Mississippi Artist Roster (July 2026 – June 2029)
Folk: Music
Jazz (Trumpet)
Available to travel nationally and internationally 

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE 

• Satchmo! A Louis Armstrong Tribute 

• The History of Jazz and Blues: Mississippi’s Influence on the Music World 

• Mindfulness Through Music Workshop 

• Mindfulness Through Music Professional Development In-Service 

Kimble Funchess is a nationally recognized music educator, trumpeter, arranger, and arts innovator whose work redefines music education as a catalyst for academic excellence, leadership, and social transformation. A native of Crystal Springs, he has performed with legendary artists including B.B. King, The Temptations, and Mavis Staples, and appeared in “Get On Up” and Tyler Perry’s “Joe’s College Road Trip.” As Band Director and Performing Arts Director at Mississippi School for the Blind, Funchess leads groundbreaking arts initiatives integrating musicianship, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning to empower students through creativity and discipline. Under his leadership, his student ensembles have performed the National Anthem for several NBA games. Funchess champions equitable access to transformative arts education—proving that when expectations rise, performance, purpose, and possibility rise with them.