Now – 27 Oct
HEALING
Gabisile Nkosi, who grew up under the apartheid regime of SA uses her art to build confidence and skills in her community whilst exploring her own unique vision as an artist. Venue: The Gallery, Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4LN. Adm: ?5. Info: 0191 433 8420.

Now – Jan 2008
REMEMBERING SLAVERY
A unique glimpse into the way African people were viewed by Europeans in the 1700s-1800s when the Transatlantic slave trade was at its height. The display showcases paintings, prints, decorative arts and this gallery’s hidden connections to the slave trade. Venue: Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead. Info: 0191 477 1495.

Mon 8 – 14 Oct
SUGAR & SPICE FESTIVAL
Opportunity to celebrate the skills and talents of black artists and the richness that they bring to the community in Gateshead. From music, to theatre and the arts. Not to mention food and a market place. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. Info: 0191 433 8400.

Mon 8 Oct
MIRIAM MAKEBA
Known and revered as Mama Africa Miriam spent many years in exile from South Africa because of apartheid. Her records were banned and her citizenship revoked. She blended different styles long before anyone even began to talk about ‘world music’. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm. Adm: ?15-?20. Info: 0191 433 8400.

Tues 9 Oct
SPICE ROOTS
An evening celebrating the multicultural talent s in the region. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm.

Wed 10 & 11 Oct
MARY SEACOLE, THE OPERA
A performance telling the inspiring story of Mary Seacole, her life and work saving many solders during the Crimea war. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm. Adm: ?8-?10.

Fri 12 & 13 Oct
GRAND UNION ORCHESTRA
100 performers take to the stage to perform ‘On Liberation Street’, sounds, rhythms and joy from around the world will resonate. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm. Adm: ?8-?10.

Sat 13 & 14 Oct
BLACK VOICES
Five powerful women born and nurtured in the black church. Their new programme, ‘Spiritual Journey’ takes them into a new dimension and is an uplifting collective of Capella song, charting the development of gospel singing. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm, and 1.30pm. Info: www.blackvoices.co.uk

Sun 14 Oct
ABRAM WILSON
Performing with the London Community Gospel Choir Abram brings you ‘Roll Jordan Roll’, a must for anyone who loves jazz, blues and gospel music. Roll Jordan Roll celebrates the music of The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Part of Sugar & Spice Fest. Venue: Mill Road Car Park, Gateshead Quays. 7.30pm. Adm: ?8-?10.

Wed 24 Oct
WOZA ALBERT
A lively and entertaining revival the 1980s play based on the simple idea that the second coming of Jesus should take place in South Africa during apartheid. Age 14 yrs plus. Venue: Barley Mow Village Hall, Bedford Avenue, Birtley DJ3 2AJ. 6pm. Adm: ?1.50. Info: 0191 433 8420.

Wed 24 Oct
DAVID MURRAY BLACK SAINT QUARTET
Tenor -sax player Murray made a name for himself with his fiery Ayler-esque sound and explosive delivery. His playing is rooted in the jazz traditions. The Black Saint Quartet was formed over 20 years ago. Venue: Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4LN. 8pm, Adm: ?10-?13. Info: 0191 433 8420.