A live neo-soul band, an open mic and great food. This might sound like the opening of a new bar downtown, but for one of Auburn University’s student organizations, it is a “premier event.”

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is hosting its first “Lyricist Lounge” of the semester Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. in the Auburn University Student Center 2223.

“The ‘Lyricist Lounge' was created about three years ago and the purpose of the event is to bring diverse groups of people together and allowing individuals to entertain each other with their special talents,” said NAACP President Katie Reid.

The “Lyricist Lounge” is an open-mic event, complete with a live band, free food and local amateur talent. Thursday’s lounge, which is co-sponsored with the Black Graduate and Professional Student Organization (BGPSA), includes the band Therapy and food from Chick-fil-A.

“The award winning band Therapy will be performing at the ‘Lyricist Lounge’ this year. Therapy is a neo-soul group that was established about a year ago by a group of students here at Auburn University. Last year, they were the first African American band to win the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition here on campus,” said Reid

The Auburn University chapter of the NAACP is taking a new approach to encouraging diversity, by using a social atmosphere. The event is not limited to any one genre of music, or style of dance. “The ‘Lyricist Lounge’ will be held monthly. We invite students from Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Tuskegee University, and other surrounding schools, as well as people from the community to come showcase their talents.”

The event has been a great experience for some students. Shaemun Webster, a senior in public administration from Leeds, Ala., has been a regular attendee for over a year. “The ‘Lyricist Lounge’ is always a wonderful time! There is great music, good food and new people. Not to mention it’s free,” said Webster.

Even though this event is light-hearted in context, Reid would like everyone to remember what the NAACP embodies.

“The NAACP was founded on Feb. 12, 1909. It is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. Our mission is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination,” said Reid.

For more information about the event, email Katie Reid at reidmak@auburn.edu.