Steve Smith and Michael “Dolly” Wilson opened Warehouse 28 in 1978. They advertised in gay publications across the South, but quickly attracted anybody, gay or straight, who wanted to dance. As the AIDS epidemic spread during the 1980s, Smith helped found the Nashville Council on AIDS, Resources, Education and Support (CARES) in 1985, and Warehouse 28 staged drag-show fundraisers for the organization. The duo sold the club to Wayne Prince, an employee of the club, and Ted Raper in 1990.The venue closed in 1994. Smith died of AIDS-related causes in 1995.
Warehouse 28
36.12392, -86.776323
Description
Steve Smith and Michael “Dolly” Wilson opened Warehouse 28 in 1978. They advertised in gay publications across the South, but quickly attracted anybody, gay or straight, who wanted to dance. As the AIDS epidemic spread during the 1980s, Smith helped found the Nashville Council on AIDS, Resources, Education and Support (CARES) in 1985, and Warehouse 28 staged drag-show fundraisers for the organization. The duo sold the club to Wayne Prince, an employee of the club, and Ted Raper in 1990.The venue closed in 1994. Smith died of AIDS-related causes in 1995.