Live Video

I’ve been doing live concert videos online since 2011 with the last 5½ years being on Facebook and also embedded on my website from Facebook. The places where I posted them before 2019 have all gone defunct, and Facebook changed their policy on keeping videos online this Spring to just 30 days. Before that they were up all the way back to 2019. I don’t know if very many people were going back to listen to my old shows, but they aren’t available anymore. I did save them all to my hard drive so they aren’t completely gone. As a result I’m going to go back to the old shows and playing some of the themes again starting with Chuck Pyle. Chuck is someone I met over 40 years ago when I was playing in Red River, New Mexico, at a steak house called Texas Reds. I’d play Thursday to Saturday, and Chuck would come in some weeks on his road trips to play on Sunday. All the locals who didn’t have to work on Sundays would come in to dance to Chuck’s solid right-hand two-step beat. Chuck and I became friends over gear talk as musicians do. He was doing mostly original tunes, and I was doing mostly covers. He played over two Klipsch home speakers stacked on milk crates powered by a clean amp fed by a little Tascam mixer. His sound was so pristine and full. His rhythm was impeccable, and his fingerpicking had it all - bass, rhythm guitar, and leads backing up his clever lyrics. I was fingerpicking with fingerpicks, but I was doing a lot of strumming too. Chuck even gave me a backhanded compliment one night from the audience when I played one of his tunes by saying, “Nice strummin’!” We stayed in touch over gear for many years until I crossed paths with him again about 10 years later. I had heard a couple albums he had done in the meanwhile where he had polished his style even more, and I decided then to incorporate some of what he did in mixing bass, rhythm, and lead on the guitar without fingerpicks. This is a style I still use on many songs I play. Chuck passed at the age of 70 in 2015, and I was honored to be asked to play for several tribute concerts at Swallow Hill in Denver. I’m pleased to keep his music and memory alive. He had a wonderful vibe that he called “Zen Cowboy”. As far as the live video, I may try to find a place where I can continue to offer the old concerts. YouTube may work although they frown on having copy-written music posted there as a rule.

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. A couple of them were back to masking for different illnesses, and I send out my best to them as they struggle to get everyone well.

My Wednesday online show was songs for Earth Day, and there were some good ones. It’s so good to honor the world we all live on. It’s pretty resilient although we don’t treat it right most of the time. The audience seemed to really like it.

Friday night I played Garden of the Gods Club, and it was so much fun riding the energy of the diners as I picked up all kinds of songs. Some old friends came out, and it was good to see them and play for them. It was my birthday, and they bought me a birthday drink that I shared with them at the end of the night.

Saturday I played a private gardening luncheon, and it was great to hear the gardening stories and play for them.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there was a lot of fun and some new tunes. I played my train whistles and a little guitarron for a little novelty. Everyone had a good time. Love these folks!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I hope that they are all well. I’ll probably start playing songs for Mother’s Day now that we are moving into May.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Chuck Pyle songs, and I’d love to have you hear and celebrate his music. His music is full of images of the West with beautiful melodies and harmonies with his intricate guitar parts and infectious beat. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and it’s always a wonderful evening tunes and friendship. Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re enjoying the Spring and are healthy. Time marches on, and it’s important to always keep perspective and joy.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Chuck Pyle songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 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, May 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Earth Day

I’m thinking about Earth Day as I write this on the day before. I watched a really good presentation on public lands in the US the other day that really stuck with me. It was a non-partisan look at the history and benefits we all get from pubic lands as well as the amount of money they make for economies all over the western US in particular. It was put together by former National Park Service superintendent, Walt Dabney, and it’s a talk he’s been giving all over the country to encourage people on all sides to support our public lands. I’ve enjoyed our public lands in many different ways over my years - from hiking and biking to fishing and four-wheeling. I can’t tell you how many vacations I’ve taken that were mostly to destinations in national parks and monuments. They are a resource in so many ways that most of the country uses and don’t really exist in most of the eastern states and south in Texas. I encourage you to watch the video and consider supporting our public lands too. It’s a non-partisan thing we can all get behind, and it’s good for the earth to boot. Here’s the link - https://youtu.be/K7U7rHlLTPk?si=edr44ojp4dd-_z3P.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. One of them required mask-wearing for an RSV breakout, but it didn’t dampen their spirits too much. I don’t mind singing in a mask, and it doesn’t seem to affect the intelligibility of the songs as long as I turn up the volume and the treble a bit on the mic. I love these folks and the opportunity to give them encouragement and entertainment.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1965 again and it was a lot of fun. It’s amazing how much these songs still mean to everyone.

