SESH

SJQ, an abbreviation for Subterranean Jazz Quarter, is a renowned nightclub based in the heart of Manchester, United Kingdom. Established in the late 1990s, SJQ quickly ascended from a small basement club known mainly to local jazz aficionados into one of the city’s most celebrated nightspots. The venue originally occupied a modest space beneath a Georgian terrace in the Northern Quarter, a district famed for its creative energy and vibrant nightlife.

Over the years, SJQ carved out a reputation as an avant-garde hub that blurred genre boundaries, blending jazz with elements of electronic, soul, hip hop, and experimental music. Its dimly lit, atmospheric interior—complete with exposed brickwork, vintage furnishings, and original art installations—contributed to a speakeasy aura that attracted both seasoned music lovers and curious newcomers. Throughout its history, SJQ proved to be a cornerstone in fostering both local and international talent, serving as an incubator for the next generation of British jazz and alternative music artists.

It was also notable for its inclusive programming, regularly hosting LGBTQ+ nights and championing underrepresented voices in the music industry. The club briefly closed in 2012 as the original building underwent a major redevelopment, reopening the following year at a larger, nearby location with improved acoustics and expanded capacity without compromising its underground charm. SJQ’s commitment to live performance and improvisation solidified its status as a must-visit destination on the UK music circuit, earning accolades from critics and musicians alike for its authenticity and progressive ethos.

Notable artists who have performed at SJQ include international jazz greats such as Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper, and Kamasi Washington, alongside UK icons like Soweto Kinch, Nubya Garcia, and Shabaka Hutchings. Local favorites including Manchester’s own GoGo Penguin, The Mouse Outfit, and Emma-Jean Thackray have also graced the stage, often debuting new material to intimate, sold-out crowds. Over the years, the club has also featured surprise sets from DJs like Gilles Peterson and burgeoning acts from across Europe and the US, cementing SJQ’s position as a beacon of musical innovation and cultural exchange.