Thursday Thoughts : 4/23/26

Hey Everybody! 

Hope you are doing well. Many things in the works, some fun announcements coming, but have to keep under wraps until June. Working on doing some recording at my favorite traditional recording studio, and being able to pay some singers and musicians for their time and expertise.  Fingers crossed and wish me luck! In the meantime, if you would like to support my recording efforts, send me a note and I'll keep you posted on how to do just  that. If you want to hear me sing anything in particular, let me know. I have a bunch of songs started, just need some time to focus and help getting them done. 

Thanks to the handful of folks who listened to the local podcast I did recently. I have to admit, it was a weird feeling trying to go back and forth between two people, asking me about the dreaded sidewalk debacle of 2010-2012, and when I ran for Supervisor ten years ago,  and then asking me about The Plant. I didn't have a chance to share half that story -- guess you can't squeeze that many years into a few minutes. Nice folks, though. 

Btw, I do not feel the same way about all jambands that the podcast host expressed. That was one personal experience with one band in particular. MMLLK goes on extended jams at times, but I feel appreciated and respected in this band...

...next gig is May 9th, from 4 - 8 at The Saloon in San Francisco. 

Speaking of politics...

I am closely watching the CA Governor's race, I was leaning toward Betty Yee and Katie Porter, but Betty dropped out, so I'm leaning heavily toward Katie. If you curious like me, here are my takeaways on the first debate on 4/21/26. 

If you live in CA, please register to vote and do some research before making your decision. 

If you need a singer, help with events, I'm still open for paid live music gigs and recording projects.

Hope to see you soon, and thanks for reading and listening. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Ups and Downs

Hey Everybody! 

Please bear with me if I repeat myself. There is more good than bad in this world, it's just that the bad gets more press. 

Just because I don't repeat the bad news does not imply that I'm not paying attention, so please feel free to ask my any questions. I'll do my best to steer you in the correct direction. 

Anyway, no music gigs this week, but there are some spaces available at Mark Drive Studios, so if you know of someone looking for a quiet art creation space in central San Rafael, please have them contact me at 415-789-6274 and leave a message. When I call you back, it might show up as "spam,"  so take note. 

Here's some good news: 

Did you hear about the hot air balloon that had an emergency landing in someone's small backyard in Temecula? Cool looking balloon! Kudos to the pilot, who managed to avoid power lines and trees while landing, then navigating up and over the house,  relocating into the quiet street...and no one got hurt. 

Here's the video. Warning, the videographer says "wow" a lot...who can 

https://youtu.be/cQFJYUuw_jo?si=vgS1yu_wQtJx0D0b

Hope you have the best week possible. 

Ox, 

Mari 

p.s. Someone asked me "Why did you use the title 'hers and his...' in your post about the podcasts?"  It's simple: alphabetical order. 

Talking and Feeling Vulnerable

This week, I was honored to be invited for a conversation on the podcast, "Talks from the Essex Hotel" based in San Anselmo: 

https://youtu.be/OgxTBEwVJZ8?si=0iSv-6Cwu_a2LQTD

The previous week, Arne was a guest, while he was doing his thing, I went to pick up an autoharp tuning wrench at Amazing Grace and then, as previously mentioned, spent about an hour petting kittens at the Pet Cottage. Arne's episode can be found here: 

https://youtu.be/TmiDU1sA3Zw?si=-4lKl7UDifrLlci5

If you are near San Rafael, I'm engaging in "Creative Conversations" from 4 - 7 at Mark Drive Studios. 

More info on that here: 

https://www.maritamburo.com/2026/04/creative-conversations-in-san-rafael.html 

Please pardon typos. I'm doing all this on my phone. 

Be kind to yourself and let it flow out into the world. 

Ox, 

Mari 

p.s. Next gig is at The Saloon on May 9th. I'm open and available for additional work and projects, preferably attached to a paycheck. 

Saturday Recap, Thursday Creative Conversations in Marin

Band was kickin' on Saturday!  Thanks to everyone who braved the rain to hang. We  managed to sneak in a couple of reworked originals in preparation for the next album. More next month, if not sooner. Hope to see you May 9th.  

Later this week: 

I'm producing this event in partnershio with Bill Russell and Shannon Meadows on Thursday, 4/16 at the Mark Drive Studios. It's part of a statewide arts advocacy initiative. 

 Shannon will discuss social activism through art and Bill will converse about narrative storytelling through illustration. I'll be sharing some thoughts on the past, present and future trends in music industry.

If you are in the area, please stop by. We'll have some light snacks and beverages; feel free to bring something to share, or not. Just come with an open heart and mind. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Saturday at The Saloon!

I get to sing today! Mari Mack & Livin' Like Kings Saturday afternoon adventure at The Saloon begins at 4 pm, and we go to 8:00, followed by the Delta Wires at 9:30 pm! Fun will be had! 

Kitten pics to catch your attention and help spread the good word that these babies are almost ready for their "furever" homes. Momma might be available as well. If you are local and you want more info, feel free to ask. (Current events are such that I had to stop at a local shop for some kitten cuddles and purrs a few days ago while Arne was doing a podcast. )  

That's all for now. 

Sending hugs and wishes for you to be surrounded by kindness and love - and don't be anyone's doormat. 

Ox, 

Mari 

April 11th in San Francisco

We are at it again - 4 - 8 pm, Saturday, April 11th at 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco 

Kings' lineup: 

Mari Tanburo vocals

Arne Frager on bass

Dave Powell on guitar

Richard Wood on Keys

Martin Cunningham on drums 

Richard  

Music, Art, Democracy

I sing everyday, even if it is only to myself, in my mind. Saves the vocal chords for the gigs!

Gearing up for our monthly Second Saturday afternoon at The Saloon. 

April 11th, 4 - 8 pm

1232 Grant Avenue 

San Francisco

21 and over only

Hard and soft drinks available. 

No cover. 

Tips accepted. 

It's the best music deal in the universe. 

Stay hopeful. Be kind. 

Ox, 

Mari 

I don't know who made this meme, but I feel the need to share. 

Easter and Spring Fever

The older we get, if we are paying attention, we can become wiser. This can be determined by our choices, and whether we decide to open or close our hearts and minds. 

Imagine it as a bud in spring. 

I still can't figure out why the photos are displaying sideways. Seems to fit current times. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Check out "pagan origins of Easter" when you get a chance.