2020 Governor’s Awards in the Arts:

Business Award

Tidball's

Warren County

Founded in late 2001, Tidball’s is considered the epicenter of Bowling Green’s local music scene. The bar, owned by White House, Tenn., natives John Tidball and Brian Jarvis, has been described by Deadspin magazine writer Craig Fehrman as “one of the best dive bars in the country.” The venue is a host to many bands from across the southeast United States, but Tidball’s also gives Kentucky musicians a platform on which to perform. That stage has helped launch local acts like Cage the Elephant, Morning Teleportation and Sleeper Agent to national prominence.

As Tidball’s enters its 19th year, the venue continues to churn out talents ready to break into the national scene. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the owners’ focus on community excellence, philanthropy and the arts remains unwavered.

What does this distinction mean to Tidball’s?

Receiving the Governor’s Award is an achievement for which we are most proud to even be nominated. We do what we do to help others: to spread the art of music in hopes that someone might reach their dream. A simple “thank you” and a smile from an artist or patron is rewarding enough in itself, considering we are blessed to wake up and get to do what we love each day. An achievement of this stature wasn’t in our wildest dreams.

What has been the benefit of promoting and giving a stage to local and Kentucky talent?

Seeing individuals grow not only musically, but grow as leaders in the community is a very special event to witness. Providing our generations with a platform to express their art, views, and opinions through music is a powerful experience. Maya Angelou said, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” We believe we are doing this at Tidball’s and encourage those that walk in our doors to do the same.

What have you been able to do during the pandemic to continue featuring performers?

This pandemic has been a huge obstacle to overcome and we definitely are not out of the woods yet. Our hearts and prayers go out to those that have lost loved ones, to those that have been or are infected, and to those whose businesses have suffered or been lost. With the help of our friends at Yellowberri Creative Studio, countless musicians, and our tightly knit community, we came together and created a livestreamed show. The show, #insideout, features live music, interviews and visits with musicians, local business owners and friends in the community. We have given the artists different musical projects outside of the norm. They answered the call each week and the results were astonishing. Some episodes garnered more than 10,000 views.