360 June 9, 2016

‌ Lisa Alvarado

‌ Alex Reymundo

BRINGING THE FUNNY AT THE SKAGIT THIS WEEKEND, PAGE 3

Pablo Francisco

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday June 9, 2016

TUNING UP PAGE 9

Ian McFeron and Alisa Milner play Anelia’s tonight in La Conner ON STAGE PAGE 8 Catch “Proof ” at Anacortes Community Theatre this weekend

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Zootopia”: The animated film offers a world where predators and prey live together in general harmony.

When the new animated movie focuses on the critters, it’s a funny trip through the animal kingdom.

What slows the ark (oops, make that arc) of the film is a crime story that’s in need of a few more monkeyshines.

The animation is beautiful. The city is divided into several distinct regions. This gave the animators frozen landscapes, lush forests and a beautiful cityscape to use.

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

JUNE 14

You will remember that as the location of Season 3’s Red Wedding episode.

The icy landscape of Castle Black and the Wall are on Season 4. cases the goals of NASA and the space industry for the upcoming years.

Season n Get a Job n Gridlocked n Power: Season 2 n The League: Season 7 n X-Files: The Event Series n Underground

178 episodes from the seven seasons of the series.

JUNE 21

n My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 n The Brothers Grimsby n Midnight Special n Embrace of the Serpent n Anesthesia n How to Get Away with Mur-

ON STAGE / Page 8

“IMAX: Journey Into Space”: Show-

n 10 Cloverfield Lane n London Has Fallen n Eddie the Eagle n Hello, My Name Is Doris n The Young Messiah n 45 Years

n Ballers: The Complete First

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

McCarthy’s Irish Band plays the Littlefield Celtic Center in Mount Vernon tonight

“Star Trek: The Next Generation — The Complete Series”: Includes the

“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”: Six elite

ex-military operators must protect members of the CIA. “The Funhouse Massacre”: Serial

killers take over a “Hail, Caesar!”: giant fun house.

This is a complete der: Season 2 misstep by film“East Jerusalem n Knight of Cups makers Joel and West Jerusalem”: n The Hollow Crown: The Wars Ethan Coen as they Singer/songwriter of the Roses show a laziness David Broza begins n Workaholics: Season 6 when it comes to an eight-day record— Tribune News Service the comedy. ing session.

The film “Sofia the First: casually follows The Secret Library”: Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), head of Sofia is named story keeper of magiproduction for Capitol Pictures, as he cal books without endings. faces numerous problems during the “When Calls the Heart: Heart of a day. The main concern is the kidnapHero”: New arrivals bring excitement ping of Baird Whitlock (George Cloo- and danger to Hope Valley. ney), the world’s biggest star, in the “Abandoned”: Job as security guard middle of production on the studio’s proves deadly. latest swords-and-sandals epic.

“The Other Side of the Door”: GrievThe Coens throw everything from ing mother (Sarah Wayne Callies) communism to pregnancy at the film learns of a ritual to bring back dead but nothing ends up that interesting son. or funny.

“The Detectorists: Series 2”: Two metal detecting enthusiasts search the “Game of Thrones Steelbook SeaEnglish countryside for treasure. sons 3 and 4”: It would be enough to own the two seasons of this amazing “Monsterland”: Monster apocalypse HBO series. But the Steelbook sets survivor hides in the wrong movie feature art designed by the company theater. that created the opening credits. Each “Shrek”: Animated film being re-reSteelbook showcases a specific localeased to mark the 15th anniversary. tion that is significant to that season “The Spoils Before Dying”: Rock and includes usable magnets.

Banyon has 72 hours to clear his Season 3 features the House Frey name. and their ancestral seat of the Twins.

— Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

INSIDE

SUBMISSIONS

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

Out & About............................................ 4-5 Get Involved............................................ 6-7 On Stage.......................................................8 Tuning Up....................................................9 Hot Tickets................................................10 Travel..........................................................11 At the Lincoln...........................................13 Movies..................................................14-15 Music Reviews..........................................15

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THIS WEEKENDin the area Merryfest Carnival

COMEDY AT THE SKAGIT

Comedians Pablo Francisco, Alex Reymundo and Lisa Alvarado bring the funny at 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, at the Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. Francisco landed a half-hour comedy special on “Comedy Central Presents” and has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” VH1’s “ILL-ustrated,” Mind of Mencia as “The Voiceover Dude” and “Frank TV,” according to a news release.

Reymundo is a comedian and actor who has won American Latin Media Awards for his specials “Hick-Spanic” and “Red-Nexican.” Alvarado is “The Latin Queen of Comedy”; she has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Nick at Nite’s “Funniest Moms in America 2” and “Comics Unleashed” with Byron Allen. $25-$30. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

QUIDDITCH FEST

The Burlington Public Library will host its first Quidditch Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Skagit River Playfields, 1100 S. Skagit St., Burlington. Join fellow fans for a day of Muggle play and Harry Potter-inspired children’s crafts, and the Rain City Raptors will demonstrate a Quidditch game. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Free. 360-755-0760 or burlingtonwa.gov/library.

NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION

St. Mary Catholic Church will host its annual event from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 10; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 11; and noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 12 on the church grounds, 4001 St. Mary Drive, Anacortes. The event features carnival rides, games and food, along with a beer garden and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. 360-293-2101.

The public is invited to the 11th annual Salish Sea Native American Cultural Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Deception Pass State Park, Bowman Bay picnic area, 41020 Highway 20, Oak Harbor. The event celebrates the maritime heritage of the Samish Indian Nation and Swinomish Tribal Community. The celebration will feature canoe rides, Native singing, drumming and dance, storytelling and demonstrations of traditional crafts. A salmon and fry bread lunch will be available for purchase.

Saturday is a State Parks “free day”; the Discover Pass is not required for entry to the park. parks. state.wa.us/folkarts.

CAMANO CRAB DASH

The fifth annual Crab Dash 5K/10K fun run/ walk will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Medals will be awarded for the top three female and male runners; ribbons for the top three in each age group. The walk is noncompetitive. $15 entry fee; T-shirts, $10. 360-387-0222 or camanocenter.org.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT

ART MONA ART AUCTION: The Museum of Northwest Art’s largest fundraising event of the year will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Wa Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. On the auction block are original works by some 200 artists, art experiences and a Fund-the-Future opportunity. $125, includes live auction and dinner. 360-466-4446, ext. 104 or monamuseum.org.

The public is invited to a free preview party and artist celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 17. Includes heavy appetizers, drinks and music.

MARCEIL DELACY AND LINDSAY KOHLES EXHIBIT: Smith & Vallee Gallery presents new works by Kohles, whose detailed paintings combine species to create absurd creatures, and DeLacy, whose sculptures feature smooth renderings of animals emerging from salvaged pieces of wood through June 28 at 5719 Gilkey Ave., Edison. The gallery is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday-Friday. Free admission. 360-3054882 or smithandvallee. com.

MARCEIL DELACY AND LINDSAY KOHLES EXHIBIT: Smith & Vallee Gallery presents new works by Kohles, whose paintings combine species to create creatures, and DeLacy, whose sculptures feature renderings

of animals emerging from salvaged pieces of wood June 3-28 at 5719 Gilkey Ave., Edison. The gallery is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mon-Fri. Free admission. 360-305-4882 or smithandvallee.com.

LA CONNER QUILT AND TEXTILE MUSEUM: Varied exhibits and classes are available to the public at 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org. n Exhibit: “A Magical Journey of Hand Appliqué” by Kathy McNeil, through June 19. n Exhibit: “Clothing: Art and Embellishment” by Anita Luvera Mayer, through June 19. n Class: “Silk Sachet Workshop and Japanese Tea Ceremony”: with Sachiko Yoshida: 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 23. $40-$45. n Exhibit: “Creative Knitting”: through July 3. n Exhibit: “Colonial Revival Quilts”: through Aug. 28. n Exhibit: “Beauty of Japan” and “Images of Japan”: June 22-Oct. 2.

