Welcome to The Weekly Best. Every week I go through everything happening in Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt and Carbondale and tell you exactly what's worth your time. Bookmark the blog, because a new list drops every week.
Opening day is only a couple of weeks away and you can feel the valley waking up. The holiday markets are starting, the ski films are back and there's a little bit of everything this week: a Latin Grammy winner for the kids, a locals night at Belly Up, a new play in Carbondale and an artist talk I'm really looking forward to. Here's what I'd put on your calendar.
Wednesday, November 11: Mister G at TACAW
6 PM (doors 5 PM) · TACAW, Basalt · All ages
Bring the kids! Mister G (Ben Gundersheimer) and Missus G (Kat Jamieson) bring their Latin Grammy-winning bilingual music to TACAW. They've played Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, they've written a whole shelf of picture books based on their songs, and their shows get everyone singing and moving. It's part of TACAW's Youth Arts Pass series, and it's a seated show. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 in advance and $25 at the door, with a limit of four per person. Tickets
Wednesday & Thursday Nights, November 11–12: The Northern Taurid Meteor Shower
Best around midnight · Anywhere dark
Look up! The Northern Taurids peak Wednesday night into Thursday. It isn't the busiest shower of the year (think around five meteors an hour), but the Taurids are known for slow, bright fireballs, and with last week's new moon the sky will be nice and dark. Bundle up, find a spot away from town lights, let your eyes adjust and look toward Taurus, near the Pleiades. Bring a thermos of something warm.
Thursday, November 12: Locals Night at Belly Up
8:30 PM · Belly Up Aspen
Locals Night is one of my favorite Belly Up traditions. This week it's [SALT] and Nighthawk v Dragon, two local bands on the best stage in town. Grab your friends and go support the musicians who live here. Tickets
Friday, November 13: Pick Your Night
Friday is packed, and you've got options up and down the valley:
- Deck the Walls Holiday Market opens at Carbondale Arts (The Launchpad, 76 S. 4th St.) at 10 AM. Every holiday season the gallery turns into a shop full of handmade goods from local and regional makers, including candles, cards, jewelry, chocolates, ceramics and soaps. It runs through Christmas Eve, so it's an easy way to shop local all season. Details
- Drunken Poets at The Hoffmann Hotel in Basalt, 6 – 9 PM. Live music, no cover and happy hour on draft drinks all night. That's a Friday night I can get behind.
- Teton Gravity Research presents Pressure Drop at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. Doors at 6:15 PM, film at 7. It's TGR's 30th annual film, following the world's best skiers and snowboarders from Norway to Jackson Hole. Tickets are $20 ($15 for AVSC team and coaches with the code), and pre-sale ends Thursday at 5 PM. Start the stoke! Tickets
- Beyond Reason opens at Thunder River Theatre in Carbondale at 7:30 PM. It's 1886, and William James, the father of American psychology, has invited two mediums to his home for a weekend of psychic investigation. He wants science; the women in the house (including his wife and maid) have plans of their own. Performances run through the end of November, including Saturday at 7:30 PM and a Sunday matinee at 2 PM. Tickets
Saturday, November 14: A Flash of Italy at Sprazzo (Sold Out!)
4:30 – 6 PM · Sprazzo, Carbondale
Thank you, thank you! Our Flash of Italy cocktail party at Sprazzo is sold out. I can't wait to see everyone at the bar for cocktails and Chef Daniel's apps (that focaccia with stracciatella!).
Missed out? Aspen Business Connect has more gatherings coming up this winter, and they fill up fast. Email me to ask about upcoming events and how to get on the list.
Sunday, November 15: Holiday Open House at the Carbondale Clay Center
1 – 4 PM · Carbondale Clay Center 12th St. Annex, 215 12th St. Unit D
This is such a sweet way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Come for creative conversation, hot cocoa from Pollinator Chocolate and ceramic ornament painting. It's sponsored by PNC Bank, and it's a perfect one for the whole family. @carbondale_claycenter
Opening Monday, November 16: For the Table at Harvey Preston Gallery
Through November 25 · Harvey Preston Gallery, Aspen
Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Sam Harvey and the team at Harvey Preston Gallery are celebrating the art of gathering with For the Table, a curated show of ceramics, serving pieces and handcrafted objects for your table. Featured artists include Alleghany Meadows, Savannah LeBauve, Brad Walters, Julia Galloway, Doug Casebeer and John Gill. You might just find the centerpiece for your holiday table.
Tuesday, November 17: An Evening with Sculptor Gail Folwell
5 – 7 PM · The Kodiak Club and Residences, Basalt
If you've ever stopped to look at one of Gail Folwell's sculptures, you know how much motion she captures in metal. The award-winning sculptor is sharing the creative process behind her work, which explores movement and the power of the human form. Space is limited, so RSVP to membership@kodiak-club.com.
My Picks
If you only do one thing this week, make it Pressure Drop at the Crystal. Nothing gets you ready for opening day like a theater full of skiers cheering. Then save Tuesday for Gail Folwell, because hearing an artist talk about her process is something special.
Tickets for many of these go fast, so check each venue before you head out. See you out there, and I'll be back next week with a new Weekly Best!

































































