Just placed online (right here), a feature story about -- and photos of -- the newly remodeled Waiting Room Lounge. Marc Leibowitz talks about what went into the refurb and why he and partner Jim Johnson did it. I can tell you with all certainty that if you've been to the Waiting Room before you're going to be impressed with what you see when they reopen tomorrow night.

My only gripe: The new curtaining system effectively takes away my favorite spot to watch a show -- from off stage left. You'll no longer have access to that area, as the new curtain (which doesn't arrive for a couple months) will cover the floor from the stage all the way to the green room door. The area off of stage right also will be covered. Leibs says bands don't like people standing off the edge of the stage (or as he said, they hate to "play in the round."). The curtain will also cover all the equipment that's usually stacked off to the side. It'll also make the stage seem bigger, though it isn't. I was surprised to hear that The Waiting Room's stage is larger than Slowdown's stage, but smaller than Sokol Underground's stage -- just more evidence that I could never be a structural engineer. Anyway, read the article and check out the new Waiting Room yourself tomorrow night or Saturday when NOMO takes the stage.

Can't wait that long? One Percent just announced that it's having a "soft opening" tonight featuring It's True. The doors open at 8 pm. and It's True plays sometime after 11 p.m. And it's free (21+ only).

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Saddle Creek Records announced its first new signing for 2010 yesterday. The label will be releasing on April 27 the full length debut by The Mynabirds, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood. The Mynabirds is a new project by Laura Burhenn (ex-Georgie James) whose members also include Dan McCarthy of McCarthy Trenching.

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Other shows tonight include Fortnight at Slowdown Jr., as part of their free Thursday night showcase series. Joining them are The Answer Team and John Klemmensen and the Party. Starts at 9. Also tonight, Fine Fine Automobiles (a.k.a. Landon Hedges of Little Brazil) is playing at The Barley St. Tavern with Watching the Trainwreck, The Gasams and Above the State. 9 p.m., $5.

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