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 

Fall

This Monday, September 22nd, is the first day of Fall this year, and it’s always been my favorite season. It’s like a welcome and relaxing reward for a summer of hard work at a fast pace. My favorite trips have been taken in the Fall driving cross country or just into the nearby mountains to see the leaves change. I think I’ve written about this before, but my only disappointment with the Fall season is that there aren’t more joyful songs about it. I should probably try to write a couple. I admit there’s a little bit of melancholy as well as we wrap up summer events and clean up our gardens and yards. We always close our family cabins and get them ready for winter about this time each year. It’s definitely getting colder up in the mountains. The forecast for this weekend when we’ll be there to close at 8400 feet altitude is a high of 65 degrees and a low of 34. That’s not too bad. And back to the music of Fall, there are some wonderful songs even if they aren’t all joyful. Some of my favorites are: “Appalachian Melody” by Mark Heard, “Four Strong Winds” by Ian Tyson, “The Reach” by Dan Fogelberg, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, “There Is a Time” by The Dillards, and “Urge for Going” by Joni Mitchell  - just to name a few. I’m sure you have some favorites too. Our earth sometimes feels like a giant crank turning a wheel very slowly, but inevitably. It’s a thrill to watch the seasons change along with it. Do you have any favorite stories or traditions in the Fall?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and I had wonderful times at all of them. It’s hard to express how fulfilling it is to share music with people who are so appreciative and deserving. 

My Wednesday online show was songs about birds, and there were some great ones. I had a fairly big audience, and everyone interacted and enjoyed it. Good times!

Friday night I was at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant, and I even had a couple of my sisters come down from Denver to have dinner and listen to me play. It was a special night.

Saturday I had a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs at a friend and fellow Philmont staffer’s house. We had great conversations and a little music too.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some great ones. These nights are always worthwhile and mutually supportive for me and the audience. It’s great to be part of such a kind and genuine community.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I am looking forward to all of them. Looks like I’ll be in 4 different towns and cities. I can’t wait!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Fall songs as I wrote above. I’ll do the songs I listed above plus a whole lot more, and I’ll be taking requests. It should be a good time, and I’d love to have you if you’d like to tune in.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll be bringing some good energy back from closing the cabins in the mountains so it’ll be a wonderful show. You’re always welcome to join in!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m just two weeks out from playing for the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11, from 11:30 to 1:30. I play in the pumpkin patch, and it’s always a great time. If you’re in Denver please put it on your calendar. It’s a free event, and it will be beautiful.

I hope you are healthy and happy,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Fall songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 24, 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, September 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Birds

We’ve been having a great late summer and early fall with the birds in our trees with visits from several hawks and owls as well as doves and pretty little birds too. Unfortunately one of the prettiest little yellow birds, probably a warbler of some type, collided with (we think) a window and died on our back patio. That happens sometimes. Many times these are birds that a hawk is chasing. Usually we don’t get any smaller birds when the hawks or owls are around though. The hawks and owls alternately nest in our trees most winters, and we often see them returning occasionally during the summer and fall as they are hunting or training their young. They are fascinating to watch, and I often photograph them when I can get a good shot. The owls we get are great horned owls, and the hawks are Cooper’s hawks. We used to get a lot more quail at our house too, and I do still see them around the neighborhood where the birds of prey aren’t hunting. They are so much fun to watch as they scurry across the prairie with their young. We even got to see a roadrunner a few years back. At one place we lived we had tiny burrowing owls. They were a thrill to see. When I used to go to fish at the river I would hear and see little chickadees with their distinctive “twee-dee” call. Of course we see robins especially in the spring, and western meadowlarks call from the fields when I walk Beau in the early summer mornings. I’m not very good at identifying birds, and so I can’t tell you what many of the birds we see are. I know that we do get bluejays occasionally too. I even have a bluejay feather in my walking hat now that I found earlier in the summer. I love to see the birds, and I’m even more fascinated when I see the explanations of how dinosaurs were related to birds. It’s so comical to imagine a dinosaur strutting like a bird I’m watching. And this is all related to my Wednesday online show where I’ll do songs about birds once again.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all good fun as always. It’s such a privilege to sing for these folks.

Wednesday I played for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo, and it was another stellar event though a little warmer than we might have liked. There were folks from all over the community and from most of the senior facilities I play for. Big thanks to the zoo and the attendees and to all the folks who sponsored the event and especially to Dave Feamster from Little Caesars pizza who was celebrating his birthday.

My Wednesday online show was songs about animals to go along with my show at the zoo. It was a blast, and we did so many interesting songs about animals. I think the audience really enjoyed it.

Friday I played a Centenarians’ Celebration that was such an honor to be a part of. There were many folks close to, at, or over 100 years old in attendance, and I did songs from 1925 and from the 20s, 30s, and 40s to help celebrate.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones. I love playing for the Munch Bunch and these wonderful evenings we share.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I look forward to playing for them all. I’m mostly doing fall songs now, and I try to not do too many of the sadder fall tunes. I still don’t know why so many of the fall songs that are written are more melancholy. I’ll write more about that next week when I sing fall songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be bird songs as I mentioned above. Who knew there were so many songs about birds?! It’ll be a good time. Come on out if you can.

