For Others

I played for a group last week that has a mission to do good things for the community, and it struck me in a great way. It is a very honorable thing to do good things for our community and those in need. We all can see this, but in a bigger way it makes life fulfilling and gives us meaning. How is this? The secret of doing things for others is that it brings great joy to the giver. We never really think of this, and it should not be the reason to give, but it is an unexpected benefit that is honestly free of ulterior motives and guilt. I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I think it speaks to our greater purpose in the grand scheme of things. We seem to be intertwined and interdependent in ways that we don't like to admit. Everything we do affects others and vice versa. When we live aware that we are part of the whole, we better understand the purpose of life and the decisions we make. So as we approach this season of giving, keep this in mind. I will too!

Highlights from the last two weeks

Magpies was a blast two weeks ago with a packed house and good friends and fun all around! I was in the mood for '60's and '70's tunes, so that's what we mostly did. Then last weekend I played twice for folks from Thrivent Financial, the group who inspired my blog post above. It's so nice to get to play for a group of people who care and who give back so generously!

What's up this week?

Thursday I get to play for the Council of State Governments West, a group I have played for several years annually. It's a fun event where I lead a sing-along for state representatives from all over the west who gather to learn more about how to govern responsibly. It always ends up being a great time!

Friday I'm back at Magpies 7-10 for another night "down under" in the Tap Room. I always enjoy everyone so much at Magpies, and I'd love to have you in the audience if you can make it. 

Saturday at 7:00 we're having a special performance of the Song of Pueblo oratorio at the Old Towne Carriage House in Pueblo. We have gone independent of El Pueblo History Museum, and this is our first official performance as an independent entity all on our own. To celebrate, we've brought in the original composer of the Song of Pueblo, Daniel Valdez, for a reception following the concert where we get to share stories and remembrances of where we've come so far. I expect this to be a seriously fun affair! Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at the Pueblo Visitor Information Center located at the front of El Pueblo History Museum, 301 North Union, and also at Broadway Cup and Cork at Abriendo and Broadway in Pueblo. Doors open at 6:00. 

So that's it for this week. I hope to see you if you can make it out to either of my public events. 

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo.  719-542-5522

When:  Friday, November 21, 7-10 pm

Who:  Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, & Alan Polivka

What:  playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio

Where:  Old Towne Carriage House, 102 South Victoria Ave, Pueblo. 

When:  Saturday, November 22, 7:00 pm

Music is Magic

Jen and I watched the documentary, "Alive Inside", on Netflix yesterday, and I'm once again enthralled by the magic of music. You may remember seeing the clip that was going around last summer from this film showing a mostly unresponsive man in a nursing home come alive when they put headphones on him with his favorite music playing. Here's a link if you haven't seen it - http://youtu.be/NKDXuCE7LeQ. The documentary is more than just about Alzheimer's patients even though this is the main thrust, but what touched me is that music affects parts of our brain and our soul that can't be reached in any other way. It's almost magical to see how people's moods can be changed and lives can be affected by a simple song or two. I don't know if we'll ever understand what music truly is and what its function is in our world, but I'm thrilled to get to move about in it every day. I need to always remember that it's magic and never take for granted that I get to create and deliver it. "Alive Inside" is also touring the country in theaters. They have a website with more info - http://www.aliveinside.us/#land.

Highlights from my last blog

Magpies was a blast a couple weeks ago! I did mostly Halloween songs, and I had most of you regulars back for the start of what will hopefully be another great season.

What's up this week?

I'm back at Magpies Friday 7-10 for another go 'round. I haven't picked out a theme for this week, but I'm game for anything folks would like to hear. Come on out and add to the magic!

So that's it for this week. I'd love to see you if you're in the area.

Best always,

Tom

Details:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo.  719-542-5522
When:  Friday, November 7, 7-10 pm