As part of March's ongoing celebration of women's history, the Center for Women Students and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center are co-sponsoring Ladies Nite at the Cotton Club at 6 p.m. Tuesday in HUB Heritage Hall.

Recognizing those who made political, artistic and social contributions -- both men and women -- during the Harlem Renaissance, Ladies Nite will emulate the atmosphere of one of Harlem's most storied nightclubs.

"The Cotton Club was a very famous black club in Harlem ... We've created our own Cotton Club in the HUB Heritage Hall," said Charles Dumas, the event's co-organizer and professor of theatre and African and African American studies.

"People will come in, and we'll have the place transformed into a Cotton Club with performances, some speeches and hopefully, a bit of drama and debate," he added.

Throughout the night's event, student actors will portray a variety of notable individuals, including Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes and Cab Calloway.

While the nature of each performance will vary, those involved in producing the event are confident the audience will enjoy the show and each individual act.

"It's a performance done by the Ashe Theater [Company] on campus," said Debra Simpson-Buchanan, assistant director of the Robeson Center. "There will be a large audience interaction ... Performers will be in and out of the audience throughout the show."

While individuals portrayed are a combination of men and women, Ladies Nite is, at its core, a celebration of women and their significant contributions to our culture.

"The focus is on Women's History Month," Simpson-Buchanan said. "We really focus on the ladies of the period and what they were doing, saying and writing."

Because of this focus, the show will change one historical aspect of the Cotton Club: the club's racial segregation. During the club's heyday, its performers were all black and the patrons predominately white men.

"The Cotton Club was somewhat segregated for a time, and we really want to open those doors [Tuesday night]," Dumas said. "This is an event for everyone."

Although some of the subject matter will focus on heavier topics and issues, including equality and segregation, much of the evening will be spent celebrating the exciting music, culture and achievements of the Harlem Renaissance time period.

Admission to the event is $5 for students, $3 of which will go toward a mini-buffet of ethnic cuisine.

"We're trying to get some soul food to go with the soul music," Dumas said with a laugh.

Overall, Ladies Nite at the Cotton Club promises something for everyone.

"Basically, it's designed as a celebration of Women's History Month and the people who were prominent during that era," said Audra Hixson, Center for Women Students special programs and training coordinator.

"It's a fun way to celebrate Women's History Month. I encourage everyone to come," she added.