Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Verve

Originally Created: 4/29/08 at 10:31 PM CST
Last Updated: 4/29/08 at 11:29 PM CST

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo [Click to enlarge]

Even though Jerry DePizzo, saxophonist for O.A.R. (Of A Revolution), is a famous musician, he says that he is really just a family man. For him, there is no "rock star glitz and glamour" to his life; he is just thankful that he can play saxophone and provide a living for his family.

DePizzo said he always knew the band was going to be something special and would be something big.

O.A.R. will be performing at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls July 22. Tickets are $30 and went on sale April 26. The all ages show starts at 7:30 p.m., doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The Volante was able to get a phone interview with O.A.R. saxophonist Jerry DePizzo and hear the details of the band's summer tours, their upcoming record and learn what inspires DePizzo and hear about his outlook on music and performing.

Sarah Reinecke: O.A.R. played at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls in 2006. Why did O.A.R. decide to come back to Sioux Falls this summer?

Jerry DePizzo: We were really surprised the first time we played the Dakotas, Sioux Falls especially. We didn't really know what to expect, and we had an opportunity to go there, and we just had a great overwhelming response that we felt the need to go back. People just came out in droves, and the amount of people that came out to the show and their level of enthusiasm was something that interested us.

SR: Did you guys ever imagine you would get to the level you are at today?

JD: I always knew that the band had something special … I was so much a fan of the music and just enjoyed the music, the energy, the atmosphere and I knew it had the potential to be something bigger than a bar band in Columbus, Ohio, and it certainly has become much more than that.

SR: What sets O.A.R. apart from other bands?

JD: The fact that we are seasoned, and we are certainly talented in what we do in the regard that I think we are a very good band, and I think after 11 or 12 years of playing together, we can really perfect our craft. And we really built a niche for ourselves. To be honest with you, I really can't think of anything that is like O.A.R. out there that shares our unique sound and style and has such a loyal and devoted large following and also a commercial appeal.

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