The Five Minute Read

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MCC welcomes new assistant dean of student support

LOWELL — Leonard Russ has joined the staff of Middlesex Community College, where he will be the new assistant dean of student support helping to enhance the wellness and mental health services of the on-campus Wellness Resource Center.

The North Carolina-born and raised educator attended North Carolina Agricultural Technical University, before earning his master’s degree in social work from Boston University. Russ got his professional start in clinical therapy and has a social work background. He also has an extensive background in mentoring students as both a counselor and a dean of students at previous institutions.

The college has a partnership with Christie Campus Health that provides students with free, additional mental health support and resources. The 24/7, year-round access to services includes a support line (833-434-1217), counseling services and a suite of self-help materials.

“From getting COVID, experiencing death as a result of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the possible recession, social isolation, and the loss of basic social skills, people have experienced a significant amount of trauma,” Russ said. “It’s important to name those deficits or issues, and bring people to a place where they know how to cope with it, grow from it and support others dealing with it.”

Phish band alum brings new band to Tsongas Center

LOWELL — The Trey Anastasio Band and Goose take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the Tsongas Center, located at 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The guitarist, singer and songwriter is best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Phish. Both bands will play a full set, as well as perform a musical collaboration. Tickets range from $49.50-$79.50. To purchase online, visit bit.ly/3ULJtzv, or call the box office at 978-934-5738.

Musical ‘Rent’ on stage for limited run

CONCORD — The Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “RENT” opens Friday, Nov. 11 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 4, at The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St. The play explores the lives of a group of impoverished artists and friends in New York City’s East Village as they struggle through the AIDS epidemic and financial hardship to follow their dreams without selling out.

Showtimes throughout the run are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. No performance on Thursday, Nov. 24. Tickets are $20-$55. Senior, student and group prices are available. To purchase, visit bit.ly/3NUh4F4. For information, call 978-371-0820 ext. 209.

Global music stars and sounds

GROTON — Cellist Mike Block and the West African Balla Kouyaté Band team up to create a musical sound based on cultural traditions with a jazz influence. The five-member, six-piece band features Balla Kouyaté, a balafon player and singer coming out of the Djeli tradition of Mali, Sidy Maiga (djembe/vocals), Idrissa Kone (talking drum/calabash/percussion/vocals), Luke Okerlund (electric guitar) and Mike Rivard (bass/sintir).

The Friday, Nov. 18 concert starts at 8 p.m. at Groton Hill’s Meadow Hall, 122 Old Ayer Road. Tickets are $31 to $51. To purchase, bit.ly/3Upo4w5. For information, 978-486-9524.

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