Happening Wednesday: The Dead Weather, Culver City block party and more

EVENTS

Culver City Summer Block Party Already popular for its big art openings scene and walkable downtown, Culver City launches a series of block parties through October. Special discounts and promotions include free wine and refreshments at the Haro Gallery and $1-a-minute chair massages at the Wellness Spa, plus extended happy hours and free appetizers at other spots. Both the Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Culver Hotel will feature live entertainment. Downtown Culver City. 5 to 9 p.m. Free. https://www.downtownculvercity.com/CCSBP_flyer.pdf

POP MUSIC

The Dead Weather Jack White, of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs, trades his guitar for a drum kit in this snarling, bluesy garage-rock supergroup. White shares singing duties (or, more accurately, yowling duties) with frontwoman Alison Mosshart of the Kills. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $37.50. (323) 962-7600. www.livenation.com.

Rihanna The icy R&B singer who made umbrellas sexy is currently on her “Last Girl on Earth” tour supporting her harrowing, complex album “Rated R.” She’ll appear Wednesday night with special guest Ke$ha, the feisty pop star who made brushing your teeth with Jack Daniels an acceptable habit. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. (213) 742-7340. www.staplescenter.com.

BOOKS

PEN USA’s Emerging Voices If all goes to plan, the following writers — Monica Carter, Natashia Deón, Lorene Garrett, Simone Kang and Bev Magennis — will have their names emblazoned on book jackets in five or 10 years. PEN USA’s literary fellowship program, Emerging Voices, aims to provide new writers with the tools they need for launching a writing career. The aforementioned recipients of the 2010 Emerging Voices fellowships will read from their work. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 443-7000. 7 p.m. Free. www.penusa.org.