360 March 14, 2013

Ready to get your Irish on this weekend?

PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday March 14, 2013

Reviews

Tuning Up

At the Movies

Music: Bon Jovi, David Bowie Video Games: “Crysis 3”

Campbell Road plays Empire Ale House in Mount Vernon on Sunday

“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” turns out to be only credible

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away”: A young woman is pulled into a magical world of acrobats and artists.

The film uses a rather standard boymeets-girl plot to take the audience on a fanciful journey to a land of acrobats and artists who look at gravity as more of a suggestion than a law. “Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away” should be appreciated like an abstract painting. It’s beautiful to look at, but it isn’t fully appreciated until you add in your own ideas about what all of the images are trying to say.

There are positive and negatives of bringing the stage performance to DVD. It opens up the stage show to an audience who may have never had the opportunity, or the finances, to see one of the live shows. And it’s the best seat in the house as the director often sends the camera flying through the air with the greatest of ease to put the viewer as close as possible to the incredible acrobatics. Seeing these acts on screen takes away the fear factor that always exists with a live production when there’s at least a chance performers could slip or fall.

“Hitchcock”: The director’s softer side is revealed during his filming of “Psycho.”Anthony Hopkins stars.

Like walking into a dark movie theater from a sunny day, it’ll take your eyes a little while to adjust to director Sacha Gervasi’s “Hitchcock.” Both the story and Hopkins’ performance as the groundbreaking director Alfred Hitchcock can’t be judged at first glance. The casting and story show that any thoughts that this is a typical Hollywood biopic is for the birds. Gervasi has created a fascinating love story played out against an even more fascinating career.

“Rise of the Guardians”: The film, based on “The Guardians of Childhood” books by William Joyce, reveals that North (Alec Baldwin), better known as Santa Claus; the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman); The Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher); and the Sandman (no talent as he never speaks) have a bigger calling than just providing gifts, eggs, quarters and sweet dreams. They’ve been charged by the Man in the Moon with the task of watching over all children. They need help when Pitch (Jude Law) — better known as the Bogeyman — shows up to bring misery to children everywhere.

There are too many distractions to make this a treat for the entire family.

It’s a dark tale that is too intense for young viewers and maybe even a few older movie-goers.

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: MARCH 19 Rust and Bone -- Sony Bachelorette -- Anchor Bay Zero Dark Thirty -- Sony

This Weekend / Page 5

MARCH 22 This Is 40 -- Universal MARCH 26 The Collection -- Lionsgate Killing Them Softly -- Anchor Bay Parental Guidance -- Fox APRIL 9 Hyde Park on Hudson -- Universal Planet Ocean -- Universal APRIL 16 Django Unchained -- Anchor Bay APRIL 23 Gangster Squad -- Warner A Haunted House -- Universal

Catch Dervish in concert on Sunday at the Lincoln Theatre

APRIL 26 The Impossible -- Lionsgate/ Summit

Inside

APRIL 30 The Guilt Trip -- Paramount

“Life of Pi”: A man and a tiger must find a way to survive a shipwreck.

“Law & Order: Criminal Intent — Season 10”: Vincent D’Onofrio stars in the final season of the NBC TV series.

“The Mob Doctor: The Complete Series”: Jordana Spiro plays a doctor who works with the mob as a way to save her brother.

“Doctor Who: The Ark in Space”: The Tardis lands on a space station orbiting the Earth.

“Samson and Delilah”: Director Cecil B. DeMille’s masterpiece is re-released.

“Black Eagle”: Rain stars as a demoted pilot who must save a comrade.

“Lost Angels: Skid Row is My Home”: Eight individuals make a life for themselves within the homeless community.

“The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp: The Complete Season Two”: Hugh O’Brian stars in the ’50s TV series.

“The Mind of a Chef”: Anthony Bourdain takes viewers inside the mind of chef David Chang.

“Pioneers of Television: Season 3”: Includes Carol Burnett, Lynda Carter, Joan Collins, Larry Hagman and Adam West. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page

Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 Travel............................................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 13 Movie Listings............................... 17 Movie Mini-Reviews..................... 17 Out & About.............................18-19

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, March 14, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY FIDALGO FLING

DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Fidalgo DanceWorks’ second annual gala benefit from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, at The Lodge at Swinomish Casino, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes.

Enjoy music by The Weatherheads, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dancing and more. $75.

Tickets are available at Fidalgo DanceWorks, 901 Third St., Anacortes, or by calling 360-299-8447.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at South Camano Grange 930, 2227 S. Camano Drive, Camano Island. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage with all the fixings, beer and wine garden, live music by the Allen Hatley Band and more. $15 adults, $7 ages 10 and younger.

Proceeds benefit the South Camano Grange. Tickets available at Elger Bay Store and Camano Plaza, or call: Pat (360-629-3276), Diana (425-356-7014) or Janet (360-387-6398).

WEEKEND IRISH EXTRAVAGANZA

Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, at Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

Friday: Rich Rorex & Friends: 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday: Katie Hoag & Friends, 4 to 5:30 p.m.; South End String Band, 6 to 8 p.m.; The Boneyard Preachers, 9 p.m. to midnight.

Sunday: Jumbled Pie, 4 to 5:30 p.m.; South End String Band, 6 to 8 p.m.; Alien Culture, 9 p.m. to midnight.

No cover. 360-629-5555.

“FINNEGAN’S FAREWELL”

Shakespeare Northwest presents the interactive dinner show “Finnegan’s Farewell,” by Kevin Alexander, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, at Moose Lodge No. 1640, 813 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $40 individual or $230 for a table of six, includes performance, dinner and drink vouchers. Advance tickets only, ages 13 and up. www.shakesnw. org, 206-317-3023 or eal@ shakesnw.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUN RUN/WALK

The 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk will get under way at noon Saturday, March 16, at Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete. Prizes for best St. Patty’s costume. Enjoy live Celtic music by Carolyn Cruso from 2 to 4 p.m., wine tasting, Irish nibbles, brandy and apple pie tasting. Wood-fired pizza available. $20 entry fee, includes a bottle of wine at the finish line. 425-422-6988 or www. challengerridge.com.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC

Dervish, the preeminent traditional band in Ireland’s wild west, will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15-$35. 360-336-8955 or www. lincolntheatre.org.

ST. PAT’S CONCERT

Celtic group Campbell Road will perform traditional Irish music from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360-336-9944.

Irish – and non-Irish – eyes will be smiling this weekend

IRISH COMEDY

Check out The Irish Comedy Tour at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Wa-Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes.

Four Irish-American comedians will offer a humorous look at Irish myths and stereotypes. $15. 888288-8883 or www.swinomish casinoandlodge.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

Enjoy the music of MacArra and Peadar Macmahon at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, March 17, at The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5 cover. 360-7781067.

Skagit Valley Herald staff @360_SVH

St. Patrick’s Day this year falls on Sunday, March 17, and we figure that’s all the incentive needed to get your Irish on.

Whether your tastes run toward corned beef and cabbage, a strong adult beverage with possible medicinal benefits or something related to driving out snakes, the events listed here present a glorious and festive menu from which you may choose.

Matthew Mead / AP

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

N

EW YORK — Mila Kunis’ stardom went up a notch last week, and you would think it’s because she stars in the biggest movie of the year so far.

But “Oz the Great and Powerful,” which debuted with $79.1 million at the box office, had little to do with the sudden rush of adulation that engulfed Kunis. Instead, it was a seven-minute viral video that’s been watched more than 10 million times and blogged about the world over.

The “Great and Powerful” isn’t Oz, but the Internet, which can burnish a star’s image just as it can destroy it.

The video is from a press junket interview for “Oz” with a young BBC radio personality, Chris Stark.

Stark begins by announcing he’s “petrified” at doing such an interview for the first time. But he’s obviously quite comfortable as his own version of Hugh Grant, charmingly peppering Kunis with questions about pub drinking, his local soccer club in Watford and a theoretical day out together. He expects to earn “massive lad points,” he says.

Kunis is exceptionally winning: She happily goes along, eager for a break from a day of monotonous TV interviews promoting the film. When Stark moves to return to more normal questions, she protests: “Why? This is such a better conversation.”

The clip was roundly greeted online as proof of Kunis’ “awesomeness.”

(Google “Mila Kunis is awesome” and you’ll get countless links rhapsodizing about the interview.) New York Magazine’s Vulture blog hailed “a brand-new inductee into the mostadored-actress-ever club.”

What’s emerging is a new

On the Web n Mila Kunis junket video: http://bit.ly/WItAf4 n Jennifer Lawrence meeting Jack Nicholson: http:// bit.ly/YslUtn n Ryan Gosling breaking up a fight: http://bit.ly/viI6DB

a fight in the street. There was Gosling, wearing a baseball hat and carrying groceries, humbly playing the role of hero, just as he MILA KUNIS sometimes does in the movJoel Ryan / Invision via AP ies. Stars aren’t just like us, we think; they’re just like their screen personas.

Jennifer Lawrence most recently experienced a similar surge after her best actress Oscar win. You would expect the award — a mountain peak for any actress — would have been the dominant conversation the next day about the 22-year-old Lawrence. But more than the Academy Award, she was lauded online for her backstage demeanor. Facing reporters, she confessed to taking a shot beforehand, flashed the middle finger and laughed at herself for falling on the stairs on her way to the stage. She was perfectly self-deprecating and unpolished.

Millions watched videos of her backstage, and more than 5 million viewed an ABC News interview with Lawrence from later than evening. It captured Lawrence’s astonished reaction when Jack Nicholson introduced himself to her. A Lawrence mythology was in full flourish.

