O.A.R.

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• Genre: Adult Alternative
• Hometown: Columbus
• O.A.R. Website

About

Though O.A.R. sources its name to "of a revolution," the quartet from Ohio turns out smooth-edged, jammy pop that calls more for spreading a blanket in the lawn seats than revolt. Singer and rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos were childhood friends who formed a band in hometown Rockville, Md., with bassist Benj Gershman and guitarist Richard On. The quartet met saxophonist Jerry DePizzo while students at Ohio State. They made a demo, The Wanderer, in 1997, which had a college tape-swapping hit in "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker." After another independent release, they connected with Dave Matthews' producer John Algia for Risen in 2001 and won over DMB fans by touring a similar circuit. A growing fan base coalesced, and the band scored a pair of radio hits in 2005 with "Love and Memories" and "Heard the World." The band's first official live effort, Live at Madison Square Garden, came in 2007.

- Nate Cavalieri