O.A.R. to play crazy concert
UPB will showcase popular college band at spring concert
By Erin Sanders, contributing writer
Posted on April 3, 2006

Thursday night, JMU will cram into the Convocation Center for UPB’s spring concert featuring O.A.R. and Army of Me.

Freshman Kathleen Brennan, who has seen O.A.R. on many occasions, said she cannot wait to attend this week’s concert.

“They make a real conscious effort to get the audience involved,” Brennan said. “They talk to them, and get everyone pumped up.”

O.A.R., which stands for Of A Revolution, is promoting their newest release Stories of a Stranger, an album that has been in the works since 2004.

“Love and Memories” is the first single released off of the new album, and is already in play at numerous radio stations across the country.

Elementary school buddies, guitarist and vocalist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos, along with eighth grade pal Richard On, unanimously attributed Pearl Jam as their major influence, particularly their “Unplugged” session on MTV.

During the ensemble’s junior year in high school, Gershman joined the group, and the troupe began to practice regularly. After a year apart, Gershman and On joined Roberge and Culos at Ohio State University, where saxist Jerry DePizzo hopped on board.

The Columbus boys refer to their home in a few songs, with references to High Street and “Road Outside Columbus” on their album In Between Now and Then.

The chemistry within the band is apparent in their stage presence; the quintet exudes happiness and an optimism that is also apparent in their lyrics.

Tickets are on sale at the Warren Hall Box Office and at musictoday.com, selling at $22 with JAC card, $28 without.