360 November 29 2012

Tis the season for plenty of things to do PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday November 29, 2012

Reviews

Tuning Up

Roger Ebert

Music: Led Zeppelin, Alicia Keys Video Games: “Batman,” “NBA 2K13”

The Randy Oxford Band plays H2O on Saturday in Anacortes

“Killing Them Softly”: First-rate cast, not so the plot and writing

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “ParaNorman”: There’s a tricky line when it comes to making scary animated movies: If they’re cartoonish enough for young moviegoers to enjoy, then they tend to lack enough edge to satisfy older viewers. But if they’re too scary, then they can give young moviegoers nightmares. “ParaNorman” tries to serve both sides and, in the process, comes up short on both counts. Of the chattering talents — that include Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, John Goodman, Jeff Garlin and Christopher Mintz-Plasse — only Mintz-Plasse brings the kind of original sound that makes his character different. The rest end up a generic verbal stew. The craftsmanship is spectacular and the look amazing. But even with such a solid look, it’s hard to imagine who will enjoy this film: It’s way too scary for little kids, but it’s not scary enough for teens.

“Breaking In: The Complete Series”: There have been few network shows that have done so much to commit ratings suicide. The first season of the Fox comedy about a firm that breaks into places such as government facilities and car lots to point out security problems was quirky and offbeat. Christian Slater was particularly funny as the man of mystery in charge of the company. He worked well with a very strong supporting cast. Then the second season came along. The show went from a very funny spy story to a bland office comedy anchored to the dead weight of Megan Mullally’s over-the-top humor. The originality was beaten out of the show to the point where it deserved to be canceled. Only watch the first season.

As soon as Mullally shows up, disavow all knowledge of the TV series.

“The Day”: Five survivors wander the back roads of a ravaged landscape looking for refuge. Shawn Ashmore stars.

“Christmas in Compton”: Trouble erupts at a Christmas tree lot. Keith David stars.

“Lawless”: Shia La-Beouf stars in the true story of the infamous Bondurant brothers.

“The Apparition”: Ashley Greene stars in this story of a young couple who discover they are being haunted.

“Step Up: Revolution”: Director Scott Speer gets in step with the flash mob phenomenon for this dance movie.

“Luck: The Complete First Season”: Dustin Hoffman stars in the cable series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of horse racing.

“Perry Mason: Season Eight, Vol-

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: DEC. 4 Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry - IFC/ MPI Beasts of the Southern Wild - Fox Butter - Anchor Bay Hope Springs - Sony The Odd Life of Timothy Green - Disney

This Weekend / Page 5

DEC. 11 The Bourne Legacy - Universal Ice Age: Continental Drift - Fox Ted - Universal DEC. 18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Fox Pitch Perfect - Universal 10 Years - Anchor Bay Trouble With the Curve - Warner DEC. 21 Arbitrage - Lionsgate Premium Rush - Sony Resident Evil: Retribution - Sony DEC. 24 The Words - Sony DEC. 31 Looper - Sony

Discover the trumpeter swans of Skagit Valley on Saturday

Inside

JAN. 1 The Trouble With Bliss - Anchor Bay JAN. 8 Dredd - Lionsgate House at the End of Street - Fox The Inbetweeners Movie - Lionsgate

Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

JAN. 15 Branded - Lionsgate The Other Dream Team - Lionsgate The Possession - Lionsgate 17 Girls - Strand To Rome With Love - Sony

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

ume One”: More court battles starring the noted — and always winning — lawyer.

“Burning in the Sun”: A young man returns to his homeland in Mali to start a local business.

“Forks Over Knives”: Documentary examines the claim that degenerative diseases can be controlled by adopting a plant-based diet.

“Heaven’s Door”: A woman must cope with a pending divorce, no job, living with her mother’s constant advice and raising her two children.

“12 Christmas Wishes for My Dog”: Laura turns to a life coach who tells her to make 12 wishes for a positive change in her life. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items)

Get Involved.................................... 6 Music, Game Reviews..................8-9 On Stage........................................ 10 Tuning Up..................................... 11 Travel........................................12-13 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Roger Ebert.................................... 16 At the Lincoln Theatre.................. 17 Movie Listings, Mini-Reviews...... 17 Out & About.............................18-19

Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E3

COMMUNITY “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Meta Performing Arts will perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story through Dec. 2 at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. Today is a special “pay-what-you-can” performance, with tickets on sale today at the box office.

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

through Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Dec. 6-9 and Dec. 13-16, and daily Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-29, at Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood.

The largest holiday light display in the Northwest covers 15 acres and features family-oriented entertainment, live music, theater, crafts, food, pony rides, a petting farm, Polar Express Train rides and SKAGIT CHRISTMAS: overnight getaway options.

Check out special exhibits Meet Santa Claus or talk showing how early Skagito- with “Bruce the Spruce” nians celebrated the Yule- Christmas tree. General tide season through Dec. admission: $9-$15. Pay21 at the Skagit County what-you-can nights are Historical Museum, 501 offered Nov. 29, Dec. 13 S. Fourth St., La Conner. and 29. Season passes are Enjoy story times with available. Theater events Mrs. Claus, carol singing, are extra. Call 800-228-6724 gingerbread houses and or visit www.warmbeach more. Free with museum lights.com. admission. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesAN IMPROVISED day through Sunday. $4, $3 CHRISTMAS CAROL: 8:30 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $8 p.m. Thursdays through families, free for members Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 30, and ages 5 and younger.

Intiman Playhouse, 201 360-466-3365 or www.

Mercer St., Seattle. “An skagitcounty.net/museum.

Improvised Christmas Carol” brings Charles “A CHRISTMAS Dickens’ Christmas classic CAROL”: Seattle’s ACT to the stage with a twist.

Theatre presents Dickens’ The audience gives suggesclassic holiday tale through tions up front, and UnexDec. 30 at Allen Theatre, pected Productions’ impro700 Union St., Seattle. visers use the suggestions Showtimes vary. $27-$55 to tell a new tale of how plus applicable fees. 206Christmas can (or can’t) 292-7676 or www.actthe change Ebenezer Scrooge’s atre.org. life. $15 plus applicable fees. 800-838-3006 or www.

TREE LIGHTING, ARRIV- unexpectedproductions.

AL OF SANTA: Santa Claus org. will arrive to light the tree at 6 p.m. today at Alpha HOLIDAY ART WALK & Park on Fairhaven Avenue, SOUNDS OF MUSIC: Enjoy Burlington. Caroling, art and old-fashioned carcider and treats will fololing from 5 to 8 p.m. Frilow until 8 p.m. at the new day, Nov. 30, in historic east Burlington Skagit County Stanwood. Eighteen busiRegional Byway Center. nesses will open their doors 360-757-0994. with art displays, goodies, lights and music. Free. 360THE LIGHTS OF CHRIST- 629-3710.

MAS: More than a million Christmas lights will CHRISTMAS PARADE, be displayed at the 16th TREE LIGHTING: The annual Lights of Christmas, Sedro-Woolley Lighted from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays Christmas Parade, fol-

a free gift and pictures with n Noon to 4 p.m. SunSanta. $6 adults, $3 childay, Dec. 2, Skagit Valley dren. 360-466-4778.

Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon.

JINGLE BELL RUN/ Bring the kids for photos WALK: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturwith Santa, then enjoy hot day, Dec. 1, at the Moose cider, cookies and more.

Lodge, 813 S. First St., Free, but donations will be Mount Vernon. Join the fifth accepted to benefit Friendannual run/walk to raise ship House in Mount Vermoney for the Arthritis non. 360-424-6760 or www.

Foundation. There’s also a skagitvalleygardens.com.

1K Run With the Elves for TREE LIGHTING, SANTA kids ages 11 and younger.

ARRIVES: Santa Claus Dogs are welcome. For arrives by an antique fire information or to register: www.skagitjinglebellrun.org. truck to light the tree at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Gilkey Square in La ConBREAKFAST WITH SANTA: La Conner Rotary ner. Caroling and refreshwill host its annual Break- ments continue until 6 p.m. fast with Santa from 8:30 to Free. 360-466-4778.

11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Maple Hall, 104 CommerThe Center for Spiritual cial St., La Conner. $8.

Living will host its annual Candlelight Service from AN OLD-FASHIONED 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, CHRISTMAS: 10 a.m. to Dec. 1, at 1508 N. 18th 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, St., Mount Vernon. Tenor Floyd Norgaard Cultural vocalist Michael Wilson Center, 27130 102nd Ave. will be accompanied by NW, Stanwood. Kids are pianist Richard Held, and invited to get free photos hundreds of candles will with Santa, lots of goodies, crafts, music and more. be lit during the service to symbolize how the holiday Free. 360-629-0562.

With last week’s Thanksgiving celebraseason brings light into tions having given way to Black Friday the world. Free, donations PICTURES WITH SANTA and Cyber Monday, the holiday season n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Satur- accepted. 360-355-9029. continues in earnest. This week’s attractions day, Dec. 1, Skagit Farmers TOY DRIVE: Skagit include holiday plays, tree lightings, giftSupply, 1276 S. Burlington County Emergency SerBlvd. Bring your pet(s) to giving and food from breakfast until dinner. include in your photo with vices will collect donations Santa. $10 suggested dona- of new, unwrapped toys for the Skagit Valley Herald tion to benefit Humane Christmas Fund from 10 Society of Skagit Valley. a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday lowed by the tree lighting, photos with Santa. $5. 360- 360-757-4055. and Sunday, Dec. 1-2, at n 3 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, will begin at 5 p.m. Satur336-6215.

Dec. 1, Skagit Farmers/Ace Cascade Mall, 201 Cascade day, Dec. 1, through downMall Drive, Burlington, and town. Pony and train rides CHILDREN’S SHOPPING Hardware, 915 Moore St., for kids will be offered EXTRAVAGANZA: 8:30 a.m. Sedro-Woolley. Bring your Kmart, 1550 S. Burlington from 3 to 5 p.m. and picto 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. pet(s) for your photo with Blvd. 360-419-7261. tures with Santa can be 1, in the Skylight Room at Santa. $10 suggested donaPHOTOS WITH THE taken after the parade.

Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 tion to benefit the Humane GRINCH: Bring the family 360-855-1841 or www.

S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Society of Skagit Valley. for photos with the Grinch 360-856-6567. sedro-woolley.com.

Kids can shop for holiday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Satn Noon to 2 p.m. Satgifts for everyone in the urday and noon to 5 p.m.

BREAKFAST WITH family — all priced at $5 or urday, Dec. 1, True Value Sunday, Dec. 1-2, at Village Hardware & Garden, 100 SANTA: Enjoy pancakes less. 360-336-6215.

Books, 1200 11th St., BellFerry St., Sedro-Woolley. and ham from 8 to 11 a.m. ingham. Get a photo CD Canned food donations will Saturday, Dec. 1, at HillSANTA BREAKFAST: be accepted and donated to for $10. 360-671-2626 or crest Park Lodge, 1717 S. 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Helping Hands food bank. www.villagebooks.com.

