October 2009 Best Bets

Larry Elder is helping to launch Carolina's Got Art, a juried art show that invites submissions from professional and amateur artists from both Carolinas. (Courtesy of Carolina's Got Art)

Carolina's Got Art

Larry Elder has owned a successful art gallery in South End for several years. But he thinks Charlotte has yet to fully realize its potential within the visual arts world. "Charlotte seems to be suffering from visual art doldrums and, in many cases, doesn't even realize it," he says. So Elder is helping to launch Carolina's Got Art, a juried art show that invites submissions from professional and amateur artists from both Carolinas. The show runs all month at Atherton Mill. Details on page 37.

SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam

Don't be surprised if the audience doesn't settle quietly into their seats when the lights dim at this monthly poetry throw-down—they aren't supposed to. The poetry is provocative, pointed, often deeply personal, and really good—this group has been named the national slam poetry champion two years in a row and is led by slam master Bluz. Details on page 36.

Steve Martin Performing with the Steep Caynon Rangers

Already an iconic comedian, Steve Martin has also proved his chops as a writer and musician. Martin played banjo on Shelby native Earl Scruggs's album in 2001 and released his own album in early 2009. Now he's plucking his way across the country with Asheville's Steep Canyon Rangers. Is there anything this man can't do? Details on page 34.

Charlotte Oktoberfest

Think Budweiser really is the king of beers? Prefer a nice spritzer or fruity 'tini? Then skip to the next Best Bet. Everyone else, get out a red pen and circle October 10 on your calendar. And arrive thirsty. The eleventh-annual Charlotte Oktoberfest features more than 350 beers from more than 100 regional and national brewers, plus an array of homebrews. There's also live music and plenty of food vendors, and proceeds go to charity. Details on page 38.

Carolina Panthers

By October, the Panthers will already be a fourth of the way through the season. Which means fans will be either A) full of despair and calling for coach John Fox's head or B) ordering Super Bowl tickets. Because with NFL fans, there's no in between. This month features visits from the Washington Redskins (October 11)—this town's favored team before Jerry Richardson and Co. wooed the NFL—and the Buffalo Bills (October 25). Details on page 38.

On the Radar: Other events you should have on your calendar

• 10/15 Carolina Chocolate Drops, McGlohon Theatre
• 10/18 Metallica, Time Warner Cable Arena
• 10/21-25 Basic Training, Stage Door Theatre
• Through 10/17 Passionate Journey, Mint Museum
• 10/29-11/8 The Woman in Black, Theatre Charlotte