360 march 6 2014 full

Skagit Valley Herald

Thursday

March 6, 2014

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

PAGE 16

At the LincolnArt gallery exhibit features powerful women in Skagit Valley

PAGE 7

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

PAGES 8-9

The Civil

War’s unseen

rootsPAGE 3

E2 - Thursday, March 6, 2014 Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

“12 Years a Slave”: In 1977, the miniseries “Roots” awakened the national conscience about the inhuman-ity of slavery that remains one of the most appalling periods in American his-tory. The Oscar-nominated “12 Years a Slave” adds an exclamation point to that production through the true life story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the New York State citizen — a free man — who was kidnapped and made to work on a plantation in New Orleans in the 1800s.

Through an Oscar-worthy perfor-mance by Ejiofor and Oscar-winning newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, director Steve McQueen has fashioned a film that will haunt and enslave your heart and mind.

These images come through the life Northup lives under the control of heartless masters and the constant threat from those who consider slaves to be less important than livestock. McQueen built the movie as a constant battle between one man’s efforts to maintain his humanity and the efforts of others to strip it away.

“12 Years a Slave” is set against the horrors of slavery, but it’s not just about slaves. It works so magnificently because it looks at how far a person can be pushed and still hold on to the last strands of dignity and basic human rights. It’s a message that cuts across all demographics.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”: Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) must fight again during the 75th Hunger Games. The second film in what will be a four-part series features the same elements as the first. The problem is that it also features a structure that is such a dupli-cation of the first movie that it feels more like a rerun than a chance to move ahead.

Director Francis Lawrence has matched the visual splendor of the first movie from the landscapes to the costuming. He also shows a compe-tence with the battle sequences, from a terrifying confrontation with mutated monkeys to a spinning cornucopia. But despite being presented with a more diverse group of Hunger Games com-petitors, he does little to play up their individuality.

“Catching Fire” is a good-enough representation of the second book that it won’t upset fans. Those who don’t know the book will find a film that is a mildly altered version of the first movie in the series. That makes it easy enough

to skip and wait for the final two movies.“Super Bowl XLVIII Champions

Seattle Seahawks”: Recap and inter-views.

“Doctor Who: The Time of the Doc-tor”: Threat to the universe brings mul-tiple Doctors together.

“Breaking Amish: Season 1”: Amish experience the outside world.

“A Cross to Bear”: Woman looks for help after tragic moment.

“Oldboy”: Man seeks revenge after being held captive for 20 years.

“Elmo’s World: All About Animals”: Children pretend to be different ani-mals.

“The Last Days on Mars”: Liev Sch-reiber stars in this tale of what explorers to the red planet find.

“Comet Encounter”: Documentary on comet that hurtled toward the sun in 2013.

“Cold Comes the Night”: Crime drama starring Brian Cranston.

“Noah and the Great Ark”: Three documentaries examine the legend.

“NOVA: Alien Planets Revealed”: A look at more than 750 planets.

“The Visitor”: In this 1979 film, inter-galactic warrior joins a cosmic Christ figure in a battle against a demonic 8-year-old girl.

“Rawhide: The Seventh Season, Volume One and Volume Two”: Both volumes feature 15 hours of digitally remastered episodes.

“The Venture Bros. Season Five”: Animated series starring the Venture family.

n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of com-ing movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change:

MARCH 11The Book Thief - FoxThe Broken Circle Breakdown - New Video GroupHomefront - UniversalInside Llewyn Davis - SonyOut of the Furnace - FoxThe Outsider - ImageAmerican Hustle - Sony

MARCH 18Frozen - DisneyHere Comes the Devil - MagnoliaMandela: Long Walk to Freedom - Anchor BaySaving Mr. Banks - Disney

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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

[email protected], [email protected] (recreation items)Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition

Phone360-416-2135

Hand-deliver1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Mailing addressP.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Online events calendarTo 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 [email protected] For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or [email protected]

TO ADVERTISE360-424-3251

Inside

Get Involved ....................................... 6

Music, Video Game Reviews ..........8-9

On Stage, Tuning Up ...................10-11

Travel ...........................................12-13

Movie Listings, Reviews .............16-17

Out & About ................................18-19

Boise State University professor of piano

brings his love of Gershwin to Trinity Lutheran Church in

Mount Vernon on Sunday

This Weekend Page 5

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com Thursday, March 6, 2014 - E3

COMMUNITY

Skagit Valley Herald staff

Washington Civil War Association re-enactors will portray the events that led up to the outbreak of the Civil War in the living history drama, “The Civil War: Defin-ing Our Nation,” from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Burlington Public Library Community Meeting Room, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington.

The association, which has nearly 900 members, portrays all military sides and branches in the Civil War. Dozens of re-enactors participate in numerous events each year, including civilians, women

and children.Today’s program is a presentation of the

“Making Connections through ROOTS Project,” a collaboration between the library and the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society.

David Imburgia and Matt Clemans, dressed in authentic period costumes, will bring to life the bitter struggles between the states. Several women and children will join the performance and contribute historical background as to war’s impact on families in the North and South.

Admission is free. More information: 360-755-0760 or [email protected].

David Imburgia (left) portrays

Captain J.D. Brock, the leader of

Company G, 15th Alabama Infantry.

Matt Cleman plays Sergeant Rufus

Lawless.

Submitted photo

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


MOVIES

By GLENN WHIPPLos Angeles Times

Angelina Jolie showed up at the Academy Awards on Sunday night on the arm of partner Brad Pitt, who ended up winning an Oscar as one of the producers of “12 Years a Slave.”

Don’t be surprised if you see Jolie at the Dolby again next year, this time with Pitt applauding from the audience as Jolie wins the Oscar for directing “Unbro-ken,” a survival tale depicting the life of World War II hero and former Olympic distance runner Louis Zamperini.

Too soon? Definitely. But after spending the past six months writ-ing about “12 Years a Slave” and “Gravity,” can you blame us for wanting to take just a peek at the movies that will likely by vying for next year’s awards?

Here’s how the lineup may shake out:

“Unbroken” (Dec. 25): Jolie has already been on the trail, talking to Tom Brokaw on the “Today” show about adapting Laura Hillenbrand’s best-seller.

“I imagine that for the last 10-something years, (Zamperini has) been sitting there having a coffee in the morning and won-dering who’s going to make this movie,” Jolie told Brokaw. “And I’ve been sitting in my room thinking, ‘What am I supposed to be doing with my life? I wanna do something important … I need some help. I need some guidance. Where is it?’ And it was right outside my window,” noting the Zamperini lives in her Los Ange-les neighborhood.

Zamperini, now 97, ran in the 1936 Olympics, wowed (and met) Hitler, flew a B-24 bomber during World War II, survived 47 days in shark-infested Pacific Ocean waters after a crash landing and then endured brutal treatment as a prisoner of war.

So, yeah, just a little drama. Get to recognize Jack O’Connell. Play-ing Zamperini, the young British actor will be the season’s new-

comer to know.“Interstellar” (Nov. 7): Can

Christopher Nolan’s latest sci-fi brain-bender find the wormhole into voters’ hearts? Details about the time travel epic are scarce, but given the filmmaker and the cast — Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck — expectations are understandably sky-high.

“Gone Girl” (Oct. 3): Gillian Flynn’s popular mystery-thriller has Ben Affleck playing a hus-band suspected of killing his wife (Rosamund Pike) after she goes missing. Director David Fincher’s last three movies — “The Curious

Case of Benjamin Button,” “The Social Network” and “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” — have all been in the best picture conver-sation, though this one feels a bit more like the one preceding those, “Zodiac.” And that’s OK, because, for our money, that’s the best of the lot.

“Foxcatcher” (unscheduled 2014): Bennett Miller follows his Oscar-nominated “Moneyball” with an altogether different true story — the relationship between paranoid chemical fortune heir John du Pont and an Olympic gold-medal wrestler who was his longtime friend.

The film was slated to open the

American Film Institute’s AFI Fest in November last year but, at the last moment, was pushed to this year. We were told at the time that perfectionistic Miller just needed a bit more time to massage the final cut. Particularly for Steve Carell, who plays Du Pont, this has the potential to be a career-changer.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” (March 7): We’ve already seen Wes Anderson’s latest, a man-nered and manic caper movie about an elegant hotel concierge (Ralph Fiennes), and can hap-pily report that it can take its place among the filmmaker’s best works. Now all Fox Searchlight

needs to do is remind voters, come autumn, that this wonderful movie deserves some recognition. No Anderson movie has been nomi-nated for best picture. This would be a fine place to start.

“Inherent Vice” (Dec. 12): While we’re on the subject of film-makers long overdue for an Oscar, Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is an adaptation of Thomas Pyn-chon’s comic detective novel. Set in Los Angeles as the ’60s bleed into the ’70s, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a pothead private eye investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. Phoenix, so good (and so different) in Anderson’s “The Master” and Spike Jonze’s “Her,” might be the most interest-ing actor working today. And we shouldn’t have to sell you on PTA.

“The Giver” (Aug. 15): No list of best picture contenders would be complete without at least one entry from the Weinstein Co. Based on Lois Lowry’s critically acclaimed young-adult novel, “The Giver” concerns a utopian society that has eliminated pain and strife at the expense of love and exhilaration. The cast includes Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, with Phillip Noyce directing. It’s not the kind of movie the acad-emy normally falls in line behind, but Weinstein has a track record of salesmanship.

“Jersey Boys” (June 20): Clint Eastwood brings the Tony Award-winning musical biography of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons to the screen. Really. This is either going to be the feel-good, populist movie of the year or the film version of Eastwood talking to an empty chair. Either way, oh, what a night!

“Exodus” (Dec. 12): Christian Bale is Moses. Need we say more? OK. Ridley Scott directs. More? Aaron Paul is playing Joshua. Blow that horn, yo!