Another Oscar-winner, the director Ang Lee, was captured after the Academy Awards in an Instagram photo. The tuxedo-clad director of “Life of Pi” was real life as she does in the romantic comedies in which candidly spied clutching his statuette in one hand, and she stars. chomping on an In-N-Out It was the same when, burger in the other. Vanity in 2011, Ryan Gosling was Fair declared “Even houscaptured in a cellphone ing an In-N-Out Burger is video on a New York City intersection helping to stop adorable when Ang Lee

Viral videos stoke celebrities’ images

By JAKE COYLE / AP Entertainment Writer

kind of stardom propelled by glimpses of authenticity circulated on the Web like evidence of a star’s real nature: guileless snapshots of their innate coolness.

Internet videos are known for elevating anonymous

people to renown, but they can greatly enhance the reputations of the famous, too. Kunis went viral because the interview confirmed her image: She’s funny, sarcastic and game.

She banters just as well in

does it.”

Seemingly candid moments have long been manufactured for good publicity, and it’s likely some stars will try to take advantage with their own fake Zapruder-like videos.

And for every genuine video that stokes a star’s image, there are dozens of embarrassing cellphone clips and TMZ “gotcha” moments that make most celebrities more cautious.

Becoming a meme holds a lot more risk than reward.

Certainly, Tom Cruise would rather certain Scientology videos hadn’t hit the Internet. It’s unlikely Angelina Jolie was pleased her right leg became a star in its own right after the 2011 Oscars. Alec Baldwin detested that private phone messages from him to his daughter leaked online.

(Charlie Sheen appeared to love every bit of his “Winning,” but few stars desire the same kind of publicity.)

Even Gosling, who also became a meme that flaunted his sensitivity with photo captions beginning “Hey Girl,” is ambivalent about the Internet. In a recent interview, he said the experience of the street video made him hesitant to get involved, “even if it’s the right thing to do.”

“The Internet has just become a bit of a minefield,” he said. “I try not to go in there.

“It’s funny, I think about that time Fabio was on a rollercoaster and got hit in the face with a pigeon. I think about that a lot. I feel like that pigeon. I’m the pigeon and the Internet is Fabio’s face.”

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E5

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THIS WEEKENDin the area

Dervish in concert

The acclaimed sextet plays the music of northwest Ireland at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15-$35.

360-336-8955 or www.lincoln theatre.org.

FASHION SHOW Friendship House

FIDALGO POOL Celebrate St.

EXPLORE THE NIGHT SKY View

CHEER EXHIBITION Skagit County

DINNER& AUCTION The sev-

and tulees eco-fashions will present En Vogue, a runway show and benefit, at 6 p.m. today at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. The runway show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 general admission, includes hors d’oeuvres; $50 VIP, includes drink ticket and runway seating; both at the McIntyre box office or mcintyrehall.org. All proceeds will benefit Friendship House homeless shelters in Mount Vernon.

360-336-6138.

Patrick’s Day at the Fidalgo DanceWorks’ second annual gala benefit from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, March 15, at The Lodge at Swinomish Casino, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Enjoy music by The Weatherheads, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dancing and more. $75. Tickets are available at Fidalgo DanceWorks, 901 Third St., Anacortes, or by calling 360-2998447.

distant galaxies, planets and nebulas beginning at dark Friday, March 15, at Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. No telescope is needed and all ages are welcome. Dress warmly. Canceled if cloudy. Free.

For information, call Dan Pullen at 360-679-7664 or visit www.icas-wa. webs.com.

Parks and Skagit County Fair will host the Skagit County High School Cheerleader Exhibition at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Burlington-Edison High School gym, 301 N. Burlington Blvd, Burlington. Cheerleaders from Burlington, Darrington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley will demonstrate their skills and abilities. Trophies will be awarded to schools for best stunt group and team routine. Free.

enth annual Camp Fire Samish Birthday Dinner & Auction will celebrate the 90th year of Camp Kirby on Saturday, March 16, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Anacortes. The silent auction and cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by the grilled beef tenderloin dinner. Bid on a week at a beachfront condo in Mazatlan in Mexico, Mariners All-Star Club seats and many other items. Advance tickets: $50 at www.campfiresamishcouncil.org or call 360-733-5710.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Eric Clapton “Old Sock”

Imagine a jam session at Eric Clapton’s house. He’s not likely to trot out “Layla” for the 3,478th time.

Instead, he and pals with names like Paul McCartney, Chaka Khan and Steve Winwood would probably deep dive into a tasty bag of cover tunes that inspires and delights them.

Such is the cozy feel one gets listening to “Old Sock,” Slowhand’s 21st studio album and his first on his own Bushbranch record label.

Recording primarily with three other musicians, Clapton gives the Gershwin Brothers’ “Our Love Is Here to Stay” a sultry, bluesy feel, while Winwood’s Hammond B3 Organ-dominated “Still Got the Blues” takes the Gary Moore classic into roller skate rink territory — and delight-

years, announced the imminent release of “The Next Day” on his 66th birthday in January, and has said nothing about its contents publicly.

Absence has clearly made the heart fonder, judging by the prerelease raves fully so. Both Taj Mahal’s “Further on for his first new music in 10 years. SimDown the Road” and Peter Tosh’s “Till mer down. This does not auger a return to Your Well Runs Dry” boast unsurprising Bowie’s 1970s glory days, although “The reggae tinges.

Next Day” is certainly more focused than Clapton’s guitar wizardry is understated his string of forgettable work in the late but elegant here, especially on the lilting 1980s and 1990s.

“Angel” and the muscular “Gotta Get The album cover and song “Where Are Over,” one of the intimate set’s two origi- We Now?” harken back to Bowie’s fruitful nals. period in Berlin. The moody, atmospheric This “Old Sock” wears well. song has Bowie, in a voice rendered fragile by age, wandering the German streets n Melinda Newman, Associated Press again. Like “Heroes,” it ultimately soars and is life-affirming.

David Bowie It also sounds like nothing else on the “The Next Day” disc, not only in tempo but in the personal glimpse it offers. As a songwriter, Bowie Many people wonis a reporter, and sings of medieval evil, dered if there would the shamed offspring of a prison warden, be a next day for a soldier wasted by his work, a gleaming David Bowie, profesyoung girl in a rotting world. And, unexsionally speaking.

Bowie retreated after suffering a heart pectedly, Bob Dylan, in the roaring rocker “(You Will) Set the World on Fire.” attack in 2004, leaving many of his fans Producer Tony Visconti and Bowie to wonder if he had retired. He recorded steer the band toward a muscular rock secretly in New York the past couple of sound. Bowie sounds refreshed, happy to be working at his own pace, and Visconti is one of his best collaborators. Most compelling are “The Stars (Are Out Tonight) that addresses celebrity as both necessary and an evil, and “Dancing Out in Space.”

The track is no space oddity, but a thrill ride with a swinging beat and trippy guitar.

The balance is more solid than spectacular. While a welcome return for those who know him, “The Next Day” isn’t likely to get more than a shrug from a new generation of fans. n David Bauder, Associated Press

Bon Jovi

“What About Now” Why does Bon Jovi crank out an unending string of relentlessly upbeat, unavoidably catchy songs in the style that made the Jersey boys famous 30 years ago and kept them there ’till now? Because they can.

The band’s 12th album, “What About Now,” fairly bursts with the encouraging self-help anthems that have long defined the Bon Jovi sound and style, from the

early days of Tommy and Gina “Livin’ on a Prayer” to keeping the faith and realizing “It’s My Life.”

One listen to “Because We Can” and its chorus will be burned into your brain forever. It’s one of many Bon Jovi odes to faithfulness, trust, perseverance and a belief that no matter how bad things get, it’ll be OK as long as we hold on tight to each other and don’t lose hope. Richie Sambora adds a harmonic guitar solo adapted from “Capt. Crash and the Beauty Queen from Mars” from their 2000 album, “Crush.”

The title track literally sounds like a session with a self-help psychologist and it’s a sure guarantee you’ll hear this song blaring at Democratic presidential rallies in 2016.

But the most interesting is “Room at the End of the World,” where Bon Jovi sings of heaven as a calm, unhurried place where dead roses bloom again, where truth has its turn, where young love never dies, where there’s no sin and “where we never said goodbye.” n Wayne Parry, Associated Press

Holly Williams “The Highway”

The granddaughter of Hank Williams and the daughter of Hank Jr., Holly Williams has forged her own musical path apart from the honky-tonk of the former and the country rock of the latter. But like her forebears at their best, she knows how to connect with the listener, as she does throughout her third and most accomplished album.

Thematically, “The Highway” takes most of its cues from country. Williams’ songs cover cheating and drinking, death and family, the push and pull of the road, with a clear eye for life’s realities and a full heart. The closest she comes to sentimentality is on the closing saga, “Waiting for June,” but by that point she has earned a moment of sweetness and light, and anyway the song is too finely wrought to resist.

A couple of numbers with a rocking edge are the least effective. Fortunately the set is dominated by acoustic-textured country-folk arrangements with a slower pace that enhance the emotional power of Williams’ crisply involving storytelling. n Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer

CONTINUE THE CYCLE – PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘Crysis 3’

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC Genre: Shooter Publisher: EA Games ESRB Rating: M, for Mature Grade: 3 stars (out of 5) You can’t fault a franchise for slipping a little with its third game. Many franchises do just that, and as long as the game is more of a stumble and not a freefall, no one is worse for the wear.

“Crysis 3” appears content to rest on what made it great while not taking the final step to outshine its predecessors.

One can’t complain about the visuals. You once again play as Prophet, who retains his grit and mettle from the previous two games.

