360 March 6 2014 full by Skagit Publishing

The Civil War’s unseen roots PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday March 6, 2014

At the Lincoln

Reviews

Movies

Art gallery exhibit features powerful women in Skagit Valley

Music: Lea Michele, Pharrell Video Games: “Thief”

“300” sequel is a more visually stunning but less thrilling epic

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “12 Years a Slave”: In 1977, the miniseries “Roots” awakened the national conscience about the inhumanity of slavery that remains one of the most appalling periods in American history. The Oscar-nominated “12 Years a Slave” adds an exclamation point to that production through the true life story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the New York State citizen — a free man — who was kidnapped and made to work on a plantation in New Orleans in the 1800s. Through an Oscar-worthy performance by Ejiofor and Oscar-winning newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, director Steve McQueen has fashioned a film that will haunt and enslave your heart and mind. These images come through the life Northup lives under the control of heartless masters and the constant threat from those who consider slaves to be less important than livestock. McQueen built the movie as a constant battle between one man’s efforts to maintain his humanity and the efforts of others to strip it away. “12 Years a Slave” is set against the horrors of slavery, but it’s not just about slaves. It works so magnificently because it looks at how far a person can be pushed and still hold on to the last strands of dignity and basic human rights. It’s a message that cuts across all demographics. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”: Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) must fight again during the 75th Hunger Games. The second film in what will be a fourpart series features the same elements as the first. The problem is that it also features a structure that is such a duplication of the first movie that it feels more like a rerun than a chance to move ahead. Director Francis Lawrence has matched the visual splendor of the first movie from the landscapes to the costuming. He also shows a competence with the battle sequences, from a terrifying confrontation with mutated monkeys to a spinning cornucopia. But despite being presented with a more diverse group of Hunger Games competitors, he does little to play up their individuality. “Catching Fire” is a good-enough representation of the second book that it won’t upset fans. Those who don’t know the book will find a film that is a mildly altered version of the first movie in the series. That makes it easy enough

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 11 The Book Thief - Fox The Broken Circle Breakdown - New Video Group Homefront - Universal Inside Llewyn Davis - Sony Out of the Furnace - Fox The Outsider - Image American Hustle - Sony MARCH 18 Frozen - Disney Here Comes the Devil - Magnolia Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - Anchor Bay Saving Mr. Banks - Disney n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

to skip and wait for the final two movies. “Super Bowl XLVIII Champions Seattle Seahawks”: Recap and interviews. “Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor”: Threat to the universe brings multiple Doctors together. “Breaking Amish: Season 1”: Amish experience the outside world. “A Cross to Bear”: Woman looks for help after tragic moment. “Oldboy”: Man seeks revenge after being held captive for 20 years. “Elmo’s World: All About Animals”: Children pretend to be different animals. “The Last Days on Mars”: Liev Schreiber stars in this tale of what explorers to the red planet find. “Comet Encounter”: Documentary on comet that hurtled toward the sun in 2013. “Cold Comes the Night”: Crime drama starring Brian Cranston. “Noah and the Great Ark”: Three documentaries examine the legend. “NOVA: Alien Planets Revealed”: A look at more than 750 planets. “The Visitor”: In this 1979 film, intergalactic warrior joins a cosmic Christ figure in a battle against a demonic 8-year-old girl. “Rawhide: The Seventh Season, Volume One and Volume Two”: Both volumes feature 15 hours of digitally remastered episodes. “The Venture Bros. Season Five”: Animated series starring the Venture family. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

This Weekend

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Boise State University professor of piano brings his love of Gershwin to Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon on Sunday

Inside

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com, vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page

Get Involved........................................ 6 Music, Video Game Reviews...........8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up....................10-11 Travel............................................12-13 Movie Listings, Reviews..............16-17 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

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 - E3

COMMUNITY

THE UNSEEN ROOTS OF THE CIVIL WAR Re-enactment set for today at Burlington Public Library

David Imburgia (left) portrays Captain J.D. Brock, the leader of Company G, 15th Alabama Infantry. Matt Cleman plays Sergeant Rufus Lawless. Submitted photo

and children. Today’s program is a presentation of the Washington Civil War Association re“Making Connections through ROOTS enactors will portray the events that led Project,” a collaboration between the up to the outbreak of the Civil War in the library and the Skagit Valley Genealogical living history drama, “The Civil War: Defin- Society. ing Our Nation,” from 7 to 9 p.m. today at David Imburgia and Matt Clemans, the Burlington Public Library Community dressed in authentic period costumes, will Meeting Room, 820 E. Washington Ave., bring to life the bitter struggles between Burlington. the states. Several women and children The association, which has nearly 900 will join the performance and contribute members, portrays all military sides and historical background as to war’s impact on branches in the Civil War. Dozens of families in the North and South. re-enactors participate in numerous Admission is free. More information: events each year, including civilians, women 360-755-0760 or karenp@burlingtonwa.gov. Skagit Valley Herald staff

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

Next year’s Oscars: Too early to call it for ‘Unbroken’? By GLENN WHIPP Los Angeles Times

Angelina Jolie showed up at the Academy Awards on Sunday night on the arm of partner Brad Pitt, who ended up winning an Oscar as one of the producers of “12 Years a Slave.” Don’t be surprised if you see Jolie at the Dolby again next year, this time with Pitt applauding from the audience as Jolie wins the Oscar for directing “Unbroken,” a survival tale depicting the life of World War II hero and former Olympic distance runner Louis Zamperini. Too soon? Definitely. But after spending the past six months writing about “12 Years a Slave” and “Gravity,” can you blame us for wanting to take just a peek at the movies that will likely by vying for next year’s awards? Here’s how the lineup may shake out: “Unbroken” (Dec. 25): Jolie has already been on the trail, talking to Tom Brokaw on the “Today” show about adapting Laura Hillenbrand’s best-seller. “I imagine that for the last 10-something years, (Zamperini has) been sitting there having a coffee in the morning and wondering who’s going to make this movie,” Jolie told Brokaw. “And I’ve been sitting in my room thinking, ‘What am I supposed to be doing with my life? I wanna do something important … I need some help. I need some guidance. Where is it?’ And it was right outside my window,” noting the Zamperini lives in her Los Angeles neighborhood. Zamperini, now 97, ran in the 1936 Olympics, wowed (and met) Hitler, flew a B-24 bomber during World War II, survived 47 days in shark-infested Pacific Ocean waters after a crash landing and then endured brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. So, yeah, just a little drama. Get to recognize Jack O’Connell. Playing Zamperini, the young British actor will be the season’s new-

needs to do is remind voters, come autumn, that this wonderful movie deserves some recognition. No Anderson movie has been nominated for best picture. This would be a fine place to start. “Inherent Vice” (Dec. 12): While we’re on the subject of filmmakers long overdue for an Oscar, Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s comic detective novel. Set in Los Angeles as the ’60s bleed into the ’70s, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a pothead private eye investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. Phoenix, so good (and so different) in Anderson’s “The Master” and Spike Jonze’s “Her,” might be the most interesting actor working today. And we shouldn’t have to sell you on PTA. “The Giver” (Aug. 15): No list of best picture contenders would be complete without at least one entry from the Weinstein Co. Based on Lois Lowry’s critically acclaimed young-adult novel, “The Giver” concerns a utopian society that has eliminated pain and strife at the expense of love and exhilaration. The cast includes Jordan Strauss / Invision via AP Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, with Phillip Noyce directing. It’s Presenter Angelina Jolie poses in the press room with Alfonso Cuaron, as he holds his award not the kind of movie the acadfor best director for “Gravity” during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday in Los Angeles. emy normally falls in line behind, Don’t be surprised if you see Jolie at the Dolby again next year, this time as Jolie wins the Oscar but Weinstein has a track record for directing “Unbroken,” a survival tale depicting the life of World War II hero and former Olympic of salesmanship. distance runner Louis Zamperini. “Jersey Boys” (June 20): Clint Eastwood brings the Tony comer to know. Case of Benjamin Button,” “The American Film Institute’s AFI Award-winning musical biography “Interstellar” (Nov. 7): Can Social Network” and “The Girl Fest in November last year but, of Frankie Vallie and the Four Christopher Nolan’s latest sci-fi With the Dragon Tattoo” — have at the last moment, was pushed Seasons to the screen. Really. This brain-bender find the wormhole all been in the best picture conver- to this year. We were told at the is either going to be the feel-good, into voters’ hearts? Details about sation, though this one feels a bit time that perfectionistic Miller populist movie of the year or the the time travel epic are scarce, but more like the one preceding those, just needed a bit more time to film version of Eastwood talking given the filmmaker and the cast “Zodiac.” And that’s OK, because, massage the final cut. Particularly to an empty chair. Either way, oh, — Matthew McConaughey, Anne for our money, that’s the best of for Steve Carell, who plays Du what a night! Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Matt the lot. Pont, this has the potential to be a “Exodus” (Dec. 12): Christian Damon and Casey Affleck — “Foxcatcher” (unscheduled career-changer. Bale is Moses. Need we say more? expectations are understandably 2014): Bennett Miller follows his “The Grand Budapest Hotel” OK. Ridley Scott directs. More? sky-high. Oscar-nominated “Moneyball” (March 7): We’ve already seen Aaron Paul is playing Joshua. “Gone Girl” (Oct. 3): Gillian with an altogether different true Wes Anderson’s latest, a manBlow that horn, yo! Flynn’s popular mystery-thriller story — the relationship between nered and manic caper movie “The Lego Movie” (currently has Ben Affleck playing a husparanoid chemical fortune heir about an elegant hotel concierge in theaters): Because everything band suspected of killing his wife John du Pont and an Olympic (Ralph Fiennes), and can hapis awesome!!! And with Pixar not (Rosamund Pike) after she goes gold-medal wrestler who was his pily report that it can take its releasing a movie this year, it easmissing. Director David Fincher’s longtime friend. place among the filmmaker’s best ily moves to the front of the list last three movies — “The Curious The film was slated to open the works. Now all Fox Searchlight for at least animated feature.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area SPRING STUDIO TOUR

