Happening Wednesday: Gorillaz, Slake and more

POP MUSIC

Gorillaz Our favorite cartoon-charactered “virtual band” is out on a world tour supporting its much-awaited new album, “Plastic Beach.” Former Blur frontman Damon Albarn will be heading up the flesh-and-blood version of the group, with hip-hop/rock outfit N.E.R.D. supporting. Gibson Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza. 7:30 p.m. $79-$143. (818) 622-4440. https://www.livenation.com.

Stone Temple Pilots Trying out its first new material in nearly a decade, the band has been touring with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in support of its recently released self-titled sixth album. Frontman Scott Weiland remains a point of fascination for music lovers and the media as the band expands on its legacy as a 1990s rock radio staple. Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 Milpas St., Santa Barbara. $57. 6:30 p.m. https://www.sbbowl.com.

BOOKS

Slake LA: Iconoclasts The new quarterly literary journal founded by former LA Weekly editors Joe Donnelly and Laurie Ochoa, presents this reading with contributors Mark Danielewski, Jerry Stahl, Mary Woronov and Lauren Weedman. Donnelly and Ochoa will give introductions and moderate audience Q&A sessions. The Max Wrightson Trio will also perform during intermission. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000. https://www.hammer.ucla.edu.

Is the U.S. Ready for the Rise of Asia? Robert Kaplan, a national correspondent at the Atlantic and the author of “Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power,” visits Zocalo Public Square to discuss the shifting balance of power on the world stage. Kaplan will explore how the Indian Ocean region is emerging as a key area in global politics in the 21st century. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free, reservations recommended. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org.