Top 5: Editors' Picks for the Best of Columbus, September 2015 Edition

Sept. 29

Join Columbus native and journalist Wil Haygood (most well-known for hisWashington Poststory about a remarkable White House butler, which inspired the 2013 Oscar-nominated film "Lee Daniels' The Butler") at the Lincoln Theatre to celebrate the release of his latest book, "Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination that Changed America," a fascinating look at the civil rights activist and first African-American Supreme Court justice.capa.com

Sept. 9

In the world of jazz saxophone, it doesn't get any bigger or more revered than Jordan and Blueitt, who have between them an unmatched catalog of music, collaborations, awards and influences. They take the intimate stage at Natalie's with The Jazz Poetry Ensemble-these veteran Central Ohio musicians have gilded resumes, too-for an evening benefiting The Kate Schulte Foundation, which supports artists making a positive impact on society, especially in the realm of equal rights.nataliescoalfiredpizza.com

Sept. 3

Let Perkins Observatory blind you with science at this lecture series that connects astronomy with other areas of scholarship. On this night, D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr., a professor of theater at Ohio Wesleyan University, presents "Astronomy and Theatre: Dark Theatres Inspired by Dark Skies." Just $8, but there's room for only 80 people, so reserve soon! perkins.owu.edu

Sept. 17 and 18

You don't need us to tell you this show is going to be big-as in, two-sure-to-sell-out-nights-at-Nationwide-Arena big. That she's completed her transition from pop-country princess to the youngest woman ever on Forbes' "100 Most Powerful Women" list only solidifies T-Swift's claim as America's Sweetheart. Fair warning: Lingering earworms are inevitable.ticketmaster.com

Sept. 24

The chairman of the Special Olympics visits Columbus to discuss and sign his memoir, "Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most," an appreciation for the people with intellectual disabilities he's known through Camp Shriver, founded by his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and the Special Olympics. The event is free, but registration is required.ohiodominican.edu