360 june 13 2013 by Skagit Publishing

The festival that says ‘yummmm’ PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday June 13, 2013

Reviews

Tuning up

At the Movies

Music: Evile, Black Sabbath Video Games: “Remember Me”

The Gin Blossoms play the Skagit Casino this weekend

“Man of Steel”: No wit or charm, just grim

PAGE 8

PAGE 11

PAGE 16

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, June 13, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Oz the Great and Powerful”: A look at how the Wizard came to the Emerald City. James Franco stars. Sam Raimi shows flashes of brilliance. But overall, the latest trip down the Yellow Brick Road has a few too many bumps to make this a magical journey. Visually, the film is stunning, from the black-and-white footage to the brilliant colors of the Emerald City. Where Raimi seems uncertain is with the special effects. The biggest problem is Franco. Oz needs to be played as both a cad and a charmer, and Franco never fully plays either. He just doesn’t have the largerthan-life charisma to make Oz the great and powerful character he should be. Watching Franco is like going to see a stage production of “Wicked” and the stand-in’s stand-in is playing the role of the Wizard for the night. No matter how good the production, there’s just something missing. “No Pryor Restraint: Life in Concert”: Fans of Richard Pryor can now pick up 12 hours of comedy through this set that includes seven CDs and two DVDs. It’s a wonderful yardstick of Pryor’s growth, from his early days of stand-up to his eventual domination of the comedy world. The material includes comedy from Pryor from 1966-92, two hours of previously unreleased stand-up performances and rare recordings from the Pryor archives. Films in the set are “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” (1979), “Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip” (1982) and “Richard Pryor … Here and Now” (1983). “Snitch”: Father makes deal to keep his innocent son out of jail. Dwayne Johnson stars. “The Newsroom: The Complete First Season”: Jeff Daniels stars in this behind-the-scenes look at television news. “Doctor Who: Inferno”: The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) is concerned about a topsecret project that involves drilling into the crust of the Earth. “Power Rangers Super Samurai: Secret of the Red Ranger — Volume 4”: Includes four episodes along with two music videos. “Killing Lincoln”: Tom Hanks narrates this look at the events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. “The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete Third Season”: The classic TV comedy is available on Blu-ray. “I Want My Name Back”: Story of

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: JUNE 18 Jack the Giant Slayer - Warner The Last Exorcism Part II - Sony Stoker - Fox 21 & Over - Fox

This Weekend / Page 5 Storvik Park in Anacortes plays host Saturday to the ninth annual Bark in the Park

JUNE 25 The Call - Sony The Incredible Burt Wonderstone - Warner No - Sony JULY 2 Tai Chi Hero - Well Go USA JULY 9 Dead Man Down - Sony The Host - Universal Spring Breakers - Lionsgate Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor - Lionsgate JULY 16 Evil Dead - Sony 42 - Warner

Inside

JULY 23 Ginger & Rosa - Lionsgate New World - Well Go USA Trance - Fox n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

the Sugarhill Gang. “Fred Won’t Move Out”: Elliott Gould and Judith Roberts star in this drama about of a family at a breaking point. “Enter the Dragon 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition”: The martial arts film starring Bruce Lee has been remastered for its 40th anniversary. “Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Third Season”: Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander star. “Doctor Who: The Mind of Evil”: The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) must deal with problems at a prison. “House of Cards: The Complete First Season”: Hard-edged political thriller starring Kevin Spacey. “Beverly Lewis’ the Confession”: An Amish woman’s journey lands her in a mystery that must be solved before she can be reunited with her mother. “Perry Mason: The Ninth and Final Season: Volume One”: Raymond Burr plays the winning TV attorney. “Ring of Fire”: A volcanic eruption could lead to a world disaster. Terry O’Quinn stars. 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

Travel............................................6-7 Music, Game Reviews..................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Get Involved.................................. 12 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 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, June 13, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

76th annual Berry Dairy Days The 76th annual Berry Dairy Days will take place today through Sunday, June 13-16, at Railroad Park, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Enjoy live music, food, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, exhibitors, a carnival and more. The festival will kick off just after the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15. Other activities include four days of strawberry shortcake, fireworks at Skagit River Park, the Kiwanis salmon barbecue, Road Run and the Berry Cool Car Show. Find a complete schedule of events at burlington-chamber. com/events/berrydairy-days or call 360-757-0994.

