Black History Month 2009

This is Black History Month 2009

Intercultural Arts would like to thank all of the venues, and cultural partners that contributed their information to the preparation of this brochure.

1st October… Youth Arts Showcase Intercultural Arts 7.30 – 10 p.m. Dance City Intercultural Arts presents an opportunity to experience the creativity of young people from around the region to mark Black History Month 2009. The show is produced by “YES”: the Youth Engagement Subgroup of the Regional Forum for Intercultural Arts and will feature dance, theatre, visual art and design by young people with different cultural backgrounds working together to display their creativity and talents. Complete with exhibitions, discussions and even African board games, it promises to be an entertaining evening out. £3/£1(under 16) Dance City www.dancecity.co.uk Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BR T: 0191 261 0505 [email protected] -----

1st October cont… The Biscuit Factory Autumn Show 2009 showcases 14 pieces of Suzanne Chong's brand-new works and some of her previous works. (until 22nd November) Limited edition prints of Suzanne's selected works are available for sale. Originally from Hong Kong, Suzanne Chong is a UK-based fine artist and arts educator. She received her Chinese art and teacher training in Hong Kong and then her degree in Fine Art and Master’s in Museum Studies from Dundee and Newcastle universities respectively. Suzanne’s work responds to Eastern and Western morals and the complexities this brings to female identity. The juxtaposition of Chinese and Western symbolisms form Suzanne’s coded autobiography, which explores a struggle between traditional propriety and the liberation of Hong Kong-Chinese women’s accepted roles as good daughters, wives and mothers. Although Suzanne’s work is mainly inspired by her Hong Kong-Chinese background, her work opens up a conversation with women from different cultures. The Biscuit Factory www.thebiscuitfactory.com The Biscuit Factory 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1AN 0191 261 1103 [email protected] -----

1st October cont… Seckou Keita Quintet

With a big African heart, virtuoso Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita and his international quintet are not to be confined to any one genre, dipping comfortably in and out of jazz, classical, flamenco, with sometimes hints of rock and reggae. The twenty-one stringed African harp - the kora - takes the lead, with support from double bass/electric bass, percussion, violin and vocals. The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

1st October cont… My Native Vale (Until 8 November) This is the first in a series of shows which engages the public in an exciting debate about British art. Focusing on the work of 19th century locally born artist John Martin, artists Simon and Tom Bloor create a new installation using printmaking techniques. Visitors are invited to contribute to the artwork and in the process explore how important birthplace is in defining identity. The TWAM Outreach team will be working with a group of asylum seekers and refugees on this project. The Great British Art Debate is a partnership project between TATE Britain, Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service, Museums Sheffield and InIVA. The Great British Art Debate is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by the Renaissance – museums for changing lives. The Laing Art Gallery www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing/ Laing Art Gallery New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8AG Tel: (0191) 232 7734 -----

1st October cont… Inua Ellams presents: The 14th Tale The 14th Tale is a fast-moving story that tells the hilarious exploits of a natural born mischief growing from the clay streets of Nigeria to roof tops in Dublin, and finally to London. Inua vividly recreates the characters that punctuate his upbringing in deft and beautiful poetry, while challenging the audience’s expectations of what it is to be a young, black male in London today. Inua Ellams is a word and graphic artist whose work is known for its iconic imagery, unashamed beauty and attention to detail. The Arc Stockton www.arconline.co.uk Arc, Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL 01642 525199 - Box Office [email protected] -----

THE HOT SEATS - formerly known as Special Ed & The Shortbus (USA) + local support

The name may have changed but everything else is the same, their signature sound, combining the virtuosic soloing and tightness of bluegrass, the band-driven rhythm of old time country, the jerky bounce of jug band - ragtime, and the swagger of good old rock and roll, remaining solidly intact. Described as “bonkers but brilliant” by Maverick, the band had been together for seven years, before graduating on to the US festivals circuit, fine-tuning their skills on the redneck bars

