Hopeful

It’s a new year, and I always like starting out with a good attitude and disposition, so I’m starting the year with hopeful songs again. I do this every year, and I have to admit that some years I’m not as hopeful. That’s when it’s time to take stock and meditate on my purpose and path. That’s part of the reason I do hopeful songs. They reconnect me. But as I look through my list of hopeful songs they sometimes feel corny or hokey. That’s when I have to let myself “go there” to that place where I find hope and comfort from even the corniest of songs. Many of us get the after-holiday blues a little bit - especially on cold and dark winter days. (We’re having one of those as I write this with a cup of hot Genmai-cha green tea with roasted rice.) But music and meaningful lyrics pull me right up when I’m feeling a little blue - especially if they’re songs that I have delighted in at other times of my life. They remind me that “there is a crack in everything - that’s how the light gets in” as Leonard Cohen wrote in his song “Anthem”. So no matter what the new year brings, I approach it with hope and a purpose to spread hopeful songs and ideas that will maybe help others.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week even with New Year’s Day in the middle of it. I played fun party songs before New Year’s Eve and then hopeful songs starting with New Year’s Day. Actually, my facility on Friday was celebrating Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday, so I did a bunch of Elvis songs that day. That was fun! I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was actually Tuesday so we could celebrate New Year’s Eve. It was a blast, and it became a mini-theme show about time with the requests that came in. We celebrated the new year at 8:00 mountain time with a countdown, and then the rest of the night was more party songs and some meaningful ones including “Auld Lang Syne”. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant. I played the Fender Acoustasonic guitar that I had played at the senior facility for Elvis songs that can get both acoustic and electric tones, so that allowed me to play some electric jazz and rock ’n’ roll tunes at the restaurant too. It was fun, and the folks were very complimentary.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were a few new songs as well. It was a very good time with good friends.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll continue with the hopeful songs I’m playing for Wednesday for these folks as well. I often ponder if I should do more uplifting songs for my senior facilities. I usually go with the flow and take requests too.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be hopeful songs as I wrote above. I have a pretty good list although I’m always finding songs I hadn’t heard or considered before. It’s a fun thing to find these and relay them. Come on out and get a little hope and inspiration!

Friday night 5:30-8:30 I’lll be back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes again. You’ll note that it’s a half hour earlier than before. I’ll do the rest of my dates for the winter at this time. I’d love to have you come out and enjoy a good meal and my noodling on the guitar. Reservations are usually required unless you’d like to sit at the bar or in the one two-top table in the bar (right next to me). 888-994-3156

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests once again. I’ve now been doing online shows for 14 years, and I love doing them. The last 5 years have been on Facebook and on my website. I have such a wonderful group of folks who frequent my shows, and I love them all. Come join in with us!

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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe it’s a new year. I haven’t messed up writing “2025” on anything yet!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Hopeful songs

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

When:  Wednesday, January 8, 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, January 10, 5:30-8:30 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, January 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

New Year

I’m playing an online show for New Year’s Eve, and that has me thinking about the significance of the turning of the calendar. We tend to make a big deal out of the end of one year and the starting of the next. There is a lot of symbolic meaning around it. People like to take stock and make resolutions of how they can improve and move forward. I like to take stock too and use the new year as a time for both reflection and planning, but as I grow older it is not as big a deal. I’m not necessarily looking back, but I’m not making big plans for the future either. I think that’s a healthy thing. Many times planning comes from an angst about accomplishment and  a lack of fulfillment that neglects living in the moment and having contentment in your life. New Year’s Eve is still a night that people like to have a good time with those they love. If you take off the pressure of making it the “best ever” it can be a fun evening of music and camaraderie. That’s how I look at it now. Yes, I’ll still do some end-of-the-year stuff for business, and in the new year I’ll look at what’s coming and make some plans, but I’ll do it with less expectation and craziness. Happy New Year!

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to write about my senior facilities last week, and I’m sorry I didn’t. I played for 8 different places, and the Christmas and holiday spirit was strong and so special. I say it a lot, but I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was on Christmas night and I had many more people than I expected come out to celebrate Christmas and share a meaningful evening with friends and music. It made a nice close to a good day.

Friday night I played the Grand View restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, and the place was packed with folks enjoying the holiday weekend and magic of the season. It was a grand night.

