Happening Tuesday: Mona Simpson on ‘My Hollywood’

BOOKS

Mona Simpson If Marilynne Robinson can take 14 years between “Housekeeping” and “Gilead,” then surely we can permit Mona Simpson 10 years between her 2000 novel “Off Keck Road” and her latest work, “My Hollywood.” Intertwining the lives of two women — a composer married to a TV writer and a Filipina nanny — Simpson examines the latest conditions of motherhood and marriage. She’ll be in conversation with Michelle Huneven, author of “Blame.” Aloud at the Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. https://www.lfla.org.

POP MUSIC

Kele It came as absolutely zero surprise when Bloc Party’s frontman, Kele Okereke, cut the fat and announced an electro-inclined solo record. “The Boxer” is a tricky little thing, rooted in the clamorous synth textures of early Detroit techno and Chicago house like Model 500 and Cajmere. But while the adventurous “Boxer” pares off Bloc Party’s ponderous streak, it leaves room for Kele’s hopeless romanticism, and the end result hits in all the right places — head, hips and heart alike. Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7 p.m. $32.65. (213) 480-3232.

Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters of Ray Charles In celebration of his upcoming 80th birthday, friends and colleagues of the iconic R&B pianist and singer gather to discuss his life, music and enduring legacy. Media pioneer Norman Lear heads a panel that will focus on the work that went into producing a forthcoming collection of previously unreleased material from Charles’ golden years, including a duet with Johnny Cash. The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $10. (213) 765-6800. https://www.grammymuseum.com.

Charlatans UK Things are going to get heavy as early progenitors of woozy British alt-rock, the Charlatans UK, hit the stage with the shaggy, synth-heavy duo Giant Drag. Bring your earplugs. Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa. 9 p.m. $25. (949) 642-0600; https://www.detroitbar.com.