and college clubs circuit where they experimented with a suitcase-full of assorted toys to supplement the guitar/ mandolin/ banjo/ fiddle/ upright bass line-up, employing everything from kazoo and jaw harp to washboard, tin can percussion and Chinese blocks. Last August, as Special Ed & The Shortbus, this white-hot five-piece from Virginia, (Half Hackensaw Boys - half Old Crow Medicine Show) caused a sensation at Edinburgh Festival when they carried off the Herald Angel. The paper’s arts editor described them as “sensational”. They also won a clutch of five-star review’s, a “fave rave” at the Summer Sundae Festival in Leicester – and won an invitation to return for their own headline show at Celtic Connections Festival 09 and got a standing ovation. The Cluny The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ Tel. (public / office) 0191 2304474 E mail [email protected] ----Plants of Africa Trail (until 31st October) 10am til 5pm Mon – Sat 2pm til 5pm Sun Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens combines a museum, art gallery, exhibition space and Winter Gardens to create a stunning visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre. In the Museum, discover the history of the city from its prehistoric past to the present day. Exciting displays interpret the wide variety of collections, using hands-on exhibits, computer interactives and video presentations. The stunning Winter Gardens stimulate the senses with over 2,000 flowers and plants brought together in a spectacular showcase of the world's natural beauty.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/sunderland/ Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PP. Tel: (0191) 553 2323 -----

Clothing Connections (Until 5th Jan 2010) This exhibition uses items from the Dorman Museum’s archaeological, social history, costume and textile, natural science and ethnographical collections to make connections between different cultures and across different time periods through the materials and techniques used to create and adorn clothing. Clothing plays an important role in all societies and cultures. As well as providing practical protection against the extremes of climate, textiles can also communicate messages of wealth, social status and religious and ethnic identity through our choice of fabric and ornamentation. Choosing clothes is one of the very first ways in which we learn to express ourselves. We reveal a lot about our individual personality, but also the tastes and social values of the times in which we live, through what we wear. Take a closer look at some of the factors that influence the choices we make – such as financial limitations, social aspirations, ethical issues and environmental concerns. This freedom of expression can be taken for granted. In previous centuries, the scope for creating a personal image was much more limited. Clothing chiefly proclaimed the person’s status as an indication of occupation and rank. Before the development of artificial dyes, for example, bright colour was rare and expensive and only the rich could afford it.

Textiles have also played an important economic role in society, having been widely exported over the centuries and functioning as a negotiable currency. Find out where in the world pig’s tusks were as valuable for adornment as gold and silver in other cultures. Find out how the mucous secretions of a Mediterranean sea snail and the cocoon of a moth influenced world economies for over five thousand years. Dorman Museum Middlesbrough www.dormanmuseum.co.uk/ The Dorman Museum Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough TS5 6LA 01642 813781 -----

2nd October… Celebrating Diversity Awards Dinner 2009 The Judges Hotel at Kirklevington Hall, Yarm 7pm - 11pm The annual Diversity Awards Dinner is a major part of the celebration that champions individuals and businesses from across diverse origins in the Northeast. The awards recognize rewards and enhance the contributions of individuals and organizations to the local community. 2009 is a new year and we truly aim to make the ‘Diversity Awards Dinner’ the event in the Northeast calendar that contributes to the cultural diversity of the region. This year we have even added new awards including Diversity & Inclusion Champion (Individual) and Diversity & Inclusion Champion (Organisation) which makes it that much easier to make sure the people in the North East making a difference get the recognition they deserve. Kirklevington Hall, Yarm [email protected] for more information.

3rd October…

African Dinner Dance Organised by the Nigerian Christian Fellowship, and in celebration of Nigerian Independence Day and Black History Month, the Dinner Dance will take place in Cruddas Park Community Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. Music/food/displays – and all free. The event will last 6-11 p.m and guests are asked to dress smart casual or in traditional dress. Please contact Caroline Afolabi via [email protected] Cruddas Park Community Centre -----

Stage Star North East 1pm - 5pm A talent style contest for young people in the North East aged between 11 & 22. Last year showed the very first Stage Star competition with a fantastic turn out from the local people. The North East showed just how talented the region is from singers & dancers to a gymnast and a comedian. This year we hope to have an even greater response from the youths in our region. Rules and info from [email protected] The Arc Stockton www.arconline.co.uk Arc, Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL 01642 525199 - Box Office [email protected] -----

5th October…

Black History Month Exhibition (to the 17th October) Library Opening Hours Sunderland City Library & Arts Centre Fawcett Street Sunderland SR1 1RE Tel: (0191) 514 1235 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9.30 am - 7.30 pm 9.30 am - 5.00 pm 9.30 am - 7.30 pm 9.30 am - 5.00 pm 9.30 am - 5.00 pm 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

