Back in the day, the old Cicero's y'know, the one that became Blueberry Hill's Duck Room was a haven for up-and-coming bands. In 2007 the new Cicero's assumed a similar role for scads of young indie-rockers in town, thanks to the monthly "New Music Thursdays" event. On the first Thursday of each month, new-music fanatics can trek to the Loop secure in the knowledge that they're guaranteed to see a fantastic multi-band show. In fact, the musicians who have played the night represent the crme de la crme of the local scene. There's Jumbling Towers, whose acrobatic theatrical-rock is indebted as much to the Pixies as it is to British dandies. Berlin Whale, whose homespun Casio-rock is a guaranteed dance party. The collective Say Panther, whose charming piano-rock resembles a twee New Order or a sunnier Velvet Underground. Even the elder statesmen of the scene the Bureau, So Many Dynamos and Gentleman Auction House, among others have graced the stage. Every music scene needs its Cheers, a place where folks can go to feel right at home and the close-knit atmosphere fostered by this night fits the bill.