Sunday I also played the Grand View restaurant to a nice brunch with nice folks - even some I knew. I arranged several new songs for instrumental guitar, and it was very sweet.

My Sunday online show was a special one where I did my favorite songs I’ve learned in the past year with my favorite sunrise pictures as the backdrop. It was a very cool night of tunes that I definitely want to keep playing. The group was really into it too!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities to play for this week including one on New Year’s Day. It will be a fun time of party songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be changed to Tuesday night to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking for an alternative to going out or watching the ball drop on TV for another year, then join me for some music and friendship online 7-8:45 mountain time. It’ll be a great time!

Friday night 6-9 although I may play earlier the rest of the winter 5-8 I’ll be back at the Grand View restaurant at the Garden of the God Club playing instrumental guitar tunes. I’ll know sometime this week if I’ll play earlier. Reservations are a must unless you’d like to sit at the bar. 888-994-3156

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests this week. I love this evening and the folks who come out to share themselves and enjoy the music. Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you enjoy your New Year’s celebrations and maybe a day off. Here’s to a great new year no matter where life finds you.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of New Year’s Eve songs

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

When:  Tuesday, December 31, 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, January 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, January 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Day

This Wednesday is Christmas, and that has me thinking about how we spend Christmas. I build up expectations about Christmas as December progresses. I think that comes from being a kid and looking forward to presents and family. I still consider it a magic time regardless of where life has taken me. Some years have been happy and some sad. Some have been spent at home and some in other places with a variety of circumstances, from ski resorts to hospital visits. Some years I’ve worked - playing for Christmas brunches or Christmas parties. Of course I really fall strongly into the Christmas spirit with so many holiday songs and so many Christmas shows for my senior facilities and concerts. By Christmas Day I’m usually ready to stop playing them. One year I recorded my Christmas album in early January on purpose so that I would be well-rehearsed on the songs and able to record them easily and with some flair. What do I do nowadays on Christmas Day? First, we like to have a peaceful Christmas Eve with some sort of special food and music. We sometimes drive around neighborhoods to see Christmas lights. On Christmas morning I don’t sleep in. I like to get up early to greet the sun - walking with Beau, our dog, to see the beauty of the early morning. Then we have a relaxing breakfast and a leisurely morning before we open presents. It’s just me and Jen and our dog Beau and cat Tuzi. Our pets actually get pretty excited about opening presents. Beau loves his toys, and Tuzi loves the boxes and wrapping paper. Jen and I usually pick our own presents, and it’s hard waiting to open them if it’s something we’ve been expecting and looking forward to using for a month or more. It’s difficult to relax for the rest of the day, and so usually there’s a project to work on to round out the afternoon before we have a special dinner and see a movie that evening. It’s a nice day. It’s different than the years we would travel a bit and see a lot of family. I usually work right up to Christmas and right after, so it’s great to have a day to relax. As I mentioned at the top, this year I’ll do an online show on Christmas Day of holiday songs I didn’t get to this season as well as other fun winter songs and requests. How about you? How do you spend Christmas Day?

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What have I been up to?

Last week I played for 14 senior facilities. I had one more scheduled, but they had to cancel with a Covid quarantine. That’s the first one this season that has had an outbreak bad enough to isolate their residents in their rooms. I hope they get it under control soon so they can have some semblance of a normal Christmas. I did have a couple others with Covid that were requiring masks, but they didn’t have to isolate their folks. It’s a hard time to be dealing with illness.

My Wednesday online show was Christmas hymns, and it was just as special as I hoped it would be. There is something so familiar and sweet about the old Christmas hymns that we’ve known all our lives. I think everyone in the audience enjoyed it too.

Friday night I played Christmas songs on the guitar for the Garden of the Gods Club, and it was really fun making up clever arrangements for so many Christmas songs.

Sunday morning I also played at the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch, and it was just as special. Some of the Christmas songs are really fun to noodle on! Santa’s and Mrs Claus were there for the kids, and I had a nice group of appreciative folks.

My Sunday show was playing favorites and requests, and there were some great Christmas songs we finally got to. I love playing for these folks so much!

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What am I up to this week?

