Raleigh
David Sedaris
Quail Ridge Books & MusicThe prodigal son returnsand only two months after his last return, at Durham’s DPAC. The Triangle’s favorite essayist visits the region that gave him copious amounts of material stemming from his formative years in Raleigha period of life best appreciated, perhaps, when you get to spend your middle age in France. His latest best seller, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, features musings on such various topics as procuring a human skeleton for his French boyfriend, Hugh, and traveling to Japan in an effort to stop smoking. Sedaris also catalogues interacting with Hugh, family members, passing strangers as well as native fauna. Fortunately, the book retains the dry wit from his previous collections that began with Barrel Fever. The book also includes “What I Learned,” a humorous (and entirely fabricated) commencement address that Sedaris delivered to Princeton in 2006. Sedaris will be available for signing from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., when his program begins. For more information, visit quailridgebooks.com and see “We talk Raleigh one day.” Sarah Ewald
Raleigh
Marah
The Pour HouseBeing a sideman in Marah: You won’t find it at Manpower, but it’s without doubt one of the best temp jobs in the country. Sure, it’s assured to be a short-term gig, but who’d complain about playing soul-soaked ballads and raging rootsy rock in one of the better acts of the last decade? The Bielanko brothers, Dave and Serge, possess a preternatural gift for convincingly channeling the Stones, Petty, Springsteen and The Band, selling sometimes clumsily overwritten lyrics with their conviction and energy. Reports suggest Serge’s current “maternity leave” hasn’t significantly dampened the live show. Asbury Park, N.J.’s clever soul crooner Anthony D’Amato opens. Pay $8-$10 at 8 p.m. Chris Parker
