While I was playing my online concert last night I had a realization I’ve had before, but this time it hit me like a ton of bricks - music is my meditation and my sanity. During this time of the virus (now in the 7th week for me) I haven’t been playing nearly as much as I usually do, and I realize it is starting to affect my outlook in more ways than I thought. I’ve written before about how the little things in life are what keep me on center when I’m letting the world get to me. Well, music is a big thing in my life that I need as much as air and water. It turns out it really does do what the Enlightenment thinkers thought it did - it shapes the brain and tunes the mind in concrete ways. The interplay between melody, harmony, rhythm, and syncopation is food for the brain and a workout all at once. The coordination of fingers, mouth, and brain are an intricate flow of neurons firing and synapses linking everything together. This is not even to mention the spiritual and emotional content of the music and lyrics that weave with the magic of where it all comes from. It is a sacred thing in my world that I am truly privileged to be part of, and I know it better now than I ever did. It taps into the ancient flow of life and the divine for me. It is an expression of love and life. So I intend to jump in with renewed vigor as much as I can even more now as the weeks go by. It is my spirit’s sustenance as much as meditation and contemplation.
——
What have I been up to?
I finished the layout of my “Back to the Old Country” album over the weekend, and I’ll be submitting my order this week. I was going to hold off on getting CD’s, but I think instead I will sign up for a run of stamps.com even though it is pricey so I can ship out CD’s as well as have the album available for streaming and download. These songs are full of simple and heartfelt sentiment that I know is needed at this time.
I recorded a big batch of public domain songs last week and put them up on my Tom Munch Public Domain Songs YouTube channel last week. Feel free to give them a listen if you need some entertainment. youtube.com/channel/UCLYdZkZ0isWlc9wv1QsKutQ/
My Sunday Facebook Live concert went very well. I mostly stuck to a theme of 70s music, and it was a good release and a pleasure visiting these favorite songs from my guitar-playing youth. We threw in some beautiful moments too. Folks were very generous with kind comments and shared joy. I look forward to these more than you know.
——
What am I up to this week?
Friday 7-9 I’ll be doing an online show for my first-Friday regular appearance at Bistoro restaurant in Pueblo. I’m not sure whether it will be on my page or on Bistoro’s page, but I’ll be posting it on Facebook and Twitter as soon as I figure it out. Joette at Bistoro did a wonderful video last week from the restaurant in conjunction with the Pueblo Arts Alliance showing some tips about tomatoes, dressing, and salads. She is a wonderful person who is so good on camera and so centered, and it’s a joy to be working with her and her husband Pellumb.
Sunday 7-8:15 I’ll be doing my weekly Facebook Live concert. I haven’t decided on a theme yet, but I’m keeping a list of requests as I go, so expect to hear some requests as people make them and attend the concert. I’m sorry I can’t get to all of them as they are made, but there just isn’t enough time in life. Maybe sometime I’ll do a marathon session where I do nothing but requests until we exhaust them, but I have a feeling that would go for many hours. :-)
I hope to send my “Back to the Old Country” album to press this week as I said above.
I also intend to record several more public domain songs.
I also hope to do some writing this week on a reflective coronavirus song and maybe an “if I should die before I wake” kind of song. I know that sounds kind of macabre, but I assure you it will be uplifting and peaceful.
——
That’s it for this week. This virus time is really starting to wear on everyone, and I’m right there with you. I don’t need to go out for anything for quite some time, and I want to make this time as meaningful and illness-free as I can.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing a Facebook Live Concert in conjunction with Bistoro
Where: facebook.com/TomMunchFans/ or facebook.com/BistoroPueblo/
When: Friday, May 1, 7-9 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos
When: Sunday, May 3, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
Monday, April 27, 2020
Monday, April 20, 2020
Online Shows and the Virus
I wanted to write this morning about online shows and how it relates to feelings about the virus. I’ve written briefly before about how I feel, but I’ve been thinking about them more. I’ve been doing online shows for nine years, but the complexion of these has changed a lot now. In the beginning it was a novelty and a wonder of technology that I could perform over the internet to friends around the world. That wonder has not changed, but the meaning and the flow of the concerts have intensified. This is the only way I get to share my music during this time, and being able to interact with folks in a meaningful way has even more impact. It is an escape as a song envelops me. It is a confirmation that friends are still there and that I can be part of their lives in a gratifying and beneficial way. It is an affirmation that there is goodness and grace in a world that seems to need this more than ever. It is a respect for the awe and inspiration that makes this world such a wonderful place to be. I hope it is the same for you, and that you get these things in your life from other important sources as well in your daily life. It is the food our spirits need.
