Ska, an energetic, high-tempo blend of Caribbean and calypso, with notes of American R&B and jazz, is a music genre that is best experienced live, according to Rosanna Taylor.

“You can enjoy the music on a record, or on whatever streaming device you use,” said Taylor, marketing and box office manager of The Black Sheep. “But to get the full effect of the music, to experience the energy of it, I really think a live show is the best way to go.”

Colorado Springs music lovers will be able to see and hear one of the pioneering bands of the ska genre on Friday when The Toasters swing through town as part of their international “45 Years of Ska” tour.

Ska can be a difficult genre to define, according to Taylor.

“There’s a punk rock aspect to it, which makes people think of mosh pits,” she said. “But when you add in elements of horns, and a more upbeat tempo, it becomes more of a dance music style. It’s a unique genre of music.”

The history of ska music is typically divided into three periods: the original Jamaican sound of the 1960s; a late-1970s revival that took place in Great Britain; and a third wave that began in the early 1980s, sweeping several nations, including the U.S.

The Toasters, founded in New York City in 1981, is considered one of the “original American third-wave” ska bands, according to its website. The band has undergone multiple lineup changes over the years; singer/guitarist Buck is the lone original member.

“We’ve had them at The Black Sheep several times over the years,” Taylor said. “They’ve got a great sound, and they’re very popular.”

Located at 2106 E. Platte Ave, The Black Sheep is celebrating an anniversary of its own.

“We hit 20 years in October,” Taylor said. “We’ve been a staple in Colorado Springs for a long time.”

Since opening its doors in 2005, The Black Sheep has hosted several renowned artists in just about every genre, including Imagine Dragons, Macklemore, Daughtry, Gwar, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

“We’ve had artists from every genre you can think of,” Taylor said. “If you can think of it, we’ve probably had it here.”

“Skankin’ on since 1981” is the motto of The Toasters, who will tour dozens of cities in the U.S. and Europe this year.

“They have so many great records,” Taylor said. “I’m sure they’ll play some of the popular hits that a lot of people know, and maybe a couple of deep cuts that maybe only a true fan, who’s been a fan for 45 years, would know.”

IF YOU GO

What: The Toasters – 45 Years of Ska

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Ave.

Price: $23.18, blacksheeprocks.com