Friday night I played at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant, and I had a nice group of folks including a nice young couple with their daughter and their parents who were really friendly and kind. Their daughter asked for lots of requests, and I enjoyed getting to know them a bit. There was a lot of snow that day, so the drive home from Colorado Springs was pretty treacherous though.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it didn’t disappoint with some different requests than we’ve done in a long time. I always look so forward to these evenings of great interaction in the comments and sweet, sweet songs.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week including a special performance Sunday at one facility where the TrikeTreks folks of Pueblo will bring out their trikes for rides for the seniors. It’s a very cool event, and it’s looking today like the forecast is for nice weather that day. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs for Earth Day which is Tuesday. There are so many good songs that celebrate our beautiful earth and our lives on it. This will be a cool show. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. It’s my 64th birthday that day, so I’ll probably play the Beatles’ “When I’m 64” a few times for fun. Come on out if that sounds like a good time to you. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

Saturday I’m playing a private luncheon for a women’s group that should be fun with Spring songs.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and who knows what songs we’ll play? These Sunday evenings are so fulfilling in every way with friendship, good tunes, and great engagement from the audience. I’d love to have you there as well!

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That’s it for this week. I need to mention that Facebook is not hosting my live videos past 30 days now, so if you were going back to previous shows to watch them they won’t be there after 30 days. I have saved them all to my hard drive, but I don’t have a place to post them online currently that will handle royalties, and if I did they would be missing the comments from the shows. I’m sorry for this. It was especially a nice way to look back at the feelings we had during the pandemic as the music supported us all. Everything changes though, and it was sure good while it lasted.

I hope you are healthy and content.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Earth Day songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 23, 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, April 25, 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, April 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

1965

This Wednesday I’m doing an online show of music for 1965 again, and I wanted to talk about 1965 a bit. I see 1965 as a transitional year - especially in popular music. The Beatles had been introduced to America in 1964 but in 1965 they came out with their “Help!” and “Rubber Soul”  albums which took a harder edge and more introspective and creative writing. Groups like the Rolling Stones with their blues-influenced sound began to have more hits. Of course, the United States was embroiled in the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, and this had included an escalation of the war and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. More unrest in the country was reflected in the music including songs like “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire and “Universal Soldier” by Donovan. There were still soft pop hits like “Hang on Sloopy “ and “Game of Love”, but increasingly there was more use of dirty and distorted guitar and organ sounds that more closely represented the feelings of the country. We just weren’t as innocent anymore. I was too young to remember much about this year other than what was on the radio and what my older siblings were listening to. I heard lots of Beatles and Motown and even 45s like “This Diamond Ring” by Gary Lewis and the Playboys spun on our little portable “suitcase” record players. I liked what I heard, and I’m sure it led me to become a musician even though it took me another 8 years before I got my first stringed instrument and started to play this music. I never would have thought that I would be playing it 60 years later with such fervor. How about you? What are your recollections of 1965?

