Cassius Goens III & Friends

6:30p Show | Doors at 5p

Cassius Goens III - drums

Akili Ni Mali - vocals

Lamont Webb - sax

Joseph Harrison - guitar

Jesse Wittman - bass

Experience a powerhouse evening of rhythmic brilliance as Cassius Goens III takes the stage for a night of heavy-hitting modern jazz. A cornerstone of the Midwest scene and a veteran of the Montreux and Vienne Jazz Festivals, Goens brings a world-class energy honed through performances with legends like Walter Smith III and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Joined by an elite lineup of special guests, Goens will bridge the gap between sophisticated tradition and bold contemporary flair. Don't miss this high-octane session of soul-stirring grooves and masterclass drumming—it's set to be a swinging highlight of the season!

Cassius Goens III is an acclaimed jazz drummer, educator, composer, and bandleader based in Indianapolis. Praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for his "explosive subtlety and super-human maturity," Goens has performed with renowned artists including Miguel Zenón, Howard Levy, Greg Tardy, Walter Smith III, Ryan Devlin, Jeff Coffin and Benny Benack, appearing at major venues and festivals throughout the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

An Associate Lecturer of Music (Jazz Percussion) at Ball State University, Goens is equally respected as a performer and educator, teaching applied jazz drum set, directing the Bsu Studio Band and coaching jazz performance ensembles. As a bandleader and first-call sideman, he has appeared at celebrated venues including The Green Mill, Andy's Jazz Club, Cliff Bell's, The Blue Llama and Rudy's Jazz Club, and has contributed to numerous acclaimed recordings in modern jazz.

Known for his musical sensitivity, dynamic range, and stylistic versatility, Goens brings a deeply creative and modern approach to the drum set while remaining firmly rooted in the jazz tradition.

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