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| OSB: Independence Day with Troops in Iraq and Kuwait During the week of July 1-8, Massachusetts rockers OSB will perform shows with American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra for troops in Iraq and Kuwait as part of the Stars for Stripes 4th of July celebrations. The tour is hosted by "United States Army Europe – Morale, Welfare, and Recreation" in cooperation with Stars for Stripes Throughout the tour, OSB will experience military life first-hand as they live and eat where the troops live and eat, are transported in military vehicles, and perform for the most appreciative audiences they will ever entertain. Following every performance, Stars for Stripes entertainers typically sign autographs for everyone, no matter how long the line or how many hours it takes for everyone to get an autograph and have their photo made with the celebrity. "We consider it a great honor to have been selected for the Stars for Stripes Tour over Independence Day, " said Brendan Mahoney, OSB's lead singer. "Our troops overseas give so much of themselves every single day, putting themselves in harms way so that we can continue to live the American dream. Being able to go to Iraq and Kuwait to entertain them is one small thing we can do to say thank you." Although still young, OSB has developed into a pop-rock band with the maturity and presence of a seasoned group. Their shows exhibit raw energy and melody by fusing rock, blues, jam and groove while maintaining a catchy pop sound. With their upbeat sound and the raw vocals of Brendan Mahoney, OSB draws frequent comparisons to Gavin DeGraw. The warm melodies of Kevin Hennessey's keyboard are reminiscent to that of Bruce Hornsby and Alex Attella's guitar licks are both technically and melodically successful at blending elements of fusion blues and classic rock. Bringing it all together are the smooth grooves of Aaron Tringuk on the drums, and Jeff Burch's steady pocket bass lines. Combined with their hard work, the band's fan base seems to be growing exponentially. Much like the Dave Matthews Band, OSB captures a diverse listening audience crossing over various genres and demographics in the process. And that is why they were named Best Pop Rock Band, and won awards for Best Male Vocals and Best Album at the Pulse Music Awards in April. These honors are not new to OSB. Last year, OSB was voted Best Pop Rock band by Worcester magazine and in 2004, OSB won the Budweiser True Music Battle of the Bands. OSB's first album release The Grey Area has received praise from countless critics and was selected as Best Album by Pulse Magazine in April 2006. Upon return from their Independence Day tour, the band will look towards the release of their sophomore album Transitions. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |