CRITICS’ PICKS

MUSIC

What: A Tribute to Tom Petty When: Friday, 7 p.m. Where: Upstairs Cabaret (15 Bastion Sq.) Tickets: $24.30 at Eventbrite.ca Why: A collective of Victoria notables has banded together to pay tribute to singer-songwriter Tom Petty, who died suddenly last month. Petty’s death leaves a catalogue of what some consider the best straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll in history, which should give all involved Friday night more than enough gas for the tank. The list of participants — Oliver Swain, Dallas Budd, Adam Kittredge, Fox Glove, Chris Van Sickle, Matthew Pease and Neil Osborne of 54-40, among others — should easily move this show to sell-out status. — Mike Devlin, Times Colonist

BALLET

What: Swan Lake with Moscow Ballet When: Saturday, 3 p.m. Where: Royal Theatre Tickets: $37 to $111 Why: The Moscow Ballet brings its 25th anniversary tour, the biggest yet, to Victoria with Swan Lake. This iconic Tchaikovsky ballet has inspired dancers and audiences since it premièred in Moscow more than a century ago. Ballerina Olena Pecheniuk performs as the heroine Masha, along with several rising-star dancers in a cast of 40. For more information, visit moscowballet.com — Sarah Petrescu, Times Colonist

MUSIC

What: New Music Festival: Fresh off the Press When: Tonight, 8 p.m. Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall Tickets: $15 to $20 Why: The Victoria Symphony performs works by contemporary and experimental composers from around the world, including Italy, France, Finland and Slovenia. Müge Büyükçelen-Badel performs a violin concerto by former Victoria Symphony composer-inresidence Jared Miller that explores the concept of reverberation. And Sample and Hold by Canadian composer Giorgio Magnanensi incorporates participants who volunteered to take part in workshops and the performance. It promises to be a mind- and ear-bending show. — Sarah Petrescu