360 January 23 2014 full by Skagit Publishing

A family concert for ages ‘9 to 93’ PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday January 23, 2014

Reviews

Tuning Up

Movies

Music: Young the Giant, Leo Welch Video Games: “Wii Fit U”

The JP Falcon Band plays the Longhorn Saloon on Saturday

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” is your run-of-the-mill thriller stuff

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Captain Phillips”: Based on actual events in 2009 off the coast of Somalia, the film tells the story of a handful of pirates who take over a freighter being helmed by Capt. Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) in an attempt to earn millions in ransom dollars. The right casting starts with Hanks, who adds another Oscar-caliber (although he wasn’t nominated) performance to his already stellar résumé. This is the latest performance that has Hanks playing an average man forced into extraordinary circumstances. His work is powerful, whether it’s in the role of protector or helpless victim. Hanks keeps the role grounded and that’s why it is so easy to relate to the performance. “Blue Jasmine”: Woody Allen’s latest film — the sobering tale of a fall from grandeur — travels such a similar path to Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” that a better name for the film would have been “A Trolley Car Named Jasmine.” Jasmine’s ride is not nearly as dramatic as Blanche DuBois’ emotional deconstruction in “Streetcar,” but her journey is made tolerable by an Oscar-worthy performance by Cate Blanchett. Blanchett carries most of the acting load, but she’s not alone. As is the case with many Allen movies, the director tends to get superb performances out of supporting players. “Instructions Not Included”: The film works because it starts with a simple story. Valentín’s (Eugenio Derbez) carefree playboy life comes to an end when his ex-girlfriend Julie (Jessica Lindsey) drops off the baby daughter he didn’t know he had and heads back to the United States. The only recourse Valentín has is to travel from Acapulco, Mexico, to Los Angeles to find the missing mom. Through a series of light comedy events, Valentín ends up staying in the United States, where he has a newfound job as a stuntman. Things seem perfect until Julie returns. “Machette Kills”: Danny Trejo reprises his role as the ex-Federale agent who is recruited by the president to take on an impossible mission. “All Is Lost”: A lone sailor (Robert Redford) battles the dangers of the sea. “In a World …”: Father and daughter battle in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers. “NYPD Blue: Season Five”: ABC crime series starring Dennis Franz and

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

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change:

This Weekend / Page 5 Next up in the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series: “Hotel for Dogs”

JAN. 28 Bad Grandpa - Paramount Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Sony The Fifth Estate - Disney Last Vegas - Sony Rush - Universal FEB. 4 About Time - Universal Baggage Claim - Fox Cutie and the Boxer - Starz / Anchor Bay Dallas Buyers Club - Universal Free Birds - Fox Escape Plan - Summit / Lionsgate The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete - Lionsgate Romeo & Juliet - Fox FEB. 11 All is Lost - Lionsgate The Armstrong Lie - Sony Austenland - Sony The Best Man Holiday - Universal The Counselor - Fox Diana - Entertainment One Ender’s Game - Summit / Lionsgate Grace Unplugged - Lionsgate How I Live Now - Magnolia Life of a King - Millennium Spinning Plates - Inception

Inside

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Jimmy Smits. “Space Voyages”: Smithsonian Channel’s look at challenges of modern space exploration. “The Starving Games”: Parody of “The Hunger Games.” “The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Trucks Versus Wild”: Includes 10 episodes. “Old Goats”: Taylor Guterson’s look at three men who don’t feel their ages. “White House Revealed”: Martin Sheen narrates this behind-the-scenes look at the famous address. “Knight of the Dead”: Knights must escort sacred artifact through zombieinfested valley. “Black Water Vampire”: Filmmakers look for the true story of the Black Water murders. “Best Man Down”: One man’s death is another man’s enlightening journey. “Raise the Titanic”: Special agent looks to recover critical material from the Titanic. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com, vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) 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

Get Involved........................................ 6 Eagle Festival Schedule...................... 7 At the Lincoln...................................... 7 Music, Video Game Reviews...........8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up....................10-11 Travel............................................12-13 Hot Tickets........................................ 14 Movies..........................................16-17 Out & About.................................18-19

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E3

MUSIC

Up close and personal with the Skagit Symphony Skagit Symphony Family Concert When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 Where: McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon Cost: $10 adults; ages 16 and under free

