Until Phish came along and rudely usurped them, Max Creek was arguably New England's premiere jam band. Of course, MC shouldn't feel too badly; Phish usurped the whole world and caused Jerry Garcia to get sick.

One thing, though: Max Creek was formed in 1971 — and they've been been playing THE SAME SONG non-stop continually, 24/7/365 for 54 years!

That, my friends, is a jam band.

Of course, the "one long tune" has splintered and segued into many different sections and movements and suites, so you can be forgiven if you think they actually have separate songs and albums.

Just kidding, of course. The truth about the Max Men? They can play really well, they're musically intuitive and adventurous, and an evening's songs flow and build and culminate with a sledgehammer crescendo.

On Saturday, Max Creek serenade the faithful as well as soon-to-be-hooked newbies in New London's Hygienic Art Park. It's a perfect summer swan song.

Max Creek, 8 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $15; (860) 443-8001.