JUNE 13-16, BURLINGTON

Skagit Valley Herald staff / @360_SVH

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, June 13, 2013

MOVIES Henry Cavill and Amy Adams star in “Man of Steel.” Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

URBANK, Calif. — With his dark eyebrows deeply furrowed and gleaming white teeth firmly clamped shut, Henry Cavill winces when asked if Superman is treated like a terrorist in “Man of Steel.” His reaction is somewhat understandable. The charming British actor should feel very protective of the character — one of the biggest icons in pop culture. Besides, Henry Cavill is Superman now. It’s a fair question though, given that Cavill’s Superman, his bulky frame encased in a deep-blue rendition of the Superman uniform, is handcuffed and attacked by the military at certain points in the retelling of the superhero’s origin. While the idea of Superman as a threatening outsider has been explored in other mediums, it’s new to the big screen. “In the previous movies, it was just kind of accepted that he was a superhuman, but what would happen if this dude really did exist?” said Cavill. “If he was discovered, he would probably be put in a room and experimented on. That’s very clear in his choices throughout the movie. He’s become very adept at being who he is — but just not so openly.” “Man of Steel” centers on an adult Clark Kent — or Kal-El, as he’s known back on his home planet of Krypton — at the inception of his superheroic identity. (The name Superman is actually only uttered a couple of times in the film.) It’s a matter-of-fact account of how a much more hesi-

makers didn’t want to do. Nolan, Snyder and screenwriter David S. Goyer traded the bumbling, nerdy Clark in favor of a more contemplative one who stays under the radar working odd jobs. It’s far, far and away from Christopher Reeve’s jocular interpretation of the role, which Cavill won after earlier missing the part in 2006’s “Superman Returns” to Brandon Routh. Still, Snyder is quick to note this edition of the Metropolis Marvel is “not not Superman.” For everything that feels different about the Superman in “Man of Steel,” there’s still plenty that’s recognizable, most notably, Clark’s highly By DERRIK J. LANG / Associated Press principled attitude instilled in him Chris Pizzello / Invision via AP by his Midwestern adoptive parents (played by Kevin Costner and tant Clark rises up and responds With an emphasis on folksy Diane Lane). when earth is threatened by Kryp- imagery instead of high-flying “There’s a snarkiness to the tonian outcasts. action, early “Man of Steel” footworld now, and the nice thing At the beginning of “Man of age suggested a darker take on about Superman is that he’s a volSteel,” which opens Friday, this the superhero. While the tone is version of the character doesn’t certainly more emotional than pre- unteer in the classic sense,” said Snyder. “If you really think about wear spectacles, work at The Daily vious live-action adaptations, the Planet, soar through the skies or filmmakers — which include “The it, he has no life, other than to own any clothes with a giant S Dark Knight” director Christopher serve. I think that Henry, without plastered across the chest. He’s a Nolan as a producer and writer — making him sound like too much drifter. He says more with actions haven’t diagnosed Superman with of a saint, naturally has that characteristic in himself. He’s not putthan words, something the 30-year- depression. ting it on.” old star of 2011’s “Immortals” “It’s not darker,” said director Faith — to both God and councompletely understands. Zack Snyder. “It’s just a more real“As an actor, you spend a lot of istically realized version of Super- try — is an integral theme in “Man time alone,” said Cavill. “You trav- man. We tried to apply logic to the of Steel.” There’s no looking past el the world by yourself. You don’t story. He lives in our world. That’s the religious allegories that have been associated with Superman have your buddies that you see on it. It’s a straightforward protocol. mythology for decades. This Man the weekend or at the office every We put him in our world without of Tomorrow is 33 years old today day. You make temporary families, it being a joke. If we had made it and you can only see your friends a little lighter, maybe it would feel and seeks counsel at a church in a time of crisis. Snyder believes his between jobs. I’m actually not a more like the Superman of the Superman supports religion but naturally super-chatty person. It’s past.” also questions it. a skill I’ve had to teach myself.” That’s exactly what the film-