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas leftovers - holiday songs we still haven’t gotten to out of a list of 200 or so plus other winter and seasonal favorites. If you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Day evening then tune in and enjoy!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs playing instrumental guitar. It’s such a beautiful place with views to die for. Make reservations now if you’d like to come. 888-994-3156

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m also at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs playing for brunch. It’s a wonderful place to bring visiting guests for a really nice time. 888-994-3156 for reservations. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a little different for this Sunday. I’m going to do my favorite songs from this year along with my favorite sunrise pictures as the backdrop too. Come on out and hear some neat tunes with stunning views. 

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That’s it for Christmas week. I hope you have an amazing Christmas, and I should also tell you that I’ll be doing a New Year’s Eve online show 7-8:45 in case you’re making plans for that night. 

Best holiday wishes,  

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas leftovers

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

When:  Wednesday, December 25, 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, December 27, 6-9 pm 

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:  Sunday, December 29, 10 am to 2 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, December 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Christmas Hymns

This Wednesday I’m doing an online show of Christmas hymns, and there are some truly special songs in the hymns. These are the songs that feel the most like the sacred Christmas Eves I can remember over the years. Those are the times I can remember special church services and family gatherings. There were candlelight ceremonies that ended at midnight with soft snow falling and evenings enjoying Christmas lights and favorite albums with beautiful renditions of the best of the hymns. The feeling was so quiet and special. That’s when it really feels like Christmas to me. Some of it is the story of the Christ child, and some of it is just the gentle reverence of solitude when everyone is with their immediate family in the best expression of love. The other thing about the hymns is that people have heard them and know a verse and chorus by heart. Sharing in this creates the same peaceful feeling of community throughout our lives. So Wednesday I’ll do just hymns from days gone by.  

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What have I been up to?

Last week I played for 11 senior facilities, and the Christmas spirit was really strong. These folks are very special. 

My Wednesday online show was fun Christmas songs, and that’s exactly what it was. We had a blast!

Friday night I played at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs for a legislative academy graduation that was wonderful. I play for these folks once a year, and it’s always a treat. 

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, there were some new Christmas songs and old favorites. I love playing for these evenings with good friends. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 15 senior facilities, and yes, that’s a lot! I’ll be a great time building up to Christmas in just another few days. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas hymns as I wrote about above. This will be a sweet night of friendship and tunes. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental tunes again. This is such a beautiful restaurant with such nice guests. It’s a great night out if you’re looking for a yummy Friday night meal with my music. 

Sunday morning I’m also at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant for brunch. It’s off the brunch menu, and it’s great. I’d love to have you there if you’re near Colorado Springs. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. This is also the cap at the end of the week that is the cherry on top. Please tune in if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope your holiday season is going well. Gosh, I need to finish my Christmas cards! 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas hymns

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

When:  Wednesday, December 18, 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, December 20, 6-9 pm 

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:  Sunday, December 22, 10 am to 2 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, December 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Season of Giving

I’ve been reading a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer called “The Serviceberry” that echoes something I wrote about before Thanksgiving in my blog titled “Gratitude”. I’ve been thinking of this in light of this time of year that we often call the season of giving. I suggested in my blog that if we understood that “gifts and payments we make to each other are gestures of kindness and respect that we pass back and forth then “we might have a better understanding of this life”. She takes this further into an understanding that receiving a physical item from others out of abundance or kindness creates a relationship that is stronger and more beneficial to each other than purchasing the same item - especially if we then share it with others out of abundance or re-gift it when we are done with it. She says that we see things received as a gift in a different way than how we see a purchased thing. We also take better care of it.  When we see items as gifts then they are no longer objects or property - commodities in a market economy, they have meaning and real value. Ultimately she sees everything as a gift from the abundance of the earth, and so she sees a big web of reciprocity that we create to make better societies and a better world. One of her examples was of a hunter from the Brazilian rainforest who brought home a big kill. When asked where he would store the meat, he said he would invite his family and friends to a feast and thus “store the meat in the belly of his brother.” He knew that person would reciprocate when there was abundance and a chance to give in return. There wouldn’t be money exchanged, but instead gratitude and connection. I like that! I would tie to that another concept I’ve written about. I think that giving is a well that we can tap. When tapped, this well flows and increases as long as we continue to give. I’ve sure found this in my life. So I hope you are able to give and to receive the joy and connection that comes from giving at this time of year.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and all of them were so enjoyable as we started doing all the great Christmas songs. I love interacting with these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing less-known Christmas songs, and there were some great ones. I think the audience really connected with these gems.

