San Diego’s music community constantly comes together to help a good cause, and that’s especially true when one of those in need is a fellow musician. Such is the case with the Benefit Jam for the family of the late Jeffrey “Francois” Dixon being held on March 24 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge. Dixon, best known as guitarist with the band Rising Star, passed away last month. A host of musical friends will get together to throw an all-day tribute concert to help his family cover expenses. A number of San Diego’s top club bands will perform, finishing off the night at 9 p.m. with a full show from Rising Star. The event, the third of three held around San Diego, has been organized by Dixon’s nephew, drummer Carleton Overstreet Jr., who will perform at the benefit with his own group, the Willovealots. “I’m moved and I’m motivated to do the right thing by anyone who has touched me in my life,” Overstreet said. “My uncle was a mentor, one of two uncles that inspired me to play music myself. Had it not been for his spirit of entrepreneurship, I don’t think I would be nearly as successful as I’ve been where music and business is concerned. He also played a role in my family. So it was a no-brainer.” Dixon was a masterful guitarist and singer. One would have to be in a band as respected as Rising Star. While many bands are content to churn out the same old hits, this combo is particularly good on deep soul cuts and current hits, constantly adapting and adding to the repertoire. Classics by Earth Wind & Fire and Kool and The Gang are in the same set as tracks by Cee-Lo and LMFAO. It’s this fact that has helped keep them one of the top club bands in San Diego since 1982, an amazing feat when you consider the volatility and short-lived nature of most musical projects. Notably at the same time, Dixon was also a master hair stylist and a martial arts instructor. But music was his passion. A wonderful showman, Dixon nailed the vocals and fretwork of the material, but also added choreography and the occasional comedic touch for music sets that were as much about the show as they were about getting people on the dance floor. Overstreet is heartened by the response to the event so far. “As is the case with a lot of musicians who are playing music for a living, they don’t have health benefits,” Overstreet said. “That was the case with him, so the family had to go out and do what we could to make sure the funeral service and other things were taken care of.” In addition to Rising Star and the Willovealots, performers at the show are set to include the groups Pleazure, Wildside, The Charlie Blue Band, Lady Star and Mystique Soul, with more guests to be scheduled. “I’ve been trying to keep the exact schedule a secret from the public, so that there will be a few surprises,” said Overstreet. “But this is definitely a show you want to get there early for. We’ve had a great turn out at the previous events and this one is going to be a lot of fun, too.” Overstreet said there was no shortage of performers wanting to take part and pay their musical respects to Dixon. “He left a legacy,” Overstreet said. “Any local musician that knew him didn’t have any problem committing to these concerts. Everyone has been more than happy to help out.” • Benefit for Jeffrey Dixon: 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. $12. For more information, visit www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.