By KERA WANIELISTA @Kera_SVH

Families looking for something different — and affordable — to do this weekend should make sure to check out the Skagit Symphony’s family concert on Sunday at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. The Skagit Symphony hosts the concert every year, with kids 16 and under getting in free. Adults pay a reduced price, said Tami Laughlin, executive director of the Skagit Symphony. “Most people find that there’s something exciting about the symphony,” Laughlin said. “And a lot of our kids find there’s something exciting about the symphony.” The family concert is designed for “ages 9 to 93” Laughlin said, regardless of how familiar they

“The idea is even the arts, as well as music, are put together and organized, and that is done to express, and to feel and to share,” music director Roupen Shakarian said. This is the sixth year for the family concert, Shakarian said. The symphony hosts the show as a way to reach out to the community and share what they do. All symphony members are volunteers, Laughlin said, meaning kids get to see people from all walks of life and careers playing music. “Their musical training and playing an instrument helps them throughout fields,” she said. It’s not just the music that’s are with classical and symphonic important to Shakarian, it’s also music. Each part of the symphony the experience. Many people will be highlighted to increase don’t get the chance, or wouldn’t understanding of how the symknow to take the chance, to see phony works. the symphony.

Skagit Symphony conductor Roupen Shakarian

“I think it’s not so much as the art itself is important, which it is,” Shakarian said. “But it’s if they don’t have the opportunity, how will they know?” The concert will begin at 2 p.m., but people who show up early may get the chance to see some of the musicians, and their instruments, in the lobby. Kids (and adults) will be able to touch some of the instruments. Adult tickets are just $10. The Skagit Symphony will also host a free show for all Skagit County fifth-graders on Friday, Jan. 24. For more information about the Skagit Symphony, visit skagit symphony.com. n Reporter Kera Wanielista: 360416-2141, kwanielista@skagitpublishing.com, Twitter: @Kera_SVH, facebook.com/KeraReports

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

MUSIC

SEATTLE’S MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS LOOK LIKE LEADING GRAMMY CONTENDERS By GLENN GAMBOA Newsday

NEW YORK — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have managed a pretty nifty trick: They are underdogs who are leading the pack. The Seattle hip-hop duo went from unknowns to arena-filling stars in the course of a year or so, and their No. 1 smashes “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” made them the first duo in history to have their first two singles top the charts. In what may be their biggest accomplishment yet, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis go into Grammy night with the best shot to take home the biggest awards. They have seven nominations overall and are the only artists with nominations in three of the top four categories — including album of the year for “The Heist,” song of the year for “Same Love” and best new artist. “Seven is unbelievable,” Lewis told CNN after the nominations were announced. “We came here hoping for one.” For the year, Jay Z actually tops the nominations with nine. However, he was nominated twice in two categories, making him eligible to win only seven awards, just like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams. What makes their nominations success even more surprising is that they released “The Heist,” which went platinum last year, on their own Macklemore label. Everything about the project had an indie, do-it-yourself vibe that challenged business as usual in the music industry. And now, it seems, the music industry is ready to reward them for it over previous Grammy darlings, including Timberlake, who got shut out of the top categories even though his album “The 20/20 Experience” was his first

56th annual Grammys Featuring performances by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Sara Bareilles and Carole King, Robin Thicke and Chicago, Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers, P!nk and Nate Ruess, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and others When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 TV: KIRO, Channel 7 Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform during halftime of Sunday’s NFC championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers in Seattle. Ted S. Warren / AP

in seven years and the biggestselling album of 2013. Instead of using the usual go-to hip-hop collaborators to appear on their songs — like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne or Pharrell — the duo went with lesserknown artists from the Seattle area. “Thrift Shop” features an appearance from 52-year-old soul singer Wanz. “Can’t Hold Us” has 22-year-old newcomer Ray Dalton singing the chorus. And “Same Love” includes 24-yearold singer-songwriter Mary Lambert on the hook. The unconventional team also created some unconventional themes for hip-hop. “Thrift Shop” challenges the widely held hip-hop ideal of using expensive

clothes and designer labels to convey status. “I am stuntin’ and flossin’ and savin’ my money and I’m hella happy that’s a bargain,” Macklemore declares, before questioning why anyone would pay $50 for a T-shirt. For “Same Love,” Macklemore simply declares his support for same-sex marriage by telling his own personal stories and bringing Lambert in to sing about hers. By using hip-hop to drive his point home, Macklemore questions the genre’s ongoing use of homophobic slurs without battling over it. He just offers another rarely seen outlook. “A certificate on paper isn’t gonna solve it all, but it’s a damn good place to start,” Macklemore

