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!