Wednesday | Oct. 17

‘INSPIRED IMAGINATION'
Lowdown: Wondering what's next? Syd Mead, who calls himself a “visual futurist,” knows. He's the man behind the design of cars, electronics and a host of movies. See what he thinks is coming up — or just ask him how you can score his job.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place
How much: Free
Info: trinity.edu or (210) 999-8406

‘25 UNDER 25'
Lowdown: Find San Antonio's up-and-coming artists at the “25 Under 25” event, a juried show featuring 25 works from 25 artists — all under the age of 25. Take some $20s and some $5s to pick up cutting-edge art to take home, too.
When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: SAY Sí Central, 1518 S. Alamo
How much: Free
Info: saysi.org or (210) 212-8666

MARIBEL PORTELA LECTURE
Lowdown: Mexican ceramic sculptor Maribel Portela creates over-the-top sculptural works that evoke the avant-garde. Catch her at work in her studio this week. It's like an artist zoo!
When: Artists lecture, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17; demonstrations, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily through Oct. 19.
Where: McAllister Ceramic Studio, Southwest School of Art & Craft, 300 Augusta
How much: Free
Info: (210) 224-1848

Thursday | Oct. 18

CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED
Lowdown: One of country music's hottest up-and-coming acts brings its show to one of the area's most historic live music venues. Stephanie Briggs opens the show.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
How much: $25
Info: gruenehall.com or (830) 629-5077

‘CELEBRITY RAP SUPERSTAR'
Lowdown: The show that pitted wannabe-rappers against each another, eliminating one weekly, closes the curtain. Who will win? Our money's on K-Fed making a surprise appearance and cleaning house.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: MTV
Info: mtv.com
Friday | Oct.19

‘ON THE ISLAND'
Lowdown: Written and performed by S.T. Shimi, this theatrical show examines the life of the artist — and features aerial choreography. Call it Cirque du Soleil, San Antonio style. Oh, yeah, and with a point.
When: Friday's performance is preceded by a performance focusing on human rights at 8 p.m. and followed by audience discussion. Regular show times are 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 21.
Where: Jump-Start Performance Co., 108 Blue Star in the Blue Star Arts Complex
How much: $12, general; $9, students and seniors
Info: (210) 227-5867 or jump-start.org

CASINO NIGHT
Lowdown: Are ya feelin' lucky? Bet the farm at a Vegas-style casino night that benefits JOVEN, an organization that offers health education, intervention and assistance to kids.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Suede Lounge, 231 E. Houston
How much: $25-$100 for individual buy-ins. Corporate sponsorships also available.
Info: jovensa.org or (210) 422-4646
 
Saturday | Oct. 20

MONSTER TRUCK SLAM
Lowdown: Get yer motor runnin' and your testosterone pumping at the Amp Tour Monster Truck Slam and FMX Freestyle Spectacular. Daisy Dukes welcome.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston
How much: $17-$25 (includes a pit party!)
Info: (210) 224-9600 or ticketmaster.com

BRANFORD MARSALIS
Lowdown: This is love-makin', good-timin', body-swingin' music. Multiple Grammy winner Branford and the boys turn up the jazz sounds in a one-night show.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place
How much: $20-$40
Info: (210) 999-8917 or trinity.edu for info; (210) 224-9600 or ticketmaster.com

HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE CLASS
Lowdown: Interested in how the body-mind connection can keep you healthy? In how what you eat is so much more than just food? Learn more at the “Eating and Living the Holistic Diet and Lifestyle” class, led by a clinical nutritionist and naturopathic practitioner. (Yes, we spell-checked that.)
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Diet & Health Center, 906 Basse Road
How much: $50
Info: (210) 826-0034 or dietandhealthcenter.info

ALE FEST
Lowdown: Ah, beer. How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Count on up to 50 if you can make it, since that's how many local and premium brews will be available to sample at this event. That's a lot of head.
When: 1-6 p.m.
Where: HemisFair Arch Plaza, 222 HemisFair Plaza
How much: $20 advance, $25 door
Info: beeradvocate.com/
events/info/15589 for info, ticketweb.com for tickets

Sunday | Oct. 21

EL SEÑOR DE LOS MILAGROS
Lowdown: Know anything about Peru? Here's your chance. The Peruvian Association in San Antonio and El Club Peruano offer a day of processions, singing, costumes, dancing and lots and lots of food.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: St. Ann's Church, 210 St. Ann St.
How much: Free
Info: (210) 300-1443

Monday | Oct. 22

HELL WITHIN
Lowdown: If it's a weeknight and it includes multiple bands with less-than-subtle monikers such as Hell Within, Angerkill and Before the Bloodshed, it must be metal night at the Rabbit.
When: Doors at 7 p.m.
Where: The White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St.
How much: $8
Info: sawhiterabbit.com %or (210) 737-2221

Tuesday | Oct. 23

RUBEN V.
Lowdown: Local bluesman turns it up for a show at one of our fave hangouts. Think of all the construction as part of the quest.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Casbeers, 1719 Blanco Road
How much: Free
Info: (210) 732-3511 or casbeers.com

‘HOSTEL PART II' DVD
 Lowdown: Coeds lured to a killing camp. Will they survive? Only the genius who made them wear high heels and run upstairs knows for sure.
When: Drops Oct. 23
How much: $10-$30
Info: hostel2.com