Alright, here we go — it’s official, the story of The Mab’s return is out in the world.

KQED’s podcast The Bay just dropped an episode — The Rebirth of Mabuhay Gardens, SF’s Legendary Punk Venue — and it hits straight to the heart of what this place has always been about: community, risk, humor, sweat, and sound.

Looking Back

The episode walks you through the old room — the purple curtains still hanging, the small stage that somehow held giants like Blondie, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, and Black Flag. You’ll hear from V. Vale, who published Search and Destroy, remembering how punk turned the Mab into an international crossroads. You’ll hear about Francesca Valdez, who spent decades trying to keep this space alive, and whose spirit still fuels what’s happening now.

Looking Forward

This isn’t just an obituary for what once was. It’s an introduction to what’s next. As the podcast makes clear, The Mab was never just about music — it was about lowering the bar so anyone with something to say could grab a mic and say it. That ethos matters as much today as it did in the late ‘70s. Maybe even more.

So yes — we’re bringing shows back. We’re keeping tickets cheap. But we’re also opening the floor to film, comedy, poetry, workshops, and whatever creative energy you’ve been holding inside waiting for the right room.

The Bay captured it well: this is a rebirth, not a rerun.

Listen to the Episode

Take a listen, share it around, and if you haven’t yet — follow along on Instagram for what’s next. The curtains are still here. The roof is ready to be lifted again.