FLORENCE, Ala. — It's the 43rd year of the W.C. Handy Music Festival. For educator and trumpet player Kimble Funchess, it's about passing it onto the next generation.
Funchess jumped at the chance to showcase his music in a non-traditional way. He says, "ABC's of blues, jazz and beyond gave us an opportunity to come out today and not only share some music, but to show how these skills can be used in an educational setting."
The event was for everyone of all ages to learn how education and life stays connected through the music people listen to.
Funchess started playing the trumped in the 5th grade. His idol growing up was jazz legend Louis Armstrong. "He gave them energy through his music and they gave that right back to him. So for me, I saw that and I told my parents, I said, whatever that is, if I can just get a little bit of that, I'll be okay," says Funchess.
Funchess teaches music and uses events like this to his advantage.
"Early on when I started to trumpet my middle school band. As I start traveling, people who invest in and share things with me, you know, and that season's changed," says Funchess. He wants to spread what was given to him at a young age.
Funchess says, "just want to be able to share that with the younger generation, with the younger professionals coming behind them and let them know how this trumpet created an opportunity for me."
The festival is happening until July 28th in Northwest Alabama. You can check out the full schedule of events here.