Fresh off its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance, contemporary Christian band MercyMe will perform at Emens Auditorium, Friday, Dec. 11, and some concertgoers are looking forward to the music, as well as the community experience.

Ball State University sophomore Liz White gathered a group of 20 fellow members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Muncie to attend the concert together.

“They (MercyMe) really capture the essence of God,” White said.

The band, which includes vocalist Bart Millard, keyboardist James Bryson, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul, has been touring to promote their new Christmas album, “MercyMe, It’s Christmas!” The 11-song compilation debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums Chart.

“‘O Come, O Come’ is my favorite,” Scheuchzer recently told Billboard. “It’s always been one of my favorite Christmas carols.”

White said the band’s songs are a perfect combination of powerful, lyrical messages and fun beats that keep everyone entertained and engaged. In particular, their song, “Greater,” caught her attention.

“I heard the song on YouTube and I was like – I need to hear this live,” White said.

MercyMe also is known for hit singles such as “I Can Only Imagine.”

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are $22 for Ball State students and $27-$47 for adults and non-students.

Jillian MacNulty is a reporter for a Ball State immersive-learning arts journalism course.