Meadow Muffin Fifty One May 22-25, 2026

Thursday, May 10, 2018

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.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

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!

Monday, April 30, 2018

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.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Muffin XLIII Anyone?

Thursday, May 21, 2015

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 !!!