Trains

I’m playing a show of train songs this Wednesday to celebrate the narrow gauge trains in the mountains in the Fall here in Colorado. There is something so majestic and nostalgic about trains and riding on them. I’ve ridden the one in Colorado from Durango to Silverton, and I’ve ridden the one in the Royal Gorge. I have ridden trains back East as a kid that I still remember fondly. We have driven over Cumbres Pass in Colorado on the way to Chama past the beautiful little train that runs from Chama to Antonito. I have read and watched many shows and stories about trains in the East and the Old West as they built the country and brought folks all over the map as part of Manifest Destiny. I have sung so many songs from all over the world celebrating trains. Trains are just a magical part of our history that is an expression of industry and romance. The clickety-clack can be perfectly captured in a song by the rollicking beat - especially on guitar. It seems that everyone has an affection for these mighty iron beasts. We even watched a cool video on YouTube about the Cog Railway that goes up Pikes Peak. It’s on a channel from a guy that calls him self The Carpet Bagger. It’s a good channel that’s worth checking out if you want someone who makes interesting mellow travel videos on almost a daily basis. Check it out!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all a lot of fun as I started doing Halloween songs. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs I’ve never done on my online concerts before. There was quite a variety as well as a couple surprises. I think everyone really enjoyed it, and it was a bigger audience than I expected.

Friday night I played instrumental guitar songs at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for a packed house. I did a few Halloween songs and a bunch of Fall songs as well as my regular instrumental tunes. Folks seem to enjoy it quite a bit.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a very fulfilling night with good friends. These shows are always special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I really love playing the fun Halloween songs in October for them. There are usually big smiles and lots of toe-tapping.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be train songs as I wrote above. There are so many great tunes on this list, and they have every kind of Americana emotion you can imagine. I’m even learning some spooky train songs for Halloween that I’ll play. Come on out!

Saturday 11:30-1:30 I’m playing at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival in Littleton, Colorado. I’ve played this festival for several years now, and it’s always great fun. They have me set up in the pumpkin patch in the back of the museum grounds where they have dozens of pumpkins and gourds for families to purchase and take home in their little red wagons. It’s great family fun with lots of other activities and horse and mule-drawn wagon rides. The admission is free, and I’d love to see you if you’re in the Denver area.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I so enjoy this evening of tunes and good friends. You’re always welcome to join in!

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That’s it for this week. Fall is moving right along. We’ll get our first freeze soon, and hopefully the snow will hold off until after Halloween. I hope you 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 train songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival

Where:  Littleton Museum, 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO, 303-795-3950

When:  Saturday, October 10, 11:30 am -1:30 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, October 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Enjoy It

As I was driving home from closing our family cabins over the weekend I saw that the aspen trees were starting to change color for the Fall on the high mountain slopes. Jen and I always try to get out at least once at this time of year to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. It’s a reminder to enjoy life no matter what life presents to you. It’s so easy to get bogged down in our routine that we fail to appreciate the little things around us that no one can take away. I have to remind myself of this quite often. I feel obligated to take care of all the mundane things in my life that just have to be done, and I forget that I need to find joy in simple pleasures - even if it’s just for a moment or an afternoon. It’s crazy that I should need reminding, but I often do. Maybe it’s just the way that humans are built. We tend to focus on what’s bothering us when it often doesn’t matter. This is not to say that we should be irresponsible. That’s too easy to do. But it is an admonition to remember what you value in life whether it’s a simple pleasure in your day or a trip you’ve been meaning to take. Just make the time to do it. We’ll go the mountains this weekend again!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed seeing and singing for all the folks so much. It’s a pleasure and a privilege.

My Wednesday online show last week was playing Fall songs, and there were some great ones. I had a really good audience requesting some wonderful tunes, and everyone had a good time.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had a continuous line of good requests to sing. It was just one of those nights with everyone really contributing.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’ll still be singing Fall songs and then transitioning to Halloween songs as October starts. This is such a fun time of year to sing the goofy and spooky songs of Halloween.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs I’ve never done for my online shows. You wouldn’t think there would be many songs I know that I haven’t sung over the past 6 years of Facebook shows and 14 years over all my online shows, but there surely are. It’s always fun to pull these out and sing them. Come on out and join in the fun!

Friday night 6-9 I’ll be playing at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant once again. I enjoy these instrumental guitar evenings a lot, and I’d love to play for you if a nice meal in a beautiful location with my music sounds good to you. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests per usual, and it’s always a great time on these evenings. Tune in if you can, and think of a couple songs you’d like to hear!

——

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget if you’re in the Denver area that I’ll be playing at the Littleton Museum next Saturday 11:30-1:30 in the pumpkin patch for their Harvest Festival. It’s free and a lot of fun. I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Best always,  

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Never-Done songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 1, 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, October 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, October 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Fall

This Monday, September 22nd, is the first day of Fall this year, and it’s always been my favorite season. It’s like a welcome and relaxing reward for a summer of hard work at a fast pace. My favorite trips have been taken in the Fall driving cross country or just into the nearby mountains to see the leaves change. I think I’ve written about this before, but my only disappointment with the Fall season is that there aren’t more joyful songs about it. I should probably try to write a couple. I admit there’s a little bit of melancholy as well as we wrap up summer events and clean up our gardens and yards. We always close our family cabins and get them ready for winter about this time each year. It’s definitely getting colder up in the mountains. The forecast for this weekend when we’ll be there to close at 8400 feet altitude is a high of 65 degrees and a low of 34. That’s not too bad. And back to the music of Fall, there are some wonderful songs even if they aren’t all joyful. Some of my favorites are: “Appalachian Melody” by Mark Heard, “Four Strong Winds” by Ian Tyson, “The Reach” by Dan Fogelberg, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, “There Is a Time” by The Dillards, and “Urge for Going” by Joni Mitchell  - just to name a few. I’m sure you have some favorites too. Our earth sometimes feels like a giant crank turning a wheel very slowly, but inevitably. It’s a thrill to watch the seasons change along with it. Do you have any favorite stories or traditions in the Fall?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and I had wonderful times at all of them. It’s hard to express how fulfilling it is to share music with people who are so appreciative and deserving. 

My Wednesday online show was songs about birds, and there were some great ones. I had a fairly big audience, and everyone interacted and enjoyed it. Good times!

Friday night I was at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant, and I even had a couple of my sisters come down from Denver to have dinner and listen to me play. It was a special night.

Saturday I had a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs at a friend and fellow Philmont staffer’s house. We had great conversations and a little music too.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some great ones. These nights are always worthwhile and mutually supportive for me and the audience. It’s great to be part of such a kind and genuine community.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I am looking forward to all of them. Looks like I’ll be in 4 different towns and cities. I can’t wait!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Fall songs as I wrote above. I’ll do the songs I listed above plus a whole lot more, and I’ll be taking requests. It should be a good time, and I’d love to have you if you’d like to tune in.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll be bringing some good energy back from closing the cabins in the mountains so it’ll be a wonderful show. You’re always welcome to join in!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m just two weeks out from playing for the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 11, from 11:30 to 1:30. I play in the pumpkin patch, and it’s always a great time. If you’re in Denver please put it on your calendar. It’s a free event, and it will be beautiful.

I hope you are healthy and happy,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Fall songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 24, 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, September 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Birds

