Four NIU students will take a seat at the Chicago music table tonight when they perform for the first time at the Metro.

Their band, Dysception, will open a show that includes E-Town Concrete, Noise Therapy and Otep at 6:30 p.m. at the Metro, 3730 North Clark St., Chicago.

The band has been a part of the DeKalb music scene for more than a year, partly by playing shows at local establishments.

But moving from local bars to playing a major gig in Chicago is a big step, said Dysception lead singer Steve Luebbers, a senior communication major.

“Trying to get into the Chicago music scene is hard as hell,” he said.

Playing at the Metro is a major advance for the band, but also a fulfillment of a dream for Luebbers and drummer Tim Caravia, also a senior communication major.

“When I bought a guitar and [Caravia] bought drums, it was our dream to someday play at the Metro,” Luebbers said.

Caravia echoed those sentiments.

“All our idols played there,” he said.

Dysception’s members have played together for two years and claim that determination has kept them together.

“Bands that have trouble accomplishing what they want break up or give up,” Luebbers said. “The key is sticking together.”

Maintaining a sense of humor about themselves also has kept the band from falling apart during ups and downs.

Gerry James, lead guitarist and senior art education major, knows exactly what the most important part of playing at the Metro is.

“I’ll be busy covering up Steve’s voice and John’s bass,” James joked.

John Haracz, bassist and junior business administration major, is already thinking about the future of the band. He said Dysception is working on a few more songs before it will start looking for record deals.

“We are self-funded, so we are more concerned with quality than quantity,” he said.

Since they are waiting to make a record deal, what will they do in the meantime?

“More Metro,” Haracz laughed.