Lots of fun stuff to check out this weekend, kids. Staying home would be a crime against local culture.

Two Miami-based artists have transformed the exterior of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art at 227 State Street (see photo above). Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt will give a talk about their installation piece The Absent City tonight at 6:30 p.m. while local R&B and funk band Vibe Syndicate plays on the rooftop starting at 5:30 p.m. The Vibe Syndicate was voted Best New Band in the Isthmus' 2007 Annual Manual, plus they got nominated in the Madison Area Music Awards in 2004, 2005 and 2007. The event is free for MMoCA members and anyone wearing paisley. Non-members not wearing paisley have to pay five bucks. (You can read more about The Absent City here.)

Madison garage-rockers The Hussy play the Project Lodge (817 E. Johnson St.) on Saturday night at 7 p.m. "Sweet, simple and stoopid" is their headline on myspace, and I have to say, that pretty much sums it up. They'll be joined by Gospel Gossip out of Minnesota. The show costs $6. While you're there, check out the current art show up on the walls of the Project Lodge, all 2D art by UW-Madison MFA candidates.

The Sugar Maple Festival runs tonight and tomorrow at Lake Farm Park on the northwestern shore of Lake Waubesa (google map it at 4330 Libby Road). If you can't commit to the full two days, consider just going to Deanna Varagona's Gospel Jubilee on Saturday night at 9:05 p.m. (on the nose!). This "loose but loving congregation of Chicago punk and alternative country musicians" plays a spirited take on blues, Appalacian country, deep soul and Tom Waits-like jazz. Find info about tickets and camping options here.

Back at the Project Lodge on Sunday morning at 11 a.m., co-owner Kendra Larson will be throwing one of her pancake feasts for artists, musicians and their fans (at 817 E. Johnson St.). Come ready to brainstorm art project and performance ideas. Or bring an instrument if you want to jam. Either way, bring some money to fund all the pancake goodness.

Sunday night at 8 p.m., the Melvins rock the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., with opener Big Business. The Melvins' big claim to fame was that Kurt Cobain listed them among his favorite bands. Big Business will be joining them on stage for a drums-heavy set of clashy, stripped-down heavy metal. You can here some of their new stuff here and buy tickets online at www.high-noon.com.

Have a great weekend!