SCOTT MILO GALLERY: Experience over 70 small works of art in an array of genres, styles and mediums at Plein Air Washington artist’s inaugural juried art show through July 30 at 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Gallery is open Monday through Saturday

DUDESTOCK 2016

The Lincoln Theatre celebrates all things related to the 1998 cult movie “The Big Lebowski,” being screened at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 18, at 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Fans of the film, or “Achievers,” drink White Russians, listen to Creedence and party with an array of dudes, Walters and Maudes. Arrive at 7 p.m. for Wii bowling on the big screen.

Ages 21 and older. Advance tickets $10, $15 at the door, $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment.

Closed Sundays. Free.

360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

LUMMI ISLAND GALLERY OPENING: Inaugural show “Pride & Joy” features abstractions of local painter and print maker Pete L. Bowman, and the sculptural oil paintings of international painter Bridged Lott at 4232 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island. The gallery will show carvings from Zimbabwe, Zulu baskets and embroideries from South Africa.

Show runs for about 10 weeks. Free. 360-3050882 or lummiislandgallery.com.

GROUP SHOW: “What One Dreams About” continues through June 11 at Matzke Fine Art, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features paintings, prints, sculptures and more by selected Northwest artists including Reg Akright, Liana Bennett,

Ned Block, Jerry Finn, Dan Freeman, Don Haggerty, Janet Hamilton, Diane Hill, Sharon Kingston, Jill Mattison, Bobbie Mueller, Richard Nash, Janie Olsen, Sue Taves, Ruth Westra, Leon White and Hiroshi Yamano. 360-3872759 or matzkefineart. com.

MARGY LAVELLE ART SHOW: Lavelle’s new paintings and sculpture will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, through June 26, at i.e., 5800 Cains Court, Edison. Her oil paintings and three-dimensional constructions are inspired by the Samish Bay shoreline and fields. 360-4883458 or ieedison.com.

APPLIQUÉ AND EMBELLISHMENT: Two exhibits continue, showcasing different and beautiful quilting techniques; “A Magical Journey of Hand Appliqué” by Kathy McNeil and “Clothing: Art & Embellishment”

by Anita Luvera Mayer, continue through June 19, at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org. n Silk Sachet Workshop and Japanese Tea Ceremony: with Sachiko Yoshida and students: 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 23. $40-$45.

GALLERY SHOW: “Wilderness Wars,” a new exhibition of work by artists Caitlin Ahern and Todd Horton is showing through June 30 at Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St., La Conner. Gallery hours are Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Free.

360-708-4787 or gallerycygnus.com.

ANNIVERSARY SHOW: The “Anacortes at 125” exhibit celebrating Anacortes’ history since incorporation is on display at the Anacortes Museum, 1305 Eighth St. Learn about the city’s history from its boom days to today, as viewed through the lens of city departments. Free. 360-2931915.

CONCRETE MUSEUM REOPENS: The Concrete Heritage Museum, 7380 Thompson Ave., Concrete, is open for the summer. The museum has a variety of exhibits showing early life in and around Concrete, including logging history, a

bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, concrete production, regional dam construction, outdoor machinery and more.

The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturdays, through Sept. 24. 360-853-8347 or concreteheritagemuseum.org.

CAR SHOWS BERRY COOL CAR SHOW: During Berry Dairy Days, be sure to take a look at the North Cascade Street Rod Association’s display of antique and classic cars from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, June 19. Over 150 decked-out automobiles line up along Fairhaven Avenue from Alder to Oak streets.

Free spectator admission, $15 car entry fee on a first-come, firstserved basis starting at 6 a.m. 360-757-0994 or burlingtonwa.gov.

EAGLE HAVEN WINERY 2016 CAR SHOW: Cars and wine from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. Food

by Flashover BBQ. Free admission. 360-8566248 or eaglehavenwinery.com.

S-W CAR SHOW: The Sedro-Woolley Eagles will host its 2016 car show from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at 1000 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. Check out a wide range of classic and custom vehicles, live music, beer garden, great food, 50/50 drawing, raffles and more.

Contributions will benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Entry fee: $15.

Lots of prizes. 360-8550530.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT

FAIRS BERRY DAIRY DAYS: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19, at the Burlington Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Events include “Junk in Your Trunk” market, kids games and magic shows, live music, fireworks show, basketball tournament, car show, big truck races, Kiwanis salmon barbecue and more. Free. 360-757-0994 or burlington-chamber. com. n Junk in Your Trunk Sale: Use your truck, trunk, or tables to sell your stuff from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Rent a space at this “garage sale” as part of the Berry Dairy Days festival. $20 gets you one slot to park and one to set up your sale. Preregister by June 13. 755-9649 or burlington-chamber.com. n Kids Craft Sale: Kids sell homemade crafts during “Junk in your Trunk” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Open to ages 17 and under. $10 to rent a table space. 755-9649 or burlington-chamber.com.

THIRD ANNUAL ANTIQUE FAIR: Shop the fair and garden party while enjoying wine tasting, chocolates, door prizes and entrees by Random Acts of Food from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 17, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Saturday.

The “Big Tent” and 1888 Meadow Schoolhouse will be filled with vintage collectibles and garden vendors. Free. 360-4663821 or christiansonsnursery.com.

LOGGERODEO: Celebrate the longest running

4th of July celebration in Washington from July 1-4 throughout Sedro-Woolley. Events include parades, logger exhibitions, rodeo, carnival, beard contest, live music, firefighter contest, food, fireworks and more. Free admission. 360-770-8452 or loggerodeo.org.

Road, Mount Vernon.

Part of an annual circuit of Scottish competitions, with expert solo bagpiping and drumming, bagpipe bands, fiddling, traditional Scottish athletics (the “heavy” events) and Scottish Highland dancing. Prices vary. 360416-4934 or celticarts.org.

KLA HA YA DAYS: The annual old-fashioned summertime festival’s theme is “Game On, Snohomish!” from July 9–17 in Snohomish. Events include a parade, street fair, vintage fair block, car & motorcycle show, music stage, beer garden and more. 425-493-7824 or klahayadays.com. n An arts & crafts festival and vintage fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 16, between Union, Glen, Pearl and Cedar streets.

Purchase vintage goods, antiques and re-purposed items made from vintage or antique materials. n A car & motorcycle show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 17, on First St. from Maple to Ave. A and on Union, Glen, Pearl and Cedar. There will be parking on the city streets for vintage and custom cars and motorcycles, and prizes for people’s choice winners. Participants are encouraged to preregister before July 1 at klahayadays.com/car-motorcycle-show.

32ND ANNUAL CHILDREN’S ART FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Children can experience activities from fish prints to sand art.

Concessions available.

Free. 360-336-6215 or mountvernonwa.gov.

FESTIVALS 22ND ANNUAL HIGHLAND GAMES: A kind of “Scottish three-ring circus” with a wide range of activities for young and old alike from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at Edgewater Park, 600 Behrens Millet

LECTURES AND TALKS LEARN ABOUT LEGISLATURE: “What You Don’t Know About the Legislative Session” will be the topic at the next Fidalgo Democrats’ meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Rep. Kristine Lytton of Anacortes will be the speaker. Questions and comments will follow.

Free. 360-293-7114.

FOLK LEGACY CONCERT: Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bethany Lynn takes you on a musical journey from the 16th century through the 1960s Folk Revival at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St. Lynn’s music is inspired by generations of folk music from England, Ireland and Scotland to the Appalachian Mountains. Free.

360-293-1910.

EAGLE HAVEN WINERY 2016 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. Food by Billy’s Café. $10, $8 for wine club members, includes 20 percent off your first bottle of wine. Children under 12 free. Reserved tables available. 360-856-6248 or eaglehavenwinery.com. n Austin Jenckes (Americana, southern rock and country): 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 9. n Margaret Wilder Band (blues, funk, R&B): 7 p.m.

Friday, July 22. n Clinton Fearon (reggae): 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12.

