Random Observation

Searching for the source of an issue is not the same as seeking someone to blame. 

It's important to know the difference.

Recent Write(s)

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/08/thursday-thoughts-as.html

What Do You Know About Voting Rights?

 To stay informed about voting rights, I suggest you subscribe to Mark Elias' Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/

Do You Care About the Constitution?

link to video

You Don't Know What You Don't Know

 You don't know what you don't know, so it's important to keep learning. Stay open, be kind, treat people the way you want to be treated. 

It seems so simple, doesn't it? 

  -- Mari 

Live Music This Friday and Saturday

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/08/this-week-live-music-in-benicia-and-san.html

[Mari Mack Music] Monday Morning Musings 7/20/26

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/07/monday-morning-musings-72026.html

MMLLK in Sausalito

 Mari Mack & Livin' Like Kings: 

A rare performance in Marin County: July 18th at The Cruising Club , 1610 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm 

Band Lineup: 

Arne Frager on bass, David Powell on guitar, Richard Wood on keys, and Roy Blumenfeld on drums 

Vocals: Mari Tamburo 

Expect some soulful blues and banter!

The Sausalito Cruising Club is a private club, so in order to gain admittance, please send a text to 415-789-Mari - and we will place you on the list. Cover $10 

[Cafe Tamburo] Independence Day

This is what my congressional representative has been doing - creating a 55 page report - read on my Substack. 

https://open.substack.com/pub/maritamburo/p/independence-day

[Mari Mack Music] July Save the Dates

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/07/july-save-dates.html

[Mari Mack Music] End of an Era

 https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/06/end-of-era.html

Climate.us

Scientists fired by DOGE have created a website to inform the public about climate issues : 

https://www.climate.us

[Cafe Tamburo] .. Civil Civic Conversation

https://open.substack.com/pub/maritamburo/p/democracy-requires-civil-civic-conversation

[ Cafe Tamburo on Substack] Did You Catch That?

https://maritamburo.substack.com/p/did-you-catch-that

A Celebration and a Reminder

Did you watch the Obama Center Celebration? We watched bits and pieces in real time, and replayed some clips. 

Jennifer Hudson has some pipes and stays on pitch 99.9% of the time. A beautiful strong woman. I'd like to pose an analogy. Remember that Jennifer Hudson came in fourth place during the season she participated in American Idol. That was due to the limited number of people who chose to participate in the voting process. When the world at large had the opportunity, she achieved greater success. And we all win every time she does what she does best. 

Think about it. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Basic Human Needs

Sometimes I wonder why I bother commenting on social media, because it's inevitable that at least one person will take what I write out of context, especially if that person is in an emotionally vulnerable state. 

Having "been there" before, I make sure to take a breath, not take what they said personally, and consider the source. More often than not, a misunderstanding is an opportunity to open up the lines of communication a bit further. 

Recent instance: a certain person just became a trillionaire. Dan Rather wrote on his Substack about it, and being a person who observes people and patterns, and having observed more than a few patterns on this particular subject, made a comment something to the effect that the richer a person's life is, the less money and material wealth they desire. 

I'm paraphrasing because I'm writing this on my phone, and if I go back to check my exact wording, I might lose this post, so bear with me here. 

Anyway, someone made a comment that read like an attack. I asked for clarification, because I wanted to make sure that their comment was a response to my comment. I was a bit confused, because I could not believe that this person -- who does not know me at all -- read my comment, took offense, and decided to make a snap judgment about my beliefs. 

So, after they confirmed that yes, they were indeed referring to my comment, I took another breath, asked them to please read my comment again in context. And instead of getting defensive and trying to explain myself, I decided to share something that needs so much more sharing than it has already had. 

So I'm sharing again here. 

https://open.substack.com/pub/maritamburo/p/basic-human-needs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=13o6e

Thank goodness for music. 

Ox, 

Mari 

June 13th in San Francisco

Mari Mack & Livin' Like Kings  

it'll be a party! 

4 - 8 pm 6/13/26 at The Saloon 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco - the reputed oldest bar in the City, located in the heart of North Beach...

 Mari Mack & Livin' Like Kings | Martin's Fond Farewell!  

