“I haven’t the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.”
~David Sedaris, Naked

Let’s hope MU isn’t on that long list because Sedaris will perform at Jesse Hall on Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. Sedaris’ live readings are known to include unpublished material, which make for unique and unpredictable performances.

Sedaris is a Grammy-nominated comedian, radio personality and bestselling author. He was first recognized in 1992 when NPR broadcast his essay SantaLand Diaries.

Photo courtesy of University of Missouri Concert Series

Much of Sedaris’ work is autobiographical, focusing on his personal life in a self-depricating light. He has written of his middle-class upbringing, Greek heritage, education, drug use, odd jobs, and living in France, London and South Downs. Sedaris is gay and living with his partner Hugh Hamrick, who is often mentioned in Sedaris’ writing.

Sedaris also writes a lot about his family life. His essay that made him famous, SantaLand Diaries, centers around his experience working as a Christmas elf in Macy’s “SantaLand.” Ironically, it is Sedaris’ actress sister, Amy Sedaris, who played Deb in the Christmas film Elf. David and Amy Sedaris have written several plays together under the name “The Talent Family.”

Sedaris has sold over seven million books published in 25 different languages. His bestselling books and and personal essays include:

• Barrel Fevel (1994)
• Holidays on Ice (1997)
• Naked (1997)
• Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000)
• Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (2004)
• When You Are Engulfed in Flames (2008)
• Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (2010)

You can hear Sedaris’ original audio recordings and radio pieces on This American Life on NPR.

This is one comedian you won’t want to miss. You are sure to laugh yourself into a fit of tears as Sedaris makes a mockery of people in general and their unusual habits. His sarcastic wit and observant writing is sure to leave you wondering, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

What: Concert Series: David Sedaris

When: 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21

Where: Jesse Auditorium