Special Songs

My Wednesday show will be something very special to me. All during the year I get requests from my audience, and my audience is very sharp and well-versed in so many different musicians and styles. As a result, they introduce me to many great songs that are truly gifts. Also I get to do retrospectives on many musicians during the year that I and my audience choose for theme nights. There are so many gems from these artists as well, and after I cull the best songs from the year I end up with a wonderful group of tunes. These will be the playlist for Wednesday. These tend to be deeper, slow and medium tempo songs that have real meaning and clever words and melodies, but there are also fun and upbeat songs as well. So if this appeals to you, then tune in Wednesday to hear the show on Facebook or my website.

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What have I been up to?

Christmas week was really something with the weather and festivities. I hope you made it through and celebrated with gusto. 

I had 11 senior facilities last week of fun Christmas shows, but one had to be cancelled due to the cold weather that kept their clients from coming Friday. It’s too bad, because I had some fun songs ready for them. 

My Wednesday online show of Christmas songs last week was hymns for the first hour, and it was so sweet. The audience went right along with me. We have such a great group of folks!

My Sunday online show on Christmas Day was a mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I really had fun, and it was gratifying how many people came out on a holiday to get together and share music and friendship. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure some will still want to hear some Christmas songs, which is great. This time of year is always a kind of sacred limbo between holidays that everyone seems to enjoy. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the special songs that I mentioned above - my favorite new-to-me songs of 2022. I know this will be a great night of tunes and goodwill. Come on out if you can.

Instead of Sunday this week I’m doing a New Year’s Eve show on Saturday at my regular time of 7-8:45 mountain time. This will be a really fun online party where I’ll pull out some electric guitars and play some party favorites. It’s a chance to have a New Year’s Eve in your own home without the hassle of going out and also staying up ‘til midnight. Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. It has been quite a year, and I’m looking forward to the next with hopefulness and cheer. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of new-to-me 2022 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of party favorites and requests

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

When:  Saturday, December 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Reflection

It’s the final week before Christmas, and a little reflection is in order. As a performer I take great responsibility in putting out as much enthusiasm and encouragement as I can during this season. I know how hard it is on a lot of people to be cheerful and full of goodwill at this time of year. Luckily I really am an optimist and a utopian thinker. I really do see the good in mankind, and I really do believe in all the tropes about helping each other and making the world a better place for everyone. I so often see the beauty in the little things of life like the intricacies of music and the beauty of how a tree or flower grows. I’m fascinated by the inner-workings of life from the smallest quantum particles to the vastness of the universe, and I believe all of this does work together to make our lives rich and full even in the worst of circumstances. So when Christmas and the solstice roll around, I amplify my world-view with the goodness of the season to understand the possibilities of love and understanding in all of us. In everyday we have the choice to do good or ill and to put forth love or hate. I choose love and doing good for others. Merry Christmas!

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What have I been up to?

Last week was really busy.

I had 11 senior facilities, and I was able to get to all of them even with the little bit of weather that we got. It’s so fulfilling to spread Christmas and genuine affection for these folks.

My Wednesday online show doing Christmas songs went really well. I concentrated on old-English  Christmas songs for the first hour, and it was very sweet. The group really came up with some great tunes to request as well.

Friday I played for the Council of State Governments legislative academy group at the Broadmoor, and I can honestly say that I’ve never met a more enthusiastic and engaging group of people. They were all there for each other and for me. We sang songs and played together after their graduation ceremony with gusto, and they were so appreciative!

Saturday my concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence was a blast too. I had a great audience of friends and fans who sang along and created a real bonfire for Christmas. What a great venue!

Then my Sunday online show of favorites and requests was a huge variety of songs including a few Christmas songs. I love this group of folks so much.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and several of them are resident Christmas parties, so I know I’ll be wearing my Santa hat a bunch and spreading good cheer. I love playing for these folks too!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing Christmas songs one more time for the season. I’ll lean towards Christmas hymns for this show since we’ve done newer songs and old-English Christmas songs in previous weeks. I’m sure we’ll throw in a few other requests as well. Come on by!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a special show of favorites and requests on Christmas night. I’m thinking of doing some songs that I’ve really enjoyed during Christmas seasons of the past that weren’t necessarily Christmasy. Of course I’ll be taking requests as well and hoping everyone will be ready for a little music after a day of gifts and food. I’ll be here if you’re up for it!