LA CONNER LIVE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, Gilkey Square, corner of Morris Avenue and First Street, La Conner. Free.

360-395-8540 or laconnerlive.com.

Next up: Mike Bucy, June 12.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Enjoy music from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays on the Riverwalk in downtown Mount Vernon. The free family-friendly series will feature different performers each week. mountvernonchamber.com. Next up: n July 7: Chris Eger Band and the Powerhouse Horns. n July 14: Rivertalk.

MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10, $4 students. 360-3368955 or lincolntheatre.org.

AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC SERIES: Enjoy free performances at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Deception Pass State Park, West Beach Amphitheater, 41020 Highway 20, Oak

MUSIC

Harbor. Discover Pass or day-use permit required for park access. 360-6753767 or parks.state.wa.us/ folkarts. n July 9: Miho & Diego: Sounds of Japan and Latin America. n July 16: Fisher poets Erin Fristad and John Van Amerongen.

40TH DARRINGTON BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: Friday through Sunday, July 15-17, Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, Highway 530, Darrington.

Music, scenery, food, and camping. Gates open on July 9. Prices vary. 360436-1179 or darringtonbluegrass.com.

MORE FUN JUMP INTO BBQ AND RAFFLE: Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce will present a summer barbecue from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today, June 9, at the Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon.

Welcome the summer with this networking opportunity including burgers, raffle prizes, and DJ Mike in the Morning. $1 and $5 raffle tickets.

360-428-8547 or mountvernonchamber.chambermaster.com.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad Club will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at its facility adjacent to Alger Community Church, 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. Revised layouts of large, permanent HO- and N-scale railroads. Admission by donation. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

SPORTS STARS: Skagit Valley Herald’s second

annual Sports Stars Skagit County Athletic Awards will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, June 13, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

Steve Epperson, Skagit Valley College athletic director and women’s basketball coach, will be the keynote speaker. The awards reception will honor 23 student-athletes, with three special awards to be presented at the event — top female and male athletes of the year and coach of the year.

Reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the awards program at 7:30 p.m. $20.

360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM FLY-IN: See war birds from around the region in an array of flights, one demo every hour, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 18, at the Skagit Regional Airport, 15053 Crosswind Drive, Burlington.

Bring the whole family. $8 adults, $5 child and military, free for members and ages 4 and younger.

360-424-5151 or heritageflight.org.

DUDESTOCK 2016: The Lincoln Theatre celebrates all things related to the 1998 cult movie “The Big Lebowski,” being screened at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Fans of the film, or “Achievers,” drink White Russians, listen to Creedence and party with an array of dudes, Walters and Maudes. Arrive at 7 p.m. for Wii bowling on the big screen. Ages 21 and older. Advance tickets $10, $15 at the door, $2 off for Lincoln members.

360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART CALL TO ARTISTS: Join the Skagit Art Association today, June 9, at the Burlington Public Libary, 820 E. Washington Ave. All artists are invited. 360-840-6436 or 360-755-9065.

KNITTER’S GUILD: North Sound Knitter’s Guild meets from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, June 13, in the Social Room at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood.

360-387-9611.

2016 MONA ART AUCTION: 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18, Swinomish Casino and Lodge’s Wa Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. On the auction block are original works by more than 200 artists, art experiences, and a Fund-the-Future opportunity. $125. 360466-4446, ext. 104 or monamuseum.org.

A free preview party and artist celebration will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 17, includes heavy appetizers, drinks and music.

ART COMMISSION MEETING: The Mount Vernon Arts Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, in the conference room at Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-6215.

CALL FOR FIBER ARTS: The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum is accepting entries through June 30 for the 2016 Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival, set for Sept.

30-Oct. 2, in La Conner.

This juried and judged exhibit is open to quilters

and fiber artists of all levels. For entry guidelines, call 360-466-4288 or visit laconnerquilts.org.

CALL FOR ANACORTES ARTISTS: The Anacortes Arts Commission is accepting applications through July 15 for the first Anacortes and Guemes Island Artist’s Studio Tour, set for Oct. 22-23. Artists must live or have studio space in the 98221 ZIP code to participate. Artists without a studio may have the opportunity to participate at the Depot, 611 R Ave., Anacortes.

For entry guidelines, contact 360-293-1918 or anacortesartscommission.com.

MUSIC BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Attend a free, no-commitment rehearsal of the An-O-Chords, a four-part barbershop harmony group. No experience necessary, no auditions required. Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages welcome. Drop in any Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Educational Service Building, 1601 R Ave., Anacortes. Rides available. Bob Lundquist, 360-941-5733 or svenbob@cheerful.com.

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

St. Free; donations accepted. 360-630-1156.

SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Mondays (except the first full week of each

month, when practice is held on Friday) at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident.

360-770-7354.

LOVE TO SING? Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Monday at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Seeking women who like to sing a cappella music.

All skill levels welcome.

ANACORTES OPEN MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360293-2544.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway.

360-445-4733.

PIANO CAMP: Group piano classes will be offered in Sedro-Woolley in June for two age groups: n Ages 7 to 11: Piano fundamentals, 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, June 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30. Parents encouraged to stay and watch. $50. n Ages 12 to adult: Piano bootcamp, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 14, 21 and 28. $30.

Call 360-856-4938 for class location and to register by June 13.

2ND SUNDAY JAZZ: Free, live jazz concerts are held during the summer months at the Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., an outdoor venue. 360-293-1910 or jazzatthelibrary.com.

Nect up: n Sunday, June 12: 2 to 3:30 p.m.: A’Town Big Band.

PARADES BERRY DAIRY DAYS PARADE: Applications are available for the 79th annual Berry Dairy Days Grand Parade, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, along Fairhaven Avenue in Burlington.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.

For information or an application, call 360-7570994 or visit burlington-chamber.com.

RECREATION ALL-COMERS TRACK MEETS: Athletes of all ages can compete in a variety of track and field events at 5 p.m. Wednesdays through June 29 at Burlington-Edison High School, 301 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington.

Registration opens at 5 p.m., followed by field events at 5:30 p.m. and running events at 6 p.m. $5 per meet; $25 season pass includes one pass for each of the five weeks, Fast Pass check-in and a 2016 ACTM shirt.

Shirts can also be purchased for $10; vintage shirts are available for $5 while they last. Ribbons awarded for each event entered. “Dallas Kloke” Jogger’s Mile Winner T-shirts awarded to those who correctly predict their time within three seconds. For information, contact Burlington Parks and Recreation at 360-7559649 or burlingtonwa. gov/recreation.

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join the Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest

lands around Anacortes.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

No pets. Free. For information, call 360-2933725 or visit friendsoftheacfl.org. Next up: n Senior/Adult Hike: Heart Lake Old Growth: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 10. Enjoy a gentler-paced 1.7-mile hike along the south shore of Heart Lake, where orange trumpet honeysuckle and ocean spray should be in full bloom. Meet at the base of Mount Erie on Ray Auld Drive. n All Around Whistle Lake: 10 a.m. until after noon Saturday, June 18. Revel in the longest daylight of the year on this almost-summer solstice hike. Explore the trails all the way around the Whistle Lake region.

Hike is just over three miles with some good hills. Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot.

11TH ANNUAL SALISH SEA NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION: The Samish and Swinomish tribes will offer free canoe rides and more from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, June 11, at the Bowman Bay picnic area on the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park, 41020 Highway 20, Oak Harbor.

Native singers, drummers, storytellers and artists from the tribes demonstrate traditional weaving, cedar work and woodcarving. A salmon and fry bread lunch benefits the 2016 Canoe Journey, allowing tribes and nations to visit along the coast via canoe. No Discover Pass needed.

360-902-8635 or parks. state.wa.us/folkarts.

TAYLOR SHELLFISH PROCESSING PLANT TOUR AND COOKING DEMO: See where the shellfish comes in, get sorted and shipped out from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 11, at the Samish Taylor Shellfish Market, 2182 Chuckanut Drive, Bow. After the tour, an expert will demonstrate how to prepare the shellfish.

