Whether you want to hear some groundbreaking new sounds, see some of the country’s best performers or dance to our locally most-loved artists, it’s all here at Lakota.

 

When we opened our doors in 1992, we quickly became known as a major player in the 90s worldwide global music scene. Hosting acts like Jamiroquai, Roger Sanchez, Roy Ayers, Boy George, Pete Tong and Laurent Garnier meant we drew clubbers from far and wide.

 

The name comes from the Lakota people, a Native American tribe. It roughly translates into an “alliance of people”.  Famous for their strong leadership and rebelliousness, they were one of the last tribes to sign a treaty with the US – which they are still fighting against now.

 

Respect for all forms of life was deeply ingrained within their culture. Luther Standing Bear, a Lakota leader and one of the first Native American writers to be published (around 1900), talked about respect as an essential ingredient for balanced interaction among all living things. According to him, the Lakota had developed a respect for the Earth and all forms of life because each and everything played a vital part. His biggest concern was that humans who lost respect for animals would soon lose respect for their own kind as well.

 

The decision to call it Lakota was made by George Leonard the original owner.  Being an American, he was passionate about the Lakota people and their belief system.   When we, the Burgess’s  took over the club, the values resonated deeply with us too and seemed relevant to the time and location.

 

After all Stokes Croft has always been home to an eclectic mix of people.  And we’ve always had a huge range of people with different backgrounds involved with Lakota. And our different tastes in music reflect the nights that we put on.

 

So don’t come if you’re expecting to hear run-of-the-mill chart music.  

 

And do come if you want to hear great new music and dance with kindred spirits.  

 

 

What’s important to us?

 

Leading from the front.

 

We tend to do a lot of things first. It’s important for us to be putting on new music that’s pushing boundaries. Lakota has hosted some famous "firsts” such as Jamiroquai, Roger Sanchez, Roy Ayers, Boy George, Pete Tong and Laurent Garnier. And we continue to put on quality nights.

 

You’ll find that we’re currently the only club in Bristol with a D & B Audiotechnick soundsystem. We have gone for this to ensure that the quality of the sound in the main room is amazing whether it is live music or a DJ.  The rest of the club will be powered by Funktion 1- the best English inventors and manufacturers of sound systems. They’re the market leaders in installing club systems throughout the world.

Effectively we want to continue with the strong leadership tradition of the Lakota people.

 

Eclecticism  

 

Bristol continues to thrive musically and we’re proud to keep pushing boundaries. Whatever genre you’re into, we hope you’ll  find something to get excited about on our line up. Expect big name acts as well as obscure new sounds that you won’t have heard before.  Yep we’re catering for your musical education.  

 

Inclusivity

 

We’re an open-minded, inclusive bunch and always have been.   Continuing to live the Lakota’s values, we aim to create a welcoming, respectful vibe. We want to put on nights where everyone has a good time – no matter the colour of your skin, sexuality or gender.  Having said that, if you tend to get aggressive when drunk, this isn’t the place for you.

 

Being rooted in the community 

 

You might be surprised to know that Lakota is a family owned business. The Burgess family have been running clubs and pubs in Stokes Croft, Montpellier and St Paul's since the eighties. Marti Burgess  grew up in Bristol and believes strongly that music has a crucial part to play in bringing diverse people together - for the better.