount bakertheatre.com.

DAUGHTER: March 19, The Showbox, Seattle. 800745-3000 or showbox online.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.

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA: March 20, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham.

360-734-6080 or mount bakertheatre.com.

MASTERS OF ILLUSION: March 24, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

TONIGHT ALIVE/SET IT OFF: March 24, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

JOHNNY RIVERS: March 25-26, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

“A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN”: March 25-April 17, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org.

THE FLOOZIES: March 26, The Showbox, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

IGGY POP: March 28, Paramount Theatre,

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

UNDEROATH: March 30, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or showbox online.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: April 2, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation. com.

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III: April 2, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org.

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. 800745-3000 or showboxon line.com.

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND: April 8, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org.

BILLY JOEL: May 20, Safeco Field, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation. com.

PHISH: July 15-16, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation. com. tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26 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. 800745-3000 or livenation. com.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Sept. 2-4, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. dave matthewsband.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

12 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

‘American Idol’ making its final countdown

AT THE LINCOLN Spotlight Film Festival

7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11

By RICK BENTLEY The Fresno Bee

The Spotlight Film Festival is a series of documentaries shining a light on issues that impact the lives of Skagit County residents. Each film highlights a different topic, followed by a community panel or discussion.

In “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. $5 suggested donation.

A discussion with filmmaker Vlada Knowlton will follow the movie.

‘Carol’

7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, Feb. 12-13 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 14 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 15 Set in 1950s New York, two women from very different backgrounds find themselves in the throes of love.

Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Cate Blanchett); Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Rooney Mara); Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (Phyllis Nagy); Best Achievement in Cinematography (Edward Lachman); Best Achievement in Costume Design (Sandy Powell); and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (Carter Burwell).

The Weinstein Company via AP

Cate Blanchett (left) and Rooney Mara star in “Carol.”

Rated R. $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.

‘Turandot’

1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 Swedish dramatic soprano Nina Stemme sings her first Met performances in the title role of Puccini’s Chinese ice princess, with Anita Har-

tig in her company role debut as the angelic slave girl Liù. Marco Berti sings Calàf, the suitor who risks his head for Turandot’s hand, and Alexander Tsymbalyuk sings Timur.

Paolo Carignani conducts Franco Zeffirelli’s 1987 production. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students with $2 off for Lincoln members. n The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St, downtown Mount Vernon.

360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org

LOS ANGELES — The countdown to selecting the final “American Idol” has started. Over the next few weeks, final eliminations will be held and the 15th winner will join the list that includes Nick Fradiani, Phillip Phillips, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

Ryan Seacrest is the only member from the original team of judges and hosts when “American Idol” debuted in 2002 still on the show.

Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul have been replaced by Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban at the judges desk.

Seacrest knew long before Clarkson was crowned that “American Idol” was more than just another entry in the booming world of reality television at that time.

“I think we knew midway through, not even midway, a fraction into the first season that it was resonating because we were getting feedback,” Seacrest says. “And, then, when we went out to do the auditions for the second season and we walked through airports and we went to dinners and went to a mall in different cities and you could see that fathers and sons and daughters and mothers, families, were watching the show.

I think that’s when we realized this was having a significant impact, not

Michael Becker / FOX via TNS

Ryan Seacrest just on an audience, but on a family audience.”

The ratings for the first season of “American Idol” were good but not great. It averaged a 6.2 rating with 12.7 million viewers. That number grew until hitting a peak in season five with a 12.6 rating with 28.4 million viewers.

Since then, the ratings have tumbled and hit a low of a 1.6 rating (7.7 million viewers) for the finale of the 14th season. The series, which had become a national sensation, was only the third-highest rated show among the networks that night.

The ratings are better this season, partially sparked by this being the last year. Seacrest, who has gone on to be a busy producer since the start of his “Idol” days, isn’t sure if this is the right time to end or not.

“The network has been extremely supportive of this brand and franchise throughout the years. You know, it’s been such a blessing to have such great partners as Fox throughout all of these years,” Seacrest says. “The numbers look

great this season. They look really good.

Those who are putting together the final season say they aren’t looking at what led to the decision to end the show, or what life will be like after the final “Idol” is selected. The focus right now is producing the best final season possible.

Quite a few of the former “American Idol” contestants and winners will be back during the year to help this last batch of contestants.

Clarkson is scheduled as a guest judge on the first live Top 10 show on Feb. 25.