“The Lego Movie” (currently in theaters): Because everything is awesome!!! And with Pixar not releasing a movie this year, it eas-ily moves to the front of the list for at least animated feature.

Next year’s Oscars: Too early to call it for ‘Unbroken’?

Jordan Strauss / Invision via AP

Presenter Angelina Jolie poses in the press room with Alfonso Cuaron, as he holds his award for best director for “Gravity” during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday in Los Angeles. Don’t be surprised if you see Jolie at the Dolby again next year, this time as Jolie wins the Oscar for directing “Unbroken,” a survival tale depicting the life of World War II hero and former Olympic distance runner Louis Zamperini.


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

PENN COVE MUSSELFEST The 28th annual event, set for March 7-9, will begin with the Mussel Mingle from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alex-ander St., Coupeville. Enjoy live music, wine, mussels and more. $20.

The festivities will continue from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday along the historic Coupeville waterfront. Enjoy chowder tast-ing, cooking demonstrations, a mussel farm boat tour, mussel-eating competitions, downtown art walk and more activities for all ages. Free admission. Some activities require an additional fee. 360-678-5434 or thepenncovemusselfestival.com.

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

‘My Favorite Gershwin’

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

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


GET INVOLVED

ART CLASSESFAMILY ART DAYS AT

MoNA: The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner, offers Fam-ily Art Days each month. Sessions are open to ages 5 and older at all skill levels and include guided walk-throughs of MoNA exhibitions. Limited to 15 participants per ses-sion. Workshops are free with museum admission. Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, free for members and ages 11 and younger. For information or to register: 360-466-4446, ext. 106, or [email protected].

Next up:“Color in Painting”:

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Explore color in painting, with inspiration from the work of Henri Matisse and other Fauves. Sketch, learn

watercolor techniques, then paint an exotic, vibrant painting.

ART CLASSES: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and work-shops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakota artcenter.com.

MOSAIC YARD ART: JoAnne Hoehne will offer a four-week class from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays, beginning March 7, at Hobby Lobby, 220 E. Col-lege Way, Mount Vernon. Participants can make a gazing bowl/bird bath or a stepping stone. $50. Sign up at Hobby Lobby or call Hoehne at 360-399-1180 or email [email protected].

AUDITIONS“YOU CAN’T TAKE IT

WITH YOU”: Auditions will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 and 11, at Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Parts are available for 10 to 12 men and seven women ages 18 and older.

The comedy will run May 30-June 21. Audition materials are available at the ACT office. For infor-mation, contact director Julie Wenzel at 509-341-4306, email [email protected] or visit acttheatre.com.

DANCECOMMUNITY DANCE:

Dance to the big band sounds of Camano Junc-tion from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. $12, $10 members; includes light snacks. 360-387-0222.

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folkdancers meet at 7 p.m. most Tues-

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

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

MUSICCALL FOR SINGERS

AND MUSICIANS: Christ Episcopal Church invites singers and musicians interested in participating in its Lent Taize Service to attend a rehearsal at 6 p.m. today, March 6, at the church, 1216 Seventh St., Anacortes. The Taize Ser-vice is a Christian worship service featuring music, chanting and the lighting of candles that reflects the meditative nature of the Taize community, an ecu-menical Christian monastic order in Taize, Burgundy, France.

The Taize Service will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at the church. For informa-tion, contact the Rev. Eric Johnson at 293-5790 or the Rev. Diane Ramerman, 360-202-7397.

SECOND FRIDAY DRUM CIRCLE: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 14, Unity Church, 704 W. Division St., Mount Vernon. Shake off the energy of the week through drumming, songs, chants. Freewill donation. For information, email [email protected].

ON STAGEANACORTES OPEN

MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, at the Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-293-2544.

OPEN MIC: Jam Night, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thurs-days, at the Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

RECREATION

MV PARKS FOCUS GROUPS: The Mount Ver-non Parks and Recreation Department invites com-munity members to discuss ways to improve Mount Vernon’s parks. Parks and Rec will host a series of focus-group meetings to address different aspects of the department’s com-prehensive plan. Meetings will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Vaux Retreat Center at Baker-view Park, 3011 E. Fir St., Mount Vernon.

Next up:March 11: Active recre-

ation.For information, call

360-336-6215 or email [email protected].

TRAIL TALES: Friends of Skagit Beaches will lead a series of informative walks along the Tommy Thomp-son Trail in Anacortes. For information, visit skagit-beaches.org.

Next up:Birding Walk: Join Trail

Tales docents and Audu-bon birders from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, at Fidalgo Bay RV Resort, 701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Anacortes. Get a last glimpse of the birds that winter in Fidalgo Bay before they leave for the breeding season. Bring binoculars or scopes, if you have them; extras will be available to share. The flat,

paved trail is handicapped accessible. Free.

SENIOR HIKE: Join Friends of the Forest from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14, for an easy hike at Pine Ridge Loop near Anacortes. Meet at the base of Mount Erie on Ray Auld Drive and enjoy a hike to this unique secret spot off the beaten path. Free. No dogs. 360-293-3725 or friendsofacfl.org.

FUN RUN/WALK: The Shamrock Shuffle Fun Run/Walk to benefit Bethany Christian Pre-school will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Port of Skagit Nature Trails, 15000 Crosswind Drive, Burlington. Prizes for top finishers and best costumes. Green attire encouraged. Runners, walkers and strollers welcome. Day-of registration from 9 to 10 a.m.; online registration at runsignup.com/Race/WA/Burlington/BCP5K. $20, free for ages 10 and younger, accompanied by an adult. 360-424-9399.

THEATERYOUTH THEATER

CLASSES: The Whidbey Playhouse “Would Be Players” theater program for ages 8 to 18 will offer a workshop from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, March 10-April 29, at the Whidbey Play-house Star Studio, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Har-bor. There will be a special three-hour rehearsal on Sunday, April 27, and the workshop will culminate with public performances at 4:30 p.m. April 28-29.

Students will learn a variety of theater skills, including theater act-ing, vocal training, body language, stage presence, blocking and more. $75. Some scholarships are available. Register by

today, March 7. For infor-mation or to register, con-tact Stan Thomas at 360-675-0574.

FREE ADULT ACTING CLASSES: Anacortes Community Theatre offers free acting classes for adults from 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday each month at 918 M Ave., Anacortes. Classes include scripted scenes and a vari-ety of acting games, with a different topic each month. Each class is independent, so you don’t have to com-mit to every session. 360-840-0089 or acttheatre.com

WORKSHOPSBASKET WORKSHOP:

Nancy Loorem and Dani-elle Bodine will lead Ran-dom Weave Basket mini-workshops at 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner.

Create a personalized basket embellished with natural materials and your own bits of memory. Learn how to construct a ves-sel out of flat reed using a random weave basketry technique and explore stamping and other surface design applications. Suit-able for second grade on up. No experience neces-sary. There is no charge, but preregistration is required. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts.com.

ART OF CRAZY QUILTS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednes-day and Thursday, March 12-13, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Learn about crazy quilt block construction and a variety of embroidery stitches, with the opportu-nity to study antique crazy quilts from the museum’s permanent collection. $75-$85. 360-466-4288 or lacon nerquilts.com.www.anacortesart.com

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

Mar. 7 6-9pm

Anne Martin McCool Gallery

Gallery KP

Burton Jewelers

Scott Milo Gallery

The Majestic Inn and Spa

Apothecary Spa(2nd f loor Majestic Inn)


Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4

Skagit County Fairgrounds 1410 Virginia Street • Mount Vernon, WA

$5/Person or $8/Family Tickets Available at the Gate FREE PARKING!

Also Featuring:5TH ANNUAL PLAYHOUSE COMPETITIONProceeds to benefi t fi ve local charities

More information & $2 OFF ENTRY coupons atwww.sicbahomeshow.org

Speakers Presented By:

34th Annual

Garden34th Annual

GardenGarden&Garden™™Show

MARCH 21, 22 & 23 • 2014

Presented by:Presented by:Skagit / Island Counties

Builders Association

Presented by:

&Major Sponsor:

Charity Playhouse Competition

Kid’s ActivitiesKid’s Activities

Ciscoe Morris • 2pm Sunday

Visit over 150 Booths!

Skagit Valley Herald staff

The Lincoln Theatre art gallery in March, in cel-ebration of International Women’s Day, will show-case powerful women in Skagit Valley, their art and their ability to connect as natural communicators and organizers.

The Skagit Human Rights Festival will host an International Women’s Day reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the theater, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon, to honor the collaborative art display.

The featured art, a 5-foot-9 warrior woman sculpture titled “Women’s Work,” was created by Sarai Stevens of Bow and numerous other contribu-tors. Stevens is a co-found-er of the Bow Little Market and Chuckanut Transition and is a founding member of the Skagit Valley Farm-ers Market Coalition.

Stevens said the sculp-ture is a multimedia collab-orative collage of some 35 women that illustrates the strength, beauty and force of her women’s network and includes writing and images submitted from art-ists, activists, mothers, radi-cal homemakers, grand-mothers, gardeners and crafters. Mouse Bird con-tributed the headdress and Laura Matthews turned the french rolling pin.

“This woman warrior is a celebration of our fiercely creative womanly power and the networks we build,” Stevens said.

The Lincoln gallery show will spotlight women of artistic talent and women who have made their life their art.

Cherie Donovan-Smith paints vibrant, celebra-

tory images of women and creates whimsical felted objects. She is also the co-creator of the newly found-ed Artisan Craft Coopera-tive in Sedro-Woolley. Her art will be on display in the Lincoln Art Gallery in May.

