360 January 17 2013 by Skagit Publishing

Your one-stop wedding shop Movies Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Willis and still kicking tail after all these years PAGE 4

Reviews Music: Yo La Tengo, A$AP Rocky, Jessie Ware Video Games: “Little Inferno,” “DmC, Devil May Cry” PAGES 6-7

Tuning Up The Prozac Mountain Boys play the Conway Muse on Friday PAGE 11

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday, January 17, 2013

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E2 - Thursday, January 17, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “The Possession”: The film is proof a movie can be scary without having to resort to an onslaught of blood, guts and profanity that would earn it an R rating. Director Ole Bornedal gets the maximum chills from gloomy weather, a foreboding soundtrack, lighting trickery, decent special effects and acting performances that sell each startle. And it still comes in with a PG-13 rating. Jeffrey Dean Morgan continues to show his versatility. He’s gone from the outlandish superhero Comedian in “Watchmen” to the suave nightclub owner in “Magic City” to this believable father. His performance helps make the film work. “Men of a Certain Age: The Complete Second Season”: The cable series looks at three average guys who wonder if their lives have been well spent. The focus is on males around the age of 50 but should reach viewers of all ages because of a first-rate cast and very smart writing. It works because of the honest dialogue between these men. They don’t suddenly know the meaning of life, but struggle just to get through another day. Those struggles are both funny and serious. Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher turn in first-rate performances. “Won’t Back Down”: This feels like a Lifetime film that lacks clarity. It bounces through hot-button issues with such randomness that the central message ends up muddied. Buried under all of the distracting elements is a gem of an idea. But the numerous tangled plots leave this story of class struggle incomplete. At the heart is the story of two mothers (Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal) who decide to transform their children’s failing inner-city Pittsburgh school. They start the long bureaucratic process of taking over the school so they can run it, despite resistance from the faculty, administration, parents and the local teachers union. Those actions would be enough for any film. But the script by Brin Hill and director Daniel Barnz piles on the emotional fodder with storylines about dyslexia, learning disorders, marital problems and poverty. In an effort to serve them all, none gets complete attention. “Thomas & Friends: Muddy Matters”: Thomas and his friends go on a messy adventure. “Perry Mason: Season Eight, Volume Two”: Raymond Burr continues

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

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: JAN. 22 End of Watch - Universal Searching for Sugar Man - Sony

This Weekend / Page 5

JAN. 29 The Cold Light of Day - Lionsgate/Summit Hotel Transylvania - Sony Paranormal Activity 4 - Paramount Seven Psychopaths - Sony FEB. 5 Alex Cross - Lionsgate/ Summit Celeste and Jesse Forever - Sony Flight - Paramount Here Comes the Boom - Sony FEB. 12 Bully - Anchor Bay The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Lionsgate/Summit Robot & Frank - Sony The Sessions - Fox Silent Hill: Revelation - Universal FEB. 19 Anna Karenina - Universal Fun Size - Paramount Sinister - Lionsgate/ Summit

Enjoy crab, live entertainment and more at Crab Fest on Saturday at the Camano Center on Camano Island

Inside

MARCH 5 Wreck-It Ralph - Disney n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

his legal winning ways. “I Am Bruce Lee”: Documentary on the life of the legendary martial artist. “Jackie Chan: Crime Story / The Protector”: DVD includes two Jackie Chan films. “Littlest Pet Shop: Little Pets, Big Adventures”: First DVD collection from the animated TV show. “The Chicago 8”: Gary Cole headlines a stellar cast. “Story of Math Collection”: Oxford professor Marcus du Sautoy offers a different look at the world of numbers. “Merlin: The Complete Fourth Season”: British series starring Colin Morgan. “Taken 2”: Liam Neeson stars in this sequel to the 2008 release “Taken.” “Waking the Dead: The Complete Season Seven”: Trevor Eve stars. “Bill Moyers: Becoming American”: The story of Chinese Americans. “Stone of Destiny”: A college student reignites Scottish national pride with a raid on the heart of England. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Get Involved.................................. 12 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 13 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Out & About.............................16-17 Richard Roeper............................. 18 Movie Listings, Mini-Reviews...... 19

Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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Thursday, January 17, 2013 - E3

WEDDINGS

SKAGIT WEDDING SHOW THE SHOWCASE TO MEET YOUR WEDDING NEEDS

Skagit Valley Herald staff

Given our current snap of chilly weather, it may not feel like wedding season, but preparations for spring, summer and fall nuptials are in full swing. Everything that brides, grooms and planners may need will be on display Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Skagit Wedding Show, to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge Wa Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. The event will deliver an opportunity to connect with bridal vendors in a variety of categories, according to a news release. Included on the schedule is a 3 p.m. fashion show, prize drawings and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man Caveâ&#x20AC;? for grooms- and fathers-in-laws to be. Tickets may be purchased online until Friday, Jan. 18, at www.skagitweddingshow.com for $8, or at the door for $10. For more information, visit the website or call 360-428-5972.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

OS ANGELES — Time to fish out that Planet Hollywood sweat shirt from the back of the closet, pull on the leg warmers and wriggle into those fingerless gloves. The ’80s are back. Or, more specifically, in a trend that may raise your hair to teased heights of yesteryear, three vintage ’80s action heroes will be kicking down the doors of multiplexes in the coming weeks. Can nostalgia and testosterone coexist? A look at the upcoming wisecracking, explosive adventures starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

Bruce Willis, 57 The movie: “A Good Day to Die Hard” (Feb. 14). The (anticipated) catchphrase: “We’re not a hugging family.” Saving the world from: Russki no-goodniks. Last time in the saddle: Schooled Joseph GordonLevitt on life, love and vengeance in the bloody, trippy sci-fi mind-bender “Looper” last fall. Obligatory AARPendorsed reference to aging: Riding up an elevator with Jai Courtney, playing Jack McClane, son to Willis’ John, a Muzak version of “Ode to Joy” tinkles in the background while father and son lock and load. “I guess you’ve done this before?” a passenger asks. Jack: “Don’t encourage him.” Return to action: The fifth entry in the “Die Hard” franchise sends McClane to Moscow with a story that incorporates elements from a host of film formulas — the fish out of water, the buddy movie, the estranged father-and-son, apple-never-falls-far-fromthe-tree routine. “It’s a little bit of a call-

owns nearly as much time in the trailer as the 65-yearold Schwarzenegger. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t exactly signal that this movie will return the former governor to relevance. Then again, Kim has made six diverse movies, and they’re all solid.

