ArtPower! Presents: David Sedaris – Oct. 27, 8 p.m. – Copley Symphony Hall, $20

Perhaps because of his uber-geeky credentials (repeated returns to National Public Radio and Time Magazine Humorist of the Year), David Sedaris flips autobiographical material and self-deprecating memoirs into university-supported programming. Art Power sponsors a second round of French-bashing, Santa-exposing comedy performance at Copley Symphony Hall.

Sardonic, satiric, sarcastic — all appropriate euphemisms to describe Sedaris’ deadpan, tenor retelling of sibling mishaps and career failures as a Santa Elf. Although better heard or read than seen live, Sedaris’ skill for crafting witty prose from prosaic life never fails to amaze. (JG)

Halloween – Oct. 31

You’ve been thinking about your costume for weeks, but let’s face it — you’re just going to end up snagging a preassembled “hot cop” number at a rest stop on your way up to Santa Barbara, then roam the streets of Isla Vista until your feet turn black or you get crushed by the passed-out fatty in the Master Shake costume.

If the whole “largest gathering on the continent” thing doesn’t cut it — and you’ve got a hankering for some obscure desert adventures — drive out to Slab City to experience the grottos and peaks of Salvation Mountain, watch a couple of music department heads play live and camp/soak at Imperial Spa (see myspace.com/goduo for more info). If you want to drive up to L.A., Ladytron is playing at EL Rey Theatre and the Roots are at Avalon in Hollywood.

The night’s local concerts include Billy Talent, Circa Survive, Rise Against and Thursday at San Diego all-ages punk venue Soma, or Goblin Cock at the Casbah. On campus, the silent 1925 version of “The Phantom of the Opera” is showing at 7 p.m. in Geisel for free, and “The Descent” starts at 8 p.m. in Price Center Theater for $3. (SW)