Lloyd Dobler Effect’s Holiday Experience

Looking for a Washington-area holiday extravaganza that’s more contemporary and rocks harder than seasonal standbys like the “Nutcracker Suite” or “Handel’s Messiah?”

Then consider putting the Lloyd Dobler Effect’s sixth annual Holiday Experience show on your calendar for Dec. 18. The talented and versatile local rock band will celebrate the season again this year – this time at the Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, which is the biggest and best venue in the holiday show’s six-year run.

“This is always a special show,” said Phil Kominski, the band’s frontman and leader. “It features the five members of Lloyd Dobler Experience – Carlos, Patrick, Donnie, Chris and Phil – as well as Elizabeth Coyle Kominski on vocals and guitars, Albert Ketler on tenor saxophone and Chris Brooks of Lionize on piano and organ. “

Lloyd Dobler Effect, based in Silver Spring, Md., has performed on the same bill with such notable artists as Santana, Steve Winwood, The Fray, Jane’s Addiction, Eminem, The Strokes, The Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, The Roots, Jack Johnson, Better Than Ezra and 3rd Eye Blind, among others.

Kominski said fans can expect a nice mixture of holiday favorites…originals that are performed in an alternate fashion – think MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers – and unique cover songs that are orchestrated by the band.

And it’s not just music at the holiday show. An all-star cast of seasonal characters makes an appearance, as well.

“The Holiday Show always features a visit by Santa Claus, The Grinch, Elvis, Olaf the Snowman, The Human Dreidel, An Irish Elf, Bad Santa and other special attractions and schtick,” Kominski said.

Asked about the inspiration for a holiday show, Kominski said it presents a great opportunity to have a musical get together with family and friends.

“The show came about because the five members of LDE enjoy performing with the three additional members so much, that we wanted to have ‘special version’ of the band,” Kominski said. “Chris Brooks’ pianist is from the world touring band LIONIZE and we grew up with him.  Elizabeth Kominski has been a part of our side project folk groups and her voice syncs very well with Phil and Chris.  Albert Ketler grew up with me and has been a tremendous jazz talent in the area for 25 years.  We figured that the best time to get together, annually, would be around the holidays.”

“This is always our favorite show of the year and it makes it all the more special to see your friends and family in the audience,” Kominski said.

Tickets are $15, show starts at 6 p.m. Learn more about Lloyd Dobler Effect atwww.lloyddoblereffect.com. Follow them on Facebook @LloydDoblerEffect and Twitter @LDEband.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre: 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, MD; www.lloyddoblereffect.com