'Tis the Season

It’s the start of the holiday season, and I’m ramping myself up for all it brings. Every time it rolls around I get caught up in it if I let myself. I always say that the season is here and gone so fast so you have to dive in head-first and enjoy it before it’s gone. And this morning I was reminded to experience it with joy as I watched my old dog Beau gallivanting across the prairie with giddiness this morning as we walked for sunrise. He doesn’t know it’s the holiday season - although he does know what Christmas presents are, and he can sense the excitement that fills the air. I think he was mainly excited for the smell of coyotes and rabbits in the area, but he reminded me what it’s like to live in the moment no matter what season it is. I can always use that reminder. I try to pace myself so that the spirit lasts all through until Christmas Day. We don’t do as many traditional activities and put out as many decorations as we used to, but we like to watch holiday movies and get to the mountains to cut a tree if we can. I’ll play as many Christmas songs as I can. (I have about 225 when I can remember how they all go.(-;) This year I am learning some older Christmas songs from Britain and Europe. I love these historical songs that reflect a different time and traditions. I like to see what the solstice traditions are too. I even wrote a song called “Winter Solstice” last year that picked up on these ancient celebrations with the rhythms of the earth. So I hope you are starting the season out well, and I will write more as the season progresses.

——

What have I been up to?

Last week I had 9 senior facilities scheduled, but 3 had to cancel due to illness or lower census the day after a holiday. I was sorry that folks had to deal with illness over a holiday. I hope they heal well. I enjoyed spreading a little thankfulness to those I got to play for, and they seemed to be grateful for it.

My Wednesday online show was playing thankful songs, and there were some really good songs requested and played that put us in the Thanksgiving spirit. It was loads of fun.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a really neat show with lots of variety and most of the regulars who are so kind and suppåortive.  I love these evenings!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’ll be playing Christmas songs if they’re ready for them. I know it takes some people a week or so after Thanksgiving to get in the spirit, but as I said above it’s important to get in that spirit and enjoy the season. I know that some folks are a little down at this time of the year too, so I’m always sensitive to that.

Tuesday I’m playing for the Pueblo Newcomers group lunch as I have done many times before. This is a wonderful local club dedicated to introducing folks to the community and giving them activities to do in the area. We’ll get to do some Christmas caroling and special tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing British Victorian Christmas songs. I wrote a little about these above, and I’m anxious to get to play them for everyone. They’re fun and inspiring. Come on out if this sounds like your kind of Christmas music.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing favorites and requests as always, and I’m looking forward to seeing what songs everyone is in the mood for. There are a few December songs that I always love to sing, and I’m sure there’ll be some Christmas spirit thrown into the mix too. This is the time of year that I don’t mind repeating favorites. I’d love to play for you too if you’d like to tune in.

——

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that I’m playing a Christmas concert with my good friend Don Richmond at Society Hall in Alamosa of Friday the 12th at 7:00. That’s going to be a very special night that I’m really looking forward to. You can find more about it on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AxX92v7Nb/

I hope you are healthy and happy,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of British Victorian Christmas songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Thankfulness

It’s time once again for the holiday that goes by too quickly and is almost unnoticed - Thanksgiving. It is a great holiday though since it encourages us to try to understand what being thankful is all about. I just went through all my Thanksgiving blog posts for the past 7 years, and I realize that I still don’t understand true thankfulness. I don’t think that I have ever been in such need that I felt the overwhelming gratitude that someone feels when they are rescued from poverty or a calamity. I’m not saying that I want to be rescued like this so that I can understand it though - sometimes we get what we ask for! We each have different paths to hike in our lives, and for some reason mine has been relatively easy - or at least that’s the way it seems. I have had very strong optimism for my whole life. Part of that comes from being raised in a mostly stress-free way without a lot of need, but it also comes from my childhood when I had an experience that I have written about before where I almost drowned and somehow gained an understanding that this life is not all there is. As such I’ve never really feared life or dying. That has been a blessing, but it also removes the impetus to push hard when difficult times come. I think that everything happens for a reason, but I’m not sure what this experience meant for me. As it relates to thankfulness, it makes me feel part of something bigger which gives me wisdom that thankfulness is at the core of our existence. Feeling thankful has been a learning lesson for me though. I’ve had to learn to say “Thank you!” and “You’re welcome!” as a reflexive thing even when I don’t have the emotion of thankfulness. I’m not saying I never feel thankfulness, but sometimes I’m deep in thought and have to break out of it to be in the moment and show my gratitude. I’m kind of like the kid who has to be reminded by his mother to say “Thank you!” when he or she receives a gift. But I keep trying to be in the moment and show my thankfulness. Now you won’t believe me when I say “Thank you” for reading my musings and listening to my music and for being part of my life. I really do mean it. I don’t say it enough, but I do understand how much the giving and interaction of every person in my life has blessed me and buoyed me up. I try to do the same for everyone I meet. How about you? Do you say it often and understand thankfulness in your life?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and I played thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs for them all. It’s a good purpose to encourage the folks with these kinds of songs. Everyone needs it in their lives.

My Wednesday online show was songs about dancing, and it was so much fun! I was dancing as I was playing, and I know that many in the audience were doing the same!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some songs I haven’t played in a long time as well as a new Kris Kristofferson song. I really got into it although for some reason I was struggling with getting the words right on many of the songs. Oh well! Just an off night, I guess. We still had a good, if goofy, time.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week. 2 have cancelled with either Covid or not enough folks coming in to an adult daycare facility to justify my coming. I will do some more thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs to help celebrate the holiday.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be thankful songs. This is a fun group of songs to do with such good spirit. I really look forward to it, and I hope you’ll join me if thankful songs sound like something you’d like to hear this week.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I have another new song to learn that was requested to do as well as starting to get into the winter and holiday spirit. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. Once again I need to mention that I will be doing a special Christmas show with Don Richmond sitting in at Society Hall in Alamosa on December 12th at 7:00 pm. You can find more about it on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AxX92v7Nb/

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I hope you are healthy and happy.

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of thankful songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Dancing

Dancing is one of the most wonderful things we do as humans in my opinion. There is something primal and spiritual about moving your body in a rhythmic motion that expresses joy and connection to the earth and spirit. Going all the way back to our ancient ancestors there are instruments, drums, and traditions of group and individual dances. There is just something innate in our being that makes us want to move in a rhythmic and repetitive way to a beat. I do it unconsciously when I play music. It seems to hook me into the very ground I stand on. I know that some religions do not see it as proper, and I guess I understand why they say that, but to me it is a very lovely and even holy thing. I can’t say enough of how it makes you feel like you’re plugged into life. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s just tapping your toes to couple and group dancing, every form that moves you is enough to trigger that joy.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all very sweet. I did songs for Veterans Day, and thankfulness, and the Edmund Fitzgerald (since it was the 50th anniversary of its sinking on the 10th). The folks really appreciated it.

My Wednesday online show was playing songs about flying, and it was a fun one. Who knew there were so many great flying songs? Everyone really enjoyed it.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was another really fine show with great requests and a couple new songs. I love this group so much!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll be playing mostly thankful songs for Thanksgiving. There are so many nice tunes about being thankful, and a healthy dose of gratitude is a good thing to keep in our minds.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about dancing, and I’ve been pulling songs out of my list for a couple days that really fit the bill. I’m up to 58 so far. This includes songs where dancing is the major part of the song’s topic to songs that are traditional dance favorites. It should be a blast. Come on out if this sounds like a good time to you.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure it’ll be very nice like it often is. These Sunday nights are always very special with lots of good folks in attendance and good tunes in our ears.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you are making memorable holiday plans and that you are healthy and content.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about dancing

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Flying

I’m doing a show Wednesday on the theme of flying, and that has me thinking about flying on planes, in dreams, with birds, and in metaphor. To start with I’m not a good flyer on a plane. When I was a kid I loved flying. I flew with a school group to Washington, D.C., for the bicentennial and also with another school group to Europe a couple years later. Both those trips were great fun on planes without a lot of drama, but at some point I rode on a really bumpy flight down the Front Range of Colorado that permanently messed up my equilibrium. I’ve never been the same. Now when I fly I am dizzy and disoriented for almost a day after I settle back on terra firma. Maybe I’ll get over it. I’d like to. Then there’s flying in dreams. I used to have dreams on a regular basis where I would fly. Sometimes it would be flying over an ancient snow-covered mountainous landscape at night with the cold wind in my face. Sometimes it would be simply lifting off in a crowd and floating by the ceiling. Sometimes it would be holding someone’s hand to help them lift off as well. I never made much of these dreams other than loving the free and weightless feeling although I know some spiritual writers say that this is some sort of spiritual evolution. On flying with birds I mean mostly the thrill of watching birds soar on the breeze so graceful and effortless. It is so wonderful to watch a bird ride a thermal updraft or dive at high speed. Mesmerizing! Lastly flying has always been used metaphorically to symbolize the ultimate feeling of freedom and grace. I guess it is because humans are earthbound without the help of wings. I’ve always felt that the sky and the expanses of the universe are our true home. I love when flying is used in poetry, literature, and songs to express this longing for timeless peace and happiness.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. I mostly did songs for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving - thankful songs. Those are really fulfilling to play. I know it was meaningful for the folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1945, and they were so neat to do. I love singing these oldies, and I don’t get as much chance to do them as I once did. I know the group liked them. They had a contest to see how many they knew.

Friday I thought I might be playing at the Garden of the Gods Club, but they decided to not do any music for November and December and the slower months of the year. I have mixed emotions about that. I enjoy playing instrumental tunes on the guitar although it’s really not my forte. We’ll see if and when I’ll be back there.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a good one with lots of great requests and a couple new tunes. This is consistently the most meaningful night of the week for me with the great interaction and tunes.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure I’ll be playing more songs for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving - especially since I’ll be playing a veterans breakfast on Veterans Day as well as a couple other tribute shows that day. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing flying songs as I wrote of above. This is going to be a nice mix of songs about all the elements I wrote about - planes, dreams, birds, and metaphors. It ought to be a blast. Come out if you can.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always say it’s the highlight of the week because it is. The songs and camaraderie are just great. Tune in if you’d like a relaxing evening of friendship and music.

——

That’s it for this week. I do have an exciting concert coming up in December in Alamosa. My good friend Don Richmond has asked me to play a Christmas show at Society Hall on December 12th from 7 to 9. Don will be sitting in on all the instruments he plays, and it should have a lot of the elements of my Christmas album that we recorded together almost 25 years ago. I don’t know the ticket price yet, but I know the sound and the vibe will be great if you’d like to come up to Alamosa for this show. More details to come. 

Happy Veterans Day, and I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of flying songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Choosing

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we approach our lives on a daily basis. There is so much going on in the world and our individual lives at present - and always. It’s so easy to wake up and immediately see our lives as a chore and the world as a mess. But we have a choice. No matter what is going on in our lives we have a choice every morning in how we approach it. It’s not just about being positive, but it’s about whether we smile through our struggles and joys. It’s about seeing the beauty of something simple in the midst of tragedy. It’s really about choosing to love each moment no matter what is going on. It’s about not letting anyone tell you how to feel about anything. I’ve seen so many people in my life who are really living hard lives with physical problems and hardships who are so loving and caring and always smiling. Many of them aren’t deeply religious or involved in any real reason to have this attitude. They just choose to make the best of every moment. It’s as simple as that. Just choose to smile and love. What else is there?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was so much fun playing Halloween songs for most of them. I only had one facility where they thought the Halloween songs were too spooky and dark. I sometimes see them that way too, but I try to play mostly fun songs. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing Halloween songs again, and there were some really good ones. Mostly they were fun ones although I did a couple favorites that were hair-raising. It was fun!

Friday I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for a smaller crowd. I think a lot of people were home for trick-or-treaters or going to parties. It was still a good time, and I did several arrangements of Halloween songs.

My Sunday online show was favorites and request as always, and it was a wonderful night of requests with a couple songs about time thrown in for the time change on Sunday. What a great group!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and we’re far away enough from Thanksgiving that I probably won’t play songs for Thanksgiving although I do have a good list of thankful songs. Hmmm…maybe I’ll do more of those since they’re very uplifting for the most part.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1945 to continue my series of doing songs by 10-year increments in the past. We’ve done 1975, 1965, and 1955 so far. I thought about 1985, but I really don’t know enough songs from that year. 1945 was a great year for music - especially once the war was over. Some of the songs are timeless, and I love playing them. I think you will really enjoy it!

