360 May 30, 2019

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ACT stages a raucous production PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday May 30, 2019

TUNING UP PAGE 9 Mark Hummel leads all-star band at the Muse AT THE LINCOLN PAGE 13

Stunning Aretha Franklin performance captured on film

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “JT LEROY”: The factbased story follows best-selling author Laura Albert (Laura Dern), who wrote under the made-up literary persona of JT LeRoy. The fake character was Albert’s way of avoiding the public attention. Albert wiggles her way out of public appearances until she meets her sister-in-law, Savannah Knoop (Kristen Stewart).

Either out of Albert’s sudden need to feel some of the heat from the spotlight or simply to curtail part of the demands for her to be in public, she convinces Knoop to create an androgynous look and pretend to be LeRoy for a photo shoot and an interview. What starts as a bit of sleight of hand turns into a full-blown cover-up.

Stewart and Dern faced a unique performance challenge. Both actors had to find an acting symbiotic relationship to make the fictional title character come to life both spiritually and physically. Had either wavered in instilling such believable elements to their part of the task, the movie would not have been as emotionally strong. But they both supplied deep and meaningful performances for their part of the character.

“LOST IN SPACE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON”: This update of how the Robinson family ends up having to fight for survival is a strong mix of special effects and well-defined characters. Some modifications are made to familiar characters, but all the changes help give the series a fresh look.

The show is anchored by Toby Stephens and Molly Parker, who portray John and Maureen Robinson.

One of the big upgrades is giving Maureen far more control and power. The family element remains, but

ALLEN FRASER / BUFFALO GAL PICTURES

Laura Dern as Laura Albert and Kristen Stewart as Savannah Knoop in “JT LeRoy.”

the relationships have been strained.

Bonus for fans of the original series is the DVD set includes the colorized unaired pilot episode from the original 1965 series.

“THE HAUNTING OF SHARON TATE”: The movie is such a poorly written, overly acted and miserably shot production, if it was a film school project, someone would be retaking the class (if not searching for a new career path).

This isn’t the first work by director/writer Daniel Farrands. He directed “The Amityville Murders” and penned “Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers.”

Compared to other horror films, neither of those credits is a real winner, but both are an eternity better than the mess of “The Haunting of Sharon Tate.”

ALSO NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY JUNE 4 “TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL”: Family reunion turns into a funeral for Madea.

“HEROES SHED NO TEARS”: This is the first time the 1986 John Woo film has been available in North America.

“DELICIOUS, SERIES 3”:

The late Leo Vincent’s (Iain Glen) ex-wife, Gina (Dawn French), and widow, Sam (Emilia Fox), run the hotel he left behind.

“BATMAN VS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES”: The heroes in a half-shell help the Caped Crusader fight crime in Gotham City.

“TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN: SEASON ONE”: When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon suspicious bank transfers he is pulled from the safety of his desk job and put into a deadly situation.

“WOMAN AT WAR”: A quiet 50-year-old woman works behind the scenes as an environmental activist waging a war on the local aluminum industry.

“SARA STEIN: FROM BERLIN TO TEL AVIV: THE COMPLETE SERIES”: The set includes four feature-length films that make up the internationally-flavored crime series.

“THE VENTURE BROS. SEASON 7”: Team Venture takes on their usual enemies, partner with allies and explore the unknown.

“MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE”: The 1995 film where six teens save the uni-

verse is being rereleased.

“PJ MASKS: BIRTHDAY CAKE RESCUE”: Gekko’s birthday could be ruined after Night Ninja steals his lizard cake.

“GLORIA BELL”: Free-spirited divorcée (Julianne Moore) who spends her days at a straitlaced office job and her nights at L.A. dance clubs finds romance.

“LONDON KILLS, SERIES 1”: London’s best detectives solve the city’s worst crimes in this British mystery series.

“THE ODDS”: Young woman competes in a sadistic game against concealed competitors in a winnertake-all test of survival.

“ALL YOU EVER WISHED FOR”: Young New York fashion executive’s business trip to Milan takes an unexpected turn when he is kidnapped. Darren Criss stars.

“I’LL TAKE YOUR DEAD”: Man’s job of getting rid of dead bodies gets complicated when one person ends up being alive. Aidan Devine stars.

BEING RELEASED ON DIGITAL HD JUNE 4 “THE BRINK”: Documentary focuses the political and private world of Steve Bannon. Will be available on Blu-ray and DVD June 18.

“US”: Trip to a childhood home turns into a night or terror. Set for a June 18 DVD and Blu-ray release.

“WONDER PARK”: Young girl must help protect the amusement park that was created through her imagination. Look for it on DVD and Blu-Ray June 18.

“EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES”: Colin Ford stars in this story of a high school student who earns extra cash by killing the parents of his classmates.

— Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service

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

Inside Out & About........................... 4-7 On Stage...................................... 8 Tuning Up................................... 9 Get Involved.............................10 Travel.........................................11 Hot Tickets...............................12 At the Lincoln..........................13 Movies................................. 14-15 ON THE COVER “James the Giant Peach” photo by Skagit Publishing staff

SUBMISSIONS Email: features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Address Skagit Publishing 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page

HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com

TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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ACT THEATRE STAGES “JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH” Roald Dahl story brought to vibrant life

By SKAGIT PUBLISHING STAFF

In its newest production, Anacortes Community Theatre offers up a tale of whimsy and fantasy, with a dollop of family tension.

“James and the Giant Peach” opens Friday, May 31, and runs through June 30 at the theater (918 M. Ave. in Anacortes).

Tickets are $20 and are available at acttheatre.com or at the box office (open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, plus 5 to 8 p.m. on performance Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. on performance Sundays).

The story, penned by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by Timothy Allen McDonald, includes music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the team behind the music for “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land”).

Although the musical is based on a children’s book, it’s not a musical just for children, director Willow McLaughlin said.

The songs cover different styles of music and it’s a lot of fun to watch, she said.

“The music is so fantastic,” she said.

After young James’ parents are killed, he is sent off to live with his horrible aunts.

The despicable women treat him poorly and the only comfort he has in his young life are the insect friends he makes along the way (like the ladybug and the grasshopper who listen to his tales of woe).

He also is befriended by a strange man called Ladahlord, who grants him some magic from his book of spells.

The magic causes one peach on the tree in the backyard to keep growing and growing and growing. James crawls into the peach and finds his insect friends, now grown to the size of humans, and together they set off on a magical adventure aboard the enormous peach.

The show captured the spirit of Roald Dahl for her, McLaughlin said.

“He never condescended or talked down to the kids,” she said. “He uses big words and words that aren’t real. He also has a wicked sense of humor.”

“James and the Giant Peach” focuses on the idea of finding a family,

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

James (Frankie Price) takes a look inside Ladahlord’s (Stuart Marshall) bag of spells (along with his insect friends) in “James and the Giant Peach” at Anacortes Community Theatre.

something McLaughlin said is extremely powerful.

She was lucky enough to be born into a family she likes, but not everyone is so lucky. Like James (played in this production on alternating nights by Frankie Price and Melia Gray), some people have to seek out their own kind of family to love.

For James, it’s a group of magical insects.

For the first half of the

show, the bugs are portrayed by puppets. Then, in the second half, they are transformed.

The costumes are remarkable, McLaughlin said. Costume designer Lynn Swiatowski worked with the Fidalgo Island Quilters Wearable Art Divas to create the pieces.

The music direction for the show is by Tom Ochiai and the choreography is by McLaughlin and Darby Loescher.

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

A group of reporters played by (from left) Andy Russell, Jocelyn Amouria, Stuart Marshall, Lexie Prue and Jennifer Spurling get a look at the titular giant peach in “James and the Giant Peach.”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT AND ABOUT

MAY ART

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park is open for the season with the collection “Spring has Sprung” at 2345 Blanch Way, Camano Island. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday-Sundays, other days by appointment: 360-387-2759. The exhibit runs until June 9.

A BRUSH WITH COLOR: Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, welcomes back the Women Painters of Washington group with “A Brush with Color” — a juried show by local artist Jennifer Bowman.

REBECCA PARKER: The Good Stuff Arts Gallery, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, is showing the acrylic work of Rebecca Parker throughout May in a collection titled “Rainy Day Series.”

