See the two-page photo spread of the 40 th anniversary celebration inside. There was no cover the entire night.Ĭlub Hippo, which hosts a number of pageants and other large events, has a spacious dance floor in one section of the club, a saloon with two pool tables and a video-karaoke bar. In celebration of the community’s support, there were drink specials and giveaways, such as 40 $50 gas cards and a cruise for two on Carnival. International rock star DJ Drew G, DJ Rosie and Baltimore diva Shadina B led the entertainment. It’s a tribute to Chuck because he keeps reinventing things.” Bowers has owned the bar since 1978. “It’s amazing that a club can maintain its presence in the community for this length of time. I hope and pray it continues.”įarrell Maddox, who works at the Hippo as a DJ agreed. “It’s because of the people in the community. “This is unheard of,” he said in his nostalgia-filled office. At the time The Hippo opened, gay people had to go to a gay club to meet gay people. Online dating and apps like Grindr have provided competition, as well. The staying power of the club over its 40-year tenure is not lost on its owner Chuck Bowers. As gay culture has garnered more mainstream acceptance, the need for gay bars and clubs has diminished. The popular club is situated on the corner of Eager and Charles Streets in the heart of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Music was pulsating throughout the night as Maryland’s largest gay bar, Club Hippo, celebrated its 40 th anniversary on July 7. Hippo owner Chuck Bowers in his office surrounded by nostalgia
