Clams Beat It Up at Festival Of Drums at the Stork on Sunday, July 12th

From the mind of festival impresario Derek Lindsay:

For the festival of drummers, bands will be augmenting their usual line-up with extra drummers. The affect will be less "sproul plaza" drum jam and more like like a freight train, car accident, or volcano erupting. There will be leg bouncers, nervous tappers, and hyperactive woodshop
drop-outs. if all goes according to plan, the shirtless men's movement contingent will be leading the salute to "wipeout," a drum corp. will be reenacting the ucla marching band's version of "tusk," and san francisco's bucketman will be on hand to bust it out with spoon
players & tabla drummers. keith moon, jon bonham, buddy rich will be on the guest list, and we'll be crossing our fingers to see if they show up. if we are lucky, we will be joined by the drum circle from a christian commune in humboldt county....

The Happy Clams are scheduled to go on at 8:30 or so, with at least two drummers and an odd friend or two, serving up an altogether different dish of Happy Clams.

Come hear our new song, "Li'l Ho"

Sunday, July 12th
at the Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave in Oakland
5pm until it ends

http://www.thehappyclams.com/

First Ever Solstice Bulb Fest Stirs Up Some Great Soul!

The weather could not have been finer for this first ever BYO Sol Jam on the Albany Bulb. By 3PM as the sun started to dip in the sky and the cool bay breeze picked up the Cavepainters played an even cooler set of band faves. By 4:30 or so some fine fiddle was added to the mix with a rare appearance of Strange Angel. To top that the Ravines popped in to deliver some terrific accordion fare. The Happy Clams wrapped up the show with their usual one-of-a-kind performance. As shadows grew long a soul stirring rendition of the Doggie Jomo theme song could be heard warbling on the breeze. Much fine food was in evidence with a delectable sandwich plate served up by Paul Pot, some fantastic Kim Chee prepared by Missy Dee and a host of garden veggies and fruits. Many thanks to Big Rick for conceiving and organizing a truly wonderful event. A really great time was had by all!

Still Missing the Muffin Experience? Come Out to the Albany Bulb this Sunday for a Summer Solstice Performance of the Happy Clams and Cavepainters!

Paul Pot sez: We're playing a summer solstice picnic and beer thing at the Albany Bulb Ampitheater. I hear it's near the big woman statue and it's made out of old concrete, wrecked bicycles and stolen shopping carts. We're playing with the Cavepainters (I sometimes play kazoo with them at the Starry Plough on Thursdays) and Strange Angel.

It's all sorta loosely organized to take place in the 3pm to 7pm area. I don't know how the music will go or when anyone plays. I hope we just mix it up. We'll be acoustic with guitar, bass, banjo, and maybe (if Barry is there) congas. 3ish to 7ish and out in the sun, cause the sun is what it is all about.

Behind the racetrack at the Buchanan Street entrance. Take the road as far as it will go and park in the parking area. Take the main path, bear right at first fork, right again at the second fork, and then left at the big cypress tree.

BYOBAF (Bring Your Own Beer and Food)

Captain Mike Announces 2cd Annual SalmonAid Fest at Jack London Square on June 20 and 21st

Mike sez: I've been working very hard over the last year to help produce the 2nd annual SalmonAid Festival which is happening this weekend, June 20/21 at Jack London Square in Oakland. There will be lots of great music, excellent food, ice cold beer and good people. We also have a bunch of children's activities, so no worries about the little tykes - bring em along!
Go to http://www.salmonaid.org/ for all the details.

To kick off the Festival, on Friday evening our friends from the Karuk & Yurok Tribes will host a Ceremonial Salmon Roast at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. All the details are in the press release below. If you like salmon you really don't want to miss this event, last year's salmon roast was some of the best salmon I ever had - and if you know me, you know that I know my salmon and don't give this kind of praise away randomly.

The best band of the SalmonAid Festival will perform on Sunday, they are called "Captain Mike & the Sea Kings", (with Special Guest Bobby Young from Zachya Hooker's band) - but please feel free to also come to Oakland on Saturday when bands like Albino, The Zydeco Flames, and Mitch Woods will grace us with their presence.... yeah I know, they don't compare to the Sea Kings, but they try really hard, so come on by & show 'em some love.

Did I mention that this is a free event? No cover charge!!!!

