Marc Roberge, a seasoned lead singer with little-boy charm, used to tip-toe around love songs when penning lyrics for his band, O.A.R.

“Man, it’s not easy to write that stuff,” he says solemnly. “I’m a storyteller by nature, but I’m also just a guy.

“Everybody gets their heart messed with at some point, and that can lead to some pretty negative tunes.”

These days, however, Roberge is far from a closet romantic driven to bitter distraction. When he and his O.A.R. bandmates headline the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival on June 19, audience members will hear the group’s jam-intensive songs laced with plenty of positive emotion.

“I recently got engaged, so I finally feel like I can sing and write about love, you know?” says Roberge, calling from a pre-tour siesta in New York City. “It’s a pretty cool feeling.”

Mark that down as one of many “cool feelings” for O.A.R. — the unintentionally nautical acronym stands for “Of A Revolution” — in 2004.

“The band is just taking off,” says Roberge, who at 25 is tied for oldest member status in O.A.R. “We spent years touring, building a community of loyal fans on the Internet and on college campuses. And now we’re reaping the benefits.”

D.C. to Buckeye-country

O.A.R. got off to an auspicious start nearly a decade ago in Rockville, Md., a busy suburb along I-270 in Washington, D.C.

Roberge and childhood friend Chris Culos bonded over Pearl Jam, Bob Marley, Nick Drake and Beastie Boys. Drummer Culos shared Roberge’s musical sensibilities, and the pair developed its own “island vibe roots rock” sound.

O.A.R. hails from Washington, D.C. , by way of Ohio, but looks at home wherever it plays. Lead singer Marc Roberge, right, says O.A.R. is pumped to play at the Wakarusa Festival.

“It’s a description that still fits us,” says Roberge, who also handles rhythm guitar. “We play reggae, roots rock and a little bit of everything else.”

Roberge and Culos sold their eclectic vision to fellow teens Richard On, a guitarist, and Benj Gershman, a bass player whom Roberge refers to as his “annoying but lovable little brother.”

And just like that, the band was born.

In 1997, the fledgling ensemble put together its first album, “The Wanderer,” which consisted of material from two live recording sessions. O.A.R.’s hungry fan base gobbled it up, and one tune — “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” — became an underground anthem in the nation’s capital.

“We still play that song at every show,” Roberge says. “Our hardcore fans sometimes get annoyed with people who just want to hear that song, though. They call them ‘Poker-heads.'”

O.A.R. won more fans when the band members enrolled at Ohio State University. In the heart of Buckeye country, the guys met Jerry DePizzo, a sax player who wowed them with his chops. DePizzo was recruited; O.A.R. cemented its lineup.

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“And we’ve basically been on tour ever since,” Roberge says, laughing. “Call it the curse of the suitcase.”

Eat, sleep, tour

Of course, Roberge isn’t complaining about life on the rock-star road.

“I love touring,” he says. “I mean, I’m 25 and I get to act like I’m 18 every day with my best friends in the world.

“It’s like an endless string of playdates where we get to make great music.”

O.A.R., which routinely garners rave concert reviews, also knows how to have fun in the studio. The band’s 2003 album, “In Between Now And Then,” yielded a hit radio single, “Hey Girl,” and heaps of critical praise.

“People put us on their Top 10 albums of the year list,” Roberge says. “That felt great.”

But the road warriors weren’t seduced by compliments from corporate bigwigs.

“We’ve been itching to get back out and jam with our fans,” Roberge says, momentarily covering the phone’s receiver to chase off his dog, Judy. “Sorry, she’s probably not used to having a break with me.”

Poor Judy had better get used to more of the same. After all, a busy summer on the road lies ahead for O.A.R. The group is opening for Dave Matthews Band in select venues this summer and headlining a series of festival and amphitheater dates — including the Wakarusa event — through late August.

“Performing with Dave is a dream, but we’re pumped to headline some shows, too,” Roberge says.

The energetic vocalist — he describes himself simply as “pure A.D.D.” — also has a few predictions for the summer season.

“The venues we play get better every year,” Roberge says. “There have been some bad — well, no, interesting — places in the past.

“I remember playing a gig in Nebraska back in the day where the place was a strip joint by day, a concert venue by night. The crew was setting up my gear and girls were dancing everywhere. Try explaining THAT to your girlfriend on the phone: ‘Honey, I have to ’cause it’s work.’

No confusion

Back in the moment, Roberge, who has been listening to Aerosmith’s “Get A Grip” album of late, is brainstorming thematic ideas for O.A.R.’s next album.

“I’ve got words and ideas and myths floating around in my head,” he says, “and I think some pretty good music, too.

“The thing is, O.A.R. isn’t out to confuse people or ask them to listen to a million notes. We just want to play a pulse to you and let you feel it. We care about connecting with our fans on a real level and showing them a great time.”

Sounds a little bit like love.