Creative Artist Development Network · The Sound Plug Media Group · Durham, NC
Project HIVE is a creative artist development network from The Sound Plug Media Group. Its proof of concept, Open Mic hosted by HoneyBee, already brings Durham’s artists together every week. Next, we’re building a permanent, year-round home with rehearsal and production studios, where Durham’s creators create, learn, lead and thrive.
Looking for a show? Find an open mic in DurhamBook HoneyBee
Parent company
The home of everything on this site.
The network
A creative artist development network, building toward a permanent Creative Development Center.
Network activeCenter in development
Proof of concept
Weekly shows in Durham, hosted by vocalist Michelle “HoneyBee” Brown.
Running every week
Open Mic Family VIP Pass memberships launch in 2027.
Presented by
The SoundPlug Media Group
Curated by
HoneyBee
“Talent is never the limiting factor — infrastructure is.”
The vision
From the stage to the classroom, every voice that gets a place to grow strengthens the whole city.
Libraries preserve knowledge. Universities cultivate discovery. Parks protect shared public space. Creativity deserves the same intentional investment. Durham’s artists have shaped its identity and fueled its economy, often from borrowed stages, temporary rehearsal rooms and limited equipment.
Before there is a building, there must be trust. Open Mic Hosted by HoneyBee became that proof: week after week, consistent opportunity produced confident artists, meaningful partnerships and authentic community. The Creative Development Center is the permanent home for that proven model.
“A city invests in its future the moment it invests in its creators.”
The hive behind the name
In beekeeping, frames are the structural foundation of the hive. They support growth, preserve resources and strengthen the colony. Project HIVE uses this language intentionally.
Each Frame represents one foundational element of the institution we are building. Individually they carry purpose; together they create a resilient structure capable of supporting generations of creative excellence.
“A hive is only as strong as the frames that hold it.”
The Creative Development Center · In development
“The right space turns imagination into industry.”
What we’re building: recording studios, classrooms, rehearsal halls, production suites and gathering spaces working together as one environment, where ideas become enterprises, performances become intellectual property and collaboration becomes innovation. Every square foot will serve a purpose.
The Center is in planning and fundraising. Until it opens, Project HIVE programming runs at partner venues across Durham.
Affordable professional recording, podcasting, photography, videography and digital media, where songs become intellectual property and creators keep ownership of their work.
Dedicated rehearsal rooms for musicians, dancers, actors, choirs and spoken-word artists. Rehearsal is the research and development of the performing arts.
Audio systems, lighting, cameras, podcast kits and staging turned from out-of-reach capital costs into shared community resources.
Business education, branding, financial literacy and professional development so artists can build sustainable careers.
Performance coaching, mentorship, creative assets and a clear path from the open mic stage into paid work.
Educational partnerships, residencies, youth initiatives and neighborhood collaborations across Durham and beyond.
Traction, revenue & return
Recurring venue programming now provides a contracted, year-round earned-revenue base. Grant funding expands a proven community program rather than launching an untested concept.
Contracted revenue, venue agreements and the complete grant budget are shared directly with funders and grant reviewers. Request our funder packet and we’ll follow up with you personally.
Secure one additional weekly venue partnership, retain the existing two-venue portfolio, and grow recurring partnership value and earned revenue.
Recurring paid work for musicians, vocalists, poets, DJs and photographers, plus foot traffic and customer engagement for local small businesses.
Our venue partners invest in every show, a sign of confidence in the model and shared investment in its growth.
Measuring success
Performance opportunities, coaching, creative assets, mentorship and advancement into paid work.
Paid creative labor, venue activity, vendor participation, sponsorship value and earned revenue growth.
Attendance, repeat participation, partnerships, referrals and multigenerational participation.
Content production, artist visibility, sponsor impressions, audience growth and media engagement.
Recurring shows
Live band, karaoke, DJ and open mic, every week in Durham. Poets, singers, rappers, musicians and first-timers all have a place on the stage.
Follow @openmichostedbyhoneybee All show nights & calendar links →Every Friday · 8–11 PM
455 S Driver St · Durham, NC
Soul-Fi blends by DJ JDmL
Special proceeds directly support Project HIVE.
Dame’s · Sip & Bite
Entry plus one approved drink or appetizer. Every purchase directly supports Project HIVE.
Every 2nd Saturday · 5–8 PM
4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd · Durham, NC 27707
Soul-Fi blends by DJ JDmL
Plant-based everything. Food, music, people and culture in one afternoon.