——
What have I been up to?
I posted a whole bunch of public domain songs on my Tom Munch Public Domain Songs YouTube site - youtube.com/channel/UCLYdZkZ0isWlc9wv1QsKutQ/. They are free to anyone to listen to, and I hope it’s helping especially my folks in the senior facilities as they look for ways to drain their worries and fill their time. I’ll be recording and posting many more of these. They are a source of playing that helps keep my calluses up, and I am happy that they may benefit someone out there.
The YouTube page from the Generus volunteer organization that I recorded some songs for is also up and available to anyone who would like a variety of stories and entertainment - youtube.com/channel/UC2SksaQiN9Tkf0su4tmsMJA. Feel free to share it with anyone you might think could use it.
My Facebook Live Concert on Sunday went very well. I worked hard on many new songs as requests this week, and although I’m not “owning” any of these songs yet, they weren’t half bad if I do say so myself. It’s fun to learn beautiful new songs. I’m thinking of doing some theme nights for Facebook Live soon - maybe this Sunday as well as some requests. I could do a theme night on a different night too if folks would like that since I’ve been doing requests on Sundays. Let me know what you think. Some musicians are even doing afternoon shows if you’d like that.
There just isn’t enough time in life to do everything we want - even when that’s all we seem to have is time right now. It’s a gift - enjoy it.
——
What am I up to this week?
I will be working on recording more public domain songs this week. I mentioned above that it’s good practice and a gift to anyone who likes to listen to this kind of music that I’m happy to provide.
My “Back to the Old Country” is done and in the can. I’ll be working on the layout more this week. I may not release it as a CD right away since I don’t have any in-person shows and it is difficult to ship right now without being at risk of catching the virus. As such I would just release it as a download and stream right away. I have to do a little more research to see how this works. I’m proud of it, and there are some great classic Western songs on it.
I have a couple other recording projects I’m working on as well.
Sunday at 7:00 mountain time is my Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert again. I’m enjoying these so much, and I’m so appreciative of the spirit and fire that everyone contributes to make these some truly special evenings. I told you last week that I’m also streaming these on my website for anyone that isn’t on Facebook. I had at least one family member who was happy to see this. If you know anyone who might like to watch who isn’t on Facebook please share the link - tommunch.com/photos-videos. The link on Facebook is my regular profile page - facebook.com/tom.munch.
I’m also thinking of doing some other things on YouTube. More about that in the future.
——
That’s it for this week. Know that I am getting through the virus so far with good spirits although I am feeling a lot of anxiety too. We all are. My spiritual nature continues to calm me and help me remember who I am and why I am here, and that carries me through too. Be good to each other. Take care, and I hope to see you one day with a big hug and affection.
Best always,
Tom
——
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos
When: Sunday, April 26, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
——
What have I been up to?
I posted a whole bunch of public domain songs on my Tom Munch Public Domain Songs YouTube site - youtube.com/channel/UCLYdZkZ0isWlc9wv1QsKutQ/. They are free to anyone to listen to, and I hope it’s helping especially my folks in the senior facilities as they look for ways to drain their worries and fill their time. I’ll be recording and posting many more of these. They are a source of playing that helps keep my calluses up, and I am happy that they may benefit someone out there.
The YouTube page from the Generus volunteer organization that I recorded some songs for is also up and available to anyone who would like a variety of stories and entertainment - youtube.com/channel/UC2SksaQiN9Tkf0su4tmsMJA. Feel free to share it with anyone you might think could use it.
My Facebook Live Concert on Sunday went very well. I worked hard on many new songs as requests this week, and although I’m not “owning” any of these songs yet, they weren’t half bad if I do say so myself. It’s fun to learn beautiful new songs. I’m thinking of doing some theme nights for Facebook Live soon - maybe this Sunday as well as some requests. I could do a theme night on a different night too if folks would like that since I’ve been doing requests on Sundays. Let me know what you think. Some musicians are even doing afternoon shows if you’d like that.