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6th October… Markus the Sadist The tale of a talented young emcee's dramatic rise from local battle champion to rap superstardom. Lured by the promise of money and fame, Markus signs his soul away to ‘The Company'. The story takes an unexpected turn when at the height of his popularity Markus decides to completely switch his style. Directed by Jonzi D this rap opera features brand new music from MOBO-award winning Soweto Kinch. The cast includes Bashy as Markus, with emcees Maxwell Golden and Rob Broderick, and actors Nolan Weekes and Maureen Hibbert. The show features specially commissioned video design from Jumpoff.tv, the UK's highest profile online hip-hop resource for news and events. The Arc Stockton

www.arconline.co.uk Arc, Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL 01642 525199 - Box Office [email protected] -----

6th and 9th October… Sangini Cooking Demonstrations 1.30 – 3.30 pm Sangini is unique, in that it aims to reach Black Minority Ethnic women (including asylum seekers and refugees) and other excluded women in an innovative and creative way whilst providing opportunities for tackling inequalities in health. The activities range from the arts and include dance, music and creative writing to culturally diverse approaches to ‘well-being’ such as aromatherapy, meditation and yoga. www.sangini.org.uk Bunnyhill Centre Bunny Hill Customer Service Centre, Hylton Lane, Sunderland, SR5 4BU Centre Telephone: 0191 520 5213 Booking Essential.

7th & 8th October…

Kismet 8 pm. The world is changing, climate has become chaos. Few can breathe the air unmasked. Nature only survives in laboratories. An ecologist, with her pockets full of seeds, is compelled to cross borders to be with her star-gazing sister. Intertwined with their lives are a doctor and an administrator. One man is surrounded by his powders and pills and the other filled with a profound sense of duty. Theatre, film and movement collide in a tale that explores the power that changes the path of our lives. Performed in English, Farsi and Azeri. KISMET* - a ZENDEH co-production with Dramatic Arts Center Iran in association with Northern Stage Northern Stage www.northernstage.co.uk Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Telephone 0191 230 5151 Email [email protected] ZENDEH creates innovative intercultural theatre productions exploring internationalism and transnationalism. ZENDEH is committed to cultural diversity with a special interest in Iranian cultural relationships. ZENDEH operates the ZENDEH Laboratory for creative research, development, participatory learning and sharing of professional practice. www.zendeh.com

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10th October… Wor Poets! As part of the region's programme of Black History Month events and to (belatedly) mark National Poetry Day on October 8th, Intercultural Arts is proud to present "Wor Poets": the newest addition to the region's rich tradition of performance poetry, at Northern Stage. Wor Poets 'hail' from the West Indies, Southern Asia, Southern Africa and North East England and create a harmony of intercultural voices, ideas, perspectives and shared experiences that create an entertaining and enjoyable evening. They have a range of professional experience as performers and published poets and are great ambassadors for the region's growing intercultural awareness. They have been working together to create this show and to share skills with workshop groups in community centres. We look forward to welcoming you to a real intercultural experience. Northern Stage www.northernstage.co.uk Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Telephone 0191 230 5151 Email [email protected] -----

13th-15th October…

Diwali (KS1&2) Find out about Indian culture and the Hindu festival of Diwali through storytelling, crafts and role-play. Dorman Museum Middlesbrough www.dormanmuseum.co.uk/ The Dorman Museum Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough TS5 6LA 01642 813781 -----

14th October… NORTH EAST SLAVERY & ABOLITION GROUP Black History Month Event October 2009 2-5 pm 'In no place in the United Kingdom has the American slave warmer friends than in Newcastle.' A Half-Way Workshop exploring black visitors and residents on Tyneside in the period of slavery and emancipation. 2pm John Charlton: Introduction to the North East's role in the slavery business and abolition 2.30pm Peter Livsey: William Fifefield, Newcastle's West Indian Volunteer and boatman 1794-1834 3.10pm Sean Creighton: The Quaker Richardsons and Black American Abolitionists 3.50pm The Next Steps for work of slavery and abolition and the black presence including Peter Livsey and Sophie Robinson (Lit & Phil) on Slavery & Abolition - A Walk Around Newcastle. 5pm End John Charlton is author of Hidden Chains. The Slavery business and North East England 1600-1865. (Tyne Bridge Publishing 2008). Sean Creighton was project officer for the 2007 Tyne & Wear Remembering

