In the spirit of bands such as Dave Matthews Band and Phish, O.A.R. has an extremely loyal fan base that helps make them popular.
O.A.R., which stands for Of a Revolution, will be appearing at the Orpheum Theatre Friday.
The band has been on the road continuously these past few years, driving out of a town with more fans than what they drove in with. They are currently on tour supporting their newest record entitled "Stories of a Stranger."
Formed in college, O.A.R. is known as a contemporary jam band with a large reggae influence.
Saxophone player Jerry DiPizzo explained in a phone interview the formula that makes O.A.R. one of college students' favorite acts.
DiPizzo said that although there isn't one specific key to the formula, the fans definitely play a role in the equation.
"If not for our audience, we wouldn't be where we are," he said.
O.A.R.'s audience has grown substantially from when they played bars and clubs while enrolled at Ohio State. The band has opened for Dave Matthews Band in the past, and many DMB fans became O.A.R. fans in the process. Due to their opening slot, the band has frequently been compared with DMB, which is fine by DiPizzo.
"Being labeled limits what you do," he said. "But Dave Matthews Band is a great band. They're definitely not a bad band to be compared to."
DiPizzo and other members of O.A.R. are hopeful that the label is beginning to fade with their new album. According to DiPizzo, they have grown up and evolved and in the process have developed their own sound and musical niche.
There is no doubt that their diehard fans will support their new sound. DiPizzo recognizes this fact, and is hopeful that this new record will also help them reach new fans.
"There is no greater endorsement than having a friend say, 'You've got to hear this.' If record companies could bottle that kind of publicity, everyone would have a gold record," DiPizzo said.
The word of mouth factor has played a huge part in spreading O.A.R.'s fan base. For fan Michael Clayton, seeing the band live is what helped convert him.
"I had listened to their music a few times, but I liked them so much more after seeing them live. They put on a really energetic show," said Clayton, senior business major.
The energy of O.A.R.'s live shows is something that is unavoidable. DiPizzo said that being surrounded by a group of people who want to get the same thing out of music makes all the difference.
"You get to travel on a bus with your best friends, see the country and play music. It doesn't get any better than that," DiPizzo said.
For University of Memphis students, as well as other local fans, the buzz behind O.A.R.'s first appearance at the Orpheum keeps growing.
"Ticket sales have been great, there has been a good response overall," said Lucy Liles, public relations employee at the Orpheum.
Judging by the fan's seal of approval, the show will not disappoint.
"We put everything we have into a two-hour show. Come in and forget about everything," DiPizzo said. "Dance, go crazy and have a great time."
Although the concert is just a day away, Liles said there are still good seats remaining. For more information call the Orpheum box office at 525-3000.
