For many people, starting a band is just a dream. For a group of local musicians, it’s already becoming a reality.

Made up of junior Eli Ashley, graduate Ollie Collins, and former students Tyler and Glenn Kemmerer, the band Lickety Split didn’t just come together to jam; they’ve already taken the stage in front of a sold-out crowd in Evansville.

What started as something simple quickly turned into something bigger. Eli explained the group began with the guys just “playing instruments together,” which naturally evolved into “playing covers together.” But their motivation ran deeper than just practice sessions. According to Eli, going to live shows and feeling the pull of the stage sparked something more: the desire to perform and “wanting to travel.”

That dream became real the moment they stepped on stage, though not without nerves. Eli admits performing can be “terrifying,” especially worrying about forgetting lyrics and having all eyes on him. Still, he says, once the first few songs are out of the way, the fear fades, and the energy takes over.

That energy was undeniable at their Evansville show. Eli described it as a “sold out, shoulder-to-shoulder” crowd, adding that he “had a blast” playing and meeting new people. His favorite moment so far? “Being face-to-face with 100 people screaming your lyrics.”

The band’s name, Lickety Split, came from Ollie Collins. The group agreed it “sounded cool,” and judging by early reactions, fans seem to agree.

While they’ve already hit an exciting milestone, they’re far from finished. Eli has big goals for the future, including playing at a multi-day festival and eventually touring across the Midwest, or even the entire country.

He also has simple advice for anyone thinking about starting a band: “Do it with your friends.”

Eli credits his experience in Rock Band at FHS for helping him grow, saying it pushed him to stick with his instruments and connect with others who are also performing.

Next up, Lickety Split is keeping the momentum going. The band will bring their original “alternative grunge” sound to upcoming shows at The Lezagna House on April 18, The Bird House on May 15, and The Dog House, with a date still to be announced.

From small-town jam sessions to packed venues, Lickety Split is proving that sometimes, going for your dream really can pay off, and they’re just getting started.