Band lineup: 

Arne Frager - bass

David Powell - guitar

Richard Wood - keys

Martin Cunningham - drums 

Join as we send Martin off for his new adventure...

Carpool for the planet and stress free parking! 

Btw, we've added some more originals to the set...

Cash only

21 and over

One drink minimum

Non alcoholic choices on the menu.

https://facebook.com/events/s/mari-mack-livin-like-kings-mar/2914942465526112/?mibextid=Gg3lNB

Wise Words for Wednesday

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." Rumi

[Mari Mack Music] Bittersweet Beats

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/06/bittersweet-beats.html

HBO Max

EARTH Wind and Fire documentary. 9 pm.

CA Ballot Counting Continues

I find it odd that my politically attentive friends keep stating that Mahan and Porter "should have dropped out weeks ago," instead of the 50+ candidates who diverted 168,000+ votes; despite the fact Swalwell and Yee DID drop out, tens of thousands voters still cast ballots for them. 

Our system needs more civil and effective communication around our democratic process overall. We should not allow corporations to finance elections, or depend upon some so called "benevolent billionaires" to rescue our democracy.

Ranked choice voting would help ease the anxiety around elections, as would an equal playing field. 

Maybe it is our mindset about money in every aspect of life, not just politics, that needs adjusting. Is it a means to an end, or a beginning? 

-- M 

source: 

CalMatters.org

Please Vote!

Hey Everybody! 

Mari here. Excited to be working on some new tunes. We are taking the band of kings into the studio to record. 

Please vote as your conscience tells you to do. I used CalMatters.org for guidance. You do you. 

Happy Pride to everyone who believes in personal freedom as long as you aren't hurting anyone else. And if you are hurt by someone else's choices, maybe consider concentrating more on the things and people you love. 

See you on the second Saturday afternoon. 

This Sunday, I may try to do a live. Not sure. But stay tuned. 

Ox, 

Mari  

Vote

Please vote. 

Hole On, Now...

Everything is temporary. 

Looking forward to the next whatever it is...

Ox, 

Mari 

https://youtu.be/zG0HFw0edXY?si=1WDWxSBIVDCJu8HU

Concerning Times

Recommended watch: 

This video of Heather Cox Richardson and Cleve Jones, a human rights activist working on drawing attention to the upcoming public health crisis, when the BB Bill hits after the November midterm elections. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.sevendaysinjune.org/

Regarding the CA Governor's race, I have done much research, and still feel that Katie Porter is the best choice for the job. I am not "in love" with any candidate. This is a pragmatic decision. She is a consumer protection advocate with enough experience in government to know what needs to be done and not so much that she can be considered an "establishment" politician. 

Her values, for the most part, align with mine. (Unfortunately, she seems to have drunk the YIMBY kool-aid, but I can't find a candidate who hasn't.)   

I refuse to be bullied into voting against my principles.

Still researching more information. Please get out there and vote. 

Best, 

Mari  

Related: 

https://www.maritamburo.com/2026/04/ca-governor-debate-1-takeaways.html

Monday Morning Musings

Hey Everybody! 

Holding onto hope that common sense will become common again, along with common courtesy. It starts with us. I don't what is going on in the hearts and minds of some folks regarding this CA election for governor. Politics is so strange. It reminds me of high school cliques, but with much older people. 

No gigs this week, but I'm planning on hitting a local blues jam tonight. If you know, you know. 

Ox, 

Mari 

[Mari Mack Music] Mothers' Day Recap

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/05/mothers-day-weekend-recap.html

Inner Work | Outer Limits

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/05/inner-work-outer-limits.html

Mari Mack Music: May I have your attention, please...

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/04/may-i-have-your-attention-please.html

Mari Mack Music : Attitude of Gratitude

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/04/attitude-of-gratitude.html

May 9th in San Francisco

CA Governor Debate 1 - Takeaways

My takeaways from the first CA Governor debate: 

Some of the questions were real head scratchers. What was that private insurer question all about? Why not a question on how to make our public insurance fund more robust? 

The candidates: 

Porter obviously cares about public service. She's not taking any corporate money, and I sense that I can trust her to relate to and listen to the majority of citizens. I would feel very inspired and optimistic should Katie Porter end up being our next Governor. Yes

Becerra seems trustworthy and knowledgeable, but seems a bit too much of the status quo, so I don't see him offering much in the way of change. I would be OK with him being elected. Mehbe.