Friday night I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and I had so many very nice people including a little girl who was celebrating her 8th birthday. I even had some very good friends come out to dinner and to listen. Thanks! It was a good night.

My Sunday show was requests and favorites, and there was a good mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I had a good number of folks, and they really got into the spirit.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. This season is just chock-full of love and giving, and it’s an honor to be part of spreading it to everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be fun Christmas songs, and there are so many. This will be a blast, and I’m really looking forward to a super night. Come on out!

Friday night I’m playing for a group at the Broadmoor that I have played for many, many times. It’s the Council of State Governments West graduation of the their training that they put on in Colorado Springs every year. It’s always a great night of stellar people and great food and sights. I’m so happy to get to play it each year.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know we’ll be in the Christmas spirit. Come on out and enjoy it!

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That’s it for this week. Looking ahead I will be doing an online show on Christmas Day in the evening as I always do on Wednesdays that should be very special. Also I’ll do a New Year’s Eve online show to ring in the new year as I usually do if you’re looking for something fun to do and don’t want to go out on New Year’s Eve.

I hope you’re healthy and happy and enjoying the holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of fun Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 11, 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, December 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Month

I love Christmas tunes. I’ve written before that it is unique in all music (at least here in America) because almost everyone knows the same songs that we grew up with. The only thing comparable would be sing-along songs or maybe Church songs if you’re a churchgoer. As such we share a familiarity and love for these songs that is deeper than most songs, and it goes across all ages for the most part. I can’t get enough of them whether they’re fun Santa and snow songs, old hymns, or touching songs of the season. Because of that, I’m planning something different for my online shows this December. I’m devoting all the Wednesday theme shows before Christmas to different types of holiday music. There are so many great Christmas songs that I thought this would assure we get to more of the really good ones. The first week will be less-known songs of all types. The second week will be fun Christmas songs, and the third week will be Christmas hymns. The fourth week Wednesday actually falls on Christmas Day, so that day will be a mix of Christmas leftovers and requests. I think this will make for a wonderful holiday season this year!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week even with the Thanksgiving holiday in the middle of it. I sang thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs, and it was just wonderful.

My Wednesday online show was singing thankful songs, and a lot of folks came out to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with me. This is quite a community of sweet friends and followers.

Friday evening I played instrumental tunes for the diners at the Pueblo Country Club, and I had some good friends come out there too. It was another nice evening at a place I haven’t played in quite some time.

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, and there were some very nice requests. I broke in a couple of Christmas songs for good measure. I love this group!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to starting out the Christmas season right with everyone. This is such a magical time to share with my seniors.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be less-known Christmas songs as I wrote above. There will be some fun and some new songs to most of the listeners. When a song is new to me or I have a song to share that most folks don’t know it’s a marvelous thing. I expect there will be many on this night! Come on out!

Friday 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of Gods Club playing instrumental tunes in the Grand View Restaurant. It will be sweet sharing holiday songs and other seasonal favorites with the folks there. I’d love to play for you too. It is open to the public, and reservations are a must. 888-994-3156

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a great night with the Munch Bunch and others who tune in. I’d love to have you as well.

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That’s it for this week. I so enjoy getting into this season of the year, and I hope you bring the holidays into your heart and enjoy them too.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of less-known Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 4, 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, December 6, 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, December 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Gratitude

It’s Thanksgiving week, and it’s the time for reflection on the things we are thankful for. I’ve often heard in recent years that we should always approach our days with an attitude of gratefulness and grace. I agree with this, and last year I made the argument that we are worthy of the things we receive. To add to this I will say that we regularly don’t expect giving from others, but that maybe we should. If we all gave to each other on a continuous basis we would be happier and better people, I think. I remember a time many years ago when a friend gave me something and I thanked him. He replied with something like, “We just give back and forth to each other.” By that he meant that the gifts and payments we make to each other are gestures of kindness and respect that we pass back and forth. I like this. If we saw the money and things we exchange like this we might have a better understanding of this life. It’s really just showing that we’re thankful and respectful for the time and effort that someone has spent for our benefit. In the end this is all that matters - the interaction and care, not the money and stuff. So I’m thankful for what’s given to me and shared with me - the time, care, help, and yes, love. And I will keep giving with gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

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What have I been up to?

I had 15 senior facilities last week, and they were all a blast with thankful songs and smiling faces. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1969 again, and everyone got into another batch of great songs from that year. It was quite a time.