Looking farther out I will be doing a New Year’s Eve show at my normal time 7-8:45 mountain time if you’d like to have some fun at home with my music and friends on New Year’s Eve. I’d love to have you tune in, and I’ll be doing party songs and festivity. This will be in place of the Sunday show which would be the next day.

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That’s it for this week. I do wish you the merriest of Christmases or whatever you celebrate at this time of year.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 21, 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 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mindset

A funny thing happened last night during my Christmas show at the La Veta Mercantile: I found myself harboring thoughts from a book I had read earlier in the day. I’ve done this before, and I’m sure you have too. I do this with movies as well. I get so involved in the story that I put myself into it, and the next thing I know I’m carrying those feelings and reactions into my own life. I usually try to fill myself with good thoughts and goodwill in my reading and entertainment. Jen and I will often choose a movie that is uplifting or light instead of something heavy and dark. It’s a variation of “you are what you eat” or “garbage in, garbage out”. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating at least for myself - fill yourself with light. It’s not necessarily religious or woo-woo. We can all see it in our own lives. Our mindset is determined by the outlook we choose and the influences we allow ourselves to take in. In my case it made the first half of my show last night a little less cheerful and exuberant than I wanted it to be. So at the break I changed my mindset, and for the second half I let the light shine through. I don’t know if anyone else felt it, but it was a good lesson for me to always take a second to look within and find out where I am. How about you? Do you feel these things and make changes too?

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, but I had a scheduling mixup on one that had to be rescheduled for later this month. The other 8 facilities went wonderfully, and the Christmas cheer is strong!

My Wednesday online show was my own original songs, and I have to say that this is the most comfortable I’ve ever been doing my own songs. You’d think that after all these years it would be “old hat” for me doing my own songs, but I still get nervous exposing my vulnerabilities in my writing. Everyone was so supportive, and it went really well. I did do the new Christmas song I was writing last week!

My Saturday Christmas concert at the La Veta Mercantile went really well too. We had a nice crowd, and the ambience and sound were just perfect. It’s such a pleasure to get to play a show in a beautiful listening room of genuine folks. We did quite a few Christmas sing-alongs too. Emile and her staff do a great job.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests went well too. It’s like a comfortable old jacket putting on this group and singing songs and making memories.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m hoping the winter weather will let me get to all of them. We have a system moving in on Tuesday. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Christmas songs again. We did newer Christmas songs two week ago, and I’ll think I’ll try to do more traditional songs this week - maybe old British songs. I do have a lot of those that I love. Come on out!

Friday I have a private event at the Broadmoor for the Council of State Governments. I have written before about these annual occasions. I get to entertain state legislators from all over the West. It’s always fun and enlightening.

Saturday 7-9 I have a Christmas concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence, Colorado. I love playing at the Bell Tower, and I really look forward to my concerts there. Call 719-784-2038 for tickets - $8 for members and $10 for non-members. I’d love to have you there!

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I always say how special these evenings are, and you’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. This is kind of a marathon week, and it’s fun to rise to the occasion and ride the wave of music!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who: Tom Munch

What: playing a Christmas concert

Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, Florence. 719-784-2038

When: Saturday, December 17, 7-9 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 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

What's It Worth

One of the things I’ve struggled with the most in life has been deciding the value of something. This goes from items to time. The old adage that a price should be what “the market will bear” is relevant, but it’s not necessarily true. Occasionally I think we have to look at what we really value in our lives - friendship, community, family, security, peace, health, entertainment, music, and ? I honestly think we should reevaluate what is important - especially in these times of inflation when the value of things is being shaken up. I’ve had to do this personally as I feel the squeeze of inflation. I’ve never been able to gauge what my music is truly worth. It comes easily to me for the most part although I spend many hours on it, and so I’ve never asked for as much as others ask for their music - always feeling that it wasn’t right somehow to put too much value on myself. The old Bible quote “Do not muzzle an ox when it is threshing the grain” comes often to mind as I puzzle this. It means getting your fair share for your hard work. And how that relates to the price you pay for a house, car, food, and everything else comes from how you gauge your own worth. It’s actually a pretty big overall concept. What if we didn’t have money to measure the worth of things? Anyway, that is what I am pondering as I work on songs, raise my prices, and plan my week out as Christmas approaches. What do you think?

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. Once again there is COVID in some of them, and so precautions are still being taken although I’m no longer seeing temperatures being taken at most places. Most just require a sign-in saying that you are not experiencing symptoms.

