Happening Wednesday: Rollins turns 50, Radio Dept. and more

STAGE

Henry Rollins ‘50’ The heavily tattooed poet, essayist, radio personality and former lead singer for the legendary punk band Black Flag reached the half century mark Sunday, but he’s stretching the celebration out nearly a full week for his L.A. fans. Expect an evening of thought-provoking and amusing talk about life, rock ‘n’ roll and other scintillating subjects. Largo, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. Nightly at 8 p.m. through Sunday. $25. (310) 855-0350. https://www.largo-la.com.

BOOKS

W.S. Merwin Though his distinguished career spans five decades, the poet and translator is very much a voice for the current age. His continuing exploration of man’s relationship with the natural world has taken on particular resonance as global environmental concerns have come to the fore. In keeping with his role as U.S. poet laureate, Merwin visits Southern California to share his work. Doheny Memorial Library, USC, 3550 Trousdale Parkway, L.A. 4:30 p.m. Free. https://www.usc.edu.

Sarah Shun-lien Bynum and Yiyun Li The two, each named to the New Yorker’s “20 Under 40” list of the most promising young fiction writers, will read and discuss their work at this ALOUD event. Each has California connections — Bynum lives in L.A. and directs the MFA program in writing at UC San Diego, and Yiyun teaches at UC Davis. Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., L.A. 7 p.m. Free. https://www.lapl.org.

POP MUSIC

The Radio Dept. The Swedish band has long been a favorite of be-cardiganed indie-poppers for its twee, atmospheric rock. But the band broadened its audience with last year’s “Clinging to a Scheme,” which cemented its dreamy and melodic bona-fides. El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $22. https://www.theelrey.com.