Matthews, a skilled woodturner, is a co-founder

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

Warrior woman sculpture to launch women’s art display

Photo courtesy of Sarai Stevens

“Women’s Work,” a 5-foot-9 warrior woman sculpture is a multimedia collaborative collage that will be featured in a monthlong art display celebrating International Women’s Day at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. An opening reception will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday.


REVIEWS: MUSIC

Drive-By Truckers“English Oceans”

The often-prolific roots rockers Drive-By Truckers took a four-year break from the studio before recording “English Oceans,” and the stock-pile of songs pays off throughout the band’s 12th album.

Stripping away the R&B influences and musical explorations of their last few albums, DBT focuses on guitars and a garage-band stomp on the new album — which also adds to the collection’s consis-tency.

The band has always shared songwriting chores between singer-guitarists Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, usually augmented by contributions by other band members (most notably onetime band mate Jason Isbell in the early 2000s). This time out, Cooley is an equal partner, and he and Hood are the only songwriters — another beneficial change.

The album’s opening guitar chords recall an old Replacements riff and would’ve fit nicely on the Rolling Stones’ “Exile On Main Street.” It’s a strong kickoff to the rawest rocking Truckers album since their early days. But it’s the storytelling that gives the band a special dimension. The color-ful twists of “Till He’s Dead Or Rises” and “Primer Coat,” the desperation of “Hang-ing On” and the poignant “Grand Canyon” show that this veteran band can still equal the highpoints of its past.

n Michael McCall, Associated Press

Lea Michele“Louder”

On some of the songs from her debut album, Lea Michele is convincing. On others, it’s like she is acting.

The “Glee” star, known for her big voice, provides the pipes on “Louder,” but some songs sound empty and don’t show much emotion or personality from the 27-year-old talent.

The dance-flavored title track is typi-cal and forgettable, as is “Don’t Let Go.” ”Empty Handed,” co-written by singer Christina Perri, comes off like an unimpres-sive Coldplay cover, while other songs echo Kelly Clarkson, but lack the energy that Clarkson’s learned to build on her songs.

Michele, who has appeared on Broadway

in “Spring Awakening” and other shows, gets it right on the piercing “Burn With You,” where she sings: “I don’t wanna go to heaven if you’re going to hell/I will burn with you.” She also shines on the slow piano tune “Battlefield,” one of four tracks co-written by the exceptional Sia Furler (Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” Beyonce’s “Pretty Hurts”). Instead of yelling, she works her voice nicely on “Thousand Needles,” build-ing it up when needed, but hitting softer notes to provide balance.

But, all in all, “Louder” is jagged. The songs don’t play well together, and the col-lection sounds more like a demo, instead of a Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated singer-actress’ debut album. That may be due partially to the group of producers and songwriters, which include Stargate, Benny Blanco, John Shanks, The Messengers, Anne Preven, Christopher Braide and more. While they’ve produced hits for others, from Clarkson to Rihanna, Michele might have been better off with a tighter and smaller group of collaborators.

Michele closes the album with the ballad “If You Say So,” which was inspired by one of the last conversations she had with her “Glee” co-star and boyfriend, Cory Mon-teith, who died after overdosing on heroin and alcohol last year.

The track is somewhat chilling and worth a listen, but while the rest of “Louder” fea-tures a big voice, most of the time Michele isn’t saying much.

n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Dianne Reeves“Beautiful Life”

On her first studio album in five years, four-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves comes back strong with a genre-crossing collection of 12 love-themed songs on which she infuses her impressive jazz stylings with a healthy dose of soul.

Reeves gets a major assist from producer Terri Lyne Carrington, who skillfully mixes and matches several dozen musicians — including rising stars Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper and Gregory Porter — to provide a distinctive multilayered backdrop with a rich palette of instrumental colors for each track.

The singer puts her own stamp on an eclectic selection of covers. These include a sultry version of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You,” with Sean Jones adding simmering trumpet lines; a neo-soul take on Fleetwood

Mac’s soft-rock classic “Dreams,” arranged by pianist Glasper; and a shimmering vocal duet with Lalah Hathaway on Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain.” The only traditional stan-dard is “Stormy Weather,” which Reeves floats through in an extended 8-minute ver-sion, colorfully stretching the lyrics.

The new songs by Reeves and her session mates include the joyful “Feels So Good (Lifted),” embellished by a synth solo from Reeves’ cousin George Duke, who died last year; Carrington’s soulful “Satiated (Been Waiting),” with Reeves engaging in a seductive vocal duet with Porter; and the smoothly flowing “Wild Rose,” featuring its composer Spalding on bass and background vocals.

Reeves best displays her virtuosity on her wordless, Latin-beat composition “Tango,” with Raul Midon vocally imitating a trum-pet, on which she improvises scat vocals, suddenly shifts tempos and makes full use of her impressive multi-octave range.

n Charles J. Gans, Associated Press

Pharrell“G I R L”

On the heels of two monster hits where he was the co-star — the Daft Punk jaunty funk jam “Get Lucky” and the much vilified yet utterly catchy “Blurred Lines” with Robin Thicke — Phar-rell is taking the lead with the relentless “Happy,” which appears on the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack and was nominated for best original song on Sunday’s Oscars. The cheerful tune is also on his second studio album, “G I R L,” released perhaps coinci-dentally the day after the Academy Award winners were announced.

The 10-track set is an ode to the female form and spirit, peppered with sexy vibes and brash come-ons. A definite change from his raspier, more alternative first album, which wasn’t particularly successful, “G I R L” proves Pharrell — a member of N.E.R.D. and the hit-making Neptunes — is a true, and exceptional, frontman.

Cynics will dismiss the album as a shame-less attempt to derail the accusations of misogyny leveled at “Blurred Lines.” After all, Pharrell is cheeky and sexy, and his lyr-ics sometimes blur the lines between playful seduction and outright possession. “Ain’t no sense in you roaming around, if I can’t have you nobody can,” he says in “Hunter,” but maybe that’s his way of saying he can’t help it if the ladies find him attractive and he reciprocates. After all, this is the entire

ethos of the album: love in its purest form, love at the first frisson, love settled on a cloud, love of the flesh.

The record’s tempo matches the upbeat “Happy,” and it deploys killer hooks. The sound is eclectic, ranging from dramatic violins in the Daft Punk-assisted “Gust of Wind” to Motown disco beats in “Hunter” and tribal drums in “Lost Queen.” Persis-tent echoes of Michael Jackson-style sound lurk on the album, from the sultry “Gush” to the deliciously head-bopping “Marilyn Monroe” to the Justin Timberlake-featured “Brand New.”

A definite homage to women is the female empowerment ballad “Know Who You Are,” where Pharrell sings with piano queen Alicia Keys. He croons on the mel-low reggae tune, “I know who you are and I know what you’re feeling.” No doubt about where he stands on gender equality there.

n Cristina Jaleru, Associated Press

Eli Young Band“10,000 Towns”

The Eli Young Band continues to provide a smart, rel-evant antidote to all the male country acts focusing on clichés about the attractions of backwoods America. On “10,000 Towns,” the four-piece band from Denton, Texas, shines by focusing on insightful songs about how young men and women relate with each other.

The album’s first hit, “Drunk Last Night,” continues the band’s string of potent songs that don’t rely on the usual Nashville for-mulas. While most other country bands cel-ebrate drinking and partying in superficial ways, singer Mike Eli instead elucidates, with restrained drama, how a night of over-indulgence can lead to actions that might be regrettable the following day. Similarly, the band’s new hit, “Dust,” depicts the complex emotions involved even when driving away from a relationship that’s taken a bad turn.

Not everything on “10,000 Towns” hits such high notes. A few clunkers — including “Just Add Moonlight” and the title cut — rely on standard country tropes. But those potholes only briefly slow down an other-wise solid effort by the band, which includes guitarist James Young, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson.

Overall, though, the Eli Young Band’s second major-label album — and fifth over-all — gives plenty of reasons for cities across America to embrace them with open arms.

n Michael McCall, Associated Press


$3995for 12 months*

/mo.

ON SALE NOW

HIGH SPEED 55 INTERNET

OR UPGRADE TO HIGH SPEED 100!

$10more per monthonly

55 M

BPS

100

MBP

S

for 12 months*

FAST just goteven FASTER.

*Residential offers, available for new customers only. Expires 3/31/14. Offer valid with 12-month Promotional Discount. High Speed 55 regularly $49.95/month when combined with cable or phone, $59.95/month without. High Speed 100 regularly $59.95/month when combined with cable or phone, $69.95/month without. Includes 300GB data transfer usage per month; allotment up-grades available. Usage beyond total allotment subject to additional charges. Minimum computer system requirements apply. Speed is not guaranteed and is affected by user’s computer, sites accessed and number of devices connected. Cable modem required. Wireless Home Networking regularly $8/month. Equipment fees, Universal Service Fund, E911, taxes and other fees apply. In-ternet installation is $29.95. Installation good for 1 computer, or 3 computers with Wireless Home Networking. Serviceable areas only. Prices subject to change. Not valid with other offers. Certain restrictions and additional fees may apply. Call for complete details. WASHINGTON RESIDENTS: The base rates listed are subject to a 2% Regulatory Recovery Fee, which added together deter-mines the total price.

1-866-WAVE-123 | wavebroadband.comORDER TODAY.

REVIEWS: VIDEO GAMES

‘Thief’ Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC Price: $59.99 On the Web: thiefgame.com Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)

Video games are filled with scenarios where the only solu-tion is to blast your way out. That’s why I have a soft spot for “stealth” games like “Metal Gear Solid,” “Tom Clancy’s Splin-ter Cell” and 2012’s brilliant “Dishon-ored.” There’s something more mentally stimulating about finding ways to outwit your enemies without filling them with lead.

