QUALITY: JAR OF FLIES (the ultimate AIC experience) is a gathering of top Seattle musicians with a passion for live energy and true showmanship.
EXPERIENCE: They do not try to look like the bands, act like the bands, or try to “be” the bands; they just painstakingly work to ensure that they sound exactly like the albums.
In honor of Alice in Chains, the Seattle-based tribute band brings an authentic and powerful sonic experience to the stage.
Let`s flash back to 2019 and revisit the first time we performed with Brendan Maier. It was the 2019 Layne Staley Tribute concert at The OG Crocodile, and he`s been with us ever since. We`re really looking forward to sharing the stage again with our great friend, B. Let`s have some fun next weekend at The Showbox!
We strive to bring a diverse cast of performers to each annual tribute. Some have joined us on many occasions, and others are participating for the first time. For those who haven’t met Joseph Pepe, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a veteran Seattle area musician who credits Layne Staley as a major influence for his musical aspirations. Mr. Pepe fronts Damn The Flood, plays guitar in Josh Kain, and is very excited to give his heart and soul onstage alongside Jar of Flies at The Showbox next weekend as he sings a few handpicked tracks from AiC’s 1992 ‘Dirt’ album. Join us in welcoming a new friend to the family. We’re looking forward to this night to remember with Joe and hope to see you there.
This inspirational gentleman has been the opening act at tribute concerts for Layne Staley and Chris Cornell in years past. However, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Martin Thomas Reed will front Jar of Flies for a very special Alice in Chains song that quite literally changed the course of his life. We`re honored to have him join us on stage and we`d love for you to share the moment with us.
About Martin: Martin Thomas Reed is a singer-songwriter, advocate, and the creative force behind MTR Project, whose life stands as a testament to the power of redemption through music. After surviving nearly eight years of debilitating heroin addiction, Martin spent years performing on the streets to support his habit before making the life-changing decision to pursue recovery. From that moment forward, he dedicated himself to transforming pain into purpose.
That journey gave birth to MTR Project, a musical endeavor that quickly gained momentum throughout the Pacific Northwest. Martin has performed on many of the largest stages in Seattle and Tacoma, earning a respected reputation within the local music scene while also gaining worldwide recognition with the release of his debut full-length album. His music has resonated with listeners across the globe, offering an honest portrayal of struggle, resilience, and hope.
Deeply influenced by the emotional intensity of Layne Staley and Chris Cornell, Martin brings an authenticity that cannot be manufactured. Rather than imitating the grunge movement, he embodies its defining spirit, raw honesty, vulnerability, and unfiltered emotion. Every performance is fueled by lived experience, creating a connection with audiences that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Whether performing on stage, organizing community events, or speaking about recovery, Martin Thomas Reed continues to prove that our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose. His music is more than entertainment, it is a message of hope, healing, and the enduring truth that we do recover.
We’re excited to welcome back John Evans (TwasmonauT) for the 2026 Layne Staley Tribute concert next Saturday the 22nd at The Showbox. His electric vocal renditions of ‘Junkhead’ and ‘Rain When I Die’ brought the house down at Neptune Theatre in 2025. This year, he’ll lead Jar of Flies during some of AiC’s biggest hits and is sure to deliver a performance you don’t want to miss. Don’t delay. Make your arrangements now for the quickly approaching, two-night celebration of all things Layne Staley and witness Mr. Evans’ undeniable, one of a kind energy. We can’t wait!
📸 Susan Harris Photography (FB) 📸 @susanharrisphotography (IG)
You may remember our good friend, Jay Smith of The Double Cross Committee. He`s the lean, mean harmonica machine who`s graced the stage with us during `Don`t Follow` in year`s past. Well, get ready, because this year he`ll be stepping up to the big boy mic for a proper deep-cut party of seldom-performed Alice in Chains bangers. Get your tickets in advance and be there for Jay`s shining moment in honor of Mr. Layne Thomas Staley. You`ll be glad you did!
We`re honored to be invited back to 90s Flannel Fest for our fifth year. This is one of the very best outdoor tribute festivals Washington has to offer. Grab your passes now and make plans to join us and OUTSHINED (Tribute to Soundgarden & Temple Of The Dog) on Saturday, October 3 at Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake!
More special guest performers returning for Layne Staley Tribute Weekend ‘26!
The talented Jessica Lurie (Sax), Kenny Buckley (Percussion) and Jake Carden (Guitar) will take the stage again this year. We’re thrilled to have them lend their expertise and add the crucial musical layers to adequately serve this timeless music.
Jake is also planning something very special for Grunge Night (FRI 8/21) that you don’t want to miss. More on that soon.
Give it up for these hardworking individuals who help make the magic happen and allow us to honor Layne’s repertoire in the best way possible.
Many familiar faces are returning to Layne Staley Weekend in 2026!
Please help us welcome back the gentlemen who round out Seattle’s premiere tribute to grunge, THE GRUNGE SHOW.
Perched at the helm of @jaroffliestributeband (AiC) for the 8th consecutive year sits internationally adored, Brendan Maier (Sapphire Sun) @brendanielson, a singer recognized by Loudwire and Metal Injection as a dead ringer for Layne, and an undeniable Pacific Northwest fan favorite who brings Staley’s grit and showmanship to the forefront. Guitarist / Vocalist, Kyyle Cort (Superfekta) @kyyleonthedial adds Jerry Cantrell’s unforgettable timbre, blending together a hauntingly accurate portrayal of their signature overlapping harmonies that set Alice in Chains apart from the rest.
Fronting @outshinedributeband (Soundgarden / TOTD / Audioslave) is a classically trained vocalist known as @KevenJamesHoffman (Dead Rebel Saints). Raw talent paired with a painstaking work ethic has cultivated Keven into a vocal force capable of navigating Chris Cornell’s remarkable range from early Soundgarden albums to songs from the twilight of his career. No one sings like Chris anymore, but Hoffman’s awe-inspiring rendition is a near perfect replication of Cornell’s aura and is absolutely worth writing home about.
Bringing a bona fide display of showmanship and a true homage to Kurt Cobain’s life and legacy, @nirvanaseattletribute (Nirvana) embodies the spirit, attitude and unique energy of the band who changed popular music’s landscape forever. Lead Singer, Sean Morrison (No Ground), captivates audiences with his rare ability to match Cobain’s vocal essence while leading an unadulterated tribute to Nirvana’s memorable stage presence.
Showbox Presents: GRUNGE NIGHT (A Tribute to Seattle Music) Friday, August 21st at The Showbox in Seattle, WA Ticket link: https://www.showboxpresents.com/events/detail/1345371
Showbox Presents: LAYNE STALEY TRIBUTE 2026 Saturday, August 22nd at The Showbox in Seattle, WA Ticket link: https://www.showboxpresents.com/events/detail/1345368