The duo’s conscience-raising actions and their unorthodox approach, as well as their unquestionable commercial success, should gain them plenty of votes from the Recording Academy, which likes to recognize all of those qualities. Of course, there could be some spoilers. New Zealand teen Lorde has several of the same qualities going for her with her smash “Royals,” which is up for record of the year and song of the year, as is Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven.” And the hip-hop establishment hasn’t been completely supportive of Macklemore & Ryan raps. “No law is gonna change us. Lewis, which will actually make We have to change us.” it tougher for them to win in the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ rap categories — voted on only outsider attitude even extends by those working in the rap field to their acceptance speeches for — than in the general categories, awards. At the American Music which are voted on by all memAwards, after the duo won for bers of the Recording Academy. favorite rap/hip-hop album, “Up until a year, a year and Macklemore skipped the usual a half ago, we were an underthank yous and referenced Tray- ground rap group that only a von Martin, the unarmed Florida small percentage of the populateen shot and killed in 2012. tion knew about,” Macklemore “I want to acknowledge Tray- told MTV News after the nomivon Martin and the hundreds and nations were announced. hundreds of kids each year that “I never thought that our music are dying due to racial profiling would affect this many people and and the violence that follows be heard by this many people. It’s it,” he said. “It’s time that we the highest honor. It’s the peak look out for the youth and fight of what you strive for in terms of against racism and the laws that being recognized for the music protect it.” that you make.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area GALAXIES, NEBULAS & PLANETS Explore the night sky and check out distant galaxies, nebulas and planets beginning at dark Friday, Jan. 24, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. Island County Astronomical Society members will provide an assortment of telescopes for viewing. All ages are welcome. Free. The event will be canceled if cloudy. 360-679-7664 or icas-wa.webs. com.

ANTIQUES DISCOVERY The American Association of University Women and Littl’ Bits Antique Store will host the seventh annual Antiques Discovery from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. Evaluations will be performed by certified appraisers. $10 per item, limit three items. For tickets or more information, call 360-422-5341.

B&G AUCTION The Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club will hold the club’s sixth annual Winter Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the SedroWoolley Community Center, 703 Pacific St. Enjoy a pasta dinner, silent auction, raffle and kids’ activities. $10, tickets available at the club, at the event, at skagitraisesgreatkids.org or by calling 360-856-1830.

POETRY READING Northwest poets Linda Bierds, Michael Bonacci, Alice Derry and Lorraine Ferra will read from their work from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 First St., La Conner. Books will be on sale for the poets to sign. Donations at the door will support the May 15-18 Skagit River Poetry Festival in La Conner. skagitriverpoetry.org.

Winter Film Series “Hotel for Dogs” is the next entry in the Anacortes Public Library’s Winter Film Series, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. The comedy stars Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin as orphans who hide their dog at an abandoned hotel. Transforming the hotel into a paradise for dogs, they take in all the local strays, but the barking

alerts animal control. The two animal lovers must call on all their assets to save the secret shelter. Nick Alphin, Academy Award nominee and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will introduce the film and provide background information. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

GET INVOLVED ART

museumofnwart.org. Next up: MV ARTS COMMISSION: “Basic Weaving”: 11 The Mount Vernon Arts a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Commission meeting for Saturday, Feb. 8. Learn January has been reschedsimple weaving techniques uled to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, using affordable materials Jan. 30, in the conference — basic techniques suitroom at Hillcrest Park, 1717 able for young children and S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. more complex methods for 360-336-6215. those who love puzzles and patterns. CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS: Burlington Parks MOSAIC YARD ART: and Recreation is looking The four-week class will for qualified instructors meet from 10 a.m. to noon to expand its enrichment Wednesdays at the Anaclasses for youths and cortes Senior Center, 1701 adults. To download an 22nd St., Anacortes. Learn instructor’s packet, visit how to make mosaic art burlingtonwa.gov and click for your yard or home. $50. on the “Instructors NeedAll supplies and tools will ed” tab. For information, be provided to make a bird call 360-755-9649 or email bath for your garden. Sign recreation@burlingtonwa. up at the reception desk gov. or call JoAnne at 360 3991180.

set plan and a description of the director’s vision for the play for Whidbey Playhouse, including any specific production requirements. The playhouse is located at 730 Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. 360-679-2237 or office@whidbeyplayhouse. com.

and instruction book to class. Digital SLR Camera: 6 to 8:30 p.m. today or Wednesday, Jan. 29. $25 per class, payable by cash or check. RSVP: 360809-0661 or email andy porterphotography@gmail. com.

