Courtside's Famous Mark The Shark
Courtside's Mark Hoffman
By Tenley Woodman
Friday, December 5, 2003
Courtside regulars call him ``Mark the Shark,'' but if Chelsea resident Mark Hoffman had his way he'd be ``Mr. Variety.''
``I pretty much know every song in the book,'' Hoffman said of the bar's 300-page song catalog. ``I like the more obscure songs. Generally I know more than the DJs do.''
The 36-year-old caregiver started coming to karaoke nights at the bar nearly 10 years ago, and has been a familiar face ever since.
``He's intense,'' fellow regular Mike Torres, 31, said of Hoffman's performances.
During a holiday program on Thanksgiving Eve, Hoffman ripped into a classic from Sly and the Family Stone.
``I'm leading off with `Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself' for Thanksgiving,'' he said before taking the stage.
Hoffman, a disabled veteran, said karaoke gives him a natural high.
``It's a rush,'' said Hoffman. ``I like to entertain. I love to perform.''
``For 24 years I was told I can't sing a note,'' Hoffman said. ``Back then, I offended myself listening to it.''
Now he's Courtside's karaoke star.
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