Cavill keeps it real as Superman in ‘Man of Steel’

“It’s more interesting when someone is flawed,” said Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane. “In the past, Superman is so hard to get into because he’s so perfect. I love that Henry plays him as a conflicted human being — or alien, as it were — with all these identifiable traits like fear, which we’ve never really seen before in this character.” Another contrast to previous Superman lore is the evolution of the relationship between Clark and Lois, who’s portrayed by Adams as a take-no-prisoners, Pulitzer Prize-winning war reporter. She encounters the last son of Krypton before even he fully understands his intergalactic backstory. Ultimately, Superman needs Lois as much as she needs him. “I loved how this relationship between Clark and Lois allowed for a subtle chemistry and mutual respect to develop,” said Adams. “I just thought there was something different to be explored within their relationship that we’re able to touch on a little bit in this film. She believes him, and that’s really rare for Lois. There’s an authenticity there.” The expectations for “Man of Steel” are higher than any building in Metropolis. The film could accomplish for Warner Bros. what “Superman Returns” failed to do, namely, launch a film franchise akin to “The Dark Knight.” Paul Dergarabedian, box office analyst for Hollywood.com, expects it to leap over the $100 million mark in a single bound on opening weekend.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, June 13, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area Bark in the Park The ninth annual Bark in the Park Festival for dogs and their human friends will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Storvik Park, 1110 32nd St., Anacortes. Enjoy contests, demonstrations, raffles and more. Free admission. $5 per dog suggested donation for doggie goodie bags. 360-293-1918.

MONA ART AUCTION The Museum of Northwest Art will

“ANACORTES ROCKS!” Enjoy a concert featuring Heart

SUMMER FILM SERIES Enjoy free screenings of classic

hold its 21st annual fundraising auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at MoNA, 121 S. First St., La Conner. More than 300 works by emerging-through-master painters, printmakers, sculptors, glass artists, ceramic artists, jewelers, textile artists and photographers will be offered for sale in silent and live auctions. A private preview party for artists, ticketholders and volunteers will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14. Tickets: $100, or reserve tables while available, at museumofnwart.org or call 360-4664446, ext. 109. Free public previews will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14-15. Absentee bidding is available with ticket purchase.

by Heart, Karl Blau and Sleepy Lagoon at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Transit Shed Event Center, One Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Advance tickets available at brownpapertickets.com/event/371348: $25 adults, $15 students. At the door: $30 adults, $20 students. Proceeds will benefit the Anacortes Stadium Project. anacortes stadiumproject.org.

films at 7 p.m. Fridays at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org. Next up: June 14: “Dr. Zhivago”: Based on the Nobel Prizewinning novel by Boris Pasternak, this Russian epic follows poet/physician Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) during the upheaval of the Bolshevik Revolution. Yuri is caught between two loves; married to the devoted Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), he falls in love with the enigmatic Lara (Julie Christie). All suffer terrible hardships during the chaos of the revolution. Winner of five Oscars.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, June 13, 2013