Slavery project and is Secretary of the Black & Asian Studies Association. Peter Livsey was a volunteer with the Project. Everyone welcome. Organised by North East Slavery & Abolition Group (NESAG). To book a place please email: [email protected]. Newsletters of NESAG can be seen on www.tyneandweararchives.org.uk/publications). Discovery Museum Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle NE1 4JA -----

15th October… International Guitar Festival

José Luis Ruiz de la Puerta and Carles Pons i Altés A Spanish night celebrating the centenaries of Tárrega and Albéniz and the tenth anniversary of the death of Joaquin Rodrigo. José Luis de la Puerta - from Valencia - and Carles Pons – from Catalunia - are two of the most celebrated players of the current crop of Spanish virtuosos. Tonight they will bring you vivid, colourful playing with passion and strength.

The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

15th October cont… NORTH EAST SLAVERY & ABOLITION GROUP Black History Month Event 10.30 am - 4.30 pm EXPLORING SLAVERY AND ABOLITION IN NORTHUMBERLAND & NEWCASTLE A Day Workshop at Northumberland Collections Service, Woodhorn Museum, QEII Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF 10.30am Welcome 10.40am John Charlton. Introduction to the Slavery Business and Abolition in Northumberland and Newcastle, inc discussion 11.20am Workshop about relevant archive materials at NCS with a display of some of them; discussion on how to interpret them 12.30pm Lunch break 2pm Workshop on researching the Black presence in parish registers 3.15pm Tea break 3.30pm Valerie Glass. A Northumbrian family in Jamaica. The Hendersons and Orchard estate. Talk based on research at NCS inc. discussion 4.15pm Outline of work of NESAG and its next steps 4.30pm Close Organised by North East Slavery & Abolition Group (NESAG) and Northumberland Collections Service. John Charlton is author of Hidden

Chains, The Slavery Business and the North East (Tyne Bridge Publishing 2008). Valerie Glass was a volunteer with the 2007 Remembering Slavery project undertaking research at Northumberland Collections. The Newsletters of NESAG can be seen via; www.tyneandweararchives.org.uk/publications. To book a place please email NESAG at [email protected] Woodhorn Museum, Ashington -----

16th October… International Guitar Festival

Flamenco Galacticos with Gerardo Nuñez and Carmen Cortés Nuñez is probably the world’s greatest flamenco guitarist active today. Cortés, his wife, is one of the most celebrated flamenco dancers of all time. Join them for a night of unforgettable music, dance and flamenco passion, as the two - who have international careers in their own right bring the unspoken but unmistakable bond of husband and wife to the stage. The Sage Gateshead

www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

16th October cont… Choices Fair Middlesbrough Town Hall 4 pm – 6 pm For the first time Taste of Africa will be hosting a Career, Jobs and Health fair in the North East. The aim of the fair will be to promote organisations who can offer services that will enable the people of the North East to help get back into work either through training, volunteer work, work placements as well as providing information on health issues and personal wellbeing and also craft stalls. The people of the North East will find something that will interest them in one-way or another by attending the first ever "Choices Fair". Middlesbrough Town Hall Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QQ Tel Box Office: 01642 729729 or 01642 815181 Email: [email protected] -----

16th October cont… Taste of Africa Main Event

Middlesbrough Town Hall 6pm - 10pm The themes of A Taste of Africa 2009 will provide a multi-dimensional showcase for local African talent, celebrating African art and craft, poetry performance, fashion show, drumming, music, food and thought with an outstanding performance from The Mighty Zulu Nation. Also, recognition awards will be presented to key members of the African community. On October 16th at the Town Hall, Middlesbrough, local entrepreneurship and excellence will be celebrated alongside fabulous performances by remarkable African entertainers. An evening to remember! Middlesbrough Town Hall Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QQ Tel Box Office: 01642 729729 or 01642 815181 Email: [email protected] -----

17th October… International Guitar Festival

Tomorrow People Stage: Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas Highly acclaimed Cuban guitarist pays homage to Ñico Rojas, one of the greats of ‘filin’ (‘feeling’) music - bluesy jazz given the Cuban treatment - popular in the 40s and 50s. The refined playing of Dickinson brings to the stage the sounds of pre-Revolutionary bohemian Havana, combining traditional Cuban and classical genres, with harmonies deeply penetrated by jazz. The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org

