The place to be on Thursday nights for good beer and great music is Rockslides in Harvard Square. This casual bar plays host to the phenomenal up and coming acoustic rhythm guitarist and singer Eric Citron. Supported by his brother Ira on bongos, friend Dave on acoustic lead and occasionally a guest on electric guitar or keys, this group plays originals and a host of staples by artists like Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, Dispatch, Allman Brothers Band and John Mayer.Citron usually starts his shows singing slow, solo numbers to the small crowd around 10 p.m. Don't get discouraged if you are an early bird. The place is usually packed by 11 p.m., and singing along to his tunes (with at least one eye on the Sox game if they are playing out west).

Not only possessing a jovial stage presence, Citron is a musical genius. He has been writing songs since high school (he's currently a senior across the street at Harvard), and when he performs them, one not ever having listened to the radio would appreciate his songs just as much as the ones he covers. His style ranges from slow, swooning, acoustic ballads to rocking upbeat numbers that command you to at least bob your head if not completely dance along. And, sometimes one song includes both styles, with the segue being so smooth you don't know how he got from point A to point B.

His vocals are unique, but addictive. I had the good fortune of being Citron's company for this past summer's Dave Matthews Band show at Tweeter. There I found myself listening more to his singing of "Jimi Thing" and "Tripping Billies" than Matthew's, just because of Citron's pleasurably raspy, melodic, energetic versions.

Rockslide is on Church Street, directly across from where the Brandeis shuttle, lets you off at Harvard Square. Rockslide is down on the left, past the movie theater and next to Fire and Ice. There is no cover charge, and there are many types of beer to wet the palate. This is an ideal, yet inexpensive, way for the music lover, beer lover, and/or socializing lover to spend their Thursday evenings away from the 'Deis. See you there.