Here's the info on the Salmon Bake:

WHAT: Members of the Karuk, Yurok, and Hoopa Tribes travel to San Francisco to host a traditional salmon bake on the eve of the 2009 Salmon Aid Festival. Tribal members will share fire roasted Klamath Spring Salmon with the public.

WHERE: Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Look for the fire pit one block south of the intersection of Fulton Street and the Great Highway.

WHEN: Friday, June 19th. Fire starts at 4:30 p.m.; fish will be ready to serve around 6:30 p.m.

WHO: Participants include fishermen, cooks, singers, and drummers from the Karuk, Yurok, and Hoopa Tribes. Tribal members are traveling from the remote Klamath River, and invite Native community members from throughout the Bay Area, as well as the general public, to come down and share fish.

Although Klamath salmon runs are dwindling, tribal fishermen still harvest salmon for ceremonial and commercial use. By joining forces with commercial fishermen, conservation groups, and others concerned about native salmon stocks, Tribal members are building support for the removal of the lower four Klamath River dams. Members of Klamath Basin Tribes will be an integral part of the 2009 Salmon Aid Festival, hosting a traditional salmon bake on the eve of the festival as well as demonstrating cultural activities throughout the Salmon Aid weekend.

Dan Lange in Berkeley? Mooo! Headline Appearance Planned at Starry Plough's Open Mic Tuesday, May 26th

Guess Dan and Jane just need that yearly CA fix, Muffin or Not! Seems they are making the trek down from Portland this weekend to say hello. We hope you will come on by the Starry Plough on Tuesday evening to catch up with Dan and get a sample or two from Muffin's own blues master.

Here is the link to Dan's blog with lots of links to his music and other sites.

http://buskersblues.blogspot.com/

And of course the Plough...

http://www.starryploughpub.com/

Word has it that Dan will be performing between 9:30 and 10:45. Hope to see you there!

"What was it we used to do on this weekend every year?!?"...

Yup, hard to believe that there will be no Muff* this year. If you are one of the mournful, why not come down to the Miz and join in a communal "cry in your beer" fest TONIGHT (5/20) ... as a bonus you can enjoy some of that rareified entertainment that only Paul Pot's Missouri Lounge Open Mic can provide. Enjoy the unfolding summer climate on the "new" outdoor patio! In the words of PP:

Have you been here before?

Do you think you can remember to come down to the

Missouri Lounge Open Mic this Wednesday?

If we can all hold on to the idea that we had fun,

perhaps it will stick in our minds until at least the next day.

You know it would be such a bummer to remember that you forgot whatever it was.

And in the words of Bishop Joey..."We'll always remember those Muffins we never forget!". How about those that never happened? Enjoy the memories and have a great Muffin-less weekend... where ever you end up. And just remember... "Muffin" is a state of mind!

(* If you happen to be wandering around Yuba County this weekend and should just happen to stumble upon a certain locale, you will likely be welcomed by a rag-tag band of hard core dyed-in-the wool Muffin-heads who just don't know where else to be. Whatever you do, don't tell them you heard about it here!).

The Clams Sauce Up Spuds Pizza In Berkeley On May 8th

Did you miss the Clams CD release party? Well fret not....

It's the Happy Clams and Bunny Numpkins and the Kill Blow-Up Reaction at Spuds Pizza at 3290 Adeline, on the corner of Adeline and Alcatraz, in Berkeley, CA. Friday, May 8. It's kid friendly.

The Happy Clams will be playing a pile of stuff that may include
some of your favorite tunes, some songs that will soon be your
favorite tunes, and (with luck) some songs we think you'll really hate. (I hate that.) Let's get this cozy little night spot a jumpin.

The Bunny Numpkins? Well that's another story...

Guitarist/banjoist Patrick Swayze Double Dragon holds the world’s record for longest time breathing through a straw while submerged in water in a bathtub. He performs in a glass bathtub, it’s very dramatic. Bassist Thumper Thighston
can play music on or in her armpit and likes to whistle at construction workers. She has had 100 x-rays. (Lookout!) Drummer Frank Lloyd Wrong is a building
demolition expert. Implosion is his other middle name. Vocalist Lady Mondegreen once sang in a doo-wop group that should have been called the Premarital Sextet, but that name was taken by some other project.

