OUR FRIEND, MARK HARP, DIES
Some of you may have heard that Mark Harp, friend, resident of Hampden's Miracle on 34th St., vertible music factory, and Baltimore fixture, was seriously ill. We did not post anything about it in the Shank due to the serious condition he was in. He was in no position to receive visitors, and we didn't want to do anything that would contribute to chaos while Mark was trying to recover. This week we had intended to post an address where friends could send cards.
Tragically, Mark didn't recover.
The following is a message posted to ArtMobile.
Mark passed away last night. His heart stopped in the middle of the night and they were unable to start it again. I had just seen him hours earlier and he was happy. He had regained the ability to talk. He was telling jokes to me and his friend Brandon and my wife and the nurses. We were making plans to talk to him again "tomorrow" when he would have more time to talk. Well for Mark there was no "tomorrow". He was so glad that so many people were concerned about him. He will be sorely missed. Details to follow when I know more. -Dave Z.
The lights on Hampden's Christmas St. will not shine as bright.
I'm so sorry to have to post this.
Update:
As per Mark's wishes, there will be no funeral. Some time after the new year, a huge wake will be held in Mark's honor. More details as they come in.
The family is asking that you not send flowers. A memorial fund is being set up, and details will be posted by Monday.
And finally, Mark, like many of us these days, had no insurance. To help his family:
Tuesday, December 28th
MARK HARP BENEFIT
Featuring THE CHELSEA GRAVEYARD
Featuring: Chelsea Graveyard
The Talking Head. Downtown, Baltimore.
203 E. Davis St.
Just wanted to say again that Mark was so happy for all the love and concern people showed during his illness. The last band which was lucky enough to have him as a lead guitarist was Chelsea Graveyard. We are opening the show Tuesday the 28th at the Talking Head on Davis St. and the few dollars we make will go to Mark's family. The wake is slated for January 9th location to be determined. I think we will have to have another big party to celebrate his music and influence on Baltimore in a few weeks once the news sinks in, but we'll see. Thanks for all your support.
-Dave Z
Posted by: Dave Z | December 27, 2004 at 12:42 PM
Acutally, I just spoke with Kim, and it does not look like January 9th will be the date of the wake. We'll post more details to the Shank Blog as we get them.
Posted by: MobTown Shank | December 28, 2004 at 12:05 PM
Please let me know. I will be there.
Posted by: martha | December 28, 2004 at 09:59 PM
In 1997 Mark was going to move to Portland, Oregon with me. He didn't. I often wonder how our lives would have been different if he had.
Each of us has our own warm memories of that big ole goof.
You know, I never heard anybody say one bad thing about him.
He was truly the King of Peru.
Tom
Posted by: Tom D'Antoni | December 29, 2004 at 01:13 PM
I only met Mark a few times through a good friend in Baltimore, so I probably only knew him for a sum total of several hours. But he's the kind of guy that you remember all your life, and the kind of guy you wish everyone could be. I was very saddened to hear of his death.
Thanks Mark for being one of those kind of guys!
Jeff
Colorado Springs
Posted by: Jeff L. | January 12, 2005 at 10:27 AM
I first met Mark in 1991. He played music, designed sound and acted for many of the plays presented by IIA (and later Action Theater.) I only now find out about his fate-- about 3 months after the fact. I am so sad tonight. He was a bright light who brought smiles (and perplexed fascination) to so many.
The obit in the city paper recounted many of his projects and personas and brought back lots of happy memories. Check it out: http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=9520
Posted by: Robb Bauer | March 26, 2005 at 12:10 AM
I first met Mark in 1991. He played music, designed sound and acted for many of the plays presented by IIA (and later Action Theater.) I only now find out about his fate-- about 3 months after the fact. I am so sad tonight. He was a bright light who brought smiles (and perplexed fascination) to so many.
The obit in the city paper recounted many of his projects and personas and brought back lots of happy memories. Check it out: http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=9520
Posted by: Robb Bauer | March 26, 2005 at 12:10 AM
I just heard him play on surfngarage radio, it was beautiful and so best wishes to his spirit and all who remember him. Rock on and Love It To Death - Rev.Feedback
Posted by: Rev.Feedback | January 31, 2006 at 06:12 AM
I still miss him. I cry every time.
Posted by: dogfaceboy | December 18, 2006 at 04:09 PM