MUSIC

AT THE OPERA HOUSE: The Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville, is hosting live concerts. marysvillewa.gov. Next up: n Pearl Django: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31. $15.

RUSSELL BARTLETT: Folk and country singer/ songwriter Russell Bartlett will play at 7:30 p.m. today, May 30, at the Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce St., Conway. $8. conwaymuse.com.

MORE FUN

SPRING CLOSET CLEANOUT: SABA AHS Girls Swim and Dive is collecting used clothes,

linens, shoes, textiles for a fundraiser through May 31. There will be a trailer at Fidalgo Pool (1603 22nd Ave., Anacortes) open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for donations. Funds earned are used for team T-shirts, banquet, swimsuit scholarships and more.

GUIDED WALKS ON GUEMES: Anacortes Parks and Recreation is offering free, guided trail walks this spring on the Guemes Channel Trail: 2 p.m. Friday, May 31; and 9 a.m. Saturday, June 1. Contact Bob Vaux with questions: 360-588-8233.

KICK-OFF DINNER: Attend the Anacortes Waterfront Festival’s kick-off dinner celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, May 31, at the Port Transit Shed Event Center, 100 Commercial Ave. $55 single ticket, $100 per couple or $375 for a table of eight. portofanacortes.com or 360-2933134.

JUNE ART

BIOME: Hadrian Art Gallery, 5717 Gilkey Ave., Edison, presents the new show “Biome” featuring a collection of local artists who create works with animals as subjects June 1-30. An opening reception is to be held from 4 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 1.

CARBON DIALOGUE: The work of David Eisenhower is featured at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison, until June 30.

The collection continues the conversation about our reliance on fossil fuels and responsibility

Summer Sips in Mount Vernon

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

Take a sip of summer this Saturday at Summer Sips: Arts & Ales.

The Mount Vernon Downtown Association is hosting this interactive event from 5 to 8 p.m., with several local businesses included in the fun.

Here’s how it works: With the purchase of a ticket ($20-25), attendees are able to stop at local businesses and breweries to shop, talk and sip on the selection of ciders, beer and wine. to engage in the carbon dialogue. An artist talk is at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, with a reception following from 5 to 7 p.m.

MODERN QUILTS: The Modern Quilt Guild is curating a new show, Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century, opening on June 1 at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. The exhibit runs until Aug. 25.

SAN JUAN ISLAND ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR: Explore over 20 studios in the 28th Annual San Juan Island Artists’ Studio tour June 1-2 all over San Juan Island. Maps available at sanjuanislandartists. com.

LITTLE GEMS: The fourth annual “Little Gems” Invitational Show featuring 75 paintings

by Plein Air Washington Artists is hosted at the Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, from June 7-29.

ART AT THE ROOM: Friends of the Anacortes Library Art Committee

Those who visit at least nine stops and have their passport filled out are entered into a raffle to win prizes from the participating cideries, distilleries and breweries.

Some of the sips available includes selections from Herb’s Cider, Farmstrong, Boundary Bay, Skagit Brewing, Garden Path Fermentation and many more.

Tickets are available at mountvernondowntown.org.

presents a three-month exhibit of artwork by local artists to be held in the Friends Community meeting room in the library, 1220 10th St. Public viewing hours are 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays June 5 and 19, July 3 and 17, Aug. 7 and 21; 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays June 8 and 22, July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 24; 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays June 15, July 20 and Aug. 20. All artwork is for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Library.

MUSIC

BYRON SCHENKMAN: The Anacortes Arts Foundation presents a special concert with Byron Schenkman at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at the Croatian Cultural Center, 801 Fifth St., Anacortes. $25 cash or check at the door, students and kids free. anacortesartsfoundation. org.

LA CONNER LIVE: The La Conner Live 2019 Sunday concert series features local and regional bands from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gilkey Square, Morris Avenue and First Street, downtown

La Conner. Free. www. facebook.com/LaConnerLive. n June 2: Chris Eger Band. n June 9: Sean Denton & The Usual Suspects. n June 16: Clearbrook Fabulous Dixieland Band. n June 23: Brian Lee & The Orbiters. n June 30: Fantasy Band.

MUSIC AT THE MARINA: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Port Gardner Landing, 1700 Marina View Drive, Everett.

Free. n June 20: DoctorfunK. n June 27: Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme.

SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Listen to period instrument renditions of early musical works at the Salish Sea Early Music Festival. Concerts are at 7 p.m. at the Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, 18101 Fir Island Road, Conway. Suggested donation $15-25. n Friday, June 7: Early 17th century canzonas. n Friday, June 21: Late 18th century quartets.

EAGLE HAVEN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES:7 to 9 p.m. Fridays/ Saturdays, Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. $12-15. n June 14: Lazy Acres. n June 22: Bluegrass Festival. n June 29: Tighty Whities.

THEATER

”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: Anacortes Community Theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s classic story about the adventure of a young man and a magical peach premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31, at the theater, 918 M Ave. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. every Sunday until June 30. $20. acttheatre.com. ”SWAN LAKE”: The Northwest Ballet Theater presents “Swan Lake” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at The Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. It is also playing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $15. ”DISORDERLY PEOPLE”: This original play, written by Spring Street International School history students, runs at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Monday, June 7-10, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, June 9, and an 11 a.m. matinee Tuesday, June 11, at the San Juan Community Theatre, 100 Second St., Friday Harbor. Free, donations accepted. sjctheatre.org.

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OUT AND ABOUT ”BY THE FIRE: SAMI FOLKTALES AND LEGENDS”: Translator Barbara Sjoholm will discuss and sign copies of her new book “By the Fire: Sami Folktales and Legends” at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham.

MEG TILLY: Academy Award-nominated actress and romance author Meg Tilly will be reading excerpts from her new novel “Cliff ’s Edge” at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham.

MORE FUN

SUMMER SIPS: Enjoy in-store specials and events, beer, cider and wine tastes at local businesses from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, June 1, in downtown Mount Vernon.

Tickets are $20-25 and includes commemorative glass, five drink tickets, event guide, passport and swag bags. mountvernondowntown.org.

FRIDAY HARBOR BIKE FEST: The third annual Friday Harbor Bike Fest is all day Saturday, June 1, at San Juan Island Brewing Company, 410 A St. It starts with an 8 a.m. breakfast, then riders can choose from numerous bike ride options before coming back to the brewery for a barbecue celebration with a beer garden and music. Admission is $50 for singles, $80 for couples and $100 for families. Proceeds support the local Lions Club. fridayharborbikefest.org.

SAN JUAN ISLAND ARTIST STUDIO TOUR:

Take a self-guided tour of San Juan Island artists’ studios from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, all across the island. Maps available at sanjuanislandartists.com.

SALISH SEA NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION: The Swinomish and Samish Canoe Families host this annual celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Bowman Bay picnic area on the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park, 41020 Highway 20.

Join a canoe ride, share a traditional meal and engage with tribal music, storytelling and art.

TRANSPORTATION FAIR: Learn about new bus routes, vanpool, guided tours and the new Navy shuttle at the Oak Harbor Transportation fair at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 Regatta Drive.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: Join an outdoor, lunch-hour workout on the Skagit Riverwalk Plaza, corner of Main and Myrtle streets, Mount Vernon. Each week features a different class taught by a local wellness business. Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. n June 5: Skagit Valley Family YMCA. n June 12: Skagit Valley Academy of Dance. n June 19: Yoga with July. n June 26: Riverside Health Club.

WILDLIFE GARDEN TOUR: Visit wildlife gardens at the 12th Annual Camano island Backyard Wildlife Habitat Garden

Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Pick up maps at the Island County Multipurpose Center, 141 N. East Camano Drive, on the day of the event. Free.

FAIRHAVEN OUTDOOR CINEMA: The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema brings live entertainment and bigscreen movies to the Village Green, 1207 10th St., Bellingham. Tickets are $5 each, kids 5 and under are free. Showings are on Saturday evenings at dusk, subject to weather. fairhavenoutdoorcinema.com. Next up: n June 22: Cirque variety with Strangely and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” n June 29: Cirque variety with Wren & Della and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

HISTORIC PICKETT HOUSE MUSEUM: Tour the historic home of Captain Pickett, built in 1856, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, June 9, at 910 Bancroft St., Bellingham.

Free admission, donations accepted.

CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Mount Vernon and Burlington chambers of commerce are taking their rivalry to the next level with the “Battle of the Bridge Golf Tournament” at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, June 21, at Eaglemont Golf Course, 4800 Eaglemont Drive, Mount Vernon. $400 for a team of four, $110 for single players. Includes lunch, golf cart and goodie bag. Proceeds support the chambers.

Register or sponsor the event: 360-770-4321 or burlingtonceo@burlington-chamber.com.

Aslan Brewing Company celebrates birthday No. 5

ASLAN BREWING COMPANY

‌

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

Hard to believe it’s been five years since Aslan Brewing Company lit up the Pacific Northwest with its organic brews, but the five-year anniversary is on Saturday, June 1.

No brewery birthday party would be complete without a big celebration that borders on a block party, so that’s what Aslan is doing.

From noon to 11:30 p.m. at the original location (1330 N. Forest St., Bellingham) there will be plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There will be live music, crab rolls, free West Coast Pops, a kids mural zone, face painting, entertainment by the Bellingham Circus Guild, animals, food trucks and cake. Oh, there will also be beer.

To celebrate five years of brewing, Aslan is releasing five new beers. For more information, visit aslanbrewing.com.

BAYSHORE SYMPHONY Season 15

Crown Imperial March - William Walton Piano Concerto #23 - W. A. Mozart -Aubrey Marks-Johnson, Piano Soloist Concert Suite from Dances with Wolves - John Barry Symphony #8 - Antonin Dvorak

$15 Donation Suggested

Saturday, June 1 - 7:30pm St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon

www.bayshoresymphony.com • facebook.com/BayshoreSymphony

1904079

LECTURES & TALKS

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OUT AND ABOUT A ROSY DAY OUT: Christianson’s Nursery is hosting its 16th Annual Rose Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. There will be authors and garden experts from throughout the region to offer gardeners information on the latest gardening trends and more.

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARADE: Celebrate the summer solstice on Orcas Island with a parade at noon Saturday, June 22, along Main Street and North beach Road, finishing at the Village Green in Eastsound. Or, join the music and dance celebrations on the stage at the Village Green after. Those who wish to participate in the parade should gather no later than 11:30 a.m. on Haven Road. Foot parade, no signs, livestock or motorized vehicles.

ORCA SING: Gather for an evening of music dedicated to the recovery of the endangered Southern Resident community of orca whales at 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 22, at Lime Kiln State Park, San Juan Island. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the park.

TEDXSANJUANISLAND: Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 22, TEDxSanJuanIsland will host speakers with ideas to share on the theme “origins” at the San Juan Community Theatre, 100 Second St. N, Friday Harbor. tedxsanjuanisland.org.

SPLISH SPLASH SUMMER BASH: The family event featuring

All things Scottish at Bellingham gathering

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

It’s time to dust off the kilt for summer and join the Bellingham Scottish Gathering this weekend.

From sun up to sundown (well, actually from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Ave., Ferndale, is no longer in Washington but transported across the pond to Scotland.

This event features a Highland dance competition, bagpipe bands, Scottish athletics, clan tents and Scottish animals. Of course, no celebration is complete without a beer garden, which will be present as well.

Personal pets are not allowed, but there will be plenty of animals on the property. $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors/ military, $40 for families of four and free for kiddos under 5. games, face painting and a kids’ concert from Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26, at Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave., Marysville.

360-363-8400 or marysvillewa.gov.

SMALL GRAINS FIELD DAY: Join a tour of The Bread Lab’s research fields and discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat and dry beans from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon.

RUSTY RELICS VINTAGE MARKET: Shop or browse through hundreds of antique, handmade and repur-

posed items from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 28 (VIP), and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Evergreeen State Fairgrounds Events Center, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe. $15 VIP, $8 general.

ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN TOUR: Visit five gardens on Orcas Island offering interesting plants, unique features and creative design ideas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, all across the island. Tickets are $20. orcasislandgardenclub. org.

WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL: Attend a free water sports festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Seafarers’ Memorial Park Building, 100 Commercial Ave.,

BELLINGHAM SCOTTISH GATHERING

Anacortes. There will be demonstrations and information about all kinds of water sports. skagitsquadron.org.

JULY MUSIC

LA CONNER LIVE: The La Conner Live 2019 Sunday concert series features local and regional bands from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gilkey Square, Morris Avenue and First Street, downtown La Conner.

Free. facebook.com/LaConnerLive.

■ July 7: Skagit Swings All-Star Band.

■ July 14: Janine Cribbs & the TRust Band.

■ July 21: Mary McPage Band.

■ July 28: Three youth jazz bands from Skagit County and Bellingham.

ROCK FOR A CURE: The first ever Deborah Hodge Memorial Concert to raise money for the fight against cancer at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. There will be several local bands, food, drinks, auction items and more. $15 and up.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER CONCERT: Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation presents children’s artist Eric Haines’ one-man band and juggling performance at noon Wednesday, July 10, at Jennings Memorial Park, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville. Free.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER CONCERT: Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation presents the Brian Waite Band at

noon Wednesday, July 10, at Jennings Memorial Park, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville. Free.

MUSIC IN THE PARK: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Boulevard, Monroe. Free.

■ July 5: Michelle Taylor.

■ July 12: Creme Tangerine.

■ July 19: Jessica Lynne.

■ July 26: The Machine.

MUSIC AT THE MARINA: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Port Gardner Landing, 1700 Marina View Drive, Everett.

Free.

■ July 11: Aaron Crawford.

■ July 18: Stacy Jones Band.

■ July 25: Dusty 45s.

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OUT AND ABOUT BURLINGTON SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES: 6 to 8 p.m.

Fridays, Burlington Visitors Center Downtown Amphitheater, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave. Free. 360755-9649. n July 12: Birdsview Bluegrass. n July 19: File Gumbo. n July 26: Stacy Jones Band.

MARYSVILLE SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Jennings Memorial Park, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville. Free. 360363-8400. n July 12: Harvey Creek Band. n July 19: Chris Eger Band. n July 26: School of Rock (Lynnwood).

EAGLE HAVEN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. $12-15. n July 13: Jumbled Pie. n July 20: Gin Gypsy. n July 26: Troy Fair Band.

AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC SERIES: 7 to 8 p.m. Saturdays, West Beach Amphitheater, Deception Pass State Park. n July 6: Meshugga Daddies — Klezmer, Yemenite, and Arabic music. n July 13: Ruže Dalmatinke — Croatian folk music and dance. n July 20: Unexpected Brass Band — New Orleans street music. n July 27: Squirrel Butter — Old-time music and clogging.

ROCK THE BLOCK: The Tulip Amphitheater is hosting a big night of

music from 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 27, at 10200 Quil Ceda Boulevard, Tulalip. Bands include Chris Eger Band, The West Coast Feed and Platinum Spandex. $75-95, must be over 21. tulalipresortcasino.com.

THEATER

FAIRHAVEN SUMMER REPERTORY THEATRE: Bellingham TheatreWorks presents three plays performing in repertory six nights a week for four weeks in July at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham. The plays are “The Clean House” by Sarah Ruhl, “Wit” by Margaret Edson and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ” by Tennesee Williams. Tickets for each show are $20, $50 for a pass to see all three.

Schedule and tickets at bellinghamtheatreworks. org.

MORE FUN

MARYSVILLE FOURTH OF JULY: Join the festivities and watch a fireworks presentation on Thursday, July 4, at Marysville Pilchuck High School, 5611 108th St. NE, Marysville.

FAIRHAVEN OUTDOOR CINEMA: The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema brings live entertainment and big-screen movies to the Village Green, 1207 10th St., Bellingham. Tickets are $5 each, kids 5 and under are free. Showings are on Saturday evenings at dusk, subject to weather. fairhavenoutdoorcinema. com. Next up: n July 6: Music by The Sweet Goodbyes and “Top Gun.” n July 13: Entertainment by DJ Westwood

La Conner Live — Music in the great outdoors

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

It’s officially time for outdoor summer concerts and there will no shortage of them in the Pacific Northwest, but right now we’re talking about La Conner Live.

La Conner Live kicked off last weekend with Mary Ellen Lykins and the CC Adams Band. This weekend The Chris Eger Band will be rocking La Conner.

