David Tidquist, a legend in our time, left this world November 15, 2024. There is sadness in our hearts and gratitude for all that David was. His vision, his art, his quirky, witty ways, and his deep friendships will last forever.
David’s first creative outlet was the visual arts. In his youth, David spent years hospitalized and he coped with the isolation by learning to draw and paint. As an adult he made his living as a traditional sign painter. He also developed a unique style of black & white pencil drawings with uncanny reality in each one. David’s sign painting work can be seen at businesses throughout the region and now many examples are on the Heron grounds. All the Great Blue Heron Festival posters and merchandize graphics were David’s, all done by hand, even the smallest lettering. His talents were many.
David was the original spark that created The Blue Heron Music Festival in 1992. While traveling to see music in the 1980’s, David made friends with many musicians at festivals like Beaver Valley, Mount Airy and Cliff Top. These friends, like Jeb Puryear, Tara Nevins, Richie Stearns, Jef & Judy Claus and Jim Donovan, helped make David’s dream, to host a music festival in Chautauqua County, a reality. They were willing to gift their time and talents to make the Heron fly in its first year, 1992. Thankfully, over 800 people came to the first festival, so everyone got paid a little bit. The second year 1,800 people came, and the third year it was 2,800. It appeared that the festival was a good idea! David co-produced the festival for 30 years with the help of Julie Erickson Rockcastle and her family, plus a multitude of friends and volunteers.
David also had a positive impact on the lives of many musicians by connecting them with raising stars. One example of that was The Horseflies being chosen to tour with David’s hometown friends, the 10,000 Maniacs. David is also remembered for booking Rusted Root for their first show out of Pittsburgh in Jamestown around 1990. For a decade, David promoted great nights of music in the Jamestown area, well before the Great Blue Heron Music Festival began, particularly at the infamous Joyce’s Keg Room. He called his production company “The Rooneys” and his artistic postcards were sent to his special mailing list to announce each show.
With David’s generous spirit and a keen eye for good music, David helped shape The Great Blue Heron Music Festival into a joyful tradition that has touched the lives of thousands and created generations of music lovers. Along the way, David discovered the Avett Brothers & Lake Street Dive long before they became popular and out of reach. Those bands, plus Rusted Root, got what is called “The Blue Heron Bump” into stardom.
Rest in Peace, David and know that many, many people have benefited and enjoyed what you created. The music you shared with us at The Keg Room shows and the Great Blue Heron Festival brought us together for countless moments filled with love and comradery. We’re so grateful for you and all you gave to this world.
