Outside the Box opens for Blues Traveler

Calling all Blues lovers! If you haven't already seen Outside the Box play a show you're missing out. They were great the first time I saw them, but their opening for Blues Traveler blew me away. There’s no doubt that this band is on its way to greatness.

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 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 teaked.

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 think that Outside the Box is following in their footsteps.


Check out Outside the Box at http://www.myspace.com/outsidethebox