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities to play for last week, and they were all such a joy. I played a lot of Spring songs, but also there were many who wanted to hear some of the songs from 1965 that I was playing for my online shows. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was 1965 songs as I wrote above, and it was just what I had hoped for - lots of reminiscence and great tunes. The audience really got into it as well.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar tunes for the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and it was kind of a laid-back crowd this time. I threw in some rock numbers, but they didn’t respond as much as some nights. I mainly played Spring songs. It was a beautiful and warm evening with the big glass-wall doors wide open to enjoy the beautiful view.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and the group was into a wide variety of tunes including John Denver, Bob Dylan, Glenn Miller, and Chuck Pyle - pretty diverse. Everyone seemed to enjoy it even though we were missing some regulars due to lack of sleep or work. I even had 4 new tunes I’d never played before. I love these folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’ll continue to play some Spring songs and also Easter songs although I have only have a few of those. It’s always a thrill to set up and play for my seniors.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be 1965 songs again as I wrote above. I have a list of 75 or so songs from that year, so there are plenty of good ones left to celebrate and enjoy. Come on out if you’d like to hear them and join in!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental guitar tunes in the Grand View restaurant. I’m sure I’ll have fun pulling out some surprises and maybe a couple Easter tunes. Come on out if you’d like a great meal and view with some guitar noodling on my part. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I seem to have a renewed energy for these Sunday shows that I can’t explain. I’m diving in with gusto! Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. We’ve had a little bit of a heat wave so we’re working on the yard more to get ready for summer. There’s never a dull moment in this life when you’re engaged in it. I hope you’re enjoying it and are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1965 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 16, 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, April 18, 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, April 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Music and AI

I watched a video by Rick Beato on YouTube this morning that once again brought up in my mind that the future of music may not involve singers and players like me. Rick is about my age, and he has been in the music business at a top level for all his life and knows what he’s talking about. I believe that music is a gift, and I’ve always felt that it was my purpose to use it for the benefit of those around me in whatever way I could. That sounds high-minded for sure, but it’s a joy to be in service to something bigger than myself. This morning I realized that people like me probably won’t be necessary to write music and probably perform it very soon. If you watch this video (https://youtu.be/JSswFa8Ta1k?si=4ttepIuMsZTYp_ZT) where Rick Beato plays some current AI music created from simple prompts or descriptions of what each song should be, you will see that the quality of the recordings and even the chord structure and lyrics are so close to what is currently popular that it is astounding. He concludes by saying that people won’t be able to hear the difference and won’t mind listening to this AI-generated music. I would say the same thing after I listened to it. Some of the chord progressions and lyrics were more clever almost randomly than what current songwriters come up with for pop and country songs. Of course this is not a live performance by a live person, but if in the future it isn’t necessary for a song to be written and recorded by a real person, then will there be anyone trying to perform them live anymore? I would hope that AI would be a tool to inspire and work out tough passages for musicians instead of a way for non-musicians to create music, but it sure doesn’t look like we’re headed that way. And of course writing and art are following similar paths. The creative arts that have made the books, songs, and artwork that we have cherished for centuries may no longer be an expression of our culture and our dreams and struggles that is created by people. It boggles my mind to think of it. How about you? Listen to the video above and tell me what you think.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, but 1 outdoor show had to be rescheduled for weather since we had a storm come in on the weekend. I enjoyed playing Spring songs for my facilities, and they really enjoyed them.

My Wednesday online show was Spring songs, and it was honestly a lot of fun. There were some great requests, and I know the audience loved the thoughts and songs about Spring.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and what a nice night it was with lots of great requests and a new song or two. This group of Munch Bunchers as they call themselves is so supportive and sincere. It’s a pleasure to know them and play for them.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure I’ll be playing more Spring songs including rain and flower songs. This is just a great time of the year with all the new growth and excitement in nature all around us.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 60 years ago this time - 1965. I love songs from this year including songs from the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, the Sound of Music, and Roger Miller just to name a few. I’ll probably write in my blog about 1965 next week to talk more about this great year in music. It will be a really fun evening, and I’d love to have you in the audience.

