1. The Kronos Quartet has classical chops but an untamed heart, choosing to explore and celebrate the work of experimental composers such as Philip Glass and Clint Mansell. Expect rousing virtuosity interspersed with sound clips and samples for a face-rockingly powerful musical experience. Kronos Quartet performs 7:30p Oct. 21 at Reynolds Hall in The Smith Center. Tickets $26-$125. Info:
thesmithcenter.com
3. Back in the day, rival knights would solve damsel-based disputes the honorable way: not with nasty Ye Facebooke posts, but with good ol’-fashioned, red-blooded American joustin’ to lusty cries of “Git ’er done, forsooth!” Relive the magic of a lance plunging into the heart of a knave at the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival. It’s Oct. 11-13 at Sunset Park. Tickets $10-$25. Info: lvrenfair.com
5. Here’s a big juicy generational writer sandwich for you: UNLV professor and author Maile Chapman studied under celebrated satirical novelist George Saunders, who studied back in the day under UNLV professor and author Doug Unger. They’ll discuss their work in “Three Generations of American Writers” 7p Oct. 15 at the Student Union theater at UNLV. Free.