Seattle Music Scene: Rock Block

This ain't karaoke night -- find the real deal at an array of venues this month

With Jerry Cantrell and William DuVall sharing the vocal duties, the current incarnation of Alice in Chains is markedly different than the Seattle grunge band that hit it big in the ’90s, when their furious charge was led by the vocals of the late Layne Staley. With an album released and a Grammy nomination claimed in the past year, however, it would seem a renaissance is under way—but judge for yourself at the Paramount show (2/4–2/5. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St.; 877.784.4849; stgpresents.org). Less than a week later at the same venue, heavy rock is replaced by an alt-rock sound, as Wilco takes the stage in support of the self-titled album released—to much praise—last year. Also on the bill is fellow Chicagoan band Califone (2/10. 8 p.m. Prices vary. 877.784.4849; stgpresents.org). But for a real arena screamer, Jon Bon Jovi is your man. He brings his always energetic act (and always sparkling white teeth) to KeyArena. Won’t it be refreshing to hear his hits wailed some place other than a karaoke bar? (2/19–2/20. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. KeyArena, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.684.7200; ticketmaster.com). For a less loud, more visual take on rock, check out EMP’s new photo exhibit Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock ’n’ Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash. Nash, of course, hails from Crosby, Stills & Nash and serves as guest curator for this exhibit of 98 images captured by 40 music photographers (2/6­–5/24. Times vary. $15. 206.770.2702; empsfm.org).