Happening Wednesday: Femi Kuti, InkSlam and more

BOOKS

InkSlam Poet Marianne Moore wrote of poetry itself as “a place for the genuine”; the same might be said of this spoken-word festival. The four-day fest kicks off with Ink’d Out, a program celebrating the gay community, and Storytellers, featuring Mayda Del Valle and her work in progress, “Salida.” Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 8 and 10:30 p.m. $5 per program. (323) 655-7679, Ext. 100. www.inkslam.org.

New Texture Nights The indie publisher showcases its newest releases with five nights of literary and musical entertainment. The series kicks off with signings and readings from author-musicians Josh Alan Friedman (“Black Cracker”), Chris D. (“A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die”) and Wyatt Doyle (“Stop Requested”), plus an acoustic guitar performance from Josh Alan. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd. 7 p.m. Free. Through Sunday at various venues. See website for schedule. newtexturenights.blogspot.com.

POP MUSIC

Femi Kuti The Hollywood Bowl regular will send the audience dancing into the aisles with his tightly constructed Afrobeat informed by soul and jazz. The son of superstar Fela Kuti, Femi has kept the same political fire, criticizing his native Nigeria for its attitudes concerning the spread of AIDS and other contentious issues. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave. 8 p.m. $8-$99. www.hollywoodbowl.com.

ART

The Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach The fest presents its famous summer event, “Pageant of the Masters,” a 90-minute, living-picture presentation featuring live actors dressed and posed as faithful re-creations of world-famous paintings. The fun is accompanied by an orchestra, live narration and intricate sets. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 8:30 p.m. nightly through Aug. 31. Ticket prices vary. (800) 487-3378; https://www.foapom.com.