‘My Favorite Gershwin’ Dr. Del Parkinson (left), professor of piano at Boise State University, will present “My Favorite Gershwin” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. The audio-visual recital/lecture on the music of George Gershwin will feature some of the composer’s best known works, including song transcriptions, piano preludes and excerpts from “Porgy and Bess” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” $5 suggested donation at the door. skagitmusicteachers.

COMEDY SHOW, AUCTION The “Laugh Your Tail Off” Comedy Show and Auction will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Tulalip Resort & Casino, Orca Ballroom, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Marysville. Featuring comedians Ivan Decker, Neill McLaughlin, Jen Seaman and Damian Johnson, and emceed by KING 5 News’ Jesse Jones, the event will include the live show, dinner, beverages, a silent auction and more. $95. Proceeds will benefit the NOAH Animal Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center in Stanwood. For tickets or sponsorship information, call 360-629-7055, email donate@thenoahcenter.org or visit thenoahcenter.org.

The Whidbey Working Artists’ Spring Studio Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, March 7-9, at locations around Whidbey Island. Some 25 artists will display their work at 17 working studios and other venues, with many artists offering demonstrations of their creative process and techniques. Find a map for the free self-guided tour at whidbeyworkingartists.com.

PENN COVE MUSSELFEST The 28th annual event, set for March 7-9, will begin with the Mussel Mingle from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St., Coupeville. Enjoy live music, wine, mussels and more. $20. The festivities will continue from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday along the historic Coupeville waterfront. Enjoy chowder tasting, cooking demonstrations, a mussel farm boat tour, musseleating competitions, downtown art walk and more activities for all ages. Free admission. Some activities require an additional fee. 360-678-5434 or thepenncovemusselfestival.com.

SUNDAY JAZZ HOUR Fidalgo Swing will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or jazzatthelibrary.com.

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GET INVOLVED ART CLASSES FAMILY ART DAYS AT MoNA: The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner, offers Family Art Days each month. Sessions are open to ages 5 and older at all skill levels and include guided walk-throughs of MoNA exhibitions. Limited to 15 participants per session. Workshops are free with museum admission. Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger. For information or to register: 360-466-4446, ext. 106, or jasminev@ museumofnwart.org. Next up: “Color in Painting”: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Explore color in painting, with inspiration from the work of Henri Matisse and other Fauves. Sketch, learn

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

Mar. 7 6-9pm Anne Martin McCool Gallery Gallery KP Burton Jewelers Scott Milo Gallery The Majestic Inn and Spa Apothecary Spa (2nd floor Majestic Inn)

www.anacortesart.com

watercolor techniques, then paint an exotic, vibrant painting. ART CLASSES: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360416-6556, ext. 5, or dakota artcenter.com. MOSAIC YARD ART: JoAnne Hoehne will offer a four-week class from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays, beginning March 7, at Hobby Lobby, 220 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Participants can make a gazing bowl/bird bath or a stepping stone. $50. Sign up at Hobby Lobby or call Hoehne at 360-399-1180 or email jchoehne@live.com.

days at the Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Mount Vernon. Learn to folkdance to a variety of international music. Instruction begins at 7 p.m. followed by review and request dances until 9:30. The first session is free, $3 thereafter. All are welcome. No partners needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866.

