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O.A.R. brings 'Stories' to fans this fall

On the heels of an ambitious summer tour, rockers O.A.R. have announced plans for a round of fall dates as they continue to back last year's "Stories of a Stranger."

So far, the group has lined up about a dozen October shows that launch Oct. 12 in Grand Rapids, MI, and focus on the Midwest. Army of Me has been tapped to hold down the opening slot.

Before setting out on the headlining run, O.A.R. will open a trio of shows for the Dave Matthews Band in George, WA. Details are included in the itinerary below.

Released last October, "Stories of a Stranger" was produced by former Talking Heads member Jerry Harrison, whose recent credits include albums from Live, The Verve Pipe and The Von Bondies. Recording sessions took place in Virginia, California and New York City.

Guests on the set include keyboardist Bernie Worrell (Parliament) and singer Toby Lightman, who lends backing vocals to the album's first single, "The Stranger," and additional track "Heard the World." The group also collaborated with producer/songwriter Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews Band) on the cuts "Program Director" and "Love and Memories," the latter of which is streaming at O.A.R.'s website.

Plans for a follow-up to "Stories of a Stranger" have begun to percolate, according to a vague message bassist Benj Gershman posted at his group's MySpace.com website.

"We're starting to talk about our next record more often," he wrote. "I will leave it at that. Mystery is beautiful."