We’ve been having a great late summer and early fall with the birds in our trees with visits from several hawks and owls as well as doves and pretty little birds too. Unfortunately one of the prettiest little yellow birds, probably a warbler of some type, collided with (we think) a window and died on our back patio. That happens sometimes. Many times these are birds that a hawk is chasing. Usually we don’t get any smaller birds when the hawks or owls are around though. The hawks and owls alternately nest in our trees most winters, and we often see them returning occasionally during the summer and fall as they are hunting or training their young. They are fascinating to watch, and I often photograph them when I can get a good shot. The owls we get are great horned owls, and the hawks are Cooper’s hawks. We used to get a lot more quail at our house too, and I do still see them around the neighborhood where the birds of prey aren’t hunting. They are so much fun to watch as they scurry across the prairie with their young. We even got to see a roadrunner a few years back. At one place we lived we had tiny burrowing owls. They were a thrill to see. When I used to go to fish at the river I would hear and see little chickadees with their distinctive “twee-dee” call. Of course we see robins especially in the spring, and western meadowlarks call from the fields when I walk Beau in the early summer mornings. I’m not very good at identifying birds, and so I can’t tell you what many of the birds we see are. I know that we do get bluejays occasionally too. I even have a bluejay feather in my walking hat now that I found earlier in the summer. I love to see the birds, and I’m even more fascinated when I see the explanations of how dinosaurs were related to birds. It’s so comical to imagine a dinosaur strutting like a bird I’m watching. And this is all related to my Wednesday online show where I’ll do songs about birds once again.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all good fun as always. It’s such a privilege to sing for these folks.

Wednesday I played for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo, and it was another stellar event though a little warmer than we might have liked. There were folks from all over the community and from most of the senior facilities I play for. Big thanks to the zoo and the attendees and to all the folks who sponsored the event and especially to Dave Feamster from Little Caesars pizza who was celebrating his birthday.

My Wednesday online show was songs about animals to go along with my show at the zoo. It was a blast, and we did so many interesting songs about animals. I think the audience really enjoyed it.

Friday I played a Centenarians’ Celebration that was such an honor to be a part of. There were many folks close to, at, or over 100 years old in attendance, and I did songs from 1925 and from the 20s, 30s, and 40s to help celebrate.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones. I love playing for the Munch Bunch and these wonderful evenings we share.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I look forward to playing for them all. I’m mostly doing fall songs now, and I try to not do too many of the sadder fall tunes. I still don’t know why so many of the fall songs that are written are more melancholy. I’ll write more about that next week when I sing fall songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be bird songs as I mentioned above. Who knew there were so many songs about birds?! It’ll be a good time. Come on out if you can.

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant once again playing instrumental guitar tunes. I enjoy these gigs a lot, and I love to see who comes out to the restaurant as I try to read the crowd and catch their ear. Come out if you’re in the mood for fine dining with a beautiful view and my music. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

Saturday I’ll be at a Philmont Oktoberfest party dubbed the “Philtoberfest” in Colorado Springs. If you’re a Philmont alumni-type person I hope you’ll be there too. I’ll probably play a few tunes for singing along as part of the festivities.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure we’ll have a grand audience with some good requests. You’re always welcome to tune in. It’s easy, and you’ll be made more than welcome.

——

That’s it for this week. The year is flying by. I hope you are healthy and content.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of bird songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 17, 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, September 19, 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, September 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Animals

I’m playing Wednesday for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo, and that has me thinking about animals. It’s always a thrill to go to the zoo to see the animals. I haven’t been to a lot of zoos as an adult although I do remember many that I saw when I was a kid. I think my favorite zoo is the Desert Sonoran Museum in Tucson. The way there that many of the animal habitats are set up so you can see the animals on their level and then in their den and then also from above really opens my eyes to the life of many desert species. I love the Southwest, and this is a great way to see the animals of the area. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing animals in my everyday life, whether it is our pets or the wild animals living in our neighborhood. I think you gain some important insights about life when you live with animals. You see how they live and interact. You see their young and understand the cycle of life. You feel much more a participant in the life of our earth. And most importantly, I think, you learn empathy for other beings. That is so worthwhile. I know that celebrating animals in song will be a very good thing!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all wonderful. It’s always a pleasure to play for them. 

My Wednesday online show was playing more songs from 1964, and it was a fun night of tunes. This was such a pivotal year for the country and the world. 

Friday I played Garden of the Gods Club, and there was an event going on plus a packed restaurant, so it was hopping. I knew several people as well including the musicians who were playing the event.

