Beyond the Music: Building a Live Music Career

Save the date for a free event with music stakeholder engagement and professional development supporting Durham's music industry. Beyond the Music: Building a Live Music Career Invest Durham in partnership with Town Brewery is proud to host the next event in the “Beyond the Music” series. Invest Durham is committed to building a stronger, more vibrant music ecosystem that not only entertains but also drives economic and cultural growth in Durham Region. Through its Creative Industries program, the “Beyond the Music” series was created in 2025 as a key initiative for supporting musicians, venues, and other industry professionals in the region. The first four events in June and October 2025, then February and May 2026 helped to shape a supportive environment empowering our local music industry through networking, skill-building, highlighting talent and professional development. This will be our final event for the year. Building on last year’s successes, the “Beyond the Music: Building a Live Music Career” event provides the opportunity again to connect, learn and showcase Durham’s talent. Participants should be able to identify a wider range of live-performance opportunities; understand what different presenters, venues, and buyers need; recognize ways to create opportunities rather than simply pursue existing gigs; and make useful connections with other participants. Light refreshments served with additional alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Following the formal part of the event, we invite you join us for the Songwriter's Showcase! The aim of this open mic style portion of the event is to support and connect local songwriters and musicians, inspire creativity and, of course, have fun! This is a great place to meet other musicians and see what your friends and peers have been working on! The Songwriter's Showcase will run from 8pm to 10pm featuring EIGHT 10-minute sets with 5-minute changeovers. For this special event, pre-registration is required. To register, email [email protected] by Monday October 19 as the Town Brewery crew will be putting together a sweet lineup of musicians for everyone to enjoy! There will be an on-site PA system with one vocal mic and one extra instrument mic if needed but folks are encouraged to bring your own guitar (acoustic or electric).