13th St., Mount Vernon.

Dec. 1, 104 Commercial Bring your camera for Ave., La Conner. Breakfast, 360-855-1601.

See EVENTS, Page 7

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE AREA

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

MOVIES

N

EW YORK — Andrew Dominik was watching “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” a 1973 crime film starring Robert Mitchum, and was struck by the authenticity of its lowlife Boston hoods and their colorful dialogue. He then discovered the film had been based on a novel by George V. Higgins, who had been a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney for years.

Intrigued, Dominik ordered all of Higgins’ two dozen novels, many of which were out of print. And once he read “Cogan’s Trade,” a 1974 work about a hit man hired to whack some robbers who ripped off a Mob-protected card game, Dominik knew he had the subject for his next film.

“The book had great characters, the dialogue was extraordinary, and the plot was very simple,” says Dominik, director of “Killing Them Softly,” starring Brad Pitt and based on the Higgins novel. “I liked Higgins’ use of language, and the way the plot is incidentally tucked inside long monologues.”

The movie, which co-stars Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini, opens Friday.

Dominik is obviously not the first director to film a crime novel. In fact, almost as long as there have been crime films, there have been movies based on crime fiction.

The 1932 classic “Scarface” was originally a novel.

Immortal hard-boiled writers like Dashiell Hammett (“The Maltese Falcon”), James M. Cain (“Double Indemnity”) and Raymond Chandler (“The Big Sleep”) have long been Hollywood favorites. And more contemporary authors such as James Ellroy (“L.A. Confidential”), Jim Thompson (“The Getaway”) and Walter Mosley (“Devil in A Blue Dress”) have also captured filmmakers’ fancies.

Crime films often get their start from hard-boiled novels

By LEWIS BEALE /Newsday

Brad Pitt stars in “Killing Them Softly.”

The Weinstein Company via AP

The reason for this, says Geoff Mayer, author of “The Historical Dictionary of Crime Films,” is that “filmmakers adapting wellknown crime novels have a ready audience and bypass some of the complexities of film marketing.” And, he adds, “Crime stories have an added advantage of verisimilitude — a strong sense of plausibility and relevance to audiences who experience life in the big city.”

It’s also about the Benjamins, says Dominik, who feels “the unconscious appeal of the crime novel is that they’re stories about capitalism, the American dream. It’s one genre where your characters can be concerned about money above all things.”

And there’s this: Crime stories allow us to live vicariously through characters who live life on their own terms, legalities be damned.

Not that every good crime novel has been turned into a good movie. And not that every good adaptation has been utterly faithful to the source material. What many filmmakers like about these novels isn’t necessarily plot, but “atmosphere, character and dialogue,” says Geoffrey O’Brien, editor-in-chief of the Library of America, which recently published “American Noir,” a twovolume set of classic crime fiction. These characteristics, says O’Brien, “offer a certain freedom to filmmakers, and sometimes the key is to be very free; it’s not necessarily about being literally faithful.”

It’s obviously up to the director and screenwriter to decide what direction to take when adapting crime fiction. And when they go wrong, it’s because, says O’Brien, “the emotional life goes out of them. There has

to be some sense of edge to (the film) or else it just becomes a TV show.”

Mayer says he feels bad adaptations involve “an inability to capture the moral nuances of a powerful crime novel.” He’s particularly disdainful of the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey, Jr., which “abandon all semblance of (author Arthur) Conan Doyle’s world and his characterizations. They are overproduced, smarmy and bear no resemblance to the source.”

As far as Dominik is concerned, “it’s always about the characters. Am I interested in these people (in the book), that’s the main thing.

I’m not a big one for plot; a good story is fine, but a movie for me is what illustrates human behavior.”

So in “Killing Them Softly,” based on a novel that is told almost entirely

in long swatches of dialogue, Dominik has retained the chatter and kept the essence of Higgins’ characters while weaving in the plot as seamlessly as possible.

“I’m sure every adaptation is different,” he says. “It depends what they’re aiming for. Trying to make people likable, or spending a lot of time on back story, I find that tiresome in a film.”

The bottom line, says Mayer, who counts such recent films as “Drive” (from a James Sallis novel) and the Norwegian movie “Headhunters” (based on the book by Jo Nesbo) as solid book-to-film adaptations, is that a good conversion basically involves “an ability to extract the essence of the novel while adapting it to a different medium — and to transform the world of the novel without slavishly following every detail.”

Best crime film adapted from novels “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1939): Holmes. Watson. Eerie English moors. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sure knew his stuff.

“Double Indemnity” (1944): From the James M. Cain novel, this film about adultery and murder, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, is one of the classic film noirs.

“The Big Sleep” (1946): Private eye Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) goes after murderers and blackmailers in this great movie, adapted from the Raymond Chandler work.

“They Live By Night” (1948): The original “young criminal lovers on the run” flick, from the Edward Anderson novel.

“High and Low” (1963): The great Japanese director Akira Kurosawa adapted Ed McBain’s “King’s Ransom,” about an executive who prepares to pay a ransom for his kidnapped son, then finds it’s actually his chauffeur’s kid who has been abducted. What to do?

“In the Heat of the Night” (1967): John Ball’s novel was turned into this Oscar-winning film, with Sidney Poitier as Philly detective Virgil Tibbs and Rod Steiger as a small-town Southern sheriff, reluctantly collaborating on a murder investigation.

“The Friends of Eddie Coyle” (1973): Robert Mitchum gives one of his greatest performances in this tale of lowlife Boston hoods, based on a George V. Higgins opus.

“Devil in a Blue Dress” (1995): Denzel Washington dazzles in this noir set in 1940s L.A., from a book by Walter Mosley.

“L.A. Confidential” (1997): James Ellroy’s massive novel is turned into a killer, Oscar-nominated flick, featuring Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Oscarwinning Best Supporting Actress Kim Basinger.

“Jackie Brown” (1997): Quentin Tarantino’s take on Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch” isn’t totally faithful to the book, but it is true to the novel’s spirit, and to Leonard’s funky style.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area SANTA BREAKFAST 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 104 Commercial Ave., La Conner. Breakfast, a free gift and pictures with Santa. $6 adults, $3 children. 360-466-4778.

Trumpeter swans of the Skagit

POTLUCK & OPEN MIC The first Marblemount Community Potluck Dinner and Open Mic will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Marblemount Community Hall, located on Highway 20, east of town at about milepost 106.3. All singers, storytellers and musicians are invited to perform. KSVU 90.1 “Upriver Radio” will record and broadcast the event. For information, call Sasa, 360-873-4171, or Merlene, 360-873-4344.

MODEL RAILROADS The WhatcomSkagit Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at 1469 Silver Run Lane, Alger. See why model railroads are part of the Christmas tradition. Bring kids and grandkids to view large, permanent HO and N scale layouts. Admission by donation. whatcomskagitmrc.org.

Wildlife biologist Martha Jordan of The Trumpeter Swan Society will talk about trumpeter swans — the largest waterfowl in the world — and Skagit Valley’s best places to view them at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1, at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Get a free swan identification pamphlet and view slides to help you distinguish among trumpeter swans, tundra swans and other birds of the Skagit. Free. Reservations required: 360-4663821 or www.christiansonsnursery.com.

FISH HATCHERY TOURS Skagit Fisher-

Scott Terrell / Skagit Valley Herald

ies Enhancement Group will offer free guided tours of the Marblemount Fish Hatchery facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-Jan. 27, at 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount.

Learn about the enhancement group, hatchery operations, salmon and their life cycle and other visitors to the area, such as bald eagles.

Tours start inside the visitors’ center.

360-336-0172, ext. 304, or education@ skagitfisheries.org.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

GET INVOLVED ART CLASSES

“LEGALLY BLONDE”: Auditions will be held from 2 to 5 PACIFIC NW SCHOOL p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m.

CLASSES: Choose from painting, Sunday, Dec. 15-16, at Anacortes photography, fiber and 3D art Community Theatre, 911 M Ave., workshops taught by professional Anacortes. Parts are available for artists at the Pacific NorthWest 16 women and seven men, young Art School, 15 NW Birch St., to middle aged. Music and scripts Coupeville. For information and are available in the ACT office. a complete schedule: 360-678The play will run March 29-April 3396 or www.pacificnorth 27. 360-293-4373 or www.actthe westartschool.com. atre.com.

Anamaria Dulama (visiting from Romania) to offer this special series of classes. $10 per session.

Free for children. For information or to register, call 360-4642229 or visit www.anacortes centerforhappiness.org.

MUSIC

FREE MUSIC JAMS: Come and play or just watch the fun at Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood. Free for DAKOTA ART CLASSES: CALL FOR YOUNG MUSIDakota Art offers a variety of art CIANS: The Mount Vernon-based participants and spectators.

Teen Jam: 7 p.m. second and classes and workshops at 17873 Fidalgo Youth Symphony offers fourth Tuesday each month.

Highway 536, Mount Vernon. opportunities for musicians ages Jam Night: 8 p.m. Thursdays.

360-416-6556, ext. 5, or www.

5 to 21 to study and perform 360-629-4800 or www.cyndys dakotaartcenter.com. orchestral music. For informabroiler.com. tion, including tuition costs and A GUILDED GALLERY ART rehearsal schedules, contact Mrs. OPEN MIC: Share your music CLASSES: Sign up for a variety Hobson at 360-293-8180 or visit or enjoy the musical talents of of art classes at A Guilded Galwww.fysmusic.org. others at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. lery (formerly Gallery by the 29, at the Conway Muse, 18444 Bay), 8700 271st St. NW, StanDANCE wood. To register, stop by the Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445ARGENTINE TANGO LESSONS: 3000 or www.theconwaymuse.

Stanwood Camano Art Guild’s cooperative gallery from 10 a.m. Thursday evenings at The Concom. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Satur- way Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main St., Conway. $12 drop-in fee, $60 day. 360-629-2787 or www.stan SEEKING SINGERS, MUSIfor six classes. woodcamanoarts.com.

CIANS, LISTENERS: The Skagit n Basics for beginners at 6 Valley Music Club welcomes p.m. No experience or partner performers, listeners and guests AUDITIONS needed. Open dance practice fol- at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at “QUILTERS”: Auditions for lows from 7 to 7:15 p.m.

Vasa Hall, 1805 Cleveland St., the musical will be held at 7 p.m. n Intermediate instruction at Sunday and Monday, Dec. 2-3, at 7:15 p.m. Previous Tango experi- Mount Vernon. Come and sing, play an instrument or just enjoy the Bellingham Theatre Guild, ence required. Attend the Basics the music. Free. For information, 1600 H St., Bellingham. Parts class at no extra charge. call Marsha Pederson at 360-757are available for seven women Open tango dancing from 8:15 4906. ages 15 to 65. Must be able to to 10 p.m. every fourth Thursday. harmonize and read sheet music. Practice your new tango techOPEN MIC: All ages, 7 p.m.