In 1998, Eidos Interactive’s “Thief: The Dark Project” introduced many of the ele-ments that ancestors like “Dishonored” have built upon — in particular, the idea that light is your enemy and darkness your friend. The Eidos Montreal studio is now trying to reclaim that legacy with “Thief” (Square Enix), a game whose bright spots are sometimes overshadowed by thoughtless design and technical short-comings.

The protagonist, Garrett, is a jaded master thief in a fog-drenched city (called “the City”) that looks like Victorian Lon-don. In the prologue, Garrett stumbles across an arcane ritual and gets knocked unconscious.

Fast forward a year, and he can’t remember a thing. The City is being destroyed by starvation and a disease known as “the gloom,” and the vile Baron Northcrest has its residents living in ter-ror. Garrett’s ability to sneak into the Baron’s heavily guarded fortresses may be the only thing that can stop the City from descending into anarchy.

Garrett begins with a few essential tools: a blackjack for knocking out nosy guards, a claw for climbing walls, a bow and a quiver of arrows. Water and fire arrows let Garrett douse and relight torches, while rope arrows, which can be shot into hanging beams, help him climb onto rooftops. As soon as you raise the cash you should buy a wrench, a razor and wire cutters, which Garrett uses to steal plaques and paintings and disarm traps.

The event in the prologue has also

gifted Garrett with “focus” powers, which, when activated, increase his dexterity, speed and perception. Focus is most useful when you’re searching for loot, highlight-ing all the treasures and traps in a given room.

The major story missions are well constructed, and often so suspenseful I found myself holding my breath. They offer a variety of approaches: You can be a “ghost,” completely avoiding detection; an “opportunist,” collecting the most loot; or a “predator,” killing anyone who stands in your way. Two clients, an inventor and a circus master, also provide some intrigu-ing side missions.

And then there’s your fence, Basso, who has a list of a few dozen artifacts he wants you to hunt down. Some of those are easy enough to find — you just need to climb through the right window — while oth-ers require some tricky navigation of the City’s rooftops and alleys.

The main obstacle to your crime spree is the Baron’s Watch, an army of surly thugs who patrol the streets. They aren’t particularly bright, animated by shaky artificial intelligence, but they are every-where and they will kill you if they see you.

The initial challenge of avoiding the guards gets tiresome by the fifth or sixth time you need to cross the City to start your next mission. And neighborhoods are divided by loading screens that kill any sense of immersion — an irritation that’s inexcusable these days, particularly if you’re playing on a high-powered Play-Station 4 or Xbox One.

Finally, the overarching story in “Thief” is incoherent. Midway through I gave up trying to make any sense of it and settled in to just enjoy the clever individual mis-sions.

Fans of stealth games, who get so few of them, will probably be able to overlook the flaws in “Thief,” while wishing Eidos had polished it more carefully.

n Lou Kesten, Associated Press

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

n Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.

E10 Thursday, March 6, 2014 Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com Thursday, March 6, 2014 E11

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area March 7-13 TUNING UP Playing at area venues March 7-13

Friday.7OPERA

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

THEATER“Always … Patsy Cline” (musical):

Ria Peth Vanderpool and Kelly Bohon, Theater Arts Guild, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20. Tickets: [email protected] or theater artsguild.org.

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

Saturday.8THEATER

“Always… Patsy Cline” (musical): Ria Peth Vanderpool and Kelly Bohon, Theater Arts Guild, 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $20. Tickets: [email protected] or theaterartsguild.org.


Dana Lyons (pictured): Crude Awak-ening Oil Train Tour, 8 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $10. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org/node/863.

Sunday.9OPERA

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

THEATER“The Language Archive”: Outcast

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

Tuesday.11MUSIC

Travis Brass: Air Force Band of the Golden West, 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. Free. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre.org.

MVHS Festival Concert: Mount Ver-non High School bands and orchestra, 7 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. $4-$8. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

Wednesday.12THEATER

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

Thursday.13THEATER

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

“Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” (com-edy): Anacortes High School Theatre Department, 7:30 p.m., Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Rated PG-13 (mild language). Admission by donation at the door. 360-293-2166.


FRIDAY.7

SATURDAY.8

SUNDAY.9

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

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

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

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

El Colonel and Mary de la Fuente: 8 to 11 p.m., Rock-fish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

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

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

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

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

Tiller’s Folly: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Snug Harbor: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

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

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

Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Con-way Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY.8TILLER’S FOLLY7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

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

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

WEDNESDAY.12 THURSDAY.13

FRIDAY.72 BUCK CHUCK9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow.


TRAVEL

KENTON, Okla. — The Oklahoma Panhandle has never been for the faint of heart.

Before becoming a part of Oklahoma Territory, this strip known as No Man’s Land was a haven for out-laws and land squatters. Later, during the Great Depression, severe drought and blinding dust storms turned the region into the Dust Bowl.

The strong survived, and today the Panhandle of Oklahoma is made up of dedicated ranchers, a grow-ing Hispanic population and awe-inspiring views of rural life at its finest.

Though I’ve lived in Oklahoma 20 of my 28 years, I’d never trekked out to the Panhandle until recently. The eastern point of the Panhandle is a three- to four-hour drive from Tulsa or Oklahoma City, and it takes another three to four hours to drive across the 170-mile swath of land.

Here’s what to know and see in Oklahoma’s Pan-handle.

FESTIVALSThe Panhandle hosts

some unusual festivals with rural themes. Beaver, a town of 1,500 in the eastern Panhandle, is best-known

for a spring event, the Cimarron Territory Cel-ebration, which honors the families who settled the area 100 years ago.

The event includes an old-fashioned church ser-vice, chuck wagon dinner, horseshoe throwing contest, carnival and parade, along with the Cow Chip Throw-ing Competition.

Some call it an ode to nature; others just call it smelly. Either way, the event has been a big draw for the area since it started in 1970. The Cow Chip contest will be held the week of April 12-19.

On the other western

side of the Panhandle, Boise City hosts the Santa Fe Trail Daze featuring the World Championship Posthole Digging Contest on the first Saturday in June.

That’s right; competi-tors vie to see who can dig the deepest hole in a set amount of time. Competi-tion is divided by men, women and children.

Chamber of Commerce President Kim Mizer says it’s not as easy as it looks. City slickers, she says, often-times get a lot of smashed fingers.

NOT JUST ANY CALFFounded in 1934, the No

Man’s Land Museum in Goodwell features exhibits about the history, economy and ecology of the Okla-homa Panhandle. Guns dat-ing back to the 1800s line one wall, while an archive of newspaper articles detail the plight of local residents dur-ing the Dust Bowl and their sometimes bitter feelings toward John Steinbeck and his acclaimed novel “The Grapes of Wrath” that pop-ularized the term “Okie.”

The word was seen by many as derogatory but in later years became a term of endearment for people living in the state.

Another collection tells

the history of barbed wire. Homesteaders initially didn’t accept the inexpen-sive wire they called “Dev-il’s Rope” because they thought it would injure the livestock or fail to confine them.

But the most noteworthy piece at this Panhandle museum was born more than 80 years ago and had two heads. The two-headed calf that stands upright in a glass viewing box was born in 1932 on a farm 12 miles north of Goodwell. It died a few weeks after birth, and college students preserved the body for display at the museum.

Kristi Eaton / AP

An abandoned building and car are shown in Cimarron County in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Before becoming a part of Oklahoma Territory, this strip known as No Man’s Land was a haven for outlaws and land squatters. Later, during the Great Depression, severe drought and blinding dust storms turned the region into the Dust Bowl.

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLERural and quirkyBy KRISTI EATON / Associated Press


Local travel SHORT TRIPS: Mount Ver-non Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for participants ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: Northwest Women’s Show and Historic Downtown Sno-homish: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 21. Enjoy the 26th annual show with some 400 exhibits, three enter-tainment stages, seminars, shopping, fashion shows, food and wine sampling, beauty and spa services, giveaways and more. Then visit trendy “new” historic Snohomish, with boutiques, antique stores, bakeries and more. $65-$67. Register by March 14.

CHINA TOUR: Skagit Val-ley College is accepting applications for its Experi-ence China Tour on Aug.

23-Sept. 9. The tour is open to students, faculty, staff and community members ages 16 or older. College credit is available. The cost is $3,200 including interna-tional airfare. Applications and a $300 deposit are due by April 1. For information, contact Ted Maloney at 360-416-7774 or [email protected].

TROPICAL TRAVEL GO SHOW: Learn about exotic and tropical vacation options at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at AAA Travel, 1600 E. College Way, Suite A, Mount Vernon. Members and non-members welcome. RSVP: 360-848-2090.

MADAGASCAR: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Biologist Julie Barber will describe her adventures in Madagascar and the wildlife she sighted there. Free. 360-293-1910, ext. 21, or library.cityofanacortes.org.

NEW ENGLAND TRIP: The

Oak Harbor Senior Center is organizing a trip to New Eng-land from Sept. 26-Oct. 3. Details: contact Pat Gardner at 360-279-4582 or [email protected].

WWU FACULTY-LED TRAV-EL PROGRAMS: Western Washington University will offer several educational travel programs this summer in Italy and Africa. Global Discovery trips are not for university credit or restricted to Western students. Trips include: Tuscany, Italy: Aug. 31-Sept. 14. (Informa-tion sessions will be held at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in the Northwest Room of the Bellingham Public Library’s Fairhaven Branch, 1117 12th St., Bellingham.) Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Serengeti Safari Exten-sion: July 5-19. Serengeti Safari and Kili-manjaro Culture Tour Exten-sion: July 14-26. Details: 360- 650-6409, [email protected] or wwu.edu/GlobalDiscovery.

TRAVEL

AP file / April 15, 1935

A little ranch in Boise City, Okla., where the top soil was being dried and blown away, is about to be engulfed in a gigantic dust cloud in 1935 in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

GHOST TOWNSCountless abandoned,

dilapidated structures and aging cars dot the landscape in the Panhandle, a sign that people have packed up and left for greener pastures.