Oh, and he still has that wicked nanosuit. He’ll need it, because when he awakes from his slumbers he finds that New York City has been placed under a dome by the shadow military company CELL. This turns the city into a luscious botanical hunting ground, with perky Ceph aliens lurking around trying to rip your head off.

Sadly, the action doesn’t match the impressive visual landscape created by the developer, Crytek.

One setpiece has you wading through neck-deep grass while aliens stalk you.

You can’t see what is coming at you until it’s almost too late, and a sense of dread grips you throughout the sequence. But

New video game releases n God of War: Ascension (PS3, rated M) n Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 (Xbox 360 and PS3, rated M)

once it ends, so does any lingering feeling of fear, as you return to the normal actions of exploring buildings until a shootout arrives.

The tension weakens because Prophet has too many toys to play with, and even the most challenging of gunfights and boss battles don’t get you terribly concerned. The nanosuit can take an awful lot of damage, and your weaponry easily dispatches most foes with well-aimed shots.

Once you are given a high-tech bow, all bets are off since you can use it while remaining cloaked, which gives you more of an advantage that you really don’t need.

(A side note: Seriously, a bow? Is this the 2013 gaming weapon of the year?

After playing this and “Tomb Raider” back to back, were we gamers in dire need of putting arrows into the hands of our enemies? I’m kinda bowed out for the next few months, thanks, unless Mario wields one against Koopas, then I’m all in.)

Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled review ... ah, yes, online multiplayer.

It’s here, and though it mostly treads on familiar “capture the flag” or “king of the hill” turf, the Hunter mode is a particularly smart standout.

Cloaked hunters face off against heavily armed CELL soldiers, and when a hunter picks off a soldier, that soldier then joins the hunter team. It’s a smart, time-based mode brimming with tension, and teamwork among the CELL soldiers remains paramount as invisible assassins lurk all around.

“Crysis 3” would have needed a pretty big leap to outshine the previous two franchise entries.

It doesn’t get there.

Amazing to look at, yes, but the game ends too quickly and lacks a true challenge to keep you emotionally invested. n Follow Chris Campbell @campbler or email game_on_games@mac.com.

n Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm (PC, rating pending) n Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze (3DS, rated E) n Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.)

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

TRAVEL

Amtrak via AP

Left: The California Zephyr is shown near Truckee, Calif. Middle: Passengers relax in a lounge car. Right: The California Zephyr stops at the Emeryville Station 11 miles east of San Francisco.

A scenic, historic route for California Zephyr train San Francisco Bay area to Reno, Nev., offers beautiful views and a tangible sense EMERYVILLE, Calif. of history on the route over — The journey east on the Sierra Nevada mountain Amtrak’s California Zephyr range that helped bring train is as good as the desti- America together after the nation.

Civil War. Riding the rails from the Marking 30 years of serBy MELANIE CARROLL Associated Press

vice this year, the Amtrak train leaves Emeryville, Calif., every morning. The Zephyr’s ultimate destination, 51 hours later, is Chicago.

Between Sacramento and Reno, a five-hour trip, it follows the same course as the

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historic Transcontinental Railroad, according to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. The rail path through the mountains was a 19th century engineering feat that bolstered the nation’s western expansion.

A hundred and forty-four years after the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion, train-loving children and picture-happy tourists pack the train’s observation car to take in the Sierra Nevada and the mountain passage known as Donner Pass, which was once thought impossible to cross by locomotive.

Prior to federally subsidized Amtrak taking over the route in 1983, the California Zephyr was privately run by three train corporations. From 1949-70, the socalled “Silver Lady” boasted five sightseeing cars topped by semicircular glass domes, with fine china and real silver in the dining cars.

It also featured young hostesses in uniform, known as Zephyrettes, tasked with making the trip between Chicago and California more pleasant by doing everything from helping families with young children to announcing scenic spots along the way.

“Amtrak is nothing like

If you go Zephyr: Amtrak train from Emeryville, Calif., near San Francisco, to Chicago.

Rates: Vary for unreserved coach fare for the California Zephyr route (Emeryville to Reno, Nev.), with fares as low as $49 and $61 depending on time of year.

Some trips do sell out.

Online: tickets.amtrak.com

the historic Zephyr,” said Cathy von Ibsch, 63, who worked as a Zephyrette when the private service came to an end in 1970. “It (Amtrak) didn’t have the same class or same feel.

They modernized it.”

The original train traveled a different eastward route through California and Nevada on its way to Salt Lake City called the Feather River Route, which did not offer views of the bays north of San Francisco.

From Salt Lake City to Chicago, the routes of the original Zephyr and the modern Amtrak trains remain the same.

I recently rode the Amtrak train for the first time. My husband and I were enthusiastically led onto the platform by our 4-year-old son, a train fanatic.

We boarded the train just after 9 a.m. in the small city of Emeryville, 11 miles east of San Francisco. It’s the Zephyr’s departure point

on the 236-mile journey to Reno. The train wasn’t packed, which meant we could occupy a few extra seats, spread out and relax.

This made for a much better experience than air travel (no airport security either), which is often crowded and uncomfortable.

During the 2012 fiscal year, the Zephyr’s ridership increased to 376,459 passengers as compared to 355,324 in 2011, according to data from Amtrak.

The first leg of the sevenhour journey to Reno took us along the water northeast of San Francisco. We witnessed the morning light dancing off San Pablo Bay, a tidal estuary that extends north from the San Francisco Bay. Roughly an hour into the journey, while crossing the Benicia-Martinez bridge, we saw the so-called “mothball fleet” in Suisun Bay. There, dozens of World War II-era decommissioned warships are still afloat.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E9

TRAVEL By midmorning, we were rolling across flat farmland and orchards. We arrived in Sacramento, the state capital, just after 11 a.m. There, volunteer docents from the California State Railway Museum — who serve in pairs from Sacramento to Reno and back every day — boarded. Later we heard their voices over the public address system, detailing the history of Donner Pass and the Transcontinental Railroad.

Donner Pass, the passage over the Sierra Nevada, received its name from the infamous group of pioneers from the Midwest who attempted to reach California during the winter of 1846-47. The pioneers were stranded on the eastern side of the pass, obstructed by snow. Of the 87 travelers, only 48 survived, with some resorting to cannibalism.

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad over Donner Pass got under way after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862. It took six years and the labor of more than 12,000 Chinese workers who laid track eastward from Sacramento, according to the Harvard University Library Open Collections Program.

The Central Pacific Railroad blasted 15 tunnels through the Sierra Nevada, and the Union Pacific Railroad laid rails heading west from Omaha, Neb. Finally in 1869, the 1,776 miles of track, one from the east and

Local travel RETIRE ON A BOAT: Jessica Stone, Ph.D., will present “How To Retire On A Boat And Enjoy The Best Time Of Your Life” at 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 16, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Stone retired after 30 years and lived aboard and sailed her own boat from Desolation Sound to Mexico. She has authored six books, including “Doggy on Deck: Life at Sea with a Salty Dog.” Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library. cityofanacortes.org.

THAILAND ADVENTURE: Friends of the La Conner Library will host a presentation by the Scarboros on their adventure in Thailand at 9 a.m. Monday, March 18, at the La Conner Retirement Inn, 204 N. First St., La Conner. lclib.lib.wa.us/content/friends-library.

Amtrak via AP

Passengers look out a window on the California Zephyr, which runs between Emeryville, Calif., and Reno, Nev. the other from the west, joined together in Promontory Summit, Utah, and the Transcontinental Railroad was born.

Riding through the tunnels toward Reno, it was hard not to imagine the backbreaking labor that went into creating them.

“Tunnels were pushed forward using hand drills to create the holes in which to load black powder (and later, nitroglycerine),” said Paul Hammond, California State Railroad Museum director. “Working in very hard granite still meant that progress was often measured in inches per day.”

Lucky for us, in the 21st century, all we have to do is hop onboard and enjoy.

33rd Annual

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and “A CELEBRATION IN ITALY: From Venice longer tours, with most trips departing from to the Sole of the Boot”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity March 20, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For infor10th St., Anacortes. Gary and Karen Bruno share their experiences as they traversed Italy mation or to register: 360-733-4030, press seeking the small town where Gary’s grandfa- #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/index.php/Tours.

Next up: ther was born. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, Baroque Painting Classics: 9:30 a.m. to 5 or library.cityofanacortes.org. p.m. Tuesday, March 19. Travel to the Seattle TRAVEL SEMINARS: The AAA Mount Vernon Art Museum to see the works of Rembrandt, office, 1600 E. College Way, Suite A, will offer Hals, Reynolds, Romney, Turner and Van Dyck. $65 ($10 additional for nonmembers). the following seminars: “Down Under Answers”: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Includes transportation, museum admission March 20. Learn about travel options to Ausand escort.

Show

™

MARCH 22, 23 & 24 • 2013

Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4 Skagit County Fairgrounds 1410 Virginia Street • Mount Vernon, WA $4/Person or $6/Family Tickets Available at the Gate FREE PARKING!

tralia, New Zealand and more.

“World Tours”: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10.

Learn about world travel opportunities with Tauck World Tours.

RSVP: 360-848-2090.

TRAVELOGUE: “K2, Monarch of China’s Karakorum Mountain Range”: 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 21, Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. Follow a group’s 18-day trek to K-2, rising 28,251 feet above the Chinese/Pakistan border.

Surrounded by the immense Khartoum mountains, with its glaciers and perpetual snowfields, 15 adventurers climbed a 16,000-foot pass and across ice-fringed streams to reach the rarely visited north face. $3 suggested donation, free for museum members. 360778-8930 or www.whatcommuseum.org.