Prepare 16-32 bars of a folk or niques. No cover. 360-708-8076 or Thursdays, The Soup Bowl at musical theater song; be preemail secure@cnw.com.

Common Ground, 351 Pease pared for cold reads, improvisaRoad, Burlington. Sign-ups tion and dance. The play will run CONTRA DANCE: 7 to 9:30 begin at 6 p.m. All ages are Jan. 25-Feb. 10. For information, p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the welcome to perform or come to contact director Mish Kriz or Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., watch and listen. Free. For inforvisit www.bellinghamtheatre Anacortes. Learn the fundamenmation, contact Tobie Ann at guild.com. tals of contra dance and practice 425-870-6784. dancing to live music. No partner “THE PRODUCERS”: Theater needed. $8 at the door. InformaArts Guild will hold auditions for tion: 360-755-3969 or www.skagit RECREATION the Mel Brooks musical comedy contra.org.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Thursday, Dec. 5-6, in the Mount Commerce invites the public ROMANIAN CROATIAN Vernon High School auditorium, FUSION DANCE WORKSHOP: to participate in the Christmas 314 N. Ninth St., Mount Vernon. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and Parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. Due to mature content, all per1. All entries must be completely 5 to 7 p.m. Saturdays during formers must be age 18 or older. December and January at the lighted and entrants may not The show will run April 5-20 at Anacortes Center for Happiness, throw anything to the crowd. The McIntyre Hall. To schedule an 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. chamber also requests no Santas, audition, call 360-770-1742. as they save him for last. Float Dance master John Lovric is www.theaterartsguild.org. entries must have proof of insurjoined by guest dance master

ance submitted with the parade application. Cash awards will be given to “Best Lit” entries and “Best Musical” entries. Judging will be done during the parade, and winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 3, at sedro-woolley. com or at the chamber office at 714 B. Metcalf St. Call 360855-1841 or email swchamber@ sedro-woolley.com for more information.

Mount Vernon. Two wreath-making machines will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wire rings and greenery are available for purchase, or you may bring your own. Complimentary. Reservations required: 360-466-3821 or www.christiansonsnursery.com.

THEATER

THEATER CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre’s Class Act School for the PerJINGLE BELL RUN/WALK: forming Arts is enrolling kids Registration is open for the from preschool through 12th Arthritis Foundation’s fifth annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk, set grade for winter classes on acting and theater arts. Classes are held for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at ACT, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. beginning at the Mount Vernon 360-293-6829 or www.acttheatre.

Moose Lodge, 813 S. Main St. com/classact Four-legged friends welcome.

Imagination Explorers: Registration: $30 per person for the 2-mile walk or 4-mile run, $40 preschool-age children, 10 to 11 per walker and dog in the 2-mile a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 29-March 5, or Wednesdays, Jan. 30-March 6. dog trot, $15 for the 1K “RunStudents will take part in creative ning With The Elves” Kids’ Fun dramatic games designed to use Run for ages 11 and younger. their imagination, improve selfProceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. For information, call confidence and provide social 360-733-2866. Register online at interaction as they create crazy characters, sing and dance. $50. www.skagitjbrw.kintera.org.

Superhero Stories: for kinderCAMANO WALK: Friends of garten through second grade, 4 Camano Island Parks will lead a to 5:15 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 1-March guided community walk at 9:50 8. Students will create their own a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Four superhero as they play fun theSprings Lake Preserve, 585 S. ater games and work on their actLewis Lane, Camano Island. The ing skills. Class will culminate in 2–mile trail includes two fairly a performance March 8 on ACT’s steep 50-foot hills with benches Second Stage. $50. at the top. Wear appropriate “Alice in Wonderland”: third clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. through sixth grade, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

No dogs. 360-387-0889, 360-387Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 4000 or friendsofcamanoisland 28-March 6. Students will stage parks.org. a retelling of the classic tale of Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole, starting with auditioning, creWORKSHOPS ation of a character, memorizaQUILTING FOR BEGINNERS: tion of lines and culminating with Learn how to hand quilt from a full public performance com9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays plete with costumes and makeup at the Concrete Center, 45821 Railroad Ave., Concrete. Bring a March 8-9 on ACT’s Second Stage. $100. flat edge thimble, round-needle Are We There Yet?: grades puller, small scissors and No. 9 seven through 12, 3 to 4:30 p.m. go-betweens quilting needles.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. Tips and technique how-tos on 22-Feb. 28. This class starts with the last Monday each month. auditioning for a part and contin360-853-8400. ues with creation of a character, memorization of lines and a full INDEPENDENT WREATH public performance with cosMAKING: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily tumes and makeup March 1-2 on through Dec. 24 at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, ACT’s Second Stage. $100.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

w Events Continued from Page E3

HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDE: Join Santa Claus aboard the Lake Whatcom Railway’s Christmas train at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 1-22, leaving from Wickersham, 10 miles north of SedroWoolley on Highway 9.

Meet Santa and his elf, sing Christmas carols and enjoy music by Ben the banjo player. $20 ages 18 and older, $10 ages 2 to 17, free for ages 1 and younger.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from Lake Whatcom Railway, P.O. Box 91, Acme, WA 98220.

When ordering tickets, give a second and third choice of date and time, as rides often sell out. 360-595-2218 or www.lakewhatcomrail way.com.

concert will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon. Free admission, donations will benefit Skagit Habitat for Humanity. 360-428-9402 or www. skagithabitat.com.

SING-ALONG MESSIAH: The Saratoga Chamber Orchestra will present a community sing-along of G.F. Handel’s “Messiah” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at First Reformed Church, 250 SW Third Ave., Oak Harbor, and again at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18341 Highway 525, Freeland. Audience members will be invited to sit within sections arranged by voice range and participate in singing the chorus sections of the “Messiah.” Bring a vocal score if you own one, or rent one for $3. Singing is not required; listeners HOLIDAY CONCERT: The are welcome, too. Donations will be accepted at 16th annual Skagit Habithe door. 360-221-2353 or tat for Humanity benefit

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E7

www.saratogachamber orchestra.org.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10. 360-416-7727, 866-6246897 or www.mcintyrehall. org.

DINNER PARTY: Hillcrest Church will host a dinner, cookie party and kids choir (no audition needed) for children and families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the church, 1830 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon.

360-424-3006 or www.hill crestmv.org.

CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Enjoy Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas Celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $20. 360-941-0403 or www. concrete-theatre.com.

Holiday Wishes Come True

IN LA CONNER DECEMBER

1ST Santa Breakfast - Maple Hall 8:30-11am Sma l Shop l Kiwanis Craft Bazaar - Middle School 9:30-2pm Satu rday Small Shop Saturday - Holiday Open Houses Community Tree Lighting - Gilkey Square 4-7pm ND 2 Season of Giving - Benefitting Humane Society of Skagit County TH 7 Ladies Night Out - Hellams Vineyard 6-9pm 8TH Small Shop Saturday - Surprise Packages Story Time & Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus, Skagit Co. Historical Museum, 1-3pm & 11-5pm Lighted Boat Parade - Swinomish Channel 6 pm 9TH Season of Giving - Benefitting Boys & Girls Club Live Music at Skagit Co. Historical Museum - 1-3pm Small Town Holiday Music Concert - Maple Hall 2-4pm www.LaConnerChamber.com • 360.466.4778

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E8 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Hank Williams

thrilling excellence demonstrated throughout this document of a one-night-only gettogether would be no easy business.

“The Lost “Celebration Day” was recorded at Concerts” London’s O2 arena in 2007 in honor ofthen recently deceased Atlantic Records This CD executive Ahmet Ertegun. “Ahmet, we presents two did it!” Plant shouts skyward after the 1952 shows by band performs “Stairway to Heaven.”

Hank Williams Guitarist Jimmy Page, bass/ keyboard — May 4 at player John Paul Jones, drummer Jason Niagara Falls and July 13 at Sunset Park Bonham (son of original member John in West Grove, Pa. (It also includes a 1951 Bonham, whose death in 1980 led to the radio interview.) band’s breakup), and leonine front man The recordings, billed as the only Plant are in commanding form throughknown concert tapes of the country out the two-hour set. immortal, are pretty primitive, as you can Crisp, thunderous and relaxed, the imagine. But Williams’ vitality and chadefining architects of heavy rock move risma come through loud and clear. He’s from strength to strength, from intoxiloose and offhandedly revealing with his cating jams like “No Quarter” to the patter and band introductions — he’s controlled fury of “Rock & Roll,” with backed by two of his Drifting Cowboys Plant paying tribute to revered if uncred(steel guitarist Don Helms and fiddler ited blues forebears like Robert Johnson Jerry Rivers) as well as local musicians. and Blind Willie Johnson along the way.

When it comes to the music, however, “Celebration Day” comes in a variety of Williams is intensely focused, whether configurations; it’s worth getting one that it’s the gospel of “Are You Walkin’ and includes the Dick Carruthers-directed a-Talkin’ for the Lord”; the aching balperformance film for a fully satisfying ladry of “Lonesome Whistle”; the Luke Led Zep redux experience. the Drifter narrative “The Funeral”; and the up-tempo romp of “Lovesick Blues,” n Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer which of course closes both sets.

Introducing “Cold, Cold Heart” in Alicia Keys Niagara Falls and describing its vast “Girl on Fire” crossover success as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, Williams tells the audience, Alicia Keys “I can go die now and get it over with.” doesn’t do Less than eight months later, he’d be half-measures. dead, at 29.

Her fifth studio n Nick Cristiano, Associated Press album, “Girl on Fire,” comes on hard and fast, Led seemingly stripped but rich in sound, triZeppelin umphant to the point of a cinematic epic scope. It’s her first release since marry“Celebration ing producer-rapper Swizz Beatz and the Day” birth of their son, Egypt.

Keys’ name pops up buoyantly on Why won’t all writing and producing credits of this Led Zeppelin 13-track record, a perfect mirroring of commit to a its title. But that’s no surprise. She does, reunion tour however, collaborate with some new and cash the folks — including Bruno Mars, Frank biggest unsigned check in the music business? Partly because Robert Plant has bet- Ocean, Jamie xx and Emeli Sande — and ter things to do (and new music to make). that helps make the album eclectic, while And partly because, in their heart of hearts, maintaining Keys’ signature — and stunning — sound. the band members know that, over the The Grammy winner’s voice feels long slog of a world tour, sustaining the

unstoppable and free, channeling the martial pop of Beyonce on “New Day,” the romantic flourishes of Toni Braxton on the Maxwell-assisted “Fire We Make” and the bewitching auditory imagery of Tori Amos on the album’s grand finale, “101.” Nicki Minaj adds her brand of edge to the title track and lead single, while Keys’ toddler, Egypt, pulls an adorable coda on the jazzy industrial “When It’s All Over.”

