Hercules & Love Affair relax in the green room before their set.
Hercules & Love Affair relax in the green room before their set. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Despite the creeping chill of fall settling over Seattle last night, the music at Neumos was still hot, hot hot, when Hercules & Love Affair brought their fierce and distinct talents to the stage for a sublime midweek show. Chianti Darling warmed the crowd—and feature a virtual who's who of music in Portland, including Hannah Blilie of Gossip fame, Wild Flag's Rebecca Cole, Chanticleer Trü of Magic Mouth, noted producer Damon Boucher, and my personal music crush, Natasha Kmeto. Event producer Nark took care of opening duties behind the decks. Dancing ensued. Fun was had.

Chianti Darling sets the stage.
Chanti Darling sets the stage. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Hamisi and Fazaad get their life in the front row.
Hamisi and Fazaad get their life in the front row. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Snugglebuns Joshua and Frank know the best sound can be found in the back.
Snugglebuns Joshua and Frank know the best sound can be found in the back. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Pretty lights, on and off the stage.
Pretty lights, on and off the stage. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Kevin Kauer aka Nark aka HBIC of Nark Magazine aka boo thang.
Kevin Kauer aka Nark aka HBIC of Nark Magazine aka founding member of Bottom Forty aka boo thang. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Suckers for a good time.
Suckers for a good time. Brooklyn Benjestorf

A chance encounter with Cucci Binaca.
A chance encounter with Cucci Binaca. Brooklyn Benjestorf

Omar (right) having a last hurrah before he becomes a dad in a few weeks (mazel tov!).
Omar (right) having a last hurrah before he becomes a dad in a few weeks (mazel tov!). Brooklyn Benjestorf

Hercules and Love Affair bring the house down.
Hercules & Love Affair bring the house down. Brooklyn Benjestorf