Garden

&

Graham Kerr • 2 pm Friday

Speakers Presented By:

Andy Wappler

y

• 2 pm Saturda

More information & $2 OFF ENTRY coupons at www.sicbahomeshow.org

Ciscoe Morri

s • 2 pm Sund

Also Featuring:

4 ANNUAL PLAYHOUSE CHALLENGE Proceeds to benefit six local charities TH

Presented by:

Skagit / Island Counties Builders Association

&

Major Sponsor:

For more information, visit www.sicbahomeshow.org

ay

E10 Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thursday, March 14, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area March 14-21

TUNING UP Playing at area venues March 14-21

Thursday.14 MUSIC

Geoffrey Castle in concert: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $25, $20 seniors, $15 youths. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY.14-17 THURSDAY.21

THEATER

“A Rotten Demise”: 1920s murder mystery dinner theater, 7:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

VARIETY

Deadman Wonderland Circus: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $12.50, $10.50 seniors and students, $5.50 ages 11 and younger.

Friday.15 MUSIC

Karina Mitchell: 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5, 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

THEATER

“MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT” Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. Check individual listings for times.

360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

Saturday.16

Sunday.17

COMEDY

COMEDY

Geoff Lott, Susan Jones: 8 p.m., Max Dale’s Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. $10, 360-424-7171 or www.maxdales.com.

MUSIC

Cascade Chamber Group: Dan Sabo, pianist; Jennifer Weeks, oboist; Deborah Gaudette, alto; and James Gaudette, French horn: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $15. 360-354-3600 or www.jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www. mcintyrehall.org.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www. mcintyrehall.org.

“Finnegan’s Farewell”: interactive dinner theater, Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Moose Lodge, 813 S. First St. $40, includes dinner, show and complimentary drink. Advance purchase only. 206-317-3023 or www.shakesnw.org.

“Finnegan’s Farewell”: interactive dinner theater, Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Moose Lodge, 813 S. First St. $40, includes dinner, show and complimentary drink. Advance purchase only. 206-317-3023 or www.shakesnw.org.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“SEEDS OF CHANGE: Superhero Boy Band”: musical comedy, 8 p.m., Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 Sixth St., Bellingham.

Come in a superhero costume for postshow dance party. $15-$20, free for babies. www.superheroboyband.com.

Irish Comedy Tour: 8 p.m., Wa-Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. $15. 888-288-8883.

MUSIC

Dervish: Music of West Ireland: 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15-$35. 360-336-8955 or www. lincolntheatre.org.

Early Music Series: “A Classic Odyssey” with pianist Tamara Friedman, 3 p.m., Croatian Cultural Center, 801 Fifth St., Anacortes. Preconcert lecture at 2:15 p.m. $15, free for ages 12 and younger. 360-2934930 or www.anacortesartsfoundation.org.

Jazz at the Center: Miles Black Trio: 4 to 7 p.m., Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $20, $10 students.

360-387-0222 or www.camanocenter.org.

THEATER

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“A Rotten Demise”: 6:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 2 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortesdrama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

SUNDAY.17

Monday.18

CAMPBELL ROAD 6 to 8 p.m., Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360-336-9944.

No events submitted

Tuesday.19 VARIETY

Betty Desire: 9 p.m. to midnight, 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

Wednesday.20

THURSDAY.14

FRIDAY.15

Hans Brehmer, John Anderson and Geoff Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Steve Rudy (jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-3543600.

Sardines: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Steve Meyer, Ben Starner (piano): 8 to 10 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

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

THEATER

“Radio Rhythm”: Skagit Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

Thursday.21 THEATER

“A Rotten Demise”: 1920s murder mystery dinner theater, 7:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Radio Rhythm”: Skagit Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

Amanda Winterhalter, Courtney Marie Andrews & Erin Rae McKaskle: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7-$10. 360445-3000.

Glen and the Girls (folk): 9 p.m., La Conner Pub & Eatery, 702 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4669932.

Rich Rorex & Friends: 8 to 11 p.m., Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6295555.

Snug Harbor, The Drop Squad, Galactic Cirque Performance Troop: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.

SATURDAY.16 Palmer Junction: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-4453000.

Barefeet: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6330.

Smokewagon: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

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

360-422-6411.

Stilly River Band: 7 to 9 p.m., The Porterhouse, 416 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360336-9989.

SUNDAY.17 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-8552263.

Prozac Mountain Boys: 8 to 11 p.m., Trumpeter Public House, 416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360588-4515.

Katie Hoag & Friends, South End String Band, The Boneyard Preachers: 4 p.m. to midnight, Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360629-5555.

WEDNESDAY.20 Smokewagon: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Campbell Road: 6 to 8 p.m., Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon. No cover.

360-336-9944.

Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

MacArra, Peadar Macmahon: 8:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-7781067.

Jumbled Pie, South End String Band, Alien Culture: 4 p.m. to midnight, Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6295555.

Spoonshine Duo: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Scratch Daddy: 7 p.m., Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. 360-8263406 or www. birdsviewbrew ingcompany. com.

THURSDAY.21 Girl Guts, Full Moon Radio, Caparza: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Jerri Mercer (jazz, rock, blues): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-3543600.

E10 Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thursday, March 14, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area March 14-21

TUNING UP Playing at area venues March 14-21

Thursday.14 MUSIC

Geoffrey Castle in concert: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $25, $20 seniors, $15 youths. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY.14-17 THURSDAY.21

THEATER

“A Rotten Demise”: 1920s murder mystery dinner theater, 7:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

VARIETY

Deadman Wonderland Circus: 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $12.50, $10.50 seniors and students, $5.50 ages 11 and younger.

Friday.15 MUSIC

Karina Mitchell: 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5, 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

THEATER

“MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT” Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. Check individual listings for times.

360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

Saturday.16

Sunday.17

COMEDY

COMEDY

Geoff Lott, Susan Jones: 8 p.m., Max Dale’s Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. $10, 360-424-7171 or www.maxdales.com.

MUSIC

Cascade Chamber Group: Dan Sabo, pianist; Jennifer Weeks, oboist; Deborah Gaudette, alto; and James Gaudette, French horn: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $15. 360-354-3600 or www.jansenartcenter.org.

THEATER

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www. mcintyrehall.org.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www. mcintyrehall.org.

“Finnegan’s Farewell”: interactive dinner theater, Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Moose Lodge, 813 S. First St. $40, includes dinner, show and complimentary drink. Advance purchase only. 206-317-3023 or www.shakesnw.org.

“Finnegan’s Farewell”: interactive dinner theater, Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Moose Lodge, 813 S. First St. $40, includes dinner, show and complimentary drink. Advance purchase only. 206-317-3023 or www.shakesnw.org.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“SEEDS OF CHANGE: Superhero Boy Band”: musical comedy, 8 p.m., Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 Sixth St., Bellingham.

Come in a superhero costume for postshow dance party. $15-$20, free for babies. www.superheroboyband.com.

Irish Comedy Tour: 8 p.m., Wa-Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. $15. 888-288-8883.

MUSIC

Dervish: Music of West Ireland: 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15-$35. 360-336-8955 or www. lincolntheatre.org.

Early Music Series: “A Classic Odyssey” with pianist Tamara Friedman, 3 p.m., Croatian Cultural Center, 801 Fifth St., Anacortes. Preconcert lecture at 2:15 p.m. $15, free for ages 12 and younger. 360-2934930 or www.anacortesartsfoundation.org.

Jazz at the Center: Miles Black Trio: 4 to 7 p.m., Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $20, $10 students.

360-387-0222 or www.camanocenter.org.

THEATER

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”: Lyric Light Opera, 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $19-$45. 360416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“A Rotten Demise”: 6:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 2 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortesdrama.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: musical, 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $14. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

SUNDAY.17

Monday.18

CAMPBELL ROAD 6 to 8 p.m., Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360-336-9944.

No events submitted

Tuesday.19 VARIETY

Betty Desire: 9 p.m. to midnight, 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

Wednesday.20

THURSDAY.14

FRIDAY.15

Hans Brehmer, John Anderson and Geoff Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Steve Rudy (jazz): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-3543600.

Sardines: 9 p.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Steve Meyer, Ben Starner (piano): 8 to 10 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

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

THEATER

“Radio Rhythm”: Skagit Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

Thursday.21 THEATER

“A Rotten Demise”: 1920s murder mystery dinner theater, 7:30 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $45 dinner and show, $30 dessert and show. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.riverbelledinner theatre.com.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot”: musical comedy, Anacortes High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. $15 adults, $7 students. 360-293-2166 or www.anacortes drama.com.

“Radio Rhythm”: Skagit Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

Amanda Winterhalter, Courtney Marie Andrews & Erin Rae McKaskle: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7-$10. 360445-3000.

Glen and the Girls (folk): 9 p.m., La Conner Pub & Eatery, 702 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-4669932.

Rich Rorex & Friends: 8 to 11 p.m., Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6295555.

Snug Harbor, The Drop Squad, Galactic Cirque Performance Troop: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360778-1067.

SATURDAY.16 Palmer Junction: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

Jim Basnight Band: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-755-3956.

Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7 cover. 360-4453000.

Barefeet: 9 p.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360766-6330.

Smokewagon: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

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

360-422-6411.

Stilly River Band: 7 to 9 p.m., The Porterhouse, 416 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360336-9989.

SUNDAY.17 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. 360-8552263.

Prozac Mountain Boys: 8 to 11 p.m., Trumpeter Public House, 416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon.

No cover. 360588-4515.