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, and it was a good one. These evening always turn into something special.

——

What am I up this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be fantastic. I start doing Fall songs in earnest this week, and there are a lot of good ones. 

Wednesday 10:30-1 I play the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. This is a great event for seniors, and I’ve been playing for it since 2001. I get a lot of folks from my senior facilities as well as  folks from the community.  If you’d like to come it’s free admission for seniors all week, and on Wednesday when I play there is free coffee and donuts in the morning, and then there’s pizza from Little Caesar’s. There are senior vendor tents all around who sponsor the event, and then when I’m done playing at 1:00 there is bingo. Of course you can go see all the animals and exhibits whenever you’d like, and there are also docents bringing animals out for everyone to see. It’s a really fun day, and I’d love to have you there if you’re a senior. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing songs about animals of all kinds. It should be a really good time, and I’d love to have you if you’re free. 

Friday I’m playing a Centenarian’s Celebration that should also be a great time honoring many folks who have turned 100 or more. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know there’ll be some great requests. There always are. I learn new songs almost every week as well. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I can’t believe it’s already September. I hope you are healthy and happy. 

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch 

What:  playing for the Senior Safari

Where:  Pueblo Zoo

When:  Wednesday, September 10, 10:30-1

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of animal songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 10, 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, September 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Summer's End

Well, another summer is drawing to a close. I still really enjoy the summer season although I do feel worn out often with so much more work that the season brings. I love “rising to the occasion” and pushing myself every summer though. There’s something invigorating about all the summer adventures, and I’m amazed at the well of energy that always seems to be available to me when I need it. Fall offers me the chance to slow down, and I cherish that along with the beauty of the earth as it goes to rest for winter. This last hurrah of summer over the Labor Day weekend has always been bittersweet, and I have written of it annually. I go back to childhood memories of walking a dried-up lake after a summer of irrigation or one last trip to a lake with my dad for a sailboat race. There is a sadness and also a sigh of relief on Labor Day that has always been there for me. I love it, but it also puts me deep into myself. Of course I love to go into deep thought and reflection. It is a meditative state that brings peace and relaxation. I guess overall that’s how I see the Labor Day weekend and the coming Fall. Happy Labor Day!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all very rewarding. Amazingly one had a Covid outbreak, and it’s something they’ve been dealing with since June. I even rescheduled them back in June because of it. Now they’re almost in the clear.

My Wednesday online show was songs of 1964, and it was a crazy show with the show’s online feed crashing at one point that sent me into a tizzy trying to figure out how to get back on. I finally was able to reconnect with a different browser, but it took several minutes, and I lost a couple people who never were able to get back on the show. The songs were a blast though, and there’s so many more left so we’ll do more 1964 songs this Wednesday. 

Friday night at Garden of the Gods Club was a wonderful night with appreciative folks and beautiful weather. I had one patron at the bar who was a guitar player, and he had lots of requests and fun memories to share.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones. Every one of these nights turns into something special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be great opportunities to share music and encouragement. I say it often, but this is a great privilege to play for these folks, and I never take it for granted.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be more songs of 1964, and I know this will be a blast. I still can’t believe how many songs I’ve learned from 1964 over the years. It was a truly great year for music. Come on out if you can!

Friday night I should be back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant. The schedule hasn’t been confirmed yet, so if you want to come you might want to check with me before you make a reservation. I should know by later today. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I really look forward to it. We always have such a good time, and my Munch Bunch audience is so supportive of me and each other. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you have a nice Labor Day and transition into Fall.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1964 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 3, 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, September 5, 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, September 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Time of Change

