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!!!

SpagEddie Anyone? Muffin Foodies Unite!!!

They say the older you get the more important food becomes... I guess at the ripe old age of 40 that applies to the Muffin as well.  As evidence, there are apparently a number of community feedings in the works.  All are invited and encouraged to join in the action by contributing dishes, supplies or just helping out.  The food-scape is looking something like this:

Friday evening: South by Southwest! A Sonoma/Tucson Twosome? How about Carnitas & Chile Verde! Mexican appetizers, salads, beans, dips and desserts, Margaritas and Cervazas would be welcomed Especial!

Saturday morning: Bagel Bill Presents! Pan toasted bagels with essential fixings... dill pickles anyone? OJ, champagne, coffee, lox or fruit would be great additions!

Sunday morning: Cook Shack Shimmy! A traditional griddle breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and cinnamon French toast. Contributions of fruit, jam, maple syrup, coffee, OJ and raisin bread will be gratefully accepted.

Sunday evening: Delicious Dina's SpagEddie and Meatballs Extravaganza! Also, Mac & Cheese, Grilled Veggies, Ceasar Salad, Garlic Bread & Dessert.  A nice Chianti would be superb or something to complement the above.

From the looks of things, Saturday evening is wide open for anyone who wants to try their hand at Gastronomy (Muffin Style). 

Wow, and this doesn't even include the Monday evening Meat Fest (and veggie steam off)! Stay Hungry My Friends!!!

Precise times and locations TBD! 

Muffin Stage is Ready to Rock & Roll!

The Muffin stage is alive and well after a bit of "re-skinning" by the mow down crew.  Our drummers will (hopefully) appreciate the new safe-tee rail at the back where many a band member has disappeared over the years.  The light bar has been rebuilt from scratch and rewired so you no longer have to wonder if its going to drop on your head when the breeze kicks up.  Band members may also notice an little extra bounce in their step if they do any pogo maneuvers; a feature that may be welcomed by some of our "senior" performers.  We ran out of wood before we could get to the wheel chair access ramp... maybe next year.  For now you'll have to use the stairs or bring your own fork lift.  The Muffin patented "tensegrity" canopy is still in pieces but will be assembled assuming we can remember how.  Additional effort went into clearing many beach front areas so you will find that creek access will be more plentiful then in years.  Many thanks to those that made the trip up last weekend and to those who were there "in spirit".   There is still plenty to do to get things set up so if you would like to help, plan on coming early!