RATING:


A musical wave washed over the NIU Convocation Center Thursday night.

That wave was the popular college jam band O.A.R.

The night opened with a similar sounding band as headliner O.A.R., called Elmwood.

The musician’s style and songs felt very similar and were a good way to warm up the small audience in the large Convo.

Elmwood’s set took an exciting leap during their closing song when O.A.R’s saxophonist Jerry DePizzo came out and jammed with the opening band.

During their last song proved to me, someone who has never seen them live, just how talented every member is.

If you enjoy O.A.R’s music and want to hear a similar band live defiantly check them out at the next chance.

O.A.R’s set opened up with the popular “About Mr. Brown.” The band quickly chewed through their next two songs “Black Rock” and “3 a.m.”

After the first three exciting songs, with minimal improvisation the band slowed the evening down with “Something Coming Over.”

However after the strong finish of “Something Coming Over” they kicked the set list up a notch with the story of “About an Hour Ago.”

“About an Hour Ago” had some excellent jams thrown in by all members but then really slowed the concert down with three slower songs.

Don’t underestimate these slow songs, however, because during these slower songs is when DePizzo’s talent on the saxophone really shine and sways the crowd with his instrument.

After their three slower songs the band brought out saxophonist Derek Haight from the opening band to sit next to DePizzo during O.A.R’s set.

When he made his appearance on stage the crowd erupted and were all hoping that the next song on the set list would mirror the greatness of when the two saxophonist jammed during Elmwood’s closing song; and it was.

The next opening rifts that blared over the speakers at the Convo were the known sound of “Anyway.”

The two saxophonist tore the song in a completely new way, their extended jam was extremely favorable to all in the audience.

After the many jams between the musicians during “Anyway,” the jam band closed with “Hey Girl” and one of their newest songs “War Song.” Lad singer and guitarist Marc Roberge tried to get the audience involved with “Delicate Few.”

After saying “good-bye” to the excited young crowd, the band walked off stage only to return in no longer than a minute.

Roberge and guitarist Richard On played a very sentimental “I Feel Home.” After listening to the crowd chant for their favorite song O.A.R. decided to listen to their faithful crowd and played the crowd favorite and quick paced “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.”

“Poker” was an extremely lively and jubilant song that featured many great jams and solos by all members of the band.

Throughout the concert all of the members of O.A.R flexed their solo muscle but it seemed like DePizzo and guitarist Richard On took the cake for best solos of the night.

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