Sylvester Stallone, 66 The movie: “Bullet to the Head” (Feb. 1). The (anticipated) catchphrase: “Bang. Down. Own.” Saving society from: Coldblooded condo builders. Last time in the saddle: Stallone starred in the two fossil-fueled “Expendables” blow-‘em-ups, co-writing both and directing the first. Forest Whitaker (left) and A third is in the works … Arnold Schwarzenegger star with Jackie Chan! in “The Last Stand.” Obligatory AARPLionsgate via MCT endorsed reference to aging: Stallone and partner sit in a car while Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” plays on the stereo. Partner: “You mind if we listen to something from this century?” Stallone: Stony silence. (Perhaps a single tear rolls down cheek afterward?) Return to action: “It’s a retro movie, a homage to the action films of the 1980s,” says writer-director Walter Hill, who, as the man behind the “48 Hrs.” films, knows a thing or two Story by GLENN WHIPP / Los Angeles Times about the particular subset of this genre. “People call them buddy movies, but, back to the culture shock franchise sequel “Terdrug kingpin. He came to me, that doesn’t work. Arnold John McClane felt in the minator 3: Rise of the away impressed with his They’re partners forced Schwarzenegger, 65 first movie as a New York Machines,” an efficient and, star. together. They don’t like The movie: “The Last cop in L.A.,” producer at times, exhilarating entry “I have always felt that each other. They’re antiWyck Godfrey says. “Only Stand” (Jan. 18). in the series. the best of any industry buddy movies, really.” The (anticipated) catchnow he’s older, even more Obligatory AARPembodies unique qualiYippee ki-yay or yippee set in his ways, and in Rus- phrase: “I am the sheriff!” endorsed reference to ties, and Arnold was no ki-yawn? At its premiere Saving society from: sia. That’s a problem.” aging: Diner manager: exception,” Kim says. “If I in November at the Rome Mexican drug cartels. Yippee ki-yay or yippee “How are you, Sheriff?” were to pick just three of Film Festival, the movie Last time in the saddle: Schwarzenegger: “Old!” ki-yawn? Marketing matethe smartest people I have earned solid reviews as Aside from cameos in Stalrials equally split between Return to action: Kore- met during my two years in a lively enough “48 Hrs.” explosions and Beethoven. lone’s old-dog “Expendan director Kim Jee-woon the United States, Arnold knockoff that showcased Willis already talking about ables” romps, Ah-nold’s makes his American debut would be one of them.” Stallone’s timeless ability last starring role came in a sixth film. Die-hards in this tale of a border town Yippee ki-yay or yippee to dish out both punches the 2003 pre-Governator and tough-guy quips. might be satisfied. sheriff chasing an escaped ki-yawn? Luis Guzman

’80s heroes Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Willis take aim at new villains

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 17, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area

Crab Fest

SWING DANCE The Mount Vernon High School jazz bands will present a swing dance from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Christ The King Church, 2111 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. Enjoy dance lessons, live music, silent auction, dessert sale and raffle. $6, $10 couple, $20 family. Proceeds will benefit the MVHS band and orchestra boosters. 360-428-6100, ext. 21417, or 360-848-7773

The annual event will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Enjoy a whole Dungeness crab, with side dishes, dessert and more. Swingnuts Jazz will provide live entertainment. A cash bar will be available. $20. 360387-0222 or www. camanocenter.org

STAR PARTY Explore the

WINTER FILM SERIES â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contactâ&#x20AC;? is up next in the Anacortes Public Library series at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Academy Award nominee Nick Alphin introduces and share insights about each selection in the Friday night series. Free. Jodie Foster (pictured) stars as Dr. Ellie Arroway, an astronomer who finds conclusive proof of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Chosen as a candidate to make first contact, she overcomes a number of challenges before embarking on a mind-blowing trip in a complex machine built from plans encrypted in the message from space. Adapted from a sci-fi novel by Carl Sagan. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org

night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas beginning at dark Friday, Jan. 18, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. No telescope is needed and all ages are welcome. Dress warmly. Canceled if cloudy. Free. For information, call Dan Pullen at 360-679-7664 or www.icas-wa.webs.com.

JAZZ AT THE CAMANO CENTER The Brian Cunningham Quartet will perform from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $20, $10 students ages 17 and younger. 360-387-0222

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Dawn Richard “Goldenheart”

As a member of Diddy-Dirty Money and Danity Kane, Dawn Richard was impressive. As a solo artist, she’s extraordinary. Her solo debut, “Goldenheart,” is an R&B field day of progressive, electronic and smooth sounds that play like one amazing musical adventure. Her unique voice — which echoes Brandy — glides over each song like magic as she sings about heartache and breaking through in the music industry (check out “Return of a Queen.”) And Richard, who co-wrote the 16-track independent release, doesn’t skip a beat. “Goldenheart” isn’t just golden, it’s grand. n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Yo La Tengo “Fade”

