Every Monday, we post The Five Best Things to enjoy in the upcoming week. These things are selected by the Plum TV staff and often times by you.

They range from humble to haute and include exciting events, festivals and performances as well as dining, shopping and playing at various treasured spots, shops and institutions.

This week we're looking forward to...

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PLAY

1) Party alert! On Wednesday, October 21, Spring Board Aspen is having its 8th Annual Give Some Get Some party & silent auction at The Mustang from 6:30-9:30 p.m. They'll have live music provided by Hurricane Carter and DJ Naka G, food & drinks, and a special silent auction with proceeds going to support the Spring Board Advised Fund of the Aspen Community Foundation. Tickets are just $25 in advance and $30 at the door, so come on out and party for a good cause.

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EXPERIENCE

2) On Monday, October 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Aspen Institute, get brushed up on the Bard and come to Sharing Shakespeare 2.0: The Taming of the Shrew. Moderated by local and nationally renowned experts on all things Shakespearian, this series highlights the best of Billy while incorporating film clips into the dialogue. No need to be an expert, just bring a desire to learn! This series continues on a monthly basis until May, so make sure your library card is renewed.

- Shakespeare in the Park (Watch Video)

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SEE

3) Rusted Root are coming to Aspen! On Tuesday, October 20 at the Belly Up, the band responsible for the mega-hit Send Me On My Way make their way to our neck of the woods, and they'll be bringing their signature style of Grateful Dead influenced, jam-heavy rock mixed with hints of African and Latin American beats with them. Little known fact: NASA engineers used Send Me On Way as wake up music for the Mars Exploration Rover. If it's good enough for intergalactic travel, it's good enough for us!

- Rusted Root on Fresh Tracks (Watch Video)

- Mishka at the Belly Up (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for the Belly Up

4) Take in some great contemporary art at Galerie Maximillian. The gallery has an impressive selection of 19th and 20th century artists, and specializes in the much talked about and highly controversial Young British Artists group (think Damien Hirst's shark in a tub & diamond encrusted skull), who were made famous in the early 90's by Saatchi. If you're in the mood for something a bit more conventional, the gallery also has work by Picasso, Matisse, and Braque...so you're sure to get a very well-rounded look at some amazing modern art.

- Aspen Artists: Kathy Taslitz (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for Galerie Maximillian

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SPLURGE

5) Ease into the fall weather (and get ready for the slopes) with a Massage & Spa Treatment at the Aspen Club & Spa. They have a huge array of massage treatments, ranging from aromatherapy, hot stone, high altitude, elemental balance, and Thai, as well as a great selection of facial options, including anti-aging, refresher, warm stone & life essentials. Sounds like an incredibly luxurious way to pamper yourself. Reservations are required, so visit the Spa's website for information on how to book your "you day"!

- Dr. Brown from Aspen Club & Spa (Watch Video)

- The Good Life at Aspen Club & Spa (Watch Video)

- Map, Directions & Video for Aspen Club & Spa

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If you attend any of these events or activities, please report back to Plum with your thoughts on our suggestions and photos of your adventures! We want the good & the bad!

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Ideas for next week? e-mail Mike @ editors@plumtv.com