Eastside Bowl — which Jamie Rubin, Chark Kinsolving and their crew wrought from what was once the Kmart just over the line between East Nashville and Madison — has been rolling steady since folks started returning to public spaces in force after COVID lockdown. The completely reimagined space sports a snazzy 16-lane bowling alley, a cozy bar and a small stage called the Low Volume Lounge. Its main venue space can accommodate more than 600 people, and has hosted an array of memorable shows including Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Weathervanes release party and The Protomen’s 20th anniversary blowout.
Recently, the establishment made the call to repurpose one of its rooms. What was formerly Chark’s Laneside Diner has been transformed into The ’58, a venue with a capacity of 225. Posts on Facebook and Instagram point out that the space is designed to fill a gap in the rock scene east of the Cumberland. Indeed, it’s a bit bigger than The 5 Spot, The East Room and The Cobra and much bigger than Drkmttr, The Underdog or Bowery Vault; it's also much smaller than The Basement East. The name, as the Bowl folks note, comes from the new space’s color scheme — Gibson granted them use of the paint mixture that gives the 1958 Les Paul Goldtop its particular luster for use throughout the space.
While the sit-down restaurant has gone away, the kitchen has not. Food will still be made to order for bar patrons, bowlers and anyone who hops in one of the few booths that remain inside The ’58. (This removes the barrier that prevented us from noting the shepherd's pie among the best things to eat at a local venue while you watch live music.) The new room has been open through the week; Friday’s Breaking Sound show takes place there, as will Hub’s Birthday Bash, featuring Raygun and others, on Sunday. Check out the rest of the happenings at Eastside Bowl on their calendar; shows at The ’58 name the venue right at the front of the listing.