“Girl on Fire” feels organically fed with inspiration, from the drops of light of “Listen to Your Heart” to the weird urban sounds of “Tears Always Win” to the funky reggae riffs of “Limitless.” Keys is on fire, and burning all the competition.

Pun intended.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: “Brand New Me” starts up the album with a dramatic piano and unflinching confidence.

with Method Man. It’s the rap duo’s first album, and hopefully there’s more to come.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: Killah, Louch and Inspectah Deck — who each hail from New York — rap about their voyage to other cities and countries from Miami to Paris on “Different Time Zones.”

n Cristina Jaleru, Associated Press

Anyone who is a fan of “Grease” will be intrigued by the idea of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John teaming up for a new Christmas album: Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsen are together again!

“This Christmas” features holiday favorites like “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” while Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Kenny G and James Taylor also make appearances.

There’s also an original song called “I Think You Might Like It” written by John Farrar, the songwriter who penned “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted” from “Grease” and many of Newton-John’s No. 1 hits from the 1970s and ’80s. The tune is upbeat and snappy but isn’t nearly as good as its predecessors. It probably won’t go down in the books of holiday classics.

Still, the album captures the chemistry between the two performers, will tickle “Grease” fans, and it’s intended for a good cause. Proceeds go to Newton-John and Travolta’s respective charities: The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center and the Jett Travolta Foundation.

Wu-Block “Wu-Block”

Wu-Tang Clan and D-Block are two of the most respected groups within the hip-hop realm.

Now, some of the members from the clans have joined forces to produce an album under the name Wu-Block, spearheaded by rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch. Their collaborative effort results in a solid piece of work on the 16-track album, which also features Jadakiss, Method Man, Styles P, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck.

The self-titled album has a soulful vibe meshed with hardcore, metaphoric rhymes. That’s certainly evident on the album’s first track, “Crack Spot Stories,” featuring Raekwon and Jadakiss, and “Guns for Life,” with Styles P. The album hits its peak on “Drivin’ Round,” featuring Erykah Badu, Masta Killa and GZA. It’s a smooth track with each rapper offering a thoughtfully harsh perspective, detailing the state of his or her poverty-stricken neighborhood.

Other enjoyable tracks include “Been Robbed,” “All in Together” and “Stella,”

n Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press

Olivia NewtonJohn and John Travolta “This Christmas”

n Alicia Rancilio, Associated Press

Please recycle this newspaper

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E9

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

Nintendo makes the first leap into the next iteration of “next-gen” consoles with the Wii U. After playing many of the launch titles with the new GamePad, I have recommendations for games you should get your hands on, and others that made me nervous.

keted as family-friendly, but several offerings (Mario Chase, Luigi’s Ghost Mansion, Donkey Kong’s Crash Course, to name a few) are fun enough for a group of adults, so don’t worry about how playful the games look. Hours of fun are packed into this title.

“NBA 2K13” (Genre: Sports; Publisher: MUST-OWNS 2K Sports; ESRB Rating: E, for Every“New Super Mario Bros. U” (Genre: of 2012 gets the Wii U treatment, and if for one): The best sports game this year not Platformer; Publisher: Nintendo; ESRB some reason you are a gamer who didn’t named “FIFA” gets stellar treatment on Rating: E, for Everyone): Every Nintendo get to revel in this game’s glory, now is the Wii U. Point the GamePad toward your console is judged by how it reintroduces your chance. Not much has changed from TV to check the fatigue of your players or its signature character. It may seem like a the PS3/Xbox 360 versions, but the incluuse it to call plays and leave the screen less copout to take Mario and the crew back sion of DLC packages and moving the cluttered. Better yet, play it on the Gameto his original 2D side-scrolling roots, but Caped Crusader’s investigation game-play Pad itself. the GamePad encourages teamwork, and elements to the GamePad makes perfect having up to five players jumping around sense. This game for the Wii U has a higher CAUTIONARY TALES collecting coins at once is addictive fun. It “cool factor“ than just about any Wii game “ZombiU” (Genre: Adventure; Publishwill be months before I tear the controllers ever released. er: Ubisoft; ESRB Rating: M, for Mature): away from my wife, and that is always a “Nintendo Land” (Genre: Party; PubMy expectations were so high for this good sign for a Mario game. lisher: Nintendo; ESRB Rating: E, for game (at last, serious M-rated content on “Batman: Arkham City — Armored Edi- Everyone): Twelve games are packed a Nintendo console — and zombies!) that tion” (Genre: Action; Publisher: Warner within this carnival atmosphere, and many once I got deep into it the disappointments Bros. Interactive; ESRB Rating: T, for are a twist on classic Nintendo characters were too many to overcome. The engaging Teen): One of the most celebrated games such as Link or Yoshi. The game is marnarrative idea — each time you die, you

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begin as a new character — sucked me in, but gets overwhelmed by repetitive actions and a lack of feeling like you’re in a true survival situation.

“Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge (Genre: Adventure; Publisher: Techmo; ESRB Rating: M, for Mature): The earlier versions teetered toward utter disaster, and the folks at Techmo went back to the drawing board for the Wii U edition. But eliminating the earlier problems (too easy to kill, not enough ways to do so) are replaced with all-new problems (too difficult to enjoy, GamePad offers little enhancement) that equate to a still-unsatisfying ninja adventure.

“Madden 13” (Genre: Sports; Publisher: EA Sports; ESRB Rating: E, for Everyone): The ability to draw routes for wide receivers on the GamePad rocks, as does taking the play-calling functionality off the TV and into your hands. But beyond that, this game feels like the 2010 edition of “Madden.” Most of the new features from the other consoles didn’t make it to this version, making it feel old.

Saturday December 1st ★ Parade & Festivities begin at 3pm ★ Free Pony Rides ★ Free Train Rides ★ Free Children’s Activities & Crafts by the S-W Boys & Girls Club ★ Tree Lighting kicks off the Parade at 5pm 360-855-1841 • www.sedro-woolley.com

1-800-631-3313

Presented by

E10 Thursday, November 29, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area November 29-December 6

TUNING UP Playing at area venues November 29-December 6

COMEDY

THURSDAYSUNDAY.29-2 THURSDAY.6

THEATER

“IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS” Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20.

360-293-6829. Check individual listings for times.

Thursday.29 Comedy Night with Travis Simmons: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $10. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: Dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person.

800-228-6274 or warmbeachlights.com.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. “Pay-what-you-can” performance, with tickets on sale today at the box office. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Friday.30 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday, November 29, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THURSDAY.29

SATURDAY.1

Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon.

360-336-2884.

FRIDAYSATURDAY.30-1

RANDY OXFORD BAND 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

DON MCLEAN Skagit Valley Casino Resort, SOLD OUT

Eagle Teeth, The West: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-7781067.

FRIDAY.30

Saturday.1

Sunday.2

Tuesday.4

BURLESQUE

MUSIC

MUSIC

The Met Live in HD presents “Clemenza Di Tito”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955.

THEATER

Wednesday.5

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www. riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

Jezebel Cabaret: featuring Miss Betty Desire, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Ages 21 and older. $17. 360-336-8955 or www.lincoln theatre.org.

THEATER

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“Just One Angel,” holiday concert by singer-songwriter Christine Lavin and folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai: 3 p.m., The Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Reserved seating: $24-$27. 360336-8955.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H. St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Monday.3 No events submitted

Skagit Valley College Music Department holiday concert: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10. 360-416-7727, 866624-6897 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

No events submitted

Thursday.6 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

Wired (blues): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroil er.com.

Alan Hatley Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Steve Meyer and Ben Starner (piano): 7:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Vaughn Jensen: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover. 360-5881720.

Fat Lips Slim Shorty and Momma Gumbo: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5-$10 suggested donation.

360-445-3000.

The Staxx Brothers, My Dad Bruce, Cutlass Supreme: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Scratch Daddy: 9 p.m., The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill, 701 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-588-4508.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Michael Gonzalez (acoustic jazz/ funk/americana): 7 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or washingtonsips. com.

The Atlantics: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover.

360-766-6266.

Expertease (rock): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-2752448 or www.the skagit.com.

Kim Field and the Mighty Titans of Tone: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

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

360-755-3956.

Dick Dale, Black Beast Revival: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $20.

360-778-1067.

Essex Junction (country): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

Duffy Owens & Friends (jam session): 7 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991037 or washingtonsips.com.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SATURDAY.1 Dana Lyons: The Great Coal Train Tour Concert: 7 p.m., Blanchard Community Hall, 3066 Legg Road, Blanchard. $10, includes dinner at 5 p.m. 360-7089086.

SUNDAY.2 Bluegrass and Country Jam: 1 to 5 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. Free. 360856-1058 or 360-855-1564.

WEDNESDAY.5 Jenny & The TomCats: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360-766-6266.

Pictures of You, Sunshine: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

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

Savage Jazz: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.6 Swil Kanim (Native American storyteller, violinist): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

E10 Thursday, November 29, 2012

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area November 29-December 6

TUNING UP Playing at area venues November 29-December 6

COMEDY

THURSDAYSUNDAY.29-2 THURSDAY.6

THEATER

“IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS” Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20.

360-293-6829. Check individual listings for times.

Thursday.29 Comedy Night with Travis Simmons: 7 p.m., Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete. $10. 360-941-0403 or www.concrete-theatre.com.

“Back Home on the Tumblin’ D”: Dinner theatre at The Lights of Christmas Baylight Theatre, 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Starting at $39 per person.

800-228-6274 or warmbeachlights.com.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. “Pay-what-you-can” performance, with tickets on sale today at the box office. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Friday.30 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: an “I Love Lucy” murder mystery parody, 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www.river belledinnertheatre.com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Thursday, November 29, 2012 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THURSDAY.29

SATURDAY.1

Skagit Valley College Jazz Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Skagit River Brewery, 404 S. Third St., Mount Vernon.

360-336-2884.

FRIDAYSATURDAY.30-1

RANDY OXFORD BAND 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

DON MCLEAN Skagit Valley Casino Resort, SOLD OUT

Eagle Teeth, The West: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-7781067.

FRIDAY.30

Saturday.1

Sunday.2

Tuesday.4

BURLESQUE

MUSIC

MUSIC

The Met Live in HD presents “Clemenza Di Tito”: 9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students. $2 off for Lincoln members. 360-336-8955.

THEATER

Wednesday.5

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Murder at Club Babalu”: 7:30 p.m., RiverBelle Theatre, Old Town Grainery, 100 E. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. $40 dinner and show; $30 dessert buffet and show, $20 show only. Reservations required: 360-336-3012 or www. riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 2 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

Jezebel Cabaret: featuring Miss Betty Desire, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Ages 21 and older. $17. 360-336-8955 or www.lincoln theatre.org.