YOUTH THEATRE: McIntyre Hall is offering a series of performing arts MUSIC workshops for ages 6 to SKAGIT VALLEY MUSIC 12 at 2501 E. College Way, CLUB: The club welcomes Mount Vernon. All classes performers, listeners and are held at 1 p.m. Sunguests to join the fun at 1:45 days. Tickets are free but p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at required and available by Vasa Hall, 1805 Cleveland calling 360-416-7727, ext. 2, St., Mount Vernon. Come or by visiting mcintyrehall. and sing, play an instrument org. or just enjoy the music. Feb. 9: Let’s Play: Free. For information, call Explore a variety of theater Marsha Pederson at 360games and improvisational 757-4906. exercises with Philip Prudhomme from the Anacortes ART CLASSES Community Theater. THEATER AUDITIONS FAMILY ART DAYS AT Feb. 23: Global Rhythm: CALL FOR DIRECTORS: MoNA: The Museum of “THE OUTSIDERS”: Discover music and basic Whidbey Playhouse is Northwest Art offers Fam- META Performing Arts music concepts with drumlooking for directors for ily Art Days each month will hold auditions at 6 p.m. mer Mary Ellen Hodges its 2014-15 season. The at MoNA, 121 S. First St., Tuesday and Wednesday, using drums, shakers and DANCE Playhouse is looking for La Conner. Sessions are Jan. 28-29, at the Lincoln other instruments. five professionally pubopen to ages 5 and older at Theatre, 712 S. First St., FOLK DANCING: Skagitlished full-length comedies, all skill levels and include Mount Vernon. Parts are Anacortes Folkdancers WORKSHOPS dramatic comedies, draguided walk-throughs of available for five teen meet at 7 p.m. most Tuesmas, mysteries, revues or MoNA exhibitions. Limited women, 10 to 15 teen men days at the Bayview Civic S-W PHOTO WORKmusicals. Directors may be SHOPS: Nationally known to 15 participants per sesand five varied adult roles. Hall, 12615 C St., Mount sion. Workshops are free Prepare a dramatic or Vernon. Learn to folkdance required to provide a copy scenic photographer Andy with museum admission. comedic monologue. Perto a variety of international of the script plus a CD of Porter will offer photograAdmission: $8 adults, $5 formances will take place music. Instruction begins at the music for any musicals. phy workshops for Point They may also be required & Shoot and Digital SLR seniors, $3 students, free for the first three weeks of 7 p.m. followed by review to make a brief presentamembers and ages 11 and May. For information, call and request dances until cameras at the Sedro-Wooltion about the play, includ- ley Chamber of Commerce, younger. For information 360-421-9055, email bowen. 9:30 p.m. The first session ing a short written synopsis, 714-B Metcalf St., Sedroor to register: 360-466-4446, native@gmail.com or visit is free, $3 thereafter. All ext. 106, or jasminev@ metaperformingarts.org. are welcome. No partners a drawing or model of the Woolley. Bring your camera

WRITING WORKSHOP: Author Stacie Zinn Roberts will present “How to Write Non-Fiction Articles and Press Releases” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington. Learn insider tips, strategies and formats to write magazine articles for publication, as well as how to create a press release to help market your work. Free. RSVP: 360-391-2042 or skagitwriters.org.

W inners

I-5 Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448 SVH

Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID.

needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866. THURSDAY DANCE: Enjoy dancing to the Skippers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Doris at 360-588-8239.

EntErtainmEnt

LO U N G E

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

CALL FOR DIRECTORS: Shakespeare Northwest seeks directorial proposals for a Shakespeare comedy to round out the 2014 Skagit River Shakespeare Festival, set to perform this summer at the Rexville Blackrock Amphitheatre, located between Conway and La Conner. The annual festival includes two main-stage shows (traditionally one comedy and one history/ tragedy). The 2014 season’s tragedy will be “Macbeth,” with auditions held in March and rehearsals from April to June. Directorial proposals should provide a vision statement and concepts for set design, staging dynamics and costumes, taking into consideration the outdoor performance venue with limited artificial lighting. Submit proposals to eal@ shakesnw.org. More details can be found at shakesnw. org. 360-941-5744.