Steyer can do a lot of public good by continuing to engage in philanthropy. I am uncomfortable with billionaires buying their way into public office. His ads are annoying. Enough already. I don't care who endorses him, I'm not voting for him. And stop with the comparison to JB Pritzker. JB inherited his money, he didn't acquire it by questionable means. It doesn't matter that Steyer regrets it. Private prisons are a hard pass. With the money he has spent on ads, he could have done so much good. No.

Mahan has some good ideas, but not enough experience for Governor. Not doing it for me. No. 

Bianco - that stunt he pulled with the ballots, and says we have to "get over" racism? No. 

Hilton - wants to cut our trees and drill  for oil. NO

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. 

All You Need Is Love

https://youtu.be/_7xMfIp-irg?si=QlUjYsMsZ-p9zf-7

Creative Conversations in San Rafael. 4/16/26, 4 - 7 pm

In conjunction with the statewide "April is Arts Advocacy Month" initiative, a few of us currently working out of Mark Drive Studios are presenting "Creative Conversations" - 

4 - 7 pm 

- which leaves plenty of time to go see some live music!

Mark Drive Studios is located at 7 - 11 Mark Drive 

(Formerly known as Smith Ranch Studios) 

Shannon Meadows will discuss social activism and art 

Bill Russell will discuss narrative visual storytelling 

Mari Tamburo will speak about music's past present and future trends, AI vs. + Human, streaming and DIY, social media tips 

From the website: 

Mark Drive Studios is a collective of visionary artists dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity. Founded on a passion for art and community, they strive to create a space where artists can thrive..." 

“In these chaotic times, creating joy through artistic expression is an act of power.” - Mari Tamburo

Thanks to Marin Cultural Association for the incentive and opportunity to participate in this statewide initiative. 

Learn more about the studio at https://markdrivestudios.com

If you do facebook, here is the event link: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/817173977494220/

Hers and His "Talks from the Essex Hotel"

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

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

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

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

Saturday Recap, Thursday, Creative Conversations in San Rafael

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/04/saturday-recap-thursday-creative.html

April 11th in San Francisco

Back at The Saloon. 

If you know, you go. 

Recent Writes

Music, Art, Democracy

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/04/music-art-democracy.html

Easter and Spring Fever 

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/04/easter-and-spring-fever.html 

When...

Every day we make choices: What clothes to wear, what foods to eat, what activities in which to engage or not to engage, what news programs to watch, what to believe or not believe, whether to become cynical and give up on just about everything we ever dreamed about doing or creating... or to remain hopeful and keep trying. 

But then, there are times when we allow ourselves to adjust those goals and simply "be" -- to accept the choices we have already made and keep doing what needs to be done in order to maintain that to which we have already committed. 

That said, sometimes, outside forces get in the way of allowing us to simply live the life we are doing our best to live -- and the "simple life" becomes not so simple after all. 

People say one thing and do another, or may try to force us into accepting or doing things that to many, seem unjust and unecessary, force us into doing things we simply do not want to do, or we feel compelled by curiosity find out more about something before forming an opinion about it. 

In 2011 I found myself in such a position, and it led me on a personal journey where in March of 2012, I still believed that "when given all the correct information, people will do the right thing." 

Therein lies the rub...getting all the correct information. Especially these days, when we are bombarded with so much BS and everyone has an agenda, and is in a big rush, that we are barely given enough time to think - and that is the point of sales:  to create urgency. 

And let's edit that to state "most people..." or maybe even just "some people."

Because most people are so busy maintaining "the status quo" - that they barely have time to look up, look around, or look inward. 

Take the time. It is all we've got, and not much of it. 

Thanks for reading. I wish you love in your heart and peace in your soul. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Related: 

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/03/mondays-march-on.html

We Are Indivisible

Wrote this in early 2017. It's basically a demo track. I aspire to record it with the full band and choir someday. 

In the meantime, feel free to learn it and sing it to yourself or with friends, whenever you need a reminder that there are more of us good people, people who "get it" and understand that we can do better together, than those who don't. 

https://marimack.bandcamp.com/track/indivisible

See you on the 28th! 

