Use this form to add your email address to our events list. Don't miss a session!
All sessions feature our Musical Host Raphael Semmes
Featuring Kimble Funchess with Jeremy Wright and Raphael Semmes
Following the biggest Township Jazz Festival ever the countdown to next year's 20th annual fest has begun (so mark your calendar now for April 3rd, 2027!). That also means it's time to kick off a new season of the Fusion Coffeehouse Jazz Series, and the May episode is going to be a good one. We'll briefly review the festival and then welcome this month's special guest, trumpeter KIMBLE FUNCHESS.
There's a reason that Kimble is one of the most in-demand musicians in the state... actually a number of reasons. He is known as a masterful trumpet player and as a contractor who has assembled horn sections for some of the greatest names in music, from B.B. King to the Temptations, the O'Jays, and others. He is also a seasoned entertainer performing his own tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, pleasing audiences across Mississippi and beyond.
According to Fusion host Raphael Semmes, "Kimble is a wonderful musician and a great dude. Musicians love working with him," adding, "and he's also a good man. I mean, look at his day gig." The "day gig" referred to is perhaps the most compelling feature of Kimble's musical story. He is a Music Educator and the Director of the Band program at the Mississippi School for the Blind in Jackson. Kimble is dedicated not only to teaching the students how to learn and play music, but setting goals and inspiring them to achieve them. Raphael notes, "Over the last year or so Kimble has called me from the band hall during rehearsals and said in an excited voice 'Hey man, listen to THIS!' and every time you can hear their progress." For Kimble Funchess, it's not just a job. It's truly a labor of love.
So come early for a good seat and some of Fusion's award winning coffee. And who knows, Kimble just might be in the mood to play a little Satchmo for you! Accompanying Kimble will be guitarist Jeremy Wright and Raphael Semmes on bass.
Held April 11, 2026
Check out the highlight reel below, and you can seen more photos on the festival website!
These are large MP3 files. Click to listen in your browser, or right-click to download.