Sunday morning I played for brunch at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant. I had a good time making up new arrangements of songs and playing old favorites. It’s fun to see which songs the audience notices as they enjoy their food and company.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were some good ones. I love this audience of Munch Bunchers.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to sharing more thankful songs with them all and reminiscing about Thanksgiving celebrations. This is such a wonderful time to share music.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be thankful songs, and there are some great ones.  Come on by and join in the fun and gratitude if you’re free on Wednesday night!

Friday evening 5-7 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Pueblo Country Club. This is the first time I’ve played instrumental tunes there, and I’m looking forward to it! It’s for members and their guests only, so if you’re a member come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always a great time with the Munch Bunch. Hope you can join in. 

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of thankful songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes for members and their guests

Where:  Pueblo Country Club

When:  Friday, November 29, 5 - 7 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, December 1, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

1969

I’m doing a second week of tunes from 1969 for my Wednesday night online theme show, so I thought I’d write a little about 1969. Of course, it was a pretty turbulent year in the US with the Vietnam War still raging and a new president (Nixon) in the White House. It was the year of Woodstock and the first moon landing, so there was a lot of hope and music. The Beatles made their last performance on the roof of Apple Records and released “Abbey Road” as Monty Python made their first TV episode. David Bowie released “Space Oddity” as Edward Kennedy drove off a bridge in Chappaquiddick and Mary Jo Kopechne drowned. Charles Manson killed 5 people in LA as “The Brady Bunch” aired for the first time (which I remember watching all the time). Finally at the end of the year The Rolling Stones had a concert at Altamont with the Hells Angels working security where 4 people died, as Tiny Tim and Miss Vicky got married on Johnny Carson’s show. There were so many things happening in that year, but as a little kid in Nebraska in 2nd and 3rd grade I just remember seeing some of this stuff on the TV news as I had my first kiss and struggled with math class. My brother was off to college, and my 3 teenage sisters were still at home, so there was lots of activity in the house. We had a cat who was having litters of kittens that I remember naming and playing with. I was taking piano lessons, but I had no illusions about playing the great music I was hearing on the radio as a career although I could sing along to all my favorites. We spent some time in the mountains that summer as well as spending weekends going to a lake where we could swim and row around in a rowboat or sail with our dad in his sailboat. I remember watching Neil Armstrong take that “small step for man” on TV with Walter Cronkite commenting. It was all pretty magical, and some of these moments come back when I play the music of that year, although I have later memories of hearing these tunes as well. It was quite a year, and I’m looking forward to Wednesday’s celebration of the music from 1969. What are your memories from 1969?

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities to play for last week, and I really loved playing for all of them. I started doing thankful songs for Thanksgiving as well as doing some of the 1969 songs I was doing for the Wednesday show last week. 

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1969 as I wrote above, and it was a blast. There was lots of rock and roll and lots of memories shared.

Friday night I played the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, and I had a great time especially since I got to see a friend who had run the La Veta Inn when I played there 20 years ago.

Sunday morning I played the Grand View Restaurant again for brunch, and I had a nice group of folks who were very complimentary. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones and unexpected ones which I always love. This online group is so wonderful to be a part of.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 15 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. It takes so little to do so much for people sometimes. Music is magic.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1969 as I wrote above. This will be a blast, and I know the group will be in fine form. Come on out!

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch. I’m having so much fun coming up with arrangements of so many great melodies and favorite songs. And the food looks scrumptious! Come out if you can, and definitely make reservations - 888-994-3156.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I cherish these Sunday nights when I get to spend the evening with such good people playing good music. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. Next week is Thanksgiving, and I’ll do a special show of thankful songs on Thanksgiving Eve. That will be sweet! I hope you’re happy and healthy. If you’re not, then I’m sending out “hugs and howls” as the Munch Bunch says to give you strength and peace.