Ox, 

Mari 

P.s. Art by Mia Tavonatti

[Mari Mack Music] Only In San Francisco

We had another fun one this past Pi Party Saturday at The Saloon. There was lots of green in the house, since the St Patrick's Day Parade took place downtown earlier that day. And, unbeknownst to me, it was "Brides of March" as well. What a blast!  People were so kind. I love San Francisco. 

We turned into couch potatoes the next day, enjoying the granddaughter play between watching the Oscars. I get the whole "creating joy in dark times" yet it feels strange to see people dripping in diamonds while so many go without. I guess it has always been this way. 

Back in writing mode and I'll be putting together a couple of events in April. More on that later. Sending love. 

Ox, 

Mari 

source: https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/03/only-in-san-francisco.html

c

CADEM : Is California Ready for Betty?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Betty. Think about it. Steady, finds and fixes wasteful spending. Gets the job done. 

Look her up and let me know your thoughts. 

Thanks, 

Mari 

P.s. See you at The Saloon on Saturday. 

Party on Pi Day - It's Irrational

Hope you are doing well. We are all fighting our own battles in some way -- some on the inside, some on the outside. I find myself going between feeling depressed and angry about what is happening in the world, and being grateful for good memories, determined to make some new ones! 

You know. 

Sending love. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Got a gig Saturday. 

Same time, same place, different drummer. 

Call to Action : Start Where You Are

#CallToAction Advocacy needed for Music and Arts Education in Sebastopol. 

Go here

Please pardon typos.

 For my friends near Sebastopol - scroll down to the end of this post to read about and listen to the beautiful work that Spencer Burrows is doing with high school kids in West Sonoma County. 

If you can attend the March 4th School Board meeting on Wednesday night,  please make a public comment in person so he can continue to do so. If you cannot attend, please take a moment to make a public comment via email before 3 pm, 3/4/26.

People in public service need to hear from the public, so they know how you want your tax dollars to be spent.

AGENDA 

of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the West Sonoma County Union High School District

March 4, 2026
5:00 p.m. Open Session
5:05 p.m. Closed Session
6:00 p.m. Open Session 

Analy High School - Library 
6950 Analy Ave 
Sebastopol CA 95472

Hybrid Meetings
The WSCUHSD Board is committed to providing access to Board meetings virtually.  All Board meetings, where practical, will be broadcast virtually using the Zoom webinar platform, allowing attendees to view the meeting, hear the conversations, and view presented materials from their home computer, tablet, or smartphone.  

Public Comment 
Public comment can be made by attending in person.  
Virtual attendees can make public comments regarding the agenda by emailing Jessica Albavera at jalbavera@wscuhsd.org by 3:00 pm on the day of the regular board meeting.  
The subject line in the email must read PUBLIC COMMENT.  Those comments will be uploaded to the agenda before the start of the meeting.  

No public comment will be taken via the virtual format

Zoom Webinar Link
Call in: 669 900 9128

[Mari Mack Music] 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. 

Source: 

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/03/bandcamp-friday-march-6th-san-francisco.html

[Mari Mack Music] Save the Date: March 14th, 4 to 8!

Save the Date: March 14th, 4 to 8! 

There is a lot going on in the world. Most of it is good, some of it is bad. 

The bad seems to get most of the press, but it's best to not let it stress you. I've always thought that if you have enough time to worry, you either have too much time on your hands or are procrastinating on something. 

We'll be back at The Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco - March 14th, from 4 to 8 pm. 

It should be a party. 

I get to celebrate my Irish ancestry! (1/8th)

Hope to see you. 

Ox, 

Mari 

 https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/02/save-date-march-14th-4-to-8.html

Thank You

https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/02/thank-you.html

Remembering Jesse Jackson

https://www.jessejacksonlegacy.com/

Servant leader

Reclaiming Democracy

In short, the SAVE act, the way I see it, is an attempt to take away a woman's right to vote. Reject this notion, and take action by getting a passport. 

Suspension of Judgement

I don't know who else needs to see this, but am sharing here. 

It's what we need to do more often. 

I hope you have the best possible day. 

Ox, 

Mari 

love > hate

Oops, Shouldn't Have Done That!