Katie Hoag & Friends, South End String Band, The Boneyard Preachers: 4 p.m. to midnight, Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360629-5555.

WEDNESDAY.20 Smokewagon: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

360-766-6266.

Campbell Road: 6 to 8 p.m., Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon. No cover.

360-336-9944.

Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

MacArra, Peadar Macmahon: 8:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-7781067.

Jumbled Pie, South End String Band, Alien Culture: 4 p.m. to midnight, Leatherheads Pub & Eatery, 10209 270th St. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6295555.

Spoonshine Duo: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360588-1720.

Scratch Daddy: 7 p.m., Birdsview Brewing Co., 38302 Highway 20, Birdsview. 360-8263406 or www. birdsviewbrew ingcompany. com.

THURSDAY.21 Girl Guts, Full Moon Radio, Caparza: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Jerri Mercer (jazz, rock, blues): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden.

No cover. 360-3543600.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

GET INVOLVED ART

in the program’s Creative Enterprise option can ARTS CO-OP SEEKS access a space for three to MEMBERS: That’s Knot six months to experiment All Artist’s Co-op in La and test out new creative Conner is accepting appli- business ideas. For inforcations for new members mation, call 206-905-1026 through today. An organi- or visit www.storefrontszational meeting will take mountvernon.com and place Friday, March 15. For click on the “Opportuniinformation, call Jeanne ties” tab.

Gardner at 360-766-6419 or email jimjean8@gmail.

ART CLASSES com.

ART CLASSES: Dakota STOREFRONTS MOUNT Art offers a variety of art classes and workshops at VERNON: Artists and 17873 Highway 536, Mount creative entrepreneurs Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. can submit applications 5, or www.dakotaartcenter. through Sunday, March com.

17, for the Storefronts program, a joint project INTRO TO ILLUSTRAof Shunpike, the City of TION ART CLASSES: Mount Vernon and the Burlington Parks and RecDowntown Association. reation will offer a series of The program offers artart classes for kids ages 8 ists temporary storefront display space for two- and to 14. Instructor Max Elam will introduce young artists three-dimensional or new media artwork. Participants to a variety of styles and art

mediums. Each four-session class costs $45. Supplies are included. To register, call 360-755-9649.

PAPER PLAYSHOPS: Join Kari Bishay to get creative and “play with stuff” at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

Workshops are held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. All materials are provided. $18 each. Preregistration required: 360-464-2229 or www.anacortescenterfor happiness.org.

AUDITIONS “DRIVING MISS DAISY”: Alger Lookout Thespian Association (ALTA) will hold auditions at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16-17, at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane, Alger. Parts are available for one older

white lady, one AfricanRECREATION American man and one SEEKING VENDORS: white man. The play will The Skagit County Fairrun May 3-19. 360-424-5144 grounds seeks vendors of or www.altatheatre.com. all types for its World’s Largest Garage Sale, FREE ADULT ACTING Antiques & More, set for CLASS: Anacortes Community Theatre will present 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and a series of acting classes for Saturday, April 12-13, at adults from 10 a.m. to noon the fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia St., Mount Vernon. the third Saturday each month, at 918 M Ave., Ana- Applications are available cortes. Classes will include at www.skagitcounty.net/ fairgrounds. For informascripted scenes and a varition, call 360-336-9414 ety of acting games, with a different topic each month: or email fairgrounds@ co.skagit.wa.us.

March 16: rehearsal; April 20: developing character; CALL FOR YOUNG VENMay 18: stage presence; DORS: Kids ages 18 and June 15: performance. Each younger can rent a table class will be independent, for $15 and sell their stuff so participants don’t have to commit to every session. at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Kids Giant For information, call 360Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 293-4373 or visit www.act noon Saturday, April 20, at theatre.com. the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. MUSIC Fairhaven Ave. Free admisSKAGIT VALLEY MUSIC sion. 360-755-9649.

CLUB: The club welcomes performers, listeners and MV ARTS COMMISguests at 1:45 p.m. ThursSION: The Mount Vernon day, March 28, at Vasa Hall, Arts Commission will 1805 Cleveland St., Mount meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Vernon. Come and sing, Thursday, March 21, in play an instrument or just the Hillcrest Park conferenjoy the music. Free. For ence room, 1717 S. 13th St., information, call Marsha Mount Vernon. 360-336Pederson at 360-757-4906. 6215.

barbecue lunch; limited to 1,000 tickets. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for students pursuing careers in fishery management and related science. Tickets can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Anacortes and Friday Harbor, Holiday Sports in Burlington, LFS in Bellingham and other locations.

For information, visit www. anacortessalmonderby.com.

THEATER IMPROV CLASS: The free improv class for adults and teens will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at 1415 Dupont St., Bellingham. Taught

by Sheila Goldsmith of Improv Playworks. Registration required: 360-7560756 or www.improvplay works.com.

WORKSHOPS

WWU WRITING COURSES: Western Washington University’s Extended Education program will offer a series of professional studies courses to help students, faculty and community members build skills in writing and editing. Classes will meet in Western’s Communications Facility on the WWU campus in Bellingham.

ON STAGE ANACORTES SALMON Writing Children’s DERBY: Tickets are on OPEN MIC: All ages, 7 Literature: 6 to 9 p.m. sale for the seventh annual Thursdays, April 4-May p.m. Thursdays, The Soup Bowl at Common Ground, Anacortes Salmon Derby, 16. Explore the field of set for March 30-31. The 351 Pease Road, Burlingchildren’s fiction and nonderby will feature $25,000 ton. Sign-ups begin at 6 fiction, including picture, in guaranteed purse money chapter, middle-grade and p.m. All ages are welcome and thousands more in to perform or come to young adult books. Instrucwatch and listen. Free. For merchandise prizes, with tors will focus on plot, information, contact Tobie special prize categories character, setting, dialogue for women, youths and Ann at 425-870-6784. and that all-important first active military. $60 entry chapter. fee, includes free launchOPEN MIC: 9 p.m. to For program details and midnight, Wednesdays, First ing at Cap Sante Marina, registration information, Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, three night’s moorage, free call 360-650-3308, email Friday night fishing film 612 S. First St., Mount VerExtendedEd@wwu.edu festival, Saturday night non. 360-336-3012 or www. or visit www.ExtendedEd. riverbelledinnertheatre.com. no-host social and Sunday wwu.edu.

Continue the cycle – please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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

“Life of Pi” plays Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Deadman Wonderland Circus

Depardieu, Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Tabu and Tobey Maguire.

Rated PG. $10 general; $9 seniors, stuA wonder of theatrics and magic mixed dents and active military; $8 members; $7 with the fun of circus, “Deadman Wonderchildren 12 and under. Bargain matinee land” features six local circus performers prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 generwho have come together to present the al, $6 members, $5 children 12 and under. story of a young man trapped in a world of demons. Drawing inspiration from The Met Live in HD: Japanese folklore bakemono, “Deadman Wonderland” takes the audience from ‘Francesca Da Rimini’ darkness to light, humor to fantasy.

9 a.m. Saturday, March 16 $12.50 general; $10.50 seniors and stuZandonai’s compelling opera, inspired dents; $5.50 kids under 12. by an episode from Dante’s “Inferno,” returns in the Met’s ravishingly beautiful ‘Life of Pi’ production, last seen in 1986. Dramatic 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek and tenor 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18 Marcello Giordani are the doomed lovers.

Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Marco Armiliato conducts.

Martel, “Life of Pi” is a magical adventure Every Saturday live transmission feastory centering on Pi Patel, the precotures a pre-opera lecture with Stassya cious son of a zookeeper. Dwellers in Pacheco 30 minutes before the start time.

Pondicherry, India, the family decides to In Italian with English subtitles. $23 move to Canada, hitching a ride on a huge adults; $19 seniors; $16 students and chilfreighter. After a shipwreck, Pi is found dren with $2 off for Lincoln members. adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a 26-foot lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Dervish 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17 Richard Parker, all fighting for survival.

The acclaimed sextet plays the music of Ang Lee won the Academy Award for northwest Ireland, with passionate vocals Best Director for “Life of Pi.” The film stars Adil Hussain, Ayush Tandon, Gérard and dazzling instrumentals. 15-$35.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

HOT TICKETS LUCKY 2013: March 15, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticket master.com.

HOODIE ALLEN: March 20, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

NICK OFFERMAN: March 21, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www. livenation.com.

MOISTURE FESTIVAL: comedy/variety, March 21-April 14, Seattle. www.moisture festival.org.

VOLBEAT: March 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

BRIAN REGAN: March 23, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www. livenation.com.

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC: March 23, Showbox at the Market. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

MAJOR LAZER: March 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

ANDREW MCMAHON: March 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

DEMETRI MARTIN: March 27, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

THE SPECIALS: March 27, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

DIRTYPHONICS: March 28, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND: March 29, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

CLUTCH: March 29, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

COMMON KINGS: March 29, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

PHOENIX: March 29, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation. com.

LOTUS: March 30, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

KMFDM, LEGION WITHIN, NIGHTMARE FORTRESS: March 30, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

PEARL DJANGO, ANNE GRIFFITH: March 30, Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Bellingham.

360-671-1709 or www.suddenvalleylibrary. org.

ANTHRAX, EXODUS, HIGH ON FIRE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, HOLY GRAIL: March 31, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

SUPER WHY LIVE: April 2, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

RIHANNA: with A$AP Rocky: April 3, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. livenation.com.

NANCI GRIFFITH: April 5, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

LORD OF THE DANCE: April 5, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080

or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

OMD: April 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

TECH N9NE: April 6-7, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

JANIS IAN: April 7, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. 360-336-8955 or www. lincolntheatre.org.