I’m doing songs from 1964 on Wednesday, and I’m struck by how much that year marked a real change in the world. Of course, President Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, and that marked an end to some of the innocence the country felt at the beginning of the 1960s. In 1964 so many things happened. President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law.  The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show to start the British Invasion.  The  US increased its involvement in Vietnam.  China made its first nuclear test. The most powerful earthquake ever in the US struck in Alaska. Sidney Poitier won the first Oscar for an African American. The surgeon general first said that smoking was hazardous to people’s health. Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion. Young men burned their draft cards to mark the first resistance to the Vietnam War. The movie “Mary Poppins” came out. The Moog synthesizer was introduced. The Berkeley Free Speech Movement started. The Catholic Church passed Vatican II. The Ford Mustang came out, and Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Noble Peace Prize - just to name a few important things. Looking through the music of that year there was definitely the start of a harder edge to the music with more blues and rock ’n’ roll and less melodic pop. The charts were dominated by the Beatles, but there were also hits by the Animals, the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Kinks. I was hearing this music as a kid and also hearing the news on the radio and TV, and there was definitely an energy that couldn’t be denied. As a baby boomer I think it was one of the most important times of the last century. At least it shaped what the US would become, and the music influenced me in ways that I still feel. I’m looking forward to playing a bunch of it!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 15 senior facilities last week, and even though it seems like a lot of shows, it didn’t feel like it. Every one was a lot of fun with great tunes and big smiles.

My Wednesday online show was songs about the mountains, and it was a wonderful evening of tunes and friends. Mountain songs are some of my very favorites.

Friday night was a little different at Garden of the Gods Club. They had an event going on outside  on the lawn and in the restaurant, so they had me play outside under an umbrella by the Rocks lounge with soft rain coming down. It turned out to be really cool with some very kind and generous folks listening on the patio. Since it was for the lounge I got to sing instead of just playing instrumental guitar tunes, and I really enjoyed that.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were so many great requests and sweet songs. It was more of a mellow night that was very gratifying. I love this group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be really special. I love playing for these folks so much.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs of 1964 as I mentioned above. Do a search for songs of 1964 and you’ll see how much fun it’s going to be that night with so many great songs. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental guitar tunes. After last week’s different setup I look forward to playing guitar tunes again. You’re always welcome there. The view is unbelievable, and the food’s pretty tasty too. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s a night I look forward to every time with so many good folks and so much good music requested. Being that the next day is a holiday for Labor Day I think it’ll be a crazy night. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I always think of this as the last week of summer, and that makes me a little sad, but it also means that we are headed towards my favorite season - Fall!

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1964

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

When:  Wednesday, August 27, 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, August 29, 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, August 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

I try to make my emails interesting and informative, but if you ever want to be removed from my mailing list, just reply and ask to be removed - no offense.

Time of Change / Wednesday Online 1964, Friday Garden of the Gods Club, Sunday Online Favorites and Requests

Hello,

I’m doing songs from 1964 on Wednesday, and I’m struck by how much that year marked a real change in the world. Of course President Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, and that marked an end to some of the innocence the country felt at the beginning of the 1960s. In 1964 so many things happened - President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show to start the British Invasion, The US increased it’s involvement in Vietnam, China made its first nuclear test, the most powerful earthquake ever in the US struck in Alaska, Sidney Poitier won the first Oscar for an African American, the surgeon general first said that smoking was hazardous to people’s health, Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion, young men burned their draft cards to mark the first resistance to the Vietnam war, the movie “Mary Poppins” came out, the Moog synthesizer was introduced, the Berkeley Free Speech Movement started, the Catholic church passed Vatican 2, the Ford Mustang came out, and Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Noble Peace Prize - just to name a few important things. Looking through the music of that year there was definitely the start of a harder edge to the music with more blues and rock ’n’ roll and less melodic pop. The charts were dominated by the Beatles, but there were also hits by the Animals, the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Kinks. I was hearing this music as a kid and also hearing the news on the radio and TV, and there was definitely an energy that couldn’t be denied. As a baby boomer I think it was one of the most important times of the last century. At least it shaped what the US would become, and the music influenced me in ways that I still feel. I’m looking forward to playing a bunch of it!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 15 senior facilities last week, and even though it seems like a lot shows, it didn’t feel like it. Every one was a lot of fun with great tunes and big smiles.