Concerts are from 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday at Gilkey Square in La Conner. The concerts are free, and will be every weekend until the start of September. and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” n July 20: Music by Talia Keys and “Mary Poppins Returns.” n July 27: “10 Things I Hate About You.” POPCORN IN THE PARK OUTDOOR MOVIES: Jennings Memorial Park, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). Free. n July 13: “ A Dog’s Way Home.” n July 20: “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” n July 27: “Bumblebee.”

HISTORIC PICKETT HOUSE MUSEUM: Tour the historic home of Captain Pickett, built in 1856, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, July 14, at 910 Bancroft St., Bellingham.

Free admission, donations accepted.

LAVENDER FESTIVAL: Lavender lovers are invited to attend the San Juan Island lavender Festival to enjoy lavender with all five senses from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 20-

21, at Pelindaba Lavender Farm, 33 Hawthorn Lane, Friday Harbor.

FEAST & FROLIC: Join Viva Farms for an evening to celebrate the preservation of sustainable farming from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Viva Farms Ag Park, 15366 Ovenell Road, Burlington. Farm-to-table dinner prepared by Ecolibrium with ingredients from Viva farmers, attendees must be over 21. $100 each or $800 for a table of eight.

CIDER AND MEAD FESTIVAL: The Ninth Annual Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Village Green, 225 North Beach Road, Eastsound. $15, 21-plus event.

AUGUST MUSIC

LA CONNER LIVE: The La Conner Live 2019 Sunday concert series features local and regional bands from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gilkey Square, Morris Avenue and First Street,

CRAIG PARRISH / SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD

The Chris Eger Band performs Sunday at Gilkey Square in La Conner.

downtown La Conner.

Free. facebook.com/LaConnerLive. n Aug. 4: The Walrus. n Aug. 11: Amigos Nobles. n Aug. 18: Baby Cakes. n Aug. 25: The Naughty Blokes.

MUSIC AT THE MARINA: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Port Gardner Landing, 1700 Marina View Drive, Everett. Free. n Aug. 1: Shaggy Sweet. n Aug. 8: Randy Oxford Band. n Aug. 15: Mark DuFresne Band. n Aug. 22: LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends. n Aug. 29: Clinton Fearon.

DOE BAY FEST: Attend a four-day grassroots festival with music, food, drink, camping and many activities from Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 7-10, at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, 107 Doe Bay Road, Olga.

OAK HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL: Two main stages host more than 30 bands over Friday,

Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at the Oak Harbor Music Festival, SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor. Beer garden and activities. Free.

MVHS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONCERT MAY 30

MVHS CHOIRS FINALE CONCERT JUNE 3

SVC GRANDE FINALE CONCERT JUNE 5

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

E8 - Thursday, May 30, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area May 30 - June 9 Thursday.30

COMEDY WRITER’S BLOCK: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

COMEDY THE GBU: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

PAIN PROV: 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

Friday.31 THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

Sunday.9 BALLET ”SWAN LAKE”: 2 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $1015. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

Saturday.1 MUSIC MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, STORM LARGE: 8 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $45-100. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

BAYSHORE SYMPHONY: 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. $15 suggested donation; free for children 12 and under. bayshoresymphony.com, facebook.com/bayshoresymphony.

THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

COMEDY WRITER’S BLOCK: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

AUTUMN DEWILDE PHOTO

Saturday.1

STORM LARGE, MICHAEL FEINSTEIN 8 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $45-100. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

PAIN PROV: 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

Sunday.2 MUSIC BAYSHORE SYMPHONY: 3 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, 925 N. Forest St., Bellingham. $15 suggested donation; free for children 12 and under. bayshoresymphony. com, facebook.com/ bayshoresymphony.

Thursday.6 THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

COMEDY THE GBU:7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-733-8855 or theupfront.com.

Friday.7 THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

”INCORRUPTIBLE”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

COMEDY WRITER’S BLOCK: 7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

PAIN PROV: 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham. 360-7338855 or theupfront. com.

Saturday.8 BALLET ”SWAN LAKE”: 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. $10-15. 360734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre. com.

”INCORRUPTIBLE”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

THEATER ”JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 2 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com.

”INCORRUPTIBLE”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. 360-6792237 or whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Thursday, May 30, 2019 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues May 30 - June 5 Thursday.30 THE BEAUTIFUL FREAKS: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 State St., Bellingham. $810. 360-770-1067 or shakedownbellingham. com.

RUSSELL BARTLETT: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Friday.31 ZOSO: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $17.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

MARCIA KESTER: 6:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only.

360-848-8882.

PRETTY GRITTY: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

THE HASSLERS, WHISKEY FEVER, EVERSON PINES: 8 p.m., Firefly Lounge, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. thefireflylounge.com or facebook.com/TheFireflyBham.

SHERI AND DA BOYS: 7 p.m., Port Gardner Bay Winery, 3006 Rucker Ave., Everett. 425-339-0293 or portgardnerbaywinery. com.

‌ PHOTO CREDIT: BRAD ELLIGOOD

Sunday.2

HIGHWAY 9 BAND

MARK HUMMEL’S GOLDEN STATE LONE STAR REVUE:

7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

THE LION OF JUDAH BAND: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

STACY JONES BAND: 8:30 p.m., Village Taphouse and Grill, 1204 Third St., Marysville. villagetaphousegrill.com.

THE PHOENIX: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, Skagit Casino and Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

TOM AND JOHN SAVAGE: 8 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

Saturday.1

9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $8.

425-737-5144, 360-629-6500 or locobillys.com.

PSYCHEDELIC COWBOYS: 8 p.m., Fireside Martini and Wine Bar, 416 W Bakerview Road, Bellingham.

360-738-1000 or firesidemartini.com.

THE PHOENIX: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, Skagit Casino and Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

KARMA TAXI: 8 p.m., Fireside Martini and Wine Bar, 416 W Bakerview Road, Bellingham. 360-7381000 or firesidemartini.com.

Saturday.1

SWEET LOU’S SOUR MASH: 9:30 p.m., Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-293-2544 or brownlantern.com.

HIGHWAY 9 BAND: 9 p.m., Loco Billy’s, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. $8.

425-737-5144, 360629-6500 or locobillys. com.

GRYNCH, MOSTAFA, KLEFTO: 9 p.m., Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham. $25.

360-746-8733 or wildbuffalo.net.

JOE BLUE & THE ROOFSHAKERS: 8:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

Sunday.2

DUSTY ROSE AND HER THORN: 7 p.m., Port Gardner Bay Winery, 3006 Rucker Ave., Everett. 425-3390293 or portgardnerbaywinery.com.

VENTURA HIGHWAY REVISITED: 9 p.m., Emory’s on Silverlake, 11830 19th Ave. SE, Everett. $7. 425-3377772 or emorys.com.

JOE T. COOK BLUES BAND: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway.

360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

CHRIS EGER BAND: 1-4 p.m., Gilkey Square, Morris Avenue and First Street, La Conner. Free. facebook.com/LaConnerLive.

JOAN PENNEY QUARTET: 4:30 p.m., Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. 360-392-3100 or hotelbellwether. com.

MARK HUMMEL’S GOLDEN STATE LONE STAR REVUE: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

BARB AND THE HOALE’Z: 7 p.m., Port Gardner Bay Winery, 3006 Rucker Ave., Everett. 425-339-0293 or portgardnerbaywinery. com.

ORVILLE JOHNS: 5:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-7666266 or theoldedison. com.

Wednesday.5 TIME3JAZZ: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-5881720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

ART

CALL TO ARTISTS: The city of Anacortes is looking for entries for the third annual eightmonth outdoor sculpture exhibition. Sculptures must withstand outdoor conditions. Information: anacorteswa.gov.

ART CLASSES

KIDS ART CAMP: Foster the creative side of your child’s mind with these classes covering canvas painting, chalk and oil pastels, watercolor painting and more during the week on June 24-27. Ages 4 to 6 will be from 8:45 to 10 a.m., $65.

Ages 7 to 12 will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., $90. mountvernonwa.gov.

TEEN ART CAMP: Create your own unique painting while listening to music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. All skill sets are welcomed, supplies included. For ages 13-17. $30. mountvernonwa.gov.

THE GOOD STUFF ARTS GALLERY: 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3152. n Watercolor basics: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays, June 13 and 20. $200. n Kid’s Drawing Class Series: 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Wednesdays. Kids ages 8-11. n Drawing a Red Tulip in Colored Pencil: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27. $55.

