The John Paulson Big Band 

For over 30 years, Dr. John Paulson has been writing and arranging big band charts.  The John Paulson Big Band was founded in 2012 with the assistance of a grant from the McKnight Foundation administered by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.  In November of 2012, the group blew the roof off the old church that houses the Winona Art Center with a standing room only concert.  The live recording of this event plus some additional studio work led to the completion of their first CD “The John Paulson Big Band Project.”  Since then, they have performed several times each year at venues like: The Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University, The Winona County History Center, a road trip to the JEN (Jazz Educators’ Network) Conference in Louisville, KY, Winona State University, high school residencies in Red Wing, Rochester and Rushford plus regular gigs at their home base in Winona- Wellington’s Pub & Grill.  

Many of the Midwest’s finest musicians and soloists perform & record regularly with the JPBB iincluding the amazing Adam Meckler (trumpet & flugelhorn), Scott Agster and Dave Graf (trombone) and guitarist Scott Gerry.  Vocalists include Ariane Lydon"- 5 yrs On," and Janette Hanson- featured on "The Refuge Project" CD. 

All of the music on the band's 3 CDs was composed and arranged by John C. Paulson.  His goal is to create music that is easily accessible to the listener and fun for the players.  He has received numerous grants  from the McKnight Foundation and the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in Rochester plus...

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He is a fiscal year 2022-23 recipient of grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board in the Creative Support for Individuals category.  This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural

heritage fund.