The Manasquan Beach House, Manasquan, NJ, 2/26/11

The Manasquan Beach House was rocking on Saturday night with a great crowd on hand for a three-set show. Apparently the drinks were flowing freely at the bar as several enthusiastic fans wiped out over the course of the evening near the stage area, including one gentleman who did his best impression of Rickey Henderson sliding into second. Thankfully there were no serious injuries. The set included particularly fierce renditions of “Prove it All Night,” “Murder Incorporated” and “Because the Night” as well as a very-well received version of “For You.” Thanks to Rick Meale for filling in for “Mr. Perfect” on the keys and to everyone who came out, sang, danced, cheered and made it such a great night.

The 6th Annual Polar Bear Ball, Lewes, DE 02/05/11

A wonderful tradition that began back in 2006 continued as the band performed at the 6th Annual Polar Bear Ball in support of the Delaware Special Olympics. Chipper's Dippers, an insane group of generous people who jump into the frigid Atlantic Ocean every year on the first Sunday of February were out in full force once again on the eve of their great plunge. Saxophonist Bill "Birthday Boy" Shanker took center stage at the affair, making both the horn and the ladies scream with his patentented spin move and walk-in-place. All 38-songs in the set were ones which featured saxophone, which was an E Street Shuffle first. "Growin' Up" featured another Big Shank story, this one involving Bill parading around the Rehoboth beach in just a Speedo and his horn, resulting in significant shrinkage. Many thanks to Chip Simpson, Jim McQuaide and all of Chipper's Dippers for another great Polar Bear Ball!

Oh, almost forgot. Thanks also goes out to The Dog House and The Big Fish Grill for providing a couple of delicious meals during our stay in Delaware.