Miami Gardens, Florida, USA - Internationally-respected steelpan artist, educator, and cultural leader Dr. Dawn K. Batson, PhD, will be honored at the 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend, taking place February 26–March 1, 2026, across South Florida.
The festival will feature Grammy Award–winning and nationally recognized artists, student workshops, master classes, community performances, and the legendary Melton Mustafa Orchestra. Audiences will also enjoy performances by the FMU Alumni Steel Pan Ensemble and the FMU Jazz All-Stars, showcasing steelpan performing artists Leon Foster Thomas, Le’Roi Simmonds, Freddie Harris, III, along with Kirk Green, Doug Carter, Mark Strowbridge, James Cotman and others.
Dr. Dawn K. Batson, PhD
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Batson is recognized globally for her transformative contributions to multicultural education, arts administration, and the advancement of the steelpan as a powerful medium for cross-cultural engagement. With more than forty years of experience, she has elevated Caribbean musical traditions across higher education, performance, and international arts leadership.
Dr. Batson established the first university steelband programs at the University of Miami and Florida Memorial University (FMU), positioning steelpan as a respected academic and performance discipline. She later served as a tenured Professor of Music and Chair of Visual and Performing Arts at Florida Memorial University, mentoring generations of young musicians and scholars.
Dr. Dawn K. Batson, PhD, aka “Dr. B.”
Her distinguished career includes a B.Sc. in Music Education from Hofstra University, an M.M. in Music Business, and a PhD integrating Music, Business, and International Affairs from the University of Miami. As Executive Director of Keep Your Joy and Rise, LLC, Dr. Batson—aka “Dr. B.”—conducts global training sessions focused on personal empowerment, team building, and creative aging. Her compositions—performed internationally—blend traditional steelpan roots with contemporary expression, reflecting her commitment to innovation within the global steelband movement.
Among her many honors is the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to the International Steelband Movement, and she is also recognized in Who’s Who in America. She continues to serve on numerous boards while championing youth development and cultural preservation worldwide.
Dr. Batson’s recognition comes as part of the 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend, founded in 1996 by internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet legend Melton Mustafa Sr. For nearly three decades, the festival has been a cultural cornerstone in South Florida—celebrating jazz as a living art form and a vehicle for mentorship, education, and artistic preservation.
This year’s festival also honors the memory of Esaa Mustafa and Zakiyyah Mustafa for their foundational support and dedication to the festival’s mission, while continuing the legacy of Melton Mustafa Sr. under the direction of Melton Mustafa Jr.
“The Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival is about legacy, education, and nurturing future talent,” said Melton Mustafa Jr., Festival Director. “Honoring Dr. Dawn Batson reflects our commitment to celebrating pioneers who expand cultural boundaries and empower the next generation.”
A portion of proceeds supports MSM Arts United Inc., providing scholarships and music education opportunities for underserved youth.
Tickets and full festival details are available at: mmjf29.eventbrite.com.
From the News Desk of Harris Public Relations
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