Tidball’s for sale after over 20 years of business

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A local hot spot for the independent music scene is up for sale after 20-plus years of business.

An ode to one of America’s best dive bars has never been more fitting, as Tidball’s, one of the most popular spots in Bowling Green, is up for sale after more than 20 years.

“Me and Brian and a couple other people had been working at another bar downtown and when it closed, we just kind of decided to give it a shot of our own and see what we could do with it,” owner John Tidball says.

The bar that doubles as a live music venue was the launching point for many local musicians, including a band that’s well known in the community.

“Of course, we always think of Cage the Elephant as the big thing that happened here. And that’s something to hang our hat on and we’re really proud of those boys for playing here first,” Tidball says.

One local musician is grateful for his experience at Tidball’s, even if he was a bit too young to be there.

“I started playing when I was 15 years old. The guys were nice enough to let me play on stage and then as soon as I was done, it was like ‘You got to go. You can’t be in here,'” local musician Kyle Daniel says.

John hopes the community remembers the good times that were had listening to music and having fun.

“It’s been great being able to work with Brian, one of my best friends and do this together. I know I’ve met my wife here. There’s just too much to really put into words. You know what? Somebody could… hope what they take is the memories, and I hope that somebody sees what we did and they take the torch and run with it, which I’m sure they will,” he says.