3pm WordsThose who take their fiction strong,...

3pm Words

Those who take their fiction strong, straight-up and with no chaser can get their fill at Writers Bloc Presents James Ellroy. Ellroy, the “demon dog” of contemporary American literature and author of such noir volumes as “The Cold Six Thousand,” “My Dark Places” and “L.A. Confidential,” appears with Bruce Wagner, author of “I’ll Let You Go,” “Force Majeur” and “I’m Losing You.” Both writers, who mine Los Angeles’ boulevards and back alleys in their work, will talk crime, mystery and the scatology of the streets.

Writers Bloc, the Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, 3 p.m. $15. (310) 335-0917 or www.writersblocpresents.com.

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7pm Pop Music

We may never know whether David Baerwald was the first or second half of critically acclaimed ‘80s duo David + David, but we do know that minus David Ricketts, Baerwald subsequently put out two highly regarded solo albums, “Bedtime Stories” and “Triage.” Having spent most of the last decade working as a producer, film composer and collaborating with other musicians, Baerwald recently recorded the first album of his own since the early ‘90s. “Here Comes the New Folk Underground,” arrives July 16 on the Nashville-based Lost Highway label. The longtime L.A. resident moved to Austin earlier this year, but he’s on a brief tour that returns him to his old haunts for shows Sunday and Monday at the Mint.

David Baerwald, the Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. With Abra Moore, Sheila Nicholls. 7 p.m. $14. (323) 954-9630.

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3pm Jazz

Trumpeter Ron McCurdy and spoken-word artist John Wright have joined forces to create a multimedia production of Langston Hughes’ “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.” Written in 12 parts by Hughes in the early 1960s, this 800-line suite of poems reflects the atmosphere of the Harlem Renaissance. This production will feature spoken word accompanied by a live jazz quartet and life-size slide projections of Hughes’ world.

Langston Hughes’ “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz,” featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet and John Wright, Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., L.A., 3 p.m. Free. (626) 744-0246.

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4&7pm Dance

They may not be Bollywood heartthrobs, but the Rangoli and Arpana dancers are among the most active local artists bringing Indian dance to Southland audiences. Their coincidental Sunday performances provide a chance to sample the beauties of Indian classical dance. The Rangoli “Enduring Traditions” program capitalizes on variety. In contrast, the Arpana Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary with “Maya Manusha--The Illusive One,” a company showcase concentrating on the human and divine aspects of the Hindu god Krishna. Take your pick and sample ancient glories newly resplendent.

Rangoli Dance Company, “Enduring Traditions,” Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. 4 p.m. $12 to $15. (818) 347-9938.

Arpana Dance Company, “Maya Manusha--The Illusive One,” Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine. 7 p.m. $15 to $35. (949) 854-4646.