As a member of This Robot Kills, Voglio Capirlo, the Grey Electric, Galicja and Curse of the J, Sarah Zeidan was an active part of Detroit's music scene. She was a talented bass player and percussionist whose commitment and energy, expressed every time she played, were truly inspiring to those around her. The level of dedication Sarah brought to her musical endeavors matched the passion with which she lived. In music, in her friends, in life, Sarah always involved herself completely. She was one of the most genuinely nice and giving people you could ever hope to meet. She leaves a thousand images and a thousand lives touched. Those who knew her can honor Sarah's memory by never forgetting, and by sharing those images with others. She lives on with us.
As we struggle to form words that might bring some comfort or meaning to Sarah's tragic death, a passage from Primo Levi's Survival in Auschwitz seems appropriate. In that autobiographical work, Levi describes another person's infinite gift:
"I believe that it was really due to Lorenzo that I am alive today; and not so much for his material aid, as for having constantly reminded me by his presence, by his natural and plain manner of being good, that there still existed a just world outside our own, something and someone still pure and whole ..."
In writing this memorial for MT, I was told to avoid the strictly personal, to make this something all readers could understand. But, the most important thing about Sarah Zeidan wasn't her actions in an all-too-brief life, but, like Lorenzo, that she was simply a person who was good and alive. I feel honored to have known her and feel robbed that she is gone. And, like all her friends and family, I miss her very much.
Eric Markiewicz, also a professional in the local music scene, had a similar effect on everyone who was touched by his life. That two people so young and so willing to give are suddenly gone should force everyone to stop and reflect. Our sincere condolences to Sarah Zeidan and Eric Markiewicz's families and friends. There is a Web site dedicated to them, with photos and a message board. Please visit it.
Aaron Warshaw is the Metro Times listings editor. E-mail him at [email protected]
