Sat. April 19

 Tribute bands - temporary or permanent groups - are becoming of more and more interest these days. And something's changed about the perception of tribute bands. We saw recent tributes to Motorhead, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin and The Who, and we were really quite knocked out. There used to be something cheesy about this; the tide's shifted so that, as a fan, you can now think, "Well, I'm not going to see the original band" - because it no longer exists or rarely tours - "so, who don't I check out musicians who love the same band I do." For those of you follow the harder of rock, there's quite a triple bill in Somerville Saturday April 19. You've got TOOLFIST - A Tribute to TOOL, Big Bang Baby - a Stone Temple Pilot Tribute, and Nutshell - an Alice in Chains Tribute. They're all at the Good Time Emporium.

 It's being sponsored by Limelight Magazine, which not so coincidentally is highlighting tribute bands from New England in their current spring issue.
When asked why they are focusing on tribute bands and what's their appeal, co-publisher Jason Kenney said "Tribute bands in New England have been making a comeback over the past three years. We thought it would be a good time to focus on them because they are a major part of the ever-changing music scene in New England. TOOLFIST, Big Bang Baby and Nutshell are three of the best tribute bands from the local music scene today." The three bands will enjoy a 20 x 30 foot stage, four 12 X 12 foot video screens and, what's promised to be top-notch sound and lighting. Show starts at 9. Cover: $10.

30 Assembly Square Dr., Somerville, 617-628-5559 www.goodtimeemporium.com