Friday night 6-9 I’ll be back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. Take note that I’m playing a half hour later now that the sun goes down later with the time change and the days growing longer. I’d love to have you if this sounds good to you. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always a good night of wonderful songs and good camaraderie. These nights are very special to me. Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I know it has been a tense time for a lot of folks with the volatility in the world and the markets, but I hope you are doing well and are healthy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1965 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 9, 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, April 11, 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, April 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Spring

I can’t believe that Spring is here once again. As I watch the trees and prairie and hear the sounds of the birds awakening on my morning walks with Beau, I am delighted to feel the changes. It’s an invigorating energy like the earth is inhaling after long sleep before the sprint and marathon of summer. I write about it every year, and yet every year I’m swept up by it once again. I love it! Of course it means a lot of work in planting and tending and pruning, but it’s all about being alive and involved in what we’re here for - living and loving. I get to watch for the eggs and little songbirds and prey birds as well as baby rabbits and coyote pups. Occasionally I’ll get to see a fawn or a group of young quail scurrying after their parents. It’s pretty magical. I’m always amazed at the resilience of the earth and the beings we share it with - from worms to wolves. And it does the same in me - I take that energy and apply to my tired, older body to drive me to start each day with vigor and joy. It helps me remember that I am part of this earth, and we are starting to see all the wonder of rebirth as we take another trip around the sun.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities this week, and it was so good to see them.  I’m doing Spring songs among others for these facilities, but I’m always up for anything they want to hear. One facility was a birthday party for one resident who is a friend that was so much fun. Two facilities had to cancel with norovirus unfortunately. I always hate to see this, and I hope the folks heal well and safely. 

My Wednesday online show was more songs from 1975, and it was so much fun. As I wrote before these songs are the ones that I was learning when I first started playing guitar, and so they are really a part of me. It was so gratifying to play these songs, and I think the folks who tuned in got so much out of the songs and the reminiscing.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and it was so much fun doing requests and watching the diners react to my tunes. It’s a real joy to experiment with arrangements and tunes in a spontaneous way on these nights.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a wonderful night of great tunes. I even did a song I had written 40 years ago. This audience is just amazing.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m hoping that more aren’t affected by illness this week. I look forward to seeing the folks and hopefully making their day better.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Spring songs, and these songs are so full of everything I wrote about above - the rebirth and joy of new life and the beauty of Spring. Come on out and join in with the wonderful audience.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and I’m sure there’ll be some great moments and sweet requests. I’m happy to play yours as well if you tune in. These nights are so much fun!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re enjoying the changes that come with Spring.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1975 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, April 2, 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, April 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Sunrises

If you have known me a while or follow me on Instagram or Facebook you’ll know that I love getting up early to see and capture pictures of the sunrise. I’ve been both an early-riser and a late-night person at different times of my life. I love both. They’re quiet, peaceful and full of reflective time that I thrive on. Of course the sweet reality of the early morning is getting the chance to see the sun rise in all its glory. It’s not always the moment that the sun breaks the horizon, but the buildup when the clouds are just right to catch the light and there is just the right amount of dust or volcanic ash in the air to make an outstanding display. I studied just enough meteorology in college to know different cloud formations and conditions. I also did enough professional photography to know my way around a camera, but I’m using my phone for all my sunrise photos, and for the most part the phone does all the settings except for adjusting exposure and composing the shot. The key is just to enjoy the moment and watch the light for just the right time to take each shot. Of course I’m also walking Beau, our almost 10-year-old dog and taking pictures of him too. He’s a very good boy on walks - always stopping when I ask him so I can get a shot. He doesn’t always pose when I’m taking a shot of him, but I get some good shots of him anyway when I can. And the real reason I do it is just to capture the beauty and stillness of the moment to share with others. There are so many things you can do to encourage others, and I’m happy to have a gift to give to others. If you want to see them you can follow me on Instagram or Facebook. I also do a couple calendars every year on lulu.com. I’m not saying this as an ad, just wanting you to know in case you want to see them.