A GUILDED GALLERY: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood. aguildedgallery.com.

Prices include all classes in a series.

TRI DEE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Art classes on a variety of topics are available at Tri Dee Arts, 215 S. First St., Mount Vernon. trideearts.com.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST QUILT AND FIBER ARTS MUSEUM: Varied exhibits and classes are available to the public at 703 S. Second St., La Conner.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and under. 360466-4288 or laconnerquilts.org. n Fiber Fridays: bring any type of fiber art project, quilting, knitting, embellishing, etc., to work on while visiting with other fiber artists from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday. Free and open to all.

GAIL HARKER CENTER: Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for artists of every level at 12636 Chilberg Road, Mount Vernon. Online courses are also available. For information and a complete schedule: 360-466-0110 or gailcreativestudies.com.

PACIFIC NW SCHOOL: Choose from painting, photography, fiber and 3D art workshops taught by professional artists at the Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 NW Birch St., Coupeville. For information and a complete schedule: 360-678-3396 or pacificnorthwestartschool. com.

DAKOTA: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-4166556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com.

Pearl Django brings the swing to Marysville

By Skagit Valley Herald staff

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND AND IRISH STEP DANCE: The Clan Heather Dancers offer year-round Scottish Highland and Irish step dance classes in Bellingham, Everett and Mount Vernon. clanheather.com.

The live music season is wrapping up for the Marysville Opera House, but it’s bringing in a big band to close it out.

Pearl Django will be playing at the venue, 1225 Third St., Marysville, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31.

Pearl Django has been performing for over two decades, lighting up crowds with its extensive repertoire.

The internationally acclaimed five-piece band dabbles in traditional jazz classics and original compositions with impressive string work and an signature swing style.

Tickets are $15, advanced tickets recommended at marysvillewa.org.

STANWOOD CAMANO ARTS GUILD: A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood, offers a variety of art classes and workshops. For information or to register: 360-629-2787 or stanwoodcamanoarts.com.

AUDITIONS

”MURDER AT THE MANOR”: Join part in an interactive murder mystery at Anacortes Community Theatre. Roles available for four men and four women, ages 20-60.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 4. Performances Sept.

7-15. Info: 360-840-0089 or freeadultactingclass. com.

SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE: Auditions for “Boeing Boeing,” a comedic play by Marc Camoletti, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the PARC Studio, 70 Saltspring Drive, Friday Harbor. The show will run Sept. 16-Oct. 2. Casting for six. Those unable to attend should contact Ed Strum at ecstrum@yahoo. com to set up an audition. sjctheatre.org.

LYNDEN PERFORMING ARTS GUILD: Auditions for the first shows of the Claire vg Thomas Theatre’s season are set for Monday and Tuesday, July 29-30, with callbacks on Wednesday, July 31. Performances are in September and October. Casting for two men for “Tuesdays with Morrie” and two men and two women for “On Approval.” Auditions are at the theatre, 655 Front St., Lynden. clairevgtheatre@gmail.com.

BOOKS

SILENT BOOK CLUB: Share a book you have read and silently read another at 4 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Pelican Bay Books, 520 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

GREAT BOOKS READING GROUP MEETING: The Great Books Reading Group will examine passages from important writings in history from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 10, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. 360-941-1437 or shunji.asari@gmail.com.

THE DOGS IN THE NIGHTTIME: The Ana-

tion, call Mary Anderson at 360-933-1779 or visit bellinghamscd.org.

cortes Sherlock Holmes Society meets at 5 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Village Pizza, 807 Commercial, Anacortes.

DANCE

BEGINNING LINE DANCING: 7 to 8 p.m.

Tuesdays, Burlington Community Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. $6 drop-in, $25 for five classes. Adults and teens 13 and older.

Register: burlingtonwa. gov/recreation or 360755-9649.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Bay View.

Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. 7 to 9:30 p.m. First session free, $5 thereafter.

No partners needed. Gary or Ginny, 360-766-6866.

SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Bellingham. Wear comfortable clothes and softsoled shoes without heels. $8 per class. For informa-

THURSDAY DANCING: Dance to The Skippers or Good Vibrations from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Public welcome.

Information: Jim Reynolds, 360-466-4490.

SWING DANCE CLASSES: Classes are 7 to 8 p.m. every Monday at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave. No experience or partner needed. $40 per person for the series or $12 per person at the door. anacortescenterforhappiness.org and 360464-2229.

MUSIC

OPEN MIC: At the Anacortes Library Meeting Room, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Saturdays, June 1 and 22, July 13 and 27. 7 p.m., sign-ups at 6:40 p.m. Information: 360-293-8307.

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL: Harmony Northwest Chorus, a women’s a cappella group singing four-part harmony barbershop style, welcomes all voice parts ages 15 and up. Meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Contact Carol Ward: 425-232-9171 or contact@harmonynorthwest. org.

Thursday, May 30, 2019 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

Road tripping in Alaska

By CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT FamilyTravel.com

If you really want to see Alaska, you need wheels.

Most visitors come to the Last Frontier on a cruise ship or a plane. A motorcoach picks them up at the airport and delivers them to a hotel, to an airstrip or a national park, and they only see a small sliver of this state.

It’s a beautiful sliver, to be sure — but too small considering Alaska’s vast size.

Which is why my kids and I decided to go the other way. We rented a car in Anchorage and took to the road, driving down to Seward and up to Denali National Park.

Yes, there’s still a lot for us to explore, and plenty that’s inaccessible by car, but the enchantment of Alaska’s open road is something you can’t experience from the back of the bus, off the deck of a cruise ship, or from Alaska’s impressive railroad.

My three kids and I are fortunate. Our family travel site is supported by Hertz, which set us up with a Ford Explorer, an SUV that can handle almost any Alaskan road.

I should note that most car rental contracts, including Hertz’, don’t allow you to drive on unpaved roads, especially in the 49th state, where unpaved can mean anything from less maintained to downright dangerous.

Which brings me to my first piece of advice: Take the SUV, or at the very least, a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

You never know when

you’ll be trying to negotiate a steep grade in a national park or find yourself on a rain-slickened road, and you’ll want the extra control. Two-wheel-drive cars are for suburban commutes, but not for this place.

There are at least two things you can discover in a car — the road and the destination. And there are three roads that really stood out during our month-long tour of Alaska.

First, the magnificent drive from Anchorage to Alyeska on Highway 1, with its breathtaking views of the Cook Inlet’s Turnagain Arm and the unspoiled wilderness of Chugach State Park.

There’s also the intriguing drive south along Highway 1 and Portage Glacier Road to Whittier, through the narrow Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

And finally, there’s the ridiculously picturesque drive up Highway 3 to Denali National Park, and if you’re adventurous, up to Fairbanks.

Along the way, we discovered that the road was the destination. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

HIGHWAY 1 FROM ANCHORAGE TO ALYESKA It’s a short, one-hour trek from Anchorage down to Alyeska, Alaska’s legendary ski resort.

We made the trip in early September, when the leaves were starting to turn yellow and low clouds hovered low over the Cook Inlet.

Coming from San Diego’s balmy 80 degree weather to the mid-40s was a shock.

BOB KAUFMAN / ALASKA.ORG

Taking a ride on the Alyeska Resort tram is a highy recommended experience when visiting the Alyeska, Alaska, ski area.

We recovered just in time to appreciate the stunning views of the mountains and bay.

The road winds its way south, with frequent turnouts for tourists like us to take pictures. Good thing, too. Without these opportunities, I’m sure there’d be more traffic accidents, with shutterbugs veering into the oncoming traffic in order to find the perfect shot.

Here, off the beaten path means access to almost everything the locals have.

You can shop for groceries at Fred Meyer or swing by Gwennies for sourdough pancakes, and you don’t have to worry about a train schedule.

A word of warning, though: Parking in Anchorage can be a real bear. Like a lot of tourist towns, they’ve figured out a way to maximize their parking revenue.

It pays to park a little farther from downtown and walk off that pancake breakfast.

Alyeska is its own reward, from the impressive Alyeska Resort, with its incredi-

ble network of hiking trails, to my kids’ favorite, the Bake Shop (try the sweet rolls, they’re amazing).

