On Saturday, February 17, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Clinton will host a special musical performance by Mississippi virtuoso trumpeter Kimble Funchess.
Funchess, a gifted musician and music educator, has performed with some of the nation’s greatest musical giants in jazz, gospel, blues and R&B, including B.B. King, Charley Pride, the O’Jays, Bobby Rush, Johnny Taylor, Dorothy Moore, Brandy, Wilson Pickett, Mavis Staples, The Spinners, The Temptations, The Four Tops and Eddie Cotton. He has led and been a part of numerous orchestras and music festivals, including the Natchez Festival of Music. He played trumpet in the 2014 James Brown biopic, Get On Up!, and has also performed as part of the orchestra for the first Mississippi Grammy Event and arranged horns and recorded with three International Blues Challenge winners.
Funchess’ enthusiasm for music led to a professional career in music as a performing artist and music educator, and he has performed at many local churches and been director of bands at numerous schools in Mississippi.
Funchess was the recipient of the Mississippi Jazz Foundation 2021 Music Education Award for commitment to musicianship and creativity in education in schools.
His wife, Julia, is also an educator, and she serves as a travel advisor with McGehee Cruise and Vacation in Jackson.
Funchess will present a program that will include gospel, several styles of jazz, as well as contemporary selections. He will perform with his guitarist.
The community is invited to the free concert, which will begin at 6 p.m. and be followed by light finger foods. No tickets or reservations are necessary. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is located at 1799 Clinton Raymond Road. For more information, call 601-924-9999.