Free. 360-432-2870 or taylorshellfishfarms.com.

LEADERSHIP SKAGIT: Each year, Leadership Skagit selects community leaders for a nine-month civic leadership and development program, starting in September at Skagit Valley College, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon. Participants gain increased awareness and commitment to serve Skagit Valley, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing Skagit County, the resources available to address these issues, and the opportunities for leadership involvement.

To register, contact Kathryn Bennett, director, at 360-395-8727 or visit leadershipskagit.org.

TRIVIA NIGHT: Test your knowledge of Skagit Valley fisheries and business to support local fish from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, June 16, at North Sound Brewing, 17406 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. There will be a five person per group limit, and all funds collected plus $1 per pint sold benefit Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group’s salmon restoration and education programs. $5. 360-3360172 or skagitfisheries. org.

Thursday, June 9, 2016 - E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED LAUTENBACH RECYCLING 25TH CELEBRATION: Lautenbach Recycling, one of the most advanced recycling facilities in the Pacific Northwest, will celebrate its 25th year from 2 to 6 p.m.

Friday, June 17, at 13084 Ball Road, Mount Vernon.

Invited guests will be thanked for their years of service, and everyone will be able tour the facility and participate in a largescale interactive mural by Wildflower Murals. Free.

360-757-4000 or lautenbachrecycling.net.

BERRY DAIRY DAYS RUNS: The Berry Dairy Days Half Marathon, 5K and 10K Runs will take place Saturday, June 18, at 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Race-day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Early start for half marathon walkers and slower runners: 7:30 a.m. followed by the regular start at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K and 10K start at 9 a.m. Registration through June 15: Half marathon, $30; 10K, $20; 5K, $15. Day of race: Half marathon, $40; 10K, $25; 5K, $20. T-shirts: $15 while supply lasts. Register in person at Skagit Running Co., 724 S First St., Mount Vernon; Fairhaven Runners, 1209 11th St., Bellingham; Klicks Running, 1431 N. State St., Bellingham; or online at active.com (search for “Berry Dairy Days”).

BURLINGTON BBQ BATTLE: Noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, June 19, Burlington Visitor Center, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington. Competition and tastings presented

by DreamChasers RV of Burlington. $10 to taste, $20 per meat choice to compete. Must have a food handler’s permit.

360-757-0994 or BurlingtonBBQBattle.com.

SMART CYCLING 101: A two-part class taught

by League of American Bicyclists certified instructors from 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, June 23, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in the Cascade Room at the Skagit Regional Hospital, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. Participants gain confidence to ride the road and knowledge to have a safe and pleasant experience. Must be 18 years old or 14-17 with an adult, have a functioning bicycle and helmet for Saturday, and attend both sessions. Free for residents of Skagit County, $75 for nonresidents. Register at 360-814-2424 or skagitregionalhealth.org.

TESORO MARCH POINT RUN AND WALK: Join Tesoro’s 22nd annual road race around March Point on Saturday, June 25, at the Tesoro Refinery, 10200 W. March Point Road, Anacortes. Kid’s race starts at 8:45 a.m., 10K and 5K Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. All race entry funds include a free picnic lunch and benefit United Way. $20 before June 21 or $30 on race day. 360-293-4852 or databarevents.com/ marchpointrun.

FIX-IT DAYS: Specialists mend broken appliances, lamps that need attention or chipped items from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, at the Anacortes Farmers Market, the Depot, 611 R Ave., Anacortes. Donations for repairs benefit the Deception Pass Park Foundation. Call if you need pick-up arrangements. 360-675-3767 or

deceptionpassfoundation. org. Next up: June 25. July 30, Aug 27, Sept. 24.

FREE FLIGHTS FOR KIDS: The Young Eagles Program provides free airplane rides for youth ages 8-17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Skagit Regional Airport, 15400 Airport Drive, Burlington. Twenty-minute flights will be provided by experienced pilots. skagiteaa.org. Register at cherylscub@gmail.com.

S-W FOOTRACE: The annual Great Sedro-Woolley Footrace will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, at the Sedro-Woolley High School gym, 1235 Third St., Sedro-Woolley.

Check-in and day-of-race registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5.17-mile race and 2-mile fun run/walk. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women in each event, with recognition awards for the top three finishers in several age groups. Preregistration through July 1: $25, includes T-shirt. Registration after July 2: $20 without T-shirt. Free for ages 14 and younger and ages 70 and older (T-shirt not included), but registration is still required.

Day-of-race T-shirts: $10 while they last. Register at sedrowoolleyfootrace.com or pick up a registration form at the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, 714-B Metcalf St. For information, call Kyle at 360-856-4465.

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

BBQ BUFFET AT TWO SALMON CAFÉ Saturday, June 18th | 4pm-10pm Herb Roasted Prime Rib Green Chile Bacon Mac & Cheese Beer Braised Honey Sriracha Chicken Lemon Garlic Roasted Salmon And More!

with paying guest

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E8 - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area June 9-16 Thursday.9

Sunday.12

THEATER

THEATER

“Proof”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“South Pacific”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $20. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Shakespeare’s Wonderland”: 6 p.m., ACT Annex, 918 M Ave., Anacortes.

Free. 360-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

“Proof”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20.

360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“South Pacific”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $20. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

MUSIC

McCarthy’s Irish Band: 7 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. $15-$20. 360416-4934 or celticarts.org.

Friday.10 THEATER

Monday.13

“Proof”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20.

360-293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

“South Pacific”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $20. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

Skagit County Sport Stars: 6 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $20. 360-416-7727, ext.

2.

Tuesday.14

COMEDY

Latin Lineup: Pablo Francisco, with Alex Reymundo and Lisa Alvarado: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. $25-$30. 877275-2448 or theskagit.com.

MUSIC

“Masterpieces of Russian Choral Music”: St. Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble, 7 p.m., Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW Second Ave., Oak Harbor. Freewill offering. 360-679-1561.

MUSIC

Thursday.9 McCARTHY’S IRISH BAND 7 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon. $15-$20. 360416-4934 or celticarts.org.

Saturday.11 THEATER

Mount Vernon High School Jazz: “Live at the Lincoln”: 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $4-10. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

“Proof”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20.

360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

“South Pacific”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $20. 360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Shakespeare’s Wonderland”: 6:30 p.m., Vaux Retreat Center, 3011 E. Fir St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

Thursday.16 THEATER

COMEDY

Latin Lineup: Pablo Francisco, with Alex Reymundo and Lisa Alvarado: 8 p.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Pacific Showroom, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. $25-$30. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

“Proof”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

“South Pacific”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $20.

360-679-2237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Thursday, June 9, 2016 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues June 9-16 Thursday.9 Open Mic and Jam: 8 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. No cover.

425-737-5144 or 360629-6500.

Highway 9: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $7.

425-737-5144 or 360629-6500.

Thursday.9

TRISH HATLEY 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Saint John and the Revelations (rock): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5. 360-4453000.

Ian McFeron: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Grizzly Troubador: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-9822649.

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

Ian McFeron and Alisa Milner (folk,pop): 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991805.

Friday.10 Nick Anthony and Friends: 8 to 11 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake.

360-399-1321.

Cadillac Ranch: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-855-5111.

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

Uncle Doug Cooper: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

Thursday.9 IAN McFERON AND ALISA MILNER 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner. 360-399-1805.

KAROL MILNER PHOTO

Randy Smith: 8 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 574 Caines Court, Bow. Free. 360766-6330.

Marcel and Nakos: 8 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6266.

The Popoffs: 9 p.m., Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Main Stage, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. 888-2888883. or swinomishcasinoandlodge.com.

Daikaiju, The Phone Books, Lonebird: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8. 360778-1067.

MuseBird Cafe with Ira Wolf, Brenda Xa and Allison Preisinger: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10.

360-445-3000.

Highway 9 Band: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $7. 425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500.