Together, they are Bunny Numpkins and the Kill Blow-Up Reaction and they
got some whacky, bop-til-you-drop numbers on subjects ranging from
George Clooney to CalTrans. Need we say anymore? Check them out at
http://www.myspace.com/bunnynumpkinsandthekillblowupreaction

C'mon down to Spuds. Show starts at 8pm sharp... really....no kidding..
... swear on a stack of bibles. 8 pm to 10 pm.

Get the Happy Clams CD "I'm All Steamed Up, Baby!" from CD Baby (online)
or Amoeba Records (on the street).

Get all the Clam info at http://www.thehappyclams.com/

PS: Don't forget Captain Mike's Salmon Benefit show at the La Pena in Berkeley on Thursday May 7th!

The UNREAL Band Exhibits Ultimate Class at the Starry Plough, April 25th in Berkeley

Check out this latest poster...How Dandy G. can you get! What is the G-man wearing... a smoking jacket?... a house coat?... What can this mean? Could this be a sign of DG's Big West Coast farewell? A swan song of sorts? OK, enough with the rumors! Does this look like a man ready to move to move to Pennsylvania? I don't think so!... so, come on down to the SP on the 25th for some good old steeped in Muffin R&R. So start now and rest up. If you get plenty of sleep in the next week maybe you can stay out til after 1. DG would really appreciate it! Be there! P.S. Come wish Doyle a big HB... and the big guy too!

Pearmain Studios to Host DMOAS BBQ Art Fest on Sunday, April 12th

Yup, once again the infamous DMOAS BBQ extravaganza and art fest is happening at Pearmain Studios in industrial East Oakland. Starting time: around 1PM or so. The usual rules apply. Bring along your own meat (or veggie) sculpture entry if you want to compete for the big prize. Hope to see you all then... BTW peep wars are now banned at DMOAS as a result of a humongous ant invasion at the Alameda compound and the fact that contrary to popular belief, they really don't ever biodegrade.

Also in the news, if you didn't make it the Happy Clams (All Steamed Up, Baby!) CD release party, you missed a real doozy. A GREAT time was had by all and a highly successful event all around. I'm sure Mr. Pot will have some CD's on hand at the above mentioned BBQ.

Lastly, the Pope is wondering if folks might show up for a mow-down (no-down?) even if Muffin is canceled this year (at least for MD weekend). If this sounds interesting to you please post a comment here. Maybe we could do a Saturday nite sleep-over Muffin-lite style. Stay tuned for more on that.

Also: don't fergit the UNREAL show at the Plough in Berkeley, Saturday April 25th. This may be the last time you see Gary before he has to move to Pennsylvania!

Help Save the Salmon with Captain Mike, May 7th at La Pena in Berkeley

Captain Mike is inviting everyone to please join him and other fish friendly folk on Thursday May 7th for a fundraiser for SalmonAid, at the LaPena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, 7:30 PM. All proceeds from this evening go to the production of the annual SalmonAid Festival that raises awareness for the problems surrounding our fishies and our water.

For example... did you know that these days 98% of all salmon released at Coleman hatchery (just outside of Sacramento) die before they ever get to the ocean? Or that if we actually allowed these salmon to live, they could create an annual economic contribution in the area of $6,000,000,000 ($6 Billion) to our State?

Please go to http://www.salmonaid.org/ for more info about the SalmonAid Foundation and about the 2009 SalmonAid Festival - and we hope to see you at the party on May 7th.

Happy Clam's Release CD in Style with some Really Good Musicians, Friday April 10th!

Here comes the night that you Clamdiggers never thought would happen. We are celebrating our CD Release at the Starry Plough on Good Friday, April 10th. We are being joined by some of our favorite songwriters and performers. Come listen to the lovely Xenia Rudnycka (formerly of the Pickin' Trix) open the show. Be pleasantly surprised to find why our favorites by the bay are the ladies of Yardsale! There even may be horns involved. Let's put it this way; if there ever was a night to come out and see the Happy Clams, this is the one we would like to see you at!

All members of the band, on and off the CD will be armed with Sharpies. Bring your CD or pick one up at the show!