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Friday 1/24

R&B, Rock and Blues 9 pm – 1 am

WRITING FOR CHILDREN: Anacortes children’s author Lois V. Harris will present “Shining the Spotlight on Children’s Concept Books, Picture Books and Storybooks” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Learn the guidelines for each category of young children’s literature and how to shape your manuscript into what editors want. $49. Register for 6076 CENGL 054 at 360-416-7638.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E7

Skagit Eagle Festival

EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Skagit River Bald The monthlong Skagit Eagle Festival Eagle Interpretive Center, Howard concludes this weekend, Jan. 25-26, in Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport and around Concrete, Rockport and Park Road, Rockport. Learn about Marblemount. Enjoy indoor and outeagles, watershed issues and local natudoor activities including eagle watchral and cultural history through guided ing, free tours, walks and educational walks and presentations. Free admisprograms, arts and crafts, wine tasting, sion. Donations appreciated. 360-853river rafting, music, dance and more. 7626 or skagiteagle.org. Bring your camera and dress for unpredictable January weather. EAGLE WATCHER STATIONS: For the latest information, contact Staffed by volunteers from 10 a.m. to 3 the Concrete Chamber of Commerce p.m. at Howard Miller Steelhead Park at 360-853-8784 or visit skagiteagle in Rockport and at the Marblemount festival.com. Fish Hatchery, 8319 Fish Hatchery Road. Scopes and binoculars available. SATURDAY ONLY Free. 360-854-2631. RETURN OF WASHINGTON’S WOLVES: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the RECYCLED ART SHOW: 10 a.m. to Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Con- 4 p.m. at Concrete Center, 45821 Railcrete. Free. 360-941-0403 or concreteroad St., Concrete. The show features a theatre.com. wide variety of artistic creations made from mostly recycled materials. Vote COUNTRY HAYRIDE AND BONfor your favorites in youth and adult FIRE: 3 p.m. at Ovenell’s Ranch, 46276 divisions. Prizes will be awarded at 3 Concrete-Sauk Valley Road, Concrete. p.m. Sunday. 360-708-3279. Take a hayride through 250 acres of timber, see eagles, herons, deer, elk SALMON HATCHERY TOURS: Free and more. Then enjoy cookies and hot tours of the Marblemount Fish Hatchdrinks at the bonfire, children’s games ery are offered by Skagit Fisheries and historic ranch display. Activities Enhancement Group from 11 a.m. to 2 are weather-dependent. Free. 360-853- p.m. at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Mar8494 or ovenells-inn.com. blemount. Learn about the life cycle of salmon and other wildlife through WINE TASTING, MUSIC & MORE: guided and self-guided tours. 360-336Noon to 5 p.m. at Challenger Ridge 0172, ext. 304, or skagitfisheries.org. Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete. Enjoy wine tasting, DRIFTBOAT EAGLE EXCURSIONS: live music, a Sarvey Wildlife Center Skagit River Guide Service offers a show, coloring contest and more. Free three-hour tour in heated driftboats at admission. Food available for purchase. 9:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Howard Miller 425-999-1231, 425-422-6988 or chal Steelhead Park, 52804 Rockport Park lengerridge.com. Road, Rockport. $65. 888-675-2448 or skagiteagles.com.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

DEEP FOREST TOURS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockport State Park, 51095 Highway 20, Rockport. Enjoy a 30- to 60-minute tour deep into some of the 670 acres of old-growth forest at Rockport State Park at the foot of Sauk Mountain. Free. Discover Pass or $10 day-use fee required to access the park. 360-853-8461 or rockport@parks. wa.gov.

WINE TASTING: Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 360-856-6248 or eagle havenwinery.com. WINE & MORE: Noon to 5 p.m. at Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete. Enjoy wine tasting, coloring contest for kids, jet-boat and float trips and more. Free admission. Food available for purchase. 425-999-1231, 425-422-6988 or challengerridge.com.

EAGLE FESTIVAL INFORMATION: Get free maps and visitor information from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, Concrete CenEAGLE FLOAT TRIPS: Triad River ter, 45821 Railroad St., Concrete. 360Tours offers a variety of eagle viewing 853-8784 or 360-466-8754. float trips. Reservations required: 360510-1243 or triadrivertours.com.

