We're only a few weeks out!!

Gabe Burczyk has long been a force of nature behind the MV Music Fest. In advance of MVMF on May 13-14, it's only right that Gabe and the Chamber are hosting a teaser/preview of the amazing food, drink, art, activities and experiences that we've dialed up for the 2023 edition. A number of MVMF vendors are doing mini installations, displays and samples at the event, including JAMBAR, Play Marin, Poet and the Bench's art pieces like these), Philine of San Francisco & Malaya Botanicals. There will also be food provided by Bungalow 44 & Playa, with drinks from Salt Point, Maker Wine, and beer program from the Junction. MVMF tunes provided by JW. There will also be a red carpet step & repeat; a Sneak Peek at what's new for the Festival grounds for 2023; the Manzanita Market - Show and Tell; MVMF food; expanded activations, Mother's Day surprises; a look at the Sweetwater Stage acts – and the Wellness lineup. We'll give you a taste of what's to come! ?319 Miller Ave., 5:30-7pm. MORE INFO. 

Blight Is in the Eye of the Beholder. 
How Can We Incentivize Commercial Property Owners to Invest in Theirs?

When our team at the Mill Valley Chamber sees a commercial space around town sitting empty for too long, we quietly ask around about possibilities and inquire about how we can help. Though we certainly have some vacancies across the five commercial districts of the 94941 – downtown, Miller Ave., Alto Plaza, Tam Junction and Strawberry Village, we’ve had some exciting wins, including MIXT and Mamahuhu. But we’ve learned, via an excellent piece in the Mercury News earlier this month, that the reasons for longstanding vacancies go well beyond a property owners’ ability to get financing in tough climate. “Around the Bay Area, vacant eyesores gape,” writes Ethan Baron. “Struggling downtowns in San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco receive plenty of public attention, but cities around the Bay Area are facing a confluence of troubles outside their cores that are replacing formerly vibrant shopping districts with decaying, empty storefronts.” FULL STORY.

Who Lights Up Your Day?!?
You know us: we spend as much time as possible highlighting the amazing people, places and things in our community. Our latest quest is to highlight the people, primarily service workers, who you love seeing at your favorite restaurant or shop. We want to hear about that person who lifts your spirits or brightens your day – someone who might make a special effort to go out of their way to make our community better. One example: downtown USPS' Juan Polanco. This is inspired by the late Tony Coyle, the gold standard. EMAIL US HERE WITH YOUR NOMINATIONS.

Hilarity Will Ensue: Mill Valley Arts Commission’s Comedy in the Plaza Returns With a Dynamite Lineup on June 15 @ 6pm
A quintet of dynamite comedians are set to tickle your funny bones in a night of hilarity on the Depot Plaza. FULL STORY.

Aviator Nation to Serve Up Free VIP MV Music Fest Tix in !!
Aviator Nation Mill Valley (and MV Music Fest sponsor) at the Lumber Yard is doing a VIP ticket giveaway giveaway.  The two separate giveaways details are: one on Instagram, and one in-store. To enter, follow Aviator Nation here, like their post announcing the giveaway, and tag 3 friends to enter. You cal also participate in-store, with one entry for every $100 spent in their shop. FULL STORY.

Sheer Joy: Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew Bring ‘Remain in Light’ Project to MVMF–May 14
“Adrian and I had often discussed the magic of the 1980 tour and the sheer joy it brought to audiences. It is such a delight to bring that joy once again to crowds. You can’t help but dance and go home with a happy smile on your face.” FULL STORY.

Sweetwater Music Hall Dials Up ‘Loretta Lives,’ a Tribute to the Music of the Legendary Loretta Lynn – April 16
The venue has a special treat in store as it hosts “Loretta Lives! A Tribute to the Music of Loretta Lynn,” performed and curated by Laura Benitez and the Heartache. FULL STORY.

Sweetwater Lands Slide Guitar God Roy Rogers As Part of 50th Anniversary – April 28
As part of the Sweetwater’s 50th anniversary celebration, which began in November 2022, virtuoso slide guitarist and Grammy nominated songwriter/producer and recording artist Roy Rogers is set to perform along with Katie Knipp at the Sweetwater on Friday, April 28  FULL STORY.

Emphasizing Education and Support Over Enforcement, City Backs Reusable Foodware
The ordinance is set to take effect on Nov. 10, 2023, though county and city officials have indicated that if additional funding is needed to support businesses making the transition, city officials could lean on the Zero Waste JPA, which would provide “anywhere from $10,000-$20,000,” City Manager Todd Cusimano said. “If this is not working in November we are going to pivot – we need to be working collaboratively with out businesses.” FULL STORY.

Check Out the Amazing Food Manzanita Market Products at the 2023 Mill Valley Music Fest
A lineup of 10 dynamite bands that will keep you dancing long after the Mill Valley Music Fest on May 13-14? Check 1. Eleven phenomenal food vendors keeping your belly full while you dance the days away? Check 2. An incredible array of makers, creators, retailers, nonprofit organizations and much more? Yes yes. We’re unveiling the roster of amazingly creative food vendors and Manzanita Market participants, a must-have on any festival-goers’ menu. FULL STORY.

THE MVMF YOUTH MOVEMENT!

Teen Tickets Now Available!!
Alert the group chat and let them know that Teen tickets to Mill Valley Music Festival are on sale now! Available for teens ages 13-19, these tickets get you in with all of the luxuries of GA tickets, but at a more affordable price for the youth. Tell the whole friend group and bring the squad to Mill Valley Music Festival this May 13 + 14! MORE INFO & BUY.

Click Here to view the Mill Valley Chamber Of Commerce Newsletter - April 14, 2023.