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What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and I was still singing Irish tunes for many of them even though St. Patrick’s Day was just the first day of the week. I just couldn’t let it go, and the energy it gave me and the audience was amazing.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 50 years ago - 1975, and there were so many memories tied up in these songs. Everyone had a great time, and we’ll do some more songs from 1975 this coming Wednesday.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some great ones as well as a couple new songs. I did a couple Jesse Colin Young songs too in tribute to him on his passing. I love this group of folks so much.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’ll be doing Spring songs for most of them. This is the time of year when everything starts to green up and the birds beginning singing in the trees again. It’s a wonderful time to share.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be more songs from 1975, and it’ll be so much fun. This was a really good year as music transitioned from the folk rock of the early ‘70s into the rock and dance music of the later ‘70s. Come on out and hear some old favorites and relive some memories.

Friday night 5:30-8:30 I’m back playing instrumental guitar tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant. Last time I was there I was getting folks who wanted a little bit more rock and roll which was a lot of fun. I’m ready to play whatever the diners want to hear.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and it’s always a very special evening of music and friendship with my online community that I am so privileged to play for and share time with. You’re always welcome, and it’s always a worthwhile time.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you had a good St. Patrick’s Day, and that your Spring is starting well. We’ll probably do Spring songs next Wednesday for my online show.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1975 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 26, 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, March 28, 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, March 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

1975

1975 was an interesting year. Some of my favorite music came out then, and  I was learning a lot of popular songs. It was a little past the very acoustic folk rock era, but there was still a lot of music being recorded on the kind of instruments I was playing and that I was interested in. Our local radio station, KRGI, played a little bit of everything as a lot of AM stations played back then, and so I heard a good cross-section of what was being released. My favorites were the songs I could pick up mostly by ear off the radio. I had a little portable cassette player that I would set next to the radio during the top 40 weekly countdown to capture the songs I wanted to learn. I did buy sheet music and songbooks for a few of the songs I liked that year including “Wildfire” and “Black Water”. Of course you had to pick up what the intros and outros of the songs were through the DJ patter of the day. I got to be pretty good at recognizing the little guitar riffs that people like James Taylor or John Denver would play. I liked the challenge of learning these, and I also started to write my own songs too in little notebooks I’d carry. I mainly played baritone ukulele that year. It was easier on my younger fingers, and it was tuned the same as the top 4 strings on the guitar, so the fingerings were the same. It was the next year when I’d finally get a guitar and launch into more serious playing. But 1975 was a good year for me. I was a pretty short kid until I had a growth spurt later in the year, and it was finishing up junior high school and 9th grade. I was coming into my voice and myself. The music made it all the better. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I had so much fun putting on rambunctious Irish shows for all of them. The Irish tunes are just too much fun. I had a resident that had passed away at one facility who always requested the best songs, so I did a few of his favorites in his memory. You’ll be missed, Lee. 

My Wednesday online show was Irish tunes as well, and there were some great ones with a nice group of folks supporting. I love these people. 

Friday I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant, and I had kind of a rowdy group who wanted to hear more rock and roll than Irish music. It was fun!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some new Irish tunes too. I love this group!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week,  and I’ll only get to do Irish tunes for a few before St. Patrick’s Day season is over. I’m sure I’ll do some 1975 songs for those who would like those. It’s such an honor to play for these folks. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1975, and there will be some wonderful tunes. Check out online how many favorites came out that year if you have the chance. Looking through them I see so many favorites that trigger many memories. I already have 101 on my list. This will be a sweet show, and we’ll do it again next week to make sure we hit a lot of the best songs. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know there’ll be some good ones. I’d love to take your requests too if you’d like to tune in. 

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That’s it for this week. Today is St. Patrick’s Day, so I’ll wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and I’ll shout, “Slainte!” (To your health!)

