Brilliant, irreverent, prolific and ingenious describes the best-selling author David Sedaris, who will bring his unique and poignant talent to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Sedaris will speak at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.
Sedaris, an American humorist, comedian, author and radio contributor, has been described as the “rock star of writers.” Sedaris was nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album.
“We’re thrilled to have David Sedaris coming to SIUE,” said Grant Andree, director of SIUE’s Arts & Issues and assistant director of development in the College of Arts and Sciences. “He’s one of the hottest writers in the country, with 7 million books in print. He’s been called ‘one of America’s preeminent humor writers.’ This is a show guaranteed to entertain.”
Some of Sedaris best-selling and popular works include Barrel Fever, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Sedaris’ newest book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary, was published in 2010 and immediately hit the New York Times Bestseller Fiction List. The humor writer’s books have been translated into 25 languages.
Sedaris also has pieces that appear regularly in The New Yorker and some have been included twice in “The Best American Essays.” National Public Radio broadcast his essay “SantaLand Diaries” in 1992, and Sedaris remains a contributor to NPR.
Sedaris’ next book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, is due to be released this spring.
For tickets and information, visit the SIUE Dunham Hall Arts & Issues Box Office, the SIUE Morris University Center Information Booth, artsandissues.com or call (618) 650-5774.
The Arts & Issues series brings artistic excellence to the SIUE campus through an eclectic blend of speakers and performers. For more than 28 years, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has showcased some of the world’s finest artists. Each season, thought-provoking speakers inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the underwriting of SIUE, corporations, foundations and individual donors, tickets are often discounted by as much as 75 percent.
Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University and offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the community, to engage with performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions.