Hip-hop showcase

Hip-hop showcase
YOUNGSTOWN -- Local rappers will sing and dance at "The Lockdown," the city's first hip-hop music showcase, from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday in The Rayen School auditorium, 250 Benita Ave. The theme is "Peace in a Time of War." Tickets are $10 and are on sale at Geo's Music, Inner City Music and Choice's Music & amp; Apparel. Call (330) 746-8199 or (800) 228-0452 for information.
Free piano concert
YOUNGSTOWN -- A free concert by pianist Washington Garcia of Quito, Ecuador, will be at 8 p.m. Friday in Bliss Recital Hall at Youngstown State University. Garcia, 24, is a doctorate student at Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he also earned a master of music degree. In 1997 he was one of two pianists selected by The Kennedy Center to receive a Fellowships of the Americans Program grant to further his musical studies in the United States. He has performed with National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador and at conservatories in Texas; Madrid, Spain; and Vienna, Austria. For concert information, call (330) 742-1588 or 742-7448.
Art song contest
COLUMBUS -- Singers and piano collaborators may apply for the prestigious statewide Art Song Competition to be sponsored by Vocal Art Resource Network by submitting a 30-minute audition tape or CD and a written, themed proposal by Nov. 8. Those passing the evaluators' initial scrutiny will be notified by Nov. 19 and invited to compete in a live audition Dec. 1 in Columbus. For more information, contact Carol Notestine, executive director, Vocal Arts Resource Network, 795 Drummond Court, Columbus, Ohio 43214, call (614) 451-3783, or Fax (614) 451-0239. E-mail inquiries may be sent to VARNcarol@aol.com.
Carnegie Hall benefit
NEW YORK (AP) -- Chris Rock has been added to the lineup of comedians who will perform Oct. 8 at Carnegie Hall in a benefit for victims of the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. Rock is joining Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Colin Quinn, Will Ferrell, Alan King and George Wallace for "Stand Up for New York," which will benefit the Twin Towers Fund and the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. Ticket prices range from $500 to $2,500.
Program deadline
VILLA MARIA, Pa. -- Registrations must be made by Friday for a reflection program, "Earth -- Spirit of the Seasons," EverGreen will present from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20. The cost is $25. Call (724) 964-8920 ext. 3350.
Fall craft show
AUSTINTOWN -- Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts will be featured at the fall arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Anne social hall, 4310 Kirk Road.
There will be light refreshments and ethnic foods. There is no admission charge. Proceeds will go to the Acolyte Society.