STEPHEN LYNCH: April 7, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS: April 7, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877784-4849 or LiveNation.com.

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT: April 8, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS: April 8, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 or www.columbiacitytheater.com.

A DAY TO REMEMBER: April 12, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

FUTURE: April 12, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

MASSIVE MONKEES DAY: April 13, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

BAD RELIGION, AGAINST ME!, POLAR BEAR CLUB: April 15, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxon line.com.

CHRIS TOMLIN, LOUIE GIGLIO, KARI JOBE: April 20, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (Tribute to Grateful Dead): April 20, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

LOCAL NATIVES: April 26, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.live nation.com.

DR. DOG AND DAWES: April 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

COWBOY JUNKIES: April 27, Neptune Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www. livenation.com.

TILTED THUNDER RAIL BIRDS: Banked Track Roller Derby: April 28, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcast arenaeverett.com.

ALEX CLARE: April 29, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE: April 30, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

SOJA: April 30, Showbox SoDo, Seattle.

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

BONOBO: May 1, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS: May 2, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

THE CAVE SINGERS: May 4, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

PENTATONIX: May 11, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

*

Present your Rewards Club Card 9 am – 6 pm at either cashier cage for $10 in FREE gaming when you buy-in for $20.

Hot Seat Drawings! 10 am - 5 pm TWO Rewards Club Players will be chosen each hour to play our Big Kahuna’s Plinko Board Game!

Friday Night seaFood

All You Can Eat, Fresh, Local & Delicious!

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Why Pay

with your 50 $ Only 16 Rewards Club Card!

More?

SVH

$19.41 without Rewards Card. Tax and gratuity not included. Visit Rewards Club Center for details– Membership is FREE!

On I-5 at Exit 236

877-275-2448 • theskagit.com Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe.

*Must be a Rewards Club Member – Membership is FREE! Must play Full Redeemed Value of buy-in offer. Limit one per person per day.

Visit Rewards Club Center for details. Management reserves all rights.

Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E15

Thursday 3/14 Hans Brehmer Trio

Saturday 3/16 Palmer Junction

ROCKFISH GRILL Local Food, Local Beer, Made Here

Unique Skagit Valley Dining Experience • Located at Skagit Regional Airport • Home-Cooking Fresh Daily • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Catering & Banquet Facilities

• Open Sun - Wed 8am - 3pm • Open Thurs - Sat 8am - 8pm • Thurs: Special Corned Beef and Cabbage

• Sunday: St Patricks Special Corned Beef and Hash • Drink Special Irish Coffee and Guiness Beer

320 Commercial Ave 360.588.1720

www.anacortesrockfish.com

KittyHawkCafe.net • 15426 Airport Drive-B, Burlington • 360.707.0348 Follow the Fish

1/2”

A Perfect Dining Experience.

“BIG DEAL” LUNCH MENU EVERYTHING UNDER 9.99 7”

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stEak

burgErs siMPly thE

bEst Pan friEd oystErs

breakfast 9 aM live music every sunday - knut bell

I-5 Exit 221 360-445-4733 3/4”

COSTCO

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Exit 229

I-5

ARCO

Also Serving: Irish Potatoes, Parsnips & Carrots and Soda Bread

E George Hopper Rd Lighting Universe Japanese Steakhouse

Saturday 3/16 and Sunday 3/17 12:00 - 8:00

Hampton Inn

Sushi & Hibachi - Lunch Happy Hour Every Day Until 3pm

1830 South Burlington Blvd.

(360) 588.4281

360.466.4411

www.sakuraburlington.com

skagit

DAILY DEALS

LaConner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

Great local deals for amazing low prices!

50% OFF

Buy any BREAKFAST with two drinks & get the second HALF OFF!

• • • • •

Open for Dinner Thurs, Fri & Sat Saturday Special: Prime Rib Breakfast Served All Day Happy Hour 3-6 Banquet & Meeting Rooms

15426 Airport Dr. Burlington 360.707.0348 • www.KittyHawkCafe.com Like us on Facebook & check our daily drink & food specials!

8AM-10AM Mini breakfast not included.

One coupon per table.

Coupons cannot be combined.

Kitty Hawk • Expires 3/31/13

20% OFF ENTIRE BILL!

$10 Maximum Discount.

Not valid on alcohol, catering or on specials. Valid at restaurant only. Coupons cannot be combined.

Kitty Hawk • Expires 3/31/13

Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails 24 Draft Handles • Live Music

SAT 3/16 - Jim Bas nigh t 314 Commercial • 360-755-3956

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DELUXE BURGER W/FRIES $ http://www.facebook.com/ Rockfish Grill :5.99 11:30-4pm St. Patrick's Specials • Corned Beef & Cabbage • Lamb Shanks • Shepards Pie • Corned Beef Sandwich

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FULL BAR TAKE OUT GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Conway Pub & EatEry KARAOKE Fri/Sat HAvE yOuR pARtiES HERE!!

VOTED BEST OF ANACORTES 12 YEARS RUNNING

FRIDAY & SATURDAY PRIME RIB & PASTA THURS NIGHTS:

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

Jammin' Jeff FRI 3/15 & SAT 3/16

422-6411

18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

MOVIES

It’s not ‘Incredible,’ but it has its moments

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy-Tribune News Service

An all-star comedy that leans on its stars to conjure laughs out of thin air, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is about veteran magicians who find themselves suddenly less relevant when Mr. New and Edgy shows up and upstages them on the Vegas Strip.

An art-imitating-artist moment for Steve Carell and Jim Carrey? Maybe.

But when you’ve got those two, Oscar winner Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi and James Gandolfini in your cast, the four guys you paid to write this thing should have no trouble finding a laugh a minute.

We meet Anthony and Albert as bullied 10-year olds who find escape, and purpose, in a “Become a Magician” kit — VHS instruction tape included — featuring veteran prestidigitator Rance Holloway (Arkin). Thirty years later, Burt Wonderstone (Carell) and partner Anton Marvelton (Buscemi) have their own theater at Bally’s, a steady fanbase, gullible groupies (for Burt) and a boss (Gandolfini) who puts up with Burt’s divademands and lifestyle.

They go through assistants like candy, and Burt is so arrogant that he calls them all “Nicole,” even after the latest Nicole quits and fetching backstage assistant Jane (Olivia Wilde) is pressed into service. First good gag of the movie? The skin-baring bombshell Wilde (“TRON,” “Butter,” “Deadfall”) going all stumbling, demure and embarrassed by the skimpy

Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

Steve Buscemi (background), Steve Carell (front) and Jim Carrey star in “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”

‘THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE’ HH1⁄2

Cast: Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey, Olivia

Wilde, Alan Arkin, James Gandolfini Running time: 1:40 MPAA rating: PG-13 for sexual content, dangerous stunts, a drug-related incident and language

stage costume.

The crowds still come, even though this act is as stale as its “Abracadabra” theme song (Steve Miller’s last big hit), even though Burt hurls insults at Anton

backstage after every “impossible feat of impossibility.” Until the day that Steve Gray rolls into town.

Jim Carrey turns Gray into a long-haired guru of the gross — a magi-

cian/ stuntman who rolls up with a guerrilla film crew and stuns bystanders with routines that involve self-injury, followed by self-stitches. Carrey, sporting an “Escape from What?” tattoo and a Zen master-meets-street thug ethos — “Bad things don’t happen to us, they happen FOR us” — makes this guy so scary and fun that you wish his “Brain Rapist” TV show were real. Because we’d watch it.

But to Burt? Gray’s

not a real magician: “He doesn’t even have a costume.”

“Burt Wonderstone” lets us see the rise, and then fall of Burt and Anton, their changing hairstyles and unchanging act. It takes Burt from the man with the “biggest bed in Las Vegas” — “Would you like to see it, nakedly?” — to a drunk reduced to entertaining the seniors at a retirement home.

That’s where he meets Rance, and tries to get his

old magic mojo back.

The laughs come fast and furious for about 30 minutes, then they fade into occasional chuckles of recognition and the odd hear-Carell-make-funnywhimpering-sounds gag, or see clueless Anton deliver unwanted magic kits to starving Third World kids.

Few jokes take us by surprise, but enough comic haymakers land to make “Burt Wonderstone” credible, in not exactly “incredible.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“A Good Day to Die Hard” — The latest installment of the action franchise plays as if we’re watching Bruce Willis in a Bruce Willis movie in which Bruce Willis can survive anything while taking out the villains, video-game style. A quarter-century after the first “Die Hard,” the venerable John McClane has been stripped of any real traces of an actual three-dimensional character.

Action, R, 97 minutes. H1⁄2 “Beautiful Creatures” — Though not specifically conceived to fill the void left by the $2 billion “Twilight” franchise, comparisons are inevitable, as we’re again presented with a story about a smart, serious, semi-loner high school student who falls for a mysterious newcomer with supernatural powers. It would all be pretty tedious, goth-youth nonsense if not for the considerable delights provided by a mostly veteran supporting cast of Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, Viola Davis and Emmy Rossum, who are all having great fun. Romantic fantasy, PG-13, 124 minutes.

HH1⁄2

“Identity Thief” — The pairing of Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy in a road trip comedy seems inspired.