Yo La Tengo’s continued relevance 27 years into their career is remarkable. The Hoboken, N.J., trio of Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew have yet to release a bad album, and they’ve made a handful of great ones. “Fade” is one of them. With producer John McEntire of postrock experimenters Tortoise, they’ve created an album that is intimate and thoughtful, urgent and fun. The band hasn’t reinvented itself. No need, since Yo La Tengo’s expertise in catchy, jangly rock, gentle acoustic folkpop, and noisy feedback excursions allows endless room for triangulation. But they have added new colorations over the years. Credit McEntire for helping with the swelling strings in “It’s Not Enough” and “Before We Run,” the precise, giddy funk of “Well You Better,” and the motorik chug of “Stupid Things.” And while the album eschews epic guitar solos, it has room for electric rave-ups such as “Ohm” and “Paddle Forward.” Yo La Tengo is still looking to build on what they’ve perfected, to shine and not fade away. n Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Christopher Owens

of script — musically and lyrically — and you’ve got quite a stunner. What’s audacious about “Long Live” “Lysandre” is how eagerly A$AP jumps before sonic booms provided by producer/elecLast summer, tronic music-makers Skrillex and Danger Christopher Owens Mouse. announced that he The former provides A$AP with was breaking up a juiced-up mix of weird reggae and Girls, the kind-of-glammy rock band with screeching noise. The latter offers him whom he and chief collaborator J.R. White billowing rain clouds through which to released two terrific records, “Album” dance and loll. (1999) and “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” Vocal guests such as Santigold (on the (2011). hooky “Hell”), Drake and Kendrick Lamar “Lysandre,” the lanky songwriter and are good, ample duet partners. But Rocky sometime fashion model’s first solo outing, is his own best friend, especially on “Sudis a concept album he has described as “a denly,” on which he co-produces the watery coming-of-age story, a road trip story, a love house track and its character-filled storystory.” In short, it’s an autobiographical tale line. In 2013’s second week, we surely have a about falling in love with a French girl in year’s-end best. San Francisco, following her home across the Atlantic, and — quelle surprise! — end- n A.D. Amorosi,The Philadelphia Inquirer ing up with a broken heart. At many points, “Lysandre,” named after ‘The Return the paramour in question, is too precious by half, and its delicately baroque, borderof The Stuff ing-on-easy-listening arrangements lack That Dreams the muscle that put the power in Girls’ pop. Owens is a classic-rock craftsman at heart, Are Made Of’ and there are plenty of pleasures to be had Various artists in sticky tunes such as the freewheeling This two-CD set “Here We Go Again” and the sax-happy of American tradi“New York City,” but “Lysandre” gets the tional music of the year in indie off to a mildly disappointing 1920s is a sequel start. that, instead of focusing on rarities as the n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer 2006 original did, hones in on what the liner notes call “the great, iconic recordings A$AP Rocky that no collection should be without.” Thus you get many well-known names, “Long Live A$AP” such as bluesmen Charley Patton, Blind Willie Johnson and Furry Lewis, and, on the A$AP Rocky country side, Uncle Dave Macon and His sums up the last few Fruit Jar Drinkers, Charlie Poole and the of his 24 years on North Carolina Ramblers, and Eck Robertthe plush and lovely son and Family. “Suddenly” when he The mix of blues and country — Geeshie intones, with wonder, the phrase “from ugly Wiley’s haunting “Last Kind Words Blues” to comfortably.” followed by Carter Brothers and Son’s Just-out-of-the-gate rappers rarely Cajun-flavored fiddle tune “Old Jaw Bone,” espouse happy bewilderment so nakedly, Lulu Jackson’s wrenching “Little Rosewood busy as they are with hard heartlessness. Casket” sandwiched between a polka and Such emotional openness is part of the a reel — make for a comprehensive and charm of rap/hip-hop’s $3 million man. highly entertaining overview of the sound The Harlem-raised Rocky shows gentle of rural America at the time, one that also shock and awe while remaining raw and illuminates the ties that run among the true to rap’s street code throughout this seemingly disparate musical strains. debut artist album. Add to that his fluid changes of speed and flow and his flips n Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Jessie Ware

