Oval Opus is one of the Midwest's best kept secrets. Due to the band's drive and dedication, their undercover existence will soon be uncovered.

Hailing from Cincinnati, Oval Opus is considered one of the hardest working bands in the country. After coming together eight years ago at Miami University in Oxford, the band is now recording their sixth album (due out in December).

'Our live album is our best selling record,' said lead singer, Aaron Patrick.

The band wanted to give that same live energy to the new album. Working with producer Erwin Musper (Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Metallica), they blocked off 40 days to mix and record.

'This album is different from the past. It's definitely a band project,' said Patrick. 'We know each other's strengths and weaknesses. We're seasoned and all have different influences.'

Besides recording, the foursome has heavy duty touring on the plate'some 150 shows a year. August starts the college circuit'a two-month tour with the boys heading to the East Coast, then returning to Ohio.

'It's awesome coming home,' said Patrick. 'All of Ohio seems like home for us.'

It's not just Ohio fans who appreciate the gentlemen's hard work. Oval Opus is one of three semi-finalists in the MTV/Coca-Cola Make It Real Contest.

The contest, which looks for the hardest working musical artists in the country, started with 550 bands. The bands had to write a 500-word essay about their work ethic and achievements (which for Oval Opus include 'Cincinnati's Favorite Band' and 'Cincinnati's Best Alternative Band' several times over). From that, 20 bands were chosen to submit their music. The winning band will star in a commercial on MTV, appear in Teen People Magazine and perform on Teen People's Listening Lounge stage.

'It's just part of a bigger picture,' said Patrick. 'We can't lose sight of the real goal. It's really all about the music.'

Oval Opus will circle around to Dayton this Thursday at the Canal Street Tavern. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for this 18 and up show.

Check out more information about the band at their Web site: http://www.ovalopus.com.