I’m experimenting with a new Bose speaker I got last Thursday, and it has me thinking about the limitless variables that are involved in what we hear when we listen to music - especially live. On first glance, you’d think that something either sounds good or it doesn’t, but there’s so much involved in that. First there’s whether the sound is crisp with clear highs or boomy with an abundance of bass. But on top of that the music can sound squashed without a lot of variance in volume or vibrant with punchy hair-raising swells and then lulls where you just hear a whisper. It’s all of this and more that makes music engaging and rich. Of course you know that I always look for the nth degree of detail in what I do. But that detail is part of the nuance that makes life meaningful and worthwhile. So the next time you listen to music, especially live, realize that there is so much that works together to make the music enjoyable, and the nuance in the sound is a big part of that.
What have I been up to?
Friday night at Neon Alley Bistro was a really nice group of friends on a beautiful evening. I so much enjoy the folks, the food, and the atmosphere of the bistro. Can’t wait ’til next time!
Saturday was the concert at Deerprint Wine in La Veta, and it was such a great evening! I love playing in La Veta, and everyone who came out was so genuine and full of life. I’m hoping to play there again next summer on their neat patio.
What’s up this week?
Friday 5-7 I’m playing at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center for their First Friday Opening. I always enjoy playing amongst the art and fine patrons. Say “Hi!” if you are there.
Sunday 7-8ish MDT is my First-Sunday Online Living Room Concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch. I love doing these concerts from my home. Please tune in and log in so you can comment and join in the fun.
That’s it for this week. I do have some news. I just confirmed with the Royal Gorge Bridge that I’ll playing Monday and Tuesday afternoons at the Bridge 12:30-4:30 June through August. I haven’t played regularly at the Bridge for many years, and I’m looking forward to being in the great outdoors and seeing people from all over the world. So be good to each other and I hope to see you soon!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo 719-295-7200
When: Friday, February 2, 5-7 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/
When: Sunday, February 4, 7-8ish pm MST
Monday, January 29, 2018
Monday, January 22, 2018
In Limbo
Jen and I have been in the process of changing our flooring since October now, and having things out of place and feeling like we're living almost out of a suitcase really can mess with your psyche. When you can’t find your clothes or your equipment or a file you need it really can be disconcerting. It can also be freeing with a little time to make sure you’re not rushing and being late to commitments. I tend to depend on where my mind has things mapped in my world. I’ve always been that kind of a person, and it’s usually served me well. But it’s also a shot in the arm to change the maps and challenge myself. Yes, it can be frustrating, but change often is just a matter of how we look at things. In the grand picture I know that the little details don’t really affect things, and so I try to enjoy that moment of being ”at sea” and unsure. It’s kind of a leap of faith, and sometimes that reminds me that I’m alive and part of a dynamic and exciting existence. It’s like jumping off the diving board into the deep end that first time.
What have I been up to?
Last Friday was a really nice group of folks at PDubs. I’m so fortunate to have such good friends who love getting together of an evening for some stories, songs, and camaraderie.
Saturday night was an impromptu show of old cowboy songs and stories at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence that really hit the spot. I forget how much I love the old songs until I’m in the middle of a set of them - just soaking in the history and shared memories. It was a grand night!
What am I up to this week?
Friday night I’m back at Neon Alley Bistro for what should be a wonderful evening. I had to miss being there two weeks ago when I was sick, so I’m really looking forward to making up for it this week. Come on out for some great food, friendship, and music.
Saturday night I’m at Deerprint Wine and Bistro in La Veta for our rescheduled concert in this lovely establishment. I’ve really been looking forward to spending an evening with these good folks in La Veta, and it feels like it will be really special. It was sold out before when we had to cancel, so hopefully everyone has switched the date on their calendars and is planning on coming out. Update - it’s sold out!
That’s it for this week. I hope everyone is doing okay this winter. We’re getting a little snow today (Sunday), and we’re pleased to have the moisture. Take care of yourself and hope to see you soon,
Best always,
Tom
Details this week;
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Neon Alley Bistro, 304 S Victoria Ave Ste D, Pueblo, 719-299-4769
When: Friday, January 26, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Deerprint Wine & Bistro, 106 E. Francisco, La Veta, 719-650-2079
When: Saturday, January 27, 6-8ish pm
What have I been up to?
Last Friday was a really nice group of folks at PDubs. I’m so fortunate to have such good friends who love getting together of an evening for some stories, songs, and camaraderie.
Saturday night was an impromptu show of old cowboy songs and stories at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence that really hit the spot. I forget how much I love the old songs until I’m in the middle of a set of them - just soaking in the history and shared memories. It was a grand night!
What am I up to this week?