Venue partners
Our venue partners are more than spaces. They are collaborators in the mission, invested in community, culture and the creative economy.
Weekly Friday residency since August 2026 · 455 S Driver St, Durham
“We’re not just serving chicken & waffles—we’re serving culture, connection, and community.” — Damion “Dame” Moore, Owner
Weekly Thursday residency, February 5 – early August 2026 · Where the model was proven
“A welcoming atmosphere where people gather, connect, and enjoy great food, great music, and great company.” — Susan, Spring Rolls
Second Saturday residency since June 2026
“Open Mic … creates a space where neighbors, artists, families, and first-time visitors come together to connect through music and community.” — Andrew, Co-Owner
A plant-based cultural gathering with live music, poetry and community connection.
Launching 2027 · Founding member list now open
Immersion. Access. Belonging.
A monthly membership for artists, supporters and neighbors who want more than a seat in the room. Step into the creative process itself, with priority access, professional development and a community that shows up for you.
VIP Pass
4 VIP perks
$39.99/ month
Introductory rate
Priority access, community connection and artist convenience.
Most popular
VIP Pass
7 VIP perks
$49.99/ month
Introductory rate
Adds development support, content and professional feedback.
VIP Pass
11 VIP perks
$59.99/ month
Introductory rate
Expanded creative services and preferred access to opportunities.
Compare the passes
Each pass includes everything in the tiers before it. Premier members get all 11 VIP perks.
| Perk | Family$39.99 | Creative$49.99 | Best valuePremier$59.99 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family essentials | |||
| Express check-in and priority performance registration | |||
| Reserved seating and a personal VIP welcome | |||
| Venue gifts, raffles and member networking | |||
| Escorted walk to your car, when available | |||
| Creative development | |||
| Professional audio and video of your performances | ✕ | ||
| Performance feedback and coaching consultations | ✕ | ||
| Artist meet-and-greets and professional group photos | ✕ | ||
| Premier access | |||
| Social media, website and branding support | ✕ | ✕ | |
| Behind-the-scenes and sound-check access | ✕ | ✕ | |
| Listening sessions with vocalists, producers and engineers | ✕ | ✕ | |
| First access to special showcases and featured opportunities | ✕ | ✕ | |
| Total VIP perks | 4 | 7 | 11 |
By application
For the artist ready to go pro. A full creative production built around you, with the Project HIVE team behind every frame.
Request an invitationEvery VIP night can include
Introductory rates shown. Final pricing for Platinum Creative Immersion is set by production scope. Some perks depend on venue and availability.
Leadership
A collective of artists, strategists, builders, facilitators and community leaders. Built to last because expertise is shared: Project HIVE does not depend on any one person.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Music Director & Sound Experience Architect
Performance Development Consultant & Vocal Coach
Visual Artist & Designer
Visual Storyteller & Photographer
Construction, Facilities Development & Hospitality
Bassist · Musician Relations & Talent Sourcing
Bass Guitarist · Musical Director Support
Creative Placemaking & Community Arts Strategist
Show Facilitator & Hospitality Coordinator
Program Support & Wardrobe
Production & Staging Coordinator
The invitation to invest
Project HIVE invites foundations, corporations, public agencies, educational institutions, local businesses, private investors and individual supporters to become founding partners in Durham’s creative future.
“The future is built by those willing to invest before the outcome is guaranteed.”
Invest · Equip · Educate · Collaborate
Entry to the network. Connect, collaborate and grow.
Deeper development: resources, workshops and creative support.
Premium opportunities: visibility, mentorship and legacy building.
Closing statement
Project HIVE is more than a program. It is an investment in people, place and possibility.
thesoundplugmediagroup@gmail.com
Performances
Hosting, live covers and band sessions from the open mics at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, Pure Soul and beyond. Tap a song to watch it on Instagram.
Book HoneyBee
Hosting, featured performances and workshops for open mics, nights and private events across Durham. Tell me about your event and I’ll send a custom quote.
Open mics, showcases and recurring nights. I keep the crowd, the pacing and the stage moving.
A set that opens or closes the night, with a crowd-ready mix of soul, R&B and spoken word.
Stage presence, hosting and creative development for artists, venues and community groups.
Themed nights, launches and celebrations built around live music and good company.
Performance
Every event is different, so I quote each one individually. Share the details and expect a reply within a few days.
Your details go only to HoneyBee and Project HIVE. Nothing is posted publicly.
