Students will gather to appreciate the power of words at tonight's Black Coffee House, hosted by the Black Cultural Arts Council (BCAC) in the LaFortune Ballroom.
"It's a talent show of sorts, more focused on spoken words, poetry, song and dance," said Tristan VanVoorhis, president of the BCAC.
The show's theme this year is "Freedom of Espresso." It will "celebrate the power of words," according to the BCAC website and will take place at 7 p.m. in the LaFortune Ballroom and will run for two hours, VanVoorhis said.
Attendees can expect a show similar to those in the past.
"Traditionally, [it will be the] same sort of show, same type of acts," VanVoorhis said.
Individual students as well as student groups, including Voices of Faith Gospel Choir, will perform at the event, VanVoorhis said. He also said dance acts are more oriented to interpretive dance style.
About 40 to 50 students will perform in 13 different acts, VanVoorhis said.
In order to be part of the show, performers had to audition after Christmas break.
Event proceeds help the BCAC reach out to the Notre Dame community.
"We do it every year near Junior Parents weekend as an annual fundraiser for our Thurgood Marshall Scholarship," he said.
The $500 scholarship is awarded to two freshmen students who are active in the Notre Dame community and usually goes to students from a financially-disadvantaged background, he said.
VanVoorhis expects around 200 people to view the event. He said the Coffee House is a unique way for students to express themselves.
"[The Black Coffee House] recognizes different students and their talents here on campus," VanVoorhis said. "[Students] may not have another outlet to share [their talents] with the community. We have the Coffee House as a venue for them to perform."
Tickets cost $6 for general admission, and beverages and light refreshments will be served.