There just isn’t enough time in life to do everything we want - even when that’s all we seem to have is time right now. It’s a gift - enjoy it.
——
What am I up to this week?
I will be working on recording more public domain songs this week. I mentioned above that it’s good practice and a gift to anyone who likes to listen to this kind of music that I’m happy to provide.
My “Back to the Old Country” is done and in the can. I’ll be working on the layout more this week. I may not release it as a CD right away since I don’t have any in-person shows and it is difficult to ship right now without being at risk of catching the virus. As such I would just release it as a download and stream right away. I have to do a little more research to see how this works. I’m proud of it, and there are some great classic Western songs on it.
I have a couple other recording projects I’m working on as well.
Sunday at 7:00 mountain time is my Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert again. I’m enjoying these so much, and I’m so appreciative of the spirit and fire that everyone contributes to make these some truly special evenings. I told you last week that I’m also streaming these on my website for anyone that isn’t on Facebook. I had at least one family member who was happy to see this. If you know anyone who might like to watch who isn’t on Facebook please share the link - tommunch.com/photos-videos. The link on Facebook is my regular profile page - facebook.com/tom.munch.
I’m also thinking of doing some other things on YouTube. More about that in the future.
——
That’s it for this week. Know that I am getting through the virus so far with good spirits although I am feeling a lot of anxiety too. We all are. My spiritual nature continues to calm me and help me remember who I am and why I am here, and that carries me through too. Be good to each other. Take care, and I hope to see you one day with a big hug and affection.
Best always,
Tom
——
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos
When: Sunday, April 26, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
Monday, April 13, 2020
Weary with a Long Way to Go
I’m feeling a weariness drifting over me with the virus worries now. I could really feel it with my online Facebook concert last night. I think our society has changed so much that we no longer have the attention span for things that take a long time to play out. I sure feel that way. We just haven’t had to go through a long process like this in a while - especially one with an unknown timetable. But we know this thing is serious, and we know we have the tools to maintain the love and vigilance we need to get through it. Just take every day as it comes. Think of the things that matter, and always remember that love really is the most important thing in all the universe - even when things are going badly, and we don’t see a way out.
By the way, I figured out how to post my Facebook concerts on my website on my Photos and Videos page (tommunch.com/photos-videos) including the live video during the concert so you don’t have to be a part of Facebook to watch it. That’s really cool! Of course, you can’t make comments, but you can always send me a text or email that I’ll check during the show. I’ll post those with the video.
——
What have I been up to?
Last week was interesting. I seem to be busy even when I’m not busy.
I corresponded a lot with the volunteer coordinator folks at the company Generus of Cambridge, Mass., who are putting together free online videos for shut-in seniors with all kinds of entertainment. Expect to see an article about that shortly. I have several public-domain videos they are using.
Doing videos for Generus has inspired me to record a bunch of public-domain videos to post on YouTube so I can offer entertainment for seniors and everyone on my own. I will probably put them on my senior channel which I will probably change the name of. Stay tuned for that. I’m doing public domain songs because YouTube flags and takes down anything that’s copyrighted.
I wrote a song and made several videos for Cuchara Chapel to use for their virtual Easter service. The song may sound too Christian for some. I worked really hard to write a song about Jesus’ teachings of love without being controversial, but it’s a touchy topic for many on every side. I mean, it’s not “Jesus is Just Alright with Me” by the Doobies or “Put Your Hand in the Hand” by Ocean. 😃
Sunday I did my Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert to a smaller and appreciative group of friends. That’s where I started feeling the effect of the weariness setting in. I played more mellow and thoughtful songs that seemed to reflect the shared feelings. It was just what I and a lot of folks needed, and it was a good escape from our troubles for a while. You can watch the replay on my Facebook profile and fan page or on my website tommunch.com/photos-videos. I’m finding these evenings a great gift to me and, I hope, others.
——
What am I up to this week?