I may be at the Garden of the Gods Club on Friday 6-9. The schedule hasn’t been finalized as of this writing. Contact me if you’re thinking of coming out to verify I’ll be there.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and request as always. These are always very special nights of friendship and music. Come on out if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. I’m looking forward to the holidays although I’m definitely not ready for winter yet. It’s supposed to be in the mid-80s today which just seems wrong. I’ll probably stay inside although I did do some yard work this morning (it’s Sunday as I’m writing this). There are always branches to pick up and something to be done outside. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1945 songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  possibly playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 7, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Ghost Story

It’s Halloween again, and I’m thinking about spooky and fun memories over the years. Let me tell you a ghost story that happened to me when I was 18. It was towards the end of summer while I was working at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Philmont is a huge ranch in the mountains that is owned by the Boy Scouts that I have mentioned before. It has dozens of camps set over a 50 mile or more stretch of mountains that is dedicated to all kinds of activities that the boys and girls with their leaders can participate in as they hike over what is usually a 10-day backpacking trek. The activities range from riding horses to building railroad tracks to climbing logging poles to climbing rocks to riding mountain bikes to tying flies and fishing and on and on. Some of the areas are very historic, based on mining or ranching or railroading and more. The camp I was working in at the end of my 18th summer was in a mining district that boomed and busted around the turn of the century. Thousands of people had lived and worked around Baldy Mountain and the ore it produced, and one of the mines on the north side of the mountain, the Aztec Mine, was being used for mine tours at a nearby camp that had been owned by a Frenchman named Henry. The camp was called French Henry, and it consisted of a few old cabins and concrete foundations of the old mining operations that took place there. The camp was unlike other camps on the ranch in that it didn’t have campsites for the scouts to stay in. We were only a place to stop and learn about gold panning and to take a tour of the mine and mining foundations after they climbed Baldy Mountain. The accepted tradition at that camp was that old French Henry still walked the hills of that area as a somewhat friendly ghost that many staff members over the years had seen or heard. I was a ranger that summer who guided the crews of scouts and their adult advisors for the first couple days of their trek until they had the necessary training to be turned out on their own. Many of the seasonal staff could be shifted around at the end of the summer as the season wound down and staffers went back home for school or jobs. I was offered at the end of the season to work at French Henry for a couple weeks as the crew-load slowed down and scout crews were on the trail and not needing rangers. One of the first nights I was there the other 2 staffers at the camp loaded the burros with their panniers to head over at the end of the day to pick up our food allotment for the week from the camp on the south side of the mountain where the commissary truck would drop it off for us. I stayed behind since I wasn’t needed for that. The other 2 guys had worked the whole summer at our camp, and as they left they told me that they had seen and heard French Henry that summer a few times, and that I shouldn’t be afraid as he was friendly and wouldn’t bother me if I didn’t bother him. So I was settled in at the table in the cooking cabin with my guitar as I was working on some new songs I was learning. The cooking cabin was a rectangular building with a porch across the front of it with steps coming up that sat on a hill a few yards from the stream. It was one room with a dividing wall with an opening across one end that housed a storage area for our dried food and cooking gear. The main part of the room had a table and sink and wood stove that we cooked on. There were 2 doors on the cabin - one on each end with a screen door attached. One door led to the storage area and one to the main part where I sat at the table. The other 2 guys had been gone a half hour or so when I heard the footsteps of someone coming up the steps and across the porch towards the other door into the storage area. Since we didn’t have any campsites for scouts to stay in I figured it might be someone who was lost, so I called out, “Who’s there?” There was no answer, and the next thing I knew the screen door was opening into the storage area which I could see clearly through the opening in the wall into that area, and then the door closed by itself and the footsteps continued deeper into the storage area. I saw no one! Well, you can bet the hair stood up on the back of my neck, and I said timidly, “Is that you, Henry?” There was no answer again, and so I pondered what to say or do next. I remembered that the guys said that he would probably not bother me, so I said, “I won’t bother you if you don’t bother me.” Again there was no sound, and so I went back to playing the guitar quietly to break the silence while I continued to listen intently for any sound. It was probably 10 minutes later when the footsteps again sounded across the storage area to the screen door which opened and closed, and then I heard the footsteps sound across the porch and down the steps and into the night. I sat there frozen as I thought about what had just happened. I didn’t see or hear him again while I was there for the remainder of my time that summer. Now it’s possible that the guys who went to pick up the food with the burro had rigged a string to the door and had doubled-back and were tapping under the porch and the storage area just to mess with me, but I choose to believe it was the ghost of French Henry since the guys did return later at the proper time it should have taken with the allotment of food on the burro. So that’s my ghost story. I haven’t been back to that camp since then although I’d love to someday. Pretty spooky, huh? I don’t doubt that there are spirits who have unresolved dealings in their lives who probably hang around this plane of existence although I sure hope I won’t feel a need to do so when I’m gone. All this is to prime you for a fun and spooky Halloween. I’m doing a Halloween show online on Wednesday which I’ll talk about below.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and I did Halloween songs for most of them if they were in the mood. It was loads of fun with a little spookiness thrown in for good measure.