My Wednesday online show was songs about the mountains, and it was a wonderful evening of tunes and friends. Mountain songs are some of my very favorites.

Friday night was a little different at Garden of the Gods Club. They had an event going on outside  on the lawn and in the restaurant, so they had me play outside under an umbrella by the Rocks lounge with soft rain coming down. It turned out to be really cool with some very kind and generous folks listening on the patio. Since it was for the lounge I got to sing instead of just playing instrumental guitar tunes, and I really enjoyed that.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were so many great requests and sweet songs. It was more of a mellow night that was very gratifying. I love this group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be really special. I love playing for these folks so much.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs of 1964 as I mentioned above. Do a search for songs of 1964 and you’ll see how much fun it’s going to be that night with so many great songs. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental guitar tunes. After last week’s different setup I look forward to playing guitar tunes again. You’re always welcome there. The view is unbelievable, and the food’s pretty tasty too. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s a night I look forward to every time with so many good folks and so much good music requested. Beings that the next day is a holiday for Labor Day I think it’ll be a crazy night. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I always think of this as the last week of summer, and that makes me a little sad, but it also means that we are headed towards my favorite season - Fall!

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Mountain songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 27, 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, August 29, 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, August 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mountains

I’m planning a show on mountains today for my Wednesday online show while I’m listening to a book about John Mackay, an Irishman who became one of the richest men in the world in the  California and Nevada mountains during the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. I mention him because I can only imagine what the Sierra Nevada mountains looked like in those days. I love the mountains and I always have. I was exposed to them when I was a baby and my family would spend time in the summers at my grandfolks’ cabins in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. The mountains were magical and powerful to me - full of history and mystery. I fancied myself a mountain man or a miner roughing it in those mountains in the days of Kit Carson and John Bridger. Their beauty and their sheer forbidding nature captivated me. I would explore on my own for hours as I bushwhacked and drank in all the sights and smells around me. The first time I got to actually climb a mountain was with my family at probably 5 or 7 years of age. We made a family backpacking trip to climb the highest mountain in New Mexico - Wheeler Peak at 13,167 feet. We actually passed by Wheeler Peak on that trip to climb the peak next to it called Old Mike - mistaking that mountain for Wheeler which had a much gentler summit. We didn’t make that mistake again, and I figure I’ve climbed Wheeler almost a dozen times over the years. But I’ve thrilled at the mountains everywhere I’ve encountered them. I can never resist wanting to climb to the top (unless it’s a very rocky, technical climb requiring ropes and climbing gear). There is an inexplicable awe and wonder when you stand at the top of a mountain and gaze far off into the distance below. And the view of the mountain from its base is easily as awesome. And that’s why I love singing songs about mountains. They just have a draw that is irresistible.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and  thoroughly enjoyed singing and playing for them all. They really got into it - especially where I had birthdays with folks near and over 100 years old.

Wednesday I played a party up in the mountains that was beyond beautiful! The Cuchara Hermosa gals are the best!

Friday I played a dance in Cuchara with my bassist friend Dennis Mills that was packed with good folks who danced up a storm. It was the best dance we’ve ever played.

Saturday night I played the Pueblo Riverwalk, and it rained on me at about the third song and got my equipment pretty wet. (I should have planned for that.) No worries though. I packed up the equipment, and it stopped raining shortly thereafter. So I just played unplugged and acoustic for the remainder of the time for some good old friends who came out to hear me. It turned into a beautiful evening. Big thanks to everyone who came out!

My Sunday online show was very gratifying with some great requests and new tunes. I never know what these shows will be like, and this one did not disappoint. It’s great to be part of such a wonderful community.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 15 senior facilities this week, and I know they’ll all be full of laughs and smiling faces with great tunes. I love playing for these folks so much.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be mountain songs as I wrote of above. There are so many great songs that express that wonder I talked about, and I can’t wait to play them. Please come out if you can!