I’ll be working on more public domain songs to post on YouTube and doing more meditation music for my friend Eileen’s project. I may do some free-form improvisational guitar music live on YouTube or Facebook as well. It’s good practice and therapy even though the noodling will probably have a few botched notes and missteps. It’s a fun way to explore and experience music. I’ll post links if I do this. A good friend suggested this, and I like it!
Sunday night I’ll be doing another Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert at 7:00 mountain time - facebook.com/tom.munch. I may start doing themes with these although I’m loving doing requests too. It’s just nice way to end or start the week with friends, and it gives me new songs to learn and keep my chops up. Please join me if you can. Remember that is also on my website too if you don’t want to join or sign in to Facebook - tommunch.com/photos-videos
——
I guess that’s it for this week. There’s much more to say and share with everything that’s going on, and it’s good to communicate and remember that we’re going through this together even though we’re apart. Take care and do all the things we’re supposed to do to limit the spread of the virus, and know that you are loved.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch
When: Sunday, April 19, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
By the way, I figured out how to post my Facebook concerts on my website on my Photos and Videos page (tommunch.com/photos-videos) including the live video during the concert so you don’t have to be a part of Facebook to watch it. That’s really cool! Of course, you can’t make comments, but you can always send me a text or email that I’ll check during the show. I’ll post those with the video.
——
What have I been up to?
Last week was interesting. I seem to be busy even when I’m not busy.
I corresponded a lot with the volunteer coordinator folks at the company Generus of Cambridge, Mass., who are putting together free online videos for shut-in seniors with all kinds of entertainment. Expect to see an article about that shortly. I have several public-domain videos they are using.
Doing videos for Generus has inspired me to record a bunch of public-domain videos to post on YouTube so I can offer entertainment for seniors and everyone on my own. I will probably put them on my senior channel which I will probably change the name of. Stay tuned for that. I’m doing public domain songs because YouTube flags and takes down anything that’s copyrighted.
I wrote a song and made several videos for Cuchara Chapel to use for their virtual Easter service. The song may sound too Christian for some. I worked really hard to write a song about Jesus’ teachings of love without being controversial, but it’s a touchy topic for many on every side. I mean, it’s not “Jesus is Just Alright with Me” by the Doobies or “Put Your Hand in the Hand” by Ocean. 😃
Sunday I did my Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert to a smaller and appreciative group of friends. That’s where I started feeling the effect of the weariness setting in. I played more mellow and thoughtful songs that seemed to reflect the shared feelings. It was just what I and a lot of folks needed, and it was a good escape from our troubles for a while. You can watch the replay on my Facebook profile and fan page or on my website tommunch.com/photos-videos. I’m finding these evenings a great gift to me and, I hope, others.
——
What am I up to this week?
I’ll be working on more public domain songs to post on YouTube and doing more meditation music for my friend Eileen’s project. I may do some free-form improvisational guitar music live on YouTube or Facebook as well. It’s good practice and therapy even though the noodling will probably have a few botched notes and missteps. It’s a fun way to explore and experience music. I’ll post links if I do this. A good friend suggested this, and I like it!
Sunday night I’ll be doing another Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert at 7:00 mountain time - facebook.com/tom.munch. I may start doing themes with these although I’m loving doing requests too. It’s just nice way to end or start the week with friends, and it gives me new songs to learn and keep my chops up. Please join me if you can. Remember that is also on my website too if you don’t want to join or sign in to Facebook - tommunch.com/photos-videos
——
I guess that’s it for this week. There’s much more to say and share with everything that’s going on, and it’s good to communicate and remember that we’re going through this together even though we’re apart. Take care and do all the things we’re supposed to do to limit the spread of the virus, and know that you are loved.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch
When: Sunday, April 19, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
Monday, April 6, 2020
Confusion
I’m working through a lot of confusion this morning. I’m sure a lot of us feel this way. With all the info and uncertainty coming towards us it’s easy to feel inundated and overwhelmed. The virus is hitting closer to home, and there’s no way of knowing how it will all turn out. I maintain my deep and abiding peace that comes from an understanding of my place in the universe, but meanwhile there’s just a blur all around me. I want to use my music to be a source of assurance and strength for those I can, and so I continue to look for places where it will benefit others. I wish I could get enough distance to write some music, and I think a little more quiet time and deep breathing would be a good plan this week. How about you? How are you faring? I hope you’re well and are taking precautions to stay that way. Do all the stuff they’re recommending - wash your hands, don’t touch your face, wear a mask in public, don’t get out unless it’s absolutely necessary, get your rest, exercise, eat right, encourage and help others, and love, love, love.