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

360-848-8882.

Saturday.11 Cadillac Ranch: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Sedro-Woolley American Legion Hall, 701 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-5111.

Gin Gypsy: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-7553956.

The Swearenjens: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6266.

The Popoffs: 9 p.m., Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Main Stage, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. 888-2888883. or swinomishcasinoandlodge.com.

Wednesday.15

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

Acoustic Night with Mitchell James: 9 p.m., The Brown Lantern, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover.

360-293-2544.

Drummerboy, featuring Mark Riley (blues): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Thursday.16

Marlin James Band: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $7. 425737-5144 or 360-6296500.

El Colonel and Mary de la Fuente: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

Marcel and Nakos (bluegrass): 9:30 p.m., The Brown Lantern, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover.

360-293-2544.

Sunday.12 The Bo Diddlers: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6266.

Pygottpalooza, Defenestrator, Muppet Fetish, Ghostblood: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. Free.

360-778-1067.

Wayne Hayton: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

”Urgent Africa” presents Mohammed Shaiby’s Soyaya: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10, $7 students. 360-4453000.

One Eyed Cat: 6 p.m., The Woolley Market, 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-982-2649.

Mike Bucy: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1805.

The Breaks: A Celebration of Hip Hop Culture: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham.

Free. 360-778-1067.

E10 - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS ”PAINT YOUR WAGON”: Through June 25, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-625-1900 or 5thavenue.org.

LATIN LINEUP COMEDY NIGHT: June 10-11, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit.com.

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND July 2, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

TEARS FOR FEARS: June 17, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

CHICAGO: June 18, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

JUSTIN HAYWARD: featuring IGN’s Mike Dawes, June 24, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

PARADISO FESTIVAL: June 24-25, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 425-248-1572 or livenation.com.

BOSTON: July 1, WAMU Theatre, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND: July 2, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

STEVEN TYLER: July 8, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

GOO GOO DOLLS WITH COLLECTIVE SOUL AND TRIBE SOCIETY: July 9, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK TASTE OF CHAOS TOUR: July 9, Xfinity Arena, Everett. 866-332-8499 or livenation.com.

PHISH: July 15-16, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

PAIN IN THE GRASS 2016: Aug. 21, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES: Sept. 9, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

GWEN STEFANI WITH SPECIAL GUEST EVE: Aug. 24, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000. livenation.com

PROPHET OF RAGE: Sept. 10, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

THE GIPSY TWINS: Aug. 25, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

FIFTH HARMONY: Sept.

13, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

STEVE MILLER BAND: Aug. 26-27, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

29TH WINTHROP R&B FESTIVAL: July 15-17, 19190 Highway 20, Winthrop. 509997-3837 or tickettomato. com.

ALBERT LEE: with Kate Taylor: July 24, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org.

2016 FETE MUSIC FESTIVAL: July 30, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

40TH DARRINGTON BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: July 15-17, Darrington Bluegrass Music Park, Darrington. 360436-1179 or darringtonbluegrass.com.

ROB ZOMBIE, KORN: July 27, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE: Aug. 5-6, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville.

800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

JOHN FOGERTY: July 29, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

CULTURE CLUB: Aug. 11, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

MEGHAN TRAINOR: July 16, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

DON HENLEY: July 19-20, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

STING & PETER GABRIEL: July 21, KeyArena, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

THE RIPPINGTONS: July 21-24, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

LEE ANN WOMACK: July 22-23, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

DEAD & COMPANY: July 23, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

WATERSHED FESTIVAL: with Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Keith Urban and more: July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. watershedfest.com.

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE FESTIVAL OF JAZZ: JONATHAN BUTLER AND GERALD ALBRIGHT, BOBBY CALDWELL, MELLIE MCKAY AND MORE: July 30, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

WINE COUNTRY BLUES FESTIVAL: ROBERT CRAY BAND, MAVIS STAPLES, JAMES HUNTER SIX AND SHEMEKIA COPELAND: July 31, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER: Aug. 28, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

DURAN DURAN: Sept. 1, Xfinity Arena, Everett. 866332-8499 or livenation.com.

SNOOP DOGG AND WIZ KHALIFA — THE HIGH ROAD SUMMER TOUR: Sept.

2, White River Amphitheater, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BONNIE RAITT: Sept. 16, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

DRAKE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: Sept. 16, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

BLINK-182 WITH A DAY TO REMEMBER AND ALL AMERICAN REJECTS: Sept.

17, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

SIA WITH SPECIAL GUEST MIGUEL AND ALUNAGEORGE: Sept. 29, Key Arena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

WARPED TOUR ‘16: Aug. 12, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS: Sept. 2, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

DEF LEPPARD: with REO Speedwagon, Tesla: Oct. 1, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

JACKSON BROWNE: Aug. 12-13, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

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

MAROON 5: Oct. 11, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

GUNS N’ ROSES: Aug. 12, CenturyLink Field, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

COUNTING CROWS AND ROB THOMAS: Sept. 3, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

MARGARET CHO: Aug. 19-20, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

CHRIS ISAAK: Sept. 4, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

DEMI LOVATO, NICK JONAS: Aug. 21, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

RAY MONTAGNE: Sept. 5, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

ENDUROCROSS: Oct. 22, Xfinity Arena, Everett. 866332-8499 or livenation.com.

IAN ANDERSON of JETHRO TULL: Oct. 28, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-7844849 or livenation.com.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE WITH GRANGER SMITH AND CHRIS LANE: Nov. 11, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

Thursday, June 9, 2016 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

FA M I LY T R AV E L FI V E

Local travel

These family trips engage all 5 senses

By LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES The Dallas Morning News

Travel offers the potential for a sensory feast. On your next trip, encourage family members to do more than just see the sights. Here are five ways to deepen the experience: 1. What do you smell? Farmers markets, street fairs, carnivals, sulfur hot springs, a pine forest and fragrant rose gardens all offer an opportunity to sniff something special.

Talk with the kids about which aromas make them want to linger and which they are eager to pass by. Do certain aromas evoke a memory from a previous experience? Notice how different members of your family respond. localharvest.org; colorado. com/ articles/27-colorado-hot -springs-quick-guide 2. What do you hear?

Throughout your trip, encourage the kids to close their eyes and tune in. Is that the whistle of a train in the distance? Listen intently to the traffic noise in the city, waves crashing on a rocky shoreline or an unfamiliar bird chirping in the rain forest.

Take note of the street musicians performing in a language that is not your own. visitcostarica.com

Web Buzz Name: Adrenaline-hunter. com What it does: The website is a source for air, land, water, snow, urban and crazy adventures around the globe.

What’s hot: Thrill-seekers don’t have time to sift through all the options offered by most general-activity-focused travel websites. I like this site’s niche focus: It points you in the direction of “Our Top Spots,”“Our Sports,” which are the best adrenaline-packed activities in each of its sports, and “Adrenaline Hunter’s Top 6,” which are its favorites and include canoe surfing lessons in St. Martin, paragliding over Lake Annecy in France and scuba diving in Lesbos, Greece.

What’s not: When I first searched for paddleboarding in California, nothing came up. Was it because I was looking it up on a dated iPhone 6 Plus? Maybe not. The website is still in beta, so I’m sure those search results will be updated before long.

— Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times

3. How does it feel? Leaving the comfort of home can evoke a range of emotions spanning from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and uncertainty.

From the topsy-turvy thrill created by riding a roller coaster,

to the sensation of that first step into an unfamiliar landscape, each member of your family is bound to feel something new.

Who feels tired? Or hungry? Or even homesick? Talk about it. sixflags.com 4. May I touch? From petting zoos and tide pools to dolphin encounters and turtle sanctuaries, travel offers your family the opportunity to reach for the unexpected. Discuss the options ahead of time, particularly when young children are on board.

