Columbus has a way of continually outdoing itself. Say what you will about “Cowtown,” there is a lot to be excited about in this place. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace? Awesome. An on-again-off-again-might-happen urban trolley system? Awesome. O.A.R., one of the country’s best live bands, being able to call Columbus “home?” Very awesome.
O.A.R.’s homecoming show this past Wednesday at the LC Pavilion was a spirited and heartfelt croon ââ€â‚¬ 14 years in the making ââ€â‚¬ to Columbus, the city that helped cultivate their unique sound.
It wasn’t all that long ago that the O.A.R. boys were OSU students and permanent fixtures at grimy yet alluring watering holes like Bernie’s. Try as you might, like most Ohioans, at one point or another you will fall for O.A.R.’s pentatonic charm and expert display of anthem feel-good sing-alongs.
A testament to O.A.R.’s roots, Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman took the stage and warmed up the crowd by welcoming the band home in front of a sold-out, at capacity audience. It took only eight measures of their opener “52-50” to commandeer the crowd and remind an entire city of the pivotal role they’ve played to Columbus’ melodic sound.
Not shying away from the songs that elevated them into the upper echelon of Billboard’s charts, the concert’s highlights included the suburban teen rite of passage “Crazy Game of Poker” as well as “About an Hour Ago,” “The Wanderer,” and new gem “Love and Memories.”
The show’s strongest performance came from saxophonist and Youngstown native, Jerry DePizzo, who played with incredible zeal and sincerity throughout the 16-song set. His solo during “Hey Girl” was inspiring. It was obvious that after all these years on the road, he still loves to perform.
Closing the night with “Road Outside Columbus,” lead singer, Marc Roberge told the crowd, “It’s so good to be home.” The entire city agrees ââ€â‚¬ it’s great to have you, Marc.
This review was written by Josh Fitzwater and brought you by the Franklin University Plaza at the LC Pavilion. For more information about shows that Josh and the Franklin crew will be attending and for chances to win tickets to concerts all summer long, visit www.franklin.edu/concerts or like us on Facebook.