TRAVEL

INTRA, Portugal — With sunshine bathing its multicolored facades against a backdrop of deep blue sky, the Pena Palace in Sintra is like a castle seen through a kaleidoscope. A jumble of bright yellow domes, red towers, blue tiles, a drawbridge and a half-man, half-fish sculpture holding up a window, the Pena Palace is lauded as the finest example of Portuguese romanticism, an eclectic mix that borrows style notes from — among others — the Moors, German gothic revival and the local manueline architecture. Fernando II, husband of Portuguese Queen Maria II, had the palace built in the 1840s around the remains of a derelict monastery. Now tourists can wander through its ornate rooms and oversized kitchens as well as its sprawling gardens, featuring plants brought back from around the world and ponds where carp and black swans drift languidly around crenelated duck houses. And Pena is far from the only spectacular palace in Sintra, long a playground of royalty and the ostentatiously wealthy. The town’s altitude and shady forests have historically provided welcome relief from sweltering summer temperatures of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, which is now only a half-hour’s drive away. Bang in the middle of the old town is the National Palace with its distinctive conical chimneys. A couple of miles into the lushly forested hills is the Palace of Monserrate, surrounded by manicured gardens and what is billed as the first lawn planted in Portugal. And if your eyes tire of all the palatial pomp, you can retire for a morning to the cool confines of a 16th century monastery, where Franciscan friars lived in extreme austerity, providing a stark contrast to Sintra’s explosion of architectural excesses.

On the Web Sintra, Portugal: visit portugal.com/NR/exeres /6BEF1189-D6BD-4473856B-604FCEF22106, frameless.htm. There are hotels and vacation rentals in and around Sintra. Unesco World Heritage: Listing for Sintra, whc. unesco.org/en/list/723.

Sintra, Portugal, like a castle in a kaleidoscope Story, photos by MIKE CORDER / Associated Press

Clockwise, from upper left: w The exterior of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal. It’s like a castle seen through a kaleidoscope, one of a number of spectacular buildings found in Sintra, which has long been a playground of royalty, near the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. w The garden of Monserrate Palace. w A simple cross marks the entrance to the Capuchos Convent. w Pena Palace in the distance with the steps of the Moorish Castle in the foreground.

Overlooking it all are the well-preserved remains of an eighth century Moorish fort, whose restored ramparts cling to a hilltop above Sintra and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pena Palace on an adjacent hill. The wealth of historic buildings led UNESCO to

inscribe the entire Sintra “Cultural Landscape” on its World Heritage List in 1995, saying its “structures harmonize indigenous flora with a refined and cultivated landscape created by man as a result of literary and artistic influences.” Nowhere can that be better seen than in the grounds

of the Palace of Monserrate, a summer residence for 19th century British textile millionaire Francis Cook, whose gardens include a folly of a ruined chapel with an Australian banyan tree draped over its walls, a manmade waterfall, a valley full of tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand,

accessible, offering a glimpse back in time to the days when Portugal was a wealthy seafaring nation ruled by a monarchy with a penchant for palaces. Walking from ornate bedrooms to tiled bathrooms of the palaces and gazing at their huge kitchens gives an idea of the sumptuous lives of the Portuguese royals and their guests and it is easy to feel why they flocked here from Lisbon in the summer when you stroll through the shaded gardens, catching glimpses of the ocean and surrounding hills. The pared-back simplicity of the Moorish castle and the Capuchos Convent also leave lasting impressions. The castle was built by Moors in the ninth and 10th centuries, gradually fell into disrepair and was restored in the 19th century by Fernando II, the queen’s consort responsible for neighboring Pena Palace. A short drive into the hills, austerity is taken to its extremes at the Franciscan monastery known as the Convent of the Holy Cross of Cork Convent, built in 1560 and inhabited until 1834. Here, the only nods toward any kind of decoration are cacti from Mexico and a the 18th century azulejo tiles Chinese mourning cypress in its Chapel of the Passion in the middle of the steeply of the Christ. Elsewhere, sloping lawn. The palace’s doors to dormitory rooms three dome-topped towers are built deliberately small are connected by a corridor so that monks have to bow in full of ornately carved arches humility just to get into the and columns. cramped quarters, and doors All of the buildings and shutters are lined with around Sintra are open to cork harvested from trees in the paying public and easily the surrounding forest.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Local travel SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for participants ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: “San Juan Island: Something for Everyone”: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Journey to San Juan Island to visit the 12th annual SJI Lavender Festival at Pelindaba Lavender Farm, followed by a no-host lunch at Roche Harbor and a behind-thescenes tour of the Westcott Bay Cidery and San Juan Island Distillery, where you’ll taste their ciders and spirits. Ages 21 and older only. $75-$77. Register by July 12.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 - E7

