For Local Middle School or High School Students Only

Question: Please tell us in 200 words or less why Hip-Hop should be considered an art form. Your essay will be judged by the staff of the Urban News, and featured in the February edition, along with your picture. The winner will receive two tickets to the February 23rd opening night performance of Rennie Harris Puremovement .
 
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Deadline for submissions: February 3, 2012

Photo: Gabriel Bienczycki

The vibrant rhythms, bold colors, pulsating percussions, bouncing dance steps, and uplifting melodies of Soweto Gospel Choir will fill the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 4 p.m. Presented by Asheville Bravo Concerts as a part of its 80th season, Soweto Gospel Choir embodies the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music with a magnificent, high-energy performance.

Usher and Tameka Foster

By T.J. Moore --

Usher is breaking his silence and defending himself against the allegations made by his ex-wife Tameka Foster Raymond.

Last month, the ex-Mrs. Raymond asked a Georgia judge for full custody of their two children, claiming Usher shirked his parental duties, failed to get her permission to travel, and hired nannies without approval.

Now the R&B superstar has filed his response in a Georgia court, asking a judge to reject Tameka’s request for full custody on the grounds of false allegations, and insisting that he is a good father who deserves to see his children.

A trial date has been set for February 27.

UNC Asheville presents a two-day showcase and celebration of local performing artists on Friday and Saturday, January 20 and 21. These performances, part of the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week, will take place in the Carol Belk Theatre on the campus of UNC Asheville.