Original Cover Band

By Jessica Savrock

- For Blue Magazine

When it comes to music, don’t know what you like? Then surely you’ll like what you know.

Photo Provided

That is the motto of State College band OCB, which stands for Original College Band…Pun Intended. Instead of writing and playing its own material, OCB prefers to stick to songs that the crowds will recognize, love and ultimately party to.

"We like to play tunes that people know the words to and will sing along at the top of their lungs at a show," said Chad Caprio, guitarist and vocalist. "The more fun the fans have the more fun we have."

OCB is different than most other local bands in that they are fronted by a female vocalist. Caprio noticed Lexanne Berich years ago as an opening act for his former band Foxxy, and tracked her down and asked her to join him last year when he was looking to put OCB together.

"She brings an abundance of energy to the stage along with a great voice and the good looks to go along with it," said Caprio. "The crowds love her."

After Caprio had Berich’s commitment to form the band, he contacted other friends he had worked with over the years: George Powell on drums and vocals, John Matthews on bass and vocals, and Jon Cimino on guitar and vocals. Matthews left the band last month to rejoin his former band Velveeta. Caprio’s high school friend Mike Mitchell and vocals filled in on guitar and Cimino moved to bass to bring the band to its current lineup.

"Our biggest claim to fame in my opinion would be the vocals," said Caprio. "Lots of bands play instruments very well, but not many have the vocal harmonies to go with it. OCB’s vocals include three-part harmonies reminiscent of Journey."

OCB likes to please its crowd with songs they recognize, playing songs including "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette, "Sweet Child Of Mine" by Guns-N-Roses, and "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. They also play some newer material including "Sugar We’re Going Down" by Fall Out Boy and "Umbrella" by Rhianna.

"I guess our favorite songs are the songs that are the crowd’s favorite songs," said Caprio. "We’re there to entertain them. Entertaining the crowd entertains us and makes what we do worthwhile."

OCB has been playing at various venues throughout the State College region, and their next upcoming show is at the Coors Light Industry Party at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 17. The party is for workers in the local food service industry who have the opportunity to be waited on themselves for once.

Original Cover Band…Pun Intended has gigs booked throughout the spring, including at The Arena. Stay tuned to their web site, www.ocbmusic.com for more details.

Band Members

Lexanne Berich - Lead vocals

Chad Caprio – Guitar, vocals

John Cimino – Bass, vocals

Mike Mitchell – Guitar, vocals

George Powell – Drums, vocals

Booking Information

814.280.1439 or ocbmusic@gmail.com