It’s been an incredibly fruitful 2023 for Emmitt James. During his first year back in his native Milwaukee after a lengthy tenure in Los Angeles, the hip-hop/jazz musician released his Undeniably Ground-Breakingly Excellent album. He also headlined The Back Room @ Colectivo, performed at large-scale local happenings like Brady Street Festival, took his show on the road for some out-of-town appearances all around the Midwest, and had his most ambitious live outing yet in the form of his “10 Year Big Band BBQ” at Third Space Brewing.
With a just few weeks remaining in the most accomplished year of his artistic career, James is bringing 2023 to a close with a pair of philanthropic and community-focused events that are taking place on the same day. On Saturday, December 16, James will give back with two fundraisers that will assist some great area organizations and reward donors with perks like food, merchandise, and musical entertainment.
The fundraising festivities will start with a toy drive led by Breakfast With Champions LLC in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Metro Milwaukee. As the name suggests, “Breakfast For Toys” will give people breakfast in exchange for a toy donation. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., La Gente Gallery (2478 N. Murray Ave.) will feature the toy drive, a catered breakfast, a mentor sign-up (with free Breakfast With Champions merch going to donors while supplies last), a performance by James, and DJ Turtle Sooup spinning festive music throughout the day.
A few hours later, James will preside over another charitable event. Starting at 7 p.m., the “Emmitt James Juke Jamboree” will bring goodwill and cheer to Radio Milwaukee (220 E. Pittsburgh Ave.) as James will perform on the station’s stage. The event is free with the donation of winter clothing or there’s a suggested $5 cover without winter apparel. All winter clothing and cash donations will benefit Guest House Of Milwaukee.
If you want to help some worthy local organizations and see one of Milwaukee’s busiest musicians of the moment twice in the process, keep your December 16 open because Emmitt James is going all out.