Pete McKee and his band The Everly Pregnant Brothers

THE Music Venue Trust has become the go-to for nurturing and protecting grassroots venues that have fostered the acts of tomorrow.

As places to play and learn performance disappear, as music lovers have fewer floors to dance on and make memories, the MVT has both helped venues and lobbied councils and Whitehall to make sure the importance of our nation’s creative industries are supported.

Back in 2010, the world famous 100 Club in Oxford Street was under threat of closure – a terrible harbinger of the state of the music ecosystem: if the 100 Club couldn’t make it work, then where could?

Thankfully, a benefit concert helped raise awareness and four years later the venue hosted the launch of the MVT.

Now the 100 Club is putting its shoulder once more to the wheel, with a special gig by visual artist Pete McKee as part of his UK tour of grassroots music venues.

His exhibition, The Boy with A Leg Named Brian, will be on display and each of his UK dates includes a show by his band, The Everly Pregnant Brothers.

“Music is a huge part of my life, and features constantly in my work,” he told Review. “In fact, it was my original dream to play on Top of The Pops rather than become an artist. Grassroots venues are vital for bands like mine to perform to new audiences, so I can’t wait to play.

“I love showcasing my artwork in non-traditional spaces too, so this is going to be a real celebration of art and music.

“Independent music venues are important – not only are they where our band plays but it is also where I have seen countless artists hone their craft. Venues are closing down at a frightening rate and it is important that we work to keep them alive.

“I can’t wait to show my work in these beautiful and very different spaces from a gallery.”

During the day, the 100 Club will have its doors open for free so people can both see his art work – and for those who haven’t seen the amazing space that is the 100 Club – its walls are decked with imagery from 75 years of incredible performance – can visit without wondering who’s up on stage.

• Pete McKee is playing at the 100 Club on Sunday May 24. www.the100club.co.uk/clubevents/everly-preg-may-26/

• Grooves readers can win two free tickets and a signed gig poster from Pete. To enter, send an email, subject ‘Pete McKee’ to dcarrier@camdennewjournal.co.uk