Monday, October 29, 2018

Writing

As I sit writing this note today I’m struck with what writing does for me and my brain. This is both writing things like this note and writing songs. The writing doesn’t always come easy, but it brings an enlivenment of spirit and an alignment of my thoughts. That's a good and rewarding thing for me. Getting in touch with my core and then organizing my inklings into words and sentences is a fundamental part of our existence here on earth. Expressing it to others in words is how we make sense of our world and how we learn to understand each other. Words are often like gems that we can hold up and spin around in the light - marveling at the way they reflect and reveal beauty and truth. And of course they are just one element of the way we express ourselves. There is sound and music, sight and art, touch and sense, and all the other senses and ways we experience our world. But today I celebrate words and ideas and the way we express them in writing.

What have I been up to?

Friday we made a run down to Philmont Scout Ranch to hear a concert by AJ Lee, a fine young bluegrass picker and songwriter, to benefit fire relief for the summer burn areas on Philmont. It was a blast, and we had a jam session afterwards that was equally as rewarding.

Sunday I got to play for church service at the Cuchara Chapel. I’m a little rusty on reading music from a hymnal, but I gave it my best shot, and it was so good to see some of my friends from Cuchara. They’re an exceptionally kind and generous group of folks. I’m trying to play monthly for them, and I’d love it if you’re in the area if you could join in too. Stay tuned for future dates.

What am I up to this week?

Friday 6-9 I’m back at Bistoro for our First-Friday monthly dinner and music. I love these folks so much, and I respect their passion and their excellent food and drink. These nights are always very special and not to be missed. Please come out for a fun evening of great folks and food and a little bit of music and sharing life.

Saturday 1-5 I’m playing for a St. Jude fundraiser at Cat's Pourhouse in Pueblo West. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music and fun for a good cause helping children’s cancer research and care. There’ll be a silent auction, raffles and prizes, and lots of my music and support. Please come on out even if you don’t have much to give to support this great cause and enjoy an afternoon together.

Then next Monday 7-8ish I’ll be doing my First-Sunday concert on Monday again for the month. I’m letting you know a week early so you’re not surprised when I talk about it next Monday. I haven’t planned a theme for it, but I’ll come up with something special.

That’s it for this week. I hope you have something fun planned for Halloween. Hopefully the weather will be good for trick-or-treaters in your area. Think I’ll try to write some more today. :-)

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  Bistoro, 109 Central Plaza, Pueblo. 719-299-4769
When:  Friday, Nov 2, 6-9 pm
Link:  facebook.com/BistoroPueblo/

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing for the St. Jude fundraiser
Where:  Cat's Pourhouse, 147 Tiffany Drive, Pueblo West, 719-647-0270
When:  Saturday, Nov 3, 1-5 pm
Link:  catspourhouse.com

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  online at https://concertwindow.com/tommunch
When:  Monday, Nov 5, 7-8:15ish pm MDT
Link:  concertwindow.com/tommunch

Monday, October 22, 2018

Sunrise Inspiration

I’ve been posting sunrise pictures on Facebook almost every day this last week, partly because they’ve been exceptionally beautiful and partly because I’ve been up and out at the right time walking our dog Beau. I’m amazed at how these sunrises have awed me and filled me with wonder and energy. As the sky brightens and I start to see the color progress from the horizon over my head into the clouds, I’m delighted and overjoyed. It’s like my spiritual gas gauge is going from ¼ to full to overflowing almost instantly. It’s almost too much to bear, but it’s so wonderful. On days where I feel a little adrift the beauty grounds me and in turn lifts me into those glorious colorful clouds where I remember my place once again as part of this astounding universe. If you’d like to see some of these photos just click on my Facebook page. Everything I post there is public. https://www.facebook.com/tommunch

What have I been up to?

The Goodnight Barn Dinner yesterday was really fun, and I got to sing all the old cowboy songs and favorites from the West while helping raise money to restore old Charlie Goodnight's barn on the west side of town. It’s a wonderful piece of history that Pueblo is proud to have.

What am I up to this week?

Friday I’m running down to Philmont to hear a great concert with AJ Lee to raise money for Philmont fire relief. I may pitch in with the sound if needed. AJ's a great young California player who’s been gaining fame all around the country.

Sunday I’m starting to play monthly for the Cuchara Chapel services in Cuchara. I know so many of these folks and have loved playing there over the years, so I’m happy to help there this winter. Come on down if you’re in the area or would like to have a beautiful Sunday morning in the mountains with a little inspiration. Service is at 10:00.

That’s it for this week. I have some fun things coming up. You can always check my calendar on my website http://tommunch.com/calendar.

Best,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing for chapel service
Where:  Cuchara Chapel, 16400 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO
When:  Sunday, Oct 27, 10:00 am

Monday, October 15, 2018

Joy in the Moment

It may surprise you that I am not always the most joyful person. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in whatever is going on in my head and in whatever situation I find myself. But I know better. I can see that there is something amazing in every moment. I can fret over things that distract me or I can smile and find joy in every little thing. This life is so astounding and rewarding when I let it be that way. Every tiny moment holds an infinite number of variables that I can interact with and give to. When I see life this way there is endless opportunity for joy. And joy is infectious and helps us all. So be joyful and express it, my friends.

What have I been up to?