chocolate and then head up to the Troll under the Fremont bridge for some “Troll Yoga.” Afterward, explore Fremont for lunch, shopping or sightseeing. $20.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For information or to register: 360-733-4030, press #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/index.php/Tours. Next up: Dale Chihuly’s Garden and Glass Museum Tour: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. View Chihuly’s most popular works and glass installations, followed by an Italian lunch. $81, $10 additional for non-members. Includes round-trip motorYOGA ADVENTURE SERIES: Join Dawn coach transportation, museum admission, Jex for day trips and yoga. Each adventure guide and lunch. includes activities at an area attraction The Heart of Eastern Canada: June combined with a yoga class. For informa20-29. Fly to Toronto and see Niagara tion or to register, call Dawn at 360-631Falls; enjoy a scenic train ride to Montreal; 0587 or visit yoga-gypsies.com. Next up: travel on the historic Chemin du Roy carJune 15: Theo Chocolate Factory Tour riage road along the St. Lawrence River to and Troll Yoga: Meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Quebec City; and explore the countryside Theo Chocolate Factory, 3400 Phinney of the Charlevoix region. $3,969-$4,999. Ave., Seattle. Tour the factory, taste a little Passport required.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, June 13, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from staff reports and news services

Evile

mentalist who also sings gives her particular insight into Baker’s music. She takes after “Skull” him by not using a drummer on half of the tracks, including the blisteringly paced “Just There’s a widely in Time” and “Blue Room,” a duet featuring held notion that a playful interplay with her husband, bassist band’s career trajecMarc Johnson. tory can be heavily Elias uses a Brazilian rhythm section, shaped by its third or including famed guitarist Oscar Castrofourth record. Neves, to give a sensual bossa nova flavor to By that reasoning, and based on Evile’s “Embraceable You” and “Let’s Get Lost,” new release “Skull” — the band’s fourth album — 2013 is shaping up to be a reward- while other tunes are more in a straightahead jazz vein, such as “That Old Feeling,” ing year indeed. Evile is a young thrash metal band from on which ex-husband Randy Brecker recreates Baker’s opening trumpet solo. England, part of the latest wave (not that the genre really ever went away) of metal n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press bands that channel the ferocious template of the 1980s (Metallica, Exodus, Anthrax, Black Sabbath Slayer) and fuel it with new, vicious energy. “13” Evile and Warbringer reside at the apex of the new thrash metal elite, a genre that Though Ozzy includes Lich King, Havoc and Bonded By Osbourne will always Blood. All of the elements are in place on be best known for “Skull”: riff after crushing riff, fleet-fingered his work in Black solos by lead guitarist Ol Drake, a relentSabbath, he hasn’t less rhythm section in Ben Carter and Joel Graham, and a vibrant, snarling frontman in recorded a new studio album with fellow founding members Tony Iommi and Geevocalist/rhythm guitarist Matt Drake. zer Butler since the ’70s — until now. “13” The band has nailed the characteristics is the first Sabbath album with Osbourne, that made thrash metal so vital — hyperButler and Iommi in 35 years. speed tempos combined with screeching Ozzy is showing the effects of drug stop-time arrangements (the title cut), abuse, his once-cutting voice reduced in an occasional liaison with melody (“New range and power. Iommi also has had his Truths, Old Lies”) that serves to showcase the band’s diversity, and a near-violent hun- share of health problems, undergoing canger that is only rarely captured (“Outsider). cer treatment in recent years. More bad news: Sabbath drummer Blistering from the first note. Bill Ward is sitting this one out due to n Craig Parrish, @360_SVH a contractual dispute. His replacement, Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk, Eliane Elias hits with appropriate authority, but lacks Ward’s swing. “I Thought About The early Sabbath was steeped in blues You (A Tribute to Chet Baker)” and jazz, and with the encouragement of producer Rick Rubin, the quartet tries to Brazilian pianistreinvigorate that spirit on “13,” with five singer Eliane Elias of the eight tracks stretching past seven offers an inspired minutes. Wilk does an adequate job on tribute to cool jazz legend Chet Baker, a these extended tracks, but it’s the vitality major influence on bossa nova pioneers like of Iommi on guitar and Butler on bass Joao Gilberto. Unlike other recent tributes, that impresses. They evoke the band’s which focused on slow ballads reflecting classic sound on “End of Beginning,” the sadness in Baker’s music, Elias covers “Live Forever,” “Dear Father,” “God is a wider spectrum of the trumpeter-singer’s Dead?” and the blues-saturated “Damrepertoire by including up- and mid-tempo aged Soul,” which could’ve been lifted tunes with a certain swagger and seductive- from Sabbath’s sludge-metal tarpit, circa ness on “I Thought About You.” 1970-71. Iommi reconfigures his classic Elias’ background as a top-flight instru“N.I.B.” riff on “Loner,” stretches out with

