COMING UP

A STORY OF VIETNAM AND AMERICA

In the 1970s, Andrew Lam fled to California from Vietnam, just before his homeland fell to communist forces. Over the next three decades, he became one of the most heralded Vietnamese-American writers, an editor for the Pacific News Service and a frequent commentator on National Public Radio. At the UCI Bookstore this week, he’ll be reading and discussing his autobiographical book, “Perfume Dreams.”

Lam’s presentation begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at the bookstore, located off West Peltason Drive and Pereira Road on the UCI campus. Admission is free. Call (949) 824-2665 for information.

BLUE WATER, BLUE BEET

Do your part to help keep the ocean clean while enjoying live music at a Thursday night fundraiser held by the Newport Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Musician Tony Bohnenkamp will provide the entertainment. The venue is the Blue Beet, 107 21st Place, Newport Beach, and the time is 8:30 p.m. For information, call (949) 683-4645.

FUNDRAISER FOR TROOPS

The Newport Beach American Legion Post 291 will host a hoedown from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the legion hall, 215 15th St., Newport Beach. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds will go toward a welcome-home celebration for the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, now serving in Iraq.

A cash bar will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. The Starlight Wranglers will serve up the music. Reservations are required; tickets will not be sold at the door. Information: (949) 673-5070.