SESH

The Total Refreshment Centre in London is a revered institution within the city's vibrant electronic and jazz music scenes. Originally established in the 1980s as a Caribbean social club, the venue has undergone numerous transformations, each reinforcing its status as a hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Located in the borough of Hackney, the Total Refreshment Centre initially served as a community space before morphing into an influential music venue in the early 2010s.

It is renowned for its eclectic programming and a DIY ethos that embraces the avant-garde and the underground. Known colloquially as TRC, the venue has become a crucible for experimental music, championing genres from electronic and jazz to funk and soul. Culturally, the Total Refreshment Centre has been pivotal in nurturing London's burgeoning jazz scene, offering a platform for emerging artists to collaborate and experiment.

It has become synonymous with a spirit of inclusivity and creativity, acting as a catalyst for the careers of numerous musicians and artists who have gone on to achieve international acclaim. Over the years, the venue has weathered challenges, including threats of closure due to licensing issues and gentrification pressures. However, it has consistently managed to reinvent itself, maintaining its core mission of fostering artistic innovation and community engagement.

This resilience has cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of London's cultural landscape. The Total Refreshment Centre has hosted a diverse array of artists who have graced its stage, contributing to its legendary status. International and local luminaries who have performed at TRC include Kamasi Washington, a titan of contemporary jazz, and Floating Points, known for his seamless blend of electronic and orchestral elements.

The venue has also been a platform for the Mercury Prize-nominated band Sons of Kemet, led by the dynamic saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. Other notable artists include Nubya Garcia, a leading figure in the new wave of British jazz, and the electronic duo Mount Kimbie, known for their innovative soundscapes. Additionally, TRC has welcomed the likes of Gilles Peterson, an influential DJ and broadcaster, and the genre-defying Moses Boyd, whose work continues to push the boundaries of jazz and electronica.