THEATER

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 8 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

“Just One Angel,” holiday concert by singer-songwriter Christine Lavin and folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai: 3 p.m., The Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Reserved seating: $24-$27. 360336-8955.

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H. St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-733-1811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

“A Christmas Carol”: 2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10-$25. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Monday.3 No events submitted

Skagit Valley College Music Department holiday concert: 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $10. 360-416-7727, 866624-6897 or www.mcintyrehall.org.

No events submitted

Thursday.6 THEATER

“The Pajama Game”: musical comedy, 7:30 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St., Bellingham. $8-$12. 360-7331811 or www.bellinghamtheatreguild. com.

“FrUiTCaKeS”: 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. $16. 360-679-2237 or www. whidbeyplayhouse.com.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 10th and M St., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829.

Wired (blues): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood.

360-629-4800 or www.cyndysbroil er.com.

Alan Hatley Band: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover.

360-755-0165.

Steve Meyer and Ben Starner (piano): 7:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. No cover.

360-766-6266.

Vaughn Jensen: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

No cover. 360-5881720.

Fat Lips Slim Shorty and Momma Gumbo: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $5-$10 suggested donation.

360-445-3000.

The Staxx Brothers, My Dad Bruce, Cutlass Supreme: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5.

360-778-1067.

Scratch Daddy: 9 p.m., The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill, 701 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley.

360-588-4508.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Michael Gonzalez (acoustic jazz/ funk/americana): 7 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner.

360-399-1037 or washingtonsips. com.

The Atlantics: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover.

360-766-6266.

Expertease (rock): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-2752448 or www.the skagit.com.

Kim Field and the Mighty Titans of Tone: 9 p.m. to midnight, Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-5881720.

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

360-755-3956.

Dick Dale, Black Beast Revival: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $20.

360-778-1067.

Essex Junction (country): 9 p.m. to midnight, Cyndy’s Broiler, 27021 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

No cover. 360-6294800 or www.cyn dysbroiler.com.

Duffy Owens & Friends (jam session): 7 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. 360-3991037 or washingtonsips.com.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

SATURDAY.1 Dana Lyons: The Great Coal Train Tour Concert: 7 p.m., Blanchard Community Hall, 3066 Legg Road, Blanchard. $10, includes dinner at 5 p.m. 360-7089086.

SUNDAY.2 Bluegrass and Country Jam: 1 to 5 p.m., Cascade Middle School, 201 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. Free. 360856-1058 or 360-855-1564.

WEDNESDAY.5 Jenny & The TomCats: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison.

No cover. 360-766-6266.

Pictures of You, Sunshine: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

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

Savage Jazz: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

360-588-1720.

THURSDAY.6 Swil Kanim (Native American storyteller, violinist): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E12 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

TRAVEL

Casablanca: Looking for the spirit of Rick’s Cafe

By PAUL SCHEMM Associated Press

CASABLANCA, Morocco — Seven decades after the premiere of the film classic “Casablanca,” the Moroccan port city remains firmly associated in many people’s minds with the movie, even though Rick’s Cafe Americain, where much of the story took place, was a pure creation of Hollywood.

“Casablanca,” a story of love and intrigue during World War II, premiered Nov. 26, 1942. Today, the city is a vibrant, noisy metropolis of 4 million people and Morocco’s commercial capital, nothing like the wartime colonial outpost depicted in the iconic movie, which starred Humphrey Bogart as Rick.

But a trip through the city’s swanky lounges and dive bars can still evoke the spirit of the cafe from the movie. There’s even a reallife Rick’s Cafe here, founded by an American expat.

In the film, Rick’s Cafe Americain, an expansive space spanned by low arches, had it all: a casino, singers, full brass band and round tables where guests hunched conspiratorially, drinking and talking about resisting the Nazis or getting exit visas to flee to America.

Outside the cafe’s paneled doors, the movie depicted Hollywood’s “Middle East” with generic dusty streets and markets. Characters talked about “rotting” away in Casablanca, described as being in the middle of a desert. In fact, Casablanca in 1942 was a jewel of the French colonial empire, famous for luscious art-deco and neo-classic architecture.

Photos by Abdejalil Bounhar / AP

Rick’s Cafe pianist Issam performs for customers Nov. 24 at the Casablanca, Morocco, cafe. Rick’s Cafe, opened by American Kathy Kriger in 2004, is a marvelous evocation of Rick’s Cafe in “Casablanca”, the famed movie directed by Michael Curtiz, released in 1942, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

“During the 1940s, Casablanca was a laboratory for European architects,” said Adel Saadani, who works to raise awareness of the city’s neglected heritage.

“There was space and there was money and there was a carte blanche for architects to experiment with designs they couldn’t do in Europe.”

Those buildings still stand, though some are a bit worse for the wear. Casablanca’s downtown still looks like a European city in the 1950s with an “oriental” twist.

The downtown is centered around the arched colonnades of Mohammed V street, lined by stately art deco wonders. Cars are banned from the street in preparation for a tramway opening mid-December .

For decades after the war, said Saadani, Casablanca was filled with jazz clubs and cabarets that hosted the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Josephine Baker. The movie’s pianist, Sam, would have fit right in.

A Rick’s Cafe server looks at the poster announcing the 70th anniversary tribute to the 1942 movie “Casablanca.”

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E13

TRAVEL But the last jazz club closed in 1984 amid conservatism and a turn away from Western music. Downtown bars and once-tony spots fell into disfavor. At the same time, rural migrants flooded in looking for jobs. Cheap, ugly, unregulated high rises sprung up as the city mushroomed. The upper classes moved to new developments on the edges of town and along the Atlantic beaches.

Tourists passing through the city looking for Rick’s in those years were often disappointed by trafficchoked streets and the glass and concrete tower blocs of a modern city. But in recent years, more nightspots have opened, including, in 2004, Rick’s Cafe.

“I was amazed in my four years here that no one ever thought of establishing a Rick’s Cafe,” recalled its owner, Kathy Kriger. Her previous career as a diplomat in Casablanca’s U.S. consulate gave her the connections she needed to open the restaurant amid Morocco’s red tape and bureaucracy. Every time her project stalled, she called in favors from the capital, Rabat, pulling strings just like Bogart did in the movie.

“I used him as a mentor when I was doing this project,” admitted Kriger.

“I often wondered, What would Rick do?”

Her elegant restaurant, in a 1930s townhouse on the edge of Casablanca’s medina, is awash in nostalgia for the classic film. Kriger can be found most nights perched on the end of the long bar, while a piano player — named Issam, not Sam — plays the movie’s theme song, “As Time Goes By,” repeatedly through the night to a packed house.

And while the only item on Bogart’s menu seemed to be caviar, Kriger offers a full menu of Moroccan and continental cuisine. “I take the movie as a basis but make it

Local travel SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). For information or to register, call 360336-6215. Next up: Country Village and Garden D’Lights: 12:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, departing from Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Visit the historic Country Village Shops in Bothell, home to more than 40 boutiques, specialty stores and cafes. After exploring the holiday-decorated shops and enjoying a no-host late lunch/ early dinner, head over to the Garden D’Lights, comprised of more than half a million tiny lights, which transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. $53-$55. Register by Dec. 5.

Photos by Abdejalil Bounhar / AP

LEFT: Rick’s Cafe owner, American Kathy Kriger, poses in the lounge bar.

RIGHT: Mohammed V boulevard, lined with buildings from the 1920s and 1940s, has been made a pedestrian street in Casablanca. more luxurious and better,” she said.

The real-life Rick’s is a hit, filled with well-heeled locals and visitors from everywhere, from Atlanta, Ga., to Japan. Outside a tour bus is usually parked next to the BMWs and Audis of the dinner crowd.

Yet contemporary nightlife in Casablanca offers more than nostalgia. The conspiratorial feel of Rick’s Cafe is also evoked in La Cigale (the Cicada), a downtown haunt of intellectuals and journalists. The bar at first glance has the intimidating look of many Casablanca dives, with too many mustaches and cigarettes.

But in back, the place widens out to an arched room filled with all ages. A stone-faced waitress known as Nora deftly moves her matronly form through the crowd, popping open beer bottles one-handed as she deposits them on tables, saving the occasional half-smile or smirk for young regulars.

Music from a coinoperated jukebox can get the crowd dancing beneath a few colored lights and a half-disco ball, while aspiring musicians take the stage for open mic nights.

The walls bear photos of regulars, called “Children

of the Cigale,” as well as paintings of traditional scenes and the odd portrait of the royal family. Chatter ranges from the latest palace outrage against democracy to last night’s romantic exploits.

Also downtown is the Cintra, a cramped bar known for cheap beer and live Arabic music, open until the wee hours. Upstairs in the mezzanine, aficionados of the Arabic lute, or oud, gather to hear thoughtful performances, while downstairs it’s noisy, raucous and good natured.

For the most part, however, Casablanca’s nightlife has moved away from downtown. The remaining cabarets are often venues for earsplitting Egyptian-style belly-dance music and prostitutes who tend to be more aggressive than the lazily swaying dancers in the Blue Parrot, Rick’s main nightlife competition in the movie.

Casablanca’s elite prefer the high-end bars and swanky nightclubs along the coast in the corniche area. A standout is the Cabestan, a multilevel restaurant, lounge and nightclub on the beach with stunning views of the Atlantic’s crashing waves.

In the movie, Rick’s Cafe is located by the airport, its

facade swept by the control tower’s spotlight. At Cabestan, Casablanca’s lighthouse spotlights a terrace overlooking the ocean as patrons drink cocktails with names like the Pornstar, a voluptuous combination of vodka, passion fruit juice, rose petals and champagne.

The music is lounge groove, cocktails are pricey (upwards of $14), but it’s worth it for the glamorous crowd and picture windows on the sea.

Getting into the fictional Rick’s wasn’t always easy. A curt shake of the head from Bogart was enough to tell the doorman when someone was persona non grata. Similarly, in modern Casablanca, where fancy neighborhoods often lie next to bidonvilles or slums, heavyset men in black suits stationed at restaurant doors also give would-be patrons the once-

over.

The door scene is refreshingly absent at B-Rock, a club in the heart of the corniche strip that caters to Casablanca’s alternative crowd. It offers a quiet bar area with pool tables as well as a lively downstairs where bands play. One night, a male-female team belted out North African songs and Western pop hits to a casually dressed young crowd. A French-language song from a Berber songwriter segued into Lady Gaga, followed by a fist-pumping classic from Metallica.

Many of the clientele are artists and musicians themselves. More than a few are involved in the Feb. 20 pro-democracy movement, Morocco’s version of the Arab Spring, which organized demonstrations calling for political reform across the country last year.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For information or to register: 360-7334030, press #, ext.

47015, or wccoa.org/ index.php/Tours.

