Critics’ picks: Alice in Chains tribute, Uncle Wiggly, Badbadnotgood

ROCK

What: Alice in Chains Tribute featuring Facelift with Riffheist
Where: V-Lounge, 3366 Douglas St. (in the Red Lion Motor Inn)
When: Thursday, April 5, at 10 (doors at 9)
Tickets: $15 at universe.com, the Red Lion Motor Inn, and RE-buy-Cycle Shop (1112 Goldstream Ave.)
Why: A tribute to Alice in Chains is never a bad thing, given the enduring popularity of the Seattle group. And though the band continues today with a new lead singer, the affinity for original frontman Layne Staley (who died on this day in 2002) keeps the band alive in the hearts of many. Victoria band Facelift will pay tribute to Staley with a set of Alice in Chains songs, with an opening set by popular cover band Riffheist. (Note: $5 from every ticket will be donated to West Shore Music Port, a free music program for eligible students between the ages of 12 and 17).
— Mike Devlin

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BLUES

What: Uncle Wiggly’s Birthday Bash
Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Friday, April 6, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20 through 250-388-9166 or 778-433-3679
Why: Blues mainstays Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band will celebrate the 71st birthday of its leader, Hank Lionhart, with a boffo birthday bash for the big man on Friday. Shows by the group are never dull, but expect this appearance to feature a little more zip. Lionhart has been rolling of late and will be eager to show the young blues dogs in Victoria a few new tricks.
— MD

HIP HOP

What: Badbadnotgood featuring J Rocc
Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St.
When: Sunday, April 8, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Sold out
Why: Far be it from us to recommend the secondary-ticket route, but if there’s a sold-out show worth begging/buying your way into it should be the return of Toronto groove collective Badbadnotgood, which has been doing goodgoodnotbad things in recent years. The Toronto quintet’s exquisite brand of funk-laced instrumental hip-hop is the type of music for which headphones were invented. Which begs the question: With a resumé that includes work with Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown, Ghostface Killah and Tyler, The Creator, why did you wait to get tickets?
— MD