Happening Wednesday: ‘My Kinky Valentine,’ Friendly Fires and more

BOOKS

Jane McGonigal For kids growing up in the aughts, video games have replaced TV as the brain-rotting boogeyman promoting violence and impassive drooling for hours on end. But there are an increasing number of writers and designers from the video game industry who are advocating its potential for creativity and a deeper understanding of the world. Zócalo Public Square presents the game designer and author of “Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World.” Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd. 7:30 p.m. Make reservations at https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org.

Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser On the heels of revised dietary guidelines presented by the federal government, two leading thinkers on food will discuss its industrialization and its impact on personal health and the environment. Pollan is the author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” and Schlosser is the author of “Fast Food Nation.” Evan Kleiman, host of the radio show “Good Food,” will moderate. Bovard Auditorium, USC, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, L.A. 7 p.m. Free, RSVP required. https://www.usc.edu.

POP MUSIC

Friendly Fires Currently gearing up for its sophomore release, “Pala,” this English indie dance trio is well-known for its ecstatic energy and percussion-mad crescendos during live shows. Catch the trio with the local buzz-band electicists Superhumanoids. Roxy Theatre. 9009 W. Sunset Blvd. 8 p.m. $20. (310) 278-9457. theroxyonsunset.com.

EVENTS

Lucha VaVoom Presents: My Kinky Valentine Fans of mock sex and violence will be serenaded with Valentine-themed action from the Mexican wrestling-burlesque-comedy troupe. Highlights include Amazon Kitten With a Whip Legs Malone, top luchador Héctor Garza and the U.S. debut of Mexican wrestler Máscara Dorada, plus comedy from Blaine Capatch and special guests. Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., Downtown. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. $35. (213) 746-4674. luchavavoom.com.