My Wednesday online show was Halloween songs, and it was just a hoot. I had a good group of folks out, and we did some classic Halloween songs as well as some unexpected ones. I think everyone had a good time.

My Sunday online show had some wonderful requests and new tunes, and it was so gratifying to provide an evening of meaning and enjoyment for a great group of folks. I love this group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including one in Colorado Springs where I haven’t played in many years. It should be a good week with many more Halloween songs and even a Halloween party on Friday that I’ll dress up for.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time this week will be Halloween songs once again. I have about 80 more songs on my Halloween list that we haven’t gotten to that are either creepy or kooky. It’ll be a blast. I’d love to have you if you’re in the mood for some Halloween fun.

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. Since it’s Halloween I’ll be playing Halloween songs on the guitar mixed in with my regular instrumentals. It should be a great time, and I’d love to have you there as well if you’re up for a tasty meal in a beautiful location. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it won’t disappoint for good music and good friendship. Come on out if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. It’s getting cold in the mornings here and I’m looking forward to the time change on Sunday (don’t forget to fall back) when there will be a little more light at 5:00 for my morning walks and picture-taking with Beau. 

Best to you,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 31, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Making Music

I’ve been thinking a lot about music and performing. I’ve been playing professionally now for 45 years or so, and I’m realizing that the kind of music I play and like will probably not be created much longer - at least not like I do it. It appears that much of live music at the top levels is helped by pre-recorded tracks and at least partially lip-synched vocals instead of sung live (and probably has been for longer than I realize). The music in the studio is also so thoroughly corrected for pitch and tempo that it’s not very organic anymore. It appears that a lot of new music will be written and performed by Artificial Intelligence as well. All things change, so I’m not surprised, but it does make me realize that my method of performing and writing will be irrelevant fairly soon. I’m sure I can still do most of my performing online and for my senior homes for the near future, but I don’t think it’s worth recording and pursuing much new music. That’s okay. I had kind of given that up during the pandemic. Truth be told, I’m very glad I’m not starting out doing music now. Even before AI and so many advances there were becoming less ways to make a living from purely recording and performing. I think that music will always have some importance in our culture, but I don’t know if it will be as homegrown. It has been more controlled by copyright and lawyers over the last 100+ years than most other forms of creativity. I’ve tried to stay away from that as much as possible. I suppose I’m really sounding like a curmudgeon today, but I guess I’m just a little worn and threadbare. I’m having a harder times keeping all the balls in the air as I juggle my day and as ai perform. Jen keeps talking about our lives and how we need to travel and do some of the things we’ve always talked about before we’re too old to do them. I think that’s part of my current outlook. So as much as I love making music, I think I probably won’t make as much over the next few years. Don’t fret though if you’re a fan. I’m not doing anything immediately. I’m just mulling over how to make music today.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I had fun doing either Halloween songs or some of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs I was doing for my Wednesday online show. It was really fun because these songs are so lively and exciting. 

My Wednesday online show was doing Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs, and they were very enjoyable. They’re so short that I was able to fit in 32 songs in the evening instead of my usual 20. I think everyone really got a kick out of it. 

