Benny Golson Jazz Festival

Benny Golson

Multitalented and internationally famous jazz legend, – a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer – and tenor saxophonist of world note, Benny Golson was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 25, 1929.

Raised with an impeccable musical pedigree, Golson has played in the bands of world famous Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Earl Bostic and Art Blakey.

Few jazz musicians can claim to be true innovators and even fewer can boast of a performing and recording career that literally redefines the term “jazz”. Benny Golson has made major contributions to the world of jazz with such jazz standards as:

Killer Joe, I Remember Clifford, Along Came Betty, Stablemates, Whisper Not, Blues March, Five Spot After Dark, Are you Real?

Benny Golson is the only living jazz artist to have written 8 standards for jazz repertoire.

These jazz standards have found their way into countless recordings internationally over the years and are still being recorded.

He has recorded over 30 albums for many recording companies in the United States and Europe under his own name and innumerable ones with other major artists. A prodigious writer, Golson has written well over 300 compositions.

For more than 60 years, Golson has enjoyed an illustrious, musical career in which he has not only made scores of recordings but has also composed and arranged music for:

Count Basie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Mama Cass Elliott, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Shirley Horn, David Jones and the Monkees, Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Itzhak Perlman, Oscar Peterson, Lou Rawls, Mickey Rooney, Diana Ross, The Animals (Eric Burden), Mel Torme, George Shearing, Dusty Springfield

His prolific writing includes scores for hit TV series and films:

M*A*S*H, Mannix, Mission Impossible, Mod Squad, Room 222, Run for Your Life, The Partridge Family, The Academy Awards, The Karen Valentine Show, Television specials for ABC, CBS and NBC. Television specials for BBC in London and Copenhagen, Denmark. Theme for Bill Cosby’s last TV show, A french film ‘Des Femmes Disparaissent” (Paris)

He has written music for national radio and television spots for some of the major advertising agencies in the country. Some of these commercials were for:

Borateem, Canada Dry, Carnation, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Clorox, Dodge, General Telephone, Gillette, Heinz Foods, Jack in The Box, Liquid Plum’r, MacDonald’s, Mattel Toys, Monsanto, Nissan, Ohrbachs, Ore-Ida Frozen Potatoes, Parliament Cigarettes, Pepsi Cola, Texaco

Benny Golson has absolute mastery of the jazz medium. He has not only blazed a trail in the world of jazz but is passionate about teaching jazz to young and old alike. He has lectured at the Lincoln Center through a special series by Wynton Marsalis. He has lectured to doctoral candidates at New York University and to the faculty at National University at San Diego.

Honored with doctorates from William Paterson College, Wayne, NJ and Berklee School of Music, Boston, MA, Dr. Golson has also conducted workshops and clinics at:

Appalachian University, Boone, NC

Berklee School fo Music, Boston, MA

Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY

Howard University, Washington, DC

Julliard School of Music, New York, NY

Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY

New England Conservatory

Paris Conservatory, Paris, France

Rutgers University, New Orleans, LA

Stanford University, Stanford, CA

University of Denver, Denver, CO

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, Appleton, WI

William Paterson College, Wayne, NJ

Golson’s musical odyssey has taken him around the world. In 1987 he was sent by the US State Department on a cultural tour of Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Singapore. Later, Philip Morris International sent him on an assignment to Bangkok, Thailand to write music for the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

A live performer who consistently knocks audiences off their feet, Benny Golson has given hundreds of performances in the USA, Europe, South America, the Far East and Japan for decades.

Benny is also working on a major college textbook and his autobiography.

This humble musical giant continues to impress critics, fans and fellow musicians with his prodigious contributions to the world of jazz.

General Schedule

• 1:00 PM: World Rhythms with Pavel
• 2:00 PM: Masterclasses with Butler faculty
• 3:00pm-6:30pm: Guest Band Performances and Clinics
• 5:00pm: Jam Session with Butler Students
• 6:00pm: World Rhythms with Jon Crabiel
• 7:30pm: Concert with Guest Artists and the Butler University Jazz Ensemble in Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are included with the festival participation fee.
• 8:45pm: Concert concludes
• All events take place in Lilly Hall, The Krannert Room or the Schrott Center for the Arts.
• View interactive campus map online (use search feature).

