WHAT'S UP, DOC? Jim "Doc" Miller has been entertaining the Chippewa Valley for decades. In retirement, he traded in his theatre director's hat for an acoustic guitar and a mic. (Submitted photo)

While you can retire from your career, a truly passionate performer couldn’t throw in the towel if they tried.

That’s the case for Jim “Doc” Miller, who has been a name in the cultural zeitgeist of the greater Chippewa Valley for years. Formerly a UW-Stout professor, Miller’s biggest passion was the university’s theatre program, which he led from 1985–2006. But instead of settling down when he retired from UW-Stout altogether a decade ago, Jim decided to pursue an art he hadn’t had the time to explore: performing live music.

“This really gives my life purpose and direction,” Miller said. “Performing music satisfies my need to be a performer and catch the public’s eye. And creatively, it’s so much easier than having to cobble together an entire production for months in order to be able to perform. It’s a lot of fun at this stage of my life.”

Jim "Doc" Miller in the 1970s.

Miller’s life as a musician consists of performing original folk-rock-flavored tunes and covers at local establishments on a regular basis year round. He said once he didn’t have to worry about grading papers or putting together productions, he was free to be creative on his own time and in his own way. He doesn’t put any pressure on himself to “make it big” – he performs purely for the love of the craft.

“I love to have a rapport with the audience,” Miller said. “I love to tell stories with my music. Now, there are some venues where they just want you to sit in a corner, and if you talk for more than 10 seconds, they don’t ask you back. That sort of thing isn’t for me, because I don’t want to be anyone’s living, breathing Spotify. I’d much rather engage with folks on a musical and conversational level. It’s more satisfying for both parties.”

1960s and '70s folk rock is where Jim’s heart is. It impressed on him when he began performing in the '70s and has remained since. Attendees of his shows will hear covers from the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Who, as well as original music he describes as being plucked straight out of the Woodstock era.

Jim “Doc” Miller is proof that music never truly leaves you. And, if you’re lucky, it’ll sing to you even louder as the years go by.

To see Jim “Doc” Miller’s upcoming concert dates and keep up with the musician, visit facebook.com/jimdocmillermusic.