a menacing solo on “Age of Reason” and provides a jazzy, acoustic change-of-pace on “Zeitgeist.” As for Ozzy, he goes for numbedout desolation rather than the mighty, double-tracked roar of old, singing like a Medieval hunchback locked in a dungeon. Butler’s lyrics find their perfect match in Osbourne. In these songs, the singer wrestles with demons — psychosis, selfabuse, existential dread — with which he’s had considerable personal experience. It makes “13” something a bit more credible than just a souvenir for a reunion tour. n Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

Patty Griffin “American Kid”

Patty Griffin started writing the songs on “American Kid” as a tribute to her father shortly before his death in 2009, then put the project aside to tour with Robert Plant and release “Downtown Church,” a gospel-flavored 2010 album of mostly covers. “American Kid” finds Griffin working with Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars. She also works with Plant: He co-wrote “Highway Song” and harmonizes with her on three songs. Mainly, “American Kid” is stripped to the core, built around Griffin’s steely Southern vocals and solo guitar. There’s a cover of Lefty Frizzell’s “Mom & Dad’s Waltz,” but the album otherwise consists of Griffin’s tough-minded, truth-seeking tunes. It kicks off by examining the freedom death provides on “Go Wherever You Wanna Go,” and it ends with the elegantly pained “Gonna Miss You When You’re Gone.” n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Quadron

“Avalanche” Coco O.’s soft and dreamy tone over the R&B-flavored beat on “Sea Salt” is enough to make you melt (summer heat not required). “‘Cause you just play on, you just play

with my feelings,” she coos. “Blame it all, you still blame it all, inexperienced.” It’s an outstanding track and one of the 10 gems on Quadron’s electronic soul debut, “Avalanche.” The Danish duo — made up of singer Coco O. and producer Robin Hannibal — have crafted a lush, breezy group of songs that hark on love and make for feel-good and easy listening. The title track is slow and layered, “It’s Gonna Get You” has a girl-group vibe, and Kendrick Lamar adds volume to the lounge-y “Better Off.” While the album is mostly mid-tempo, Quadron is even impressive when they speed up things: “Hey Love,” the album’s first single, is a fun jam session, and Coco O.’s voice is addictive on the hooks of “LFT” and “Favorite Star.” “Crushes don’t come with warnings,” she sings on the latter track. Now you’re warned. n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Jason Isbell

