Going out in Baton Rouge does not have to mean crowded bars, drinking alcohol, smelling like cigarettes for days, and shouting over blaring music. An alternative to a typical night on the town, Chi Alpha Café offers live music, coffees and teas on select Saturday nights.
The café is easy to miss. Located in a small shop between Cane’s and Roul’s Deli Express on Highland, it remains relatively unnoticed by the common passerby.
The shop is owned by the LSU Chi Alpha Christian fellowship, a national organization from the Assembly of God denomination, and is run by a volunteer staff.
There are many misconceptions about the café. One is that only Christians are welcome, and they will force you to pray.
“This is a different type of ministry in that there are no sermons here — nobody is going to hit you on the head with a Bible,” said Tollie Coates, a senior in computer engineering and general manager of the café. “This is a Christian environment in that there’s no alcohol, there’s no drugs, there’s no smoking, and we prefer there not be any cursing.”
Instead of drinking alcohol, many different coffees and teas are available for a reasonable price. Last Saturday was pay-what-you-want night, and all drinks and sweets were available for however much one was willing to give. Also, there is no cover at the door, so all musical performances are entirely free.
“I think it’s nice for people who don’t really want to go to a bar and be in a smoke environment,” said Monica Filgo, a member of the Chi Alpha praise band and whose music was featured at the café last weekend.
Another misconception is that if you are not a member of Chi Alpha, you cannot attend.
“One of the things that’s real important about Chi Alpha is that we really consider diversity and being authentic very important things,” said Nick Calaway, pastor of the LSU chapter of Chi Alpha. “We’re not a group that is very exclusive, we’re a group that’s very inclusive. It’s usually a big mix; for example, tonight probably less than half are Chi Alpha people.”
Most of the music featured at Chi Alpha Café is acoustic folk-type music.
“I try to write lyrics that are thought-provoking; that’s my main goal,” Filgo said.
Although not all of the music featured at the café is of the same genre, they have one thing in common: all of the music is Christian.
“These people that play are singing about what’s important in their life, just like any musician sings about their life,” Coates said.
The café has other events as well. On Thursday mornings, it is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to serve a waffle breakfast free for all LSU students.
“Everything we do is open to anyone at anytime,” Callaway said.