Friday I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. I enjoy these evenings a bunch, and I’d love to play for you too if you’d like to join me. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and these evenings are always so worthwhile. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you are healthy and happy these last two weeks of summer.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Mountain songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 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:  Friday, August 22, 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, August 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Owls

I just finished a book on owls called, “What an Owl Knows” by Jennifer Ackerman, and it happened that the great horned owls came back to our trees just as I was finishing the book. We have had birds of prey winter in our trees almost every year for the past 10 years or so. We either have Cooper’s hawks or great horned owls. They both fascinate us. The Cooper’s hawks are small hawks who hunt birds and rodents. The great horned owls hunt the same as well as cats and small dogs. They both scare away the song birds, quail, and doves who used to frequent our house and for who we used to put out bird seed, suet cakes, and water. That’s okay although we do miss the small birds. Owls are amazing to watch and live with. They leave pellets and bones around on the lawn and roof that are a little macabre sometimes. When they fly over our heads they are nearly silent and always a surprise. They don’t usually interact with us other than staring at us when we walk under them in a tree or flying off if we come too close. In the book the author would even have some species of owl who were annoyed who would fly over and knock off a person’s hat or thump an arm as they flew by. Typically we will have a pair that we assume are the same couple that have been living in our trees or in another tree a mile or so away where we walk often. They will have one owl born to them each year that we don’t see until it is nearly full grown and able to fly. The young owls don’t hoot. They make a weird screech that seems to say, “Help me, I don’t know what to do.” We often see one or both of the adults with the young owl. I saw the young owl yesterday with one of the adults in our trees. The young one was screeching while the adult just watched. They are so majestic and also kind of menacing with their piercing stare. It is a joy to have them around. It’ll be interesting to see whether it will be owls or hawks wintering in our trees this year.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I played a huge variety of songs including some of the boat songs I played for my Wednesday online show. I enjoyed entertaining and encouraging them all.

My Wednesday online show last week was playing sailing and boat songs, and there were so many good ones. I had a nice crowd who were very engaged.

Thursday was the last barbecue of the season for the Yellow Pine. It was a packed night with lots of folks I knew, and the weather was good even though it stormed a bit to the north. I’ll miss these Thursday evenings in the old barn. It was a great season!

Friday I played instrumental guitar tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club for the diners. It was a warm night with lots of interesting folks. I played a lot of moon songs to honor the full moon.

Saturday afternoon I played a family reunion at the Yellow Pine for a nice family. It’s fun to play these kinds of gigs for good folks.

My Sunday online show was a great night of tunes for a good audience of friends and new folks. There were some really interesting requests including some new tunes for me from Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Zac Brown.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll be playing more songs for August events like the fair and kids returning to school. I was surprised to see a school bus this morning on our walk. It seems like school starts earlier every year.

Wednesday I’m playing a private party in Cuchara for the Hermosa women’s group. I’ve been playing for this group of wonderful women for almost 30 years. 

Friday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance with my bass-player friend Dennis Mills at the Cuchara Community Center. We have played several of these dances over the years, and it’s always a really good time with everyone coming out for a night of friendship and dancing. It’s free admission, and you just can’t beat the inviting atmosphere and good vibes in the old community building. I’d love to have you there.

Saturday night 7-8:30 I’m playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk at the north end of the riverwalk by the big fountain past Brues Alehouse. They call it the Gateway Stage since it’s in the Gateway Plaza where they have all the western statues of the Goodnight-Loving Sculpture Trail and the Chuckwagon Play Area. It’s a beautiful area, and the nights can be pretty special. I’d love to have you come out to this as well if you’re in the Pueblo area.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a good night of fun and meaningful songs. It ALWAYS is. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. Summer is winding down quickly, and I’m gracefully if not sorely landing. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

What:  playing a free dance of country and rock and roll

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, 16500 State Highway 12, Cuchara, CO

When:  Friday, August 15, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a free show

Where:  Pueblo Riverwalk Gateway Stage in the Gateway Plaza, Pueblo, CO

When:  Saturday, August 16, 7-8:30 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, August 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Feeling Free

