Happening Tuesday: Jonathan Lethem and more

BOOKS

Harlan Ellison The prolific science-fiction writer, who penned memorable episodes of “The Outer Limits,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek,” will discuss his love-hate relationship with TV in a conversation with screenwriter Josh Olson (“A History of Violence”). A screening of select Ellison episodes will follow. The Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $10. (323) 655-2510. https://www.cinefamily.org

Jonathan Lethem The prolific author is best known for his fiction, which includes the sci-fi-indebted “The Four Fingers of Death” and crime caper “Motherless Brooklyn.” But in “The Ecstasy of Influence,” he tackles a wide range of nonfiction topics including widescreen cultural criticism and the role of the writer in American public life. Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 7 p.m. Free.vromansbookstore.com.

COMEDY

The Rudy Casoni Variety Show Enjoy an evening of comedic musical variety starring ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘Seinfeld’ alumnus Toby Huss. Lovingly subtitled an “all boozebag revue,” the show includes special guests Billy The Mime, The Poubelle Twins, Laura Silverman, Kate Flannery and Scot Robinson as The Lampshades, Renee Albert, Andy Paley and the Dago 5 Orchestra, a pair of hotstuff peelers, and more. Steve Allen Theater, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. $10. (323) 666-4268. steveallentheater.com.

MUSIC

Garland Jeffreys The singer-songwriter is a testament to the malleability of music to speak across cultures. His work is a blend of rock, blues, Americana, reggae and straight-ahead songwriter fare, and has collaborated with artists as rangy as Sonny Rollins, James Taylor and Lou Reed. He’ll discuss his career at this event, and the inspirations behind his hit album “Ghost Writer.” Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. $15. grammymuseum.org