The NIU Women’s Resource Center is kicking off April, or Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with some rocking tunes.

Rock Against Rape will take place tonight at 6 p.m. at The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will go to the non-profit organization PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment).

The line-up includes Arian Seeley, The Mother Folkers, Magna Junta, Mike Fingsten, Olive, Emmanuel Vinson, Lester Chesterfield and Solid Silver Car.

Colette “Lettie” Morgan, senior political science major and student worker at the NIU Women’s Resource Center, said it was a conscious decision to book such an eclectic show.

“We tried to do a diverse lineup to really reach out to a wide range of people,” she said. “I really tried to contact as many bands as possible to get a little bit of everything. The bands were really, really generous to donate their time and they have a passion for the subject — we’re really excited.”

Sophomore undecided major Dave Anians plays in the local folk duo The Mother Folkers. His band got involved with Rock Against Rape after some of his friends also got on the bill.

Anians said he prefers playing events that “are actually for something” and focus on an issue instead of a typical show.

“I feel like it’s hard to get people worked up into it,” he said. “Things like this attracts people and forces them to kind of pay attention to the issues. Plus, there’s entertainment involved – that’s a great thing.”

All of the funds for the show go to PAVE, a national non-profit group that uses educational, social and legislative tactics to end sexual violence. Although it’s not known exactly where the funds accumulated from Rock Against Rape will go, it will most likely be used for grassroots campaigns to raise awareness about sexual violence.

Morgan hopes that the student body and community will come out to support the issue and enjoy good music.

“It’s going to be a really great night with fantastic music and fantastic food,” she said. “The House is always a nice play to go, even on Thursday nights. Taking one night away from participating in Thirsty Thursday and helping out with a great cause is a good excuse to come out.”