To Know Them Is to Love Them

Lloyd Dobler is one of those movie protagonists you simply have to root for, no matter how bumbling or awkward he may be. Who can forget the infamous “In Your Eyes” scene from Say Anything, where our man Lloyd (John Cusack) lifts his stereo on high to serenade his estranged love, Diane. Never a sweeter, more honest expression of emotion was born on film. So if you know nothing else about Washington D.C.’s deferentially-named funk/jam/rock outfit, Lloyd Dobler Effect, know that they are both perennial underdogs and suckers for romance.

Naturally, LDE is one of those protagonists you just have to root for: The five-piece group has been touring the states relentlessly since 2002, logging over 235 performances in 2005 and appearing in 40 states and 13 countries, according to their website. Yet, these hard-working guys play it close to the ground. Despite building an extensive fanbase — thanks to great live performances and a sound somewhere in between the Dave Mathews Band and Maroon 5 — their debut album was released only this year. And their current tour, at a grueling seven-shows-a-week pace, takes them everywhere from Rutgers College to Corned Beef & Co. in Roanoke, Virginia. Weird, right? Today at 12:30 p.m., the band the Washington Post readers in 2005 called one of the top 10 live acts will be playing the Bldg. 19 Patio at Broward Community College Davie Campus (3501 SW Davie Rd.). Maybe they’re serenading some long lost love as she walks from Calculus to English 1102? Who knows? They’re an enigma. This all ages show is free. Visit www.lloyddoblereffect.com.
Tue., Sept. 9, 2008