The best thing to come out of Maryland (besides crab cakes and football) is the jam band Of a Revolution, more commonly known as O.A.R. The band's tour, which focuses on college venues, hits the Buffalo Convention Center tonight, promising to thrill the crowd with their highly energetic performance.
However, fans are not the only ones excited about the concert. O.A.R. is just as enthusiastic to come to Buffalo, according to soulful and artistic bassist Benj Gershman.
"We're not really used to breaks but this one has felt like a weekend, it has been relaxing," Gershman said. "Every time I go on tour I'm excited to play music for the fans."
Since 1996, the year O.A.R. was born, Gershman has been an integral part of the band, consistently rocking out at every performance. After a two month break, the band is back on the road.
Though extremely humble, Gershman has nothing to be modest about. He possesses talent beyond his years and, as a band member, contributes to the group's influential music. Even though O.A.R. has sold out venues such as Madison Square Garden two years in a row, their independently-produced albums make it clear they are in the business for their loves of music and their fans.
"I love playing for all audiences; we can feel the enthusiasm (of the audience) because they want us to be there," Gershman said. "Our performance is based on the interactivity of the crowd, it fuels us."
O.A.R.'s forte is primarily their live shows. On this tour, the buzz is about the possible peeks at some new songs that have not been released yet. Following their tour, look out for songs like "The fall out," "Dinner last night" and "About you."
"These songs are likely to happen; they might be the early stages of a new record," Gershman said. "We play them to see how the crowd reacts. Sometimes we don't even play them, it might not be the right night."
Another perk to watch for is touring member Mikel Paris. He has been with the band for two years now and his keyboard skills add a lot to the group's sound.
Gershman says his influences come from a range of different places.
"It's everything I see or hear," Gershman said. "I listen to old school classic rock, radio, Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Aerosmith. A lot of influence also came from bass player Jaco Pastroius."
The band participates in numerous projects that aid cultures around the world. One popular charity the band is involved with is "Save Darfur," and recent contributions have also gone to education, supporting charitable Web site classroomwishlist.org, where teachers list needed supplies.
When attending an O.A.R. concert, expect to feel at home. Their ability to reach out to each individual in the audience is something most bands lack these days. O.A.R. has big talent and even bigger hearts. Their passion for music will forever set them apart and continue to maintain their already strong following.
When asked if there was anything he wanted to tell the fans attending tonight's performance Gershman, followed up with, "just come have fun."
What better phrase to sum up such a down-to-earth band?