The pioneering rapper KRS-One has spent much of his 25-year career getting behind good causes. So it's no surprise that north Minneapolis tornado victims are on his radar, too. The Bronx-bred legend will headline a benefit show Tuesday at First Avenue. Organizer DJ Xpect is calling the concert Moja, a Swahili word for "One." Also on the bill: the seminal Detroit group Slum Village, Twin Cities rappers Toki Wright and Truth Maze and Chicago's Da Black Pearl. KRS-One is as good a rapper as any to lead the fundraising charge. Now 45, he's been rhyming about community-building since he was in diapers. His live performances are not to be missed. Proceeds will go to relief efforts headed by the North Minneapolis Post Tornado Watch. More info: www.mplstornado.info.
9 p.m. Tue. 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $33.50 advance/$40 at the door. 18 and older. 612-332-1775. www.first-avenue.com.
A made-up holiday A few years ago, the geniuses behind Trivia Mafia made up their own holiday: Laborial Day. Coming halfway between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it was created for nothing more than a good reason to party. Lucky for us, the Trivia Mafia knows how to throw a made-up holiday. This year's celebration features a northeast Minneapolis pub crawl, a scavenger hunt for the "Laborial Stone," a pig roast and trivia at the 331 Club. The $15 ticket gets you pig, a T-shirt and drink specials.
5 p.m. Sun. 331 13th Av. NE., Mpls. $15. 612-331-1746. www.331.mn.
Anthem Heart(s) First Ave There was a time when dance nights were just dance nights in Minneapolis. But party promoters like Anthem Heart have taken them to the next level. The design crew has made a name for itself with parties at the Varsity Theater and Kitty Cat Klub, where clubbers are treated to a mix of cutting-edge visuals and music by the Twin Cities' best DJs. On Friday Anthem Heart takes over the Main Room at First Ave (busy week!) with a party called Keys to the City. Headlining is Dillon Francis, an L.A.-based producer who's a favorite among tastemakers like Diplo and Steve Aoki. Backing him up will be the Get Cryphy DJs, rap crew Tribe & Big Cats and Noam the Drummer. The A/V maestros, Playatta, will set up their interactive "video playgrounds" for your amusement. There will also be live custom screen-printed T-shirts available.
10 p.m. Fri. 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $10/$12. 18 and older.
612-332-1775. www.first-avenue.com.
TOM HORGEN
