Even schoolwork couldn’t keep young college band the Ellevens from practicing for its end-of-the-year performance Friday night.

While finals are close, the Ellevens had fun with upcoming seasonal cheer. Friday, the local rock group presented a Christmas Spectacular performance at Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway.

Just like its Halloween concert, members of The Ellevens dressed up in seasonal attire and incorporated the holiday season into their performance. With a classic formula of upbeat rock n’ roll and harmonizing easy vocals to sing along with, the band’s bluesy performance provided cool melodies and soft guitar. The downtown area is a haven for punk and hard rock bands, and The Ellevens’ soulful sound and classy performance was a change of pace for the rugged atmosphere of Otto’s.

Just like local punk band the Stockyards, the Ellevens represent a unique portion of the student body that balances academic and musical endeavors.

Senior marketing major and frontman Daven Masulis founded the band nearly two years ago with a few college friends.

“We kind of did it backwards,” said frontman Masulis. “It became ‘We want you to play a show’ and ‘Now we want you to play a show, too.’ There was no time to really sit down. So, we we’re always playing shows, and we should’ve taken a hiatus and we didn’t really have the resources.”

The Ellevens started with eight members nearly two years ago. Now, the band has wilted to six. Without an official recording label to promote their music, members of the band have an independent history of promoting their shows by passing out fliers and tickets to students walking around campus.