“Southeastern” Jason Isbell’s fourth studio album since leaving the Drive-By Truckers is the 34-year-old songwriter’s first true solo album. Recorded largely without his band, the 400 Unit, it finds Isbell confronting grown-up stuff: getting married (to his second wife, fiddle player Amanda Shires); getting clean and sober; and, on “Elephant,” thinking about the implications of mortality while he’s at it. Early reviews are dropping “Tunnel of Love” comparisons, and there’s a Springsteen influence for sure, on the superbly wrought opening love song, “Cover Me Up,” as well as the two-faces-have-I duality of “Live Oak.” The tone is mostly subdued, save for “Super 8,” a raucous rocker and a terrific tune, but jarring in the more contemplative context. “Southeastern,” though, is the strongest set of songs yet from the Alabama writer who instantly distinguished himself as a formidable talent in his days with the Truckers but who hadn’t realized his full potential until now. n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, June 13, 2013 - E9

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Remember Me’

though Edge’s intentions seem murky. While many of the game’s plot sequencPlatforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC es follow usual video-game traditions, Genre: Action there are times when hacking into memoPublisher: Capcom ries feels powerful. The ability to rewind ESRB Rating: M, for Mature and replay someone’s memories, and Grade: 3 stars (out of 5) altering small elements to see the varying outcomes, are among the game’s better Paris remains moments in its under-10-hour running a visual wontime. “Remember Me” works on almost der, even in the every level and gives you a real sense of far-flung future. the plot and how Nilin’s decisions affect “Remember Me” the world around her. provides every Most of the game’s other elements fall tease and titillainto familiar territory. The combat moves tion of what the quickly, and a menu system exists to create futuristic French your own combos and fighting moves for capital could be, Nilin to execute. But the system’s limits but still feels like are reached rather quickly and you are left it’s holding back on delivering the goods. After standing on wishing “Remember Me” was more expansive. The visuals are fluid and interesting, yet another balcony or precipice and seebut a tricky camera gets in the way, often ing the soaring architecture, you’ll most ruining your enjoyment of the action. likely find yourself asking the same quesAnd as I mentioned, you’re presented tion I did: When do I get to see all of this? with stunning views of an elaborate Paris, From a narrative perspective, “Remember Me” gives gamers a fresh story featur- but the missions are often constrained into tight corridors or interior spaces with ing a heroine who has athletic prowess no ability to explore this massive city that equal to her wits. Unlike Lara Croft, she looks so amazing. The game does all the doesn’t need 15 guns at her disposal. nominal game-play stuff well enough (light You play as Nilin, and in this vision of puzzling, decent platforming elements, the future, memories can be purchased and traded like other goods and services in etc.), but nothing breaks the mold and order to share and create new experiences. attempts to transcend. Nilin’s journey is certainly worth playThis technology, of course, leads to people ing to the end, even if you end up wishing hacking into others’ memories to alter there were more. Perhaps a sequel or two their actions. This danger is ever-present for Nilin until will allow this fantastic setting and plot her memory is wiped clean and she escapes device to be expanded into something to join a rebel movement called the Error- amazing; the foundation exists and should be explored more deeply. ists. Nilin follows the instructions of Edge, who acts as a guide and chimes in with n Follow Chris Campbell @campbler or story bits and helpful clues when necessary, email him at game_on_games@mac.com.

Purple Phoenix Productions Presents

A Tribute Concert

F oolin’ A round W ith

June 21, 2013 Friday 8:00 PM

Lincoln Theatre 712 1st Street Mt. Vernon

Meg McLynn

One Night Only

P atsy C line Reservations 360-336-8955

With New York Entertainer

Gen Admission - $19.50 pp Military & Seniors - $15.00 pp Special Rates for Groups of 10 or More

E10 Thursday, June 13, 2013

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area June 13-23

TUNING UP Playing at area venues June 13-20

Thursday.13

Friday.21

MUSIC

Geoffrey Castle: “The After School Special!”, 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15-$25. 360-941-0403 or concrete-theatre. com.

“Foolin’ Around With Patsy Cline” (tribute concert): Meg McLynn and The Purple Phoenix Country Band, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15-$19.50. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

THEATER

“The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

THEATER

“A Rotten Demise”: interactive comedy murder mystery, 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or riverbelle dinnertheatre.com. “The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY.14-16 THURSDAY-SUNDAY.20-23 “SISTER ROBERT ANNE’S CABARET CLASS” 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com. Check individual listings for times.

