Conference on Africa Experts on Africa - political leaders, researchers and journalists - are in town for a conference. The theme is race, religion and ethnic relations in Africa and the African diaspora. One of the speakers is Nii Akuetteh, an Africa analyst from Ghana who lives in the United States. His career includes being an editor at Foreign Policy Quarterly, serving as West Africa specialist at the George Soros Foundation. You'll meet Nii Akuetteh and he'll tell you about responding to the Somali Conflict and piracy dilemna.

Nii Akuetteh presents "Responding to the Somali Conflict & Piracy Dilemna" from noon to 1 p.m. at the 18th Annual Africa/Diaspora Conference on Race, Religion and Ethnic Relations in Africa/Diaspora: Creating Peace & Justice Dialogues at Sacramento State.

Jeweler to the Stars Sacramento jeweler Michael Greene sells high-end jewelry to an international clientele. But along with his work with the rich and famous, Greene is also known for his charitable work. Tonight he's lending $100,000 worth of jewelry to a local juvenile diabetes fundraiser. You'll meet Greene and hear about his work.

Omar Faruk Tekbilek A Turkish musician who plays a wide variety of instruments and performs Sufi, folk and modern Middle Eastern music is coming to our area this weekend for a concert. Born into a family of musicians, Omar Faruk Tekbilek considered becoming an imam when he was younger, and his spiritual beliefs remain an important part of his music. We'll talk with Tekbilek about his work and hear clips from his new album..

Omar Faruk Tekbilek performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2nd at the Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St., Grass Valley. Information: (530) 274-8384.