For the past month, singer/guitarist Marc Roberge, lead guitarist Richard On, bassistBenj Gershman, drummer Chris Culos and saxophonist Jerry DePizzo have been rehearsing andworking on new material in the place where they first came together as aband, Culos’ Rockville, M.D., basement.

The band chose to returnto their roots for inspiration for their upcoming studio release, due in thefall of 2005. Some of O.A.R.’s most popular songs, including concert staple”That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker” and radio hit “Hey Girl” were written there.

O.A.R.’s spirited live shows have played a huge part in the band’s reputation and garnered requests for the group at events like this year’s alreadysold-out The Rock Boat as well as the 2005 Bonnaroo Music Festival.

O.A.R. has truly made a name for itself on the road. The quintet has opened for Dave MatthewsBand, made touring bible Pollstar’s Top Tours of 2004 list andsold out back-to-back headline gigs at New York’s legendaryHammerstein Ballroom three years running.

In fact the band’s latest effort,a live double CD with bonus DVD titled 34th & 8th, pays homage to theNew York venue.