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.

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 

Bandcamp Friday March 6th, San Francisco on 3.14 !

Hey Everybody! 

I don't know about you, but I'm doing my best to not get depressed due to current events. I will be probably ranting about all or some of that on other social platforms and my substack sometime soon, but this space is reserved for music related things. 

Getting ready to be making some music in a public place.

And what better place to celebrate Pi Day than in San Francisco's pizza pie Central North Beach? So come on down to 1232 Grant Avenue on 3.14.26. We start playing tunes at around 4 and go until 8 or shortly thereafter. It's always a blast.

Roy Blumenfeld will be occupying the drum throne on this date. Rounding out the Kings' lineup will be Arne on bass, David Powell on guitar, Richard Wood on keys, and myself on vocals. 

As I've stated before, it's a non pretentious place, so come as yourself, as long as you are over 21 years old. We love kids, but it's the law. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Band/music related:

Https://linktr.ee/mmllk

Mari stuff: 

Https://linktr.ee/maritamburo

Btw, if you prefer to support a streaming platform that pays more money to artists, check out Bandcamp. They forego their fees this Friday, March 6th, and are skipping April, so go check out some independent music.