This week, on tonight’s show, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Caleb Johnson and Nick Fradiani will mentor and perform a duet with the 12 semifinalists. Then on Thursday, Feb. 18, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks, David Cook and Haley Reinhart return to perform duets with the second group of semifinalists.

Producers are not making any promises about who will be back for this final season, explaining that there are logistical and scheduling facts that might keep a few former “Idol” participants away. It wouldn’t be a proper send-off without Cowell, the man who gave “Idol” its brutal honesty that attracted so man fans.

Seacrest has talked with Cowell and seems confident that all of the original judges will make an appearance.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Hunt: Hard to wrap head around 2 Grammy nominations

DINING GUIDE 50% off

By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It’s hard for rising singer Sam Hunt to wrap his head around earning two Grammy nominations — mainly because music started as a hobby for the 31-year-old.

“Then it turned into, ‘Well maybe I can make a little money, make a living at it,’” said Hunt, a former college quarterback. “And then all of a sudden I was ... playing shows and they got bigger and bigger.”

Hunt’s 2014 debut, “Montevallo,” is a platinum success and features four hit songs, including “Leave the Night On” and “Take Your Time.”

The album is nominated for best country album at Monday’s Grammy Awards, pitting him against efforts by Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe and Chris Stapleton, who is also up for album of the year with “Traveller.”

“Just to be a part of the Grammys, it’s really humbling, but also going to be one of the highlights of my life,” said Hunt, who’s also nominated for best new artist.

Hunt, whose sound is a mix of country, pop, R&B and electronica, will get a chance to hit the stage Monday with one of country music’s brightest songstresses, Carrie Underwood.

“Hopefully I don’t get in her way because she’s a superstar and she’s going to do fantastic I’m sure,” Hunt said.

FEBRUARY IS RESTAURANT MONTH! GET A $20 VALUE FOR ONLY $10 AT GOSKAGIT.COM/DEALS!

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TACO TUESDAY Starts at 4pm

THURSDAY NIGHTS:

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Prime Rib | Scampi or Wild Salmon w/Citrus Buerre Blanc 4 - 9pm Sat 13th & Sun 14th Reservations 360-466-4411

$6.99 BURGER SPECIAL

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Fri, Feb 12th

CHRIS EGER Fri, Feb 13th

Ivy & Rain Makers Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails 24 Draft Handles • Live Music

Saturday 2/13 7:30 pm

KNUT BELL & THE BLUE COLLARS 314 Commercial • 360-755-3956

Valentine's Day Make Reservations.

422-6411 18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

14 - Thursday, February 11, 2016

MOVIES NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS

‘Deadpool’ plays to Ryan Reynolds’ snarky strengths

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

It must be a sign of superhero fatigue that studios are injecting life into the genre via characters who declare that they want nothing to do with heroics. While the posse of baddies known as the DC Comics “Suicide Squad” will be rolling into theaters later in the summer, Marvel is unveiling its own foulmouthed antihero just in time for Valentine’s Day. Ryan Reynolds stars as the titular superpowerenhanced jerk in “Deadpool,” a sarcastic, cheeky chap in a red suit wielding double katanas — though his tongue is sharper than his swords.

This ain’t your kid brother’s superhero movie. The hard R rating notwithstanding, “Deadpool” is a fourth-wall breaking meta commentary on the tropes of the superhero, with an expository flashback nested inside Deadpool’s introductory fisticuffs. During a brutal and bloody massacre on a highway bridge in search of the mysterious “Francis,” Deadpool decapitates goons and causes a multicar pile up, all the while hurling highly creative and vulgar insults at his victims, with time stretching and pausing for him to fill the audience in on his backstory.

Reynolds arrived in the 2002 National Lampoon college comedy “Van Wilder,” and both that role and “Deadpool” make excellent use of his smarmy comedic delivery. His other, more serious comic book performances have fallen flat (exhibit A: “Green Lantern”), but it’s a good thing that Marvel gave

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp via AP)

Ryan Reynolds stars in “Deadpool.” him another chance, because this role fits Reynolds like a glove, playing to his snarky strengths.

“Deadpool” might feel innovative, but the story itself is standardissue: guy meets girl, guy saves girl.

The guy, Wade Wilson, a mercenary for whom no job is too small, and the girl, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) fall in love, bonded by their dark humor and sexual appetite. When Wade discovers he has advancedstage cancer, he undergoes an underground experimental treatment, in which his mutant genes are tortured into life by Francis (Ed Skrein) and his henchlady Angel Dust (Gina Carano). The treatment works, imbuing him with powers of super healing and strength, but the side effects are a horrific disfigurement. The vain Wade can’t bring himself to face his girlfriend, and takes on the Deadpool nickname and face-covering suit in order to search for a cure from Francis.

