The ever-active Emmitt James is always up to something. This summer alone, the hip-hop/jazz musician has appeared on stage at a wide range of local festivals and block parties, provided memorable features on new releases by the likes of Hanna Simone and Vincent Van Great, and hosted immersive events celebrating other hip-hop and R&B artists at Discourse Coffee.
But since James moved back to his native Milwaukee from Los Angeles just over four years ago, his annual “Big Band BBQ” has pretty much been his Super Bowl. After three successful installments at Third Space Brewing, the fourth annual affair will bring a 20-piece band, local vendors, and a slew of special guests to Turner Hall for a can’t-miss performance on Friday, August 21.
Prior to the biggest, best, and what he’s calling “the last” Big Band BBQ, James told Milwaukee Record about the busy summer he’s had, what to expect at this year’s BBQ, and some of his sizable aspirations he’s planning down the line.
Milwaukee Record: You’ve had quite a busy summer, playing pretty much every local festival and a bunch of music series. What were some of the highlights from the past three or four months?
Emmitt James: Playing Summerfest was definitely a highlight from this summer. It was my second time playing, but what made this time a bit more special is that I got to play a later time slot and bring a full band with drums, bass, keys, guitar, trumpet, and vocals.
MR: It seems like this summer has all been ramping up to the Big Band BBQ. After three years packing Third Space Brewing, the event is making a big leap to Turner Hall. What prompted you to move it there?
EJ: First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to Third Space Brewing. They supported the vision since the first Big Band BBQ and I am forever grateful. Special shout out to Kara. We switched venues this year because we wanted to try something different especially since the weather has been a bit more weird these past couple years. I’m all for Mother Nature doing her thing, but the rain doesn’t favor the event when most of it takes place outside at Third Space Brewing. I, too, work for Pabst Theater Group now and wanted to maybe plant a seed for a working relationship with them as well.
MR: Beyond a whopping 20-piece band behind you, you and The Lemon Pepper Steppers will be joined by a few other notable guests this weekend. Can you talk more about what—and who—people can expect to see?
EJ: Yeah! The special guests also make this year a bit more special. The evening is always broken up in two sets. The second set acts more as an “Emmitt James & Friends” set. I’ll play songs I’ve made with the homies, and they’ll also get to play one of their own songs with the band. I am honored to have Klassik, Von Alexander, CAMB, Genesis Renji, and MandillaFX on the tables for doors. We also have Radaya aka 4waukee hosting the evening.
MR: Aside from the new venue and those cameos, how will this year’s BBQ differ from the first three? Why is this a can’t-miss show?
EJ: The biggest thing is that this is the last one—at least for the foreseeable future. I am not planning on continuing the Big Band BBQ as of right now.
MR: Though you have a few Milwaukee performances after this, I understand this will be a farewell show of sorts. When are you planning to move, and where are you heading?
EJ: Although this is the last Big Band BBQ, I will be residing in Milwaukee until next summer. The plan is to spend the whole year traveling making music and coffee and connecting with artists across the country. The first landing place is Brooklyn. Then back to Los Angeles and then hopefully Memphis and Chicago. Things could change, but as of right now, I’d love to throw a farewell block party next summer. It won’t be as grand as the Big Band BBQ, but it’ll be special, of course.
MR: Anything else you’d like to say?
EJ: Thank you to everyone who has supported this event. On behalf of myself and my co-producer Joy Boyd, we truly appreciate the support. Lastly, I will be opening for Tank And The Bangas the next day at A La Carte at The Milwaukee County Zoo at 5 p.m. I will be on the Miller Lite Caribou Stage. I’d love to see your beautiful faces.
The 4th annual Emmitt James Big Band BBQ will take place at Turner Hall Ballroom on Friday, August 21. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. There’s a $10 cover.