They’re two unique comedic talents who always put an interesting spin on a line or a double take, whether starring in sitcoms or effortlessly swiping scenes in big-screen fare. Unfortunately, “Identity Thief” is a depressingly predictable road-trip buddy comedy that’s far more interested in car chases, lame shootouts, physical shtick and cheap schmaltz than creating anything original. Comedy, R, 112 minutes. HH “Jack the Giant Slayer” — Director Bryan Singer, a first-rate cast and a stellar team of screenwriters, set designers and special-effects wizards have dusted off an old and never particularly compelling fairy tale and have given us a great-looking thrill ride. It’s filled with neat touches, from the casting of Ewan McGregor as a knight in shining armor to an epilogue that’s just way cool. Even for those who didn’t think they’d give a fee, fi, fo or fum about this movie, it’s a rousing, original and thoroughly entertaining adventure. Fantasy adventure, PG-13, 115 minutes. HHH1⁄2

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS March 15-17 The Metropolitan Opera: Francesca da Rimini (NR): Saturday: 9 a.m.

Oz The Great and Powerful (PG): FridaySaturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10; SundayThursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 Side Effects (R, open caption): Saturday: 10:45 a.m.

Side Effects (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40, 9:05; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40 Quartet (PG-13, open caption): Saturday: 11 a.m.

Quartet (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:25, 6:50, 9:00; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:25, 6:50 360-293-7000 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386).

“Mama” — “Mama” succeeds in scaring the wits out of us and leaving some lingering, deeply creepy images, despite indulging in many horror-film cliches. Movies like “Mama” are thrill rides.

We go to be scared and then laugh, scared and then laugh, scared and then shocked.

And of course, there’s almost always a little plot left over for a sequel. It’s a ride horror fans would take again. Horror, PG-13, 100 minutes. HHH “Oz the Great and Powerful” — Like “The Phantom Menace” trilogy, “Oz the Great and Powerful” precedes a beloved classic on the fictional timeline, but makes full use of modern-day technology, which means everything’s grander and more spectacular. Director Sam Raimi and his army of special-effects wizards have created a visually stunning film that makes good use of 3-D, at least in the first hour or so. The film finally breaks free of its beautiful but artificial trappings and becomes a story with heart in the final act. Thing is, we know Oz and its denizens are destined for a far greater adventure a little ways down the Yellow Brick Road.

Fantasy adventure, PG, 130 minutes. HH1⁄2

“Phantom” — Inspired by true events, but filled with speculative fiction, this Cold War drama occurs almost entirely aboard a nearly obsolete Soviet submarine in 1968. The sub’s world-weary commander (Ed Harris) battles epilepsy, drinks too much and is plagued by flashbacks that seem right out of a horror movie. Harris and the rest of the cast try hard with material that asks us to not only suspend disbelief but to expel it. The ending is a howler, provoking uneasy chuckles.

Whatever really happened with that sub in 1968, we can be reasonably sure this wasn’t it.

Thriller, R, 97 minutes. HH “Quartet” — A sweet, sentimental, predictable story set in a luxurious British retirement home for actors and opera singers. First-time director Dustin Hoffman has his heart in the right place and loves these characters.

His screen is filled with legends (Tom Courtenay, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Gwyneth Jones). But much is unlikely, including the theory that a gala on Verdi’s birthday could raise enough

STANWOOD CINEMAS March 15-17 The Metropolitan Opera: Francesca da Rimini (NR): Saturday: 9 a.m.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (PG-13): 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:20 Oz The Great and Powerful (PG): 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10 Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13): 1:10, 3:35, 6:40, 9:05 Snitch (PG-13): 1:40, 9:15 Identity Thief (R): 1:20, 3:35, 6:50, 9:00 Quartet (PG-13): 4:05, 7:10 360-629-0514

Soderbergh draws us into a vortex of whispers that something haunted and possessed is going on. Thriller, R, 105 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Warm Bodies” — Here’s a bloody, fresh twist on the most popular horror genre of this century, with none-toosubtle echoes of a certain star-crossed romance that harkens back to a certain Bard who placed a certain young Romeo under a certain balcony. A well-paced, nicely directed, post-apocalyptic love story, it has a terrific sense of humor and the, um, guts to be unabashedly romantic and unapologetically optimistic.

Comedy horror, PG-13, 97 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Zero Dark Thirty” — Two hours of watching a loner CIA strategist who knows she is right — and the payoff that she is. Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, providing the film with a timely heroine. Lots of murky action in the big capture and death, but lacking the split-second timing and relentless action of director Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.” Thriller, R, 157 minutes. HHH

Cougars, Kittens and Cabernet A fundraiser for WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital and the WSU Wine Business Management program.

CONCRETE THEATRE March 15-17 Escape from Planet Earth (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

360-941-0403 OAK HARBOR CINEMAS March 15-17 The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:50, 9:25; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:50 Oz The Great and Powerful (PG): FridaySaturday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30, 9:15; SundayThursday: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 Identity Thief (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40, 9:05; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40 360-279-2226

cash to save the elegant manor. Comedy drama, PG-13, 99 minutes. HH1⁄2 “Safe Haven” — Directed by the Lasse Hallstrom and starring the attractive duo of Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough, “Safe Haven” is yet another entry in the Nicholas Sparks book-to-movie factory that has given us “The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Dear John,” etc. For 90 percent of the journey, it’s a solid movie for those in the mood for some good old-fashioned, great-looking-couple-getscaught-in-the-rain romance.

Then something happens at the very end that’ll make you question the film’s sanity.

Romantic thriller, PG-13, 115 minutes. H1⁄2 “Side Effects” — Rooney Mara stars as an edgy young woman named Emily whose husband (Channing Tatum) has been released after four years in prison for insider trading. Things don’t go smoothly for Emily and she’s referred to a psychiatrist (Jude Law), who prescribes a new drug named Ablixa. The drug causes some alarming behavior as director Steven

Saturday, March 16 • 1:00-5:00 Port of Anacortes Historic Transit Shed 100 Commercial Avenue

Wine Tasting Andrew Will

Leonetti

Bunchgrass

Lullaby

Cougar Crest

Merry Cellars

ded. reckoning wine co.

Rulo

Doubleback

Seven Hills

Figgins

Walla Walla Vintners

Hightower

Whitestone

L’Ecole No. 41

Woodward Canyon

Veterinarians, staff and students from WSU will be on hand to discuss these fantastic programs, as well as various WSU personalities, including many winemakers, and Cougar great Drew Bledsoe. $50.00 and must be 21 to attend.

Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets and if any remain, at the door. For tickets: http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/323681 For more information contact Compass Wines ~ 360-293-6500 or info@compasswines.com

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E18 - Thursday, March 14, 2013

OUT & ABOUT ART

woven wraps by India Rassner-Donovan and oil paintings by Marcia Van Doren continues through April 2 at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. RassnerDonovan’s wraps feature a broad palette of rich colors in bamboo, linen, silk, cotton and wool. Van Doren’s oil paintings evoke a sense of “having been there,” stirring thoughts of places remembered, or sometimes forgotten, throughout our lives. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-2220102 or visit www.raven rocksgallery.com.

on artist-made fashions and accessories from 10 a.m. to WOOD & GLASS: A 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, show of new work by wood at the Museum of Northartists George Way and west Art, 121 S. First St., Art Learmonth and glass La Conner. More than 40 artists Bob Metke and hand-picked Northwest Sam McMillen continues artists will showcase unique through March 30 at Anne handmade creations includMartin McCool Gallery, ing clothing, scarves, hats, 711 Commercial Ave., purses, jewelry and more. A Anacortes. Way’s handportion of the proceeds will turned works are made benefit the museum. Free from a variety of wood, admission. 360-466-4446 or including myrtle and black www.museumofnwart.org. locust. Learmonth’s turned Informal modeling of and carved wall pieces of artist fashions will take redwood, maple and other place at participating reselements are new to the taurants between 11:30 a.m. gallery. Rounding out the and 1:30 p.m. Reservations show are Metke’s glass are advised: La Conner bud vases and McMillen’s Brewing Co., 360-466-1415; bright glass sculptural Nell Thorn Restaurant & “GO FIGURE!”: The mushrooms, along with Pub, 360-466-4261; La Conshow featuring the contemworks by McCool and porary and traditional clay ner Seafood & Prime Rib other gallery artists. GalHouse, 360-466-4014; Seeds work by members of Caslery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 Bistro & Bar, 360-466-3280. cade Clay Artists continues p.m. Wednesday through through March 30 at Allied Saturday. 360-293-3577 or WOMEN’S WORK Arts of Whatcom County www.annemartinmccool. gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., SPRING SALE: Check out com. a wide selection of handBellingham. Artworks on made crafts from noon to display include intricately SANDY BYERS: PAS4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, carved and crafted pieces TELS: The show of Northat 3016 I Ave., Anacortes. in a wide variety of shape, west pastels by Whidbey The sale will include handstyle and color. Gallery Island artist Sandy Byers hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. loomed naturally dyed rugs continues through April 2 from Vida Nueva Women’s Monday through Friday at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 The Steamroller Print Show continues through April Weaving Cooperative, and noon to 5 p.m. SaturCommercial Ave., Ana14 at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, Oaxaca; Corazon scarves day.

360-676-8548 or www. cortes. Also showing are 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features from Guatemala; silver and alliedarts.org. acrylics by Jacqui Beck, prints by several Northwest artists who participated in stone jewelry from Milaphotography by Dick Gar- the Anacortes Arts Festival’s “Steamroller Block Print gros, Peru; locally woven “WAITING ON THE vey, abstract oils by Donna Project.” Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Oaxacan bags and more.

Nevitt and watercolors and and Sunday, weekdays by appointment. 360-387-2759 LIGHT”: A show of new 360-391-2498 or 360-424acrylics by Eric Wiegardt. or www.matzkefineart.com. Pictured: “Dream Boat” by work by Becky Fletcher 5854. continues through March Gallery hours are 10:30 Kathleen Faulkner.

