A 10-piece alt rock ensemble opened the Miami University Parents Weekend concert Saturday. Jared Mahone may sound like just one guy with a guitar, but the band, which included a funky brass section, filled the stage in Millett Hall from end to end.

Their upbeat easy listening sound struck just the right note with the students and parents that shuffled in before headliner OAR took the stage. Mahone’s sound is a blend of radio rock, funk and feel-good pop. His latest album “Mixtape” dropped Oct. 26.

By the time Mahone and his band were wrapping up their set, the open portion of Millett (about half the basketball arena’s full size) was almost full, fleshed out by students who, while tardy, were no-doubt enthusiastic about the night’s concert.

OAR, sometimes lovingly monikered ‘bro-AR’ by fans, was given a warm welcome from the student community as they entered the stage dressed as the characters from the 1984 comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.”

“Is it hard to take us seriously right now?” asked lead singer Marc Roberge after they finished their opening song.

The Maryland band took a slight departure from their studio sound, giving their horn section — trumpet, trombone and saxophone — an unbridled voice throughout the performance. The three each contributed tremendous solos multiple times throughout the night. And theirs wasn’t the only talent that proved itself worthy of applause and cheers. Keyboardist Mikel Paris let loose with a fast-paced and masterfully executed solo during “The Stranger” that raised the audience to its feet.

Other highlights of the night included the OAR’s performance of Bob Marley’s “Stir it Up,” as well as recent OAR hits “I Feel Home,” “Heaven” and “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” which reached no. 36 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list in 2008.