But the highlight is the drive. If you’re staying in Alyeska, as we were, you’ll be tempted to head back north a few times just to do it over again.

PORTAGE GLACIER ROAD TO WHITTIER If you’ve never driven to Whittier, and you have an extra day, you really should consider going.

Highway 1 extends farther south to Portage, past even more spectacular views of mountains and inlet. Then you hang a left and motor down a narrow, two-lane road past Portage Lake until you meet the mountain.

It’s a $13 toll to pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and reach Prince William Sound on the other side, but well worth it.

At 2.5 miles, it’s said to be the longest highway tunnel in North America. And it’s

the narrowest. At just one lane, it’s shared with train tracks and you have to time your journey just right so that you don’t have to wait for your turn.

We found Whittier shrouded in clouds, with lone espresso booths at the port catering to freezing visitors like us.

This is a popular launching point for glacier tours, but as with the first road trip, the drive is also its own kind of destination. Along the road you’ll see abundant wildlife, including moose and eagle.

Portage Lake takes such a beautiful picture. But go slowly, since it’s only a 40-minute drive from Alyeska to Whittier. Pull over often and savor the views.

HIGHWAY 3 FROM ANCHORAGE TO CANTWELL This 3 1/2-hour road trip is among the most picturesque in the United States, if not the world. On a clear day, you can see the snowcapped peaks of Denali National Park, including Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet.

But take that drive on a clear fall day, as we did, and you’ll see so much more.

The foliage is more vibrant, with brilliant yellows and reds with the dark cinnamon undertones of the turning blueberries bushes.

Many visitors to Alaska make this trip in a motorcoach or by train. I’ve done it every way, and driving is still my favorite.

Why? Because you get to

determine where you go.

Want to stop at the Talkeetna Roadhouse for a slice of pie? You can in your own vehicle. Want to visit my friends at Alaska Nature Guides for a hike up Curry Ridge in Denali State Park, for the best views of McKinley? Take the SUV. Mostly, though, the road to Cantwell is mesmerizing in a way that no other road in America can be. Its two lanes run straight north into pure wilderness.

The shifting weather — sunny and bright one minute, rainy the next with a slight possibility of snow — reminds you that you are no longer in the lower 48. This place is not for the faint of heart.

Driving Alaska’s roads is strictly defensive. A lot of the oncoming traffic is commercial: Trucks hauling logs, fuel or other supplies.

The roads are sometimes well-paved, but often riddled with potholes that are the inevitable result of the wildly fluctuating temperatures.

You have to be at the top of your game to drive here.

And if you’re not, the car can help. Someone turned the settings on my SUV to maximum sensitivity, so that even a sudden turn would result in a warning to “rest soon” from the vehicle’s navigation system.

Rest? But I’m just getting started.

For some people, coming to Alaska is a bucket list trip, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For my family, driving in Alaska was the bucket list trip, and I can’t wait to do it again.

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HOT TICKETS BRANDI CARLILE: May 30, Neptune Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. ”WEST SIDE STORY”: May 31-June 23, 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 206-6251900 or 5thavenue.org.

BRANDI CARLILE, EMMYLOU HARRIS, NEKO CASE: June 1, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: June 1, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

GOLDEN STATE LONE STAR REVUE: with Anson Funderburgh, Mark Hummel, June 2, Conway Muse, Conway. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

TRAIN, GOO GOO DOLLS: June 7, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

DEAD & COMPANY: June 7-8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE: June 8, Tulalip Resort Casino Orca Ballroom, Tulalip. 360-716-6000 or www. ticketmaster.com.

‘SWAN LAKE”: June 8-9, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. www.northwestballet.org.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: June 9, El Corazon, Seattle.

206-262-0482 or www. elcorazonseattle.com.

WILLIAM SHATNER: June 10, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 844827-8188 or www.uniquelives.com.

ROB THOMAS: June 13, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or www.ste-michelle.com/ visit-us/summer-concerts/ list.

RAIN: June 15, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville.

425-488-1133 or www. ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

‘SWAN LAKE”: June 15-16, McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon. northwestballet.org.

THIRD EYE BLIND &

JIMMY EAT WORLD: June 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

ANDERSON PAAK: June 20, WaMu Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

BRIAN CULBERTSON: June 20-23, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

THE ORCHESTRA: June 21-22, Pacific Showroom, Skagit Casino and Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

JUDAS PRIEST: June 21, Accesso Showare Center, Kent. 866-973-9613 or livenation.com.

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, ZIGGY MARLEY: June 21-22, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

THE PIETASTERS, NATALIE WOULDN’T, THE SENTIMENTS: June 22, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle. com.

JEFF LYNNE’S ELO: June 28, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

LYLE LOVETT: June 28, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

ERIC CHURCH: June 28-29, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

SANTANA, DOOBIE BROTHERS: June 29, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

PENTATONIX, RACHEL PLATTEN: July 3, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

JONNY LANG, ROBERT CRAY BAND: July 5, Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, Tulalip. 360-716-6000 or ticketmaster.com.

KHALID: July 7, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

MELISSA BAILEY PHOTO

Michael Franti & Spearhead, June 21-22, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster. com.

BRIT FLOYD: July 11, Paramount Theatre, Seattle.

360-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT: July 12, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA: July 13, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-4881133 or ste-michelle.com/ visit-us/summer-concerts/ list.

BECK, CAGE THE ELEPHANT, SPOON: July 13, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

JON BELLION: July 16, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

CHICAGO: July 19-20, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

WINTHROP RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL: July 19-21, Various locations, Winthrop. winthropbluesfestival.com.

APPICE BROTHERS: July 20, El Corazon, Seattle. 206262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

BEAST COAST: July 23, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

DISRUPT FESTIVAL WITH THE USED, THRICE, SUM 41: July 23, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

21 SAVAGE: July 25, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-

745-3000 or livenation.com.

MICHAEL MCDONALD & CHAKA KHAN: July 25, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

SHINEDOWN: July 26, Accesso Showare Center, Kent.

866-973-9613 or livenation. com.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD, BAD COMPANY: July 27, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

NORAH JONES: July 27, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

BORN OF OSIRIS: July 27, El Corazon, Seattle. 206-2620482 or elcorazonseattle. com.

BACKSTREET BOYS: July 29, Angel of The Winds Arena, Everett. 866-332-8499 or angelofthewindsarena.com.

KISW PAIN IN THE GRASS WITH SLIPKNOT, VOLBEAT, GOJIRA: July 30, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

KISW PAIN IN THE GRASS WITH DISTURBED, IN THIS MOMENT, FEVER: Aug. 2, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

WATERSHED FESTIVAL WITH JASON ALDEAN, ZAC BROWN, MIRANDA LAMBERT: Aug. 2-4, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

BOB JAMES, DAVID SANBORN & MARCUS MILLER: Aug. 3, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425488-1133 or ste-michelle. com/visit-us/summer-concerts/list.

KISW PAIN IN THE GRASS WITH ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY: Aug. 3, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

TOBY KEITH: Aug. 5, Angel of The Winds Arena, Everett. 866.332.8499 or angelofthewindsarena. com.

COUNTING CROWS: Aug. 7, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

MUMFORD & SONS: Aug. 9, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GIPSY KINGS: Aug. 9, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

THE AVETT BROTHERS, LAKE STREET DIVE, TRAMPLED BY TURTLES: Aug. 10, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS, BLONDIE: Aug. 10, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

WIZ KHALIFA,: Aug. 13, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

PRETTYMUCH: Aug. 15, Paramount Theater, Seattle.

800-745-3000 or livenation. com.

TRAVIS TRITT, CHARLIE DANIELS BAND: Aug. 15, Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, Tulalip. 360-7166000 or ticketmaster.com.

311, DIRTY HEADS: Aug. 18, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ZZ TOP: Aug. 21, Chateau

Ste. Michelle, Woodinville.

425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/summer-concerts/list.

SAMMY HAGAR: Aug. 23, Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, Tulalip. 360-7166000 or ticketmaster.com.

THE BLASTERS: Aug. 23, 25, El Corazon, Seattle.

206-262-0482 or elcorazonseattle.com.

JOSH GROBAN: Aug. 24-25, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

REO SPEEDWAGON: Aug. 29, Tulalip Resort Casino Amphitheatre, Tulalip. 360-7166000 or ticketmaster.com.