31 at Smith & Vallee Gala.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday SPRING SHOW: River lery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., through Saturday. 360-293call 360-466-3125 or visit aries of photographic com- Edison. With an extensive Gallery will kick off its 6938 or www.scottmilo. www.townoflaconner.org. munication, with images Spring Show exhibit with background in stained com. ranging from urban experi- glass, Fletcher approaches an opening reception from FINE ART PHOTOS: mental to macro florals, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March painting in a smoothly, LA CONNER OUTDOOR abstracts to reconstructed 23, at 19313 Landing Road, graphic manner. An avid SCULPTURE EXHIBIT: The “Photography, PhotograMount Vernon. The exhibit hiker, her subject matter La Conner Outdoor Sculp- phy? PHOTOGRAPHY!” experiential forms. Galcontinues through April lery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 will be open for viewing focuses on the mountains ture Exhibit is on display 1 at Rob Schouten Galp.m. weekends, 11 a.m. to from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and forests of the North through March 1, 2014, at 4 p.m. weekdays, and Tues- Cascades. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Sunpublic locations around La lery, 765 Wonn Road, days and Wednesdays by days, until April 28. Fea11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WednesConner. The annual juried Greenbank. Featuring the work of Northwest phoappointment. 360-222-3070 day through Sunday. 360tured artists: Maggi Mason exhibition features work (collage) and Rolf Oversee 766-6230 or www.smith by some of the Northwest’s tographers Lorraine Healy, or www.robschouten gallery.com. (oil) and guest artist Anne andvallee.com. most accomplished artists. Louie Rochon, Stephen Lancaster (sculpture).

For information, including Roxborough, Sandy Rubini “WRAPPED IN MEMOSculptures, paintings, glass MoNA STYLE: WEARa map of the sculptures and and Don Wodjenski, the show explores the boundRIES”: The show of hand- ABLE ART SALE: Stock up and jewelry by 28 artists. works available for sale,

STEAMROLLER PRINT SHOW

Contact Sylvia Strong at 360-466-4524 or visit rivergallerywa.com for more information.

QUILT MUSEUM: “Color, Design, & Inspiration: Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably” continues through March 24 at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 Second St., La Conner. Fassett and Mably are well-known quilters, fabric designers, knitters and authors. The exhibit features both quilts and knitting. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $7, $5 students and military, free for members and ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or www.laconnerquilts.com.

“MOSTLY METAL”: Steven Bochinski’s works on metal are on display through April at Vartanyan Estate Winery, 1628 Huntley Road, Bellingham.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. www.bsteveb.com.

FESTIVALS SKAGIT HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL: “A DECADE IN THE VALLEY”: The 10th annual Skagit Human Rights Festival is featuring a variety of events during March, including an art exhibit, movie screenings, panel discussions and more.

All events are free, donations gladly accepted. For information, visit www. skagithrf.wordpress.com.

Next up: Al Currier art display: Currier’s paintings depicting migrant workers in the fields are on display at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington; and the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon.

The Skagit Food System: 7 p.m. today, Skagit Valley College multipurpose room, Mount Vernon.

Panel discussion on food

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - E19

OUT & ABOUT security, food sovereignty and food justice in Skagit Valley.

Dana Lyons in concert: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, Phillip Tarro Theatre, Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon.

“Miss Representation”: 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, Phillip Tarro Theatre, Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon. Film screening and panel discussion: “Women in Leadership.”

“Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare”: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Film screening and panel discussion.

Tucker will present “The Volcano in Our Backyard: Mount Baker Eruption History, Hazards & Monitoring” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. Tucker, director of the Mount Baker Volcano Research Center, will reveal fascinating details about our volcanic neighbor. $10. A portion of the proceeds will benefit public radio station KSVU 90.1 FM and the Concrete School Band project, designed to purchase musical instruments The band will perform at 8 for Concrete students. 360p.m. Friday and Saturday, 941-0403 or www.concreteMarch 15-16, at the Skagit theatre.com.

BIRDING FESTIVAL: The 11th annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will take place today through Sunday, March 14-17, in and around Blaine and Birch Bay. Located in one of the country’s premier migratory bird-viewing areas, the event will include field trips, nature cruises, exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, an art walk, craft vendors, kids’ activities, wildlife speakers and more. www. wingsoverwaterbirding festival.com.

MUSIC & MORE: The Anacortes Unknown Music Series will present “Ours” Survival: “Arctic Drift”

by Clive Cussler, March 19. from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 23, at Connection: “ThunderUNKNOWN, 1202 Seventh struck” by Erik Larson, St., Anacortes. Performers April 16. from all over the Pacific Discussions will begin Northwest include Broken at 6:30 p.m. on designated Tuesdays at the library, 802 Water, Lori Goldston, Lois, Ball St. Copies of the books O Paon, Allyson Foster, Lloyd & Michael, Jae will be available at the library’s front desk. RSVP: Choi, DJ Weird Cactus and Marianna Ritchey (giving a 360-855-1166. presentation on Hildegard SKAGIT TOPICS: “MARI- von Bingen). $25, includes dinner. Tickets and inforTIME TECHNOLOGY”: mation are available at The 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Business, 402 Commercial Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., Ave., Anacortes, or visit www.anacortesunknown.

La Conner. Jim Payant, com. vice president of Marine & Wind Technology for MORE FUN Janicki Industries, will discuss Janicki’s many conMV BEER WEEK: Check tributions to the maritime out beer tastings, live music, industry, including 10 years cask crawl and poker run, of America’s Cup involve- beer can derby and more ment. Free with museum during Mount Vernon admission. $5, $4 seniors Beer Week, today through and ages 6 to 12, $10 fami- Sunday, March 17, at pubs lies, free for members and and restaurants around ages 5 and younger. 360Mount Vernon. Participat466-3365 or www.skagit ing locations include The county.net/museum.

Porterhouse, 416 Gates St., 360-336-9989; Trumpeter VOLCANO PRESENTAPublic House, 416 Myrtle TION: Volcanologist Dave St., 360-588-4515; Empire

LECTURES AND TALKS “PUSHING THE LIMITS”: The Sedro-Woolley Public Library continues its new science discussion series for adults. Participants meet for 75 minutes once a month for a book discussion, a short related video in a fun science café model, and a group discussion revolving around the monthly theme. Each session will be led by scientist Barbara Johnson and by library staff.

The books and themes are:

GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP BAND Valley Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or www. theskagit.com.

MUSIC

Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., 360-336-9944; Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St. 360-336-2884; and North Sound Brewing, 17406 Highway 536, 360-982-2057. For information, contact any of the participating locations or visit www.mountvernon beerweek.com.

charitable organizations.

Six teams will each build a theme playhouse and donate it to a nonprofit group for display and to raffle during the show. The public can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win the playhouse — and benefit the charity. Show visitors also can vote for their favorite playhouse.

Show admission: $4 individual, $6 per family.

For information about the Challenge or the show, contact the SICBA office at 360-757-6916 or info@ sicba.org.

and Recreation office, call 360-293-1918 or visit www. cityofanacortes.org/Parks/ programs.htm.

MASKED BALL: Join with the Skagit Symphony and Skagit Artists Together to celebrate the arts at the April Fools Masked Ball, Dinner and Auction MODEL TRAINS: The from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Whatcom-Skagit Model March 24, at the Grand Railroad Club will host an Willow Inn, 17926 Dunopen house from 11 a.m. to bar Road, Mount Vernon.

4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, Enjoy a live performance at 1469 Silver Run Lane, of music from “The PhanAlger. The club operates tom of the Opera” by large, permanent HO- and soprano Jennifer Ceresa, N-scale model railroad dinner and drinks, the layouts. Admission is by COMMUNITY DANCE: Cinderella Search, silent donation to help continue Camano Junction will play and live auctions, a desbuilding the layouts. www. big band music from 7 to sert dash, dancing and whatcomskagitmrc.org.

10 p.m. Saturday, March more. Formal attire and 23, at Camano Center, 606 masks are encouraged.

SICBA HOME & GARArrowhead Road, Camano $50. Proceeds will benefit DEN SHOW: The Skagit/ Island. $7 members, $10 the Skagit Symphony and Island Counties Builders nonmembers, includes Skagit Artists Together.

Association will host the light snacks. Beer and wine 360-848-9336. annual SICBA Home & available for purchase. 360Garden Show on March 387-0222.

TULIP FEST GALA: “Our 22-24 at the Skagit County Community Garden,” the Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia FANCY NANCY TEA 30th annual Skagit Valley St., Mount Vernon. Show PARTY: For ages 18 months Tulip Festival gala celebrahours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 8 years, accompanied tion, will kick off at 5:30 Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by a parent: 10 to 11 a.m. p.m. Thursday, March 28, Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 Saturday, March 23, at the at Skagit Valley Casino p.m. Sunday.

Senior Activity Center, Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Amid home project 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.

Bow. Enjoy a social hour, presentations and workCome dressed to impress with cash bar, from 5:30 shops, the show highlight and be ready to learn to 6:30 p.m. followed by will be the fourth annual some tea party etiquette. dinner, entertainment, Playhouse Challenge, a Enjoy tea (apple juice), art dessert auction and raffle competition between teams projects and games. $15 with more than $5,000 in of builders and landscapparent and child. Register prizes. $60. 360-428-5959 or ers to raise money for area at the Anacortes Parks cindy@tulipfestival.org.

AnAcortes HigH scHool Performing Arts Department

Pres ents

MArcH 14-17 & 21-24 7:30 | Sundays at 2:00 Brodniak Hall ~ Pg-13