I got this email from Benjamin Lyons this morning:
Hart McNee May 5, 1943-July 14, 2009
Our dear friend Hart McNee passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a long illness.
There will be a memorial at 5 PM this Saturday, July 18 at the Sound Café (corner of Port and Chartres Streets) and there will be a second line in Hart’s honor to be scheduled in the fall.
Hart was a truly beautiful person and musician. He was always a joy to be around, and never lacked a smile. The last time I saw him he was starting to show outward signs of his illness, but was happy and laughing and still the life of the party. He will be dearly missed.
This past december Hart played an Open Ears show. He played bass flute for the entire gig. It was great. Check out the audio here.