Happening Wednesday: Eddie Vedder on ukulele and more

BOOKS

Meghan Daum L.A. Times columnist Meghan Daum will moderate a panel about fiction and narrative nonfiction at Skylight Books. Those answering the questions are local memoirists and novelists James Brown (“This River”), Seth Greenland (“Shining City”), Diana Wagman (“Spontaneous”) and Leslie Schwartz (“Angels Crest”). The discussion is sure to be lively and timely. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Free. (323) 660-1175; skylightbooks.com.

EVENTS

LA Comedy Fest 365 This year-round comedy series highlighting up-and-coming comedians and filmmakers presents two shows by local improv groups: the trio Circle One and the colorfully named Yellow-Bellied Marmots. The Marmots will be joined by the sketch-comedy troupe Margot’s Pie. Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. $10 per show. (323) 962-1632. lacomedyfest.com.

MUSIC

Steely Dan The jazz-rock icons cruise through the SoCal area on their “Shuffle Diplomacy 2011” tour, first playing the Santa Barbara Bowl, then two evenings at the Greek Theatre. Fans can expect a mix of their biggest hits and plenty of deep cuts to reel in the years. Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. 7 p.m. $43-$117. (805) 962-7411. steeydan.com

Eddie Vedder The Pearl Jam front man takes a break from his band to tour solo. Vedder released his new solo album, “Ukulele Songs,” last month, which compiles material he wrote over the last decade but never released until now. Expect to hear mellow hits such as “Longing to Belong,” “Tonight You Belong to Me,” and a ukulele version of Pearl Jam’s “Can’t Keep.” Terrace Theater, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. 7:30 p.m. $75. longbeachcc.com.