ON STAGE

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

RECREATION

MUSIC

CALL FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS: Christ AUDITIONS Episcopal Church invites “YOU CAN’T TAKE IT singers and musicians WITH YOU”: Auditions will interested in participating take place at 2 p.m. Sunday in its Lent Taize Service and 6 p.m. Tuesday, March to attend a rehearsal at 6 9 and 11, at Anacortes p.m. today, March 6, at the Community Theatre, 918 M church, 1216 Seventh St., Ave., Anacortes. Parts are Anacortes. The Taize Seravailable for 10 to 12 men vice is a Christian worship and seven women ages 18 service featuring music, and older. chanting and the lighting The comedy will run of candles that reflects the May 30-June 21. Audition meditative nature of the materials are available at Taize community, an ecuthe ACT office. For informenical Christian monastic mation, contact director order in Taize, Burgundy, Julie Wenzel at 509-341France. 4306, email juliehaakenThe Taize Service son@hotmail.com or visit will take place at 6 p.m. acttheatre.com. Wednesday, March 12, at the church. For informaDANCE tion, contact the Rev. Eric Johnson at 293-5790 or the COMMUNITY DANCE: Rev. Diane Ramerman, Dance to the big band 360-202-7397. sounds of Camano Junction from 7 to 10 p.m. SECOND FRIDAY Saturday, March 15, at DRUM CIRCLE: 7 to 9 p.m. the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Friday, March 14, Unity Church, 704 W. Division Island. $12, $10 members; St., Mount Vernon. Shake includes light snacks. 360off the energy of the week 387-0222. through drumming, songs, FOLK DANCING: Skagit- chants. Freewill donation. For information, email Anacortes Folkdancers heatmiser@inbox.com. meet at 7 p.m. most Tues-

ANACORTES OPEN MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, at the Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-2932544. OPEN MIC: Jam Night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursdays, at the Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

MV PARKS FOCUS GROUPS: The Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Department invites community members to discuss ways to improve Mount Vernon’s parks. Parks and Rec will host a series of focus-group meetings to address different aspects of the department’s comprehensive plan. Meetings will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Vaux Retreat Center at Bakerview Park, 3011 E. Fir St., Mount Vernon. Next up: March 11: Active recreation. For information, call 360-336-6215 or email mvparks@mountvernonwa. gov.

paved trail is handicapped accessible. Free. SENIOR HIKE: Join Friends of the Forest from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14, for an easy hike at Pine Ridge Loop near Anacortes. Meet at the base of Mount Erie on Ray Auld Drive and enjoy a hike to this unique secret spot off the beaten path. Free. No dogs. 360-2933725 or friendsofacfl.org. FUN RUN/WALK: The Shamrock Shuffle Fun Run/Walk to benefit Bethany Christian Preschool will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Port of Skagit Nature Trails, 15000 Crosswind Drive, Burlington. Prizes for top finishers and best costumes. Green attire encouraged. Runners, walkers and strollers welcome. Day-of registration from 9 to 10 a.m.; online registration at runsignup.com/Race/ WA/Burlington/BCP5K. $20, free for ages 10 and younger, accompanied by an adult. 360-424-9399.

THEATER

YOUTH THEATER CLASSES: The Whidbey Playhouse “Would Be TRAIL TALES: Friends of Players” theater program Skagit Beaches will lead a for ages 8 to 18 will offer series of informative walks a workshop from 3:30 to along the Tommy Thomp- 5:30 p.m. Mondays and son Trail in Anacortes. For Tuesdays, March 10-April information, visit skagit29, at the Whidbey Playbeaches.org. house Star Studio, 730 SE Next up: Midway Drive, Oak HarBirding Walk: Join Trail bor. There will be a special Tales docents and Auduthree-hour rehearsal on bon birders from 8:30 to Sunday, April 27, and the 10 a.m. Wednesday, March workshop will culminate 12, at Fidalgo Bay RV with public performances Resort, 701 Fidalgo Bay at 4:30 p.m. April 28-29. Road, Anacortes. Get a Students will learn a last glimpse of the birds variety of theater skills, that winter in Fidalgo Bay including theater actbefore they leave for the ing, vocal training, body breeding season. Bring language, stage presence, binoculars or scopes, if you blocking and more. $75. have them; extras will be Some scholarships are available to share. The flat, available. Register by

today, March 7. For information or to register, contact Stan Thomas at 360675-0574. FREE ADULT ACTING CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre offers free acting classes for adults from 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday each month at 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Classes include scripted scenes and a variety of acting games, with a different topic each month. Each class is independent, so you don’t have to commit to every session. 360840-0089 or acttheatre.com

WORKSHOPS BASKET WORKSHOP: Nancy Loorem and Danielle Bodine will lead Random Weave Basket miniworkshops at 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Create a personalized basket embellished with natural materials and your own bits of memory. Learn how to construct a vessel out of flat reed using a random weave basketry technique and explore stamping and other surface design applications. Suitable for second grade on up. No experience necessary. There is no charge, but preregistration is required. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.com. ART OF CRAZY QUILTS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Learn about crazy quilt block construction and a variety of embroidery stitches, with the opportunity to study antique crazy quilts from the museum’s permanent collection. $75$85. 360-466-4288 or lacon nerquilts.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 - E7

Warrior woman sculpture to launch women’s art display

34th Annual

Garden &

Skagit Valley Herald staff

The Lincoln Theatre art gallery in March, in celebration of International Women’s Day, will showcase powerful women in Skagit Valley, their art and their ability to connect as natural communicators and organizers. The Skagit Human Rights Festival will host an International Women’s Day reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the theater, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon, to honor the collaborative art display. The featured art, a 5-foot-9 warrior woman sculpture titled “Women’s Work,” was created by Sarai Stevens of Bow and numerous other contributors. Stevens is a co-founder of the Bow Little Market and Chuckanut Transition and is a founding member of the Skagit Valley Farmers Market Coalition. Stevens said the sculpture is a multimedia collaborative collage of some 35 women that illustrates the strength, beauty and force of her women’s network and includes writing and images submitted from artists, activists, mothers, radical homemakers, grandmothers, gardeners and crafters. Mouse Bird contributed the headdress and Laura Matthews turned the french rolling pin. “This woman warrior is a celebration of our fiercely creative womanly power and the networks we build,” Stevens said. The Lincoln gallery show will spotlight women of artistic talent and women who have made their life their art. Cherie Donovan-Smith paints vibrant, celebra-

Show

™

MARCH 21, 22 & 23 • 2014 Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4 Skagit County Fairgrounds 1410 Virginia Street • Mount Vernon, WA $5/Person or $8/Family Tickets Available at the Gate FREE PARKING!

Visit over 150 Booths!

Kid’s Activities

Ciscoe Morris • 2pm Sunday

Also Featuring:

Photo courtesy of Sarai Stevens

“Women’s Work,” a 5-foot-9 warrior woman sculpture is a multimedia collaborative collage that will be featured in a monthlong art display celebrating International Women’s Day at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. An opening reception will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday. tory images of women and creates whimsical felted objects. She is also the cocreator of the newly founded Artisan Craft Cooperative in Sedro-Woolley. Her art will be on display in the Lincoln Art Gallery in May. Matthews, a skilled woodturner, is a co-founder

of the Northwest Corner Woodworkers Association Toys for Tots committee, a cooperative group in Bow that shares shop space to create and donate hundreds of toys every year as Christmas gifts for needy children. Two of her bowls will be on display

Charity Playhouse Competition

5 ANNUAL PLAYHOUSE COMPETITION Proceeds to benefit five local charities TH

Presented by:

Skagit / Island Counties Builders Association Major Sponsor:

& Speakers Presented By:

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

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E8 - Thursday, March 6, 2014

