The 100 Club is the kind of place you can walk past a million times and never notice. Hidden away in a basement under Oxford Street, the venue could easily be missed if you blinked at the wrong moment.
But to musicians and fans, this place is the stuff of legends. Steeped in history, the stage of the 100 Club has been graced by the likes of The Clash, The Rolling Stones, Sleaford Mods and The Buzzcocks in 2023. Katy J Pearson is the latest headliner to join this coveted list.
Katy has a voice that’s hard to forget and songs that will both move you and stay stuck in your head for days. She’s a memorable performer with one of the most inviting stage presences I’ve seen – watching her felt like watching a very talented friend, and it was impossible not to warm to her instantly. Despite being so young, Katy has an easy way with the audience, a testament to the decade she’s already spent performing.
One thing that was particularly striking – of Katy and of support acts Sarah Meth and Jimmy Means Smut – was their dedication to playing their music right. Even when that meant starting songs again to get them just so, the dedication to their craft was admirable.
But what was perhaps more palpable was the fact that Katy was so obviously having fun. She has a playfulness with bandmates and the crowd alike that makes her endlessly watchable and somewhat breaks down the barrier between performer and audience member you’re likely to feel at less intimate gigs.
The indie pop sensation’s latest gig on Sunday (October 12) closed out War Child’s annual Day of the Girl. English Teacher and girli each put on an equally intimate show earlier in the week as part of the three-night event.
Day of the Girl was launched in 2021 and has since raised more than £250,000 for War Child – a charity working in war zones not only to provide essential materials but also mental health support; safe spaces; access to healthcare and legal advice; and job training and financial aid to people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict.
War Child’s website reads: “Some of the UK’s most exciting artists [have lent] their voices to support our work protecting, educating, and advocating for the rights of girls and women amidst the turmoil of war.”
Previous performers who have taken part include Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Griff, and Bree Runway.
Clare Sanders-Wright, Live Music Lead at War Child said: “Day of the Girl is back again, and we’re so grateful to the incredible artists and their fabulous teams for donating their time and talents to perform this year.
“We couldn’t do this without them. Their support not only makes these shows unforgettable for music lovers, but helps us raise much-needed funds and awareness for girls living with and processing the impact of conflicts around the world.
“Together, we’re celebrating their strength while making a meaningful impact on children’s lives, helping them to live up to their full potential, despite the trauma they’ve been forced to endure.”
Communion ONE acted as promoter partner and DHL sponsored the event.