This guy FAFO'd. Veterans put up an ice sculpture, some guy knocked it down. He got arrested and called out. 

Why do some people think it's cool (no pun intended) to destroy things? It's so disrespectful and unkind. Blech. 

Can we stop calling some of these folks "influencers" and start calling them what they are - "misguiders" or something to that effect? 

https://www.fox9.com/news/far-right-influencer-jake-lang-arrested-damaging-prosecute-ice-sculpture-feb-5

So many questions. Thank goodness for music! 

I'm looking forward to our next gig at The Saloon - 2.14.26, 4 - 8 pm.  We are going to party like it's Mardi Gras and share the love, because it's Valentine's Day, and because that is how we rock and roll. "Kindness is King" in our world. 

Ox, 

Mari 

P.s. Happy Bandcamp Friday! If you can't afford to buy my music, feel free to stream for free! 

And if you find something you like, please share it with some friends on your social media channels! Thanks so much! 

Https://marimack.bandcamp.com 

Bandcamp Friday : February 6th

Hey Everybody! 

Bandcamp Friday returns February 6th! 

So, if you haven't done so already, please visit my bandcamp page, and consider "digging deeply,  not cheaply" and buying some of my musical endeavors! 

You may just find an anthem to march to, or a song to tale your mind off current events! 

Or, if you are feeling generous, consider the following...

 

Your action might: 

-  Give me some incentive to make more music for someone other than myself! 

 - Help place me back on that path to philanthropy I so want to travel upon! 

In the meantime, I will keep looking for additional forms of income, because bills must be paid. 

Here is the link: 

Https://marimack.bandcamp.com

Thank you so much for reading, listening and for your consideration. 

Hang in there! We'll get to where we are meant to be, eventually. 

Ox, 

Mari 

For more info about Bandcamp Friday, visit this link: 

https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/bandcamp-fridays

Monday Morning Musings 2.2.26

Hey Everybody! 

Hope this note finds you well. 

Watched some of the pre show and the Grammys. 

I'll make this short, because I just leaned the wrong way and unintentionally erased most of what I had already written. I kid you not. 

Standouts for me Bad Bunny's first speech, which basically echoed MLK jr., and is so relevant for these times. 

The groundhog saw his shadow, so hunker down for a bit longer. Spring will be here soon, and the sun rises every day. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Source : https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/02/monday-morning-musings-1226.html

Hard to Find The Words

I have watched the videos and can't seem to find the right words for this moment, other than to express my hope that the people who have so strongly supported the Second Amendment for so many years will gather their networks and use their powers to demand an investigation into the murder of Alex Pretti. 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/24/alex-pretti-killing-witness-testimony

I love my country. It feels as she has been kidnapped. 

Please call your elected representatives and urge them to go across the aisle and aak the Republicans to help defend our Constitution. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. 

Ox, 

Mari 

originally published on 1.25.26 

updated 2.4.26

Back in the Bay

Hello Again! 

I'm back in the Bay Area, and that nasty bug is back, trying to get me and bunch of my friends. 

By all accounts, there were beautiful celebrations of Bob Weir's life while I was away. And what a life and a legacy. 

Feeling grateful for music, and doing my best to bring truth and good to light when I find it.  If you are feeling down, I encourage you to do the same. 

Truth is, some people have seized power, claiming to uphold the law, but they are not enforcing the law, they are breaking it. 

More of us need to stand with true law enforcement and what is good in these United States. The majority of us are united, when we understand the truth.

Speaking of which, have you seen the clip from Philly? 

Give it a look, and feel free to share. 

https://youtu.be/SMiRLgU7hmA?si=e8T1N47I8tmp75bL

That's all I have time to share for now. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Memphis!

I'm in Memphis this week, working on getting back to the basics of my being. 

A reminder that in the midst of all the turmoil, there is music, and all the kindness and grace that humans are capable of. 

There is more good than bad in this world. It's just that the bad guys get most of the press. 

Keep standing up for the good. 

Ox, 

Mari 

[ Artsboretum] New Year, Fresh Starts and the SOS

 https://artsboretum.blogspot.com/2026/01/new-year-fresh-starts-and-sos.html

Direct Link to Alan's Go Fund Me