REVIEWS: MUSIC Drive-By Truckers

in “Spring Awakening” and other shows, gets it right on the piercing “Burn With You,” where she sings: “I don’t wanna go “English Oceans” to heaven if you’re going to hell/I will burn with you.” She also shines on the slow The often-prolific piano tune “Battlefield,” one of four tracks roots rockers Driveco-written by the exceptional Sia Furler By Truckers took (Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Beyonce’s “Pretty a four-year break from the studio before Hurts”). Instead of yelling, she works her recording “English Oceans,” and the stock- voice nicely on “Thousand Needles,” buildpile of songs pays off throughout the band’s ing it up when needed, but hitting softer 12th album. notes to provide balance. Stripping away the R&B influences But, all in all, “Louder” is jagged. The and musical explorations of their last few songs don’t play well together, and the colalbums, DBT focuses on guitars and a lection sounds more like a demo, instead garage-band stomp on the new album — of a Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated which also adds to the collection’s consissinger-actress’ debut album. That may be tency. due partially to the group of producers and The band has always shared songwriting songwriters, which include Stargate, Benny chores between singer-guitarists Patterson Blanco, John Shanks, The Messengers, Anne Hood and Mike Cooley, usually augmented Preven, Christopher Braide and more. by contributions by other band members While they’ve produced hits for others, from (most notably onetime band mate Jason Clarkson to Rihanna, Michele might have Isbell in the early 2000s). This time out, been better off with a tighter and smaller Cooley is an equal partner, and he and group of collaborators. Hood are the only songwriters — another Michele closes the album with the ballad beneficial change. “If You Say So,” which was inspired by one The album’s opening guitar chords recall of the last conversations she had with her an old Replacements riff and would’ve fit “Glee” co-star and boyfriend, Cory Monnicely on the Rolling Stones’ “Exile On teith, who died after overdosing on heroin Main Street.” It’s a strong kickoff to the and alcohol last year. rawest rocking Truckers album since their The track is somewhat chilling and worth early days. But it’s the storytelling that gives a listen, but while the rest of “Louder” feathe band a special dimension. The colortures a big voice, most of the time Michele ful twists of “Till He’s Dead Or Rises” and isn’t saying much. “Primer Coat,” the desperation of “Hanging On” and the poignant “Grand Canyon” n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press show that this veteran band can still equal Dianne Reeves the highpoints of its past. n Michael McCall, Associated Press

“Beautiful Life”

On her first studio album in five years, “Louder” four-time Grammy winner Dianne On some of the Reeves comes back songs from her debut strong with a genre-crossing collection of 12 album, Lea Michele is love-themed songs on which she infuses her convincing. On others, impressive jazz stylings with a healthy dose it’s like she is acting. of soul. The “Glee” star, known for her big voice, Reeves gets a major assist from producer provides the pipes on “Louder,” but some Terri Lyne Carrington, who skillfully mixes songs sound empty and don’t show much and matches several dozen musicians — emotion or personality from the 27-year-old including rising stars Esperanza Spalding, talent. Robert Glasper and Gregory Porter — to The dance-flavored title track is typiprovide a distinctive multilayered backdrop cal and forgettable, as is “Don’t Let Go.” with a rich palette of instrumental colors for ”Empty Handed,” co-written by singer each track. Christina Perri, comes off like an unimpresThe singer puts her own stamp on an sive Coldplay cover, while other songs echo eclectic selection of covers. These include Kelly Clarkson, but lack the energy that a sultry version of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want Clarkson’s learned to build on her songs. You,” with Sean Jones adding simmering Michele, who has appeared on Broadway trumpet lines; a neo-soul take on Fleetwood

Lea Michele

Mac’s soft-rock classic “Dreams,” arranged by pianist Glasper; and a shimmering vocal duet with Lalah Hathaway on Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain.” The only traditional standard is “Stormy Weather,” which Reeves floats through in an extended 8-minute version, colorfully stretching the lyrics. The new songs by Reeves and her session mates include the joyful “Feels So Good (Lifted),” embellished by a synth solo from Reeves’ cousin George Duke, who died last year; Carrington’s soulful “Satiated (Been Waiting),” with Reeves engaging in a seductive vocal duet with Porter; and the smoothly flowing “Wild Rose,” featuring its composer Spalding on bass and background vocals. Reeves best displays her virtuosity on her wordless, Latin-beat composition “Tango,” with Raul Midon vocally imitating a trumpet, on which she improvises scat vocals, suddenly shifts tempos and makes full use of her impressive multi-octave range.

ethos of the album: love in its purest form, love at the first frisson, love settled on a cloud, love of the flesh. The record’s tempo matches the upbeat “Happy,” and it deploys killer hooks. The sound is eclectic, ranging from dramatic violins in the Daft Punk-assisted “Gust of Wind” to Motown disco beats in “Hunter” and tribal drums in “Lost Queen.” Persistent echoes of Michael Jackson-style sound lurk on the album, from the sultry “Gush” to the deliciously head-bopping “Marilyn Monroe” to the Justin Timberlake-featured “Brand New.” A definite homage to women is the female empowerment ballad “Know Who You Are,” where Pharrell sings with piano queen Alicia Keys. He croons on the mellow reggae tune, “I know who you are and I know what you’re feeling.” No doubt about where he stands on gender equality there.