In some cases, entire com-munities have become ghost towns, leaving behind relics from other times — unin-habited homes, schools and even stores that may still harbor clothes, furniture and toys.

It’s tempting to explore but be careful about tres-passing. Some structures are off-limits, tucked away on private property. Others are closer to roads and allow for a closer inspection.

A RACE TO THE TOPAt 4,973 feet , Black Mesa

is Oklahoma’s highest point. It’s located in the far west of the Panhandle — about as far west as you can go while still being in the state — and extends into Colorado and New Mexico.

The Black Mesa Nature Preserve and Black Mesa State Park are filled with 23 plant species and eight dif-ferent types of animals. Hik-

ers can follow a trail to the top where they will be greet-ed by breathtaking views of Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico.

Fewer than 20 people live in the tiny community of Kenton near Black Mesa, but the town still sustains a museum and a post office. A convenience store along the town’s main street closed in recent years.

While the rest of Oklaho-ma observes Central Time, the residents of Kenton are a part of the Mountain Time Zone.

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS

Don’t plan on relying on your iPhone or other GPS technology in No Man’s Land. Cellphone coverage is spotty at best, and my

phone’s GPS only worked a fraction of the time.

There’s something to be said about not being wired to technology while exploring new surroundings, though. I actually enjoyed pulling over to the side of the road to pull out my paper map so I could figure out where to go next.

And make sure you have enough gas in your car to get to your next destination. It can be miles between filling stations and hours before another car passes you by.

As for accommodations, Guymon — the largest com-munity in the Panhandle with a population of about 12,000 — is the only place where visitors will find chain hotels and motels including Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and Best Western.

Elsewhere, mom and pop motels are available for trav-elers. The prices are fairly cheap. For $70, I stayed in a motel in the town of Beaver that pleasantly surprised me with a flat-screen TV, hard-wood floors, free wireless Internet, clean linens and colorful posters decorating the walls.

On the WebNo Man’s Land Museum: Goodwell, Okla., nmlhs.org.Beaver County Chamber of Commerce: beaverchamber.comGuymon, Okla.: guymonok.org


G-EAZY: March 7, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show-boxonline.com.

COMMON KINGS: March 8, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” (musical): March 8-June 15, ACT, A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle. 206-292-7676 or acttheatre.org.

THE ATARIS: March 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

GALACTIC: March 13, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

HERMAN’S HERMITS: starring Peter Noone: March 14-15, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

COLLIN RAYE: March 16, Brod-niak Hall, Anacortes. 360-428-5972 or collinrayebenefitconcert.brownpapertickets.com.

BRIAN REGAN: March 16, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakerthe-atre.com.

THE SOUNDS: March 19, Neu-mos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

MOISTURE FESTIVAL: March 20-April 13, at venues around Seattle. 206-297-1405 or mois-turefestival.org.

MONETA: March 22, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BRING ME THE HORIZON: March 24, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

LORDE: March 24, WaMu The-ater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

WIDESPREAD PANIC: March 25, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

THE SING-OFF LIVE TOUR: March 25, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

INVSN: March 25, The Crocodile, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livena-tion.com.

ROBIN THICKE: March 26, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

GUNGOR: March 26, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BROAD CITY LIVE: March 26, Neumos, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

EMANCIPATOR ENSEMBLE: March 27, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BIG HEAD TODD & THE MON-

STERS: March 28, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

KINGS OF LEON: March 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

THE DECIBEL MAGAZINE TOUR: featuring CARCASS: March 29, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS: April 2-3, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: April 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

YOUNG THE GIANT: April 4-5, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BETTY WHO: April 5, The Bar-boza, Seattle. 206-709-9442 or thebarboza.com.

BEATS ANTIQUE: April 5, Show-box SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

CHUCK RAGAN & THE CAMA-RADERIE, THE WHITE BUFFALO: April 7, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BASTILLE: April 8, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

VNV NATION: April 8, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

IL DIVO: April 9, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 866-833-4747 or live nation.com.

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND: April 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

INFECTED MUSHROOM: April 11, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

KRIS ORLOWSKI: April 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: April

12-13, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Ver-non. 360-336-8955 or lincoln theatre.org.

VOLBEAT: Apil 14, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

SCHOOLBOY Q: April 14, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PINK MARTINI: April 15, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

THE AFGHAN WHIGS: April 15, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DIANA KRALL: April 16, Para-mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

CHROMEO: April 16, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY: April 16, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SWITCHFOOT: April 18, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

RICK SPRINGFIELD: April 18-19, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

SNOOP DOGG & WIZ KHALIFA: April 19, WaMu Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

MASSIVE MONKEYS: April 19, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA: April 20, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ELLIE GOULDING: April 23, Para-mount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS: April 23, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

WHITE LIES: April 23, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE 1975: April 24, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

FRANZ FERDINAND: April 24, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ARLO GUTHRIE: April 25, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

THE WANTED, MIDNIGHT RED: April 26, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

ONE MORE TIME: A Tribute to Daft Punk: April 26, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show boxonline.com.

HIGGINS WATERPROOF BLACK MAGIC BAND: April 26, Columbia City Theater, Seattle. 800-838-3006 or columbiacitytheater.com.

SUDDEN VALLEY JAZZ SERIES: April 26/Nov. 15, Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Bellingham. 360-671-1709 or suddenvalleylibrary.org.

MASTODON: April 28, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

THE GLITCH MOB: May 3, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

IRA GLASS: May 3, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

THE GLITCH MOB: May 4, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY: May 6, The Showbox, Seattle. 206-224-5481 or aeglive.com.

STEVE MARTIN & THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS: Featuring Edie Brickell: May 10, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

DANNY BROWN: May 10, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

OLD 97s: May 12, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show-boxonline.com.

KARLA BONOFF & JIMMY WEBB: May 15, Mount Baker The-atre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

NICKEL CREEK: May 17, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.

LINDSEY STIRLING: May 21, Showbox SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

TECH N9NE: May 23-24, Show-box SoDo, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

SASQUATCH! MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 23-25 and July 4-6, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. sasquatch

festival.com.THE NYLONS: May 24, Skagit

Valley Casino Resort, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

LADY GAGA’S artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball: May 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livena-tion.com.

LIONEL RITCHIE: with CeeLo Green: May 30, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

GRIEVES: June 7, The Showbox, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or show-boxonline.com.

BRIT FLOYD: June 9, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or liv-enation.com.

ONEREPUBLIC: June 12, Com-cast Arena at Everett. 866-332-8499 or comcastarenaeverett.com.

DIGITOUR: June 20, The Show-box, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or showboxonline.com.

PARADISO FESTIVAL: June 27-28, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

CHER: June 28, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livena-tion.com.

NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: July 2, Paramount Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or tickets.com.

JOURNEY, STEVE MILLER BAND: July 19, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livena-tion.com.

MÖTLEY CRÜE: July 27, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

ARCADE FIRE: Aug. 8, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

BRUNO MARS: Aug. 9, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

JACK JOHNSON: with Amos Lee and Michael Kiwanuka: Aug. 23, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Aug. 29-31, Gorge Amphitheatre, George. 800-745-3000 or live nation.com.

“A CHORUS LINE”: Sept. 3-28, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 888-584-4849 or 5thavenue.org.

CHICAGO/REO SPEEDWAGON: Sept. 9, Washington State Fair, Puyallup. 888-559-3247 or thefair.com.

BEST OF JETHRO TULL: per-formed by Ian Anderson: Sept. 12, McCaw Hall, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

KATY PERRY: Sept. 13, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

HOT TICKETSWIDESPREAD PANICMarch 25, Moore Theatre, Seattle. 877-784-4849 or livenation.com.


Conway Pub & EatEryBurgers • steaks • seafood • salads

The Best Burgers & Oysters West of the MississippiORDERS TO GO • 360-445-4733

Every Sunday: Gary B's Church of Blues-Jam night, 6-10pm

30 seconds off I-5 exit 221...go West!Live Music

FAMILY FRIENDLY!KID FRIENDLY!

Karaoke Fri. & Sat. 9pm-2am

Fri 3/7 & Sat 3/8The Sardines

422-641118247 State Route 9

Mount Vernon

THURS NIGHTS:ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

FRIDAY & SATURDAY PRIME RIB & PASTA

7 DAYS A WEEK FAMILY SPECIAL:

Kids 12 & Under FREEwith purchase of an Adult Meal

BURGER/FRIES $5.9911:30-4PM MON-FRI

Conway Pub &EatEry

breakfast 9 aM

KAR

AOK

E Fr

i/Sat

H

AvE

yOu

R pA

RtiE

S H

ERE!

!I-5 Exit 221360-445-4733

1/2 PoundstEakburgErssiMPly thE

bEstPan friEdoystErs

360.466.4411LaConner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

St. Patrick's Specials• Corned Beef & Cabbage

• Lamb Shanks• Shepards Pie

• Corned Beef SandwichAlso Serving: Irish Potatoes,

Parsnips & Carrotsand Soda Bread

Saturday 3/15, Sunday 3/16 and Monday 3/17

12:00 - 8:00

Innovative Food • Craft Cocktails24 Draft Handles • Live Music

314 Commercial • 360-755-3956

CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDEC0TROUBLE - MARDI GRAS PARTY

9PM FRI. MARCH 7

Tillers FollySat. 3/8 - 7:30pm

13 TIME WINNERBEST OF ANACORTES

320 Commercial Ave360.588.1720

www.anacortesrockfish.com

ROCKFISH GRILLLocal Food, Local Beer, Made Here

Follow the Fish

Rock�sh Grill : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock�sh-Grill-Anacortes-Brewery/164550669515

1/2” 3/4” 1” 1 1/4” 1 1/2”

7”El Colonel and

Mary De La Fuente8pm Fri. March 7

‘Philomena’7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6

“Philomena,” which received four Academy Award nomina-tions, including Best Picture and Best Actress, is based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC cor-respondent Martin Sixsmith, “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee.”

It focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee, mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock — some-thing her Irish-Catholic communi-

ty didn’t have the highest opinion of — and given away for adoption in the United States. In following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn’t allow for any sort of inquiry into the son’s whereabouts.

After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith, a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son.

Rated R. $10 general; $9

seniors, students and active mili-tary; $8 members; $7 ages 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 ages 12 and under.

‘The Invisible Woman’7:30 p.m. Friday, March 73 p.m. Saturday, March 85:30 p.m. Sunday, March 97:30 p.m. Monday, March 10

“The Invisible Woman” is a 2013 British biographical drama film directed by Ralph Fiennes and based on Claire Tomalin’s book “The Invisible Woman: The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens.”

Rated R. $10 general; $9 seniors, students and active mili-

tary; $8 members; $7 ages 12 and under. Bargain matinee prices (all shows before 6 p.m.): $8 general, $6 members, $5 ages 12 and under.

‘Prince Igor’Noon Sunday, March 9

Borodin’s defining Russian epic, famous for its Polovtsian Dances, comes to the Met for the first time in nearly 100 years. Dmitri Tcherniakov’s new produc-tion is a psychological journey through the mind of its conflicted hero, with the founding of the Russian nation as the backdrop. Ildar Abdrazakov takes on the title role, with Gianandrea Noseda conducting.

$23 adults; $19 seniors; $16 students with $2 off for Lincoln Theatre members.

‘The Aristocats Kids’7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday March 12-13

The Skagit Family Learning Center presents Disney’s “The Aristocats Kids.” Madame’s jeal-ous butler Edgar catnaps Duchess and her kittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue The musical, based on the Disney film, features plenty of exuberant kitties and other fun animals. Free.

AT THE LINCOLN THEATRE

712 S. First St., Mount Vernon360-336-8955 n www.lincolntheatre.org


By ROGER MOOREMcClatchy-Tribune News Service

King Leonidas slipped into leg-end at the Battle of Thermopylae, martyred with 300 Spartans for the sake of Western Civilization and Spartan glory.

“Go, tell the Spartans, stranger passing by

That here, obedient to their laws, we lie.”

So it was too much to hope that someone with Gerard Butler’s charismatic, bellowing swagger would be around for the sequel, “300: Rise of an Empire.” His Leonidas and his oiled-down eight-pack are sorely missed, as are the quotable quatrains of that famous fight, the Spartan trash talk that sings through the ages. So many Persian arrows will rain on them that they will “blot out the

sun”?“Then we shall fight in the

shade.”There’s nothing that moving in

“Rise of an Empire,” a more visu-ally stunning but less thrilling epic with bloodier slo-motion sword-fights, this time at sea. It lacks the heroic proportions and poetry of “300,” mainly thanks to a less

impressive cast and murky, forget-table script.

Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) is Themistokles, the Greek general who took the ora-cle’s prophecy that Greece could only be saved “by a wall of wood” (i.e., ships) to heart and fought the enormous Persian fleet at Artemis-ium and Salamis. That prophecy, by the way, isn’t shown — a clever and quotably theatrical moment discarded as Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) relates this oral history.

The movie opens at the end of Thermopylae, flashes back to the earlier Battle of Marathon, then flashes forward to the fictive pres-ent as Themistokles rallies the city states and prepares for battle at sea as Leonidas marches to his fate at Thermopylae.

The Persian fleet is led by the she-devil Artemisia, played by

one-time Bond babe Eva Green, a seductive swordfighter in jet black hair, Egyptian eye makeup and ancient Persian fishnet stockings. She purrs about “the ecstasy of steel” and demands of her admi-rals, “Is it too much to ask for vic-tory?”

It is. The clever Greeks foil her and crush her huge war galleys at every turn.

Things get so bad that Arteme-sia summons Themistokles for a mid-Aegean parlay. And things turn so hot and heavy there that Themistokles has to teach her a little Latin — coitus interruptus.

Director Noam Murro did the college professor romance “Smart People,” in no way a recommenda-tion for directing a red-blooded digital epic of an ancient sea battle. Zack Snyder, who directed the original film, had a hand in the

tin-eared script. It’s not graphic novel creator Frank Miller’s fault that Thermopylae, the basis for his “300” book, made for more elegiac history than Salamis.

But the design — a sea of greys and whites covered with heaving digital black ships and black sails and Persians clad in black battling Greeks in tiny brown boats — is stunning, an improvement over 2006’s “300.” And the action never disappoints.

It’s a pity this colorless cast doesn’t hold a candle to the But-ler/Headey/Michael Fassbender/David Wenham crew of the origi-nal, that the writers couldn’t con-jure up thrilling speeches to match the original.

Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that these pretenders spoiled their franchise, and here their movie lies.

‘300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE’

HH1⁄2

Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Jack O’Connell, Andrew Tiernan, David Wenham Running time: 1:42 MPAA rating: R for strong sustained sequences of styl-ized bloody violence through-out, a sex scene, nudity and some language

MOVIES

Sullivan Stapleton stars in “300: Rise of an Empire.”Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

‘300’ sequel is prettier but less thrilling


MOVIES

MINI-REVIEWSCompiled from news services.Ratings are one to four stars. “About Last Night” — The four leads in this update of the 1986 comedy -- Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall and Joy Bryant -- are enormously likable and there’s enough sharp, raun-chy, sexy humor for me to recommend this version. The movie does a nice job of capturing the rhythms of a relationship. Romantic com-edy, R, 100 minutes. HHH “August: Osage County” — The dialogue is some-times so sharp we wince, and the acting by an ensem-ble of world-class actors led by Meryl Streep, Julia Rob-erts, Ewan McGregor and Chris Cooper is for the most part superb. But this adap-tation of Tracy Letts’ play ultimately is sour, loud and draining. Nearly everyone in this story would be the most horrific person at your aver-age dinner party. Drama, R, 119 minutes. HH “Dallas Buyers Club” — Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, a grimy, shady, homophobic, substance-abusing horndog in 1985 Texas who learns he’s HIV-positive and pro-cures unapproved means of treatment. McConaughey’s masterful job of portray-ing one of the more deeply flawed anti-heroes in recent screen history reminds us why he became a movie star in the first place. We start out loathing this guy and learn to love him. Jared Leto disappears into the role of a transgender drug addict and Jennifer Garner is Ron’s empathetic doctor. Drama, R, 117 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Ender’s Game” — A first-rate cast of wily veterans (Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley) and fresh-faced youngsters (Asa Butterfield of “Hugo”) deliver a rousing, challeng-ing adventure that should satisfy most young fans of the beloved sci-fi novel while keeping the adults engrossed as well. The sim-ulated battles against scary aliens are beautifully shot and expertly choreographed. Sci-fi adventure, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHH “Frozen” — When a queen with icy powers (voice of

Idina Menzel) accidentally freezes her kingdom, she runs away and her intrepid sister (Kristen Bell) goes to find her. Sure to delight kids and captivate adults, Disney’s musical “Frozen” is the instant favorite for the animated feature Oscar. Animated musical, PG, 102 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Her” — In writer-director Spike Jonze’s lovely and wondrous ultra-modern romance, a fragile fellow in the not-so-distant future (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in

love with the voice of an operating system (Scarlett Johansson). One of the more original, hilarious and even heartbreaking stories of the year. It works both as a love story and as a commentary on the ways technology isolates us from human con-tact. Comedy-romance, R, 119 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Inside Llewyn Davis” — With this dry comedy about the American folk music scene of the early 1960s, Ethan and Joel Coen have crafted another unique

period piece. Oscar Isaac gives a memorable perfor-mance as the title charac-ter, a thoroughly unlikable, selfish, socially poisonous miscreant. The music is ter-rific. With Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman. Comedy, R, 105 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Lone Survivor” — This re-creation of a 2005 Navy SEAL mission builds to one of the most realistic, shock-ing, gruesome and devastat-ing depictions of war ever put on film. Instead of going for the big-picture perspec-tive, director Peter Berg focuses on the unflinching bravery of soldiers executing their mission and looking out for one another. Mark Wahl-berg stars, with Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and Eric Bana. War drama, R, 121 minutes. HHH “Nebraska” — What a joy it is to watch Bruce Dern playing such a miserable SOB in the best role of his long career. Woody Grant is a crabby, boozy, sometimes delusional old guy on a road trip with his son (Will Forte) to collect a sweepstakes prize. Alexander Payne’s latest film is a modern American classic about the dynamic between a father from the generation that didn’t speak about its feel-ings and a grown son who’s still trying to get his father to explain himself. Stark, beautiful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Non-Stop” — I can’t pre-tend the checklist of cliches didn’t tickle me in this genre thriller about a mysterious terrorist threatening midflight murder. As the federal air marshal onboard, Liam Nee-son continues his late mid-dle-age run as the baddest action hero on the planet. (Thriller, PG-13, 107 minutes HHH “Ride Along” — We’ve seen hundreds of variations on the mismatched buddy-cop movie, and few have been as uninspired and depressingly dreadful as this one. Kevin Hart, who can be fall-down funny at times, at least gets points for infusing boundless energy into his role as a pint-sized video game enthusiast riding around with the snarl-and-growl cop (Ice Cube) whose

