Hon [huhn] - n.

A Baltimore term of endearment thought to be derived from the word honey.  e.g. “How are you, Hon?”

We Baltimoreans take fierce pride in our city and its history.  Jazz came to Baltimore as early as 1917 and many jazz greats have emerged from the streets of our Charm City.  We are indebted to Baltimore for giants such as Cab Calloway, Eubie Blake and Billie Holliday.

Honoring Baltimore’s own Cab Calloway

We named our exchange in honor of one of Baltimore’s most hep cats, Cab Calloway.  While he spent the early years of his life in Rochester, N.Y., Cabell “Cab” Calloway III began his musical career in Baltimore, mentored by another Baltimore legend, Chick Webb.  In 1931 he recorded “Minnie the Moocher,” scheduling concerts in conjunction with the release of an animated short featuring the song.  The tour earned him the nickname, “The Hi De Ho Man” for the use of that hep jive in the chorus.

In the name “Hi-De-Hon,” we honor our past as well as the off-beat culture that defines our present.

Welcome to Baltimore, Hon!

Your Hi-De-Hon planning committee

Jason Herzberger, chairman
Diana Schenck Chapin
Aaron Nicholas
Craig Sparks
Susanne Sparks
Stacy Spaulding
Colleen MacLean Vernon
Rayned Wiles