7p Show | Doors 5p

Cassius Goens III - drums
Akili Ni Mali - vocals
Jared Thompson - sax
Christopher Pitts - piano
Brandon Meeks - bass

Marlin McKay - trumpet

Drummer Cassius Goens III presents a sharp, high-energy tribute to jazz legend Max Roach. This performance spotlights Roach’s revolutionary "melodic" drumming, blending technical precision with the hard-driving polyrhythms that defined the bebop era. From intricate solo pieces to powerhouse ensemble arrangements, Goens delivers an exploration of the compositions and rhythmic innovations that cemented Roach as a titan of the genre.

Cassius Goens III, Assistant Lecturer of Music (Jazz Drums) at Ball State University, is a highly sought-after musician, clinician, and educator in the greater Indianapolis area as well as across the Midwest. At Ball State, Goens teaches individual lessons in applied jazz drum set to

undergraduate and graduate major and non-major percussion students, directs the Bsu Studio Band, and coaches jazz performing ensembles.

Goens has an extensive performance history with several groups including The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Scott Routenberg Trio, The Ball State University Jazz Faculty Ensemble, as well as his own jazz quartet. Goens' performance ventures have taken him across the United States and Europe where he performed at the Montreux, Vienne, and Perugia Jazz Festivals. He has also performed throughout Brazil as part of the Johnson County Landmark Jazz Ensemble, as well as touring with Brazilian guitarist/singer/songwriter Ricardo Coen. Goens has also shared the stage with world renowned jazz artists such as Howard Levy, Walter Smith III, Jaleel Shaw, Miguel Zenon, Ryan Devlin, Ryan Keberle, Michael Dease, Greg Tardy, Alexis Cole, and Benny Benack III.

Cassius proudly endorses Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Remo drumheads.