Peace and hair grease... it's Big Baby Ernie

Big Baby Ernie is arguably the best band in the area. They deftly cover everything from the Beatles to Harry Belafonte to Lou Reed to Stevie Wonder to Gnarles Barkley to Van Morrison. Lead singer and namesake Ernie’s voice bears an almost chameleon-like quality. BBE can cover pretty much everything under the sun and make you think you’re hearing the real thing but what sets them apart from a lot of other bands is that their original stuff is awesome. Check out Hurricane and Fairweather Friends on their MySpace page.

Their rock-funk-jazz blend is a refreshing change from the pop-rock cover bands that are so ubiquitous at the Shore (although those guys are fun too). BBE is like the thinking man’s bar band. The addition of keyboards, sax and occasionally a flute brings so much to the band’s sounds. And man, the ensuing dance party is pretty sweet. The Crab’s Claw is probably among the best places to catch these guys because of its intimate set-up. You may need to curtail your moves in order to dodge waitresses with trays full of seafood.

BBE plays the Claw the last Friday of the month (like tonight) in the winter and (as if you needed a reason to take Monday off) every Sunday night in the summer and regardless of the time of year, the place is always packed and it’s always a great time. See you there, beer in hand.