Here's a list of some other not-to-be-missed fall events that cost a tad bit more than $10:
1. CarnEvil: Some of the best people-watching always took place at Purgatory events (before they went the way of the dodo bird) ... and on Halloween. CarnEvil combines the best of those two worlds when you get live music, DJs, light shows, fire dancers and all kinds of antics all under one roof. Last year, it was held on two nights, but this year, it'll all go down at Amos' Southend on Halloween -- Oct. 31. Tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. For more details, visit amossouthend.com.
2. Maxwell with Common and Chrisette Michele: This one will cost more than anything "cheap" (Tickets cost $22-$127.) but it's going to be worth it. Maxwell is back on his game after years off the road, Common always puts on an emotional, charged-up performance and Michele has been around here a handful of times with solid showings each time. A little bit of soul, a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of R&B. See you there! Oct. 6. 7:30 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena. For more info, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
3. Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers: An evening of bluegrass and banjo with actor/banjo player Steve Martin, teamed up with the bluegrass sensation The Steep Canyon Rangers. $54 and up. Oct. 10, 8 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
4. Charlotte Oktoberfest Beer Festival: This annual event, one of our most favorite, offers 350 craft-brewed beers -- yes! Oct. 10. 2 p.m.-7 p.m. $20-$50. Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road. www.charlotteoktoberfest.com.
5. Carolina Chocolate Drops: Comprised of three members -- Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons and Justin Robinson -- the Carolina Chocolate Drops' music reflects deep origins in the Piedmont blues of the North Carolina hill country with ample amounts of banjo, fiddle, snare drum, percussion and kazoo. $18 and up. Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
6. The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum at Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade: You've got to love the title. The play itself -- mounted by Carolina Actors Studio Theatre -- is reportedly a play-within-a-play and "an intimate production that puts the audience all too close to the lunatics." We like crazy people. Oct. 22-Nov. 21. $20-25. More info at www.nccast.com or 704-455-8542.
7. Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged): Presenting 37 plays from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) in 97 minutes. $24.50 and up. Oct. 27, 28, 29, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 30, 31, 8 p.m.; Nov. 1, 3 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
8. Yankee Tavern: According to the folks at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, Yankee Tavern is a "nail-biting rollercoaster ride" that's "two parts Lost and one part The Twilight Zone. Sounds like fun. Nov. 18--Dec. 5. Previews: Nov. 13 and 14. Get all the details (including ticket prices) by visiting www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org or calling 704-342-2251.