My online concert on Monday a couple weeks ago was great fun. I did several Chuck Pyle songs in preparation for the tribute concert to him and several Fall songs as well to celebrate the season. Many good friends joined in from all over the country.

Friday after that was the big grand opening for Bistoro which was packed and so much fun. It was great to see Joette and Pellumb drinking in their well-earned success.

Saturday the Chuck Pyle tribute in Denver was grand. I can’t say enough about the fine folks I got to play with and spend time. Word is that we'll do it again next year.

Sunday the song swap and further Chuck Pyle celebration in Fort Collins was over the top. Such wonderful musicians and such an appreciative crowd. The only downside was driving three hours home that night in the rain.

Then just last Friday I had a surprise gig at Walter's Brewery in Pueblo. All my regular friends and folks came out for what turned out to be a sweet evening of friendship and music.

What am I up to this week?

Sunday 3-6 I’m playing for the Goodnight Barn Dinner at the Pueblo Union Depot. This is a fundraiser for the restoration of the Charles Goodnight barn west of Pueblo. This is the old stone barn that was built by Charles Goodnight when he lived here in the late 1800's. Charles and his partner Oliver Loving established the Goodnight Loving Trail where they drove cattle up into Colorado from Texas. You may also remember that the story of “Lonesome Dove” was based on their lives. Anyway, it’s a great cause that Pueblo should be proud of, and I’m pleased to be playing for it. If you’d like to come you can purchase tickets at https://www.goodnightbarnpueblo.org/. There’s a Facebook event page about it at https://www.facebook.com/events/2566401930251158/.

That’s it for this week. We got our first snow of the season yesterday, and Beau and I had a chilly but beautiful early walk in it this morning. It was a spectacular (and joyful) time!

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing for the Goodnight Barn Dinner
Where:  Pueblo Unions Depot, 132 W B St, Pueblo
When:  Sunday, Oct 21, 3-6 pm

Monday, October 1, 2018

How Pain Reflects

I was playing at the Florence Veterans home Friday morning when a couple of the staff members asked my why I looked sad. This hit me out of the blue because I was having a fairly good morning and was enjoying the songs we were sharing. I thought about it for a minute, and the only reason I could think of for looking sad was that I had bit my lip a day or two before and was maybe reflecting the pain from the sore on my lip that I was feeling as I sang. I don’t think very often about how what I am feeling is reflected in my face or demeanor. A friend of mine is very aware of what people are showing on their face, and he has a funny line he likes to use - “If you’re having a good time then tell your face.” I don’t like to think of myself as unaware, but evidently I show pain in unconscious ways. So spread your joy with your face. Smile and show that flicker of love in your eyes that lights up the world.

What have I been up to?

Friday at the Crafty Canary Brewery Grand Opening was crazy fun. It seemed that everyone in Walsenburg came out to celebrate. I can’t wait to go back in the future.

I didn’t have gigs Saturday and Sunday so I could join my siblings in closing up our mountain cabins for the winter. I’m feeling sore today from all the work, but it was wonderful to feel the Fall and spend some time together.

What’s up this week?

Monday 7-8ish is my first-Sunday online concert that I’m playing Monday instead of Sunday as I am playing in Fort Collins on Sunday - more on that in a minute. Please tune in if you can, and log in to comment or send me a text, Facebook message, or email. concertwindow.com/tommunch I love these online concerts.

Friday 6-9 I’m playing the grand open and ribbon cutting for my good friends at Bistoro restaurant in Pueblo. I have a feeling this will be a very special night. They will be having a special menu, and I’m happy to support them and be a part of their wonderful venue. Make a reservation and come on out if you can. 719–696-9672

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing for the Chuck Pyle tribute at Swallow Hill Daniels Hall in Denver. I got to play this last year with many fine musicians and friends, and I’m so happy to be asked to play it once again. If you didn’t know Chuck's music while he was alive, you owe it to yourself to check it out and come down to the concert if you can.

Sunday 3-6 I’m playing a second Chuck Pyle tribute and song swap at Avogadro's Number in Fort Collins. This concert will give several musicians a chance to play our own material in addition to some of Chuck's tunes. I didn’t get to play this last year, and I think it will be a blast. Come on out if you’re in the Fort Collins area on Sunday.

That’s it for this week. Hope you have a pain-free week full of smiles.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  online at https://concertwindow.com/tommunch
When:  Monday, Oct 1, 7-8:15ish pm MDT
Link:  concertwindow.com/tommunch

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing for the grand open and ribbon cutting
Where:  Bistoro, 109 Central Plaza, Pueblo. 719-696-9672
When:  Friday, Oct 5, 6-9 pm
Link:  https://www.facebook.com/BistoroPueblo/

Who:  Tom Munch and a dozen other fine musicians
What:  playing a tribute concert to Chuck Pyle
Where:  Swallow Hill Daniels Hall, 71 E Yale, Denver. 303-777-1003
When:  Saturday, Oct 6, 7-9 pm
Link:  https://connect.swallowhillmusic.org/EventTicket/EventDetail/3664/id0/an-evening-of-the-music-of-chuck-pyle-denver-2018

Who:  Tom Munch and half dozen other fine performers
What:  playing a tribute concert to Chuck Pyle and son swap
Where:  Avogadro's Number, 605 S Mason, Fort Collins. 970-493-5555
When:  Sunday, Oct 7, 3-6 pm
Link:  http://www.avogadros.com/