Baltimore maryland gay bars

The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Baltimore Magazine. It was late, and the next song would have to be the last. Vernon, some rocking shirtless on top of the giant speakers, others swaying to the rhythm on the sunken dance floor.

Rainbow disco lights scanned the crowd and a big logo sign hovered behind, its bright pink hippopotamus striking a pose. Just before 2 a. Bowers held up one finger. From the night it opened at the corner of Eager and North Charles streets on July 7,the Hippo was more than a discotheque.

Most of all, it was a safe haven, where patrons could be themselves and get lost in the disco lights until last call at a.

Baltimore Eagle

And even after it closed for good, that curved building on a Mt. Vernon crossroads remains an important touchstone of Baltimore history. Long before the Hippo was a dance hub for all walks of city life, its art deco building had many lives. Two homes were demolished to make room for his streamlined corner structure with its signature sensual curves.

In the early s, trombonist Lynn Summerall performed with the Mello Men, a piece band of teenage musicians from a variety of Baltimore high schools. Eventually, mirrors were etched with charming cartoons of the namesake animal, and as drinks were ordered, patrons saw themselves reflected amongst them in a swirl of lights.

But it was a really comfortable place for everyone. A lot of straight people went there. Disco was knocking on the door. And I walked in at the right time. Theme nights were added, including a Sunday Tea dance, beginning at baltimore in the afternoon. It was like you walked into the s.

It was this historic event that sparked the gay rights movement of the s. Queer people were fighting for basic equality in a resistant America, as were people of color in a quest for civil rights. And I met my life bar there. You saw him in the club. Gay saw him interact with the patrons.

He was providing a safe haven for gays in the community, where they could come and be who they maryland. And DJ Maddox can attest to this. I was in awe of the music. I thought, I want to be the one playing the music here someday.