——
What have I been up to?
Last Thursday I was able to perform for one of my senior facilities which I consider a wonderful thing since most of them haven’t been able to use me during this time. I know they are stressed and stretched beyond belief, so I offer them all the support and good wishes I can.
Friday I played two hours on Facebook Live in conjunction with the folks at Bistoro to promote their restaurant and their curbside food and drink and Grubhub delivery. I’m really pulling for them making it through this tough time.
Sunday was my weekly Facebook Live Comfort Concert, and it went great! I had so many friends tune in from so many places in my life, and it’s hard to describe the wave of emotion this brings to my heart. I’m cherishing these moments as much as my audience is, and I look forward to the comfort and distraction this brings every week.
——
What’s up this week?
Weekdays I’m in hopes I can connect with at least one of my senior facilities to do some music. I think I may have at least one lined up.
I’ll be recording a sample video for a volunteer consulting company called Generus out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is trying to offer short recorded videos to senior homes to be shown one-on-one with seniors for encouragement and joy. I may try to offer this to my facilities myself in my area too. I’ve been contemplating this, but I don’t have the video setup and memory storage available to do a lot right now. Live video is what I was concentrating on in the beginning.
Sunday I’m performing virtually for Cuchara Chapel for Easter. I’m planning to write and record a song for a video to be inserted into the video of the service. The theme is how one person can make a difference, and I’ll be sharing the song on Facebook and YouTube as well hopefully.
Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time I’ll be doing another Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home. I said above how much I’m enjoying doing these. I was pretty sloppy last week with my vocal pitch and guitar finger-skills, so I’ll be playing more this week to get my chops back to where they usually are so I can do a good job. It’s amazing what three weeks can do to tarnish your abilities. Please tune in to see if I’ve accomplished it and to get a little peace and distraction.
——
That’s it for this week. Be safe and considerate, and take heart - the sun continues to rise, and there is love everywhere you look for it.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch
When: Sunday, April 12, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
——
What have I been up to?
Last Thursday I was able to perform for one of my senior facilities which I consider a wonderful thing since most of them haven’t been able to use me during this time. I know they are stressed and stretched beyond belief, so I offer them all the support and good wishes I can.
Friday I played two hours on Facebook Live in conjunction with the folks at Bistoro to promote their restaurant and their curbside food and drink and Grubhub delivery. I’m really pulling for them making it through this tough time.
Sunday was my weekly Facebook Live Comfort Concert, and it went great! I had so many friends tune in from so many places in my life, and it’s hard to describe the wave of emotion this brings to my heart. I’m cherishing these moments as much as my audience is, and I look forward to the comfort and distraction this brings every week.
——
What’s up this week?
Weekdays I’m in hopes I can connect with at least one of my senior facilities to do some music. I think I may have at least one lined up.
I’ll be recording a sample video for a volunteer consulting company called Generus out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is trying to offer short recorded videos to senior homes to be shown one-on-one with seniors for encouragement and joy. I may try to offer this to my facilities myself in my area too. I’ve been contemplating this, but I don’t have the video setup and memory storage available to do a lot right now. Live video is what I was concentrating on in the beginning.
Sunday I’m performing virtually for Cuchara Chapel for Easter. I’m planning to write and record a song for a video to be inserted into the video of the service. The theme is how one person can make a difference, and I’ll be sharing the song on Facebook and YouTube as well hopefully.
Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time I’ll be doing another Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home. I said above how much I’m enjoying doing these. I was pretty sloppy last week with my vocal pitch and guitar finger-skills, so I’ll be playing more this week to get my chops back to where they usually are so I can do a good job. It’s amazing what three weeks can do to tarnish your abilities. Please tune in to see if I’ve accomplished it and to get a little peace and distraction.
——
That’s it for this week. Be safe and considerate, and take heart - the sun continues to rise, and there is love everywhere you look for it.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch
When: Sunday, April 12, 7-8:15 pm mountain time
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