Mon, Nov 3
Colm Tóibín
Patriotic pride runs through Colm Tóibín’s blood. The Irish author simultaneously manages to be one of his country’s premier writers (The Master, The Blackwater Lightship) and most vocal champions (he has edited multiple compilations of Irish fiction). Tóibín heads to Town Hall to speak about the Irish Literary Renaissance and present his latest book, Nora Webster. Town Hall, $15–$50.

Wed, Nov 5
Seattle International Comedy Competition
The month-long comedy competition kicks off with their opening night party at Columbia City Theater. 
What’s the secret to the consistency of the SICC? Brevity. The stand up comedians go through rounds of vetting before ever taking the stage to compete, and when they do they only get five- or 10-minute sets (until the finals), so they’re forced to do their best material. Columbia City Theater, $12.

Thur, Nov 6
Ampersand Goes Totally Live
Forterra's Ampersand magazine transforms into a live, unrehearsed stage production to celebrate the people and places of Washington. Hosted by chef and author Amy Pennington, the night features performances by rapper Prometheus Brown of Blue Scholars, TEAGUE’s award-winning bike designer Roger Jackson, Chef Daisley Gordon of Café Campagne, nature photographer Paul Bannick, and public radio storytellers BirdNote. Town Hall, $8.

Fri, Nov 7
Relient K
Canton, Ohio’s Relient K began as a Christian rock band heavy on the holiness, but the pure pop rock glory of the band’s 2004 record Mmmhmm can be appreciated by believers and nonbelievers alike. The band celebrates Mmmhmm’s 10th anniversary with a tour highlighting the album. It won’t be a religious experience, but it should be a blast. Neptune Theatre, $17–$20.

Sat, Nov 8
Radim Zenkl with the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra
Renowned Czech mandolinist Radim Zenkl has built quite an impressive resume teaching and performing his instrument around the world. Now he is joined by the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra for special concert featuring works by Bach, Respighi, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and shorter selections. Zenkl is featured as a soloist not only on the mandolin, Irish whistle and didgeridoo. Broadway Performance Hall, $20.