Rock Band O.A.R. to Perform for Service Members on USO Tour to the Persian Gulf

Rock Band O.A.R. to Perform for Service Members on USO Tour to the Persian Gulf

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Music sensation Of A Revolution, also known as O.A.R., will soon take its island-vibe roots rock sound to service men and women stationed in the Persian Gulf on a USO/MNC-I expeditionary entertainment tour. This is the first USO tour for O.A.R., who will perform a medley of hit songs and visit with troops.

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Performing the theme song for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," O.A.R. has gained widespread popularity since its humble beginnings in 1996, playing in the basement of drummer Chris Culos' childhood home. In 2003, O.A.R. signed with Lava Records and released its first major label album, "In Between Now and Then," followed by "Stories of a Stranger," which yielded radio favorites like "Love and Memories," "Heard the World" and "Lay Down." In 2006, O.A.R. sold out New York City's Madison Square Garden.

"It's hard to believe that we are going on a USO tour to meet and support troops overseas," says singer Marc Roberge. "The opportunity to show our appreciation for everything the U.S. military has done and is doing, and to perform for them is a dream come true."

Conceived in Rockville, Maryland, O.A.R. released its first CD, "The Wanderer" while still in high school. Taking its music to a larger audience, the group moved to Columbus, Ohio where the band mates attended the Ohio State University. Without any formal marketing skills, O.A.R.'s fan-base grew with songs like "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker," "City on Down" and "Night Shift." By graduation, the group had released three albums, performed hundreds of shows and sold more than 300,000 CDs. To date, O.A.R. has sold over a million records and is now working on a new album due in stores in early 2008.

Since before the U.S. entered World War II, the USO has been the constant link between the American people and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women. Entertainers who recently participated in USO tours include Lewis Black, Robert Riggle, Horatio Sanz, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer, Wilmer Valderrama, Frankie J, Paul Wall and many others.

AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours. For a list of recent and upcoming USO tours, visit http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment/. To learn more about the USO or to find out how to support the troops, visit http://www.uso.org/.

About the USO

For more than 66 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, DRS Technologies, Inc., Military Channel, S & K Sales Co., TriWest Healthcare Alliance and The Walt Disney Company. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.

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Source: USO

CONTACT: Oname Thompson of USO, +1-703-908-6471, othompson@uso.org

Web Site: http://www.uso.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment