Muffin Accomplished - Thanks To All!

Well for an "F-it" Muffin, it turned out pretty darned good after all.  Even on such short notice and with minimal planning.  Many thanks all those that contributed time and effort into making this happen.  It all went so well that there is even talk of a next year (imagine 44!).  Great music (thanks Unreal, Lender, Roger and Leslie, Paul, Matt, Kevin, Laurie and Art), great food (thanks Cyn and Darron, Julian and Taylor) and great weather (thank you Muffin magic!).   If all goes well, perhaps we can do this again next year.  Stay tuned!

Are you ready to MUFFIN!?!

Its just a few days away now.  Many thanks for those that sent in donations this week.  A BIG thanx to Michael & Rick, Teresa & Kevin, Roger & Leslie, Nancy Bee, and Dar & Cyn!  May the force be with you!  If you haven't gotten it together, don't worry.  Keep the faith.  Muffin will be there for you!  Another Muffin Miracle perhaps... it's the end of May in California... an incredibly beautiful spot... what could go wrong?  So gather up your gear, grab a friend of two and head to GOLD COUNTRY!  If you can make it by Friday night, you should have plenty of company (don't forget the rain fly!).  If you can't make it til Saturday, well most of Muffin is still left.  Expect things will slow down on Sunday but there will still be a lot of BBQ'n, camp fire'n and hang'n out to go.  Some folks stay a day, some a week.  Either way expect to enter the Muffin zone for some serious re-calibration!  Jury rigged for whirl-y-gig for sure!

Muffin Mail Box is Packed with Pre-Pays!

Well, not exactly... Muffin is eight or nine days away so there is still time to submit your very important donation to the Muffin. A big shout out to Tim & Dina for their serious contribution! Also to Laurie M., Gail and Rawbird, all of Berkeley for committing early to Muffin. While not essential to attend, this money helps “grease the wheels” and gets things moving.  If you want to help out please send a check before May 19. It will be fully accounted for and greatly appreciated!  Please make checks payable to “Meadow Muffin” with the names of the folks you are contributing for included if possible.  You can mail contributions to T. Bell, 5536 Manila Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618. You will not regret your investment!!!

Just Another Muffin for the East Bay's UNREAL Band

Berkeley's Unreal Band was somewhat of a "late-comer" to the Meadow Muffin. It was Muffin 8 or 9 that somebody (TOC?) got the brilliant idea that this highly talented group of musicians with tight licks, fabulous guitar riffs and a bluesy, soulful, rock and roll repertoire would be right at home at the Muffin.  At the time they were pretty much the house band with regular appearances at Berkeley's Starry Plough pub.  By then they were veterans of the Bay Area music scene, playing gig's at various clubs including the infamous Keystone and serving as Wavy Gravy's backup band for the Nobody for President Tour in 80 and 84.  Ever since, they've been coming back to the Muffin through thick and thin.  Who can forget them jamming on through a late night downpour that would have probably electrocuted most normal folk.  Or the time they played on fearlessly with a mysteriously shorted out cop car stuck right in front of the stage ("Did somebody order a pizza!?!").  Time and time again, the Unreal have rolled out their amazing songbook for "one more" Muffin.  This year is no different.   Appearing hot off their 40th anniversary show, this is one event you DO NOT want to miss.

Muffin Tiki Bar Reported Missing!

Concerned Citizens Inspect the Former Site of the Muffin Tiki Bar

It has been recently reported that all vestiges of the so called Muffin "Tiki Bar" are nowhere to be found.  Local authorities have been notified to be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles carrying palm fronds, bamboo poles, bright yellow and green barrels and other highly tacky decor.  An attempt was made to contact the management of the long established Club Oiselle (sic) for comment on this apparent tragedy but oddly enough there has been no response.

What is a Meadow Muffin? (and What Do I Get for My 'Donation'?)

This post is for all the newbies out there that may be lucky enough to attend Muffin for the first time (or perhaps its been such a long time that you forgot what it is).  Muffin was born way back in 1976 in the good old post hippie days when living life to the fullest and enjoying nature and good friends was a major goal in life.  The party was founded on the idea that friends and friends of friends could gather out in the country for an extended weekend that included camping, music, movies, games and sharing food and drink and that all would come out recharged and energized.  If everyone just gave a little, the pooled resources could yield a pretty incredible experience for all.  Over the years we've had many a great party based on this "Muffin Spirit".  We've also had some trying times as well (who can forget "No Warranty Sound" or the "Mud-O-Muffin").  Muffin typically costs around $2000, give or take, to put on.  That amount covers mowing, stage repair, electricity, band expenses, equipment rental, porta-potties (expensive but critical!) and other miscellaneous costs.  Muffin is not a commercial enterprise so the only profit motive for organizers and performers is to have a great experience for all.  Based on the number of folks we expect to attend, we set a requested donation amount.  This year that amount is the ridiculous sum of $25.  If you can and want to give more, feel free to do so.  Donations will be collected on site but can be mailed in advance.  To do so, contact one of the names listed on your official Muffin Flier.
Your Friends at the Muffin

Just Announced: Muffin Favorite LENDER to Perform Saturday

Back again for their third (? or is it fourth) appearance at the Muffin, Marin Counties own awesome alt-rock band Lender!  Be prepared to groove out to an incredible mix of jam rock, funk and of course psychedelia!  What could be more appropriate for a 43'rd Meadow Muffin!  For more info on the band and contact links check out https://www.lendermusic.com.

Alert! Mow-Down Postponed Due to Equipment Failure

Please ignore the earlier post about the mow-down scheduled for Friday, May 11.  Issues with the Muffin tractor have 'thrown a wrench' in works once again.  Maybe we'll win the lottery one day and buy a real tractor like a John Deere ... or a Kubota!  In any case, it sounds like a rental machine may be in the works but the exact date for that is unclear.  Stay tuned for more info and if nothing else plan to bring your weed-eater this year!