Tues. July 3

It will be eight years since the sly and wry Mark Sandman, (in photo) of Morphine, died on stage in Europe. Seems so long ago, seems like yesterday. Morphine pioneered a rootsy, artsy "lo-rock" sound that gained an audience far beyond what we ever expected. It was minimalistic, but powerful, and unique. The emotions Sandman and his pals brought to the fore - twisted tales of life and love - struck a chord in Boston and beyond. Now, where the Middle East is - an old Morphine joint - it is called Mark Sandman Square. Go to the corner of Mass. Ave. and Brookline St., look up and you'll see it. On Tuesday, July 3 his pal Mike Rivard (see Rivard item on Thursday, too), joins up with former Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley, Mike Keenan, Mister Rourke, Monique Ortiz, Christian McNeill, Jereome Dupree and, no doubt, many more to pay tribute to his legacy at Matt Murphy's Pub in Brookline Village. It's simply called "Tribute to Mark Sandman." The music starts late, at 11 p.m. and there's no cover. Also, they'll be honoring the late John Brown's Body bassist Scott Palmer, with music from Guvnor, the band he co-led with drummer Tommy Benedetti.

14 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-232-0188 www.mattmurphyspub.com