sister he wants to marry. Action comedy, PG-13, 100 minutes. H1⁄2 “RoboCop” — The 2014 version of “RoboCop” takes advantage of the superior technology available now, but doesn’t match up to the original when it comes to story and cast. As Alex Murphy, the wounded officer converted into RoboCop, Joel Kinnaman comes across as a wooden human being AND a wooden robot. Sci-fi action, PG-13, 118 minutes. HH “Saving Mr. Banks” — Emma Thompson is a per-fect choice to play prissy P.L. Travers, who wrote the Mary Poppins books and resists the efforts of Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) to give the magical nanny the Hol-lywood musical treatment. A lovingly rendered, sweet film, set in a stylized and gorgeous rendition of 1961 Los Angeles. Comedy-biog-raphy, PG-12, 125 minutes. HHH “Son of God” — The first feature in recent memory telling us a life-spanning story of Jesus Christ recounts the events with great reverence but, alas, is not a good movie. The special effects are just OK, and in the title role, Portu-guese-born heartthrob Diogo Morgado hits a lot of wrong notes. Historical drama, PG-13, 138 minutes. H1⁄2 “That Awkward Moment” — Strives to straddle the line between breezy, broman-tic comedy and “Hangover”-esque guy humor – and fails miserably on both counts. Talented, charismatic actors including Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan star in a not particularly offensive but utterly unmemorable film. Comedy, R, 94 minutes. H1⁄2 “The Bag Man” — One can’t help but wonder what Robert De Niro and John Cusack saw in the script for “The Bag Man” that made two of our most interesting actors sign up for this irritat-ing mess of a movie. It’s warmed-over Tarantino mixed with a third-rate tribute to the Coen brothers with a dose of David Lynch-ian madness. Thriller, R, 108 minutes. H “The Monuments Men” — One of the most old-fashioned and at times

almost breezy World War II films in recent memory is about middle-aged curators recovering art stolen by the Nazis. George Clooney directs himself and his co-stars (including Matt Damon and Bill Murray) as if he had watched “The Dirty Dozen” on a continuous loop for a week. Historical action, PG-13, 118 minutes. HHH “3 Days to Kill” — The term “guilty pleasure” was invented for this kind of movie. Nearly every other scene is so audaciously terrible, you don’t know whether to cringe or chortle. But the star power of Kevin Costner as an aging CIA hit man turns schlock into pure entertainment. Action, PG-13, 117 minutes. HHH “12 Years a Slave” — is a film about great bravery, featuring some of the brav-est performances you’ll ever have the privilege to wit-ness. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as a free man in New York state in the 1840s, who is kidnapped and shipped to the South, where he is beaten, given a new name and forced into slavery. Unflinchingly directed by Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave” is what we talk about when we talk about great-ness in film. With Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cum-berbatch and Paul Giamatti. Drama, R, 134 minutes. HHHH “Tim’s Vermeer” — A documentary voiced by Penn Jillette and directed by his partner-in-magic Teller, “Tim’s Vermeer” chronicles multimillionaire entrepreneur Tim Jenison’s years-long effort to figure out just how Johannes Vermeer was able to produce photo-realistic art in the 17th century. You won’t believe the painting created by this guy who cannot paint. Documentary, PG-13, 80 minutes. HHH “Winter’s Tale” — A good old-fashioned train wreck of a film. Despite the beloved source material, a talented writer-director (Akiva Golds-man) and an A-list cast headed by Colin Farrell and Russell Crowe, there’s no stopping the tide of the over-whelmingly cheesy story of love, romance and our place in the universe. It’s a gooey mess. Romance, PG-13, 118 minutes. H

AT AREA THEATERS

ANACORTES CINEMASMarch 7-13 300: Rise of an Empire (R): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:15, 6:50, 9:05; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:15, 6:50 Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:25, 6:40, 8:50; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:25, 6:40 3 Days to Kill (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 3:35, 6:30, 9:00; Sunday-Thursday: 3:35, 6:30 The Lego Movie (PG): 1:20 360-293-6620

BLUE FOX DRIVE-INOak Harbor 360-675-5667

CONCRETE THEATREMarch 6-9 Walter: Thursday: 7 p.m. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 and 6:30 p.m. 360-941-0403

CASCADE MALL THEATRESBurlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-262-4386).

OAK HARBOR CINEMASMarch 7-13 300: Rise of an Empire (R): Friday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:50, 9:05; Saturday: 10:30, 1:10, 3:30, 6:50, 9:05; Sun-day: 10:30, 1:10, 3:30, 6:50; Monday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:50 Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG): Friday: 1:20, 3:40, 6:30, 8:40; Saturday: 10:40, 1:20, 3:40, 6:30, 8:40; Sunday: 10:40, 1:20, 3:40, 6:30; Monday-Thursday: 1:20, 3:40, 6:30 Son of God (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:30; Saturday: 10:20, 1:00, 3:50, 6:40, 9:30; Sunday: 10:20, 1:00, 3:50, 6:40; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:40 360-279-2226

STANWOOD CINEMASMarch 7-13 300: Rise of an Empire (R): 1:10, 3:25, 6:55, 9:05 Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG): 1:20, 3:35, 6:25, 8:35 Non-Stop (PG-13): 1:40, 4:05, 6:45, 9:00 Son of God (PG-13): 1:00, 3:45, 6:35, 9:20 3 Days to Kill (PG-13): 3:55, 6:40, 9:10 The Lego Movie (PG): 1:30 360-629-0514


OUT & ABOUT

ARTPAINTINGS & SCULP-

TURES: Check out palette knife paintings and small metal statues by Roger Small during March at Skagit Running Company, 702 S. First St., Mount Ver-non. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. artby rogersmall.com.

“ATMOSPHERES”: A show of new paintings by Tyree Callahan, Todd Hor-ton and Sharon Kingston continues through March 30 at Smith & Vallee Gallery, 5742 Gilkey Ave., Edison. The exhibition concentrates on the artists’ expressions of the interplay between atmo-spheric light and the North-west landscape. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 360-766-6230 or smithand vallee.com.

NW ARTISTS: A show of work by 25 of the 100 artists featured in the new book, “100 Artists Of The North-west,” continues through April 13 at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island. The book, co-authored by Karla Matz-ke, features contemporary Washington and Oregon artists working in sculpture, glass, painting, clay, wood and other mediums. Gal-lery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; weekdays by appointment. 360-387-2759 or matzke fineart.com.

PHOTO EXHIBIT: Dick Garvey — Photography: “A Collector’s Dream” will open with a reception dur-ing the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri-day, March 7, and continue through April 1 at Scott Milo Gallery, 420 Commer-cial Ave., Anacortes. The

show will feature a collec-tion of photographs from the estate of Dick Garvey (1952-2011), with special pricing for all work hanging in the show. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment. 360-293-6938 or scottmilo.com.

GALLERY WALK: Check out a variety of art on dis-play at several galleries and other venues during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7, along Commercial Avenue and other locations in down-town Anacortes. Featured artworks include paintings, drawing and prints, sculp-tures, fiber arts, jewelry, glass art, mixed media, pastels, photos and more. 360-293-6938.

NEW PAINTINGS: A show of new acrylic paintings on canvas and paper by Anne Martin McCool will open with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7, and

continue through March at the McCool Gallery, 711 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The show also will feature work by other gallery artists including sculptures, glass and ceramics, baskets and fiber art, jewelry, paintings and more. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. mccoolart.com.

PHOTOS ON DISPLAY: Think Studios will be show-ing images from photogra-pher Barb Thrall during the First Friday Artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 1010 Fifth St., Suite 320, Anacortes. The collection, “Places,” presents contem-plations while stopping along the path between here and there. The studio will be open by appointment following the artwalk. 360-770-4528.

GALLERY SHOW: “Of This World and Not,” fea-turing artworks by Skagit Valley artists Heidi Epstein,

Eddie Gordon and Allen Moe, continues through March 16 at Gallery Cyg-nus, 109 Commercial Ave., La Conner. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday. 360-708-4787 or gallerycygnus.com.

SPRING ART EXHIBIT: Check out the Spring Com-munity Exhibit at the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. The juried show includes work by several regional artists and features special showings by Kath-erine Payge and Vernon Leibrant, plus a retrospec-tive collection of work by Michael Davenport. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs-day through Saturday. 360-354-3600 or jansenart center.org.

NW DESIGNER CRAFTS-MEN: “6 Celebrate North-west Designer Craftsmen @ 60” continues through March 9 at Anchor Art Space, 216 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. The exhi-bition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Northwest Designer Crafts-men (NWDC), will feature the mixed media work of

six local NWDC artists — Lanny Bergner, Danielle Bodine, Lynn DiNino, Lin McJunkin, Don Myhre and Denise Snyder.

n The closing celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7.

Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sun-day. 360-755-3140 or anchor artspace.org.

INTERACTIVE ART

INSTALLATION: #picture-methere, a fully interactive installation by Jessica Bonin and James Reisen, is on display through March 21 in the Skagit Valley Col-lege Art Gallery, located in the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Using hand-painted backdrops and handmade objects, #pic-turemethere creates a play-ground for the imagination where viewers can become an active participant in the artwork. Visitors can pick up the props, take a photo with their smartphone and render their own version of the story. By uniting all of the work with a common hashtag, #picturemethere participants collectively cre-ate a body of photographs that exists outside the gal-

lery walls. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-416-7812.

MoNA WINTER EXHIB-ITS: Two exhibits continue through March 12 at The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner.

“North American”: Film installation by Robinson Devor and Charles Mudede. Working outside the tradi-tional narrative structure, the film installation follows a mentally exhausted airline pilot wandering through a massive public park. Visitors will experience the pilot’s journey on multiple screens. The project was filmed entirely in Seattle’s Olmstead-designed park sys-tem. Devor and Mudede will introduce their film instal-lation before the opening reception at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.

