ArtsMarket Southeast After Hours —

Independent Showcase Blocks

A brand-new opportunity at ArtsMarket Southeast 2026

This year, we're launching a brand-new evening showcase format: ArtsMarket After Hours. Two independent showcase blocks will take place at the Durham Convention Center — wrapping up Monday & Tuesday evenings. 

ArtsMarket Southeast After Hours is the perfect way to close out the day with these new and exciting independent showcases. There will be a cash bar onsite for refreshments, so plan to grab a drink, relax, and soak in these unique and talented artists each night! 

Meet the ArtsMarket Southeast After Hours Showcase Artists!

 Vox Britannia

 Monday, November 2, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 1 | 9:40-9:55 PM



Vox Britannia–The Best of British Rock N Roll is a smashing tribute to England’s greatest bands from the 60’s-90’s with electrifying iconic hits from artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, The Cure, The Smiths, The Jam, Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, Oasis, and many more.

Their stellar harmonies and high-caliber musicality coupled with video, make this a classic rock lover’s dream show. The band’s all-star lineup of seasoned studio and international touring musicians includes: Tim Smith- Bass & Vocals (Sheryl Crow, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, Jellyfish), Jim Stapley- Lead Vocals & Guitar (Kenney Jones & Ron Wood Band, Yola, Humble Pie), Lawrence Katz- Lead Guitar & Vocals (Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Whole Damn Mess, National TV & Films), Richard Sherrington- Keys, Trombone & Vocals (Jill Scott, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, String Cheese Incident, Esperanza Spalding, India Arie), & Erik Aylesworth- Drums & Vocals (CeeLo).

Represented By: Kris Kaminski | ECE Touring

 Noel and Maria

 Monday, November 2, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 2 | 10:00-10:15 PM

 Noel and Maria

 Monday, November 2, 2026 | After Hours Showcase Set 2 | 10:00-10:15 PM

Booking Noel & Maria means one act that plays to your whole room, jazz purists and casual listeners alike. They've created 15 tour-ready "Jazz Celebration" shows, turning songs audiences already know by heart into jazz arrangements they never imagined.

Hits by artists like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Hall & Oates, Chicago, Motown, and Simon & Garfunkel. Nobody has to be sold on a genre they don't already like. They're hearing a song they already love, just for the first time. Its hip, but not too hip for the room!

And the booking itself is as easy as the pitch sounds. Noel & Maria and their all-star band are seasoned veterans who've done this enough times to make presenters’ lives simple with clear communication, no surprises, no hand-holding required.

From load-in to last note, they deliver a set that leaves the room buzzing. It's the rare booking that's both a safe bet and a great show.



Represented By: Noel Freidline

 Where It Began (Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits starring Douglas Ladnier)

 Monday, November 2, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 3 | 10:20-10:35 PM


Photo Credit: Shandon Youngclaus


WHERE IT BEGAN – the first three words of the perennial fan favorite “Sweet Caroline” – perfectly describes this electrifying concert event that celebrates both the absolute best of Neil Diamond’s historic songbook and the rich history behind the creation of these beloved songs.

Douglas Ladnier, a powerhouse Broadway baritone famed for his roles in the Broadway company of Jekyll & Hyde and an Emmy-nominated songwriter in his own right, brings his unparalleled vocals, magnetic stage presence, and deep artistic sensitivity to deliver highlights from an unbelievable catalog of music boasting thirty-eight Top 40 singles.

From the driving, foot-stomping energy of "Cracklin’ Rosie" and "America" to the soulful, poetic depths of "Hello Again" and "I Am... I Said," the show masterfully captures the full emotional spectrum of Diamond's legacy.

WHERE IT BEGAN is a heartfelt homage that bridges the gap between the performing arts center stage and rock arena with a highly versatile and fully adaptable tech footprint to accommodate venues of all sizes.

Represented By: Ron DeStefano | EPIC Arts Management

 Michael Longoria: SURFIN' SENSATION

 Monday, November 2, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 4 | 10:40-10:55 PM


Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

From the heart of Broadway's original Jersey Boys and Midtown Men star vocalist, Michael Longoria, comes SURFIN’ SENSATION — a high-octane celebration of The Beach Boys’ timeless music.

This electrifying concert event spotlights Longoria’s iconic falsetto and magnetic star power, backed by sizzling surf-rock band The Surfnotes and a wave of sun-soaked harmonies. Audiences who join this beach party will "Dance Dance Dance" in the sunshine, freedom, and sheer fun of songs like “Good Vibrations,” "Help Me Rhonda," "I Get Around," "Surfin’ USA” and so many more.

Bursting with joy and irresistible feel-good energy, SURFIN' SENSATION isn’t a typical concert; it’s a portal to a golden summer, inviting audiences to "Catch A Wave" and celebrate the legendary kings of surf rock!





Represented By: Ron DeStefano | EPIC Arts Management



 When Rivers Meet: The Black and Jewish Origins of America's Sound

 Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 1 | 10:15-10:30 PM


WHEN RIVERS MEET - from the blues to Broadway, jazz to rock & roll, the heartbeat of American music was born where two rivers met – the Black and Jewish experience.

Led by two of Atlanta’s leading jazz artists – celebrated vocalist Karla Harris and acclaimed pianist Joe Alterman – this program celebrates the unlikely, powerful partnership between two communities whose histories of struggle, resilience, and creativity came together to invent something entirely new: the sound of America itself.

Through live performance, storytelling, and rare historical insights, Karla and Joe explore how these cultural streams intertwined — from Harlem to Tin Pan Alley, from the Mississippi Delta to the Brill Building — shaping not only the music we love, but the very idea of what it means to be American. It’s the story of rhythm and resilience, harmony and hope — and of the common song that still unites us today.



Represented By: Steve Grossman & John Harris | Steve's Live Music

 A BAND CALLED HONALEE

 Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | ArtsMarket After Hours Showcase Set 2 | 10:35-10:50 PM


Photo Credit: Shani Hadjian

A BAND CALLED HONALEE is a modern-day folk trio inspired by the musical legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary as well as other influential artists of the era, including Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Bob Dylan, and many other favorites!

Founded in 2011, the group believes the melodies and messages of the 1960s folk and folk/rock artists are just as vital today as when they were first sung, and their interactive and energetic shows allow audiences to experience this timeless music live once again. The band maintains an active touring schedule, with appearances at performing arts centers, concert series, and festivals around the country.

A BAND CALLED HONALEE also performs educational outreach programs, where they nurture students of all ages in songwriting and the continuing cultural relevance of this vital American music. Most recently — two sold-out runs on the Florida coast, where they entertained nearly 10,000 enthusiastic patrons!




Represented By: Ron DeStefano | EPIC Arts Management

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors!

Carolina Theatre of Durham         Audio & Light           alphagraphics | Downtown Raleigh

               


  

                  

              

          

             

Marcato Artists | The Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre at Well-Spring The Singing Zoologist

The Reverend Shawn Amos Dynamo Productions | Fantexter Dave's Arts Management Network

         

ArtsMarket Benefactor Donation Made In Honor of Larrry Gilbert & Louisa Hart

This project was funded in part by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

North Carolina Arts Council      South Arts     National Endowment for the Arts