Friday I was back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. It was as packed house, and I played Halloween songs and a lot of singer-songwriter songs that drew a good reaction. 

Saturday I played an online concert for Philmont that was really rewarding. The night just seemed to click in every way, and the audience got into it with reminiscences and great requests. 

Sunday night my online show was as wonderful as always with lots of kind and supportive folks and plenty of good songs. This group is very special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and they’re going to be a blast with the Halloween tunes I have planned. I’m brushing up on some of the songs I’ve learned over the last couple years, and I’m looking forward to seeing the folks. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween songs, and I’m going to do 2 shows for this Wednesday and next Wednesday. Come on out if you would like to hear some goofy and spooky tunes. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll say it again, I love this group and these great requests. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you are making some fun Halloween plans even if it’s just Trunk or Treat at your church. 

Best to you!

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, October 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Oldies

I’m doing songs by the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson for my Wednesday online show, and it takes me back to when I first started really getting into oldies music. I grew up as many baby boomers did with a local AM radio station that played a variety of everything popular that was being released. I was in Nebraska in my formative years, and we only had a few radio stations we would listen to - the local station KRGI, the Omaha station WOW, and at night the Oklahoma City station KOMA. They played a good mix of tunes, but it was mostly whatever was current, and so I didn’t hear oldies very often unless it was from the records we had. I took me until I was on my own in the mid 1980s to be exposed to stations that played a lot of oldies, and it was then that I really heard a lot of especially late 1950s and early 1960s music. I can remember when I was living and working in Dallas that we would listen to a station at work that would frequently play the Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, and others like Buddy Holly or Roy Orbison. This was also the time when CDs were first coming out, and I really started collecting CDs of oldies music. It was a thrill to pick up a greatest hits or a boxed set by the likes of Elvis or Robert Johnson. Yes, I really got into the blues at this time too. I even bought a boxed set of Hank Williams and listened intently to his great writing. As a solo performer I couldn’t pull off a lot of the music of the 1980s by pop singers or rock bands, and so I learned a lot of oldies. I still love the oldies I listened to and learned at that time. They bring back a lot of memories of really listening and absorbing the melodies, harmonies, and riffs. There is such joy and innocence in the raw sound of that era. So Wednesday I’ll celebrate the sounds of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I really had fun doing Halloween songs for most of them. There are just so many kooky and creepy songs for Halloween. I think they really enjoyed it!

My Wednesday online show was train songs, and there were some really good ones. I had a good group of folks come out, and I got a bunch of requests.

I played on Saturday for the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival, and it was a great event even though it threatened to rain much of the time. It was a grand Fall day, and I had lots of families in the audience including my brother and sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews with their little ones. It’s so much fun to watch the little kids laugh and dance to the music. I played mostly Halloween songs for these folks.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones. I love this online group so much, and they are so supportive and interactive with each other and with me. It’s a joy!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I think all but one will want to celebrate Halloween with some fun and spooky songs. I love ti!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing the songs of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson as I wrote above. There are so many great songs by these guys, and I’m really looking forward to singing and playing them. Come on out if you can!

Friday 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing guitar instrumentals. This is a pretty gig with a great view and nice folks. You’re always welcome too. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

Saturday night 7-9 mountain time I’ll be playing an online show of Philmont tunes for Philmont friends and staffers. If that’s you then tune in and hear some Philmont songs and stories.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as per usual, and I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful night of friends and music. You’re always welcome to this too!

——

That’s it for this week. We’ll have the first freeze around these parts before you know it, and then we’ll be celebrating Halloween. I hope you are able to enjoy this fun season.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 17, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370

When:  Saturday, October 18, 7-9 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, October 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Trains

