Until Further Notice: Second Saturday Afternoon at The Saloon!

Hey All! 

Next music gig coming up is Saturday, October 10th, 2026, 4 - 8 pm, at The Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco.Band lineup for this gig: 

Richard Wood on keys, Dave Powell on guitar, and those two living legends in the rhythm section: Arne Frager on bass, and Roy Blumenfeld on the drum throne. If you know, you know. If you don't, come check it out and you might understand a bit better! 

 

In other news, I'm thrilled to report that I've recently landed a new gig that will allow me to use my communication and tech skills for public good. If you know me well enough, you already understand what motivates me: the ability to serve. 

Also, I tend to go where I am needed, wanted, and can be challenged and make a true contribution. Experience has taught me not to give up, and to trust my instincts. 

I'm excited that this latest opportunity means I will be able to invest in making more of the music I want to make, and I will be able to bring back the horns, so we can get that "Livin' Like Kings" thing going again! And speaking of living like a "king" - if I'm not able to live like Albert, BB or Freddie, I hope to be able to live like Ann King. She passed in 2020, and I recommend you read her obituary. She wrote it herself, and her chosen opening line? "Damn. I'm dead." Before that, she lived.  I plan to do the same! 

Ox, 

Mari 

p.s.

Words on Wednesday

Fall has arrived! It slipped in last night, while I was passed out on the couch.  

 

Despite newscasts of gloom and doom, the sun rose again today, shining light on the opportunity to celebrate another day of living and learning. 

Experience is the best teacher, as long as we are open to the lessons.

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/fall-equinox-first-day-of-fall

Sending love. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Max Respect

I remember the excitement of going to the post office to buy my one Peter Max stamp. It's sitting in a little box of my memories. 

RIP Peter Max. 

I can't believe we still have to argue about the importance of preserving our environment. 

We do what we can do. 

Best, 

Mari 

Monday Morning Musings, for 9/14/26

9/12 Gig recap: 

This past Saturday afternoon gig at The Saloon had some really fun moments. It was one of those "you had to be there" things. The description wouldn't do it justice. Thanks to all who were able to be there to share in the experience! 

Our next gig is scheduled for Saturday October 10th, again from 4 to 8, so save the date!

As for what's happening beyond music, there are moments in time when it becomes necessary to raise our collective voice until it becomes a roar. 

It doesn't matter which political party, if any, you are (or were) aligned with - we should all be concerned with the truth. 

As always, sending love and best wishes to all. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Saturday Afternoon in San Francisco!

 A friendly reminder from some folks who enjoy playing live music for live people! 

Memories

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/memorial/angel-pena

I can still see, in my mind's eye, my mother dancing with Angel at my Aunt's wedding. 

I remember getting the call from one of the "kids" - she was attending Chico State at the time. The sense of panic, not knowing the whereabouts of the other "kid," who lived in Manhattan at the time. He was out of the state, if memory serves, visiting his mother. 

Sending love and a wish for healing to all. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Saturday Afternoon at The Saloon in San Francisco, 4 - 8 pm

It's that time again, for our monthly Saloon soiree! 9/12/26, 4 - 8 pm, in the heart of North Beach, we give you a royal dose of the blues, so you can put on your dancing shoes! 

1232 Grant Avenue, 

San Francisco, 

No cover, so go ahead and park in the garage! 

21+, one drink minimum

The Sun Rises Again!

Hey Everybody! 

Hope you had an enjoyable Labor day! I labored on long overdue tasks, and it was exhausting and joyful! 

 Remember, when we can't find joy, we can do pur best to create it, even if it's in our imagination. Each of us has more power than we realize, and the best power I can think of is the power to adapt to change, which is constant and inevitable. They don't call it the "Serenity Prayer" for no reason, and it works even if you aren't in recovery. That said, some days it feels as if we are all trying to recover from something. 

Music dept.: 

We have a gig this coming Saturday, 9/12/26 at The Saloon, 4 - 8 pm 

1232 Grant Avenue, 

San Francisco. 

We have so much fun, I hope you can join us. 

Next month, it will be 39 years since I first walked into that place, and I am grateful for the music and friendships made along the way. 

Stay safe, be kind, and be love. 

Ox, 

Mari