Cafe au Lait is French for coffee with milk, but at Iowa State it takes on a different meaning.

The ISU definition of the phrase is a free variety show held twice a month at the Maintenance Shop. Past shows have featured Spanish guitar performances, poetry reading, singing and the telling of folk tales.

The performance night was founded more than 10 years ago by a Palestinian student named Reem Abukishik.

Eric Yarwood, program adviser to Student Union Board, said the goal of the program is “to raise awareness of ethnic traditions.”

One reason people come to Cafe au Lait is to discover other cultures, said Leslie Melvin, program adviser to SUB. In doing so, she said, they gain appreciation for other ways of life.

“People go to Caf‚ au Lait to have fun, and the understanding just seeps in,” she said. “They are unintentionally learning about one another.”

Neelika Jayawardane, SUB president and graduate student in English, said Cafe au Lait helped her become more plugged in at ISU. She coordinated Cafe au Lait three years ago and eventually became involved with SUB.

“Some of the best friends I have I’ve made through Cafe au Lait,” Jayawardane said.

Dashan Sardine, junior in preparation for human medicine, said the program helps bring diversity to ISU.

“The level of acceptance and interest in what everyone has to offer is embracing,” she said.

Each night of performances offers something new for audience members.

“People come to the show never knowing what they’ll get,” Jayawardane said. “It’s so informal that it’s never boring.”

Performers are usually students, but in the past, faculty members and professionals have performed at Cafe au Lait.

There are usually eight to 10 performers a night, and each performance usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. The show typically lasts an hour and a half.

Cafe au Lait’s final performance of the semester is April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the M-Shop. Admission is free.