After a host of local bands and artists took to the stage at the Battle of the Bands on Saturday, Lenina Crowne was named the victor. For winning the heated competition, this lively indie folk and rock band will be granted the only opening spot in the Movin’ On 2014’s line up.

Lenina Crowne is known for its upbeat, original tracks as well as their covers of more popular songs, like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” The seven-member ensemble has a hearty sound, utilizing the cello and sax to make some much richer music than your average-joe college band.

The crew only got together this year, after frontman Eric Faust and pianist Mike Mulligan decided they wanted to take their music to the next level. They’ve been making waves around town, playing gigs frequently at the Phyrst and Cafe 210 for the throngs. They made their biggest impression this winter, however, when they played at THON Weekend 2014.

The crowds at the Battle of the Bands were definitely happy to see Lenina Crowne win, even if there were some good alternatives: “I knew [Lenina Crowne] would win as soon as they stepped on stage. I remembered them from THON, and they just had so much energy when they were playing,” reported one onlooker.

Lenina Crowne will be opening at the Movin’ On concert on April 26th by the intramural fields. You can learn more about the groovy septet in our Dec. 2013 video feature on the band, embedded below: