SYNTHS, BLEEPS, AND BLIPS: Naw, we're not talking about party politics. We're talking about the bright, accessible electronica of Ratatat, and about how you should have bought tickets months ago for their sold-out concert tonight. Ratatat's eponymous debut and their '06 release Classics get regular and beloved play in Seattlest's living room; we haven't heard LP3, but it's probably just as perfect to put on if you want to dance a little while you make dinner. If you have tickets already, enjoy the show; if you don't, go see Hellboy II: The Golden Army somewhere instead. You can listen to Ratatat online later.

8 p.m., Fri // Showbox, 1426 1st Ave // SOLD OUT // All Ages

THE GODFATHER OF HIPHOP: One of the founding fathers of the "hiphop as culture" concept is Afrika Bambaataa, who turned a huge Bronx gang into the peace-lovin' Universal Zulu Nation. He's in town this weekend! He'll be over at Rock The Bells earlier in the day, but later Bambaataa's doing a set at Nectar for the Zulu Jam. Also playing: Silver Shadow D, Alpha P, and Waves of the Mind.

9 p.m., Sat // Nectar Lounge, 412 N 36th St. // $10 // 21+

OKAY, NOW WE'RE TALKING POLITICS: In an election year, it's our experience that political comedy becomes a little funnier and a little more urgent. It's only September and we're already feeling the stress of the daily election headlines. Maybe that's why this seems like a great idea: Election Show 2008, which opened yesterday, is an improv nonpartisan comedy show wherein the actors create new political parties and platforms and the audience elects a new president. All within a few hours. Now why can't the real thing be that easy?! This show runs through late October, on Thursdays and Friday nights.

8 p.m., Fri // Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way NE // $10 // All Ages

AHHH THE LIGHT, I'M MELTING: Love the sun, hate global warming, but still looking for something to do indoors? The Museum of History and Industry is currently showing all the usual exhibits about the history of our fascinating city, including photos, artifacts, and interactive elements--such an underappreciated resource! The museum also hosts the gallery of winning photographs from the International Conservation Photography Awards (here's an online version), here through Oct. 12; each of the stunning photos selected for display is essentially a love letter to the earth, and that is something (inside) worth celebrating with your $8.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sun // U District, 2700 24th Ave. E // $8 adults // All Ages