Festival Format and Details

• Non-competitive.
• Each band will receive one hour in their assigned performance room during which there will be time for a brief warm-up before the clinic begins.
• There will not be separate warm-up rooms.
• To allow for maximum clinic time, we recommend that you program no more than 15 minutes of music. Pieces in progress that are not at performance level are also welcome.
• Clinicians will provide verbal comments that will be recorded, there will not be any written comments or scores.
• Family and friends are welcome to attend. 
• View interactive campus map online (use search feature).

Marlin McKay, Trumpet

Professor Marlin McKay graduated with a BM in jazz studies from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and a MM in jazz studies performance from the Indiana University – Jacob School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana.

Marlin has shared the stage with an extensive range of artists and genres, such as: The Temptations, Joe Marcinek Band featuring Bernie Worrell, the Indianapolis Jazz Collective, Stefon Harris, Bobby Watson, Slide Hampton, Sean Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, Cecil Brooks III, Walter Blanding Jr. Bruce Williams, Jason Marshall, Terrell Stafford, the Louisville Orchestra, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, the Music Man, Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, the Four Tops, Steve Allee and the Magic Hour, Javon Jackson, Rob Dixon, Tim Hagans, Luis Bonilla, Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Kurt Elling, Bobby McFerrin, Ben Williams, Jesse Palter, Mikel Avery, Marquis Hill, Matt Muehling, Wayne Salzmann II, the Bad Ass Brass, the Family Stone.

Marlin is a Hammond Design Brand Ambassador.

Shelby Yount, Vocalist

Shelby Yount is a striking vocalist, songwriter, entertainer, and teacher from small town Indiana. She is currently based out of Dallas, Texas, studying jazz at the University of North Texas under Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes. Shelby’s sound is found at the intersection of jazz and rock music. Her voice has the power to hold up against any swinging big band as well as the tenderness for an intimate piano duo. Shelby’s favorite thing is engaging with an audience and taking them on a journey of emotions.

Back in Indiana, Shelby grew up with all types of music in her house, especially jazz. She was always involved in music in some way. Whether that was playing tenor saxophone in a jazz band or singing rock tunes at the piano. Shelby draws inspiration from classic big band vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme while incorporating influences from classic rock musicians like Billy Joel and David Bowie creating a unique and vibrant performance experience for the listener. Shelby has had the privilege of working with some amazing ensembles over the years. She was the lead vocalist for the Grammy Nominated ensemble, The One O’clock Lab Band during 2025-2026 and will appear in 2 upcoming albums. While with them she performed all over the country, including the Monterey Jazz Festival. She also collaborated with Split Screen VGM at the Jazz Educators Network Conference. During her two years with the UNT Jazz Singers the group was a Downbeat award winner. She can be found on their album Too Darn Hot. Shelby dropped her solo debut EP, The House Always Wins, in the fall of 2025 composed of originals and standards. She has sung for many charity organizations like Desert Rose, Specs Charity Foundation, and the Refuge for Women.

Shelby has had the opportunity to work with many incredible world renowned musicians like Ingrid Jenson, Nicole Zuraitis, Benny Green, Darmon Meader, Chuck Owens, Nicholas Payton, King’s Return, Christie Dashelle, and Laila Bali. She has been teaching at New Song School of the Arts since 2024 and has guest taught at high schools and colleges around the country.

Steve Shanley, Commission Project Arranger

Over 2,000 of his compositions and arrangements have been performed by instrumental and choral ensembles throughout the world, and his original works for band and jazz band are published by C.L. Barnhouse Company and Magnolia Music Publications, and you can find many of his arrangements on Sheet Music Plus. Shanley writes music in a variety of genres and for all ability levels: professional symphony orchestra, children’s choir, marching band, show choir, brass band, chamber ensembles, and school band, orchestra, and choir. Contact Steve if you’d like to inquire about commissions or custom arrangements.

Jon Crabiel, Percussionist

Jon Crabiel is Percussion Artist-in-Residence at Butler University Jordan College of the Arts in Indianapolis, IN. At Butler University, Jon serves as coordinator of percussion studies, conducts the percussion ensembles and teaches courses in percussion literature, pedagogy and world drumming. In addition, Jon serves as director and founder of the Butler Percussion Camp held every June at Butler University. 

In 2017, Jon took a one-year leave of absence from Butler to perform and serve as Acting Assistant Principal Timpani and Percussion with the National Symphony Orchestra for the 2017-18 season in Washington, D.C. Jon is first-call extra percussion with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, Empire Brass, Ronen Chamber Ensemble, Dance Kaleidoscope and national Broadway tour companies. He has served as Principal Timpani at Bear Valley Music Festival and toured with the River City Brass Band. In addition to classical music, Jon is equally versed in rock, pop, jazz, Latin American and Brazilian percussion and drumset. He is a member of The Icarus Ensemble, an eclectic five-piece jazz group made up of members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Icarus Ensemble have performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in concert as guest artist at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and released their first self-titled CD The Icarus Ensemble in 2015.