“If You’re Never Gonna Move EP” Though she was first heard singing vocals for U.K. acts like Joker and SBTRKT, South Londoner Jessie Ware strikes out on her own — providing a much-needed injection into the British music scene and giving Emeli Sande some breathing space. Ware’s U.S. debut EP, “If You’re Never Gonna Move,” is a collection of sophisticated nu-soul tunes, intelligent beats and blissful, soothing Sade-esque vocals. Relationships and lust are central themes, and the delivery is heartfelt, soulful and unobtrusive. The title track is a melodic dream about chasing love, and “Devotion” is a downtempo love letter. And “Sweet Talk,” a 1980s-laced groove, is a pop gem, much like Ware herself. “Devotion,” her Mercury Prize-nominated U.K. full-length debut album, will be released April 2 in America. Can’t wait. n Reetu Rupal, Associated Press

Ryan Truesdell

“Notes on Centennial” Composer Ryan Truesdell has pulled off a monumental feat of detective work. Working in archives for bandleaders such as Claude Thornhill and interviewing musicians such as trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, Truesdell has discovered more than 50 works by legendary composer and arranger Gil Evans that were neither recorded nor released. Truesdell released what he considered the 12 best on this CD last year to honor the 100th anniversary of Evans’ birth. Certainly anyone who knows Evans’ classic work for Miles Davis, such as “Sketches of Spain,” will appreciate what Truesdell has done. But I found the music a mixed bag, both intriguing and uninteresting. Yes, it was great to have these works excavated, but some carried on too long. So the result felt a bit academic, filling in important blanks but not adding much either. n Karl Stark, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 17, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

“DmC: Devil May Cry”

of the franchise. He’s younger, with an attitude that is just as heavy on revenge as it is on millennial aloofness toward the Platforms: Play world. When the ground suddenly opens Station 3, Xbox up and demons start threatening him and 360, PC his world, it takes massive earthquakes Genre: Action and explosions for him to decide to actuPublisher: Capcom ally put on clothes. ESRB Rating: M, Looking past the character, the game for Mature play is top-notch. No matter what weapGrade: 3.5 stars on Dante wields, the act of taking out (out of 5) enemies by bullet or blade feels smooth and responsive. Linking up attacks into Almost a half-decade has passed since combos doles out heavy punishment that Dante sliced apart a “hellscape” full of rewards you both in carnage and the souls demons, and if I may say so, no one should you collect to purchase upgrades. have to wait that long again. The boss battles, unfortunately, leave “DmC” does not offer up any classic you wanting more after all the work you 1980s hip-hop (sorry, I can barely even undertake to reach them. They all play out say or write the title of this game without as predictable wait-and-attack scenarios instantly conjuring up beats from Runthat we’ve all experienced countless times DMC). Instead, it serves up ghoulish crea- before and don’t add anything new to the tures that are primed and ready for the action. Once you complete the game, the sharp end of a sword, scythe or ax. option to replay at more difficult settings The Dante of “DmC” certainly fits with exists for those dedicated to slaying perthe intent of this game being a reboot fection.

“Little Inferno”

Platform: Wii U Genre: Arcade Publisher: Tomorrow Corporation ESRB Rating: T, for Teen Grade: 2.5 stars In the bleakness of winter, when your bones shiver and even the thickest of fleece fails to return feeling to your extremities, the warmth of a fire can bring feelings of comfort back to one’s life. “Little Inferno” takes this notion and gives it a Tim Burton-like spin, thrusting you into a snowy and dingy city where temperatures are dropping quicker than the snowflakes. Your only way to survive is a fireplace cheekily advertised as a children’s toy, the Little Inferno Entertainment Fireplace. With it you burn everything in your possession, and I mean everything. Toys, TVs, household appliances, office

equipment — anything you can get your hands on. As you burn, baby, burn, you earn money that you then spend in catalogs to buy more products and set them ablaze. The game won’t occupy your time for days on end since the whole story, if you wish to call it that, lasts less than 10 hours. This means the burn-somethingbuy-something-burn-something repetition doesn’t last long enough to become mindnumbing. Visually, the game surprises with its inventive ways of how certain objects slowly turn to ash (or quickly, depending on the item). You can unlock more coins by pairing objects together and unlocking combos for greater reward, and in these moments the game creates the most glee by watching random items perish in the pyre together while racking up the coins. A game all about putting things in a fire means it’s awfully accessible to just about anyone. The experience won’t come close to winning any Game of the Year awards, but the simple act of watching everything burn up does have merit.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, January 17, 2013

