Muffin 51 Is Golden - 50 Years Young!

The first official Meadow Muffin was in 1976.  As it is now 2026, this will be the Meadow Muffin 50 Year Golden Anniversary!!!  There is an awful lot of milage on this old “hippie” party. Too many miles to count. We’ve lost and found many folks along the way. Never thought we would make it this far but here we are. Time to get down to it again. Gonna be big fun with at least two nights of live music and festive party camping.  Horseshoes anyone? Round up your gear and come on out ONCE MORE!

Meadow Muffin is a Half Century Old!

How time flies! Meadow Muffin 2025 marks the 50th annual Memorial Day weekend music and camping event in Browns Valley, California. This year’s experience includes creekside camping, live music, games, films, food and drink. For old time Muffineers or first timers, this should prove to be a banner year with a fun time for all. Come celebrate 50 years of too much fun! 

World Champion Weazels Announce Return to 2024 Meadow Muffin

Be sure to reserve May 24 - 27 on your calendar because WCW Inc. has announced the rebirth of the incredible experience that is Club Oiselle for the 2024 Meadow Muffin. Thanks to the magnanimous generosity of our Weazel hosts, Meadow Muffin will once again provide all amazing music, food, drink and events you have come to expect from years past. Stay tuned for news on this mind blowing extravaganza coming to gold country this Spring!

Muffin 46 Was a Barn Burner!

Cry Baby Hill goes up in Flames!

 Guess the most that can be said about Muffin XLVI was that we (finally) tried to burn it all down (at least the horseshoe pits anyway).  Thanks to a mysterious fire in the pits prior to Sunday's match, the Weazels were once again declared victorious (by default)!  Multiple CalFire pumpers, water trucks, a large CAT and a spotter plane came to our rescue to help avoid a disastrous conflagration.  Looks like 2022 will be another (bone) dry year so hopefully we will be better prepared! 

Muffin 45 Canceled Due to COVID-19

In the interest of everyone's health safety and to adhere to CDC guidelines, Meadow Muffin XLV previously planned for May 23 to 25, 2020 has been officially canceled.  Once this health emergency passes, there will be an attempt to reschedule the event.  Please stayed tuned for further announcements and of course stay safe! Muffin in Place!

Muffin 44 (Say NO More?) ... Muffin 45 (R U Still Alive?)

 

For those one or two Muffineers out there who were getting all jacked up about another killer Muffin this year, well, we hate to disappoint, but the powers that be have decided to pull the plug on Muffin 44 this year.  That's not to say that the party (as it were) won't go on, just that we are all too crusty and creaky to pull off a full scale event with the usual high standards of music, food and games.  That said, we expect porta-potties and other critical gear to appear for a BYO event this year.  The word around town is that things will be different next year (45!?!) so keep yer all terrain walkers on standby for that big announcement.  Sorry again to all for this major bummer of a post after the last hopeful announcement (of sorts).  So you Muffineers out there, suck it up and Muffin on!   

Meadow Muffin 44? Come Hell or High Water!!!

OK you Muffineers... We know you are out there. Yup, it's that time of year again to PONY UP and get ready for yet another kick ass, MF'ing Muffin!  That's right, there's more work to do and the PROPERTIE is still out there waitin' for ye!  Arrgh! We can't do this all on our own so git yer ass in gear and start PRE-PAR'IN for this year's "End of the World" Muffin!!!".  No excuses cause it's NOW or NEVER! DO or DIE! No Muffineer gets out of here ALIVE!

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!

Mow Down Set for Friday May 11'th

Want to help Muffin 43 get off the ground?  How about skipping out of work on Friday, May 11 and heading up to the GOLD COUNTRY for a good old fashioned mow down.  We need help cutting grass (drive a REAL tractor!), cutting up downed trees (use a REAL chainsaw!) setting up the stage (use a REAL paintbrush!) and the many other tasks required.  Contact your local Muffin organizer for more information.

Muffin XLIII Anyone?

Muffin 40??? How Did This Happen?

Wasn't Muffin supposed to be dead and buried back at Muffin 15? ... or was Muffin 20 supposed to be the Muffin to end all Muffins?  Then somehow it sprang back to life sporadically in its 20's and 30's.   Guess it's just not that easy to put down something that can be so rewarding!  Nothing like it for sure.  While there have been the "faithful" who have showed up for camp outs every year (and some of those were FANTASTIC), putting together a FBM (Full Blown Muffin) just doesn't happen all that often anymore.  It's a lot of work and most of us don't seem to have the time we used to (what's that all about?). 

So at this banner year when we celebrate our 40th anniversary lets not forget all the folks that made Muffin possible over the years... some of them have passed on.  Foremost and most recently our longtime host "Eddie Mack" or simply "Ed" as we knew him.  In many ways, Muffin grew out of Ed's vision of a special Browns Valley campground and his corn feeds and fly-ins created a template for people getting together to enjoy the outdoors.   Some say Ed had a love/hate relationship with the Muffin.  The love part is pretty obvious, the other is evident in fact that he allowed 150 or so crazy strangers to have a three or four day party at his home! In any case Ed, this Muffin is for YOU!

Other folks that made Muffin what it is today but are no longer here: Sven who convinced all types of folks (bikers, hippies, techies, musicians, students, etc.) from Berkeley to make the trek to Yuba County; Clance who put together the early Muffin pro quality sound system and single handed made the sound and stage system happen; Quinn who made sure the Unreal Band came back year after year and spread his special brand of humor all over the Muffin.

So, don't forget that Muffin is a unique event, non- commercial, anti-profit and happens only because of  great people like you.   This year, savor the good times, make some new friends, let your hair down and enjoy this very special place.  If somehow this all works again who knows?   Some say this must be the "last" Muffin others say maybe we should start counting at "1" again.  It's really all up to you!  

So... travel safely, take care of your fellow Muffineers, respect the land and locals and please, pack out your trash and leave things as you found them.

M-U-F-F-I-N !!!

Muffinz: Past & Present

Here are a few links to the past!  Maybe they'll provide some inspiration for a new crop of Muffineers and their photo-documenters!  Thanks Hans-Jurgen for providing these Flickr photos!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/131541264@N05/n4049z

https://www.flickr.com/gp/131541264@N05/rgpZGZ

https://www.flickr.com/gp/131541264@N05/266585

https://www.flickr.com/gp/131541264@N05/Qhck3J

 

 

Muffin Four-Tee Four-Cast: Cool Man Cool!!!

Browns Valley Official Forecast as of 5/19 PM

Cool and breezy is the word... good for a campfire and sleeping (at the Muffin?).  The good news is that if there is any rain it surely won't last long.  The bad news is that the drought continues and so does the weird weather!  For those folks that are available on Friday, a wood cuttin' & haulin' party will commence once the stage and sound booth are ready to go.  Chainsaws welcome!  Get Ready To MUFFIN!!!