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O.A.R. performs "Heard the World"

For the past few years the college airwaves have been dominated by songs like “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” and “Night Shift,” by the band O.A.R. (Of a Revolution). Who could blame fun-loving college students for taking a liking to this music? After all, with jam-band roots and a funky reggae sound, it’s no wonder that O.A.R.’s songs can be heard coming from the student-filled bars of Elmwood Avenue at 3am. Collectively this is a group of exciting and skilled musicians, and their fourth studio album, Songs of a Stranger (Lava), has a slower feel than their previous albums but makes better use of treasured saxophonist Jerry DePizzo. O.A.R. considers itself to be primarily a touring band, and the five members (Benj Gershman, Chris Culos, Richard On, Marc Roberg and DePizzo) thrive on the concert performances that have taken them across the globe. O.A.R’s popularity can be attributed to an ability to meld catchy song lyrics with the “anything goes” playing style that has been captured on the band’s two previous live albums (there is a third live recording on the way). Still, this is one act that’s best experienced in person. Support comes from ska outfit Telegraph.

8pm. Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. (855-5534). $26.50 at Ticketmaster (852-5000/www.ticketmaster.com).