My Wednesday online show of Christmas songs as a kickoff to the season went very well although I’m still not all the way in the spirit (but Im getting there!) I did lesser-known songs for this show to expose some great songs to the group, and it was a joy.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests went very well too with a great variety of tunes. Our online community of friends is so engaging and rewarding.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and as Christmas nears these shows become more and more special. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be my own original tunes again. I haven’t done a show of original tunes since last February, and I hope to do a new Christmas song that I’m working on as well. It is so gratifying that folks want to hear my own tunes and stories from my life.

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a Christmas concert at the La Veta Mercantile in La Veta. I dearly love this venue and the folks of La Veta, and the Christmas shows I’ve done there have always been a highlight of the year. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here - www.simpletix.com/e/tom-munch-christmas-tickets-102553. I’d love to have you there. There will be some surprises and some sing-along songs as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We are doing many Christmas requests at these shows as well as anything else you want to hear. I try to make sure everyone gets something, and I love these folks who are so good to me and create such a strong community.

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That’s it for this week. Next week I have a Christmas concert in Florence, Colorado, at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. You can call 719-784-2038 for tickets, and they $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Be good - Santa is coming!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of original songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a holiday concert

Where:  La Veta Mercantile, 300 South Main Street, La Veta 719-742-3387

When:  Saturday, December 10, 7-9 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 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Season Starts

I’m starting Christmas season with enthusiasm and a little earlier than I usually do this year. I’ve found that I usually have to pace myself, but I’ve also found that the season is over before I know it. So this year I’m doing a Christmas kickoff show before December even starts on this Wednesday, November 30th. I haven’t gauged my Christmas spirit yet this year. Every year I comment on how I feel about Christmas as the season starts. I still feel a sacredness at this time that is based on childhood experiences and mystical stories. When I think of those I am still transported into the magical feelings I get every Christmas season. I rely on the ability to do that, and I think it comes from a truly genuine place inside each of us. It sounds like a Hollywood utopian image of Christmas, but I think it is based on a communal unity that we each sense. Of course it’s tied up with all the commercialism and complexity that Christmas has become, and so it’s kind of camouflaged and a little tarnished. I wonder if this is how a lot of people feel about Christmas. Either way I always encourage people to open up to the season and let themselves enjoy it. It can be a wonderful time if we let it.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and some of them were really ready for the holiday season. The caution around COVID has lifted for some, but I’m still being careful. I did lose one of my residents at one facility who was a real fireplug. He will be missed.

My Wednesday online show of thankful songs was very enjoyable with a good mix of tunes that expressed thanks from a lot of different directions. The group really seemed to have a good time.

My Sunday show of favorites and requests was a little heavier than usual, but we had a great group of folks with some fine requests. This is such a stellar group of people.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and most of them will start wanting to hear Christmas tunes. I need some new Christmas jokes to tell as well. I’m looking forward to them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the Christmas kickoff that I mentioned above. Last year my audience wanted Christmas songs almost every week, so I figured we’d start off with a bang to get us in the spirit. Come on out if you’re ready to embrace the season.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These shows are always really special, and the goodwill really shows and flows. You’re always welcome to join in.

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That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that I have Christmas shows on December 10 at 7:00 at the La Veta Mercantile, and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. These will be really fun and very festive! I’ll give more details as they arrive. Meanwhile I hope you can get in the spirit, get your Christmas cards going, and look forward to a great holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 30, 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 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Thankful for Community

We had a tragic mass shooting just up the road from us in Colorado Springs on Saturday night, and one of the biggest things that has come out in interviews with the people affected is that it wasn’t a place, but a hub where people shared each others lives as a community. There are many communities in our lives like that - from social clubs to churches to even jobs to some extent. I belong to many communities, with my online concert community being the most vibrant at present. Community is very important. A recent study I heard said that more people, especially men, have less close friendships nowadays, and that really affects our well-being and self awareness. So belonging to a group where you can express yourself and be accepted is a very good thing, and it’s something I am so thankful for. In this life all we can do is to put ourselves out in the world with all our good will and shortcomings and hope that we find kindred spirits who understand us and give of themselves as well with gratitude. Giving of yourself is an act of faith, but it is also a confidence that we are part of a continuum of positive energy and spirit. That’s really what community is all about. So for this week of Thanksgiving I am pondering on that and wishing you the best of Thanksgivings!