Spiny cactus and colorful coral might look interesting, but close contact isn’t advised. aza.org 5. Taste it. Travel provides the ideal opportunity to encourage kids to expand their culinary range. Talk about the origins of different ingredients and why many are unique to different regions of the world. Seek out small, local establishments where it might be possible to learn about food preparation or even talk with the chef or proprietor.

From curry and coconut to bok choy and barbecue sauce, there is a story to accompany every flavor you’ll sample. opentable.com — Lynn O’Rourke Hayes is the editor of FamilyTravel.com.

Email: lohayes@familytravel.com

American will reward fliers based on dollars, not miles DALLAS — American Airlines is following other airlines by basing perks like free flights on how much passengers spend on tickets, not how many miles they fly.

The change, which matches those at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, will start with

flights on Aug. 1 and rewards American’s highest-paying passengers.

Elite-status members of American’s AAdvantage frequent-flier program will earn bonus miles for every dollar they spend.

American signaled in Octo-

ber that changes were coming, but gave few details until this week.

AAdvantage has about 100 million members, making it the biggest and the oldest major airline loyalty program. It featured easy math: Fly one mile, earn one mile.

SALMON DINNER SAIL: Join the Schooner Zodiac, a classic 1920s sailing yacht, for a three-hour excursion from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, June 10-Sept. 2, departing from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham. Help the crew raise the largest mainsail on the West Coast and enjoy a buffet dinner. $79 adults, $59 children. For reservations, contact 206-719-7622 or schoonerzodiac.com.

WHIDBEY ISLAND GARDEN TOUR: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 18, meeting at the Chuckanut Park and Ride Lot, exit 231 off I-5, park in the middle of lot. $65. Register by Monday, June 13, at 360-7667109 or recreationwithoutborders.com.

THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE: Larissa Grieves will share her experiences and photos from studying abroad at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Anacortes City Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes.

Grieves visited London and traveled to Scotland, France, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Wales and the Netherlands.

Free.360-293-1910 or library.cityofanacortes.org.

BARD ON THE BEACH “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”: See Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare Festival presenting “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Meeting at the Cook Road Park and Ride, exit 232 off I-5, park by Starbucks. Prior to the matinee, enjoy a no-host meal and explore Granville Island. Bring money for food and purchases. Proof of citizenship is required. $85.

Register by Monday, June 13, at 360-766-7109 or recreationwithoutborders.com.

CEDAR RIVER WATERSHED AND OLD TOWN SNOQUALMIE: Tour the watershed that provides drinking water for 70 percent of the 1.4 million people living in the greater Seattle area, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, departing from the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington, or 8 a.m to 5:30 p.m. departing from the Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes. $65.

Register by Wednesday, June 22, at 360-766-7109 or recreationwithoutborders.com.

EXPERIENCES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: Vicki Stasch and Maria Small will recap their hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Pocono Mountains of New Jersey and Pennsylvania with Road Scholar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the Anacortes City Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910 or library.cityofanacortes.org.

WHATCOM MUSEUM HISTORY SUNSET CRUISES: The museum has partnered with San Juan Cruises for a series of history cruises along Bellingham Bay. Cruises start boarding at 6:15 p.m. and return to port at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 12-Aug. 30., from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic-style dinner and beverages (non-alcoholic.) Ticket prices vary. 800-838-3006 ext. 1 or brownpapertickets.com.

NEWHALEM BY NIGHT: Learn about the early days of Newhalem and Seattle City Light from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, departing from Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Stroll through Ladder Creek Gardens, learn about the history of the area’s water ways and hydroelectric projects, and enjoy a light show illuminating three waterfalls. Fee includes chicken dinner. Bring money for additional food and purchases. $75. Register by Thursday, June 30, at 360-336-6215 or mountvernonwa.gov.

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

E12 - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

The uphill battle for female-driven comedies in Hollywood

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

LOS ANGELES — “Bridesmaids” was supposed to change the game for the female-driven comedy. But each new movie is still treated like a beta test for the genre and the next unwitting subjects are “Ghostbusters,” out July 15, and “Bad Moms,” out July 29. Isn’t it supposed to be summer?

“Let’s wait and see how Ghostbusters does” has become a common phrase in the press and the industry — as if the future of female-led comedic blockbusters depends on Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon.

It all sounds eerily familiar to director Paul Feig, the high priest of female ensemble comedy. He heard the same thing with “Bridesmaids.”

“It’s unfair that women have to be put through litmus tests all the time.

What if ‘Ghostbusters’ doesn’t work?” Feig said.

“If a giant tent pole starring men doesn’t do well, people don’t go ‘oh well, we can’t have guys in movies anymore.’”

Kay Cannon, who wrote the a cappella comedy “Pitch Perfect” and its sequel, which together cost $46 million to make and earned $402.9 million worldwide, has had similar experiences.

“I feel like with every movie, we’re auditioning to be members of this business,” she said.

Former Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson, who greenlit “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect,” sees it differently.

“I think it is true that the

STX ENTERTAINMENT VIA AP

Mila Kunis (from left), Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn star in “Bad Moms,” which opens nationwide July 29.

COLUMBIA PICTURES, SONY VIA AP

Leslie Jones (from left), Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon star in “Ghostbusters,” which opens nationwide on July 15.

movies are discussed that way. I’m not sure I think it’s true that in fact each movie carries that weight.

People tend to forget just how many success stories there are,” Fogelson said, rattling off titles like “9 to 5,” ‘’The First Wives Club,” ‘’Bring It On,” ‘’Clueless,” ‘’Mean Girls” and “Baby Mama.”

In his mind, if “Bridesmaids” was breaking any new ground, it was around the R-rating.

Fogelson’s company STX Entertainment is behind “Bad Moms,” starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn, which he guarantees will have an R-rating, too.

“There is no honest PG-13 expression of the frustrations, the challenges and the hilarity of pursuing perfect parenthood,” Fogelson said.

He also recognizes that beyond its R-rating, “Bridesmaids” took on an

added significance that snowballed externally.

“Legally Blonde” co-screenwriter Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith was one leading the charge.

“I sent out a mass email saying ‘please support the endangered species of the female-driven comedy,’” Smith said.

As with most things in Hollywood, the effects of the film’s phenomenal success were complicated.

Feig and his stars did well.

“Pitch Perfect” got off the ground. But Smith’s peers weren’t seeing an uptick in project sales.

“It was like, ‘no, wait, this isn’t supposed to be happening. The movie’s a hit. Now we’re supposed to be able to sell all our female-driven comedies,’” she said. “It didn’t happen.”

She thinks some thought “Bridesmaids” was an anomaly.

Feig, meanwhile, continued to do his thing.

“I was hoping that I’d be able to show Hollywood that these movies are profitable and that they can stop using the excuse that men won’t show up,” Feig said.

He disproved the old box office myth that female-led movies “don’t travel” by creating “Spy,” a movie with all the elements of a marketable action-comedy that just happened to have a woman, McCarthy, as the lead.

But, again, it seemed to only benefit his circle.

“My end game wasn’t ‘OK, Paul Feig will make all the female-led movies,’” Feig said.

Now he’s dismayed that every summer there only seem to be a few, despite continued proof that they’re just good business.

For instance, in the summer of 2015, the so-called “summer of women,” four female-led studio comedies (“Pitch

Perfect 2,” ‘’Trainwreck,” ‘’Spy,” ‘’Hot Pursuit”) made over $715 million at the worldwide box office. The price tag: $164 million.

Hollywood, however, is not governed solely by the bottom line, but also by “comps.” It wants proven stars and proven properties.

That limits the talent pool and leaves less room for originality, and it’s forcing those in this genre to get creative with existing properties, whether it’s gender swapping like the new “Ghostbusters” or just expanding a current universe like “Sister Act” (Smith and co-writer Karen McCullah recently turned in a draft for a third installment in the franchise).

“This is a means to an end and the most important thing is putting more films out there that feature smart, funny, strong and fiery women,” Smith said.

There’s also the box office lore that movies targeted toward men generally get a pretty even distribution of gender into theaters, whereas movies targeted at women can sometimes have an exaggeratedly female audience.

