TALENTED musicians and dancers from Uzbekistan are performing in the region tonight as part of their first UK tour.
The artists will perform alongside the highly regarded Scottish group the Battlefield Band, at Darlington's Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace.
The collaboration tour, called On The Great Silk Road, is being supported by the Scottish Arts Council, Arts Council of England and Visiting Arts.
During their two-month visit, the Uzbek performers will closely watch developments in their country, where civil protests were quashed by government troops last week, with hundreds feared dead.
They have been keeping in touch with family and friends every day by telephone and the Internet.
Frontman Ilyas Lutfullaev said: "Of course we are concerned about what is happening back home, but I am a musician, not a politician. I just want peace to play music."
Battlefield band manager Robin Morton organised the visit.
He said: "In 2003, we were invited to do five concerts in Uzbekistan by the British Ambassador.
"We were enchanted by the people and the country, and then we were invited to dinner at the house of Ilyas."
The meeting inspired Mr Morton to organise a return visit. They arrived two weeks ago and have been working to create a unique set. The concert will start at 8pm. Tickets are £8.50 to £10.50, on (01325) 486555.
To read about the band's Uzbek tour, go to www.battlefieldband. co.uk/tourdiaries
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