“Shoreline from the Per-manent Collection”: The exhibit will offer a kaleido-scope experience of color, media and composition, including artwork by Guy Anderson, Bill Brennen, Kenneth Callahan, Richard Gilkey, Paul Havas, Charles Miller, Allen Moe, Mary Randlett, Jack Stangle, Mark Tobey and Hiroshi Yamano. Curated by Lisa Young.

FIBER ARTS ON DIS-PLAY: Three exhibits contin-ue through March 23 at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner:

“Creating Texture”: Self-taught stitcher, quilter and artist Sue Spargo is influ-enced by the beautiful, col-orful work of primitive craft artists around the world. Spargo’s folk art style is rich with embroidery.

“Out of the Blue”: The one-of-a-kind artworks created by members of Whidbey Island’s Surface Design Association blend

‘SPRING CLEARING: IN WITH THE NEW’Check out new art for the new season opening with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, and continuing through March 31 at Raven Rocks Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. Windwalker Taibi will introduce a new series of paintings based upon spiritual and philosophical perspectives along with tapestries woven from hand-dyed and natural colored wool yarns. Mary Jo Oxrieder will unveil an array of mixed media and fiber artworks, including Scrumble dolls, Lucky Fish and spring flowers in watercolor, as well as hand-knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, treasure and fairy bowls and woolen mug nest coasters. Information, including gallery hours and directions: 360-222-0102 or ravenrocksgallery.com.


www.skagitfoodcoop.com Open Daily in Downtown Mount Vernon

many techniques — collage, weaving, felting, beading, basketry, hand-dyed fabric and contemporary quilting. Each artist was challenged to literally or figuratively create artwork with “Out of the Blue” as its theme.

“Timeless Treasures: Crazy Quilts”: Each January, the museum features a selec-tion of crazy quilts, a craze that became popular in America around the 1880s. While some Crazies might include fans or other recog-nizable patterns, the style often features random-sized patches sewn onto a founda-tion fabric with embroidery stitches around the patch edges. Patches also often include paintings, ink work or embroidery.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and chil-dren ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconner quilts.org.

LECTURES AND TALKS

SISTER CITIES PRESEN-TATION: Bill and Ann Tes-terman will be the featured speakers at the Anacortes Sister Cities Association (ASCA) meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Anacortes Pub-lic Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. The Testermans will present a slide show about their 33-day, 500-mile pilgrimage on foot from the French Pyrenees at St. Jean Pied de Port, across the top of Spain to Santiago de Compostela, near the Atlan-tic Coast. Free. anacortes sistercities.com.

FILM & DISCUSSION: The film “Pleasure Unwo-ven” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, at Central United Methodist Church, Safe Haven Room, 1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley. Hosted by PFLAG Skagit/Stanwood, the film

reviews the latest neuro-scientific research about addiction and addresses the question: “Is it really a dis-ease?” Free. 360-856-4676 or pflagskagit.org.

GETTING ELECTED: Anthony Young and Janet McKinney will offer a presentation on “Getting Elected” at the Fidalgo Democrats meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Young was a field director in a presidential and two gubernatorial campaigns in North Carolina, and cam-paigned locally for Reps. Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene, State Rep. Kris Lytton, Sheriff Will Reich-ardt and Mayor Laurie Gere. McKinney is a labor organizer and member of the Skagit County Demo-crats Getting Elected Action Team. A moderated period of questions and comments will follow. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the food bank. For informa-tion, contact Corinne at 360-293-7114.

FRIENDS OF SKAGIT BEACHES LECTURE: Dr. M. Brady Olson, marine scientist at Western Wash-ington University’s Shan-non Point Marine Center, will present “Salish Sea Oceanography and Marine Ecosystem Stressors: Part-ners in a Changing Marine Landscape” at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the NWESD building, 1601 R Ave., Ana-cortes. Free. skagitbeaches.org.

MEGAQUAKE: Seattle Times science reporter and author Sandi Doughton will discuss the possibility of a mega earthquake at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington. Free. 360-755-0760 or burlingtonwa.gov/library.

MUSICBENEFIT CONCERT:

Noted country music artist Collin Raye will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Brodniak Hall, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Tickets: $30-$50. A preconcert meet and greet will take place at 4 p.m. at the Majestic Hotel. Cost: $120, includes reserved con-cert seating. Proceeds will benefit the Skagit Adult Day Program, serving individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. 360-428-5972 or collinrayebenefitconcert.brownpapertickets.com.

MUSICAL BENEFIT: The Rick Epting Foundation For The Arts will present Lydia Pense & Cold Blood and The Margaret Wilder Band at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Ver-non. The concert pairs the late ’60s/early ’70s funk/soul/R&B sound of Cold Blood with local R&B vocal sensation Margaret Wilder. $15-$35. Proceeds will ben-efit the Epting Foundation’s efforts to keep the arts alive in Skagit Valley. 360-336-8955.

MORE FUN“EXTRA! EXTRA! A HIS-

TORY OF NEWSPAPERS IN SKAGIT COUNTY”: The exhibit continues through April 6 at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 Fourth St., La Conner. Learn about the history of the Skagit Valley Herald (130 years old this year), Anacortes American (124 years), The Argus (123 years), Courier-Times (122 years) and other Skagit newspapers that are no lon-ger around. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues-day through Sunday. Admis-sion: $5 adults, $4 seniors and ages 6 to 12, $10 fami-lies, free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or skagitcounty .net/museum.

MOUNTAIN MEN SHOW: The Cascade Mountain Men will present its annual Muzzle Loading Arms and Pioneer Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8-9, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe. The event will include more than 300 traders and exhibitors in period dress, muzzle load-ing firearms, supplies and accessories, trade goods, leather and fur, period cloth-ing, Native American crafts, beading and more. $5, free for ages 12 and younger. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 425-392-1972 or cascade mountainmen.com.

FASHION SHOW/AUC-TION: The En Vogue Run-way Show & Benefit Auc-tion will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the McIntyre Hall grand lobby, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. A reception will begin at 6 p.m. followed by runway modeling at 6:30. Local fashion designers will unveil their creations that have been “re-purposed” from secondhand clothing and materials. The outfits will be auctioned off to ben-efit the Friendship House homeless shelter. $25 gener-al admission. $50 VIP ticket includes reserved seating and one beverage. 360-416-7727, ext. 2, or mcintyrehall.org.

“OUR WILD QUILT GARDEN!”: The Quilters Anonymous Quilt Guild’s 33rd annual show will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14-16, at the Ever-green State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Build-ing 604, Monroe. Featuring some 500 quilts ranging from traditional pieced to innovative art quilts, the event will include 25 ven-dors offering quilting sup-plies and notions. Admis-sion: $8, good for all three days. quiltersanonymous.com.

S-W FILM SCREENING: The premier film showing of “Tugboats on the Skagit River” is set for noon Sat-urday, March 15, at the Sedro-Woolley Museum, 725 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley. Elmer Engen and film nar-rator Dan Vandenburg will be on hand to answer ques-tions. $5, limited seating. Reservations: 360-855-2390.

BIG BAND SWING DANCE: The Stanwood Area Historical Society will host a big band dance featuring The Moonlight Swing Orchestra from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Floyd Norgaard Cul-tural Center, 27130 102nd. Ave. NW, Stanwood. Hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks will available along with a raffle for a vari-

ety of gift certificates and other items. $20, $35 couple. 360-629- 3074 or sahs-fncc.org.

FIDALGO FLING: Cele-brate St. Patrick’s Day at the Fidalgo DanceWorks’ third annual gala benefit from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes. Enjoy music by The Weatherheads, dancing and more. $75, $125 couple. Tickets are available at Fidalgo DanceWorks, 901 Third St., Anacortes, or by calling 360-299-8447.

MoNA STYLE: The 30th anniversary showcase of wearable art and home fashions handmade by Northwest artists will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 15-16, at The Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. Enjoy a full weekend of art and fashion and the oppor-tunity to purchase a variety of items directly from the artists, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit MoNA. Family art activities will be offered beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Art Studio. Free admission.

A ticketed evening fash-ion show from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, a fashion show and silent auction. $30. 360-466-4446 or museumof nwart.org.

OUT & ABOUT

SSSAAATTTUUURRRDDDAAAYYYSSS

MARCH 8, 15, 22 & 29

*$5 increments; $1 Player-Buck = $1 in Slot or Table Gaming.

Your Player-Bucks!

Get Up To $100* In Gaming

SaturdayS Only: 9 am - ClOSing

EARN

Player-Bucks! 9 am - midnight

JuSt uSe yOur rewardS Club Card every time yOu play SlOtS!

HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!HOT NEW GAMES!

Buy Show Tickets Service Charge Free at the Casino Box Office

800-745-3000

T h e P a c i f i c S h o w r o o m

Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks Use Your Player-Bucks to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!to buy Show Tickets!

Use Your Player-Bucks to buy Show Tickets!

| theskagit.com

Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15 at 8 pm

Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter noone

SKAGIT VALLEY CASINO RESORT Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

Friday & Saturday, April 18 & 19 at 8 pm

rick sPringfield striPPed downAn Intimate Solo Performance of Music & Storytelling

TICKETS

GOING FAST!

TICKETS

GOING FAST!

WEEKLY DRAWINGS: 2 - 7:30 PM MARCH 6, 13 & 20GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS: 8 PM WIN DESIGNER MERCHANDISE AND CASH

$20,000 GRAND PRIZE!POINTS EARNING PRIZES:

BAG YOUR TICKETS: MARCH 2 - 20

Visit The Rewards Club Center For Full Details!

2 - 7:30 PM

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. Skagit Player-Bucks are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Management reserves all rights.On I-5 at Exit 236 • theskagit.com • 877-275-2448

SVH-AE

360 march 6 2014 full

Documents

com12 years

skagit valleypage

skagit valley heraldthursday

pharrell video games

constant threat

constant battle

skagit valley herald

life northup lives