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: The Anacortes Public Library accepts U.S. passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at http:// travel.state.gov or pick up an application and passport guide at the library.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E14 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

BONUS

HOT TICKETS THE IRISH ROVERS: Nov. 29, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-2759595 or www.ec4arts.org.

DEATH GRIPS: Nov. 29, The Crocodile, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticket master.com.

BLUE SCHOLARS: Nov. 30, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

“BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE”: Seattle Men’s Chorus, Nov. 30-Dec. 22, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 206-388-1400 or www.seattlemenschorus.org.

ADAM CAROLLA, DENNIS PRAGER: Dec. 1, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

THE KILLERS, M83, METRIC: “Deck the Hall Ball 2012”: Dec. 4, Key Arena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticket master.com.

JOHN CALE: Dec. 6, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

THE CAVE SINGERS: Dec. 7, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

THE TRAGICALLY HIP: Dec. 7, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

“THE NUTCRACKER”: Northwest Ballet Theater: Dec. 14-16, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or www. mountbakertheatre.com.

THE CLASSIC CRIME: Dec. 15, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

LAMB OF GOD: Dec. 16, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxon line.com.

JINGLE BALL: featuring Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Ed Sheeran, 3OH!3, Owl City, Alex Clare, Cher Lloyd: Dec. 16, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. ticketmaster.com.

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS: Dec. 17, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showboxonline.com.

MOSCOW BOYS CHOIR: Dec. 18, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

2 CHAINZ: Dec. 21, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

ZEDS DEAD: Dec. 26, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

PICKWICK: Dec. 31, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

RESOLUTION 2013: featuring DOCTOR P, MORD FUSTANG, RUSKO, W&W: Dec. 31, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

LADY GAGA: Jan. 14, 2013, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or www. livenation.com.

CIRQUE ZIVA: Jan. 17, Edmonds Cen-

ter for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

DOWN: Jan. 22, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

PINBACK: Jan. 23, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.show boxonline.com.

“AMALUNA”: Cirque du Soleil: Jan. 31-Feb. 24, 2013, Marymoor Park, Redmond. 800-450-1480 or www.cirque dusoleil.com.

THE SONICS, MUDHONEY: Feb. 2, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-7453000 or www.showboxonline.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: Feb. 4, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT: Feb. 6, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts. org.

SOUNDGARDEN: Feb. 7-8, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

SUPER DIAMOND (Tribute to Neil Diamond): Feb. 9, Showbox at the Market, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.showbox online.com.

PILOBOLUS: Feb. 16, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Feb. 17, Comcast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.comcastarenaeverett.com.

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER: Feb. 22, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, BETWEEN THE BURED AND ME: Feb. 19, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www. showboxonline.com.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: March 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org.

MAROON 5, WITH NEON TREES & OWL CITY: March 11, KeyArena, Seattle.

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

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO: March 13, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts. org.

BRIAN REGAN: March 13, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.livenation.com.

SARAH BRIGHTMAN: March 22, 2013, Comcast Area at Everett. 866-332-8499 or www.livenation.com.

RIHANNA DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR: April 3, 2013, KeyArena, Seattle. 800745-3000 or www.livenation.com.

NANCI GRIFFITH: April 5, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds. 425-2759595 or www.ec4arts.org.

ONE DIRECTION: July 28, 2013, Key Arena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or www.live nation.com.

BUY-IN

SATURDAYS GET

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Present your Rewards Club Card at either cashier cage for $10 in FREE gaming when you buy-in for $20*.

RIB, STEAK & Saturday PRIME DUNGENESS CRAB Night 5 to 10 pm

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with your 50 $ Only 16 Rewards Club Card!

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$19.41 without Rewards Card. Tax and gratuity not included.

SVH-0688

On I-5 at Exit 236

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

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

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

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

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E15

CONWAY PUB & EATERY

LUTEFISK & SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET December 2nd & 9th • 12-6:00pm Accordion Entertainment 2:00pm-5:30pm

FEATURING: Lutefisk, Swedish Meatballs, Ham, Fish Balls, Fish Cakes, Poached Salmon, Komla, Pickled Herring, Smoked Salmon, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Rice Pudding, Salads, Lefsa, Breads, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Crisps, Whiskey Bread Pudding, Scandinavian Cookies & More!

Adults $31.95 • Seniors $28.95 • Kids $10.95 OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 8am-7pm

CHRISTMAS BUFFET: Adults $21.99 • Seniors $18.99 • Kids $9.99

PLEASE CALL EARLY FOR RESERVATIONS

Our Gift Certificates make perfect stocking stuffers!

360.466.4411 • La Conner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

BURGERS • STEAK SEAFOOD • SALADS I-5 Exit 221 360-445-4733

SCANDINAVIAN SMORGASBOARD

DEC. 2 & 9 • RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY HERE!

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY PRIME RIB & PASTA

Open 9 AM daily Breakfast Daily Pulltabs Galore

THURS NIGHTS:

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

VISIT OUR 2ND LOCATION IN STANWOOD! CONWAY BOXCAR

KARAOKE Fri/Sat HAVE YOUR PARTIES HERE!!

FRI 11/30 & SAT 12/1 Jammin' Jeff

422-6411

18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails 24 Handles • Live Music

SAT 12/1 - Ran dy Oxf ord 314 Commercial • 360-755-3956

VOTED BEST OF ANACORTES 12 YEARS RUNNING Friday 11/30

SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET

Open Christmas Eve & Day!

$28.95 Seniors $31.95 Adults $10.95 Children 12 & Under 12pm-6pm Reservations: 466-4411

open for DINNER 3-8pm:

Family Style Thursday • Seafood Friday • Prime Rib Saturday

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

happy hour 3-6pm:

$3.50 wells • $5 house wine • $1.75 draft bud pounders (One per table, not combined with any other offers)

ROCKFISH GRILL Local Food, Local Beer, Made Here 320 Commercial Ave 360.588.1720

www.anacortesrockfish.com

360.466.4411

Like us on Facebook & check our daily drink & food specials!

15426 Airport Dr. Burlington - 360.707.0348

LaConner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

Follow the Fish

1/2”

A Perfect Dining Experience.

Great Food! Great Fun! Bellingham

FULL BAR TAKE OUT GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

COSTCO

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Exit 229

I-5

ARCO S. Burlington Blvd.

DAILY DEALS

Kim Field and the Mighty Titans of Tone

8am-7pm ORDER PRIME RIBS, TURKEYS, OR HAMS TO GO

BRING IN THIS AD FOR $5 OFF DINNER MENU W/ DRINK

skagit

Saturday 12/1

December 2nd & 9th

Book your reservations now!

Great local deals for amazing low prices!

Vaughn Jensen Band

E George Hopper Rd Lighting Universe

Hampton Inn

(360) 588.4281

www.sakuraburlington.com

Mount Vernon 360.424.5514

360.755.9010

La Conner

360.466.0267

Japanese Steakhouse

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

1830 South Burlington Blvd.

360.714.1065

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E16 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

MOVIES

The Weinstein Company via AP

James Gandolfini stars in “Killing Them Softly.”

James Gandolfini stars in “Killing Them Softly.”

The Weinstein Company via AP

Plot, writing don’t measure up to movie’s cast

‘K

illing Them Softly” begins with a George V. Higgins novel set in Boston in 1974 and moves its story to postKatrina New Orleans in 2008, in order to allow televised speeches by Barack Obama, John McCain and Roger George W. Bush to run frequently in the background. Ebert The facile point, I think, is that organized crime in America is troubled like the rest of the economy with a business slowdown and growing recession.

The plot centers on a deadly catch-22. A genial guy named Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta) operates high-stakes poker games for the mob. One night the game is hit by two hooded stickup men, who make off with a big pile of mob money. This in itself is suspicious because it looks like an inside job: What outsider, even knowing about the secret game, would be crazy enough to steal from the mob?

Talk about crazy. Some time later, Markie, feeling in a good mood, tells the players he arranged the job himself, robbing his own game. He finds this so funny that tears

run down his cheeks. The job was pulled off by insignificant goombahs Johnny Amato (Vincent Curatola) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn), and since it happens near the beginning of the film, we know instinctively that Russell and Johnny aren’t going to be around at the end.

A high-level mob boss named Mickey (James Gandolfini) arrives in town, hauling his in-flight luggage through the airport like a traveling businessman. He orders the executions of Russell and Johnny by a silky hit man named Jackie (Brad Pitt), who likes to kill softly, as explained by one of the many aging classic songs on the soundtrack.

These are the first two of many, many mobon-mob killings in the film.

“Killing Them Softly” continues as a dismal, dreary series of cruel and painful murders, mostly by men who know one another, in a barren city where it’s usually night, often rainy, and is never identifiable as New Orleans — not even by the restaurants. I recall only one female character in the film, a hooker employed by Mickey, who is the only mobster not exclusively obsessed with crime, money and pecking order. As the body count grows, we meet Driver (Richard Jenkins), a gravel-voiced chief executive

‘KILLING THEM SOFTLY’

HH Jackie................................... Brad Pitt Driver.......................... Richard Jenkins Mickey....................... James Gandolfini Markie Trattman....................Ray Liotta Frankie..........................Scoot McNairy Russell...................... Ben Mendelsohn Johnny Amato............. Vincent Curatola n Running time: 97 minutes. MPAA rating: R (for violence, sexual references, pervasive language and drug use).

who appears often behind the wheel of a car parked in the wastelands beneath bridges.

Here is where the catch-22 comes in: Now that Markie has claimed credit for knocking off his own game, another one of his games is stuck up. Does it now seem inevitable that he, too, becomes a marked man? Not to me.

Who with any common sense would think he was that dumb? There’s some of the Higgins brand of humor in a conversation about how badly he should be beaten up.

It seems as if I’ve been seeing versions of this story since forever. A cast is assembled from various flavors of tough guys, they’re placed in a dreary and joyless cityscape,

they hold a series of fraught conversations, there is a great deal of suffering and blood, and most of them are required to die by the end. Ideally, the plot also involves romance, humor and suspense, and tense scenes involving exact timing. Not here. All “Killing Them Softly” takes from the limitless universe of film noir is the night and the city.

Here’s a good question: How does this mob support itself? The movie contains not a single crime involving civilians. No heists, hijackings or frauds, and drug deals only among themselves. Like a trapped animal struggling to free itself, they seem reduced to gnawing off their own legs. The charisma of such as Gandolfini, Pitt, Liotta and Jenkins depends largely on their screen presences and our memories of them in better roles. This one, written and directed by Andrew Dominik, for example recalls Brad Pitt’s strong work in the director’s “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007).

One particular distraction is the comparison drawn between American politics and crime. Only a brief exchange between Jackie and Driver draws the parallel, and it’s so labored that one is more than enough.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E17

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services.

Ratings are one to four stars.

