The nationally acclaimed NIU Jazz Ensemble anxiously prepares for this week’s Spring Concert as it will perform with the legendary saxophonist Benny Golson on Thursday, at 8 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom.

The Jazz Ensemble, directed by professor Ron Carter, will present music from the movie, “The Terminal.” This Steven Spielberg film depicted Tom Hanks as a jazz fan who sought Golson’s autograph for his father. Both Golson and his music were featured in this flick.

“[Golson] really loves working with students and helping young jazz musicians,” Carter said. “He does some workshops, but he doesn’t usually tour like this. NIU is the only college jazz band he has gone on tour with in this way.”

Golson is a respected composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and is also known for being in the bands of the great Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey, according to a news release. He has written several well-known classics such as “Killer Joe,” “Along Came Betty” and “Five Spot After Dark,” which have become jazz standards for musicians everywhere.

“Everyone knows ‘Killer Joe,'” Carter said, “It is one of his most recognizable compositions to people, even non-jazz fans.”

Golson will be in good company with the NIU Jazz Ensemble musicians as members of this elite group have come from all over the United States and countries such as Colombia and Peru to play under the direction of Carter, according to a news release. The Ensemble has received awards and recognition from several national and international jazz festivals and competitions over the past few years.

The concert is sure to be a hit with a talented showcase of songs both classic and original, along with the opportunity of being in the presence of famous jazz legend and world-renowned saxophonist Golson, who will also be available to talk to fans after the show.

“I have been friends with other jazz musicians that I would not necessarily consider good friends, or even good people, but [Golson] is just like he seems: a great person,” Carter said. “What you see is what you get.”