The MSU campus will be the site of a revolution on April 10, as alternative rock group O.A.R. is set to take the stage for a Thursday night performance. The Hump will be the concert site for the well-known band. O.A.R.’s visit to MSU is the handiwork of student-run organization Music Makers Productions.
“People recognize the name, and we thought it would be a good band to bring,” said Tyler Stacy, Music Makers director. “We see what bands are available, and we take a vote. We put in a bid for them, and they accepted. Everyone was really excited.”
O.A.R., which is an acronym for the band’s full name …Of A Revolution, was formed in 1996 in Rockville, Md., while the members were still in high school.
The group produced its debut album The Wanderer in 1997 and since sold 1.2 million albums, appeared on television including “The Tonight Show,” and sold out Madison Square Garden twice.
O.A.R.’s massive audience is largely made up of college students, possibly due to its unique style, which New York Times journalist Kelefa Sanneh described as “a genial blend of straightforward rock and light reggae.”
“They’re a jam band, but not really like a jam band,” Stacy said. “[O.A.R. is] really catchy music you can dance to. Just a good-feeling type of music.”
O.A.R.’s approaching visit is causing a buzz around campus, especially among the band’s followers.
“I’m really excited,” said Glenn Wegener, junior international business major and O.A.R. fan. “I went out and bought The Wanderer, and I’ve been listening to it over the break.”
Wegener said he hopes that the concert will signal the university’s return as a major venue for big acts in the music industry.
“I’ve heard so much about the ’70s and ’80s when State was getting huge names, and I’m excited we’re headed back towards that,” he said. “Students didn’t have to travel to Birmingham or Memphis to see a big show [back then]. I hope we’re going back in the direction of State being a destination for popular artists.”
This will not be the first live O.A.R. experience for some Mississippi State students. Longtime fan Phillips Harbarger enjoyed his first O.A.R. show and looks forward to seeing them again.
“The show was really entertaining,” Harbarger said. “They play for a long time. It was probably one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever been to.”
Music Makers had O.A.R.’s reputation for live performances in mind when they decided to pursue a booking.
“Everyone I’ve talked to who has seen them in concert just loves them,” Stacy said. “After they see them, they appreciate them that much more.”
Wegener feels that all students, regardless of musical tastes, should consider showing up for the concert.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the university,” Wegener said. “Whether you’re into O.A.R.’s music or not, it’s a great opportunity to attend a big event.”
Those interested in attending the show will have little time to delay in getting tickets. There are 3,000 seats available. Seating is reserved, so early buyers will get the best seats.
Student tickets are $20 with a student ID and are available at the Bryan Building.
Tickets for the general public are $30 and can be bought at the Bryan Building or online at mstateathletics.com. Doors for the 7 p.m. performance will open at 6 p.m.
“It’s a quality band,” Stacy said. “It’s going to be a good event.