Just last year, “Magic Mike XXL” attracted an opening

weekend audience that was 96 percent women.

Yet films like “Bridesmaids” have, of course, proven otherwise and most in the industry are hopeful for the future.

After her Netflix series “Girlboss” wraps, Cannon is going to direct her first feature, “The Pact,” about three teenage girls hoping to lose their virginity and the parents who try to stop them. She did have to spend some time tweaking the script, which was written by two men.

And there are a few studios that have more female-centric films on their roster, like 20th Century Fox’s Amy Schumer comedy “Mother/Daughter” and Universal’s “Pitch Perfect 3,” ‘’Girl Trip” and “Bridget Jones’s Baby.” Beyond “Ghostbusters,” Sony has a “Charlie’s Angels” reboot, a live-action “Barbie” comedy, and the bachelorette party comedy “Rock that Body.”

But for Feig, it’s still the same old issue.

“It’s nice that there are any ... there just need to be more,” he said. “Nobody should be celebrating or patting themselves on the back right now.”

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

AT THE LINCOLN

DINING GUIDE

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, June 10-11 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12

Cultures collide when an American businessman (Tom Hanks) is sent to Saudi Arabia to close what he hopes will be the deal of a lifetime. Baffled by local customs and stymied by an opaque bureaucracy, he eventually finds his footing with the help of a wise-cracking taxi driver (Alexander Black) and a beautiful Saudi doctor (Sarita Choudhury).

Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 ages 12 and under. Sunday bargain prices: $8 general; $6 members; $5 ages 12 and under.

‘The Princess Bride’ 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11

In this modern classic from 1987, a young boy (Fred Savage) listens while his grandfather (Peter Falk) reads him the adventures of Buttercup (Robin Wright), the most beautiful woman in the world, and Westly (Cary Elwes), the man she loves, in the fairy-tale kingdom of Florin.

Rated PG. Free.

‘Pitch Perfect 2’ 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12

The Barden Bellas enter an international a cappella competition that no American team has ever won.

Rated PG-13. $8 general, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under.

MVHS Synergy

7 p.m. Monday, June 13

LOCAL FOOD • LOCAL BEER • MADE HERE

Synergy, Mount Vernon High School’s premier mixed vocal ensemble, will sing jazz favorites accompanied by Seattle’s renown Ev Stern Trio. $10 general seating.

MVHS Jazz Bands 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 14

These jazz bands, directed by Jacob Scheer, are part of the nationally known Fine Arts department at Mount Vernon High School. $10 general admission, $6 for seniors, and $4.00 for students.

‘Time to Choose’ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Charles Ferguson explores the comprehensive scope of the climate change crisis and examines the power of solutions available, according to a news release. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active military; $8 members; $7 ages 12 and under.

— The Lincoln Theatre is located 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. lincolntheatre.org or 360336-8955

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A14 - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS

‘Warcraft’ won’t win any awards, but it isn’t all bad

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

The skepticism has been whirling around “Warcraft” since the first trailer dropped for the epic fantasy adaptation of Blizzard Entertainment’s massive multi-player online role playing game, directed by visionary sci-fi auteur Duncan Jones.

Orcs… with feelings?

And pierced tusks? No good can come of this.

Critics have been gleefully sharpening their knives and have wasted no time in eviscerating the blockbuster franchise-launching hopeful. With that context, this may come as a surprise, but “Warcraft” isn’t all that bad.

It’s all in the expectations, and the lower yours are, the more fun you might have. “Warcraft” isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s bold, unapologetic, hardcore fantasy. There are times when it feels like watching an ‘80s heavy metal album cover in cinematic form, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s an audacity in how it drops the audience into this fantasy land of orcs, wizards and mages with little to no context or explanation. The film is preposterously silly, but somehow manages to be transporting.

The problems the humans face in this world of “Warcraft” are all too familiar. They’re dealing with an immigration

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

Orc chieftain Durotan (left), voiced by Toby Kebbell, and Orgrim, voiced by Rob Kazinsky, are shown in a scene from “Warcraft.”

problem, as hordes of hulking, pony-tailed orcs pour through a magical portal, their sights set on conquering this new realm with brute force and black magic. There’s dissent among the ranks of orcs though, as Durotan (Toby Kebbell) strives for peaceful co-existence, and the evil Gul’dan (Daniel Wu) seeks total, apocalyptic domination.

In the mix are knight Lothar (Travis Fimmel), King Wrynne (Dominic Cooper) and captured orc-human woman Garona (Paula Patton in egregiously bad green makeup), who are relying on the powerful wizard Medivh (Ben Foster) to save the kingdom. When Medivh’s powers are compromised, enterprising magical upstart Khadgar (Ben Schnetzer) jumps in. Patton’s saddled with

a terrible costume, and Cooper is ridiculous, but it’s really hard to not enjoy Foster and Schnetzer going all-out with the over-thetop wizarding theatrics.

Much of “Warcraft’s” marketing has centered around its technology and effects, bringing real performance to the CGI orcs, and Jones does manage to land some of the emotional moments in the relationship of Durotan and wife Draka (Anna Galvin), who fear the dissolution of their family in the conflict between the orcs. If only more of that had been directed to the interpersonal stories between the humans, which are slapdash or one-note.

For better or for worse, Jones has made a film that looks and feels like playing a multiplayer role playing game, using high-angle shots to drop into and pull out of this world via an ae-

rial saga map. That might feel jarring or less than cinematic to some, but it’s a daring way to visually imagine how a game of this kind and film might find a unifying aesthetic.

The effort is noted.

Proceed with caution to “Warcraft,” but there is entertainment to be found here. It’s certainly more absorbing than the lazily assembled “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” because Jones’ exertion and drive behind the film is palpable, if a bit sweaty.

Some will assume that it’s only for pre-existing fans and gamers, but if you’re open to some insane, sometimes inane, but uncompromising fantasy, you just might enjoy yourself.

Running time: 2 hours, 3 minutes. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy violence.

HH (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“The Conjuring 2” — In the sequel to his razor-sharp supernatural thriller, director James Wan retains his touch for ratcheting up the tension and providing doses of comic relief, but the scary moments aren’t as fresh this time around, and “The Conjuring 2” is at least a half-hour too long. Horror, R, 133 minutes.

HH½ “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” — Andy Samberg, who stars as a dim-bulb singer from a boy band, has collaborated with his Lonely Island partners on a pitch-perfect satire of modern-day pop stardom that clearly has a genuine admiration and affection for the very subject it hilariously skewers. It’s funny because it gets it RIGHT without ever being too mean-spirited. Comedy, R, 86 minutes. HHH½ “Money Monster” — On live TV, a finance whiz (George Clooney) is taken hostage by a gunman who lost everything following his advice. Once the premise is established, “Money Monster” kicks into a high-energy, sometimes very funny and occasionally legitimately tense thriller. Julia Roberts co-stars. Thriller, R, 98 minutes. HHH½ “Me Before You” — Though it stars Emilia Clarke and Charles Dance from “Game of Thrones” and Sam Claflin from “The Hunger Games,” this tearjerker is nowhere near as entertaining. The beautifully filmed and well-intentioned weeper about a bitter quadriplegic and his cheery caretaker does everything to make you cry short of flooding theaters with the overwhelming scent of onions. Romance, PG-13, 110 minutes. HH “A Hologram for the King” — The great Tom Hanks is in prime form as an American salesman in Saudi Arabia trying to secure an IT contract from the king.

Writer-director Tom Tykwer skillfully presents a series of fantastical scenes in a way that has us thinking, “Sure, that could happen.” This is quite simply a beautiful film to behold. Drama, R, 97 minutes. HHH½ “Alice Through the Looking Glass” — Riddled with mediocre, out-of-tune work from normally outstanding actors including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Mia Wasikowska, the sequel to Tim Burton’s 2010 mega-hit “Alice in Wonderland” is loud, frantic and stunningly unfunny. It’s one of the great movie disasters of 2016.

