Tewligans provided a local stage for local, regional and national acts including Kinghorse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Yo La Tengo, Slint, Widespread Panic, Squirrel Bait, Love Jones, NRBQ, Jonathan Richman, R.E.M., Crunchy Cereal, Steve Forbert, Kentucky Headhunters, A Flock of Seagulls, Bo Diddley, Guadalcanal Diary, Miracle Legion, U2, Fugazi, Rollins Band, T.S.O.L., Blue Rodeo, Royal Crescent Mob, Afghan Whigs, Mojo Nixon, Hasil Adkins, Stick People, Bodeco and many others.

1991 and a new stage constructed using unfinished oak pallet lumber purchased from Hillerich & Bradsby.

Tewligans often hosted (illegal) afterhours parties for regular patrons who would drink free until whatever keg was in service had run dry.

On other nights, patrons could walk the short distance to the infamous Hepburn House, wherein an afterhours speakeasy, The Cafe Ralph, operated.

They bought the venue in 1981, when it was still known as "The Funktion Junktion", a bar known for live Southern-rock music.