Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Nov. 5, 2008 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

• Five-piece instrumental band Lotus at Neighborhood Theatre

• Charlotte's most eclectic nightlife event (brought to you by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen) Pop Life at Apostrophe Lounge

• Art exhibit Possibilities: Rising Stars of Contemporary Craft in North Carolina at Mint Museum of Craft + Design

• Lip Service Poetry Open Mic at Faces Night Club

• Poet Morri Creech at Park Road Books