The Lawrenceville Arts Center will host a powerful evening of music, art, and community on their main stage as Grammy-nominated folk musician John McCutcheon and Helping Ukraine present a special benefit concert, “A Song for Ukraine.” This will be on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m., and HelpingUkraine.US will present this special benefit concert.
The event is suitable for all ages, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Partners for the event include United Hearts and Minds, Art Territory Ukraine, and Poster Territory, (courtesy of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada).
While Helping Ukraine.US has hosted a variety of community events (art shows, rallies, festivals, etc.), the November 22 event will mark their first major benefit concert.
McCutcheon views the event as a pivotal moment for solidarity and support for Ukraine. He says: “This concert is more than music. It’s a chance to stand together for democracy, resilience, and hope. Art has always been a way for communities to connect, even in the darkest times. I’m honored to join voices with Ukraine through song and story.”
McCutcheon’s musical advocacy for Ukraine began in 2022 with the release of the remarkable song, “Ukrainian Now,” co-written with celebrated folk songwriter Tom Paxton and accompanied by a video by Noel Paul Stookey of the legendary Peter, Paul, and Mary.
Activism has always been a part of McCutcheon’s music. His first ever performance was at a picnic gathering for the local paper mill union, where he played a rendition of the union song, “Solidarity Forever,” to thunderous applause.
McCutcheon was once described by Johnny Cash as “The most impressive instrumentalist I have ever heard.” Pete Seeger called him “One of our country’s best songwriters.”
Emory Morsberger, founder of HelpingUkraine.US, says: “Partnering with McCutcheon for this concert brings together music, art, and generosity in one evening. It’s a chance for Georgians to make a direct impact and show that the spirit of compassion knows no borders.”
In addition to McCutcheon’s performance, the program will feature Ukrainian bandura player Olena Kovban and a Ukrainian child vocalist. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the exhibition and sale of Ukrainian children’s artwork created in underground shelters by children of the Aza Nizi Maza Art Studio in Kharkiv.
Ticket prices start at $50, and can be purchased on the Lawrenceville Arts Center website here. Premium options include priority seating for $75 and an exclusive VIP experience, including a meet-and- greet with McCutcheon, for $200. All proceeds will directly support displaced Ukrainian children through education, art therapy, and safe community spaces in Odesa, Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and frontline villages in Kherson.
About John McCutcheon: Widely regarded as one of America’s most respected folk musicians, McCutcheon is a master of numerous instruments, including the hammer dulcimer, banjo, guitar, and piano. Over his five-decade career, he has released more than 40 albums, earned multiple Grammy nominations, and become known for his powerful storytelling, children’s music, and activism through song. His work has long bridged cultures and causes, bringing people together in the pursuit of justice, peace, and community. He will bring music and storytelling passages to new audiences and to the fans who have followed him for decades. Learn more at: folkmusic.com.
GGC tennis team to get veteran coach
Veteran tennis coach Tom Rees has been named to lead Georgia Gwinnett College’s successful program by Executive Athletics Director Dr. Ian Potter. He becomes the third head coach in program history.
He replaces Hannah Keeling, who has elected to pursue other professional opportunities. She coached both the men and women’s team for three seasons (2023-25). Her Men’s record was 59-4, and her Women’s record was 55-3.
GGC tennis has captured 20 NAIA national championships, with 10 titles each by the men’s and women’s programs. The women’s tennis team won the 2025 national title. The men’s tennis team started the 2025-26 season by sweeping the individual NAIA singles and doubles national championships at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Cup.
Before coming to Lawrenceville, Rees served as associate head coach of the women’s tennis program at NCAA Division I Clemson University (South Carolina) during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He helped the Tigers qualify for the NCAA championships for the first time since 2018 and the team had a No. 16 team ranking.
Previously, Rees was head coach of one NCAA Division I program, University of Incarnate Word (Texas), for the 2022 and 2023 seasons; was an assistant coach at Division I Kansas State University, from 2020-21; and two NCAA Division II colleges, Lenoir-Rhyne University (North Carolina) from 2017-19 and University of Illinois Springfield from 2015-16. His coaching career started as an assistant coach at Division II University of North Georgia from 2013-14.
Rees played collegiately at the Division I University of North Carolina Asheville from 2010-12, earning all-Big South Conference honors. He received a bachelor’s of arts degree in French, with a minor in management. Rees added a master’s degree in public administration at North Georgia.
Two redevelopment awards are for Gwinnett
Two Gwinnett redevelopment awards came out of the 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit. Presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, this 15th annual event underscored how redevelopment strengthens the business ecosystem that attracts and retains industry in metro Atlanta.
The Redevelopment Champion of the Year is Paul Radford, City Manager of Sugar Hill. Recognized for leading Sugar Hill’s transformation into a dynamic civic destination anchored by The E Center and The Bowl.
The Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year is Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville, cited for preserving the legacy of the former Hooper-Renwick School while creating a modern community learning hub.
The summit is hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth. For more information on redevelopment initiatives, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com.
