Before catching the Blake Griffin dunk-fest this weekend, the Black Student Union will offer plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax.

The All-Star Weekend, an annual event hosted by BSU, will take place from Thursday through Sunday with events on each night.

“I don’t think that we’re given enough stress-free weekends to just relax and not worry about homework or class,” said BSU president Brittni Taylor. “It’s a relaxing fun-filled weekend. It’s a great time to meet people or spend time with those you don’t get to spend time with.”

In light of Black History Month, celebrated during the month of February, Taylor said BSU tries to put an educational spin on fun-filled weekend.

“People look forward to this weekend all year,” she added. “This weekend has been big for years.”

Thursday

Celebration of Black Arts

7 p.m. in the Alumni House

Taylor said the Celebration of Black Arts program will offer students a trip back in time through a few points in history.

“We need to focus more on our history, and (the Celebration of Black Arts program) would be a nice way for us to enjoy coming together,” she added.

The event will feature speaker Dr. “Rik” Robert Stevenson, a professor in African American Studies.

Friday

Comedy Show

8 p.m. in the Grand River Room of Kirkhof Center

Comedians Tony Roberts, Cocoa Brown and Lil Rel will bring their stand up routines to the heart of campus.

“People can come, sit back and laugh as opposed to paying to see famous comedians,” Taylor said. “It’s a good time, and people are always looking for something fun to do.”

Over the course of the weekend, BSU raises money for different causes. Donations collected Friday night will go toward the American Heart Association.

Doors to the comedy show open at 7 p.m.

After the show, people who still want to relax and have a good time can attend a scheduled after party at Lincoln Lanes.

Saturday

Showtime at the Apollo

7 p.m. in the Cook DeWitt Center

Saturday’s event will provide an opportunity for people to showcase their talents.

The BSU version of the variety show will have a similar format to the Showtime at the Apollo program that broadcast on television from the Apollo Theatre from 1987 until 2008.

In the past, BSU has seen jazz bands, singers, hip hop dancers and rappers, Taylor said. This year, the organization might also add some poetry to the mix.

Each participant has 30 seconds on the stage to exhibit a talent to the audience, who either applauds or jeers to narrow the field of contestants to a few finalists.

The audience members applaud for the favorite finalist, and whoever receives the most applause receives a cast prize.

Admission is $2 or $1 and a canned good.

The money will provide books for children in Ghana, and the canned goods will be donated to a homeless shelter.

Sunday

Weekend Wind Down/All Star Game

7:30 p.m. in Area 51

The weekend will conclude with a gathering in lower Kirkhof Center to watch the All Star Game, the NBA game in which fans elect the starting five players in an East versus West rivalry.

BSU will provide snacks.

“Everyone is welcome,” Taylor said. “You don’t have to be in the organization – anyone who wants to have good time should come. And most of the weekend is free.”

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