A SEVEN day celebration of small music venues around the UK gets under way in Southampton this week.

Independent Venue Week (IVW), a nod to those who run the music hotspots, is taking place at The Joiners, The Alexandra and The Talking Heads. Today we focus on celebrations at The Brook, which launch with Police Dog Hogan tomorrow night with James Walsh of Starsailor fame headlining.

He said: “ In an era where venues are closing all over the place the ones surviving are doing an amazing job and are well worth celebrating. They are often a first port of call for upcoming bands making their first steps into the live arena and established acts looking to play a low key show in a legendary place. We’d be lost without them.”

Police Dog Hogan will be firing up the audience with their catchy, fun-loving selection of country style, indie-rock infused songs. An exciting mix of fiddles, trumpet, banjo, mandolin, accordion, drums and guitars - expect a wonderful fusion of Americana/Folk.

Lewis Bootle, James Baxter, Steve Lowis and Jack Dale take to the stage on Thursday for an intimate seated event for audiences to enjoy a fusion of folk and acoustic pop.

James Walsh headlines the penultimate IVW gig with his soaring vocals and strong Van Morrison, Jeff Buckley and Neil Young influences, joined by Up Down Go Machine and Calum Lintott.

Three special bands brought together to celebrate the spirit of independence and culture of live music will raise the roof on the final night on Friday. Enjoy music from The Real People, The Dead Freights and The Villanovas.

Visit the-brook.com