"I'm All Steamed Up, Baby!"

the grisly details:

in order of appearance: Xenia Rudnycka, Yard Sale, the Happy Clams
venue: The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck in Berkeley, CA
venue phone: 510-841-2082
when: Friday, April 10th at 9pm
cost: 8 bucks

links:
http://www.thehappyclams.com/
www.myspace.com/yardsaleoakland
http://www.thepickintrix.com/

Muffin XXXIV Canceled Due To Incredibly Crappy Economy

Well, that's only partially true... at least the canceled due to part. Actually the Pope has an engagement on the East Coast on Muffin XXXIV weekend that apparently can't be missed. Unfortunately that means there is no one to mind the store. I know it's hard to imagine a Muffin-less year after all we have been through. I'm sure some of you will show up there anyway just like the sparrows to Capistrano. I can't tell you not to show up... just that it won't be ordained by the Pope, there won't be any amplified music and you might just suffer the wrath of Ed or an unsupervised hammerhead or two.

So we hope this doesn't come as too much of a shock... or ruin your day. It's not like you just got laid off or something.. have you? Heck the way things are going society may have completely collapsed by then anyway. We are just saving you the trouble of all the planning, provisioning, packing, driving, unpacking, setting up, partying (again and again), tearing down, packing, driving, unpacking and storing. What about that sounds like fun anyway?

Guess we will have to make up for this some how. Rumor has it a Muffineer of high standing just bought some acreage out in W. SonomaCo. It may even be in shape for a "Muffin Style" July 4th party. Stay tuned for that one.

On other fronts, the Happy Clams CD release party is looking like the Plough early next month (April 10th-ish) with a really great warm up band. If you haven't gotten your copy of "I'm All Steamed Up, Baby" yet, drop by Mr. Pot's Open Mic at the Miz on Wednesdays or at Amoeba in Berkeley. ALSO: The Unreal Band have a gig booked at the Plough a few weeks later (~April 25th). And don't fergit Missy Dee and Friends are gearing up for the umteenth DMOS celibration on rezerwreckshun day... April 12th! See... lots to look forward to after all!

The Happy Clams Announce New CD Release... Well, Almost.

"I'm All Steamed Up, Baby" by the Happy Clams on No Fidelity Records coming February 2009.

A preview of two of the songs from the upcoming CD, "I'm All Steamed Up, Baby" can be found on the Happy Clams Myspace site. You can get there by going through http://www.thehappyclams.com/ . While you're there, stop by and look around.

Cavepainters' Holiday Party Friday, December 26 at the Starry Plough

Post holiday blues got you down? Well come on down to the Starry Plough in Berkeley for some fine tunes provided by the Cavepainters! Things will get rolling around 6PM with the usual crew and some special guests. Grab a pint, order a pizza or a Plough burger and enjoy some fine listenin'. Many thanks to the Cavepainters for all the events they have entertained at over the years. See you there!

Mission Accomplished! The Evil Ice Hobbit has Returned to Her Cave!

That's right, the long and tortuous election is finally over and the Wasilla Hillbillies are back in the freezer (apparently with a couple hundred thou worth of fancy new threads). It appears the world has been saved once again by democracy and we and other countries like Africa can breath a huge sigh of relief. Hopefully we won't see these morons and their imaginary friends (Joe the what?) for at least another 4 years. That said, this seems like a good reason to CELEBRATE!

So collect your good cheer and head down to the Starry Plough in Berkeley this Saturday (November 8th) for what is bound to be the best party of the fall season. All your Muffin fave bands are participating and the party starts at 3PM. It's also the Plough's 35th anniversary party in case you need another reason to have a good time. By the way, wish Sandy a happy 50th if you happen to see her. Come early and stay late (for Gary and the boys)!

In order of appearance:

The Cavepainters (Starry Plough stalwarts!)
Joan Pez's Open Mic Allstars (the cream of the #1 open mic)
The Happy Clams (geezer punk)
Xenia Rudnycka (she's a hoot!)
Yard Sale (PP's personal favorites!)
Ragged Glory (awesome, dude!)
The Naked Barbies (You gotta love em!)
The Unreal Band (When that reality check is not in order!)

Paul sez Clams go on around 5:30. They are devil clams with horns!
Andy D,G. and the Hanging Chad have got brass!

NO COVER (and cheap food deals!)

Starry Plough
3101 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley CA

Clams With Horns?!? Here's The Latest Pot Poster For The Plough Anniversary Party!

That's right, the Happy Clams are playing the Starry Plough 35th Anniversary on Nov. 8th and they will be joined by the Hornblowers, unless the Clams do something to really tick them off. The raucous noise that the Happy Clams and the Hornblowers produce will just be part of an all-star lineup that will start in the afternoon and go until about 1 am. Look at this list, you are never going to want to go home. It's a good thing that both food and drink can be obtained on the premises.