TRAVEL

Bangkok mapmaker still needed in digital age

Apichart Weerawong / AP

Nancy Chandler (left), a map creator, and her daughter Nima Chandler, who does primary research for the maps, talk during an interview at a hotel in Bangkok. Savvy visitors simply ditch those digital devices in favor of a much simpler BANGKOK — Navigatnavigational aid: The handing the streets of Bangkok held paper maps of American challenge even the most can artist Nancy Chandler, seasoned of travelers. whose colorful descriptions Roads wind into each of Bangkok have gained other instead of running par- a cult-like following since allel. Narrow alleyways loop they launched nearly four into dead ends. decades ago. The hodgepodge rouChandler produced the tinely stumps Google Maps first map in 1974 as in inset and GPS devices, and even in Sawaddi, a magazine prothe main waterway, the duced by the local American Chao Phraya River, weaves Women’s Club. “It was more through the city like a child’s like a group of women going messy squiggle as opposed to to the market and taking a clean, sharp line. notes,” recalled Chandler, By ELISA MALA Associated Press

now 74, of the initial project. But when the organization commissioned a second printing of the now-defunct magazine for “people who kept calling for the magazine with the map,” she said, members of the group insisted that she had a viable business on her hands. The maps have been updated ever since, with the oldest of Nancy’s three daughters, Nima Chandler, acting as chief of research for the past 14 years. The business, called Nancy Chandler Graphics, also now offers maps of the smaller

neighborhood of Old Bangkok, the northern city of Chiang Mai, and later this year, the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, and has expanded to sell greeting cards, wrapping paper, mugs and coloring books that portray aspects of Thai culture as well. The maps have remained popular in part because they offer much more than just a way to get from one place to another. They also offer carefully curated recommendations. Rather than depicting a traditional city layout, or

firing off a laundry list of attractions in the style of a guidebook, Chandler’s maps combine the best of both worlds, plotting destinations while adding pithy advice or useful tips about what to expect. The expertise comes from meticulous research and well-placed connections. “If we stopped selling maps,” said Nancy Chandler, “we could become taxi drivers.” Mother and daughter also offer contrasting approaches to what makes the cut. Nancy Chandler remains nostalgic for classic sites like

the Chao Praya River “just for the fresh air,” and Chinatown, a neighborhood that she says has changed very little, “because I love old buildings.” Nima Chandler, in contrast, is excited by newer, trendier places like the Bangkok Tree House, a rare eco-friendly hotel that also houses an organic restaurant, and Mr. Jones’ Orphanage Milk Bar, a high-concept dessert joint recently opened by Ashley Sutton, an Australian entrepreneur who has launched several other successful eateries around town.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 17, 2013 - E9

TRAVEL Here are a few of the mapmaking Chandlers’ tips on how visitors to Bangkok can make sense of the city: n Thais love nicknames. One of the city’s main thoroughfares, Sukhumvit Road, originates in Bangkok and extends more than 250 miles into the countryside. The Bangkok-based portion, popular for its street vendors, restaurants and nightlife, is intersected by dozens of sois, or streets, that are evenly numbered along one side and oddly numbered along the other. But the even-and-odd pairs don’t always run parallel: soi 53, for example, becomes soi 36 once it passes through Sukhumvit. As the map notes, “when travelling to this area, refer to sois by their nicknames” if they exist. Any mention of Thong Lo (soi 55) or Ekkamai (soi 63) will be instantly recognized by locals and taxi drivers. Likewise, locals refer to Chinatown as Yaowarat, the name of the street that runs through it. n Get a phone number for your destination and know what’s nearby. For example, it might be easier for your taxi driver to find the Little Home Bakery,

