Monday Morning Musings for 10/05/2026

Hey Everybody! 

Remember that phrase, "everything is temporary" that I repeat from time to time? Well, some things are more temporary than others! That position I mentioned recently, the one I hoped would enable me to invest in my own creative endeavors? Well, it was not a good fit. I had a feeling, as the red flags started waving back in July, and when I received the contract in August, something still felt off, but I figured I would give it a chance, since it was only five mnutes away by car, and 18 minutes by bus. I actually feel sorry for those folks, because they are clueless. On the way out, I expressed my thoughts about how they never should have let the other gal go, (the one I was hired to replace.) It's complicated, but I'll save myself some energy and you some time by sparing you all the details for now, and move on to more positive and productive things.

I managed to connect the new building owner at Mark Drive to the folks at SCRAPSF, and together with some help from Art + Water and CAST, we are saving some amazing doors from landfill. Did you know that construction waste is a large part of what ends up at the dump? 

Anyway, I digress!

We have a gig this Saturday, October 10th, 4 - 8 pm, at The Saloon, 1233 Grant Avenue, San Francisco. That's two days after the Saloon's anniversary party on October 8th. 

While October is The Saloon's anniversary month, it's also the month I visited the Little City as an adult and had that fateful night when I walked into the little bar and made a decision to pack my things and move out West for good. More on that later,  maybe when I update my website or write a book.

But now, I have some furniture to move and some laundry to dry. 

As always, sending love. 

Ox, 

Mari 

In case you missed it, Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" was released 50 years ago this past week! What a great bunch of recordings. How lucky are we? 

Btw, one of the engineers who worked on that album called Arne up one day and started screaming at him, that it was NOT recorded in Sausalito, unlike the claims of several past decades. They spent one day, recording a backwards hihat or cymbal or something like that. Too funny. 

Happy Bandcamp Friday!

What's Bandcamp Friday, you ask? Well, that's the day that Bandcamp, a platform that allows you to stream music for free and download and pay music makers, is "fee free" - meaning more of what you decide to pay goes directly to the artists and independent record companies on the platform. 

If you find yourself with some extra cash and haven't yet done so, here's my bandcamp page: marimack on bandcamp if you want to send over some monetary support for my musical endeavors.  

You can find all kinds of music over there. Be sure to join the community page. 

If you prefer to support in another way, visit this link  -- or come say hello at a gig and drop some dollars in the tip jar, tell a venue near you to book us, or contact me to book us at a house concert or in your backyard, etc. 

We're a tight, fun, band! Come see us every second Saturday afternoon in San Francisco at The Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue. 165 years and still going strong! 

And, I'm open for projects. Arne is too. He just finished mixing an album by a talented songwriter, Chris Morrissette. Chris contacted him after 50 years. That was so fun. 

That's all for now. Take care, be love, and may our paths cross soon. 

Ox, 

Mari 

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