Save Our Stages initiative seeks to help local music venues
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Covid-19 has silenced the city taking a hefty toll on music venues like Tidball’s.
“We’re pretty much left clueless right now. We’ve had to cancel over 40 plus gigs,” said Tidball’s part-owner Brian Jarvis.
These gigs help drive the economy in Bowling Green, as well as provide a creative outlet for local talent. An initiative called Save Our Stages has recently surfaced, and it’s spearheaded by the National Independent Venue Association based in New York. The goal is to let representatives know how important music venues are, and why they should be supported.
“It’s nice to see all of us working together. You hear the governor say we’re all in this together. You hear our national leaders say it. We really are, especially the venues. It’s really nice to see us all work together,” Jarvis said.
The site gives music lovers a chance to share their memories at music venues.
Local musician Matt Devore spreads his love for music at the Bowling Green Rock Band academy. Devore said he has a very fond memory from Tidball’s that he’ll never forget.
“I met my wife at a venue going to see live music. We had our first date there. There’s countless numbers of nights I’ll never forget,” Devore said.
In addition to keeping the economy going, music venues also kickstart the careers of up and coming bands.
“We’ve got to keep these venues open so we can continue to continue that work, and let all these musicians keep carrying that torch that’s very important to keep lit during this time,” Devore said.
If you’d like to get involved in the Save Our Stages effort, follow this link.
