Author, comedian and radio contributor David Sedaris will bring his signature humor to Van Meter Hall on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Famous for his humorous essays, stories and diary entries, the New York-based humorist has released 10 collections of short stories and essays over the course of his career and has contributed numerous essays to publications such as “The New Yorker.”

Whitney Pastorek of Entertainment Weekly has referred to Sedaris as “preeminent humorist of his generation” due to his self-deprecating style and confessional delivery. The audio version of Sedaris’s 2013 book “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” received a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album at the 56th Annual Awards

Sedaris’s latest book, a collection of diary entries by Sedaris spanning decades entitled “Theft by Finding” will be published May 30. In addition to his writing work, Sedaris has also made numerous radio appearances on NPR and has made several appearances on the late-night television circuit.

Currently on a national speaking tour, Sedaris’s appearance at WKU will be free to all students and seating will be at a first-come-first-serve basis.

The event is part of WKU’s Cultural Enhancement Series, which is focused on providing the community and campus with performances and speeches from national-recognized artists and intellectuals. According to WKU’s Cultural Enhancement website, the goal of the series is to “challenge our audiences, to expose them to new ideas, and give them new perspectives on our world.”

Kelly Scott, Event Coordinator for the Cultural Enhancement Series and Communications Coordinator at the Potter College of Arts and Letters, said Sedaris will be a unique addition to the roster of guests for the series due to his humorous work.

“According to my records we’ve never had an author of this genre for the CES,” Scott said. “The CES Committee tries to bring new and different speakers, artist and performers each year. Humor is never off the table.”

Started in 1997, the Cultural Enhancement Series has brought such widely-recognized names as Bill Nye, Neil Gaiman and Doc Watson to WKU. This year’s Cultural Enhancement season calendar will close out with David Sedaris and has included performances and talks by Black Violin, Sarah Parcak and Ben Solee. The 2017-2018 season will be announced at the event Saturday.

Barnes and Noble will be present in the Van Meter Lobby before Sedaris’s appearance, selling some of the author’s books. After his appearance, Sedaris will be available to sign books for attendees.

“Mr. Sedaris will stay until the very last person has left the building,” Scott said.

The Cultural Enhancement Series Committee will review suggestions for speakers, artists and performers submitted by an online suggestion box in September. 

Suggestions can be given at http://www.wku.edu/culturalenhancement/ces-suggestion.php.

Reporter Andrew Critchelow can be reached at 270-745-6288 and [email protected].