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

‘Nebraska’

him to Nebraska to claim his winnings. The movie has earned Academy Award nomina7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 24-25 tions for Dern (Best Actor), June Squibb 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 (Best Supporting Actress), Payne (Best 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 Director), Phedon Papamichael (CinemaDirector Alexander Payne (“Sideways,” tography) and Northwest native Bob Nel“The Descendants”) takes the helm for this son (Best Original Screenplay). black-and-white, road-trip drama starring Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students Bruce Dern as a tempestuous Missouri and active military; $8 members; $7 children father who’s convinced he’s won a million 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all dollar magazine sweepstakes, and Will Forte shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under. as the son who grudgingly agrees to drive

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Young the Giant

ELO thrown in, as does “I Really Want It.” When the band strips back the production “Mind Over Matter” on “AlreadyHome” and “You’ll Be OK,” the earnestness is reminiscent of fun.’s Young the “Some Nights,” but their far-flung inspiraGiant surprised tions stretch much further, as “Shorty Don’t the rock world Wait” combines country and gospel. “Cheer with its smashes Up!” sounds like it came from a children’s “Cough Syrup” album, while the anthem of acceptance and “My Body” “Everyone Is Gay” sounds like it belongs in in 2010, unusual a Broadway musical. anthems that conHow this all fits together is probably nected with huge a mystery to everyone but A Great Big audiences. When it came time to follow up World, but they approach it with such pasthe successful debut, though, the California sion and joyfulness on “Is There Anyone band froze for a bit. Out There?” that you end up going along “Mind Over Matter” is their postwriter’sfor the wild ride and enjoying it. block effort, and it feels oddly unsure and confined. There’s clearly some worry they’re n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday trying to shake off, especially in the single “It’s About Time,” where they discuss paral- Matt Wilson Quartet ysis and lurch into Incubus territory. Oddly, and John Medeski they are actually at their poppiest on the dance-beat-driven “Paralysis,” showing they “Gathering Call” learned how to make their disaster fears You can’t talk work for them. about drummer n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday Matt Wilson without talking about swing, that pulse of A Great Big World jazz that’s been his “Is There Anybody Out There?” specialty on more than 250 recordConsidering ings as a sideman. how unexpected A Reconvening his longtime quartet, Wilson Great Big World’s again shines with some unexpected help in breakthrough keyboardist John Medeski. success with the Often lumped into some jam-band ghetto wrenching ballad for his ventures with the avant-funk trio “Say Something” Medeski Martin and Wood, Medeski’s talhas been, it seems ents have long been harder to pigeonhole, only fitting that including a contemplative solo record in the duo’s debut “Is There Anybody Out 2013. Here, he’s a precisely moving part There?” is filled with even more surprises. on an album that should be mandatory lisIan Axel and Chad Vaccarino, who tening for traditionalists and jazz-curious teamed up when they were both at New Phish-heads alike. York University, shot to the top of the pop “Some Assembly Required” crackles charts after they memorably performed through an irresistible thrust from Wilson, “Say Something” with Christina Aguilera who gives way to sterling solos from saxoon “The Voice,” the raw breakup song phonist Jeff Lederer and cornetist Kirk becoming even more poignant as a duet Knuffke before Medeski enters with a gleebetween Axel and Aguilera. However, those looking to place A Great fully off-kilter turn. Wilson takes a playful run at the Ellington songbook with “Main Big World into a small, acoustic balladeer Stem” and “You Dirty Dog,” and “How Ya box will be shocked by how eclectic “Is Going” surges with a locomotive rush as the There Anybody Out There?” is musically band twists the song into knots. and lyrically. “Get Over, Get Off and Get On” The opening piano-driven blast of “Rocksparkles with vintage soul jazz, and Charlie star” and “Land of Opportunity” sound Rouse’s “Pumpkin’s Delight” glides over influenced by Ben Folds Five with a bit of

Chris Lightcap’s nimble bass line before a howling solo from Lederer. Even Beyonce comes to the party with a romantic take on “If I Were a Boy” that’s as exuberant as the rest of the album. It’s a call worth picking up. n Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times

Leo Welch

“Sabougla Voices” Now 81 years old, Leo “Bud” Welch has spent a long life making music in his native Mississippi. “Sabougla Voices,” however, is his first record. And what a joyous blast it is. Welch melds the church and the juke joint. The subject matter is gospel — “Praise His Name,” “You Can’t Hurry God,” “The Lord Will Make a Way” — but the vehicle for delivery almost always is the blues. The singer-guitarist (sometimes with a backing chorus) tears into full-band electric blues that can be as lowdown and dirty as the sentiments are spiritual and high-minded. In Welch’s still-vigorous hands, the gospel-blues combination reaches some ecstatic peaks (“Praying Time,” “His Holy Name”) but also takes some quieter turns (“Mother Loves Her Children,” one of the acoustic-based numbers that veer toward country-blues). Either way, the music never fails to be supremely moving. n Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Angel Haze “Dirty Gold”

