After 30 years of operating Third Level Events, a promotions and marketing company, bringing entertainment and events to the Pacific Northwest, CEO, Anthony Tibbs formed Dope Culture LLC in December 2021. With the vision of curating unique, vibrant, and peaceful events for the Pacific Northwest, he set out on a mission to create opportunities, make a difference in his community, and change the narrative surrounding Black culture.
Anthony Tibbs is a Seattle native, raised between the Central District and Beacon Hill. His father was the Head Chef at the Heritage House, an upscale dinner club (Ernette’s, Cotton Club…now a Post Office), music home to legendary artists like, Bobby Blue Bland, BB King, Lakeside, Ohio Players, and The Whispers). Tibbs’ father would allow him to throw parties there while in middle and high school. Tibbs grew up being exposed to music since his father was in a band and singing group in the military. It’s no surprise Tibbs too had a love and passion for music. The money Tibbs made from throwing parties paid for his first drum set. Fueling his passion for music, he performed in his junior high and high school bands.
Tibbs attended Cleveland High School. Upon graduation he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA on a music scholarship, where he studied Computer Science. Tibbs unexpectedly returned to Seattle to care for his mother who was fighting a battle with cancer. He attended Seattle Central Community College, then University of Washington where he pledged with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Tibbs & his fellow Kappas practiced stepping on the 3rd level of the parking garage at UW. Eventually, a music group would be born consisting of Tibbs and his best friend. The name? Third Level of course! They went on to receive a publishing deal through Polygram Island, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. This deal opened the door for Tibbs to meet the likes of Prince and Rick Ruben. Third Level opened for James Brown, Mint Condition, and a multitude of other well-known artists.
While on tour, Tibbs built relationships with a multitude of artists. Acts like Mary J Blige’s 411 tour, Jodeci, Men at Large, Rude Boys, Dave Chapelle, Cedric the Entertainer, and Kat Williams would later came to Seattle to perform based on the relationships Tibbs formed while touring the country. One of these relationships was formed after Tibbs was recommended to Sir Mix a Lot to handle the merchandising on the Baby Got Back Tour. Adding yet another skill set to his pocket. Tibbs later made a deal with Walter Latham to host all of the West Coast after parties for the Kings and Queens of Comedy Tour. He traveled to multiple states on the West Coast to host these parties. This was the beginning of Third Level Events.
Tibbs has continued this momentum to serve the community through entertainment while providing a safe space for attendees to enjoy good music and laugh while creating lifetime memories. Tibbs also contributes to the needs of our community through giving back. Whether hosting and facilitating meals to those in need, adopting families during the holidays or offering Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, he is dedicated to serving the needs of families in the Greater Seattle area.
There is a unique peace and safety factor about the events that Tibbs and his team host. In over 30 years, the standard has been safe and peaceful events with no incidents of violence or poor behavior. This is truly a gift and those that attend his events know to uphold this standard. Tibbs following is thought to be well in the tens of thousands, with supporters having followed him for over thirty years. This same crowd has grown to consist predominantly of the 40 and over demographic, but his influence and events are centered around meeting the needs of attendees of all ages.
When Tibbs makes the announcement, whether it’s an invite to attend one of his prolific events, or a call to action to help serve the community; people show up! His social media influence paired with email subscribers has a reach of over 300,000! This is not only inspiring but speaks to the impact he has made in Seattle over the last three decades.