Gratitude and Farewell to Mark Johnson and Michael Lord
Mark Johnson. Courtesy of Park Bugle.
Michael Lord with trio, Brasiliero, 2015. Courtesy of The Current
In 1948, a building was created on the West Bank. Initially called “Big City” and serving the community as a beloved movie theater, this building went through significant changes as the years passed. It has had many names but it has always been filled with music, dance, movies, and art. In 1989, it officially became known as The Cedar Cultural Center, a venue for live music. Throughout its existence, similar to any other building serving a neighborhood, it gained life through the individuals that made it operational. The artists brought in the material, the audience brought in their appreciation, and the staff brought the magic of possibility.
The Cedar has had a tremendous group of people help turn ideas into realities throughout its life, some of whose contributions span decades. Two of these individuals are Mark Johnson and Michael Lord.
Mark has not only been a longstanding member of The Cedar team, but he has also been a cherished member of the West Bank neighborhood. He has lived and worked here since 1976 (with small breaks here and there). He first came to The Cedar in 1978 to see the movie “Eraserhead” by David Lynch back when it was still a movie theater. Mark joined The Cedar as a staff member in 2001 and became a staple of The Cedar’s community as Director of Events. Being a music enthusiast but declaring to not have any musical talent, Mark said "my talent is getting the bands on the stage and the audience in the hall." This is, of course, one of the most important aspects of operation for a live music venue. Mark is an avid bird enthusiast. He spends most of his time on the bog these days. Alongside the inclusive nature of his leadership, his fantastic haircuts — which he would get every year in November around his birthday inspired by a bird of choice — will be missed.
Michael was also a long standing patron of The Cedar before joining the team as a volunteer, house manager, and eventually as Assistant Director of Events. He was initially drawn to The Cedar due to his love of live music — of African, Scandinavian, and Nordic countries in particular — and has been a proud member of The Cedar staff leading artists and patrons into The Cedar with open arms. His warmth and nurturance, which he used to welcome all Cedar guests, can be credited to his parents and siblings. His generosity could be felt by anyone that walked into The Cedar’s lobby. Alongside helping Mark with the bigger tasks, Michael was part of numerous small touches on The Cedar’s events team routines. For example, he would frame an artist’s album and display it in the green room before they arrived. He would take great care to connect with Cedar’s volunteers, staff, and show attendees.
As The Cedar prepares to begin hosting live shows again after almost two years of uncertainty, it is unfortunate that not all of its previous staff are returning. The loss is felt and The Cedar will not be the same without them. Mark and Michael have been tremendous additions to the team and their absence will undoubtedly be felt.
The Cedar wishes them well and expresses deep gratitude for their immeasurable services to the venue and the community at large. The Cedar would not be where it is today were it not for the people that made its daily operations a possibility. We hope Mark gets to contribute more time to the bog and that Michael gets to listen to more heavy metal. We move towards a new phase of The Cedar’s existence hoping that it continues to be rewarded with boundless support, similar to that which Mark and Michael offered it.
Please stay tuned for an interview with Mark and Michael hosted by The Cedar's Box Office and Office Manager, MJ Gilmore.
With regards,
The Cedar