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 20, 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:  Sunday, November 24, 11 am - 2 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 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Change

I wanted to write something relevant to the election we just had last week. No matter what you think of the results or the myriad issues surrounding the state of the nation, there is one thing for sure - there will be some significant change in the coming years. Like always, change can be good and bad. I’m not one who shies away from change. At times I have sought it out for the excitement and challenge it brings. As I get older I don’t like it as much because I’ve found that I’m not as malleable or as sharp as I once was. Change also means uncertainty which is hard to deal with in older age. We kind of want everything worked out and secure when it becomes time to retire. But I’m not quite to retirement yet, and I think I can roll with the punches if they’re not too jarring. As I look back over my life I’ve dealt with more change than it seems between job changes and family and other losses. Some of it was gradual, and some of it was sudden and unexpected. I’ve learned and been scarred from many of them, and still I feel pretty objective and optimistic. I often say, “one day we’ll all understand”, and I think that fits the present changes. So whether you’re upset or ecstatic over the election, I hope you find some comfort or joy in these words.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and unfortunately 2 of them had to be cancelled and rescheduled when the big snowstorm rolled in and shut down the interstate on Friday south of here. One of them was just getting over a COVID outbreak, so I had to wear a mask there. I enjoyed seeing all the folks and offering up some musical encouragement.

My Wednesday online show was doing outlaw songs, and it was so much fun sharing these sometimes gritty and exciting songs. The group seemed to really enjoy it.

Friday night I drove through the snow to play guitar instrumentals for the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. I added some more new instrumentals that went over well. 

My Sunday online show was a good one too. I’m so thankful to have such a great community of fans and friends who share my joy in the music.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week including a veterans’ show tomorrow morning for Veterans Day. I love playing for these folks!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1969 as a continuation of the songs from different years of the early 1970s that I did over this past year on several theme nights. There were a lot of great songs from 1969, and I’m really looking forward to playing them. Come on out if you have favorites from this year!

Friday night 6-9 I’m playing instrumental guitar tunes at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs once again, and I know it’ll be fun playing more cool arrangements of songs I know. Come out and listen and have a great meal.

Reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs to play for brunch. The view is so pretty that it’s worth it just for that. Again reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests again, and I always look forward to these satisfying evenings of friendship and great tunes. I’d love to have you tune in too.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you have your own ways of dealing with change that help you no matter what may come.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 13, 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, November 15, 6-9 pm 

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:  Sunday, November 17, 11 am - 2 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 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Outlaws

I’m doing a show of outlaw songs on Wednesday, and so I’m thinking about the old outlaw legends and what drives folks to become outlaws. We’ve all heard the stories of the outlaws of the old west up through the present day. There has always been a romance about them that probably goes all the way back to characters like Robin Hood. Some of the outlaws were truly bad men who committed heinous crimes, and some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and had tall tales that spread about them. I think we all have a little outlaw spirit in us whether we express it through stealing a piece of candy as a kid or speeding down the highway as a teen or adult. Most of the time we are just rebels without a cause - feeling like we need to misbehave just to get a thrill and to feel like we aren’t dominated by a perceived injustice. It’s silly most of the time, and I’ve seen it in myself. Of course, there are some who take it too far and really hurt others with their carelessness or scofflaw attitude. We all have to live together somehow, and the rules do help keep us to a shared ethics that we have agreed to. But there is always that devil-may-care dream of freedom and randomness that tempts us. I’m old enough now that I think I’ll just stick to the outlaw songs.

——

What have I been up to?

I only had 5 senior facilities last week , and so I got time to work on projects and have some time off. I really enjoyed the facilities I had, especially since it was Halloween week and we were doing all the fun and spooky Halloween songs.

My Wednesday online show was doing Halloween songs, and it was a lot of fun again creating a spooky backdrop and playing with lighting and effects. The songs and audience were spooky and great too. Boo! I love doing these shows.

Friday night I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club and I had a packed house that was very appreciative. I’m getting much more comfortable with playing all these guitar tunes now, and I’m still creating arrangements on the fly of songs I like or requests I get.

My Sunday online show was a banner night of favorites tunes and good requests. I’m always amazed at how meaningful and enjoyable these nights are.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and now I’m doing songs to build up to the holidays. This is a fun time of year, and I love sharing it with these folks!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing outlaw songs as I wrote of above. I’ll be doing mostly old west outlaw songs for this show although I may include a couple surprises. It should be a good time, and you’re welcome to join me!

Friday night 6-9 I’m playing instrumental tunes again at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. It’s always an interesting time of doing songs to see who reacts and comments on their walk by me. I love to surprise the audience with something unexpected and seasonal. Come on out if you can. Reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always a wonderful evening of friendship and surprises. I’d love to have you tune in if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you can control your outlaw urges this week! :-)

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of outlaw songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 8, 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 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time