The energy and enthusiasm of this blues-based band from The Jersey Shore makes them a joy to watch. Standing in the crowd you can’t help but dance and smile at the four members jamming their hearts out on stage.

The band, formed in October of 2004, consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Jeff Cafone (you wouldn’t believe the voice this guy has), bassist and vocalist Ryan Wheeler, drummer and vocalist Francis “Slugger” Valentino, and pianist and vocalist Mark Masefield (the kid must have like 20 fingers the way he dominates those keys). Though Cafone writes the songs, he always takes the songs to band to be perfected and tweaked.

They opened for Blues Traveler Wednesday Nov. 4 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. The same night the Yankees beat the Phillies for the World Series.

They did Blues Traveler proud by opening the show with the very energetic, incredibly catchy original song “You and Me and Just Us for All.” But what really got the crowd going was when they brought out Blues Traveler keys man Ben Wilson to join them in playing “One Way Out” by The Allman Brothers.

The guys finished up with another original, “Forbidden Romance Silenced the Radio” that left the packed Filmore warmed up and ready to go.

Blues Traveler was welcomed to the stage with a roar of applause, shouts and cheers. From the start, the band satisfied the people’s musical cravings with non-stop jam sessions and fan favorites such as “The Mountains Win Again.”

I’m quite the Blues Traveler fan, but had never seen them live. Let me tell you, they are just as great live as they are on track. Perhaps even better considering the on-going jams you get on stage.

Front man John Popper made the show even better by keeping the crowd updated on the Yankees/Phillies game, making sure to calm the nerves of fans that ducked out on watching the game to attend the concert.

Blues Traveler has already reached great success. And after a show like that, one can’t help but think that Outside the Box is following in their footsteps.

Check Outside the Box out at Myspace.

Pinn has always in some way been involved with the music industry. A native of Pittsburgh, Pinn got his start by working at local radio stations, but decided to leave when the earnings and creativity weren’t quite up to par with his expectations.

Driven by a love for the city and an admiration for the people made famous on its streets, Pinn took to New York City in 1990. He scored a job at Tower Records in the Lincoln Center making less than rent required, but that didn’t damper his Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit. After lots of hard work and networking, Pinn became a sales representative for Caroline records.

While there is a battery of bands Pinn admires, the one that earned the title of favorite is The Rolling Stones.

“They were just all over the place,” Pinn said. “They loved the blues, but also had some punk and, more recently, country songs.”

Their way of life and timeless songs have always amazed him and earned his respect. Other heroes of Pinn include Arthur Guinness and Andy Warhol; anyone who has shown themselves to be truly creative and innovative, Pinn said.

An innovator himself, Pinn runs Rock and Roll walking tours of the East Village, were Punk Rock and Glam were born and perfected. The Rock Junket tours (http://www.rockjunket.com/) started in 2001 as a hobby, Pinn said, just to get out of the apartment on Saturdays. However, they soon attracted the attention of music television and publications worldwide including MTV, VH1, The New York Times and even various European publications. The success of his tours drove Pinn to turn the hobby into a full time operation.

“The music business wasn’t as good as it used to be,” Pinn said. “I was sick of seeing bands getting ripped off.”

Ultimately, Pinn decided he didn’t want to work for anyone and became his own boss; all the while educating those interested in the city’s musical past.

“New York City doesn’t recognize enough Pop culture,” Pinn said. “It really is a shame.”

Many places where musical history was made, like CBGB, have been closed and replaced, Pinn said. It’s places like CBGB that should’ve been granted landmark status, but instead have faded into New York nostalgia.

“One of the greatest moments in pop history happened when 73 million people watched The Beatles play the Ed Sullivan show,” said Pinn. “During their performance it was reported that not one crime was committed in the U.S. and the building [Ed Sullivan building] doesn’t even have a commemorative plaque.”

In an effort to commemorate New York City’s musical greatness and share his knowledge, Pinn wrote a book that is due to be released in November titled “Rock Junket: New York City”.

While it is clear that the music industry has its up’s and down’s, there is always a memorable moment to be had. For Pinn it was organizing The Ramones last in-store event for their box set, “We’re Outta Here!” Not only did he get to meet the band, but they also presented him with an autographed poster of their movie “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.”

Pinn has always found a way to surround himself with what he loves most: music. And the secret to his success, he said, is what any person striving to make it in the music business needs: passion.

“If you really love it, you’ll find success,” Pinn said. “Money will come down the road, but you have to love it.”