When Kimberly Paige steps on stage, the room shifts. Whether she’s behind the mic at Mort’s Martini Bar, Oliver’s Lounge, or any number of downtown venues, her voice carries warmth, precision, and something that can’t be taught: connection. She doesn’t just perform — she creates an atmosphere.

And the audience takes notice.

“Kim Paige is one of the most versatile and authentic singers I’ve seen. Her love for music shines through every soulful performance,” says Bob Love, a longtime Wichita musician and member of The Love Family. “Each time I hear her, I notice more depth, more growth, and more heart. She’s truly unique. 

“When you hear her voice, you know it’s Kim Paige.”

The Wichita singer, mother, and self-described “student of life” blends soul, R&B, and jazz.

She spent her early years studying under veteran pianist and educator June Faucette-Huff. Paige credits her former teacher for instilling a foundation that shaped her artistic approach.

“Excellence isn’t just about talent,” Paige says. “It’s about consistency and care. When you step on stage, you’re responsible for creating an experience that touches people.”

It’s that balance — discipline meeting heart — that defines her sound today.

Paige’s creative journey has moved through several evolutions. Before launching her solo career, she fronted the R&B/soul collective Infinite Layers, a project that pushed her beyond the typical band setup. “We weren’t just performing music,” she says. “We were creating atmospheres — storytelling through sound, visuals, and movement. It made me think about artistry in layers, not just as singing a song but as building a world for people to step into.”

Performing now under the stage name Kimberly Paige gives her the freedom to explore that world on her own terms. “It’s still me,” she says, “but it’s the part of me that’s willing to take risks, tell the truth even when it’s messy, and invite people into my inner world. Kimberly Paige lives at the intersection of strength and softness.”

That duality was on full display during a Ponder.This program at the Wichita Art Museum last June, where Paige’s vocals intertwined with spoken-word performances.

“Spoken word carries such raw honesty,” she says. “Blending my voice with it felt like stitching melody into testimony. It reminded me that music and poetry share the same root — rhythm, truth, and resonance.”

The collaboration left her feeling creatively stretched and reaffirmed her desire to keep experimenting across art forms.

When she’s not performing, Paige is grounded in family life and personal growth. 

“Being a mom keeps me grounded, being a singer lets me soar, and being a student of life keeps me curious,” she says. “Every song carries a little of each — the tenderness of motherhood, the discipline of my craft, and the openness of someone still learning.”

That groundedness comes with a serious work ethic. 

“People see the stage, but they don’t see the hours of vocal rest, the teas, the scales, or the mental prep,” she says. “Singing at a high level is athletic — it’s about stamina and discipline. I treat my voice like an instrument, which means taking care of body, spirit, and mind, because all three show up in the sound.”

Her influences run deep. Globally, she points to Lalah Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Kim Burrell, and Aretha Franklin, voices “that carry not just sound, but soul and truth.” Locally, she lights up when naming Wichita icons Rudy Love Sr. and Sharon Cranford. 

“Wichita has a way of shaping you,” she says. “The artists here — my peers, my mentors — push you to evolve. That’s a gift.”

These days, Paige is in what she calls a creative season. She’s writing, exploring new sounds, and preparing to record. “You’ll see me continuing to build on live performances, but I’m also leaning into recording and releasing some of the stories I’ve been holding,” she teases. “New music is definitely on the horizon.”

And for anyone who wants to experience her energy in real time, she’s right here in the city she loves.

“You can find me at Mort’s Cigar & Martini Bar, Oliver’s, Vorshay’s Cocktail Lounge, and Love & Co. — each spot has its own energy, and I love connecting with people in those different spaces.”

The Details

Kimberly Paige

Paige plays regularly in venues around Wichita. For information about upcoming shows or new releases, follow her on Instagram or Facebook.

Support Kansas arts writing

The SHOUT is a Wichita-based independent newsroom focused on artists living and working in Kansas. We're partly supported by the generosity of our readers, and every dollar we receive goes directly into the pocket of a contributing writer, editor, or photographer. Click here to support our work with a tax-deductible donation.