O.A.R., the platinum-certified rock band known for songs like “Shattered (Turn The Car Around)” and “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker,” will headline Pelotonia Opening Ceremony 2025 on Friday, August 1 in downtown Columbus. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m.

O.A.R. has deep ties to Columbus, with its members being alumni of The Ohio State University, making this headliner performance even more meaningful as 100 percent of dollars raised by Pelotonia participants are directed to innovative cancer research at their alma mater.   

Since 1996, the band has sold out Madison Square Garden twice, filled Red Rocks Amphitheater a dozen times, earned platinum and gold plaques, lit up the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, and built one of the most committed fanbases in the world.  

O.A.R. entered a new chapter as a band by releasing their 10th studio album “The Arcade” in 2022 and they recently concluded a very successful headlining tour with special guests Fitz and the Tantrums and Ripe. O.A.R. most recently performed live in Columbus for a pre-game concert prior to the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1.  

The acclaimed rock band includes Marc Roberge (lead vocals, guitar), Richard On (lead guitar, backing vocals), Chris Culos (drums), Benj Gershman (bass), and Columbus native Jerry DePizzo (saxophone, guitar, backing vocals) accompanied by Mikel Paris (keys, backing vocals, percussion) and Jon Lampley (trumpet, backing vocals). 

O.A.R. has a joyful, community-building spirit that shines through their music and in their actions both on and off the stage. The band was formed in Rockville, Maryland, but its members like to say they were raised on Ohio State’s campus—and they’ve continued to give back to the university as their success has grown. As proud alumni, O.A.R. has partnered with The Ohio State University Foundation through the Scarlet and Grey Advantage program providing a yearly full scholarship to students hailing from Northeast Ohio, the childhood home of Jerry DePizzo. This effort is part of the Heard the World fund created by O.A.R. in 2006 to support youth and education in the U.S.  

For more than 25 years, O.A.R. fans across Ohio and around the world have enjoyed their free-flowing sound and exhilarating live shows. Pelotonia is excited to bring the energy of O.A.R. to the Opening Ceremony stage to rally its community and set the tone for Ride Weekend with an unforgettable rock performance. 

Opening Ceremony on August 1 

Each year, Opening Ceremony kicks off Pelotonia Ride Weekend on Friday evening to gather 15,000 guests for a community party of celebration, impactful programming, and entertainment ahead of the two-day signature cycling event. Opening Ceremony takes place on the grounds of McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. 

Previous Opening Ceremony musical acts have included Andy Grammer, Sheryl Crow, Counting Crows, Michelle Branch, Clubhouse, and more.   

Entry gates will open at 4:00 p.m., and the inspirational program will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Pelotonia stage. O.A.R. is set to start the headliner music performance at 7:00 p.m.   

Opening Ceremony is open to Pelotonia 2025 Ride Weekend Riders, Gravel Day Riders and Trail Run/Hike participants, plus Volunteers or Challengers who have raised a minimum of $1,250 by July 31. 

Additional details, including the event schedule, will be released in coming months. For more info about Opening Ceremony, visit pelotonia.org/opening-ceremony. 

Listen to O.A.R. 

Preview music from O.A.R. before Opening Ceremony 2025, including their 10th studio album “The Arcade,” on YouTube or by listening on your favorite streaming platforms!

Learn more about O.A.R. on their website. Plus follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and more!