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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SEE

1) On Thursday, November 5, head over to everyone's favorite Aspen music hotspot, the Belly Up, to see the Pat McGee Band at 9 p.m. The namesake & leader of the band, Pat McGee, has been touring in some form or another for 14 years, and has recorded several critically-acclaimed albums. For this tour, he's got a full band behind him, and they'll be rocking our town with their signature style of folky rock. Not to be missed! Check out the Belly Up's website for more details.

- Mishka at the Belly Up (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for the Belly Up

2) You know the ski season is near when the ski swap comes around! This Saturday, November 7 at the Aspen High School, shop 'til you drop at the 55th Annual Aspen Ski Swap. It's a great opportunity to get some cash for all your unused ski gear that's just taking up space in storage. Drop off for equipment, clothing and accessories is on Friday, November 6th from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m. Get to the swap early on Saturday for screaming deals on new and used gear, doors are open from 9:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Join in the fun and help keep great ski gear out of landfill!

- Ski Tips (Watch Videos)

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SAVOR

3) If you're looking for someplace to have an elegant yet relaxed dinner in the area, then definitely stop by Elevation. With a wildly eclectic menu (pad thai AND flan?!) and totally charming atmosphere, this restaurant has become a local favorite as well as a tourist destination since opening in 2000. Be sure to call to make a reservation, as well as to get the haps on what amazing specials are on the way.

- Map, Directions & Video for Elevation

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EXPERIENCE

4) Come see a Broadway classic - Aspen style - as the Aspen Community Theater presents The Music Man, from Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7. Everyone knows the story here: fast-talking traveling salesman comes to Smalltown U.S.A and cons everyone into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he promises to organize - even though he doesn't know a thing about music! This funny and touching story was a huge hit on Broadway in 1957, and has led to several revivals...and now it's come to Aspen. Go to the ACT's website for more information.

5) On Saturday, November 7, come to the Wheeler Opera House to see the Celtic phenomenon that is Solas. Since forming in 1996, this band has been called the most exciting, popular, and influential Celtic group to ever come out of the U.S, and they've got the unique touring history and devoted fans to prove it. They've played all the major Celtic festivals, but have also played some rather untraditional venues for their brand of music, like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. If you're a fan of Celtic music or totally new to it, this is a show you've gotta check out.

- Map, Directions & Video for Wheeler Opera House

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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