With her taunting, confessional lyrics, raw production sensibility, and ferocious rapping, everything Detroitborn, Greater Apostolic Faithraised Angel Haze did before “Dirty Gold” had the force of a young woman catapulted from a cage. The thirst for knowledge, the rage of dealing with sexual abuse, and the pure

power of music itself (she was kept from popular song due to her strict faith) burst forth from her “Voice” EP and her mixtapes. The desire for confrontation pushed her to leak “Dirty Gold” last month, when her label moved its release date to March. She wanted out. Her music insisted on it. Yet much of “Dirty Gold” sounds less insistent than her past work. There’s still a hurt urgency to the rap and braggart’s brio on “Echelon (It’s My Way),” the complex emotionalism of “Black Dahlia,” and the mix of old-school optimism and new-school electricity on “A Tribe Called Red.” But she’s straining to make missteps like the limp balladry of “Battle Cry,” and the progpop of “Angels & Airwaves” into something they’re not (interesting), with the album’s production suffering from a distancing, cool slickness. Good, not great. n A.D. Amorosi, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Bill Callahan

“Have Fun With God” A companion to last year’s acclaimed “Dream River,” Bill Callahan’s new “Have Fun With God” is a remix record that reimagines each of the eight tracks as though channeled through Kingston, Jamaica. This is Bill Callahan in dub: bass-heavy, echoed examinations of “Dream River” songs that have been stripped of much of their structure to create something else altogether. The practice was common in 1970s reggae, when artists such as Burning Spear and Peter Tosh offered both studio recordings and “versions” of the same song. The most influential producers, most notably King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, helped give birth to remix culture. “Summer Dub” samples the phrase “I painted …” and loops it among psychedelic atmospherics, reverb-drenched flute and percussion. At one point the track nearly consumes itself with echoes of echoes. “Expanding Dub” focuses on the bass-line from “Javelin Unlanding,” working the track’s heavy bottom end while snippets of keyboard and guitars bounce around in the background.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - E9

REVIEWS “Have Fun …” is a mesmerizing, and utterly strange, listen. Though hardly essential for anyone but hardcore fans, it’s a solid stab at the subgenre. n Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times

Against Me!

“Transgender Dysphoria Blues” Everything and nothing has changed on the new Against Me! album, the Florida group’s sixth. The band still traffics in full-throttle and full-throated punk rock, deploying buzz-saw guitars and shoutalong choruses for overt sociopolitical purposes. But on “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” the quartet has a new rhythm section and, in some ways, a new leader: the former Tom Gabel is now Laura Jane Grace, and most songs address her transformation in explicit, often profane language. The vocals are still a gravelly bark, especially on the terrific title track, which opens the album with “Your tells are so obvious/ Shoulders too broad for a girl/ Keeps you reminded/ Helps you to remember where you come from.” Grace and fellow guitarist James Bowman still share anthemic riffs inspired by the Clash, Billy Bragg, and NOFX (whose bassist sits in on a few tracks), but there’s a bit more of the Thermals and Gaslight Anthem here. The guitars have more gloss than grit, while the lyrics are unvarnished (and often unprintable). This fascinating, brief album flags a bit in its second half, but it’s provocative throughout. n Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer

VIDEO GAMES Derrik J. Lang, Associated Press

‘Wii Fit U,’ ‘Xbox Fitness’ feel the burn While video game consoles can’t help users save money or stop smoking — yet, anyway — there are a few recently released games that can help with the most popular of New Year’s resolutions: exercise. Here’s a look at four titles that offer an alternative to working out at the gym or with a personal trainer: “Wii Fit U” (Nintendo, for Wii U, $49.99): Nintendo essentially launched the fitness game genre in 2008 with “Wii Fit,” and now there’s an updated edition for the Wii U system that works in tandem with the old Wii Balance Board and the new Fit Meter, a round doodad that measures real-world activity like steps taken and changes in elevation. The portable Wii U GamePad removes the burden of having to look up at the TV screen. However, other than a few games that utilize the controller and a new dance mode, the content is mostly the same as the previous “Wii Fit” edition. Still, the new accessories alone make “Wii Fit U” a fine alternative to other expensive fitness gadgets. Three stars out of four. “Xbox Fitness” (Microsoft, for Xbox One, price varies): Despite advancements in motion tracking with the Xbox