Guess this makes it official... and quite a partie it should be... Heck, the Clams are even hiring a horn section for your entertainment pleasure. What more could ask for? Better make those reservations right away... wait, this is a FREE event... Oh well, just get there early... and be sure to rest up beforehand cause Gary sez the Unreal are gonna rock the house way LATE into the night ... that's past midnight at least for you folks in the geezer set. Oh and don't fergit yur HORNS (and ear plugs)!

The Starry Plough is at 3101 Shattuck in Berkeley. Corner of
Shattuck and Prince. You have NO EXCUSE... this is a F-R-E-E show!

Berkeley's Starry Plough 35th Anniversary Party, Saturday November 8th, Features Muffin Family Faves

The Starry Plough ... 35 incredible years in Berkeley! This will be a FREE party (4PM - 1AM) with BBQ and beer specials all day long... and check out this lineup!

• The Unreal Band
• The Happy Clams
• Cavepainters
• Pickin' Trix

Plus these great bands...

• The Naked Barbies
• Ragged Glory
• Yard Sale
• Xenia Rudnyckya
• Joan Pez's Open Mic All Star

This is clearly a MM (Muffineer Mandatory) event. Without the Starry Plough, so much that is (and was) the Muffin NEVER would have happened! Stay tuned for more details!

ALSO: Gary sez that the Unreal and others will be helping to kick-off the Anniversary Party with a Buffalo Roam Reunion Show at the Plough on Friday November 7th at 9:30.

Starry Plough Pub
3101 Shattuck Ave , Berkeley CA
(510) 841-2082
http://www.starryploughpub.com/

San Francisco to Honor Dirk Dirksen with Dirk Dirksen Alley

The City of San Francisco has authorized the street naming of Dirk Dirksen Alley at the former Rowland Street location. For those of you who don't know, Rowland Street is the alley next to the old Mabuhay Gardens location at 443 Broadway Street in North Beach.

With your help we will be purchasing a memorial plaque and installing it at the Dirk Dirksen Alley location. Nonprofit organization, H.E.A.R. will be managing the contributions going towards the Dirk Dirksen plaque creation and the city sidewalk installation. Our goal is to raise $3000.00. Please help the friends and family of Dirk Dirksen and the City of San Francisco to complete this last step to honor the Pope of Punk and San Francisco's Counterculture Music Scene that he presided over.

Dirk Dirksen Alley Memorial Plaque Drive Donations are being excepted now at http://www.hearnet.com/auction.html Your contribution in any amount is welcome and tax deductible. You can give $5, $10 $25, $50, $100 or more.

Thank all of you for your wonderful support!

Fall Fest Forecast: Sunny Days, Clear Nights with a Chance of Cavepainters

One week out, the weather forecast looks great for the Muffin Fall Fest... and the word from Rick & Co is that the Cavepainters will try to assemble in some form for the event. The deal commences on Friday but if you can't show til Saturday you won't be alone. If skies are as clear as they say, we should have some phenomenal harvest moon action as the weekend progresses. Friday night is up for grabs but the BFD (big fish dinner) is on for Saturday. Expect that Chef Lorenzo will commandeer the cook shack for your Sunday brunching pleasure. Make mine over easy on top o' the stack with a side of sausage please. There is even a rumor that Dandie Gee may make an appearance so with the Weazels in the house, a bit of shoein' might be in order. Whatever the case, do your best to bust out of town for a relaxin' weekend country style. If you can chill til Monday all the better. If you haven't posted an RSVP yet, git on it... Time is running out!

Fall Fest 2008 Features Wild Alaska Salmon Feast

The notorious Weasel and world champion horseshoe pro, Man Mountain Bobby Beautiful, has just returned from yet another victorious fishing expedition from the wilds of Palinland to offer you a once in a lifetime special event... A Wild Alaskan Salmon Feast!

How many other Muffin horseshoe teams can make that sort of claim... willing to travel to the arctic and back, braving high seas, gale force winds and airport security to bring you the best damn fish in the whole universe.

If that doesn't get you out to this year's Muffin Fall Fest, I don't know what will. Remember Fall fest is an "eventus pro bono", we just ask that you RSVP by October 8th.

Muffin Fall Fest is Friday - Sunday, October 10-13 at the old same place.

More info to come.