Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, Dec. 17, 2008 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
• Appalachian band R.I.S.E. performs at The Evening Muse
• Pet PALS Holiday Bash at Suite
• Handel's Messiah at Belk Theater
• Themed wine tasting at Dolce Vita
• Nightlife event Pop Life at Apostrophe Lounge