Happening Wednesday: Usher, Flavor Flav and more

BOOKS

Flavor Flav Flavor Flav loves Flavor Flav and has written a book about himself called “Flavor Flav: Icon.” The former Public Enemy rapper turned reality TV star will appear at the Grammy Museum to discuss his epic life and the many challenges he faced in the studio and behind the camera. And if you want to know what loving New York was really like, he’ll be happy to tell you during the Q&A session. The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., No. A-245, L.A. 8 p.m. $20. (213) 765-6800; https://www.grammymuseum.org.

Telling Mexico’s Stories At a time when Mexico is grappling with the scourge of drug violence, undergoing a fitful process of democratization, and trying to reconcile an expanding middle class with staggering levels of poverty, a panel of journalists contemplates how to best tell the country’s complex story. Participants include Alfredo Corchado, Mexico City bureau chief at the Dallas Morning News, and Ana Maria Salazar, host of “Imagen News.” MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free, reservations suggested. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org

MUSIC

Usher For better or worse, Usher is the last man standing in the field of nimble, pop-theater R&B. And he’s making the most of this unique lack of competition. In 2004, Usher had an almost unprecedented chart run with his album “Confessions,” twice replacing himself atop the singles charts and becoming the first act since the Beatles to have the two bestselling singles in a given year. Afterward, though, he struggled to find his creative footing — reception for his 2008 album “Here I Stand” was tepid. But lately he’s reasserted his longstanding claim to Jacko’s vision of a genre cross-pollinating, sci-fi-indebted R&B utopia. Staples Center, 111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. $29.50-$125. staplescenter.com

Earth, Wind & Fire The venerable R&B and funk-fusion act has been an American staple for 40 years, and on this anniversary tour they’ll remind longtime fans why they’ve lasted and cranked out a catalog of hits to rival any in rock or pop. With guest Aaron Neville. Nokia Theatre, 8 p.m. 777 Chick Hearn Court, L.A. $49.50-$129.50. nokiatheatre.com.