Many Baby Boomers are nostalgic for an era that no longer exists. And even the younger generations have embraced the music of the 1960s. Today, they have a chance to step back in time.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 26th. That’s when The Ultimate Doors hit the Holland Theatre stage at 7:30 PM.

For those who grew up with a record player spinning in the corner and a stack of vinyl on the floor, this is an opportunity to revisit the raw, poetic, and slightly wild energy of The Doors.

The Lizard King!

While the rest of the world was busy with “flower power”, Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore were pushing the boundaries of the decade, exploring the darker side, if you will.

Morrison, the “Lizard King”, brought a level of theatrical energy to the stage that had never been seen before. They blended blues, jazz, and classical influences into something completely new.

Think of the haunting “The End”, the driving rain of “Riders on the Storm”, or the raw, unadulterated rock energy of “L.A. Woman”. They were rock philosophers with electric guitars, and their music still has the power to move us today, 50 years after it was first released.

The Closest You’ll Get

To fill the shoes of rock royalty is no easy feat, but The Ultimate Doors built a reputation as one of the most powerful tribute acts in the country. Critics and fans alike have praised the group as “uncannily true to the original” and “the closest you’ll get to seeing the Doors live today.”

Do you regret never having seen The Doors live when they toured? This experience will bring you close to that experience.

They use period-correct instruments and vintage gear to recreate the unmistakable tones so many people remember. To get that sound right, you need the specific roar of the Gibson G-101 organ and the particular snap of the percussion.

Meet the talented lineup behind The Ultimate Doors:

• Darrian Kenney is the man with the deep, brooding Morrison voice.
• Branden Eifrid is the maestro of the organ, recreating Manzarek’s legendary keyboard bass lines.
• Todd Huffman is the guitarist with the intricate finger-picked style of the original Doors.
• Jordyn Huffman completes the quartet on percussion, bringing that signature Doors swing.

Experience the Magic of the Holland

The music will be incredible, and the setting is what makes a night at the Holland fully unforgettable. If you haven’t been lately, you’re in for a treat. The Holland is a local treasure and the only “atmospheric” theatre in the United States designed with 17th-century Dutch architecture.

Step inside and you’ll be transported to a quaint Dutch village square under a twilight sky. You’ll see:

• Twinkling stars and moving clouds projected across the rounded ceiling.
• Actual working windmills that quietly stir the air on either side of the stage.
• Detailed brick facades and window boxes filled with tulips bring the history of the building to life.

This theatre was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of local sixth-graders and dedicated neighbors, and after a multimillion-dollar restoration in 2019, it’s truly a big part of the soul of downtown Bellefontaine.

Plan Your Evening in Bellefontaine

The show kicks off at 7:30 PM, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the local scene. Why not make a full evening of it? You can grab a pre-show dinner at The Syndicate, where you can enjoy a great meal in a beautifully restored historic space, or head over to Brewfontaine for a craft beer and one of the best sandwiches in the county.

Just a few quick reminders:

• Tickets: All sales are final (no refunds or exchanges), so make sure to double-check your plans.
• Location: 127 E Columbus Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

It’s going to be one of those nights where the music is loud, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the memories come flooding back. Break on through!