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant once again playing instrumental guitar tunes. I enjoy these gigs a lot, and I love to see who comes out to the restaurant as I try to read the crowd and catch their ear. Come out if you’re in the mood for fine dining with a beautiful view and my music. 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 I’ll be at a Philmont Oktoberfest party dubbed the “Philtoberfest” in Colorado Springs. If you’re a Philmont alumni-type person I hope you’ll be there too. I’ll probably play a few tunes for singing along as part of the festivities.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure we’ll have a grand audience with some good requests. You’re always welcome to tune in. It’s easy, and you’ll be made more than welcome.

——

That’s it for this week. The year is flying by. I hope you are healthy and content.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of bird songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 17, 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, September 19, 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, September 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Animals

I’m playing Wednesday for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo, and that has me thinking about animals. It’s always a thrill to go to the zoo to see the animals. I haven’t been to a lot of zoos as an adult although I do remember many that I saw when I was a kid. I think my favorite zoo is the Desert Sonoran Museum in Tucson. The way there that many of the animal habitats are set up so you can see the animals on their level and then in their den and then also from above really opens my eyes to the life of many desert species. I love the Southwest, and this is a great way to see the animals of the area. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing animals in my everyday life, whether it is our pets or the wild animals living in our neighborhood. I think you gain some important insights about life when you live with animals. You see how they live and interact. You see their young and understand the cycle of life. You feel much more a participant in the life of our earth. And most importantly, I think, you learn empathy for other beings. That is so worthwhile. I know that celebrating animals in song will be a very good thing!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all wonderful. It’s always a pleasure to play for them. 

My Wednesday online show was playing more songs from 1964, and it was a fun night of tunes. This was such a pivotal year for the country and the world. 

Friday I played Garden of the Gods Club, and there was an event going on plus a packed restaurant, so it was hopping. I knew several people as well including the musicians who were playing the event.

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, and it was a good one. These evening always turn into something special.

——

What am I up this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be fantastic. I start doing Fall songs in earnest this week, and there are a lot of good ones. 

Wednesday 10:30-1 I play the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. This is a great event for seniors, and I’ve been playing for it since 2001. I get a lot of folks from my senior facilities as well as  folks from the community.  If you’d like to come it’s free admission for seniors all week, and on Wednesday when I play there is free coffee and donuts in the morning, and then there’s pizza from Little Caesar’s. There are senior vendor tents all around who sponsor the event, and then when I’m done playing at 1:00 there is bingo. Of course you can go see all the animals and exhibits whenever you’d like, and there are also docents bringing animals out for everyone to see. It’s a really fun day, and I’d love to have you there if you’re a senior. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing songs about animals of all kinds. It should be a really good time, and I’d love to have you if you’re free. 

Friday I’m playing a Centenarian’s Celebration that should also be a great time honoring many folks who have turned 100 or more. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know there’ll be some great requests. There always are. I learn new songs almost every week as well. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I can’t believe it’s already September. I hope you are healthy and happy. 

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch 

What:  playing for the Senior Safari

Where:  Pueblo Zoo

When:  Wednesday, September 10, 10:30-1

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of animal songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 10, 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, September 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Summer's End

Well, another summer is drawing to a close. I still really enjoy the summer season although I do feel worn out often with so much more work that the season brings. I love “rising to the occasion” and pushing myself every summer though. There’s something invigorating about all the summer adventures, and I’m amazed at the well of energy that always seems to be available to me when I need it. Fall offers me the chance to slow down, and I cherish that along with the beauty of the earth as it goes to rest for winter. This last hurrah of summer over the Labor Day weekend has always been bittersweet, and I have written of it annually. I go back to childhood memories of walking a dried-up lake after a summer of irrigation or one last trip to a lake with my dad for a sailboat race. There is a sadness and also a sigh of relief on Labor Day that has always been there for me. I love it, but it also puts me deep into myself. Of course I love to go into deep thought and reflection. It is a meditative state that brings peace and relaxation. I guess overall that’s how I see the Labor Day weekend and the coming Fall. Happy Labor Day!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all very rewarding. Amazingly one had a Covid outbreak, and it’s something they’ve been dealing with since June. I even rescheduled them back in June because of it. Now they’re almost in the clear.

My Wednesday online show was songs of 1964, and it was a crazy show with the show’s online feed crashing at one point that sent me into a tizzy trying to figure out how to get back on. I finally was able to reconnect with a different browser, but it took several minutes, and I lost a couple people who never were able to get back on the show. The songs were a blast though, and there’s so many more left so we’ll do more 1964 songs this Wednesday. 

Friday night at Garden of the Gods Club was a wonderful night with appreciative folks and beautiful weather. I had one patron at the bar who was a guitar player, and he had lots of requests and fun memories to share.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones. Every one of these nights turns into something special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be great opportunities to share music and encouragement. I say it often, but this is a great privilege to play for these folks, and I never take it for granted.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be more songs of 1964, and I know this will be a blast. I still can’t believe how many songs I’ve learned from 1964 over the years. It was a truly great year for music. Come on out if you can!

Friday night I should be back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant. The schedule hasn’t been confirmed yet, so if you want to come you might want to check with me before you make a reservation. I should know by later today. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or 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 really look forward to it. We always have such a good time, and my Munch Bunch audience is so supportive of me and each other. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you have a nice Labor Day and transition into Fall.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1964 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 3, 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, September 5, 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, September 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time