As they say on their website, our establishment boasts dual indoor dance floors alongside an inviting outdoor area, complete with its own DJ booth and bar.We can imagine this wonderland as a space to enjoy, connect, and be free! Here we go with an introduction of Left Bank, an institution from the Tbilisi scene. Find out our chat with the founder, Gacha
Every Thursday and Sunday, we illuminate our space with live performances, while Fridays and Saturdays pulsate with our renowned Clubnights. Moreover, our Sundays are adorned with complimentary movie screenings, held both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.
Crafted and operated by a collective of artists, DJs, and revelers, Left Bank is committed to fostering a diverse tapestry of arts and music. Central to our ethos is the cultivation of a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Any instances of violence, homophobia, sexism, harassment, or discrimination are swiftly addressed and will promptly curtail your experience at Left Bank.
Hello Gacha, a pleasure to meet you, if you could introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey there, thanks for having me. I’m Gacha, the guy who makes music, runs Left Bank, and enjoys other things like cooking. Pretty basic stuff.
Can you share the inspiration behind the founding of Left Bank in Tbilisi, and how did the initial challenges shape the club’s identity?
My friend and I, who is also a co-owner of Left Bank, met one afternoon with hangovers to drink beer and chat. Out of nowhere, the idea of opening a Left Bank was born. We were just chatting about the lack of good places in Tbilisi and thought it would be nice to do something about it. We loved the idea and started to push for it, finding ways to make it happen, like securing funds and a location. The rest is history.
We opened Left Bank to echo the pulse of Tbilisi’s music scene. We didn’t have experience running a club, but we had a strong team, and that really helped us. We opened with a limited capacity during the pandemic, and the early challenges of operating within restrictions gave us a huge amount of experience. Upgrading to a new level of difficulty and business challenges, such as standing out in competition, establishing an identity, and creating a welcoming space, actually defined us. It emphasized the need to be genuine and inclusive. We still remain true to our vision to this day
The club has been a consistent supporter of FLINTA and the Queer scene. What motivates you daily, and how do you perceive the ongoing transformations in the music scene of Tbilisi?
Our support for FLINTA and the Queer community is a core part of who we are. Witnessing Tbilisi’s scene becoming more open and diverse is truly inspiring. This evolution motivates us to continue creating spaces where everyone feels safe and celebrated. We’ve come quite far and we can go much further.
In the context of the growing club scene in Tbilisi, how does Left Bank distinguish itself from other venues, and what values or principles guide its programming?
Left Bank stands out with its sense of community and authenticity. The team behind it, the architecture, the space itself, the vibe, and all the small details are creating genuine experiences. We love working with interesting people, our activities reflect our dedication to creativity and connection. We try to make every night at Left Bank unique. We understand the importance of creating moments that resonate on a personal level, and that’s something we take great pride in.
Given the challenges posed by rapid growth, including increased competition and budget allowance, how does Left Bank maintain a balance between artistic vision and commercial viability?
It’s very hard to stay both artistically driven and financially stable, but our approach to this challenge is to grow without losing our essence. To follow our path, to maintain our identity while evolving to meet the changing needs of our audience and community. But it’s super important to focus on what we do best. By prioritizing our vision, we’re trying to create a unique niche and balance that attracts a dedicated community but also ensures our financial sustainability. It’s a delicate balance, but one that we navigate with care.
Left Bank’s core team has remained consistent since the beginning. How do you foster a sense of community and collaboration within the team, and what role do diverse creative backgrounds play in the club’s operations?
Mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals. These values have been crucial in maintaining a consistent core team since the opening. Holding regular team meetings is a great way to strengthen a sense of community. This openness allows us to discuss our challenges and successes collectively. The diverse creative backgrounds of our team enhance our approach to everything we do, bringing multiple perspectives that add to our community’s experience.
Can you share your perspective on the influences between clubs in Tbilisi and in general in the music industry?
Tbilisi’s clubs have a symbiotic relationship with the global music industry. It’s important to draw inspiration from international tendencies while contributing our unique local flavor. This creative exchange helps create an ecosystem that benefits everyone involved. By mixing global influences with our local culture, we contribute to a rich, diverse music scene that resonates both locally and internationally.
Looking ahead, what future aspirations or goals do you have for Left Bank, and how do you envision the club contributing to the evolving musical landscape in Tbilisi ?
Moving forward, I see Left Bank as more than a nightclub – we want to play an important role in the cultural evolution through music. Our goal is to continue being a platform for culture and inclusivity. By remaining committed to our values, we hope to inspire a new generation of artists and people. We are excited to be part of this journey.
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