n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press

Eli Young Band

Pharrell “G I R L”

n Cristina Jaleru, Associated Press

“10,000 Towns”

The Eli Young Band continues to provide a smart, relevant antidote to all the male country acts focusing on clichés about the attractions of backwoods America. On “10,000 Towns,” the four-piece band from Denton, Texas, shines by focusing on insightful songs about how young men and women relate with each other. The album’s first hit, “Drunk Last Night,” continues the band’s string of potent songs that don’t rely on the usual Nashville formulas. While most other country bands celebrate drinking and partying in superficial ways, singer Mike Eli instead elucidates, with restrained drama, how a night of overindulgence can lead to actions that might be regrettable the following day. Similarly, the band’s new hit, “Dust,” depicts the complex emotions involved even when driving away from a relationship that’s taken a bad turn. Not everything on “10,000 Towns” hits such high notes. A few clunkers — including “Just Add Moonlight” and the title cut — rely on standard country tropes. But those potholes only briefly slow down an otherwise solid effort by the band, which includes guitarist James Young, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson. Overall, though, the Eli Young Band’s second major-label album — and fifth overall — gives plenty of reasons for cities across America to embrace them with open arms.

On the heels of two monster hits where he was the co-star — the Daft Punk jaunty funk jam “Get Lucky” and the much vilified yet utterly catchy “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke — Pharrell is taking the lead with the relentless “Happy,” which appears on the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack and was nominated for best original song on Sunday’s Oscars. The cheerful tune is also on his second studio album, “G I R L,” released perhaps coincidentally the day after the Academy Award winners were announced. The 10-track set is an ode to the female form and spirit, peppered with sexy vibes and brash come-ons. A definite change from his raspier, more alternative first album, which wasn’t particularly successful, “G I R L” proves Pharrell — a member of N.E.R.D. and the hit-making Neptunes — is a true, and exceptional, frontman. Cynics will dismiss the album as a shameless attempt to derail the accusations of misogyny leveled at “Blurred Lines.” After all, Pharrell is cheeky and sexy, and his lyrics sometimes blur the lines between playful seduction and outright possession. “Ain’t no sense in you roaming around, if I can’t have you nobody can,” he says in “Hunter,” but maybe that’s his way of saying he can’t help it if the ladies find him attractive and he reciprocates. After all, this is the entire n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 - E9

REVIEWS: VIDEO GAMES

Video games are filled with scenarios where the only solution is to blast your way out. That’s why I have a soft spot for “stealth” games like “Metal Gear Solid,” “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” and 2012’s brilliant “Dishonored.” There’s something more mentally stimulating about finding ways to outwit your enemies without filling them with lead. In 1998, Eidos Interactive’s “Thief: The Dark Project” introduced many of the elements that ancestors like “Dishonored” have built upon — in particular, the idea that light is your enemy and darkness your friend. The Eidos Montreal studio is now trying to reclaim that legacy with “Thief” (Square Enix), a game whose bright spots are sometimes overshadowed by thoughtless design and technical shortcomings. The protagonist, Garrett, is a jaded master thief in a fog-drenched city (called “the City”) that looks like Victorian London. In the prologue, Garrett stumbles across an arcane ritual and gets knocked unconscious. Fast forward a year, and he can’t remember a thing. The City is being destroyed by starvation and a disease known as “the gloom,” and the vile Baron Northcrest has its residents living in terror. Garrett’s ability to sneak into the Baron’s heavily guarded fortresses may be the only thing that can stop the City from descending into anarchy. Garrett begins with a few essential tools: a blackjack for knocking out nosy guards, a claw for climbing walls, a bow and a quiver of arrows. Water and fire arrows let Garrett douse and relight torches, while rope arrows, which can be shot into hanging beams, help him climb onto rooftops. As soon as you raise the cash you should buy a wrench, a razor and wire cutters, which Garrett uses to steal plaques and paintings and disarm traps. The event in the prologue has also

New video game releases These games are scheduled for release this week, according to Gamestop.com: n South Park: The Stick of Truth (PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360; rated M) n Zoo Tycoon (Xbox One; rated E) n XCOM: Enemy Unknown -- The Complete Edition (PC; rated M)