“Argo” — Ben Affleck directs and stars in the incredible true story of how, at the height of the Iranian hostage crisis, a CIA agent and a couple of Hollywood professionals dreamed up a cockamamie scheme to free six Americans who were not being held in the American Embassy but had found refuge with the Canadian Embassy.

Kept top secret for 18 years, the operation created a fake sci-fi production named “Argo,” convinced the Iranians it was real and used it to spirit the Americans out of the country. Drama, R, 120 minutes.

HHHH “Flight” — After opening with one of the most terrifying flying scenes I’ve witnessed, in which an airplane is saved by being flown upside-down, Robert Zemeckis’ “Flight” segues into a brave and tortured performance by Denzel Washington -one of his very best. Not often does a movie character make such a harrowing personal journey that keeps us in deep sympathy all of the way. Washington plays a veteran commercial pilot who has built up a tolerance for quantities of alcohol and cocaine that would be lethal for most people. Drama, R, 138 minutes. HHHH

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE AT AREA THEATERS

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Nov. 30-Dec. 6 Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-SaturANACORTES CINEMAS day: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30, 8:50; Sunday-ThursNov. 30-Dec. 6 The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet: Monday: day: 1:00, 3:30, 6:30 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 7:30 2 (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:15, 4:00, The Metropolitan Opera: La Clemenza di 6:50, 9:20; Sunday-Thursday: 1:15, 4:00, Tito: Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

6:50 Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-Satur Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 12:45, day: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40, 8:50; Sunday-Thurs3:45, 6:40, 9:35; Sunday-Thursday: 12:45, day: 1:10, 3:35, 6:40 3:45, 6:40 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 360-279-2226 2 (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:50, 9:20; Sunday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:50; MonSTANWOOD CINEMAS day: 1:20, 3:55; Tuesday-Thursday: 1:20, Nov. 30-Dec. 6 3:55, 6:50 The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet: Monday: Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 7:30 3:45, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, The Metropolitan Opera: La Clemenza di 3:45, 6:30 Tito: Saturday: 9:55 a.m.

360-293-7000 Life of Pi (PG): Friday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:55, 6:45, 9:15 CONCRETE THEATRE Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday-ThursNov. 29-Dec. 2 day: 12:50, 3:25, 6:50, 8:50 Singin’ in the Rain: Thursday: 1 p.m.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part Rise of the Guardians (PG): Friday: 7:30 2 (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:45, p.m.; Saturday: 5 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.

6:40, 9:10 The Intouchables: Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Skyfall (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 12:40, Sunday: 6:30 p.m.

3:35, 6:30, 9:20 360-941-0403 Wreck-It Ralph (PG): Friday-Sunday: 1:00, 3:15, 6:20, 8:40; Monday: 1:00, 3:15; CASCADE MALL THEATRES Tuesday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:15, 6:20, 8:40 Burlington 360-629-0514 For listings, call 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386).

Only dry, weary dialogue, suffering and blood? Afraid so.

Starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins. Crime drama, R, 97 “Hitchcock” — The second minutes. HH feature in a few months, after “Life of Pi”: A miraculous the made-for-HBO “The Girl,” achievement of storytelling and based on the life of the great a landmark of visual mastery. director. The screenplay cen- Inspired by a worldwide bestseller that seemed unfilmable, ters to a distracting degree it is a triumph over its difficulon his lifelong marriage to ties. It is also a moving spirituthe screenwriter and editor al achievement, a movie whose Alma Reville (Helen Mirren).

As “Hitchcock” tells it, Reville title could have been shortened to “Life.” The story involves the acted as his chief adviser, 227 days that its teenage hero censor, muse and friend, (Suraj Sharma) spends drifting and steered him through across the Pacific in the same the uncertain waters leadlifeboat as a Bengal tiger. The ing up to “Psycho.” Anthony movie quietly combines various Hopkins wouldn’t seem to be religious traditions to enfold the first choice as Hitchcock, its story in the wonder of life. but I quickly accepted him.

How remarkable that these The makeup job they did on two mammals, and the fish Hopkins was transformative. beneath them and birds above Biographical drama, R, 98 them, are all here. One of the year’s best. Fantasy, PG, 125 minutes. HHH minutes. HHHH “Killing Them Softly” — Set in a dreary and barren post “Lincoln” — Steven SpielKatrina New Orleans, a cruel berg’s new film focuses on only drama about organized crime a few months of Lincoln’s life, with a cast much better than it including the passage of the deserves. After an ill-advised 13th Amendment ending slavstickup of a high-stakes mobery, the surrender of the Conorganized poker game, a series federacy and his assassinaof mob executions threatens tion. Rarely has a film attended to pretty much wipe out the more carefully to the details local syndicate. OK. But no of politics. Daniel Day-Lewis suspense, romance or humor? creates a Lincoln who is calmly

self-confident, patient and willing to play politics in a realistic way. Not about an icon of history, but about a president who was scorned by some of his opponents as a hayseed from the backwoods. He understood them better than they did him.

Sure to win many Academy Award nominations. Drama, PG-13, 149 minutes. HHHH “Red Dawn”: Opens with a hard-fought high school football game before the next day in Spokane, is interrupted by the thud of bombs. The young gridiron stars of the Wolverines race outside to see enemy aircraft flying overhead in formation, dropping paratroopers from the skies. An alarming sight, but the movie reassures us that an invasion by communist North Korea can be vanquished by the members of the team and their girlfriends, using mostly automatic weapons stolen from the North Koreans themselves. Light on dialogue, heavy on mindless action.

Action, PG-13, 93 minutes H1⁄2 “Skyfall” — “Skyfall” triumphantly reinvents 007 in one of the best Bonds ever made. This is a full-blooded, joyous, intelligent celebration of a beloved cultural icon, with Daniel Craig taking full possession of a role he earlier played unconvincingly.

The film at last provides a role

worthy of Judi Dench, returning as M, who is one of the best actors of her generation. She is all but the co-star, with a lot of screen time, poignant dialogue, and a character who is far more complex and sympathetic than we expect. In this 50th year of the James Bond series, with the dismal “Quantum of Solace” (2008) still in our minds, I don’t know what I expected in Bond No. 23, but certainly not an experience this invigorating.

If you haven’t seen a 007 for years, this is the time to jump back in. Action, PG-13, 143 minutes. HHHH

“Wreck-It Ralph” — The new Disney animated feature for families takes place inside several arcade-style video games, providing an excuse for the backgrounds, ground rules and characters to constantly reinvent themselves. Its hero is one of those clumsy, misunderstood big guys who dream only of being loved. Ralph (voice by John C. Reilly) spends every day knocking down an apartment building, which is constantly repaired by Fix-It Felix Jr. (Jack McBrayer). Lively, endlessly colorful nonstop action, also with Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman. Animated comedy, PG, 101 minutes.

HHH

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

The Met: Live in HD: ‘La Clemenza Di Tito’ 9:55 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1

The virtuosic Elena Garanza sings Sesto in Mozart’s drama set in ancient Rome. Giuseppe Filianoti is the noble Tito and Barbara Frittoli is Vitellia, in this handsome revival of one of the composer’s final masterpieces. Harry Bicket conducts. In Italian with English subtitles. Every Saturday live transmission features a pre-opera lecture with Stassya Pacheco 30 minutes before the start time. $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 students and children with $2 off for Lincoln members.

‘Jezebel Cabaret’

8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 For the last four years the Jezebel Cabaret has pleased audiences from Bellingham to Seattle with its variety of burlesque. $17, ages 21 and up.

Christine Lavin & Uncle Bonsai 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2

Singer-songwriter-entertainer Christine Lavin (pictured) and folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai celebrate all of winter’s holidays with a grain of salt and a lot of laughter in the holiday concert, “Just One Angel.”

Folded throughout “Just One Angel” are songs from Lavin’s and Uncle Bonsai’s respective repertories – Lavin’s “Good Thing He/She Can’t Read My Mind,” “If You’re Drunk You Cannot Buy A Puppy,” “What Was I Thinking?” and Uncle Bonsai’s perennial hits “The Baby’s Head,” “Men & Women,” and “The Monster in the Closet.” These and other concert standards are a perfect lock with holiday songs such as “When You’re Single at Christmastime,” “Doug’s Greatest Christmas Ever,” “Is it Hanukkah Or Chanukkah?” and “The Christians and the Pagans.” $27, $25 and $24, with $2 off for Lincoln members.

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E18 - Thursday, November 29, 2012

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT ART SCULPTURE & PAINTINGS: A show of sculptures

by Jerry Wingren and paintings by Victoria Johnson continues through Dec. 2 at Lisa Harris Gallery, 1922 Pike Place, Seattle.

Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 206443-3315 or www.lisaharris gallery.com.

MIRA KAMADA: OILS: A show of Kamada’s vibrant abstract oil paintings with a botanical flair continues through Dec. 4 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Also showing are big sky oils by Dederick Ward, watercolors by Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling inspired by their travels abroad, and botanical and nonrepresentational acrylics by Richard Nash. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

360-293-6938 or www.scott milo.com.

“FINDING BALANCE”: A show of new work by Joe Menth continues through Dec. 4 at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The exhibition features Menth’s latest photo transfers on wood panels with encaustic. For information, including gallery hours and directions, call 360-222-0102 or visit www.ravenrocksgallery. com.

MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS: A show of paintings by La Conner artist Peter Belknap continues through Nov. 30 at Anne Martin McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. After Thanksgiving weekend, the gallery will be open Monday through Saturday.

Gallery in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center on the SVC campus, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

The exhibit interprets environmental change through visual metaphors, depicting the phases of melting glaciers through abstracted forms. Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-4167812.

California Impressionism focused on capturing the special light and color of the state’s landscape and helped to define modern landscape painting. n “Impressions Improv”: Enjoy a night of improvisation by local poets, dancers and musicians performing their interpretation of the paintings on display during the Downtown Art Walk on Friday evening, Dec. 7.

HOLIDAY ART AND GIFT Museum hours are noon SHOW: The Skagit Art to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Association’s second annu- Sunday. $10, $8 student/ al Holiday Art and Gift senior/military, $4.50 ages 5 Show will take place from and younger, free for muse10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday um members. 360-778-8933 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, or www.whatcommuseum.

Nov. 29-30, at 177 Cascade org.

Mall Drive, Burlington.

Choose from a wide variety HOLIDAY ART WALK & of original artworks, includ- SOUNDS OF MUSIC: Enjoy ing paintings, photos, fused art and old-fashioned glass, jewelry, woodworkcaroling from 5 to 8 p.m. ing, fiber arts and more.

Friday, Nov. 30, in historic Enjoy artist demonstraEast Stanwood. Eighteen tions, live music, kids’ crafts businesses will open their and more. Free admission. doors with art displays, www.skagitart.org. goodies, lights and music.

Free. 360-629-3710.

