Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Live music will mark hostel owner's passing

By ALEXANDRA ZAYAS, Times Staff Writer
Published November 23, 2007

TAMPA HEIGHTS - Almost three weeks after the suicide of Gram's Place hostel owner Mark Holland, family and friends are busy planning a memorial. Of course, it will include live music.

Holland, 56, spent his childhood inviting friends over to listen to music.

He grew up and opened a music-themed hostel, named after country roots singer Gram Parsons, his idol.

Impromptu jam sessions filled his two patios - named "Little Amsterdam" and "Little Montreal" - with music. On Dec. 1 at 2 p.m., his friends will do the same across the street at Plymouth Park, 3100 N Ola Ave.

Along with the music, they plan to speak about Holland and showcase his mementos.

Backpackers will travel from across the country for it, said Holland's friend and neighbor, Marlene Dusz.

"We plan to make this a Mark Holland day," she said.

For more information, contact Dusz at (321) 544-6518.

[Last modified November 21, 2007, 07:57:22]