OF A REVOLUTION Rocker to present gift to Liberty High

His band's prior gifts to the school total $7,500.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
Jerry DePizzo, the saxophone player for rock band Of A Revolution (O.A.R.), said he wouldn't be doing what's he's doing today if it wasn't for Liberty High School's music department.
To show his appreciation, DePizzo will present a check for $5,000 from the band to Liberty High to support the music program.
"I want to give back to the community I grew up in," said DePizzo.
Michael Summers, Liberty band director, will accept the check Sunday during an acoustic performance and meet-and-greet O.A.R. is having at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland. It starts at 12:30 p.m. O.A.R. will headline the Feeling Better Than Everfine Festival -- which showcases up-and-coming artists -- at Tower City Amphitheatre in Cleveland tonight.
O.A.R. regularly donates money to charities selected by its members. Sunday won't be the first time DePizzo has earmarked money for Liberty High -- three prior gifts of $2,500 have also been donated.
"The Liberty High band is close to my heart," said DePizzo, who noted that very little state funding goes to music education.
"We're fortunate to be in a position where we can give back something," said DePizzo. "I hope more people follow our lead and donate to schools. A community is only as good as its school system."
The 1997 graduate of Liberty High credits Ray Vitullo, who was band director when he was a student, with giving him free reign to pursue all his musical interests. On the road
DePizzo went to Girard schools until his family moved to Liberty when he was in fifth grade. His parents still live in the area, and he plans to visit them next month.
But for now, the burgeoning success of O.A.R. is keeping him on the road. He was in Hershey, Pa., Friday, where his band was playing in support of Dave Matthews Band at HersheyPark Stadium.
O.A.R.'s seventh album, "Stories of a Stranger," is proving to be a breakout, producing the band's first radio hit "Love and Memories."
DePizzo and the band's other four members -- Marc Roberge, Benj Gershman, Chris Culos and Richard On -- met and formed the band as freshmen at Ohio State University, although they now call Rockville, Md., home.
Latest album
O.A.R. earned a reputation as constantly touring jam band. Their latest album, however, while not necessarily a musical departure, definitely manifests the band's maturation as songwriters.
"It's a more mature sound, a more diverse sound," said DePizzo. "We focused on the craft of songwriting. It's more on a par with our live show."
Will O.A.R. be making a Youngstown appearance? DePizzo couldn't say for sure, but he's trying to work out a concert date at Chevrolet Centre.