THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR NOV 14 - 20 

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David Sedaris
A New York Times best-selling author and sardonic observer of the human condition, David Sedaris remains undeterred by political correctness or the euphemisms that blur the boundaries between truth and tenacity. His columns appear regularly in The New Yorker and have twice earned him inclusion in the listings of "The Best American Essays," while the audio version of his books have earned him three Grammy nominations for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy albums. His plays—written with his sister, actor/writer Amy Sedaris—have been produced in such prestigious settings as Lincoln Center, the Drama Department and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Likewise, his radio readings can be heard on the Public Radio's This American Life and on BBC Radio 4 under the heading "Meet David Sedaris."

So too, his live audio recordings were compiled for a collection of original stories titled David Sedaris: Live for Your Listening Pleasure. In addition, he enjoyed cinematic success when a feature film adaptation of his stories premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Entertainment Weekly once wrote, "Sedaris ain't the preeminent humorist of his generation by accident," while the San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed, "Sedaris belongs on any list of people ... who are revising our ideas about what's funny." Indeed, few others find such humor in happenstance.

An Evening with David Sedaris will take place at Ellen Eccles Theatre/Cache Valley Center for the Arts (43 S. Main St., Logan) on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $31 - $55 (no children under five or babies in arms) and can be purchased at cachearts.org. (Lee Zimmerman)

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Diwali Celebration
The traditional Hindu festival of Diwali is one that dates back in some form as far as the 7th century based on Sanskrit texts, combining traditional harvest festivals with a "festival of lights" celebration recognizing the victor of dharma (virtue) over adharma (vice). Yet like many occasions from non-European cultures, it took a little boost from popular culture to bring Diwali into the broader American consciousness. That happened on a 2006 episode of the comedy series The Office, when characters attended a Diwali event promoted by Indian-American co-worker Kelly (Mindy Kaling, who also wrote the episode), and Steve Carell's Michael Scott wrote an impromptu Diwali-themed song inspired by Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song." Even cringe can be a learning experience, after all.

Utah locals who want to get a sense of the celebration can find out more when the Salt Lake City Library, in conjunction with the Indian Cultural Center of Utah, presents a public Diwali celebration. Experience the festival of lights complete with traditional South Asian music and dancing, along with ceremonial lighting of the diya lamps to ward off darkness. While there, visitors can also enjoy Diwali-themed activities and food from Draper's Paradise Biryani Pointe restaurant.

The 2024 Diwali Celebration takes place at the Salt Lake City Main Library (210 E. 400 South) on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 – 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but early arrival is recommended to ensure seating availability in the Library Auditorium. Visit slcpl.org or iccofutah.org for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

• Allan Amato

An Evening with Kevin Smith
It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since Kevin Smith exploded into the pop-culture consciousness at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival as writer, director and—in the role of Silent Bob—co-star of the ultra-low-budget comedy Clerks. Since then, the proud son of New Jersey has directed 15 additional feature films—including several others featuring characters from Clerks' "View Askew" universe, plus this year's nostalgic youth comedy The 4:30 Movie—as well as episodes of TV series like Supergirl, The Flash and The Goldbergs.

Yet in some ways, Smith has become nearly as successful as a public personality as he has as a behind-the-camera creator. He's shared with his fans on social media details like his TMI feelings about his wife, and the aftermath of a near-fatal 2018 heart attack. And as a raconteur, his forthright and funny persona makes him a crowd favorite. "I make more money standing on stage talking about being Kevin Smith than I do as a director," Smith told the Palm Springs Desert Sun earlier this year. "My mouth has become more valuable than my most valuable commodity, but it doesn't mean I don't get to direct films. Directing isn't the only way I pay my bills, thank God."

"An Evening with Kevin Smith" finds the filmmaker sharing stories from his life and career at Wiseguys Gateway (190 S. 400 West) for four 21-and-over shows, Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $35; visit wiseguyscomedy.com to purchase tickets and for additional event info. (SR)