The public wake for Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen is tonight from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Paul, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd. He will also be remembered with a musical/artistic tribute at First Avenue on Nov. 9, which would have been his 29th birthday. Tickets ($20) are now on sale at Fifth Element No specific performers or format for the show have been named. It's simply being billed as "A Celebration of the Life of... ." Money from the event will go to his family to pay for funeral costs and other expenses.
In the meantime, First Avenue added an Eyedea & Abilities star on its wall. I know the duo's name already came up when the stars were repainted over the summer, but the permanent tribute makes for an extra-sweet statement now. Rhymesayers staffer Kevin Beacham also delivered an excellent tribute to his friend on Saturday's "Redefinition Radio" show on the Current, including some rare tracks and a pretty thorough analysis of his wild musical excursions. The show can be streamed here or downloaded via the link at bottom of this page. It's becoming pretty damn clear Eyedea's name and music will live on.