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1975 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 19, 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, March 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Feeling the Music

I’m noticing in this time of playing Irish songs for St. Patrick’s Day that I’m very captivated and possessed by the music as I play it. This happens to me often, and it’s part of the reason I play music for a living. I frequently tell people that I feel music is a magical and spiritual experience, and I believe it truly is. We are beings of harmony and rhythm and melody. Music spurs all these elements deeply in us. The harmony is how we relate to each other and our world in finding ways we work with and against every situation just like the notes work with and against each other. The rhythm is fairly obvious - going with the pace of the flow of moments as we encounter them. The melody is how we follow the ever-changing expected and unexpected thread of life just like the melody in a song. Some songs are fairly mundane in that they don’t surprise us much with the harmony, rhythm, and melody, and others surprise and delight us at every turn - just like a grand adventure or good conversation. (I think I’m carrying this analogy too far.) Add in some great words that wrap us up in a story or idea, and the interplay of words, harmony, rhythm, and melody are just magical and spiritual - bringing us to tears. All I know is that I feel these things profoundly with music - especially songs that I can feel were written with true passion like so many Irish tunes I get to play during this season. How about you? Do you feel the music in ways that feel deeply magical and spiritual?

What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I did Irish tunes at most of them. There’s so much energy in these songs that the folks really liked them.

My Wednesday online show was Irish tunes, and the energy was palpable for this show too. Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed them, and several said we should do Irish tunes often during the year as well.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were some great requests with a couple Irish tunes thrown in for good measure. This is such a wonderful group of people who are so supportive of each other. It is a joy to play for them and call them friends.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’ll be doing Irish tunes for all of them, I’m sure. I’m playing an Irish guitar and an Irish bodhran drum while wearing green and an Irish cap, so most folks are really liking that and getting into the spirit.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Irish tunes once again, and I have many, many more great songs to sing. There will be lots of passion and history. I’d love to have you listening too!

Friday 5:30-8:30 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant. I will love playing some Irish favorites as well as some other favorites for the diners. With the beautiful view of Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak, it’s always a beautiful time. Come on out if this sounds good to you. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and you know it will be a genuinely good time with good folks. Come on out and toss in your request too!

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That’s it for this week. I’m so enjoying this time of pre-Spring and Irish spirit. I hope you are healthy and happy even with the uncertainties this year has brought.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 12, 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, March 14, 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, March 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Irish

I’m trying to pack as much Irish spirit as I can into the next two weeks. I dearly love Irish music, and I lament every year that’s there’s only a few weeks when people really want to hear it. There is so much passion in the songs, and I get wrapped up in it very easily. I’m working on playing the Irish frame drum called the bodhran (pronounced bow-rawn). It is a very deep-sounding and impactful instrument that really brings excitement to the music. It’s played in a different way than other drums in that you hold it in the crook of your arm with one hand resting on the back of the head while beating on it with a stick called a tipper on the front side of the head with the other hand. I’ve heard that it probably came from people playing their animal-skin bowls that they used in food gathering and preparation. One of my good friends, Connie, gave me a bodhran last year, and I’m having so much fun with it! It drives my emotion about Irish music even deeper as I feel the drum against my body as I play. I wrote last year in March about how Irish songs reflect the struggles and joys of the Irish people. It’s true that angst can motivate songwriting, and when I sing many Irish tunes I am transported to the times and places where the music was inspired and played. I feel this with most genres I play - especially if I have had similar experiences in my life. With Irish songs I feel this even more intently. So at this time of year with St. Patrick’s Day approaching I relish in the opportunity to share the Irish songs I know and to learn new ones. I think that life is so much more worthwhile when we let ourselves feel everything with gusto and enthusiasm. I’ll be playing the bodhran and my Irish guitar at many of my gigs this month.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one so much. Unfortunately one of them has a bad virus going around that’s going to make them shut down to outside visitors for a few days over Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday. I’m hoping for the best for them.

My Wednesday online show was songs for Mardi Gras, and it was such a good time with lots of upbeat and interesting songs. I really have to get down to New Orleans again. We had jambalaya for dinner 2 days in a row too!