Friday night I’m back at Neon Alley Bistro for what should be a wonderful evening. I had to miss being there two weeks ago when I was sick, so I’m really looking forward to making up for it this week. Come on out for some great food, friendship, and music.
Saturday night I’m at Deerprint Wine and Bistro in La Veta for our rescheduled concert in this lovely establishment. I’ve really been looking forward to spending an evening with these good folks in La Veta, and it feels like it will be really special. It was sold out before when we had to cancel, so hopefully everyone has switched the date on their calendars and is planning on coming out. Update - it’s sold out!
That’s it for this week. I hope everyone is doing okay this winter. We’re getting a little snow today (Sunday), and we’re pleased to have the moisture. Take care of yourself and hope to see you soon,
Best always,
Tom
Details this week;
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Neon Alley Bistro, 304 S Victoria Ave Ste D, Pueblo, 719-299-4769
When: Friday, January 26, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Deerprint Wine & Bistro, 106 E. Francisco, La Veta, 719-650-2079
When: Saturday, January 27, 6-8ish pm
Monday, January 15, 2018
Feeling Puny
I’m getting over having the flu last week and marveling at how puny I feel. I have forgotten how quickly we can be transformed from strong and robust to weak and infirmed. When I did my mid-life health kick 7 or more years ago I was starting from a very active but non-exercising overweight body that certainly didn’t have as much drive as I have had in recent years. It took me a couple months to really get into it and start to feel great, but it was relatively easy in retrospect. People noticed very quickly that I looked younger and seemed more engaged in life, and in fact I was. That was part of the point. I needed and wanted to become more healthy and enjoy my life at 50. This illness has reminded me that health can very quickly go away and reduce us to a feeble shadow of the selves we envision in our minds. I’ll get better and work at getting my robustness back ASAP, but meanwhile this weak condition is a good reminder at how easy it is to become less than who I want to be. It’s all good, but I love to feel alive and vibrant, and having good health is part of that for me. I don’t think I’ve understood this in quite this way before.
What have I been up to?
I lost a week due to the flu that I felt coming on Monday evening. I just felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. That spread to chills, and each morning I hoped to be better but had to cancel my gigs for each day. Unfortunately it lasted through all my gigs for the week, so other than forcing myself to do a Tuesday afternoon gig where they were depending on me for some video footage, I had to take off the whole week and stay in bed as much as possible. So I’d love to say how cool the gigs were, but they didn’t happen.
What am I up to this week?
Friday I’m back at PDub Brewing 6-9 in Pueblo West for some fun. Being pent up for a week I’m sure I’ll have some good song energy. Come on out for a brew, a sandwich, and some music.
Saturday night 7-9 I’m back at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence to do a concert amongst the great local art. I’ve loved getting to know the folks who run this place out of a love for art and culture. It’s really cool. If you’d like to see me play in a truly great listening room, come on out!
That’s it for this week. We’ve rescheduled my appearance at Deerprint Wine in La Veta to January 27th, and it was sold out for the 13th, so if all those people are in for the new date then it’s still sold out. I’m blessed to have such a fine interest in the show. We'll make it great!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, January 19, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, 719-784-2038
When: Saturday, January 20, 7-9 pm
What have I been up to?
I lost a week due to the flu that I felt coming on Monday evening. I just felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. That spread to chills, and each morning I hoped to be better but had to cancel my gigs for each day. Unfortunately it lasted through all my gigs for the week, so other than forcing myself to do a Tuesday afternoon gig where they were depending on me for some video footage, I had to take off the whole week and stay in bed as much as possible. So I’d love to say how cool the gigs were, but they didn’t happen.
What am I up to this week?
Friday I’m back at PDub Brewing 6-9 in Pueblo West for some fun. Being pent up for a week I’m sure I’ll have some good song energy. Come on out for a brew, a sandwich, and some music.
Saturday night 7-9 I’m back at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence to do a concert amongst the great local art. I’ve loved getting to know the folks who run this place out of a love for art and culture. It’s really cool. If you’d like to see me play in a truly great listening room, come on out!
That’s it for this week. We’ve rescheduled my appearance at Deerprint Wine in La Veta to January 27th, and it was sold out for the 13th, so if all those people are in for the new date then it’s still sold out. I’m blessed to have such a fine interest in the show. We'll make it great!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, January 19, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, 719-784-2038
When: Saturday, January 20, 7-9 pm
Monday, January 8, 2018
How We Look at Life
I’m being observant and reflective this fine Monday morning. I’m fascinated by the way each of us looks at life. I’ve been hearing so many different views of our world - from the Golden Globes to Mark Maron to Bob Lefsetz to Donald
Trump to fellow musicians to pundits. Some are very fearful and some are very peaceful. Some are Christian and some Atheist. Some are seeking love and some are fed up with love. Some are in pain and searching and some are joyful and caring. Some are givers and some are takers. Everyone sees their world from their own perspective. I’ve told you before how I see it - I am the long view that tries not to get rattled with the latest storms and battles. Each person seems to make their own heaven or hell every day with the way they face life. Every morning when I walk I marvel at the beauty of the sunrise and the world around me - taking note of the excitement my dog has at sniffing each blade of grass and noticing each movement on the horizon. Life is a wonderful thing, my friends, with joy available at every turn if we are open to it. Don’t let the world tarnish it.
What have I been up to?
Wednesday was the farewell send off to Bonnie Hearne in Santa Fe, and it was so good to see old friends and give comfort to Bill and the Hearne family as we grieve together for the loss of such a fine person. I performed “Georgetown” almost every day this week in honor of Bonnie.
My first-Sunday online concert went really well last night. It was a fairly eclectic set of favorites with some oldies, cowboy, and mountain songs for good measure. I enjoy so much getting to share music with friends all over the world.
What’s up this week?
Friday I’m back at Neon Alley Bistro 6-9 for some great food, good friends, and sweet music. This is such a nice place with good people running it and sharing their best efforts that it’s truly a pleasure to just be there. Please come out and experience it for yourself. It’s best to call for reservations. 719-299-4769
Saturday I’m in La Veta 6-8ish at the Deerprint Wine and Bistro. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this place and am anxious to spend an evening getting to make music in their space. Their food and wine sound fantastic! There’s a $10 cover charge. You can get tickets at https://squareup.com/store/deerprint-wine-and-bistro/. I can’t wait!
That’s it for this week. Be good to each other, and find time for joy in every day.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Neon Alley Bistro, 304 S Victoria Ave Ste D, Pueblo, 719-299-4769
When: Friday, January 12, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Deerprint Wine & Bistro, 106 E. Francisco, La Veta, 719-650-2079
When: Saturday, January 13, 6-8ish pm
Trump to fellow musicians to pundits. Some are very fearful and some are very peaceful. Some are Christian and some Atheist. Some are seeking love and some are fed up with love. Some are in pain and searching and some are joyful and caring. Some are givers and some are takers. Everyone sees their world from their own perspective. I’ve told you before how I see it - I am the long view that tries not to get rattled with the latest storms and battles. Each person seems to make their own heaven or hell every day with the way they face life. Every morning when I walk I marvel at the beauty of the sunrise and the world around me - taking note of the excitement my dog has at sniffing each blade of grass and noticing each movement on the horizon. Life is a wonderful thing, my friends, with joy available at every turn if we are open to it. Don’t let the world tarnish it.
What have I been up to?
Wednesday was the farewell send off to Bonnie Hearne in Santa Fe, and it was so good to see old friends and give comfort to Bill and the Hearne family as we grieve together for the loss of such a fine person. I performed “Georgetown” almost every day this week in honor of Bonnie.
My first-Sunday online concert went really well last night. It was a fairly eclectic set of favorites with some oldies, cowboy, and mountain songs for good measure. I enjoy so much getting to share music with friends all over the world.
What’s up this week?
Friday I’m back at Neon Alley Bistro 6-9 for some great food, good friends, and sweet music. This is such a nice place with good people running it and sharing their best efforts that it’s truly a pleasure to just be there. Please come out and experience it for yourself. It’s best to call for reservations. 719-299-4769
Saturday I’m in La Veta 6-8ish at the Deerprint Wine and Bistro. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this place and am anxious to spend an evening getting to make music in their space. Their food and wine sound fantastic! There’s a $10 cover charge. You can get tickets at https://squareup.com/store/deerprint-wine-and-bistro/. I can’t wait!
That’s it for this week. Be good to each other, and find time for joy in every day.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Neon Alley Bistro, 304 S Victoria Ave Ste D, Pueblo, 719-299-4769
When: Friday, January 12, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Deerprint Wine & Bistro, 106 E. Francisco, La Veta, 719-650-2079
When: Saturday, January 13, 6-8ish pm
Monday, January 1, 2018
Getting That New Year Frame of Mind
I’m feeling like this year the new year has snuck up on me. I’m usually thinking of plans for the new year during the week between Christmas and New Years or even before, but this year I’ve put them off for some reason. I’ve even had to-do items to contact yearly gigs that I’ve put off. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s just old-brain syndrome. Either way it’s time to get into the new year with my frame of mind. My friend, Don Richmond, posted on Facebook that it’s nice to have these lines in time that spur us to shift our brains into renewal. I’d have to agree. We get to put the old year to bed and start the new year with a clean slate, and that’s very refreshing. I usually take stock of my abilities and my position in life, and then I look at possibilities and commitments to make my plans. This year I’m feeling good about my health, and I’m feeling good about my guitar and vocal abilities. I’m in contact with a new agent, and I’m confident that she will help me mold my direction this year in a way that will be great for us both. I’m still not ready to travel a bunch or tour, but I’d like to do some higher profile gigs. I don’t think I was ready for them before, but I’ve matured on stage in the last couple years and am finally really comfortable in my own skin in front of an audience. You’d think I’d have gotten there before my 56th year, but there you have it - I’m a late bloomer. I’d like to write more songs this year. I usually do that more as they relate to a new project or album, but I’d like to get in the habit of writing more regularly - just like I do with these blog posts and mailers. I’m not sure what the best way is to release them. It seems that we’re getting to the point where people aren’t buying CD's much anymore, and they’re also not downloading tracks as much. That means I have to figure out what makes people listen on streaming services to a certain artist, and I need to get on more playlists. That’s a new paradigm for an older musician, but I think I’m up to it. Things are a little tighter financially, but I’m not going to let that worry me. I had thought about signing up for a patron site like Patreon, but I’m not comfortable asking for folks' money unless I’m churning out something of value to them. Maybe if I start a podcast or something I’ll think of doing a patron situation. Just had a brainstorm - maybe I could do a songwriting podcast where I actually write a song on the podcast. I wouldn’t necessarily finish a song on each podcast, but I could share a peek into the process. I’d enjoy that if there was a podcast I could listen to like that. Of course it would be listening to me talk aloud which might be a little weird. Hmmm, I’m going to think on this more. I’m rambling now, and this session of writing to you has really led to something exciting! Let me know what you think of this.
What have I been up to?
The show at the Pueblo Zoo the Wednesday before Christmas was great fun, and not as cold as I thought it would be. We had lots of families come out and see the lights and sing Christmas songs. Both indoors and outdoors it was really a blast! Several folks tuned in online on Concert Window and shared in the festivities. I’ll think we’ll do it again.
Friday night at Neon Alley Bistro was a little more subdued with folks not going out so much so close to Christmas, but we still had a nice crowd of friends and Christmas revelers. The food was to-die-for.
What’s up this week?
Sunday night at 7:00 MST starts the new year of public performing for me with my First-Sunday Online Living Room Concert. We have our new flooring in, so I think it’ll sound a little different with hard floors instead of carpet. I haven’t chosen what songs I’ll be doing, but I’m sure there’ll be some winter songs in there. It’s been cold here, and I’m in the mood for some winter reflecting a bit. Tune in on whatever screen you’re in front of at 7:00 mountain time to concertwindow.com/tommunch.
That’s it for this week. I have two concerts in different places in addition to my regular gigs this month. The 13th I’ll be playing a concert at Deerprint Wine in La Veta 6-8ish. It sounds like a great place. There’s a $10 cover charge, and you can get tickets at https://squareup.com/store/deerprint-wine-and-bistro/. I’m also playing a concert on the 20th at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence. I always enjoy playing in this beautiful venue and seeing the marvelous artwork on display.
Best,
Tom
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/
When: Sunday, January 7, 7-8ish pm MST
What have I been up to?
The show at the Pueblo Zoo the Wednesday before Christmas was great fun, and not as cold as I thought it would be. We had lots of families come out and see the lights and sing Christmas songs. Both indoors and outdoors it was really a blast! Several folks tuned in online on Concert Window and shared in the festivities. I’ll think we’ll do it again.
Friday night at Neon Alley Bistro was a little more subdued with folks not going out so much so close to Christmas, but we still had a nice crowd of friends and Christmas revelers. The food was to-die-for.
What’s up this week?
Sunday night at 7:00 MST starts the new year of public performing for me with my First-Sunday Online Living Room Concert. We have our new flooring in, so I think it’ll sound a little different with hard floors instead of carpet. I haven’t chosen what songs I’ll be doing, but I’m sure there’ll be some winter songs in there. It’s been cold here, and I’m in the mood for some winter reflecting a bit. Tune in on whatever screen you’re in front of at 7:00 mountain time to concertwindow.com/tommunch.
That’s it for this week. I have two concerts in different places in addition to my regular gigs this month. The 13th I’ll be playing a concert at Deerprint Wine in La Veta 6-8ish. It sounds like a great place. There’s a $10 cover charge, and you can get tickets at https://squareup.com/store/deerprint-wine-and-bistro/. I’m also playing a concert on the 20th at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence. I always enjoy playing in this beautiful venue and seeing the marvelous artwork on display.
Best,
Tom
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/
When: Sunday, January 7, 7-8ish pm MST
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)