The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

17th October cont… EARL GAINES (USA) & The Catfish Kings Earl Gaines the Alabama Soul Blues legend with the voice as good as Mr Bobby Bland finally makes his UK debut. Earl Gaines is one of the many figures whose star just didn't shine as brightly as it should have in the history of soul music. Earl had one major hit "It's Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)," on which he fronted Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers, and two other hits later in his career. Over the next two decades he recorded plenty other great material for several labels, However in the '90s, Gaines hooked up with Fred James and returned to the studio to release what has been a satisfying string of soulblues albums as well as appearing solo and as part of the Excello AllStars. “Gaines is truly a Renaissance Man. He is a blues singer who transcends time with his emotional voice and meaningful interpretation of the lyrics” CD Baby The Cluny The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ Tel. (public / office) 0191 2304474

E mail [email protected] -----

17th October cont… Celebrate Diwali. 'Find out about the Hindu festival of Diwali and try some traditional crafts' Dorman Museum Middlesbrough www.dormanmuseum.co.uk/ The Dorman Museum Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough TS5 6LA 01642 813781 -----

21st – 24th October… Days of Significance

Before they depart for active service, two young soldiers make the most of a drunken night out with friends in an English market town. Their bravado is soon crushed by their tour of duty and the civilian life they return to is now as alien to them as the desert they left behind. Following its premiere in Stratford in 2006 and a critically acclaimed London run in 2008, Northern Stage is the venue for a new production of Roy Williams’ timely and explosive play which examines the aftermath of a war whose conflicts rage far beyond the Iraqi battleground. "Passionate, powerful and important. One of the most disturbing and persuasive portraits of young England I have ever seen. Gripping stuff." Northern Stage www.northernstage.co.uk Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Telephone 0191 230 5151 Email [email protected] -----

21st October The Legendary Gypsy Queens and Kings

featuring Mahala Rai Banda, Esma Redzepova and members of Fanfare Ciocarlia

With more than twenty of Europe’s greatest gypsy artists featuring Romanian brass band music, French rumba gitana (also known as gypsy or flamenco rumba), Bulgarian rock, Macedonian gypsy singing, and more, this will be an extraordinary and unique night, featuring music that will range from the plaintive and haunting to the boisterous and celebratory. “...just one verse was enough to make this the concert of the year.” The Independent The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666

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23rd October… Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba

Bassekou Kouyate is a master of the ngoni, a lute-like instrument from West Africa: The Guardian describes him as an “African answer to Hendrix”. Ngoni ba is the quartet Kouyate put together for his last album, ‘Segu Blue’: Taj Mahal, with whom Kouyate has worked, comments that “...Bassekou is a genius, a living proof that the blues comes from the region of Segu.”

The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

24th October… The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection (Until 24th Jan 2010) Set against the backdrop of the rise of Motown Records and of the American civil rights movement, this fascinating exhibition explores the inspirational role The Supremes played in changing racial perceptions, and their influence on today's performers.

Featuring over 50 costumes, the exhibition examines how the group was carefully styled by Berry Gordy and his Motown associates to appeal to the widest possible audience. The Shipley Art Gallery Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 4JB

Tel: (0191) 477 1495 -----

24th October… Hindu Nari Sangh Hindu Nari Sangh presents an evening of international musicians: “Under the Moonlight” – An awesome evening of stories and poetry with thunderous drumming, exquisite harmonies, ancient instruments with infectious rhythms that will lift the spirits of both young an old. Customs House / South Shields Museum and Art Gallery The Customs House Mill Dam South Shields Tyne & Wear NE33 1ES Box Office / Information: 0191 454 1234 Email: [email protected] Ticket Requests: [email protected] -----

24th October cont… Wor Poets! Wor Poets 'hail' from the West Indies, Southern Asia, Southern Africa and North East England and create a harmony of intercultural voices, ideas, perspectives and shared experiences that create an entertaining and enjoyable evening. They have a range of professional experience as performers and published poets and are great ambassadors for the region's growing intercultural awareness. They have been working together to create this show and to share skills with workshop groups in community centres. We look forward to welcoming you to a real intercultural experience. 7pm – 8pm Customs House

