Last August, we caught up with Emmitt James in advance of his “10 Year Big Band BBQ” show at Third Space Brewing. The show featured a 13-piece backing band and served as a means of both marking and celebrating the Milwaukee native’s decade milestone as an artist (much of which was spent in Los Angeles before his 2022 return).
That large-scale happening was just the beginning. Since that concert, James has released new music, performed regularly at a variety of venues and festivals around town, and organized a successful toy drive. Along the way, he decided to chase last year’s Big Band BBQ with an even bigger, better, and more ambitious one in 2024. Prior to the “2nd Annual Emmitt James Big Band BBQ” at Third Space Brewing on Friday, August 16, James talked about last year’s event, what to expect from this year’s FREE show, organizations the concert will benefit, and some of his post-BBQ Bash plans.
Milwaukee Record: In the year since we chatted about your last BBQ event, it seems like you’ve kept very busy with lots of shows, festival appearances, new music, and philanthropy. What are some of your favorite parts of the last 12 months?
Emmitt James: Last year’s Big Band BBQ was definitely my favorite event to date and I am looking forward to doing it again. However, I got to end last year with a winter fundraiser concert that was centered around helping collect coats for our unhoused community here in Milwaukee and I was glad I was able to do that. This summer though has also been filled with a lot of my favorite local and street festivals—some which have been on a bucket list for awhile.
MR: Last year’s BBQ featured a 13-piece backing band. This year’s band will have more than 20 members. What can folks expect to hear with this new, improved, and enlarged band?
EJ: Oh yeah, this year we are upping the ante with a 22-piece band led again by the illustrious Curtis Crump Jr. So we are adding a string section and a choir in addition to the rhythm and horn section from last year. We are also adding more components like a build-your-own s’more bar as well as a comedy set by Emmy-nominated producer and writer Joel Boyd.
Milwaukee Record: Beyond the bigger band, what are some other differences and new additions coming to this year’s celebration?
EJ: This year we have three new vendors, there will be raffles, and a comedy set in addition to the big band.
MR: There’s also a charitable component to the show, right? Can you speak more on that?
EJ: Yes, there is. In fact, the heart of this event is about fundraising. This is all in the name of fundraising for organizations who I think are doing great work with our youth. So every year I will partner with an org to help highlight the work they are doing. This year’s beneficiary org is Future Urban Leaders.
MR: If people can’t make it to the BBQ, how can they help the cause?
EJ: There’s a couple different ways people can make an impact while not being there. First and foremost, I would encourage everyone to give to the campaign. This money goes straight to FUL.
Secondly, folks can also give to the production fund of this event. Because the event has doubled in size, so has our budget unfortunately. Well actually, fortunately because that’s how folks are getting paid. We are still short on our goal so folks can feel free to give. Harmonic Harvest is accepting donations on our behalf making it tax deductible. There is no amount too little or small. Every bit definitely counts. Just be sure to enter “big band bbq” in the comment section so they know what the funds are going to.
MR: I know the BBQ is the main focus right now, but once that momentous show is over, what are some other things you have in the works?
EJ: So behind the scenes, I have simultaneously been working on a new album. My brother Genesis Renji and I will be celebrating a double album release show Friday, September 13 at the Vivarium with special guest sets by *Aya and Mocity. By the way, those tickets are on sale now. This is going to be a very special release you won’t want to miss.
The 2nd Annual Emmitt James Big Band BBQ will take place at Third Space Brewing on Friday, August 16. The concert begins at 7 p.m. It’s free to attend (though a limited number of VIP packages are available), but people are encouraged to make a donation to Future Urban Leaders.