Friday.14 MUSIC

Haynie Opry (country, bluegrass), featuring Matt Audette and The Circle of Friends Band: 7 p.m., Stillaguamish Grange, 6521 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. $15. 360-336-3321, 360-336-8066 or thehaynieopry.com. Fort Bend, Texas, Boys Choir: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10, $5 ages 12 and younger. 360-354-3600 or jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

“The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse. com.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Saturday.15 MUSIC

Haynie Opry Southern Gospel Matinee, featuring Matt Audette and The Circle of Friends Band: 3 p.m., Stillaguamish Grange, 6521 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. $10 at the door. 360-336-3321, 360-336-8066 or thehaynieopry.com.

Sunday.16 THEATER

“The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237, whidbeyplayhouse.com. “A Rotten Demise”: interactive comedy murder mystery, 6:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

Thursday.20

THEATER

“Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

VARIETY

“Vaudevillingham”: Bellingham Circus Guild, 7 and 9 p.m., Cirque Lab, 1401 Sixth St., Bellingham. $5-$10 suggested donation at the door. bellinghamcircus guild.com.

Saturday.22 THEATER

Sunday.23 THEATER

“The Day The Music Died”: Haynie Opry presents a tribute to the music of Richie Valens, The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly, 7 p.m., Stillaguamish Grange, 6521 Pioneer Highway, Stanwood. $20 at the door. 360-336-3321, 360-336-8066 or thehaynieopry.com. “The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

COMEDY

Jerry Percio: 8 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Rated R. $15. 360-941-0403 or concrete-theatre.com. “A Rotten Demise”: interactive comedy murder mystery, 7:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com. “The Woman in Black”: ghost thriller, 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $18. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237, whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“A Rotten Demise”: interactive comedy murder mystery, 6:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or river belledinnertheatre.com. “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”: musical comedy, 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

FRIDAY.14

THURSDAY.13

STIRRED NOT SHAKEN 8 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

Nick Moyer (one-man band): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000. Trish Hatley: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720. Steve Rudy Trio (jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.14, SATURDAY.15 GIN BLOSSOMS 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $35-$45. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Geoffrey Castle: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $15-25. 360-941-0403 or concrete-theatre.com.

FRIDAY.14 Gin Blossoms: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $35-$45. 877-2752448 or theskagit. com.

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

Barefeet: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-755-0165.

David’s Drinking Band (roots, Americana, rock): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $3 cover. 360-445-3000.

Idol Eyez: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Skip Hamilton: 6 to 9 p.m., Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, 416 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-299-2120.

Stirred Not Shaken (jazz): 8 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-3991037.

Federation X, Lozen, Street Eaters, Rhombu$: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8. 360-778-1067.

SATURDAY.15 Gin Blossoms: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $35-$45. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com. The Fender Benders: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Sector 7-G: 10 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S. First St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-336-3626. Jukehouse Hounds: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Highway Twenty Band: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330. The Pinehearts (altbluegrass): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

SUNDAY.16 Atlantics: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

The Sweet Dominiques (surf, reggae, folk): Noon, Berry Dairy Days, Railroad Park, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Free. 360-757-0994. The Sweet Dominiques: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-755-0165.

Mia Vermillion (blues): 8 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-3991037.

Fabulous Roof Shakers: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Seth Freeman: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Gold Digger: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

WEDNESDAY.19 Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

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

Footstompin’ Trio, Sugar Sugar Sugar: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-7781067. Michael Gonzalez (jazz, Latin, blues): 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

THURSDAY.20 The Unknown: 4 to 6 p.m., Dirt Cup Fan Fest, Skagit Speedway, 4796 Old Highway 99 N, Alger. Free. 360-7243567 or skagitspeedway. com.

R X Bertoldi (blues, folk, Americana): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

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