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PLAINVIEW — With no venue large enough available in Lubbock, Texas Tech University’s African Student Organization is bringing the annual ASO Dance Showcase to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University tonight, filling Harral Auditorium with an evening of high-energy performances representing African culture, artistry and student creativity.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the showcase begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. An audience of more than 700 people is expected.

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s Laney Student Activities Center is serving as the staging and preparation area for the eight ASO dance groups performing in the showcase. Although eight schools are participating, Texas Tech will not compete since hosting schools do not enter the judging portion of the event.

According to Ife Famogun, vice president of Texas Tech’s ASO, the showcase is the centerpiece of the larger ASO Weekend — a statewide gathering of African Student Organizations from universities across Texas. Teams work throughout the fall semester to prepare eight-minute routines for this annual competition.

“This is a really big showcase for us,” Famogun said. “It’s been about eight years since Texas Tech got to host this event, and we’ve been planning since June. We looked all over Lubbock, but every venue either lacked the capacity, was already booked, or wasn’t able to staff an event this close to Thanksgiving. We’re extremely grateful that 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ was able to open its doors to us.”

Seven universities will compete: Texas Southern University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, the University of North Texas, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Tech University (non-competing host). Performers and additional attendees have been arriving throughout the day to rehearse, prepare costumes, and receive event instructions from ASO’s planning committee.

Famogun said the winner will not be announced tonight. “This showcase kicks off the weekend, but the results are revealed Saturday night at our annual gala,” he explained.

In addition to the dance competition, ASO Weekend includes daytime cultural activities and nightlife events in Lubbock, such as Afro Palooza — a festival featuring music, vendors, fashion, food, and live entertainment. Tonight’s showcase, however, is the only free event of the weekend.

“We want the community to come out, enjoy the performances and feel the excitement,” Famogun said. “It’s going to be a great night.”