Local travel

a culinary mainstay since 1951, if you say that it’s a block from Wat Sakhet, a well-known temple. Getting directions over the phone might also be preferable to whipping out your GPS. Taxi drivers often hail from poorer regions and might be newcomers themselves, and while “Thais learn provincial maps in school,” they mainly study political boundaries but not necessarily city layouts, according to Nima Chandler. n Opening hours can be unpredictable. Popular destinations might be open earlier or later than expected, or be closed on random days of the week. Don’t grab lunch at Asiatique, a newly opened waterfront shopping complex — it’s only open from 5 p.m. until midnight. Chatuchak Weekend Market, a gigantic open-air bazaar and one of the city’s most popular attractions, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but hosts a flower market on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. n Beware of name changes. According to Nima Chandler, newly opened restaurants sometimes shut-

returning to Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead “ACROSS NORTHERN Road, Camano Island. FRANCE”: 7 p.m. Wednes- 360-387-0222 or www. day, Jan. 30, Anacortes camanocenter.org. Public Library, 1220 10th Frye Museum and St., Anacortes. Cultural Volunteer Park Consertraveler Rudy Gahler vatory Tour: Tuesday, describes his “Road Feb. 12: Enjoy a docent Scholar” trip to Brittany tour of the 60-year-old and Normandy, complete Frye Museum, lunch in with historical notes. Free. its cafe, and then tour the 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or 100-year-old conservatory. library.cityofanacortes. $21-$26, includes tour and org. transportation. Lunch on your own. Pay by Jan. 29. DAY TRIPS: Camano Center offers trips SHORT TRIPS: Mount for seniors and othVernon Parks and Recreers, departing from and ation offers travel oppor-

ter or change names within a matter of weeks, which is why the Chandler women update their site — www. nancychandler.net — about once a month. Do what the mapmakers do: If in doubt, call ahead to confirm. n Look beyond the brochures. Near the backpacker haven of Khao San Road, Wat Bowonniwet is well-known as the Buddhist temple where the country’s beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, served his monkhood. Lesser-known facts are that he designed the onsite water wheel, and that the temple houses the country’s only library of ancient funeral books, tomes that document the lives of the dead. So keep an eye out — a site’s most memorable quirks might not be advertised. n Not everything goes in Bangkok. Sleeves are required for all Buddhist temples, while flip-flops are banned from most night clubs. As the map points out, smoking is banned on the outdoor grounds of Chatuchak Market: “Step outside the market if you must, or risk at 2,000 baht fine.”

tunities for ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). For information or to register, call 360336-6215. Next up: Olympia Capitol Tour and Exploration: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, Mount Vernon. Enjoy a private tour of the Legislature building, no-host lunch and exploration of more local and historical attractions around Olympia. $61-$63. Register by Feb. 27.

E10 Thursday, January 17, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 17-27 Thursday.17

Friday.25

MUSIC

THEATER

Early Music Series: “The Sun King’s Music”: 7:30 p.m., Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center, 27130 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $15 suggested donation, free for ages 18 and younger. 360-629-6110 or www.salishseafestival.org.

Friday.18 MAGIC

“The Magic Chamber”: Joey Pipia, 7 p.m., The Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. $20. Tickets at Watermark Book Company, 612 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360-293-4277; 800-8383006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

MUSIC

Early Music Series: “The Sun King’s Music”: 7:30 p.m., Croatian Cultural Center, 801 Fifth St., Anacortes. $15, free for ages 12 and younger. 360-293-4930 or www.anacortesartsfoundation.org.

