From Point to Purpose: Emmitt James on Music, Community, and Perseverance

By Kim Westerman

For Emmitt James, BA Arts Management ’15, Stevens Point was more than just a college town — it was the launchpad for a career in music.

Finding a Voice at Point

From the moment he stepped onto campus, James immersed himself in opportunities. “From day one, I was looking to audition for everything,” he recalls. That drive led to collaborations with dance majors in Afterimages during his freshman year, leadership roles with the Black Student Union, event coordination for the Basement Brewhaus, giving campus tours, and writing articles for The Pointer.

But one of his most memorable experiences came when he produced his own show in the Noel Fine Arts Center. At the time, Centertainment (now UWSP CASE) wasn’t booking him. “So, I took it upon myself to book my own show,” he says. It was his first time performing with a live band, and more than 200 people showed up. That performance turned out to be a turning point — Centertainment began booking him as an opener for touring acts. Since then, James has returned to campus multiple times, headlining Encore shows and the Levitt AMP Stevens Point Music Series in both 2018 and 2024.

Life and Work in 2025

Nearly a decade later, James is still building on that foundation. After pursuing music full-time since 2020, he recently returned to part-time barista work in Milwaukee to support his long-term goals. “It was not ideal but financially responsible,” he admits. “I’m relearning work-life balance while still doing all the music-related things I want to do.”

His primary focus is the Emmitt James Big Band BBQ, an annual summer fundraiser concert now in its third year. This free community event features food, games, and a live performance by James backed by a 22-piece band. More importantly, it spotlights Milwaukee youth organizations like MPS Foundation, Future Urban Leaders, and this year’s beneficiary, YOUR MOVE MKE. “I’m proud to say UWSP has been a sponsor all three years,” he adds. “It’s really cool to have your alma mater support you in that way.”

Lessons from Point

Looking back, James credits his Arts Management degree with giving him practical tools he still relies on. “In class we learned about fundraising, and at the time I didn’t think I’d use it that much,” he says. “Now I’m producing $15,000 events — and fundraising is my favorite part.” He also points to the PR and promotional skills he developed at UWSP, which continue to serve him in building his independent career.

Staying the Course

James attributes his trajectory to persistence: “It’s been a 10-plus year journey, and the theme through it all has been not giving up and staying true to what I believe in.” The freedom of making his own schedule and building art on his own terms is what he loves most about his work. The challenge, of course, is financial — but for James, it’s all part of the path.

His goals remain steady: to return to doing music full-time, to support his family, and to serve his community through art. “That’s always been the goal,” he says. “To make art for a living, and to give back while doing what I love.”