Reynolds’ energetic motormouth performance has its entertaining moments, but a lot of the talk is just smoke and mirrors.

While Deadpool disavows the hero thing, the film results in a “Perils of

Pauline”-esque rescue of a pretty girl, and the vanquishing of a sneering villain. Women are objects to be saved or sexually leered at (not even the awesomely tough Angel Dust escapes this treatment). Two “X-Men” characters serve as foils for the Deadpool antihero philosophy while offering him backup: Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). While Negasonic sports a rad buzz cut that’s almost as rad as her explosive powers, Deadpool writes her off as a texting teen with a ‘tude.

The veneer of twisty storytelling structure, dirty jokes and gory violence can’t cover up the fact that ultimately, “Deadpool” is a conventional tale about a guy and his powers, with a surprisingly oldfashioned view of gender, love and relationships. What would have been truly genre-bending, innovative and different? A major action film with a character like Negasonic Teenage Warhead in the lead.

108 minutes: Rated R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity.

HH½

“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 heavyhanded 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 “Hail, Caesar!” — As they recount the adventures of a 1950s Hollywood “fixer” (Josh Brolin), the Coen brothers pay homage to genres from noir to Westerns. “Hail, Caesar!” is pure popcorn fun -- a visual treat, a comedic tour de force and a sublime and sly slice of satire. Comedy, PG-13, 106 minutes. HHHH “Legend” — Playing twin British gangsters in 1960s London, Tom Hardy makes some bold and always entertaining if not entirely successful choices.

The fictionalized version of the terrifying, violent and twisted Krays manages to be pedestrian and derivative for long stretches. Crime biography, R, 131 minutes. HH½ “Meadowland” — Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson deliver authentic performances as parents dealing with loss in different ways. It is a well-photographed and sometimes surprising story, a character study about what happens to a marriage when a child has gone missing and in all likelihood will never be found.

Drama, R, 95 minutes. HHH “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 “Moonwalkers” — In 1969, a CIA agent is sent to England to recruit Stanley Kubrick to film a phony moon landing. It’s pretty great to see the craggyfaced, boom-voiced Ron Perlman (“Sons of Anarchy”) teamed up with the cheeky Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter”) in a cheerfully insane, often confounding but ultimately entertaining trip through the looking glass.

Comedy, R, 107 minutes. HHH

Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS Feb. 12-18 Deadpool: Friday-Sunday: 1:00, 3:20, 6:30, 9:00; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:20, 6:30 How to Be Single (R): Friday-Sunday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:50, 9:10; Monday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:50 Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:40, 6:40, 8:50; Sunday: 1:20, 3:40, 8:50; Monday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:40, 6:40; Wednesday: 1:20 (open caption) Pretty in Pink 30th anniversary (PG13): Sunday: 7 p.m.

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MUSIC REVIEWS CASCADE MALL THEATERS Burlington For showings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888262-4386) OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Feb. 12-18 Deadpool: (R): Friday-Sunday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 8:50; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30 Zoolander 2 (PG-13): Friday-Sunday: 1:15, 3:40, 6:50, 9:10; Monday-Thursday: 1:15, 3:40, 6:50 Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): Friday-Sunday: 1:30, 3:50, 6:40, 8:45; MondayTuesday: 1:30, 3:50, 6:40; Wednesday: 1:30, 3:50; Thursday: 1:30, 3:50, 6:40 Pretty in Pink 30th anniversary (PG13): Sunday: 7 p.m.

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CONCRETE THEATER STANWOOD CINEMAS Feb. 12-14 Feb. 12-18 The Hateful Right: (R): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 8 p.m.; Sunday: 5 Deadpool (R): 1:45, 3:55, 6:45, 9:00 How to Be Single (R): 1:40, 3:50, p.m.

6:40, 8:55 Zoolander 2 (PG-13): 1:50, 4:05, BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN 6:50, 9:05 Oak Harbor Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (PGFeb. 11-14 13): Friday-Tuesday: 1:30, 6:30, 8:50; Deadpool (R) and Zoolander 2 (PGWednesday: 1:30, 8:50; Thursday: 1:30, 13): Thursday: First movie begins at 6:30, 8:50 7 p.m.