MACEO PARKER: Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com.

STEVE MILLER BAND, MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES: Aug. 30-31, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425488-1133 or ste-michelle. com/visit-us/summer-concerts/list.

BLINK 182, LIL WAYNE: Aug. 31, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

HEART, JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS, ELLE KING: Sept. 4, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-7453000 or livenation.com.

IRON MAIDEN: Sept. 5, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

BON IVER, SHARON VAN ETTEN: Sept. 6, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800745-3000 or livenation.com.

PINK MARTINI: Sept.

6, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

CHRIS ISAAK: Sept.

7, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville. 425-488-1133 or ste-michelle.com/visit-us/ summer-concerts/list.

Thursday, May 30, 2019 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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40 ACRES & A MULE FILMWORKS

Aretha Franklin sings in “Amazing Grace.”

MVHS Jazz Night 2019 7 P.M. TUESDAY, JUNE 4 These jazz bands are part of the nationally known Fine Arts department at Mount Vernon High School. This program is committed to maintaining the vibrant, unique American art form that is jazz. Musicians of all levels are given the opportunity to learn, play, perform and compete at local venues and festivals. Come enjoy the wonderful music of Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Marvin Fisher, Count Basie and more.

Free, donations appreciated.

Get local news and sports daily in the Skagit Valley Herald and at goskagit.com

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7:30 P.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 31-JUNE 1 5:30 P.M. SUNDAY, JUNE 2 7:30 P.M. MONDAY, JUNE 3 The never-before-seen movie featuring Aretha Franklin recording the most successful gospel album of all time, “Amazing Grace,” with choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles. “Amazing Grace” is crafted from never-before-seen footage originally captured in 1972.

Directed by Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack; cast includes Aretha Franklin, Reverend James Cleveland, the Southern California Community Choir and Alexander Hamilton.

Rated G. $10.50 general; $9.50 seniors, students and active military; $8 ages 12 and under. Sunday bargain prices: $9 general; $7.50 ages 12 and under.

1607932

‘Amazing Grace’

E14 - Thursday, May 30, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI REVIEWS

Fantastical ‘Rocketman’ is a uniquely wild ride

By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service (TNS)

With the success of last year’s Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” it might feel too soon for another film about a queer British rock star who soared to fame in the 1970s. But the Elton John biopic “Rocketman” is no “Bohemian Rhapsody” — it’s better. Wilder, louder and with a clear creative vision, this dizzy, delirious jukebox musical has the energy and visual dynamism to truly reflect the outlandish aesthetic and performance style of its subject.

Dexter Fletcher, who took over for Bryan Singer on the last few weeks of “Bohemian Rhapsody” gets to truly show what he’s got in “Rocketman.” And he doesn’t hold back. From the opening scene, in which Welsh actor Taron Egerton, playing John, marches into a group therapy session in full sequined, platformed, feathered regalia, it’s obvious the film embraces roundabout and creative storytelling.

The therapy session serves as a framing device for John’s life story that we revisit throughout the film. Slowly, he sheds pieces of his costume, which has become the colorful, clownish armor he’s built up around himself after a lifetime of searching for love and never receiving it. From his remote war veteran father (Steven Mackintosh) to his seemingly uncaring mother (Bryce Dallas Howard in full campy cockney mode) and an emotionally abusive relationship with his lover/ manager John Reid (Richard Madden), Elton gives love to those who won’t return it. So he drowns his sorrows in booze, cocaine and shopping, pounding

PARAMOUNT PICTURES VIA AP

Taron Egerton stars as Elton John in “Rocketman.”

out his naked emotions on the piano. The only loving relationship in his life is with his best friend and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). Their soulful creative connection is palpable, giving their greatest songs new shades of meaning.

“Rocketman” is no staid biopic — it’s a full-blown rock musical, a parade through Elton John’s greatest hits, and his best outfits.

Fletcher and writer Lee Hall use John’s songs as exposition, moving the story along with expertly choreographed and colorful musical numbers. The film frequently explodes into song-and-dance fantasy, expressing the emotional twists, turns and turmoil of each moment in John’s remarkable life. The film is a visual and musical feast as it swoops and spins through this roller coaster ride.

The anchor and the engine of “Rocketman” is a powerhouse performance by Egerton as John, quite possibly the role he was born to play, and the only actor who could pull off the acting and the vocal ability required by the role. Egerton sings all the songs himself in the film, no easy task,

and one he tackles energetically.

The live-performance sequences are enhanced often by fantasy to capture the essence of the moment, especially during his first show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.

Fletcher’s extravagant aesthetic and Egerton’s intense performance synergistically captures the spirit of John’s music and style. But fundamentally, the film is about John’s journey to finding love — self-love. The fantastical style allows for John to confront his past demons and embrace his inner child, finally finding fulfillment from within. The film shapes John’s complex life into this easily digestible narrative, but because it’s working within the musical genre, where emotions are big and characters arcs are clear, it makes sense. It’s not too often that groundbreaking stars like Elton John come along, and “Rocketman” gives the star a biopic that is as wild and unique as he is.

– 2:01. Rated R for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content. HHHH (out of four stars)

Compiled from news services.

Ratings are 1 to 4 stars.

“Long Shot” — In a cheerfully raunchy, entertainingly weird slapstick comedy, a widely respected presidential candidate (Charlize Theron) begins an unlikely romance with her dorky new speechwriter (Seth Rogen). Of course he’s out of his league. That’s the launching point for the laughs.

Comedy, R, 125 minutes. HHH ”Brightburn” — The Breyers of Brightburn, Kansas, might be the dumbest couple in America. When a UFO crash-lands and they find an infant from outer space inside, rather than dialing 911, they take in the child and raise it as their own. Horror, R, 90 minutes. Rating: H and a half stars. ”The Souvenir” — In a stunning piece of work, Honor Swinton Byrne plays a filmmaker involved with a guy who will break her heart, help her piece it back together, and break it again. It’s a movie about moviemaking, a profile of a complicated mother-daughter dynamic, and a devastatingly effective examination of a romance that turns into a horror show. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHH and a half stars. ”Aladdin” — Despite a couple of large, genie-blue stumbles along the way, Guy Ritchie’s live-action version of Disney’s “Aladdin” is on balance a colorful and lively adventure suitable for all ages and a touching romance featuring two attractive leads. I liked the flying carpet, too. Musical fantasy, PG, 128 minutes. HHH ”Booksmart” — The absolutely winning Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein have terrific best-buddy chemistry as studious teens who cut loose during a night of partying just before graduation. Actress Olivia Wilde makes an impressive feature directing debut with this refreshingly original take on the familiar coming-of-age movie. Comedy, R, 102 minutes. HHH and a half stars “Avengers: Endgame” — Amid all the soaring and the blasting, this superhero adventure for the ages is a genuinely moving drama involving characters we’ve come to know and love. It’s a serious contender to be the best of the Marvel series and the undisputed champion when it comes to emotional punch. Superhero drama, PG-13, 182 minutes. HHHH ”Trial by Fire” — Convicted of starting a fire that killed three children, a Texas troublemaker (Jack O’Connell) gets help from a writer (Laura Dern) convinced of his innocence. While this politically charged procedural features a number of standout performances and is on balance a solid, debate-inducing piece of filmmaking, it traffics in largely familiar territory.

Biographical drama, R, 127 minutes. HHH ”The Professor” — Johnny Depp plays an academic who learns he’s dying of cancer in a film that mistakes the title character’s snarky, smug, unfiltered persona for charm and charisma. Even though the tragicomedy clocks in at 91 minutes, the good professor starts wearing out his welcome well within the first hour. Comedy drama, R, 91 minutes. H and a half stars. ”John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum” — The third installment of the ultraviolent, wonderfully askew “John Wick” franchise is the most outlandish and maybe the most entertaining chapter to date. Keanu Reeves returns, giving a classic deadpan performance in an escapist movie that encourages us to groan and cringe and laugh at the mayhem. Action thriller, R, 131 minutes. HHH ”The Hustle” — Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson do their best to add zip and zest to a nearly laugh-free, unimaginative story about a pair of mismatched con artists duping superficial and incredibly stupid men. Even with a running time of 93 minutes, “The Hustle” felt about an hour too long.

