The651.com

In the wake of the recent benefit and tribute show for St. Paul-bred emcee Mikey “Eyedea” Larsen at First Avenue, two additional fundraisers and memorial concerts are set to take place this weekend in the rapper’s hometown, one month after his death.

(Photo: B Fresh)

This Saturday, check out another side of Larsen with the “EYE Will” exhibition opening at Nicademus Art and Framing on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul, featuring his own visual art displayed alongside work by Michael Gaughan, James Penfield, Booka B, Louis N LaPierre, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Satori, and George Tompson. The free exhibition runs through December 10.

Immediately following the opening, the “EYE Will” party moves over to the Turf Club with live sets from Face Candy, Kill the Vultures, Kristoff Krane, No Bird Sing, Carnage, Guitar Party, Sector 7G, and Mr. Dufaux. Tickets for the Turf Club show will be $10 at the door or $8 if purchased at Nicademus Art and Framing. Both the “EYE Will” exhibition and the show are benefits; all art and ticket sales go to the Micheal “Eyedea” Larsen & Family Fund.

Next Thursday, December 2, a group of “St. Paul’s Finest” will gather at Station 4 for a follow-up to First Avenue’s memorial show, which organizers hope “will give anyone who couldn’t attend November 9 celebration to be a part of his legacy/memory.” Performers at the Station 4 show include Sensory Motel, Sota Boys, Eden, Elliott Graber, Conner Allen, Murphey’s Midnight Rounders, and “special surprise guests.” There will be a suggested donation of $7-10 collected at the door, which will benefit Larsen’s family. Additionally, Station 4 will donate $1 from each drink sold to the memorial fund.

The Black Dog Café is known for its eclectic live music events and art openings – just like Lowertown itself. The best of the sprawling arts district surrounding Mears Park is represented at Black Dog’s fifth annual Lowertown Block Party. (Not to be confused with next weekend’s Lowertown Music Fest with Mason Jennings, Cloud Cult and Tapes N Tapes; look for more on that next weekend at the651.com!) With music ranging from Celtic and Brazilian to blues, jazz and hip-hop; a local artist market; and tasty bites straight from the Black Dog’s grill, the free fest is a can’t-miss party for the music and arts lover alike.

Kristoff Krane

Heading up the music lineup is hip-hop duo Ill Chemistry (featuring Desdamona and Carnage, 4:20 p.m.), jazz-blues ensemble Davina & The Vagabonds (2:30 p.m.), rapper/singer-songwriter Kristoff Krane (6:10 p.m.), 15-piece Brazilian group Batucada do Norte (5:30 p.m.), jazz saxaphonist Irv Williams (2 p.m.), Celtic/Americana trio The Long Straight Forever (3:50 p.m.), blues/roots rockers Jimmi & The Band Of Souls (3:05 p.m.), and Fantastic Friday House Band (aka Fantastic Merlins, who play every Friday at the Black Dog, 4:50 p.m.).

Ursus Minor

One of the biggest treats should be a rare set from Ursus Minor (7:15 p.m.), an all-star jazz/funk/hip-hop band with Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams, Prince guitarist Mike Scott, Jeff Beck keyboardist Tony Hymas, François Corneloup on baratone and soprano saxophone, and sometime-member Brother Ali (though it’s doubtful he’ll show, being that he’s playing a tour date in Germany the day before).

2-9 p.m. Sunday, free, all ages; Corner of Prince & Broadway Streets, St. Paul, 651-228-9274,www.blackdogstpaul.com