My show on Wednesday will be sailing and boats, and those things represent adventure and freedom, so I thought I’d write about feeling free. Most of my life (and I imagine yours too) has been watching the pendulum swing in my life from doing things that stem from responsibility or obligation to those things that come from a desire to feel free. Many times during my day I do things that are little moments of freedom within my obligations. For instance, I’ll be going to a job that I know will be difficult, but I enjoy the act of driving and the chance to listen to something I love on the drive. And while I’m walking in the morning for exercise and health I am also doing something kind and loving for and with my dog Beau and am enjoying the sunrise and taking photos I can share with others to brighten their day. Meanwhile I am loving the feeling of being in my body and breathing the fresh air as I become part of the natural world all around me. Later I am doing some household chore because I know it will give me the free time later to enjoy a movie and a bowl of popcorn. These are small things, and I also see that being able to take a vacation or a trip brings me that same feeling of freedom in a much bigger way. That chance to experience the wider world without my home worries is marvelous. One of my favorite songs of the 1960s was a song by the Monkees called “I Wanna Be Free”. It was a very simple song that Davy Jones sang, but it reflected that yearning that we all feel. It was mostly a love song, but that wasn’t the part that grabbed me. It was the words about being free like the birds, the waves, and the wind that enchanted me. So on Wednesday I’ll do songs about sailing and boats - capturing that wanderlust and desire for freedom that we all feel.

——

What have I been up to?

I had just 5 senior facilities to play for last week, but I loved playing for every one of them. I say it often, but the chance to take these folks on a journey through song is so gratifying.

My Wednesday online show was playing campfire songs, and it was just as much fun as I thought it would be. I had my campfire-scented candle to put me in the mood with a mountain campfire scene behind me, and it was a blast. I think everyone who came out really got into it.

Thursday was a packed barn at the Yellow Pine Barbecue, and it was so good to see so many familiar and new faces. There had been a big rainstorm the day before that had washed rock and logs over the road, and so it was kind of exciting wondering if there would be another storm on Thursday that would strand me up there for a while. There was a storm but it wasn’t that bad. It was a really fun night!

Friday night I was back at the Garden of the Gods Club to play guitar tunes for the diners. Every night is a little different up there, and I got to see some old friends again and play some unique tunes.

Saturday I had a last-minute surprise when I was asked if I could play with the Atomic Fireballs (my old band) for a gig at the VFW in Penrose. I took them up on it, and it was a great time and something I haven’t done in quite some time. None of the original band members were in the band except for one person who sang with us occasionally, but everyone who did play was an old acquaintance or person I had heard great things about. I’m not saying I want to start playing with a band on a regular basis, but it was sure fun getting to sit in and to play some lead guitar with old and new friends. Thanks, everyone!

My Sunday online show was great too. I was a little tired, but I had a good crew of folks who gave me lots of requests and energy. I love this group!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and it will be a good time playing songs for August and all this month brings. I usually do a produce or fair or end of summer theme for shows in August at my facilities.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about sailing and boats as I wrote above. I’m so entranced when I am out on the water being driven by the wind and the waves. This will be a sweet show of freedom. Come on out!

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m back at the Yellow Pine for the last barbecue of the season. It’s always a little bittersweet ending another season of barbecues up there. I enjoy them so much. I expect it’s already sold out, but if you want to come call 719-742-3528 to see if there are any spots left and make a reservation now.

Friday night 6-9 I’m once again at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. I’ll probably try some new tunes as I read the crowd. I almost played Ozzy Osborne’s “Crazy Train” as a mellow instrumental last week. It’s so much fun to surprise the diners.

Saturday night I have a private party that’s a family reunion that I’m looking forward to.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as per usual. This is often the best gig of the week with interesting tunes and great folks in attendance. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m still riding the wave of summer, and it’s about to deposit me on the beach - hopefully gracefully. I hope you’re having a good summer and are healthy and happy.

All the best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of sailing and boat songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, August 7, 6:30-8 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:  Friday, August 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, August 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time