The Chute and Warehouse 28

Warehouse 28 and The Chute were two of Nashville’s longest-running gay dance clubs, and they existed almost side-by-side on Eighth Avenue South in the Melrose neighborhood. Steve Smith and Michael “Dolly” Wilson opened Warehouse 28 in 1978. It quickly became a popular place—with their in-house comedy group called the Wear-Me-Outs and performances by touring musicians like Sylvester and Two Tons O’ Fun (later known as The Weather Girls).

During the spread of the AIDS epidemic, Warehouse 28 was an instrumental space for education, activism, and fundraising. Smith was diagnosed with AIDS in the mid-1980s, and co-founded Nashville CARES in 1985. CARES originally stood for the Council on Aids, Resources, Education and Support. At the club, Smith and Wilson gave out free condoms and Smith created a newsletter filled with information about the disease. As Warehouse 28 patrons left the club, Steve stood by the door and handed out the newsletter. They also raised money through drag shows, which became a vital fundraiser for Nashville CARES and other AIDS organizations. Warehouse 28 closed its doors in 1994, and Steve Smith died from AIDS complications the following year. Though only 46 years old when he passed away, Smith left behind an incredible legacy within the Nashville gay community.

Don Hartsfield opened The Chute in 1984. The bar’s iconic western logo featured a shirtless cowboy, which was a nod to the bar’s name—a “chute” is the pen that holds bulls, horses, steers, and calves before rodeo events. Much like Warehouse 28, The Chute held regular drag performances, touring entertainment, and fundraisers for AIDS organizations and Nashville Pride. The club also once served as the home bar for local LGBTQ organizations including the Music City Bears, Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association, and the Conductors—a leather club that remains Nashville’s oldest, continuously-run gay organization. 

Over the years, The Chute became better known as The Chute Complex as it expanded to six different theme bars from a piano bar to the Rainbow Room to the western-themed Country Roundup dance floor. The Chute closed its doors in 2007, but it has not been forgotten. Ahead of Nashville Pride in 2022, M.L. Rose sold bandanas that proclaimed, “I Miss The Chute” with the iconic shirtless cowboy logo. Proceeds benefitted the Tennessee Pride Chamber.

Once you make your way back to your car, keep heading north on Franklin Pike. In about half a mile, you’ll arrive at your next stop on your right, 2110 Eighth Avenue South. Find parking at either end of the shopping center, or use street parking on Douglas Avenue then walk to Starland Vintage, the former site of The Women’s Room.