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I really enjoyed every one. They are all communities that are fun to plug into even if only for a brief time.

My Wednesday online show of Willie Nelson songs was such a good time. Some of Willie’s songs are so insightful and melodic. It was a real pleasure. And our group really shined.

My Sunday online show of requests and favorites was a wonderful evening too with several songs that were new to me. I can’t believe the depth of musical knowledge and love these folks have.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week which is more than I usually have on a holiday week. I’m looking forward to every one of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be thankful songs for Thanksgiving. This will be a fun topic to explore in song, and I have a few surprises I think everyone will enjoy. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. Being that it’s after Thanksgiving I’ll be open to starting to sing Christmas songs although I’ll save most of that for a special Christmas show or two. I’m looking forward to the group dynamic during the holidays! Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. Remember that I do have two Christmas shows coming up - December 10 at 7:00 at the La Veta Mercantile, and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. I’d love to see you at either or both if you’re in the area. Viva la community!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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 23, 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, November 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Willie Nelson

When I think of great songwriters I often overlook Willie Nelson, and that’s a big mistake. When you consider the breadth and depth of Willie’s albums over nearly 70 years it is astounding how many great songs he’s written and recorded. Of course he has his own style that’s often caricatured, but you can’t deny the authenticity and genuine care he puts into writing and performing a song. I have more than 30 songs of his that I regularly perform, and some of my very favorites are on that list like “Hands on the Wheel” and “Crazy”. Willie is one of those rare writers who can express something simply yet profoundly. And he also has the ability to cover and make a song his own like “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “Stardust”. I can’t count the number of times I’ve performed “Stardust” just to have someone say how great a Willie song that is. They’re surprised when I tell them that Hoagy Carmichael wrote it in 1927. And of course he’s legendary for his help with Farm Aid and his own concerts in Texas. So Wednesday I’ll perform his songs, and it’ll be a pleasure!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities to play at, and unfortunately one of them went out of business, so I won’t be playing there anymore. Luckily I’ll see most of the folks from there who have now relocated to other facilities in the area.

My Wednesday online show of Bob Dylan songs was a wonderful time, and as expected everyone was surprised how many great tunes they knew and didn’t realize that Bob had written. 

My Sunday online show was also a great time, and people kept me on my toes with some fine requests.

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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. The continuity and good will that we generate with each other at each of these shows is so rewarding.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing the tunes of Willie Nelson as I wrote about above. I’ll probably play a nylon-string guitar to get that Willie sound that everyone knows so well. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure there’ll be some new tunes and some old favorites. We’ll be doing it live from Deann and Matt Pujol’s house, so it’ll be extra-special! I’d love to have you join in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I do have Christmas shows coming up soon - December 10 at 7:00 at the Mercantile in La Veta and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower in Florence. Put them on your calendar and come on out!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Willie Nelson songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 16, 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, November 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Making an Impact

I’m doing the music of Bob Dylan for my Wednesday show, and it has me thinking of the kind of writing that makes an impact in the world. I think that anyone would say that Bob’s music touched a lot of people, especially in the ’60s. As I make my list for the show and listen to his songs, it’s amazing at how many still resonate, and how many have been recorded and re-recorded. It’s not uncommon to hear a great song cover that sounds brand new just to find that Bob Dylan wrote and recorded it several decades before. Bob’s version may sound different than the cover version, but the quality of the writing and the power of the message is undeniable. I heard Joan Baez once say that Bob was not aware of how sophisticated and deep his writing was. That may be, and that makes his music even more impressive. So Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of his songs. It should be a night to remember. 

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What have I been up to?

All my senior facilities were wonderful last week with no problems with COVID except that I had an exposure to COVID over the previous weekend that I found out about mid-week and had to be extra careful about. I think we’re all tired of the vigilance, but we have to keep on keeping on.

My Wednesday show of John Prine songs was so rewarding. It was just wonderful to bask in his brilliant songwriting. Everyone enjoyed it.