FAST just got even FASTER. ON SALE NOW

n Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.

gifted Garrett with “focus” powers, which, when activated, increase his dexterity, speed and perception. Focus is most useful when you’re searching for loot, highlighting all the treasures and traps in a given room. The major story missions are well constructed, and often so suspenseful I found myself holding my breath. They offer a variety of approaches: You can be a “ghost,” completely avoiding detection; an “opportunist,” collecting the most loot; or a “predator,” killing anyone who stands in your way. Two clients, an inventor and a circus master, also provide some intriguing side missions. And then there’s your fence, Basso, who has a list of a few dozen artifacts he wants you to hunt down. Some of those are easy enough to find — you just need to climb through the right window — while others require some tricky navigation of the City’s rooftops and alleys. The main obstacle to your crime spree is the Baron’s Watch, an army of surly thugs who patrol the streets. They aren’t particularly bright, animated by shaky artificial intelligence, but they are everywhere and they will kill you if they see you. The initial challenge of avoiding the guards gets tiresome by the fifth or sixth time you need to cross the City to start your next mission. And neighborhoods are divided by loading screens that kill any sense of immersion — an irritation that’s inexcusable these days, particularly if you’re playing on a high-powered PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Finally, the overarching story in “Thief” is incoherent. Midway through I gave up trying to make any sense of it and settled in to just enjoy the clever individual missions. Fans of stealth games, who get so few of them, will probably be able to overlook the flaws in “Thief,” while wishing Eidos had polished it more carefully. n Lou Kesten, Associated Press

55 MBPS

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E10 Thursday, March 6, 2014

Thursday, March 6, 2014 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area March 7-13

TUNING UP Playing at area venues March 7-13

FRIDAY, SUNDAY.7,9 “DIE FLEDERMAUS” Skagit Opera, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25-$59. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org. Checking listing for time.

Christian Kowalski (left) and Jenny Knapp-Parce Craig Parrish / Skagit Valley Herald

Friday.7

Saturday.8

Sunday.9

Wednesday.12

OPERA

THEATER

OPERA

THEATER

“Die Fledermaus”: Skagit Opera, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25-$59. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

“Always… Patsy Cline” (musical): Ria Peth Vanderpool and Kelly Bohon, Theater Arts Guild, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20. Tickets: tagpatsy@gmail.com or theaterartsguild.org. “The Language Archive”: Outcast Productions, 7 p.m., Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, Black Box Theater, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/ event/561263.

“The Language Archive”: Outcast Productions, 7 p.m., Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, Black Box Theater, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/ event/561263.

“Die Fledermaus”: Skagit Opera, 3 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $25-$59. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

THEATER

“The Language Archive”: Outcast Productions, 1:30 p.m., Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, Black Box Theater, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/ event/561263.

Tuesday.11 MUSIC

Travis Brass: Air Force Band of the Golden West, 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org. MVHS Festival Concert: Mount Vernon High School bands and orchestra, 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $4-$8. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org. Dana Lyons (pictured): Crude Awakening Oil Train Tour, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org/ node/863.

Disney’s “The Aristocats Kids”: Skagit Family Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

FRIDAY.7

SATURDAY.8

2 BUCK CHUCK 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow.

TILLER’S FOLLY 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

FRIDAY.7 The Sardines: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely (blues): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000.

Thursday.13

2 Buck Chuck (classic rock, pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble: 9 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $5. 360-755-3956.

El Colonel and Mary de la Fuente: 8 to 11 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720.

Rising (tribute to Ronnie James Dio), Lorpan: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $8-$10. 360-778-1067.

THEATER

Disney’s “The Aristocats Kids”: Skagit Family Learning Center, 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org. “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” (comedy): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Rated PG-13 (mild language). Admission by donation at the door. 360293-2166. “The Language Archive”: Outcast Productions, 7 p.m., Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, Black Box Theater, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/ event/561263.

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

Margaret Wilder Band (blues/soul): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Triple Shot (classic rock dance): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Tiller’s Folly: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360755-3956.

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

SUNDAY.9 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

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

WEDNESDAY.12 Archtops, featuring Mike Faast of the Jangles: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. No cover. 360-855-2263.

Blues/rock jam with CC Adams and Friends: 5 to 9 p.m., Station House, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

Stilly River Band: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Moistboyz, The Vaticxnts: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $10. 360-778-1067.

THURSDAY.13 Janette West: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.