We've all read about athletes who, not an hour after a game, are already watching video of the performance, committed to the idea of perpetual improvement.

That sort of explains why, on their tour bus, going from one sold-out arena to the next, R&B geniuses Earth, Wind & Fire are always studying video footage of ... the New London band Andre & Eddie & Friends?!

If that sounds ludicrous, chances are you've never been strolling past a Sailfest stage or Captain Scott's or Hot Rod's and heard what your SWORE was EW&F — or Stevie Wonder or Santana or dozens more — and then found out it was really Andre & Eddie & Friends. The dudes, who continue to play music they love because they love doing it, are indeed excellent and replicate tons of hits with joy, passion and professionalism.

This explains why it's a fine idea to visit the back-deck patio at On the Waterfront Saturday when Andre & Eddie & Friends paint the aural soundtrack to your summer evening.

Andre & Eddie & Friends, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, On the Waterfront, 250 Pequot Ave., New London; free; (860) 444-2800.