“HONEY, I SHRUNK THE ART”: The 22nd annual VALLEY SCENES: Local show of small artworks artist Roger Small will continues through Jan. 27 showcase acrylic paintings at Matzke Fine Art Galof Skagit Valley scenes A show of new work by Joe Menth continues through Dec. 4 at Raven Rocks lery & Sculpture Park, 2345 from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The exhibition features Menth’s latest throughout November and photo transfers on wood panels with encaustic. For information, including gallery Blanche Way, Camano Island. The show features December at J’s Gallery, hours and directions, call 360-222-0102 or visit www.ravenrocksgallery.com.

Pictured” “Nightmare on Mutiny.” small-format paintings, 101 N. 1st St., La Conner. sculptures, glass and more Also featured: work by by 40 artists. Gallery hours artists Ed Kamuda, Jay Bowen, Tom Pickett and 360-293-3577 or www. on the places where man Twenty-four of the region’s are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or by Dan Soler. mccoolart.com. and landscape collide. finest artists have created appointment. 360-387-2759 Simpson’s creative experi- a variety of affordable QUILTED ART: Two “THIS TOWN”: The ments in urban and landgifts: handblown glass, silk or www.matzkefineart.com. new quilt shows continue Allied Arts Juried Artist scape photography utilize scarves, jewelry, sculpture, “CALIFORNIA IMPRESthrough Dec. 20 at the La Series, featuring work from traditional photography, ceramics, paintings and SIONISM, SELECTIONS Conner Quilt & Textile Anita Aparicio, David panoramic, long exposure prints and more.

Museum, 703 Second St., Ridgway and Donald Simp- and texture techniques.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. FROM THE IRVINE MUSEson, continues through Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 UM”: The exhibit continues La Conner.

“Material Men: Innovathrough Feb. 17, 2013, at Dec. 1 at the Allied Arts of to 5 p.m. Monday through a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, the Whatcom Museum, 250 tion & The Art Of QuiltWhatcom County Gallery, Friday and noon to 5 p.m. closed Tuesdays. 360-222making”: The exhibit Flora St., Bellingham. The 1418 Cornwall Ave., BellSaturday. 360-676-8548 or 3070 or www.robschouten showcases the work of 16 show features 50 paintings ingham. Aparicio combines www.alliedarts.org. gallery.com. from the Impressionist Peri- male quilters and the many Victorian-era photographs od (1890-1930) showcasing innovations in design, of people with her own “HOME FOR THE HOLI“GLACIAL SPEED”: A renditions of local archiDAYS”: The show continshow of recent artwork by an array of California land- technique and materials tecture to create what she ues through Jan. 1 at Rob scapes, from coastal beaches these men have brought to Cynthia Camlin continthe traditionally “women’s calls “Bellingham Gothic.” Schouten Gallery, 765 to vast deserts. Also called ues through Jan. 13 at the Ridgway’s paintings focus Wonn Road, Greenbank.

California plein air painting, work” of quilting.

Skagit Valley College Art

‘FINDING BALANCE’

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012 - E19

OUT & ABOUT “Best of the Festival”: Check out the quilts that were juried and judged to be the best at the 2012 Quilt Festival. In addition to the Best of Show, the exhibit also includes the top entries in the traditional and nontraditional pieced quilts, wearable arts, eco-green and embellished categories.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Regular admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or www.laconnerquilts.com.

MoNA EXHIBITIONS: New exhibits continue through Jan. 1, 2013, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

“Circular: From The Permanent Collection”: Artworks selected from the museum’s collection explore the meaning and influence of the circular form. The show features works by Maria Frank Abrams, Guy Anderson, Marc Boutté, Kenneth Callahan, Doris Chase, Clayton James, Leo Kenney, John-Franklin Koenig, Louise Kikuchi, James Minson, Viola Patterson and Mark Tobey.

“Pilchuck: Ideas”: Celebrating 50 years of studio glass, the show features work from the Pilchuck permanent collection rarely seen off the famous glass school’s campus. These pieces from the early days of the revolution in studio glass were created by some of the most important artists working in the medium, including Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Joey Kirkpatrick, Flora Mace, Ben Moore, Lino Tagliapietra, Italo Scanga and more.

The works on display are especially significant because they show these artists in the process of

teaching, experimenting and in some cases searching for iconic forms and expressions for which they have become famous.

Groupings of early glass are shown next to mature examples of the artists’ work from private collections.

Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. $8, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger.

360-466-4446 or www. museumofnwart.org.

“WILD EAST MEETS WILD WEST: A show of photographs from Nakhodka, Russia, by news photographer Georgy Pakin continues through Jan. 6, 2013, at the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St., Bellingham. Pakin’s photos vividly portray daily life in and around Nakhodka during Soviet and post-Soviet times, including the presence of Americans in Nakhodka, its large fishing operations and other activities.

Museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. $10; $8 students, military, seniors ages 62 and older, $4.50 ages 5 and younger. 360-778-8930 or www.whatcommuseum.org.

AT THE ANACORTES MUSEUM: “Young Man in a Hurry: The Life of Isaac Stevens and the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War” is on display at the Anacortes Museum’s Carnegie Gallery, 1305 Eighth St., Anacortes. As the Washington Territory’s first governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Stevens pushed through treaties with Indian tribes that set off the region’s Indian Wars and still create controversy today. Designed for the lobby of the office

of the Secretary of State, the exhibit covers Stevens’ actions as governor and their impacts, his subsequent appointment as territorial delegate to Congress, his service as a general in the Civil War and other Washington connections to that conflict. The exhibit also includes information on Stevens’ local impact and the city’s own Civil War veterans. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday (closed Wednesday) and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 360-293-1915 or museum.cityofanacortes. org.

HOLIDAY ARTWALK: The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7-8, in downtown Anacortes.

More than 20 merchants will display the works of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, music, treats and more. 360-2936938.

ties from around the world.

Performers include the Swinomish Canoe Family, Aztec Dancers, Bards of Keypoynt, Banghera Dancers and more. 360428-6116.

CHOCOLATE: INVIGORATE AND INDULGE: Enjoy a bit of preholiday pampering from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial ACRYLIC PAINTINGS: A Ave., Anacortes. On the show of new paintings by menu: Foot/leg treatments Jennifer Bowman will open with chocolate body butter, with a reception during the seated chair massage, Reiki First Friday Artwalk from treatment and Nia move6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. ment, and chocolate yum7, and continue through miness to eat and drink.

POTTERY EVENT: Mark Jan. 29 at Scott Milo Gal$20. 360-464-2229 or www. lery, 420 Commercial Ave., anacortescenterforhappi Eikeland’s annual Pottery Anacortes. Bowman will Show and Sale will take ness.org. place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. offer a painting demonstraSunday, Dec. 2, across from tion during the Artwalk FAMILY TREASURES: reception. Also showing 10024 270th St. NW, StanThe Noel family of Stanwood. Choose from a vari- are photographs by Randy wood will sell some of Dana, Dick Garvey and ety of locally handcrafted their family treasures from Lewis Jones; fused glass by 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, ceramics. 360-708-3209.

Robin Larson; oils and pas- Dec. 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY tels by Amanda Houston; Sunday, Dec. 2, at Ramona WALK: In conjunction with and pastels and acrylics by Lisa’s Fab Food & Galleria, Joel Brock. Gallery hours the Chamber of Com9808 Highway 532, Stanare 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. merce Holiday Art Walk, wood. Free coffee samples Monday through Saturday. and gluten-free treats both check out a variety of art 360-293-6938 or www.scott on display during a recepdays. 360-629-2362, ramon milo.com. tion from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, alisa.net.

Dec. 7, at several galleries LECTURES and other venues in downNORDIC FOOD: NorthAND TALKS town Anacortes. Featured west Language & Cultural artworks include paintings, DAVID SLABAUGH: “An Center presents Nordic prints, pastels, sculptures, Julefest, beginning at 2 Evening of Sweetness, fiber arts, glass, ceramics, Sacredness and Poetry with p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at wood, photography, jewelry David Slabaugh,” 7 p.m. the Northwest Language Friday, Nov. 30, at the Ana- Academy Cultural Center, and more. 360-293-6938. cortes Center for Happi5023 Langley Road, LangSMALL CANVAS: Anne ness, 619 Commercial Ave. ley. Veteran Swedish chef Pastries, Italian soda and Martin McCool Gallery Lena Svensson will teach will feature a Holiday Spe- poetry. Donations accepted. how to cook Nordic sweets 360-464-2229. cial Small Paintings Show, and pastries from 2 to 5 opening from 6 to 9 p.m. p.m. Singing, dancing and Friday, Dec. 7, and running MORE FUN feasting follow in the Festhrough the end of the tival of Light celebration MULTICULTURAL month, at 711 Commercial NIGHT: LaVenture Middle from 6 to 9 p.m. Cooking Ave., Anacortes. The event School will hold its seventh class $35, Festival of Light will feature small paintings annual Multicultural Night $75. Overnight accomon canvas and paper by modations available in the from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today, Anne Martin McCool, and Nov. 29, at 1200 N. LaVen- center guesthouse. Contact other gallery artists will be ture Road, Mount Vernon. 360-321-2101 or info@ featured as well. 360-293Enjoy an evening of food, nwlanguageacademy.com 3577. to make reservations. entertainment and activi-

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: The 20th anniversary tour will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, starting from the Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St. Participating homes will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, Christmas music and more.

Pick up a walking tour guidebook at the museum.

Bring a flashlight. $5.

Advance tickets are available at Oliver-Hammer and the museum. 360-855-0203.

NEW MOON FAMILY DRUM CIRCLE: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The Rev. Elke Macartney will lead the event to drum in new ideas and drum out the old. Bring your hand drums and rattles or borrow hers. Suggested donation: $5-$10. 360-4642229 or www.anacortes centerforhappiness.org.

STANWOOD WINTER DINNER: Wayne’s Corner Café will sponsor a community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Dinner $12 per person, includes soup, choice of ham or beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, roll and dessert. Live music by the South End String band.

Proceeds benefit the Life Enhancement Assistance Program. Tickets available at the center. 360-629-7403.

PANCAKES & SANTA: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. Kids crafts, pancakes and Santa. Bring a camera, an appetite and some holiday spirit. $5 adults, $8 kids. Tickets available at Snow Goose Bookstore, 8616 271st St. NW, Stanwood. 360-629-7403.

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TickeTS GoinG FaST!

An Evening With

GAry PuckETT & ThE union GAP Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16 at 8 pm

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to enter casino, buffet or attend shows. *Must be a Rewards Club Member – Membership is FREE! Must be present

to win. Visit Rewards Club Center for details.

Management reserves all rights.

SVH-AE

LimiTed SeaTinG!

Save Up To 10%

with your Rewards Club Card!

Featuring

AM/FM

Direct From La!

December 31 at 8 pm • The Pacific Showroom

WA: 800-745-3000 theskagit.com Buy Show Tickets Service Charge Free at the Casino Cashier Cage