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Former frat band Comes a long way |
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Written by KRISTEN ROSE MILLER / Photos by MAUREEN VANA
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Thursday, 03 August 2006 |
On a very hot and sticky July 15 Chicago night, O.A.R. was singing the City’s praises as the former Ohio State frat band played its largest show-to-date at Chicago’s Northerly Island at Charter One Pavilion. The sold-out show was so packed that the energetic and youthful crowd had no problem drowning out the rowdy ruckus radiating from the Gay Games (boasting an even larger crowd) that was held at the Pavilion right next door.
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O.A.R. with Jack's Mannequin
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 Entertainment
Art
Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
Chicago, Ill.
July 15, 2006
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Opener Jack’s Mannequin kicked things off at 7:30 pm on the ‘Island’ stage set to a backdrop of the City skyline at sunset—postcard pretty.
This July 15 performance was clearly targeted to support album sales of O.A.R.’s 2005 “Stories of a Stranger” and the older fans that supported O.A.R. pre-current radio hit “Love and Memories” were left craving some of the earlier songs such as “Ran Away to the Top of the World Today” and “Night Shift.” Pity. In order to save themselves a riot, or should we say from “Of A Revolution,” O.A.R. placated the older fans with “A Crazy Game of Poker” that had the 20-somethings reliving the ‘good old days’ or whatever they could remember from high school and college frat parties.
Pushing aside the 20-somethings, the fans filling the seats at this sold-out show were predominantly high school and my 22 year-old ass felt positively ancient amongst the other attendees. It is safe to say that most fans in attendance had signed on recently fueled by “Love and Memories.” “Love and Memories” is so, gasp, well-received that the video has seen significant playtime on, double gasp, VH1 and MTV. Another first for O.A.R. Sold-out shows and video-play are quite a coup for a band that achieved a loyal following on word of mouth alone and internet sales of live performances.
The quintet consisting of Marc Roberge (lead guitar and vocals), Chris Culos (drums), Richard On (lead drums), Benj Gershman (bass) and Jerry DiPizzo (sax and guitar) still have sheer talent and originality in their corner. Roberge’s voice is even stronger and a good deal more polished (vocal coach alert!!) than his live shows years ago and the only thing that is lost at times is the touch of insanity that previously tinged some of the live renditions of “Poker” and other early favorites. It will be interesting to see if said-band members can swim the rivers of mainstream water without losing the original fan base that launched them to success without the help of traditional PR and marketing early as 2000. Regardless, the outlook is favorable for O.A.R. and major props to any band that pulls out a triangle mid-concert for an ‘instrumental solo’ and manages to rally the crowd.
On the venue itself, Northerly Island, located at 1300 S. Lynn White Drive in Chicago, is located off Lake Shore and 18th, behind Soldiers Field. Northerly Island expects to host over 30 concerts this summer and a word for the wise, don’t pay extra for the VIP section. The VIP section’s only plus is a frazzled cocktails waitress and a flimsy plastic patio chair instead of the typical flimsy plastic bleacher. No matter what seat in the house you’re in—the view of the City skyline at sunset on the water might be worth the ticket price especially if the show turns out to be less-than-inspiring. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