Comedy, PG-13, 93 minutes. H “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile” — Zac Efron and Lily Collins star in this character study of the narcissistic killer Ted Bundy, who maintained his innocence for years, and Elizabeth Kloepfer, the woman who loved and wanted so much to believe him. This docudrama-style adaptation of Kloepfer’s memoir conveys a sense of authenticity and essential truth.

Crime/drama, R, 109 minutes. HHH

Thursday, May 30, 2019 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

REVIEW

As someone always says in movies like this, we’ve got company!

By MICHAEL PHILLIPS Chicago Tribune

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” can be accused of overkill.

Then again, there’s so much to kill! Though we don’t meet them all, we’re told that no fewer than 17 massive creatures, hidden away in Antarctic ice packs, Mexican volcanoes, oceanic bachelor pads and what have you, come a-calling in this enjoyably chaotic continuation of the socalled “MonsterVerse” put into play by the 2014 “Godzilla” and the 2017 “Kong: Skull Island.” As paleo-zoologist played by Sally Hawkins summarizes early on, eyes wide and mouth agape, studiously avoiding technical jargon: “They’re everywhere.”

The new film likewise scoots all over the place, in a near-constant onslaught of rain. When last we

saw Godzilla five years ago, he had chosen to retire, gunslinger style, after saving the world (while destroying much of it) and leveling San Francisco in the process.

The “Skull Island” epilogue more recently rolled out the blood-red carpet for a host of additional monsters, tracked for decades by the super-secret agency known as Monarch.

Key nonhuman players in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” include Godzilla, whose head remains touchingly small for his body, and therefore reminds me of our dog, Maisie; the bat-winged hydra-headed dragon King Ghidorah (first introduced in 1964’s “Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster”), who surely knows the subtitle of this film specifies Godzilla as Earth’s rightful monster king; the glowing, sympathetic Mothra,

who doesn’t look like a killer but then, neither do most killers; and Rodan, the volcano-dwelling fire demon.

The humans familiar from previous MonsterVerse pictures are led, staring, agog, by Ken Watanabe. Reaction shot after reaction shot proves it: This man is the king of the staring-agog division of screen acting.

The fractured, grieving family unit introduced in “Godzilla, King of the Monsters,” meantime, takes up most of the narrative acreage. A son was lost in the 2014 San Francisco melee. Now divorced, the boy’s mother (Vera Farmiga, high priestess of dramatic exposition) and father (Kyle Chandler, getting paid by the glare and worth every dime) are the inventors of a bio-sonar means of communicating with the monsters. This little boom

box, known as ORCA, serves as the linchpin of plot devices in the script by director Michael Dougherty and Zach Shields.

Some of the motivations and reversals involving a vicious eco-terrorist (Charles Dance), who swipes the boom box, lack a pleasing clarity. The script’s quippy streak could’ve used better jokes. But this is one franchise that doesn’t feel fished out or exhausted or exhausting. The monsters, Toho studio classics redesigned but faithfully so, are pretty swell and monumentally destructive.

The real stars here? Sound designers Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van Der Ryn, whose aural creature designs actually sound like something new — part machine, part prehistoric whatzit. Director Dougherty keeps his hand-held cameras very close to the human

faces, too much so, probably.

But he’s going for a very different, more action-laden movie than director Gareth Edwards’ “Godzilla.”

I don’t think it constitutes a spoiler to mention the climax, a two-bout, four-creature smackdown set (in a downpour, natch) in Boston’s Fenway Park. Between the Ben Affleck robbery thriller “The Town” and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” there can’t be much left of it. In “Kong: Skull Island” the John C. Reilly character lived and died by the Cubs, and memories of Wrigley Field.

Truly, this franchise is baseball’s best friend.

- 2:12. PG-13, for sequences of monster action violence and destruction, and for some language.

HHH (out of four stars)

At area theaters “The Intruder” — newcomers to a country home in Napa (Michael Ealy, Meagan Good) can’t seem to shake the menacing former owner (Dennis Quaid). Every single character in this film, including the villain, is irritatingly, maddeningly dumb. Drama/suspense, PG-13, 101 minutes. Zero stars.

“Knock Down the House” — While this stirring and inspirational documentary tracks four grassroots candidates for office, all women, in the 2018 midterm elections, it’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who has the underdog story straight out of a “Rocky” movie. Documentary, PG, 87 minutes. HHHH “Family” — Like a latter-day Uncle Buck, tightly wound Kate (Taylor Schilling) is stuck watching over her 11-year-old niece, an outcast who runs away

to an Insane Clown Posse festival. The refreshingly unfiltered coming-of-age comedy somehow manages to be funny, sweet and sentimental — AND paints a positive picture of the Juggalos. Comedy, R, 83 minutes. HHH “Red Joan” — In a criminal waste of her talent, Dame Judi Dench plays a British matron accused of spying for the Russians in a story told mostly in flashback, with Sophie Cookson playing her younger self.

It’s almost fascinating how stultifying this movie is, given the premise, but “Red Joan” is a soapy, clumsy, maddeningly simplistic mess. Spy biography, R, 101 minutes. HH “Stockholm” — Alternately farcical and intense and tragi-comic, this low-key version of “Dog Day Afternoon” is based on the 1973 bank heist and

ANACORTES CINEMAS May 31-June 6

Rocketman (R): Friday: 12:45, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45; Saturday: 12:45, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45; Sunday-Monday: 12:45, 4:10, 7:00; Tuesday: 12:45, 4:10, 6:45; Wednesday: 12:45, 4:10, 7:00; Thursday: 12:45, 4:10, 6:45 Aladdin (PG): Friday: 1:15, 3:35, 6:30, 9:20; Saturday: 1:15; 3:35, 6:30, 9:20; SundayThursday: 1:15, 3:35, 6:30 John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:45, 9:35; Sunday-Monday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:45; Tuesday: 1:00, 3:50; Wednesday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:45; Thursday: 1:00, 3:50 The Secret Life of Pets 2 (PG): Thursday: 7:00 Pavarotti: Tuesday: 7:00 360-293-7000

STANWOOD CINEMAS May 31-June 6

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:40, 3:50, 6:30, 9:30; Sunday-Thursday: 12:40, 3:50, 6:30 Rocketman (R): Friday-Saturday: 12:35, 3:40, 7:10, 10:00; Sunday-Thursday: 12:35, 3:40, 7:10 Aladdin (PG): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, 3:40, 6:45, 9:45; Sunday-Thursday: 12:45, 3:40, 6:45 John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (R): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, 4:05, 6:55, 9:45; Sunday-Wednesday: 12:50, 4:05, 6:55; Thursday: 12:50, 4:05 Avengers: Endgame (PG-13): FridaySaturday: 12:30, 3:30, 6:20, 9:20; SundayWednesday: 12:30, 3:30, 6:20; Thursday: 12:30, 3:30 Dark Phoenix (PG-13): Thursday: 7:00 The Secret Life of Pets 2 (PG): Thursday: 6:30

CONCRETE THEATER May 31-June 2 Avengers: Endgame (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m.

The Mountain Runners: Saturday: 5 p.m.

360-941-0403 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor May 30-June 3 Aladdin (PG) and Avengers: Endgame (PG13): Thursday-Monday: First movie starts at 9:30 p.m.

360-675-5667 OAK HARBOR CINEMAS 360-279-2226 CASCADE MALL CINEMAS Burlington 360-707-2727 *Times subject to change

360-629-0514

hostage crisis that gave rise to the term “Stockholm syndrome.” Ethan Hawke plays the robber, and you’d be hard-pressed to cast someone better-suited to the role of a clearly doomed but still irresistible charmer. Crime comedy, R, 92 minutes. HHH

“Teen Spirit” — Like “The Karate Kid,” this endearing, cotton-candy-light confection of a film depicts a sensitive teenager learning from an unlikely mentor how to defeat more experienced competition.

As the singer with big dreams, Elle Fanning is

definitely good enough to make us believe her as a bona fide contender on a talent show. Music competition, PG-13, 92 minutes.

HHH “Her Smell” — Elisabeth Moss is undeniably a force as a mercurial 1990s punk rocker who seems pos-

sessed with the insatiable drive to alienate everyone in her life and destroy her career. But just as Becky wears out her welcome nearly everywhere she goes, the movie wore me down to the point of irritation. Music drama, R, 135 minutes. HH½

E16 - Thursday, May 30, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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