Our Friday best: Kendrick Lamar, 'To Sit Awhile,' Chastity Brown and A.R. Rahman

Kendrick Lamar

With Jay-Z deep in moguldom and Kanye off the deep end, Lamar has stepped up as rap's most important superstar of the moment. The Compton native's wild new album, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers," is often biting and a bit boggling, but he's making sense of it on tour with help from a hi-fi stage production, a fleet of dancers and a theme based around a visit to a psychiatrist's office. He's usually a commanding performer, whatever the surroundings. His cousin Baby Keem opens, along with another act signed to Lamar's pgLang imprint, Tanna Leone. (7:30 p.m. Sat., Xcel Energy Center, 199 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, $75-$209, ticketmaster.com)

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

Sit, then party for playwright Lorraine Hansberry

International artist Alison Saar's sculpture "To Sit Awhile" is touring the country and making a stop at the Pillsbury House + Theatre in south Minneapolis. The sculpture is a tribute to playwright and civil rights activist Lorraine Hansberry, author of "A Raisin in the Sun," and will remain in Minneapolis through Sept. 15 as part of the monthlong celebration featuring works by Black artists, community groups and creative youth. It kicks off Saturday with the "Inside Out Block Party" from 1-6 p.m. on Chicago Av. S. between 35^th and 36^th streets, and includes roller-skating, button-making, face-painting, a bouncy house, free food and a bike raffle.

ALICIA ELER

Luminary Open House

ROB HUBBARD

Chastity Brown

Hard to believe the ruggedly soothing Twin Cities songwriting stalwart has not headlined her own First Ave show before, but the hometown celebration for her first album in five years is a great occasion for the first time. "Sing to the Walls" has earned high praise from NPR and other national outlets for its dramatic yet hopeful spin on the calamity of recent years, and for the way Brown sprinkled in a little Curtis Mayfield-style funky soul to help boost her chief goal of feeling good again. She and her band have been on the road much of the summer and always stretch and elevate her songs onstage. Innovative jazz trumpeter Omar Abdulkarim opens. (8 p.m. Sat., First Avenue, 701 1^st Av. N., Mpls., $20-$25, axs.com)

C.R.

A.R. Rahman

ARTHI SUBRAMANIAM

An Afternoon of Sound, Scent & Performance at Franconia

With beekeeping workshops, sound and scent walks, and music, the event at Franconia Sculpture Park connects visitors with nature through art and performance. As part of the "4Ground: Midwest Land Art Biennial," activities allow for a better understanding of the art installations. Visit the mobile "Climate Chaser" studio for storytelling about climate change, and experience the "City Lights Orchestra," a sound sculpture made of streetlamp globes created by artist/filmmaker Andy Graydon, activated by composer, improviser and audiovisual artist Sara Pajunen. The event culminates with "Rewilding the Prairie," a participatory performance with Rachel Frank. Audiences will use a horned drinking vessel to "rewild" the prairie grasses. (Noon-4 p.m. Sat., Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer, Minn., free, franconia.org.)

SHEILA REGAN

'A Love Song'

CHRIS HEWITT

Jessie James Decker

She's an entrepreneur, fashion designer, lifestyle influencer, cookbook author, mother of three and reality TV star (with her Minnesota-born husband, ex-NFL and Gopher Eric Decker). Almost forgot that she's been trying to be a country singer-songwriter through it all. Last fall, she released "Should Have Known Better," her first single to make a ripple in Nashville in years. It sounds like a tune Shania Twain might have delivered 25 years ago with a little more attitude. TikTok-launched singer Avery Anna opens. (7:30 p.m. Palace Theatre, 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul, $39.50-$75, first-avenue.com)

JON BREAM

The Great Big Garden Party at Lakewood