One’s new Kinect sensor, “Xbox Fitness” — more of an app than a game, really — feels like a lunge backward from last year’s “Nike+ Kinect Training” that worked as part of the Nike+ system and utilized the Xbox 360’s version of Kinect. “Xbox Fitness” is mostly a series of workout videos hosted by celebrity trainers like Jillian Michaels, Tracy Anderson and Tony Horton that incorporate scoring and Kinect functionality. Some are free with an Xbox Live subscription. Others cost extra. The wonky interface, paywall and interactivity make “Xbox Fitness” feel out of step. One-and-a-half stars. “Just Dance 2014” (Ubisoft, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, $49.99): The fifth installment in Ubisoft’s hyper-colored choreography franchise is more of a dance game than an actual fitness title, though “Just Dance 2014” features the return of the series’ “just sweat” mode, which counts calories as players shake their groove thangs. The new edition ditches past “just sweat” features like transitional routines in favor of unlockable “sweat” versions of songs like Katy Perry’s “I Kissed

A scene from the video game, “Zumba Fitness: World Party.” Majesco via AP

a Girl.” Routines can be combined for 10-, 20- and 30-minute pop-flavored workouts. It’s certainly not a full-fledged fitness regimen, just a really fun way to do some cardio. Twoand-a-half stars. “Zumba Fitness: World Party” (Majesco, for Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, $49.99): The latest

entry in the hip-shaking empire’s interactive catalog goes global with a diverse lineup of Zumba routines led by real-world instructors in colorful renditions of such locales as Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, India and Hawaii — all with accompanying tunes. The vast array of modes — from the ridiculously fun

world-tour campaign to the full-blown simulated workout classes — make “World Party” the most comprehensive Zumba game to date. The game’s biggest downfall is a truly cheeseball collectible system. Who wants to be rewarded for smooth moves with a picture of a headdress?! Twoand-a-half stars.

McIntyre Hall Presents

10th

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits

season 2013-2014

World Music From Zimbabwe Friday, January 31 7:30pm

Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band Grammy-award winning bluegrass Friday, February 7 7:30pm

360.416.7727 McIntyrehall.org 2 5 0 1 E Co l l e g e Way, M o u nt Ve r n o n

JSMF F o u n d a t i o n Jack & Shirley McIntyre

Skagit Regional Public Facilities District

E10 Thursday, January 23, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area January 24-February 2

TUNING UP Playing at area venues January 23-30

Friday.24

SATURDAY.25

THEATER

JP FALCON BAND 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

FRIDAY.31 OLIVER “TUKU” MTUKUDZI & THE BLACK SPIRITS 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Saturday.25 MUSIC

Ruvara Marimba Ensemble: 6:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10. 360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.24-25 COLIN HAY 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. theskagit.com.

Sunday.26 THEATER

THURSDAY.23

Friday.31

Saturday.1

Sunday.2

MUSIC

THEATER

Skagit Symphony Family Concert: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10, free for ages 15 and younger. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday.30 THEATER

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

“Gramercy Ghost” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

International Guitar Night: Brian Gore, Pino Forastiere, Mike Dawes and Quique Sinesi; 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23-$32. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

“Gramercy Ghost” (comedy/drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Book of Days” (mystery): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 7 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $12-14. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

“Gramercy Ghost” (comedy/drama): 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Book of Days” (mystery): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com. “Man of La Mancha!” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. $1214. 360-424-5144 or altatheatre.com.

Bobby Lee McMurray, Angelica Flores: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.24 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

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

Bradford Loomis & Jessica Lynne: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-4453000.

Solo Piano Night: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-755-0165.

The Ultimatum, Hash Adams, Dinofour, Orbé Orbé: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Marcia Kester: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882.

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

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

Kelly Shirey: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

A Town Big Band: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

JP Falcon Band: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Divas & Dudes: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

Bright Weapons, Noise Toys, Gypsters, Gyrating Hips: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY25 Colin Hay (of Men At Work): 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $28-$32. the skagit.com.

SUNDAY.26 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

WEDNESDAY.29 Ben and Mia Starner: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

Jenny & The TomCats: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Sarah in the Wild, Fictions, Porch Cat, Katie Gray!: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

Hamilton/Cox: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.30 Steve Rudy: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.