Hercules and Love Affair @ Metro

New York-based group Hercules and Love Affair is the creation of Andrew Butler with assistance from Antony Hegarty and DFA co-owner Tim Goldsworthy, among others. The band's music harks back to the first wave of disco before commercialism stripped away its most exciting aspects, yet still clearly belongs in the now with its influences from modern house and electronica. Like any good party, this one begins at midnight. It's at Metro and admission's $17.

"What Not To Wear" Local Ep. Viewing Party

TLC's "What Not To Wear" comes to Chicago to help out Amanda Steinstein on tonight's episode, thanks to her friends Fausto Fernós and Marc Felion of Feast of Fools. They're hosting a viewing party for the episode at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, from 7pm to 9pm. There will also be prizes, games, gifts and giveaways, plus a hosted open bar. More info and RSVP on Facebook. 21+

NAMAH & Zarbang @ Dance Center of Columbia College

The mission of Banafsheh Sayyad and her company NAMAH is to bring Iranian (and world) performing arts to a broad audience. This weekend's performance is a rare opportunity to see Persian dance outside of Iran, where women are banned from dancing in public. The dancing will be accompanied by Zarbang, a Persian and Middle Eastern percussion and woodwind group.
$24-$28. October 16, 17, 18 @ 8 p.m. Dance Center of Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan. To purchase tickets and for more information (including a video), visit Columbia's performances site. Or call the ticket office at 312.344.6600.

DMBQ, Pit Er Pat @ The Abbey

Local trio and Thrill Jockey recording artists Pit Er Pat play the Abbey this evening, hosting a CD-release party in town while on a national tour to support their new album High Time. Headlining for the evening are Japanese psych-rockers DMBQ. Pit Er Pat support, with Pennsylvania noiseniks An Albatross and Plastic Crimewave Sound getting things going in the opening slots. 3420 W. Grace (at Elston). Doors open at 8 PM and the show starts at 9. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Keep your eye on our Transmission page for more details.

Season Premier of Check, Please! Tonight

Season 8 of Check, Please!, a popular restaurant review show on WTTW, is premiering tonight at 8:00PM with encore showings on Saturday at 4:30PM and on Sunday at 10:00PM. The season kicks off with reviews of: Honky Tonk BBQ, The Signature Room and TAC Quick.

Tune in every week to see new shows!

The New Year @ Empty Bottle

Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave
10:00pm $12 in advance $14 at the door

The New Year (Touch N Go Records)
Jennifer O'Connor
Sonoi

Dosh/Notwist @ Logan Square

Logan Square
2539 N. Kedzie

8:00pm $15 ALL AGES

Dosh
Notwist

Chicago International Film Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival runs until October 29 at several theaters across the city. Box office is at the AMC River East 21 at Illinois & Fairbanks and the AMC at 600 North Michigan; you can also buy tickets online.