PLUS: Performance for Poets workshop 24th October: Performance for Poets is open to anyone seeking to boost their confidence when speaking to audiences. Oscar Watson returns to his roots as an actor’s vocal coach to share exercises to improve vocal range and clarity and useful “confidence tricks” to calm nerves and improve overall presentation. 2pm – 3pm South Shields Museum and Art Gallery 3pm – 4pm Customs House (a nice BIG space to try out your new skills!) Fee: £1 PLUS: Poetry workshop: A workshop to develop your poetry skills led by one of “Wor Poets!” Wajid Hussain. 11am – 1pm South Shields Museum and Art Gallery Numbers are strictly limited for the workshops, so book today. Customs House / South Shields Museum and Art Gallery The Customs House Mill Dam South Shields Tyne & Wear NE33 1ES Box Office / Information : 0191 454 1234 Email: [email protected] Ticket Requests: [email protected] -----

29th October…

LES QUATRE ETOILES Paris based super group of Congolese musicians

Gateshead Old Town Hall -----

30th October… Youth Theatre Double Bill An evening of fresh young talent. Live Youth Theatre presents ‘Here Come the Girls’, a revealing exploration of what it’s like to be a young woman in the twenty-first century. Mongrel UK, based at The Sage Gateshead, is an ensemble of young people from different cultures and backgrounds producing music theatre that bites! Tonight they present ‘Searching for Lear’, a hilarious and moving roller coast ride to nowhere. The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 ----30th October cont… Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club An extraordinary line-up of Buena Vista Social Club stalwarts, together in a thirteen-piece band. Presenting

some of the finest Cuban music ever made, the band will take audiences on a musical excursion from the original 1996 Buena Vista Social Club recordings up to the present day. The band includes Guajiro Mirabal, Manuel Galban, Aguaje Ramos and Barbarito Torres. The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 -----

30th October cont… Boom Singapore 2008. With the economy booming and the demand for land intense, the young, the old - and the dead - are

forced to jostle for a home to call their own. A charmingly off-beat and very funny exploration of what makes us so attached to a home once we've made the perfect one.

Boom was first developed as part of the Royal Court Theatre's International Residency in 2007. Live Theatre www.live.org.uk Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ. Tel (0191) 232 1232 -----

31st October… Gilad Atzmon and Strings Gilad Atzmon’s acclaimed quartet and the Sigamos String Quartet are on the road. The combination of Atzmon’s unparalleled bebop virtuosity on saxophone, with stunning string arrangements, promises to create a very special

performance, featuring interpretations of Charlie Parker’s legendary strings recording, as well as new works by Gilad. “As perfect a jazz marriage as you could wish for.” Independent on Sunday The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org The Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR. Ticket Office - 0191 443 4661 Switchboard - 0191 443 4666 ----31st October cont… wAve Loosely inspired by the Medea myth, this dysfunctional love story veers from madcap farce to tragedy as an isolated Korean immigrant's dream of a perfect life as an American housewife turns sour. wAve is a passionate and satirical play exploring the collision of cultures from an award-wining American playwright. 'A generously inventive play.' New York Times Live Theatre www.live.org.uk Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ.

Tel (0191) 232 1232 ----USEFUL WEBSITES: www.interculturalarts.co.uk – Intercultural Arts, the development agency for artists of different cultures living and working in the North East of England. ----Other information: Love and marriage

Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums has a large collection of wedding dresses but little material to represent wedding ceremonies and celebrations which have incorporated diverse religious and cultural traditions. If you are planning a wedding or are recently married in Tyne and Wear and have any material you would like to donate including photographs, clothing, cards or anything else which represents diverse wedding traditions of different cultures, please get in touch with Sarah Cotton, Keeper of Contemporary Collecting at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums on 0191 2772261 or [email protected]. ----The Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award

The Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award is for a manuscript that celebrates cultural diversity in the widest possible sense, either in terms of its story or in terms of the ethnic and cultural origins of its author. The prize of £1,500, plus the option for Janetta Otter-Barry at Frances Lincoln Children’s Books to publish the novel, will be awarded to the best work of unpublished fiction for 8–to-12-year-olds by a writer, aged 16 years or over, who has not previously published a novel for children. The writer may have contributed to an anthology of prose or poetry. The work must be written in English and it must be a minimum of 15,000 words and a maximum of 35,000 words. The closing date for entries is Friday 26 February 2010. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books, in June 2010. For Criteria and Entry Forms email [email protected] or visit www.sevenstories.org.uk/news -----