Rock ‘n’ Read Could Be Here to Stay : Music: It may seem an odd pairing, but actors, writers, poets and musicians will spotlight similarities in ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll in Literature.’

“Rock ‘n’ Roll in Literature”?

Sounds kind of like “Opera in Cartoons” or “Science Fiction in Ballet,” doesn’t it? But these two seemingly dissimilar art forms have more in common than most people realize.

John Lennon, for instance, has three published fiction books. Playwright Sam Shepard has used rock ‘n’ roll as if it were a stage backdrop. Elvis isn’t only alive in the tabloids, but in new fiction. And numerous musicians, including L.A. stalwarts Dave Alvin of the Blasters, Julie Ritter of Mary’s Danish and Iris Berry of the Ringling Sisters, have cultivated side projects in spoken-word poetry.

These are among the many examples of rock and writing being intertwined that the “Rock ‘n’ Roll in Literature” series will showcase and celebrate. Running Thursday through July 28 at the Met Theatre, the nine-show series will cover everyone from Bob Marley to Jim Morrison to U2 in ways they’ve rarely been explored. And an impressive roster of actors, writers, poets and musicians will show how pen and paper can be as much tools of rock ‘n’ roll as guitars and drums.

“I want to show people that rock and literature are not as incongruous as people might think,” says Darrell Larson, one of the series’ creators. “I think there’s definitely a lot of great writing with rock ‘n’ roll and about rock ‘n’ roll and certainly influenced by rock ‘n’ roll.”

“Rock ‘n’ Roll in Literature” is the sixth installment of Larson’s “Great Writers Series” at the Met. In the past, these have mostly been performed by actors, including last year’s well-received “Movies in Literature” showcase. While many of this year’s readings will also feature actors--Ed Harris, Tim Curry, Bill Pullman and Beverly D’Angelo among them--a rock ‘n’ roll series would not be much without rock ‘n’ roll performers and writers.

To that end, Larson, an actor and director who has long been affiliated with the Met, recruited record producer and spoken-word impresario Harvey Kubernik. Together the two put together a lively mix of theatrics, history and spoken word artistry--all in the spirit and context of rock ‘n’ roll.

Kubernik, who through his New Alliance Records label has highlighted the intersection between rock and poetry, says that one of the reasons he became involved with the series was that it really was a rock-oriented affair, and one unlike anything done before.

“It’s a different view of rock ‘n’ roll--on the process of rock ‘n’ roll--that you’re not going to get on MTV and you’re not going to get on the radio,” Kubernik says. “And there’s a whole lot to be learned, a whole lot of history and inside views on rock. It’s definitely something for the music fans.”

Each of the nine shows in the series sticks to loosely applied themes, ranging from “Roots Rock, Reggae and the Beatles” on July 14 to “Touring” on July 28.

Among the scheduled highlights: D’Angelo and Chloe Webb will read the poetry of Patti Smith on Friday; Doors drummer John Densmore will preview his new novel Saturday. Curry interprets John Lennon’s literature July 13; Pullman will perform Samuel Charters’ “Elvis Presley Calls His Mom After the Ed Sullivan Show” on July 21, and the July 28 show will feature on-the-road accounts by seasoned musicians, plus special oddball tour chronicles from B. P. Fallon (the pre-show deejay from U2’s most recent tours) and from Linda Albertano, a performance artist who once had the role of chopping off Alice Cooper’s head in his stage show.

With authors and poets (including Michael Ventura, Roger Steffens, Mick Farren, Danny Weizmann, David Leaf and Pleasant Gehman) also playing an integral part in this series, Kubernik says he’s amazed at the range of talent--and generations--represented.

“I find it exciting that we have writers in their 20s and writers in their 70s,” he says. “It just goes to show the kind of influence [rock] has had.”

* “Rock ‘n’ Roll in Literature,” the Met Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford, Hollywood, $10, (213) 957-1152. “Gala Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue” Thursday; “Sam Shepard, Patti Smith and Others” Friday; “The Doors” Saturday; “The Beatles” July 13; “Roots Rock, Reggae and the Beatles” July 14; “Elvis” July 20-21; “Bob Dylan and Lou Reed” July 27, and “Touring” July 28. All shows 8 p.m.