My Sunday show of favorites and requests was a sweet time too. I honestly just build speed and then hang on ’til the end with all the requests coming in and the positive energy flowing from everyone.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities again this week, and there is even one that I haven’t been to since before the pandemic, so that will be a wonderful reunion with some good folks. I’m looking forward to it!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the Bob Dylan songs I talked about above. This will be a fine experience, and I’d love to see you if you can make it.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I don’t say enough how many great songs I’ve had the opportunity to learn and play due to the requests from folks in these shows. There are dozens of super tunes I’ve gotten to do! Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are well and happy. There is a general angst in the air this week with the elections, and hopefully it will all work out for the best - no matter what side we’re all on. It’s hard to live with the divisions we have nowadays.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Bob Dylan songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 9, 7-8:30 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, November 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

John Prine Subtle Wisdom

I’m doing the music of John Prine for my Wednesday show this week. I also did his music two years ago after he passed in April of that year from COVID. I’m partially doing his music because it was requested, but I’m also doing it because I have so much respect for his writing and want to honor his memory and spread his tunes. John had what I am calling “subtle wisdom”. His songs would seem to be light and even silly sometimes, but he’d slip in a little gem of wisdom at the right moment. He even wrote a song once as a complete lark, and listeners still perceived a subtle message that couldn’t be denied. It’s kind of amazing, and it’s something I’ve never been able to even approach with my writing. It eluded me so much that I even discounted some of his music without understanding his true genius. I came around though - luckily before he died, and I sing his praises and his music. So Wednesday I’ll play and sing his deceptively simple songs, and I encourage you to tune in and pick up on his subtle wisdom. 

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were very enjoyable last week, and fortunately none of them had to be canceled for COVID. 

My Wednesday online show last week was requests and favorites so that we could do a Halloween theme on Sunday - closer to Halloween. It was a good group with some great requests!

My Sunday show doing Halloween songs was so much fun. I did several green screen tricks that included flames in guitars and a cape that left only my head floating on the screen. The songs were great too including a new one called “John’s Garden” by Peter Mayer about pumpkins finding out that they were to become jack o’lanterns. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and it’ll be time to shift gears away from Halloween after my shows today. It’s always interesting to go with the flow with the folks at these places!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing John Prine songs as I mentioned above. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you’ll tune in!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests. These are always such a whirlwind of good feelings and good tunes. Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. The holidays will be here before you know it.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of John Prine songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 2, 7-8:30 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, November 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Music Changing

I’ve been thinking a lot about what music is and what it was and what it will be. As you can guess, I still think of music as one person with an instrument or a group of people with instruments playing and/or singing. I think this goes into the “what it was” category. That is the purest form to me, and it was obvious during the pandemic when a lot of musicians took to performing on the internet that this is not as natural as it once was. Today’s music is often very much created from sampled instruments on a computer - particularly drums and keyboard sounds. Vocals are often so altered with computer effects that they aren’t very close to one person singing in a room. I don’t think that’s bad, it’s just not what I prefer. Of course there are some people like me who do it more in the old way in some genres, but in popular music it’s mostly not done this was anymore. With the advent of artificial intelligence it’s possible that what music will be may be an AI coming up with all the sounds and vocalization with just a little human input. And it may be pretty good at it too. It’s all about what reaches you and entertains you, I suppose. I tend to think of music as something that has an unknowable and almost spiritual aspect to it, and I think that is still true, but ultimately I guess it is just a way for us connect to each other and to our environment. At the very least it’s fun to see where it is and to speculate on what it will become. I’m out of the loop enough that I just marvel at what can be done today, and then I pick up my guitar and just play.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, but one had to cancel due to COVID outbreak. I have heard now that everyone at that facility is almost back to normal, and that it wasn’t too bad an infection. That’s good.

My Wednesday online show doing birth-year songs for a second show was even more fun than the first show last week. I’m amazed at how many memories and good vibes come up when we explore these songs from even before our childhood. We have enough to do it again at some point, and I’m sure we will.

My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was great fun as well. We had a big group and some wonderful requests. I love these evenings we share!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them as always. I’ve been doing Halloween songs which is a blast, and I’m even playing a Halloween party Friday evening.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time this week will be favorites and requests so that we can do a Halloween theme show on Sunday since it’s closer to Halloween. I’m curious if this will throw me or the audience off any. Come on out and see!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Halloween songs as I mentioned above. I have gathered so many great songs for Halloween over the years, and I’m really looking forward to playing them for the group. Come on out if you’d like a little fun and spookiness.

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That’s it for this week. I mentioned my upcoming Christmas shows last week - December 10 at 7:00 at the Mercantile in La Veta and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower in Florence. There was some confusion over the date at the Mercantile in La Veta, but that’s been straightened out now, and I will be there on the 10th.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

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:  Wednesday, October 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

When:  Sunday, October 30, 7-8:30 pm mountain time