Saturday.19 MUSIC

Dailey & Vincent (bluegrass): 8 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $20-$42 plus applicable fees. 360-734-6080 or www.mount bakertheatre.com.

Sunday.20 MUSIC

Jazz at the Camano Center: Brian Cunningham Quartet, 4 to 7 p.m., Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $20, $10 students ages 17 and younger. 360-387-0222.

Monday-Thursday.21-24 No events submitted

Thursday, January 17, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $14, $12 seniors (62 and older) and students. Includes dessert. 360-424-5144 or www.altatheatre.com. “Steel Magnolias” (comedy/drama): 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

Saturday.26 COMEDY

Brian Boshes, Gabe Rutledge: 8 p.m., Max Dale’s Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. $10. 360-4247171 or www.maxdales.com. “Whose Live Anyway”: featuring comedians Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Joel Murray and Jeff Davis, 9 p.m., WaWalton Event Center, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Ages 21 and older. $35-$65. 855-794-6563 or www.swinomishcasinoandlodge.com.

THEATER

Sunday.27 MUSIC

Skagit Symphony Family Concert: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Children’s activities start at 1:15 p.m. followed by the concert featuring music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Sousa and more. $10. Free for ages 15 and younger accompanied by a ticketholding adult. 360-416-7727 or www. mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” (comedy): Alger Lookout Thespian Association, 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. $10. 360-424-5144 or www. altatheatre.com.

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 17-24

SATURDAY.26 “WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY” Featuring comedians Ryan Stiles (pictured), Greg Proops, Joel Murray and Jeff Davis, 9 p.m., Wa-Walton Event Center, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Ages 21 and older. $35$65. 855-794-6563 or www.swinomishcasino andlodge.com.

FRIDAY.18 PROZAC MOUNTAIN BOYS 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-445-3000.

THURSDAY.17 Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360-9271949 or www.redlight bellingham.com.

SATURDAY.19 JOE SNEVA AND THE SWEET DOMINIQUES CD RELEASE PARTY 10 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S First. St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-336-3626.

FRIDAY.18 Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-7550165.

Prozac Mountain Boys (bluegrass): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-4453000.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Tiller’s Folly: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Red House: 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

Kithkin, Palisades, Specters: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

Wyatt Parks and the Mute Choir, Isaac Pierce: 10 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-927-1949 or www.redlight bellingham.com.

$cratch Daddy: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., The Bullpen, 701 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-588-4508.

Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-757-9687 for guest sign-in.

SATURDAY.19 Tony & The Tigers: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-7666330.

Joe Sneva and the Sweet Dominiques CD Release Party (surf, reggae, folk): 10 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S First. St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-336-3626.

Mia Vermillion & Kevin Sutton (blues, jazz, folk): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $12 cover. 360445-3000.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Joyride: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360755-3956.

SUNDAY.20 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf. St., Sedro-Woolley. 360855-2263.

Bobby Holland & the Breadliners: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Devotion, Rookery, So Adult: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

TUESDAY.22 Terry Nelson & Friends: 4 to 8 p.m., The Station House, 315 E. Morris St., La Conner. No cover. 360-466-4488.

Bow Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Robert Blake, Nick Jaina, Esme Patterson: 10 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-927-1949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.

Troy Fair Band: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360766-6266.

Jack Mattingly & Whiskey Fever: 7 to 9 p.m., Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. 360-826-3406 or www.birdsviewbrewingcompany.com.

Southbound (Southern rock): 8 p.m., Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood. No cover. 360-6294800 or www. cyndysbroiler. com.

WEDNESDAY.23 Fidalgo Swing: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 7 to 11 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-7579687 for guest sign-in.

THURSDAY.24 Marcia Kester (country, rock, blues, pop): 6 to 8 p.m., Anacortes Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St., Anacortes. Call 360-7579687 for guest sign-in.

Rattletrap Ruckus: 8 p.m., Redlight, 1017 N. State St., Bellingham. Free. 360-927-1949 or www.redlightbelling ham.com.