Friday night I played instrumental guitar tunes for the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and it was so much fun. I had many compliments, and I came up with several new off-the-cuff arrangements for Mardi Gras songs and others.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones. It is so wonderful to have a community of music and people lovers to share music and friendship with.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and at least 2 of them with have Mardi Gras parties that I get to play for. The other ones I will play Irish tunes for if they’d like to hear them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Irish tunes in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll also do Irish songs next week. I’d love to have you tune in and experience the passion of this music.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy this group of fine folks and the great times I get to experience sharing music every week. You’re always welcome, and it’s always a very sweet time.

Garden of the Gods Club will be alternating me with a violin player this month on Friday nights, so I won’t be there this week, but I’ll be back next week. I really love hearing the violin, and I hope the diners do too.

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That’s it for this week. I hope your winter is ending well. The changes we are going through in the world are really keeping us on our toes.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 5, 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, March 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

New Orleans

This Wednesday I’m going to play songs for Mardi Gras, and so I’m thinking about New Orleans and the history and rich music traditions there. I’m pretty sure I’ve never been to New Orleans although I might have been there with my family when I was too little to remember. New Orleans is a melting pot as much as anywhere in the world. It includes French, Spanish, Italian, and English settlers as well as African slaves all contributing to the soup that has become the music of New Orleans. Most music scholars agree that American music sees its roots in New Orleans and this mixture. Jazz, rock ’n roll, rhythm and blues, funk, and blues all incorporate rhythms that come from early beat patterns that were present in African and Spanish songs. Country was even influenced by these beats although most would say that country is more tied to music from England and Ireland. The first music I see written about were the brass bands of the 1830s and the gatherings in Congo Square where enslaved people would play music on Sundays. By the 1890s there are references to the first players who played The Blues like cornetist Buddy Bolden. You often hear the story that the flatted notes that established the sound of jazz and the blues were based on blue notes that African musicians played in searching for the non-western harmonies of their traditional African melodies. By the 1910s there was a definite movement of music that would influence America and the world to this day. Famous players abound like Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet, Louis Prima, Fats Domino, Clifton Chenier, and so many more. There are so many stories of how New Orleans music came to be through all these players and so many bands. From Cajun to Second Line to Zydeco to so many more designations of the music, I can’t hope to mention them all in this brief missive. I encourage you to check it out for yourself!

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and it was a really fun week. Some wanted to hear old standard love songs, and some wanted to hear Mardi Gras music and all kinds of other songs. It was such a good time.

My Wednesday online show was songs about snow, and there were some really good tunes and a great audience. I’m honestly ready for it to stop snowing here, but I know there’s more to come.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar tunes at Garden of the Gods Club. I played a lot of New Orleans songs for Mardi Gras, and I played a whole bunch of other styles too. It was a packed house, and I think the diners enjoyed it.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good songs there as well. I love this group and all the support they give to each other and me.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’ll be playing Mardi Gras songs as much as I can for these folks. I’m looking forward to it!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing songs for Mardi Gras as I wrote of above. This will be such a good time, and I can’t wait to share these tunes. Come on out!

Friday 5:30-8:30 I’m back at Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes again. I’m really enjoying playing so many interesting guitar tunes and adapting so many songs I usually sing into instrumental tunes. I’d love to have you there if you’re up for a really nice view of Pikes peak and the Garden of the Gods with some good food and my music. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

Saturday night 7-9 mountain time I’m playing an online show of Philmont Songs for friends I’ve known from Philmont over the last 50 years. If that’s you or interests you, you can tune in on my website tommunch.com/online-concerts or on my Philmont songs Facebook page facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always love playing these evenings for such wonderful people who tune in. Tune in and give me your request too!

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That’s it for this week. I’m looking forward to Mardi Gras, and I hope you get the chance to celebrate it some too.

Best always,

Tom

—--

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Mardi Gras songs

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

When:  Wednesday, February 26, 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, February 28, 5:30-8:30 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a concert of Philmont songs

Where:  facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Saturday, March 1, 7-p 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, March 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time