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" My first night in New York City as a CosmoGIRL! Project 2024 intern was unforgettable. As I slid my way through the tightly packed crowd in the small, intimate venue inching my way toward the stage, I could feel the energy in the room and the vibrations of the high-impact, rock-meets-reggae beats pulsating through my body. O.A.R. was on stage doing what they do best: jamming in front of a live audience.  Little by little as I weaved in and out of the audience hoping to get closer to the band, I could not help but be encapsulated by the moment. Hundreds of devoted fans, crammed into the small, swank room were almost entranced by the music, dancing with each other and singing the song lyrics at the top of their lungs. From the radio hits to the lesser-known songs from O.A.R.&amp;#039;s earlier albums, the entire crowd sang every last word to the catchy tunes during the nearly two-hour set. The whole concert was improv style as O.A.R tailored the show to their fans; playing only those songs the packed house of the Knitting Factory wanted to hear. Lead singer and guitarist Marc Roberge spoke candidly with the audience before playing each song taking requests and talking about what the songs meant to him.  It is clear to me why O.A.R. is no longer just a college-circuit favorite and why they have slowly built a massive touring audience. Their high energy, feel-good, upbeat show is exhilarating. It is impossible to just watch O.A.R. perform without singing along and dancing on your chair. The band has a unique way of bringing so much energy to their shows that they are able to connect with each member of the crowd. The show leaves you more than satisfied, but at the same time wanting to listen to more of the band&amp;#039;s music.  Back stage with the band was just as incredible as the show. Walking into the small room located just above the stage, I was greeted by Marc. &amp;quot;Come on in! Water?&amp;quot; he asked, politely extending a bottle of water out toward me. Benj came in shortly after with his camera inviting me to view the photos he had just taken at the show. The other band mates, Richard, Chris, and Jerry were just as charming and sincere as they relaxed on the couches and engaged in conversation with me and the other CosmoGIRL!s.  You would never know this band composed of normal guys from a little town in Maryland was set to release its third live album or that they regularly sell out huge venues across the country or that they recently reached a huge milestone, achieving record sales of more than 1.2. million. O.A.R. has every right to be arrogant. But they are far from that. They are humble, personable, easy-to-talk to and gracious for all of the support they receive from their fans. But I could have told you that before meeting them. Somehow, they are able to convey this through their shows.  With concerts like this one, it is impossible for O.A.R.&amp;#039;s audience not to grow. They truly are unforgettable. And if O.A.R.&amp;#039;s newest live album, &amp;quot;Live from Madison Square Garden&amp;quot; is anything like their live concerts, it is definitely a must have.  Allie CosmoGIRL! Project 2024 Intern "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/a9748/oar-concert-review/>