Jon studied as an Artist Diploma candidate at Carnegie Mellon University and received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from Eastern Illinois University. His past teachers include: Timothy Adams Jr., Professor Johnny Lee Lane and Richard Paul. In 2014, Jon received Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award from Eastern Illinois University.

An active performer, clinician and educator throughout the Midwest, Jon serves annually as percussion coach of the Honor Orchestra of America and Masterclass Clinician for the Music For All National Concert Festival. He has served on faculty of the United States Percussion Camp, MidWest Percussion Camp, Las Vegas Percussion Camp, Great Lakes Music Camp and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. 

He has presented clinics for the Percussive Arts Society, Indiana Music Educators Association and Indiana Percussion Association. Jon is an active and in demand studio musician for commercial recording sessions and has made solo performances with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (with The Icarus Ensemble), Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Midwest Band and Orchestra International Conference and the Indiana Music Educators Association Convention.

Jon’s students have received numerous Butler University Concerto Competition honors and awards – and his former students are currently performing with major symphony orchestras, touring nationally and internationally with Broadway shows and teaching at universities in North America. Jon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and endorses Yamaha Drums and Percussion, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets, Remo Drumheads and Zildjian Cymbals.

Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Pianist

Pavel Polanco-Safadit and his band Direct Contact have brought this history, energy and musical excitement to the bandstand for over a decade. As a kid in the Dominican Republic, Pavel fell in love with piano and spent hours each day perfecting his technique. Those hours turned into the modern musical pyrotechnicians that have sent Pavel around the world several times, a staple in the Latin jazz music scene. Pavel studied at the University of Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has performed in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. He has shared the stage with legends including Peter Erskine, Dave Valentin, Max Weinberg, Sergio George, Roscoe Mitchell, Gunther Schuller, Richard Davis, Michael Spiro and Pavel Nuñez. Pavel has also performed with The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and The Anderson Symphony Orchestra. For years, Pavel taught music at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, where he continues to be a leader in the community as Executive Director of the Richmond’s Amigos Latino Center. He’s also a Chicago Music Awards nominee.

More clinicians to be announced soon!

Arrival Time

A detailed schedule will be provided to each director approximately two weeks prior to the event with their bands performance/clinic time and location. All festival events will take place in Lilly Hall or the Schrott Center for the Arts on Butler’s campus. There will be time for a brief warm-up in the performance room before the clinic begins. Groups should allow plenty of time to arrive to campus, park, and load into their respective performance rooms. View interactive campus map online (use search feature).

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Students and directors should be dropped off and picked up using the circle drive in front of Clowes Memorial Hall, near the main entrance to Butler University on Sunset Avenue. The circle drive has a sidewalk leading to both venues of the festival, Lilly Hall and the Schrott Center for the Arts. View interactive campus map online (use search feature).

Bus Parking

Busses should park in the Hinkle Fieldhouse lot on 49th street.

Equipment and Storage

Butler will provide drum sets, cymbals, piano, bass amp, guitar amp, vibes, chairs and stands at every performance location. Amp cords will be the responsibility of the bands. Instruments can be securely stored in the basement of the Schrott Center for the Arts.  

Dinner and Dining Options

Dinner will be on your own. If you’re interested in eating on campus, there are three locations: the MarketPlace at Atherton Union, Plum Market, and Chatham Tap.  Please be advised that MarketPlace and Plum Market do not accept cash.

Closing Concert

Closing Concert 7:30-8:45 PM in Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University. This concert will feature students from each participating band, the Butler University Jazz Ensemble and our guest artists. Tickets are included with the festival participation fee. The concert is free and open to the public.

Submitting Payment

There is a $250 participation fee per Ensembles and a $200 participation fee per Combo due no later than November 17. Payment must be submitted via check payble to “Butler Univ. Jazz Area” and mailed to:

Butler University School of Music, attn. Benny Golson Jazz Fest
C/O Lyndee Kennet
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208

If you have multiple groups participating, please indicate the number of groups in the check memo. Questions about payment? Email JCA@butler.edu.

Contact Information

Matt Pivec, Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies

317-940-9068 | JCA@butler.edu | mpivec@butler.edu