Published July 26, 2011
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Written with Rachel Jones
We can’t stop yawning. Our feet are still sore. And our ears are still ringing. That’s how you know you’ve been to a good concert.
We got to see O.A.R. at Stage AE’s outdoor venue and experienced the ultimate summer show. With sweat already dripping down our backs, we opted to spread out on the grassy hill for the openers and move closer to the stage when O.A.R. came on around 9 p.m. Once we got about four rows back from the stage, we felt trapped in a mix of stagnate, summer air. It was almost hard to breathe. But O.A.R.’s upbeat rhythms and crazy saxophone solos more than made up for it. Everyone sang along to a set list of older songs – like “Crazy Game of Poker” and “Conquering Fools” – and tracks from the new CD, “King,” and yelled out what songs they wanted to hear next.
And the best thing was, the band actually interacted with the crowd. A lot of big name performers sing their songs then leave with a, “Thank you, Pittsburgh!” But O.A.R. actually talked in between songs, pointing out specific concert goers and making small talk about the Pirates – which obviously ignited a crowd-wide “Let’s Go Bucs!” chant.
The entire show felt more like an intimate jam session than a sold-out concert. The crowd was big, but it felt like we were among friends. Even the band was giving off a chill, easy-going vibe. Returning to the stage for an encore, lead singer Marc Roberge belted his lyrics with just the accompaniment of a keyboard and his hands in his jean pockets. Everyone swayed to the slow songs, jumped to the fast beats and danced/stumbled the rest of the show. Despite a few squashed toes and beer-splattered legs, we felt genuinely happy and relaxed throughout the entire show.
It was hot, sticky, and everything a summer concert should be.
