The 56th Army Band is inviting the community to break from holiday chaos and enjoy an evening of festive music.

The band will perform its annual Joint Base Lewis-McChord Holiday Concert Dec 1 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. A second performance will be held Dec. 8 at Carey Theater on Lewis Main, also at 7 p.m.

The first showing will give more people an opportunity to hear the band since it can be difficult for civilians to access the installation.

"We want to give the community a greater chance to come out," said Staff Sgt. Duncan McGrath, 56th Army Band public affairs officer.

The performances promise to be filled with more musicians, songs and surprises compared to last year.

"This year we're really pressing the envelope and showing the audience what our capabilities are by breaking into smaller ensembles and featuring other music," said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Islas, 56th Army Band program director.

With roughly 40 band members preparing for the shows, Islas said audience members can expect a diverse music selection ranging from traditional singalong tunes to a special rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,' dedicated to the troops. As during previous years, the band will feature special guests Kids in Koncert, a community choir from Olympia made up of students ranging in age from 8 to 18. Islas said his goal is for guests to exit the venue filled with the holiday spirit.

"You walk out of there, and you're smiling, your kids are smiling ... It's like going to a really great movie," Islas said. "It's something that leaves you feeling all around good inside."

The performances are expected to last just over one hour and will not include an intermission. Those with children may want to bring their cameras for a special visit by Santa Claus at the conclusion of the shows.

The Dec. 8 performance will be broadcasted live on JBLM Command Channel 21. Both performances are free and open to the public.

CONCERT SCHEDULE

First show

When: Dec1, 7 p.m. Where: Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia

SECOND SHOW

When: Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Where: Carey Theater on JBLM Lewis Main