I’m playing a show of train songs this Wednesday to celebrate the narrow gauge trains in the mountains in the Fall here in Colorado. There is something so majestic and nostalgic about trains and riding on them. I’ve ridden the one in Colorado from Durango to Silverton, and I’ve ridden the one in the Royal Gorge. I have ridden trains back East as a kid that I still remember fondly. We have driven over Cumbres Pass in Colorado on the way to Chama past the beautiful little train that runs from Chama to Antonito. I have read and watched many shows and stories about trains in the East and the Old West as they built the country and brought folks all over the map as part of Manifest Destiny. I have sung so many songs from all over the world celebrating trains. Trains are just a magical part of our history that is an expression of industry and romance. The clickety-clack can be perfectly captured in a song by the rollicking beat - especially on guitar. It seems that everyone has an affection for these mighty iron beasts. We even watched a cool video on YouTube about the Cog Railway that goes up Pikes Peak. It’s on a channel from a guy that calls him self The Carpet Bagger. It’s a good channel that’s worth checking out if you want someone who makes interesting mellow travel videos on almost a daily basis. Check it out!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all a lot of fun as I started doing Halloween songs. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs I’ve never done on my online concerts before. There was quite a variety as well as a couple surprises. I think everyone really enjoyed it, and it was a bigger audience than I expected.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar songs at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for a packed house. I did a few Halloween songs and a bunch of Fall songs as well as my regular instrumental tunes. Folks seem to enjoy it quite a bit.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a very fulfilling night with good friends. These shows are always special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I really love playing the fun Halloween songs in October for them. There are usually big smiles and lots of toe-tapping.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be train songs as I wrote above. There are so many great tunes on this list, and they have every kind of Americana emotion you can imagine. I’m even learning some spooky train songs for Halloween that I’ll play. Come on out!

Saturday 11:30-1:30 I’m playing at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival in Littleton, Colorado. I’ve played this festival for several years now, and it’s always great fun. They have me set up in the pumpkin patch in the back of the museum grounds where they have dozens of pumpkins and gourds for families to purchase and take home in their little red wagons. It’s great family fun with lots of other activities and horse and mule-drawn wagon rides. The admission is free, and I’d love to see you if you’re in the Denver area.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I so enjoy this evening of tunes and good friends. You’re always welcome to join in!

——

That’s it for this week. Fall is moving right along. We’ll get our first freeze soon, and hopefully the snow will hold off until after Halloween. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of train songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival

Where:  Littleton Museum, 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO, 303-795-3950

When:  Saturday, October 10, 11:30 am -1:30 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, October 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Enjoy It

As I was driving home from closing our family cabins over the weekend I saw that the aspen trees were starting to change color for the Fall on the high mountain slopes. Jen and I always try to get out at least once at this time of year to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. It’s a reminder to enjoy life no matter what life presents to you. It’s so easy to get bogged down in our routine that we fail to appreciate the little things around us that no one can take away. I have to remind myself of this quite often. I feel obligated to take care of all the mundane things in my life that just have to be done, and I forget that I need to find joy in simple pleasures - even if it’s just for a moment or an afternoon. It’s crazy that I should need reminding, but I often do. Maybe it’s just the way that humans are built. We tend to focus on what’s bothering us when it often doesn’t matter. This is not to say that we should be irresponsible. That’s too easy to do. But it is an admonition to remember what you value in life whether it’s a simple pleasure in your day or a trip you’ve been meaning to take. Just make the time to do it. We’ll go the mountains this weekend again!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed seeing and singing for all the folks so much. It’s a pleasure and a privilege.

My Wednesday online show last week was playing Fall songs, and there were some great ones. I had a really good audience requesting some wonderful tunes, and everyone had a good time.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had a continuous line of good requests to sing. It was just one of those nights with everyone really contributing.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’ll still be singing Fall songs and then transitioning to Halloween songs as October starts. This is such a fun time of year to sing the goofy and spooky songs of Halloween.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs I’ve never done for my online shows. You wouldn’t think there would be many songs I know that I haven’t sung over the past 6 years of Facebook shows and 14 years over all my online shows, but there surely are. It’s always fun to pull these out and sing them. Come on out and join in the fun!

Friday night 6-9 I’ll be playing at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant once again. I enjoy these instrumental guitar evenings a lot, and I’d love to play for you if a nice meal in a beautiful location with my music sounds good to you. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests per usual, and it’s always a great time on these evenings. Tune in if you can, and think of a couple songs you’d like to hear!

——

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget if you’re in the Denver area that I’ll be playing at the Littleton Museum next Saturday 11:30-1:30 in the pumpkin patch for their Harvest Festival. It’s free and a lot of fun. I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Best always,  

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Never-Done songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 1, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 3, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, October 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time