Ball State Studio Band Joins Josh Kaufman for Live Performance

The university's premier commercial music ensemble will collaborate with the 'The Voice' winner at Feinstein's in Carmel.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of luxurious, sparkling sequins and plush, velvety textures, conceptually representing the glamour and excitement of a professional music performance.The vibrant energy of a live music collaboration between Ball State's premier commercial ensemble and a renowned pop artist will fill the stage at Feinstein's.Indianapolis Today

The Ball State Studio Band, the School of Music's flagship commercial ensemble, will perform with Josh Kaufman, winner of NBC's 'The Voice,' on April 23, 2026, at Feinstein's in Carmel. The concert will feature R&B, soul, and contemporary pop music, providing students with professional performance experience.

Why it matters

This collaboration allows Ball State students to work alongside a renowned artist, giving them valuable insights and exposure to the music industry. It also showcases the university's commitment to providing immersive, real-world learning opportunities for its music students.

The details

The Ball State Studio Band is a 14-piece commercial music ensemble led by associate lecturer Cassius M. Goens III. The group focuses on R&B, soul, and pop music, with a repertoire ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire to Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift. Goens has organized annual guest artist collaborations to give students professional performance experience, and he sees the partnership with Kaufman as an ideal opportunity.

  • The Ball State Studio Band and Josh Kaufman will perform on April 23, 2026, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Feinstein's in Carmel, Indiana.

The players

Ball State Studio Band

The School of Music's flagship commercial music ensemble, focused on R&B, soul, and pop music.

Josh Kaufman

The winner of NBC's 'The Voice' who will be collaborating with the Ball State Studio Band for the performance.

Cassius M. Goens III

The associate lecturer of music at Ball State University who organizes the annual guest artist collaborations for the Studio Band.

Megan Selva

A senior vocalist in the Ball State Studio Band who has been performing with the ensemble since her freshman year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've directed this group for the last three years, and we've become really a tight-knit, almost like a family.”

— Cassius M. Goens III, Associate Lecturer of Music, Ball State University

“I've had really great opportunities to be able to express my love for music and get better at performing.”

— Megan Selva, Senior Vocalist, Ball State Studio Band

“It's going to be amazing. It's going to be really fun, honestly.”

— Megan Selva, Senior Vocalist, Ball State Studio Band

What’s next

The Ball State Studio Band and Josh Kaufman will perform on April 23, 2026, at Feinstein's in Carmel, Indiana. Tickets for the event are available through Eventbrite.

The takeaway

This collaboration between the Ball State Studio Band and Josh Kaufman provides students with a unique opportunity to gain professional performance experience and work alongside a renowned artist in the music industry. It showcases the university's commitment to offering immersive, real-world learning opportunities for its music students.