Fantasy, PG-13, 108 minutes.H½ “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” — This sequel’s in-your-face gags aren’t funny, just juvenile, desperate and disgusting. Even worse, “Neighbors 2” cynically tries to make a feminist statement amidst lots of downright nasty behavior by the fledgling sorority sisters who have moved next door to the hapless Rudners (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne). Comedy, R, 92 minutes.

H½ “The Meddler” — Susan Sarandon’s performance as the needy mother of a newly single TV producer (Rose Byrne) is something lovely to behold. A sitcom of a premise is imbued with depth, intelligence and numerous sweet, melancholy moments that feel just ... right. Comedy, PG-13, 100 minutes. HHH½

Thursday, June 9, 2016 - A15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES “Captain America: Civil War” — At odds over collateral damage, Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) pick rival all-star superhero teams in a classic example of what the big-ticket summer movie experience is all about. “Civil War” keeps things moving along, with a solid balance of character soul-searching and kinetic action sequences.

Superhero action, PG-13, 147 minutes. HHH½ “The Nice Guys” — In this loony, blood-spattered 1970s period piece, Russell Crowe is a deadpan hoot as a hulking thug and Ryan Gosling scores big laughs with some perfectly timed physical shtick. They’re the funniest duo of the year so far. Action comedy, R, 116 minutes. HHH “X-Men: Apocalypse” — A visual feast brimming with stellar performances, this sequel/ prequel/stand-alone adventure breaks no fresh ground. But it contains perhaps my favorite scene of any movie this year, a super-duper-duper-duper-speed rescue by Quicksilver that’s beautiful, funny and altogether magical. Superhero action, PG-13, 135 minutes.

HHH

“Zootopia” — In an all-animal world, a rabbit rookie cop (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) suspects a sly fox (Jason Bateman) in a missing-mammals case.

Brimming with gorgeous visuals and terrific one-liners, this is one of my favorite animated movies, period. Animated adventure, PG, 108 minutes. HHHH “Love and Friendship” — Whit Stillman has done a marvelous job of adapting Jane Austen’s novella “Lady Susan” and capturing the author’s tart, rapier-sharp sense of humor. As a cruel widow scheming to marry off herself and her daughter, Kate Beckinsale delivers one of the best performances of her career. Comedy, PG, 92 minutes.

HHH½ “Maggie’s Plan” — Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore star in one of those movies where we eaves-

MUSIC REVIEWS

At area theaters ANACORTES CINEMAS June 10-16 The Conjuring 2 (R): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, 3:40, 6:35, 9:30; Sun - Thu: (12:45), (3:40), 6:35 Me Before You (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:45, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:45 The Nice Guys (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:15, 3:50, 6:30; Thursday: (1:15), (3:50) Finding Dory: Thursday: 7 p.m.

360-293-7000 CONCRETE THEATRE June 10-12 Alice Through the Looking Glass (PG): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

360-941-0403 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATERS Burlington For showings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386) OAK HARBOR CINEMAS June 10-16 Warcraft (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 4:05, 6:45, 9:20; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 4:05, 6:45 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 4:00, 6:35, 9:25; SundayThursday: 1:10, 4:00, 6:35 X-Men: Apocalypse (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:25, 9:00; Sunday-Wednesday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:25; Thursday: 1:00, 3:40 Finding Dory: Thursday: 7 p.m 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS June 10-16 The Conjuring 2 (R): Friday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:30, 9:35; Saturday-Sunday: 10:20, 1:00, 3:40, 6:30, 9:35; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:40, 6:30, 9:35 Warcraft (PG-13): Friday: 1:15, 6:50; Saturday-Sunday: 10:15, 1:15, 6:50; Monday-Thursday: 1:15, 6:50 Warcraft 3D (PG-13): 3:50, 9:15 Me Before You (PG-13): Friday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:35, 9:25; Saturday-Sunday: 10:35, 1:10, 3:55, 6:35, 9:25; MondayThursday: 1:10, 3:55, 6:35, 9:25 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (PG-13): Friday: 4:00, 9:05; Saturday-Sunday: 10:40, 4:00, 9:05; Monday-Thursday: 4:00, 9:05 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows 3D (PG-13): Friday-Wednesday: 1:15, 6:40; Thursday: 1:15 Alice Through the Looking Glass (PG): Friday: 1:30, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15; Saturday-Sunday: 11:00, 1:30, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15; Monday-Thursday: 1:30, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 Finding Dory: Thursday: 7 p.m.

360-629-0514 drop on smart, self-involved, deeply flawed and consistently interesting people who remind us of people WE know. It’s a

fine brew, equal parts cynical and whimsical, dark and sunny. Comedy, R, 98 minutes.

HHH½

New albums: Paul Simon, Tegan & Sara, Fifth Harmony PAUL SIMON, “Stranger to Stranger” — Given his four-and-a-half-decade, post-Simon & Garfunkel career, Paul Simon’s durability is beyond question.

What’s more impressive though, is his enduring ability to surprise.

The 74-year-old songwriter’s latest is an 11-song set that brings his various world-music proclivities, playful love of language, and new interests in digital music-making to bear on a percussion-happy collection alive with rhythmic energy.

“Wristband” cleverly uses a story about being banned from the backstage area as a metaphor for the American dream’s being accessible only to elites — “If you don’t have a wristband, then you can’t get through the door.”

Elsewhere on his finest album since 1990’s underappreciated “The Rhythm of the Saints,” Simon is most interested in sound, as he blends genres skillfully and takes turns reveling in sometimes nonsensical wordplay (as in “Cool Papa Bell,” a tribute to the Negro Leagues baseball great) or playing a backwards sample of the Golden Gate Quartet on “Street Angel.”

— Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer TEGAN & SARA,

“Love You to Death” — With 2013’s “Heartthrob,” Tegan & Sara abandoned their guitar-rock roots, embraced shiny pop music, and scored a dance-club hit with “Closer.” “Love You to Death” proves their pop move was more than a dalliance: The Canadian sisters’ eighth album is another set of gleaming pop with nary a guitar in the mix. Working again with producer Greg Kurstin, Tegan & Sara sound even more comfortable surrounded by shimmering synths and electronic beats.

Lyrically, “Love You to Death” delves into more complicated and engaging territory than “Heartthrob’s” straightforward love songs did. “It was cruel of me to do what I did to you,” Sara confesses in “100X.” And the songs are no longer assiduously gender-agnostic: “All the girls I’ve loved before / told me they signed up for more,” Tegan sings in “BWU.” “I don’t want to be your secret anymore,” Sara sings in the playful “Boyfriend,” which is kind of a flip side to Prince’s “If I Was Your Girlfriend.”

—Steve Klinge, The Philadelphia Inquirer FIFTH HARMONY, “7/27” — When the history of 21st century music is written, the pitiful death of

originality and human spark or anything interesting at all in pop will surely feature pages on Simon Cowell and the acts he’s formed from his various TV programs.

Fifth Harmony, an all-girl, all-American singing quintet born on the second season of “The X Factor” USA is but one of his contest-committee ensembles, one that claims to be touched by retro-R&B, dance hall, reggae and tropical house but which offers only a sleek, impersonal tone.

Sounding like gum-cracking Spice Girls tunes with occasionally explicit lyrics (the single entendres in “Work from Home”) and a plastic-palm-tree feel, “7/27’s” faux-torrid tracks, such as “Write on Me” (co-penned by trop-house overlord DJ Kygo), “Not That Kinda Girl” and “All in My Head (Flex)” are certainly hooky and driving. The latter cuts even feature, respectively, Missy Elliot and Fetty Wap adding much-needed weirdness to the slick, evenkeeled proceedings.

“That’s My Girl” has a hearty horn chart and a driving funk vibe.

That’s it for the pluses, as everything else on “7/27” is bland empowerment or wronged romance pap done better and more contagiously by, say, Beyonce on Lemonade.

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Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

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

Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Details at Rewards Club. Management reserves all rights.