The Finest Hours (PG-13): 4:00 Zoolander 2 (PG-13) and Deadpool (R): Friday-Sunday: First movie begins at Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG): 1:35, 8:45 Kung Fu Panda 3 3D (PG): 3:45, 6:35 6:00 Pretty in Pink 30th anniversary (PG 360-675-5667 13): Sunday: 7 p.m.

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“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 “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 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 playwright’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 “Youth” — A retired composer (Michael Caine) goes on his annual retreat to a mysterious Swiss Alps resort to get away from it all, but the world keeps coming to him.

Director Paolo Sorrentino, a serious talent with a grand vision, has created a stylized and eccentric film filled with strange little subplots and surprises. Drama, R, 118 minutes. HHH½

LUCINDA WILLIAMS, “The Ghosts of Highway 20” — Lucinda Williams’ new album, “The Ghosts of Highway 20,” unfolds like a great short story collection. It is no lighthearted affair, with songs weighing issues of mortality and immortality, of love and forgiveness.

However, Williams’ changing perspectives and varied approaches keep propelling the journey forward.

“The Ghosts of Highway 20” was inspired by I-20, which runs between South Carolina and Texas, a road that Williams traveled growing up as well as in her decades of touring as one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters.

In true storyteller form, Williams doesn’t start with an explanation, but just dives right in with “Dust,” which may be the hardest-hitting song on the album. Based on a poem by her late father, the one-time poet laureate Miller Williams, there’s no nostalgia here, only despair. “You couldn’t cry if you wanted to,” Williams repeats. “Even your thoughts are dust.”

That’s not to say that there aren’t uplifting moments, but they are layered, complicated efforts, even when they appear simple.

The bluesy “Doors of Heaven” is an early entry for song of the year. It is seemingly a swaggering call: “Open up the doors of heaven, let me in.”

However, that joy only seems to come because it would mark the end of all her earthly despair. The snarling rocker “Bitter Memory,” featuring Bill Frisell’s inspired, twanging guitar work, only succeeds because Williams is determined to move on.

Though nearly all of “Ghosts” is Williams’ creation, she does rework some Woody Guthrie lyrics to create the complicated relationships of “House of Earth” and remakes Bruce Springsteen’s “Factory” in her own 21st century Americana image — spare and echoing to reflect how empty many of those places feel today.

That the work of those greats seems indistinguishable from the rest of “The Ghosts of Highway 20” only proves that Williams remains one of music’s greatest songwriters. n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday

KING, “We are KING” — KING is a true underground success story, even if it does include some help from Prince.

Anita Bias and twin sisters Amber and Paris Strother gained all sorts of celebrity attention for their 2011 EP

“The Story,” even landing an opening slot for Prince and testimonials from Questlove and Erykah Badu. Luckily, their debut, “We are KING,” was worth the five-year wait.

Like the songs from “The Story,” which all appear here in extended form, “We are KING” is a combination of sweet soul harmonies, synth-driven R&B and laid-back cool.

“Red Eye” is like a Janet Jackson ballad hijacked by an alt-R&B groovemaker like How to Dress Well. The first single, “The Greatest,” a tribute to Muhammad Ali that oozes with style, mixes shimmering ‘80s-styled synths with ‘90s R&B girl group attitude. And they even throw in some Tom Tom Club references.

The closing “Native Land” shows KING at the peak of their powers, all cooing vocals, spare instrumentation and a search for their future. n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday

FIELD MUSIC, “Commontime” — There’s no mistaking the “we’re back” vibe strutting around “Commontime’s” first single, “The Noisy Days Are Over,” which, upon its release last fall, was given a nod via Twitter — which was then mysteriously deleted — from Prince. It is a shame that the Purple One redacted his approval, because the two would have made a suitable mutual appreciation society. Notable differences aside, they share a penchant for exacting technique, wide musical knowledge, and, now more apparent than ever, a natural feel for the groove. n Ian King, popmatters.com

DIIV, “Is the Is Are” — Zachary Cole Smith has a lot of ambition for his music, or at least he says he does. The songwriter and principal player behind Brooklyn indie-rock band DIIV has been through quite a bit in the years since the band broke out in 2012, and in recent interviews leading up to the release of “Is The Is Are,” Smith has talked about that as important for both him and the band’s development. After listening to the album, though, one gets the impression it would have been wiser for Smith to temper his praise for his own work. The fact is that “Is the Is Are” is very much the sort of record one would have expected from DIIV, only with more songs and a few hints at what could have been. n Kevin Korber, popmatters.com