1969

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

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What have I been up to?

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

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

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

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

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

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What am I up to this week?

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

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

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

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

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

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

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

When:  Sunday, November 24, 11 am - 2 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, November 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Change

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

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What have I been up to?

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

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

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

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

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What am I up to this week?

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

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

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

Reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

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

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

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

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

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

When:  Friday, November 15, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

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

When:  Sunday, November 17, 11 am - 2 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, November 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Outlaws

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

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What have I been up to?

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

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

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

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

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What am I up to this week?

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

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

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

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

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

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of outlaw songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

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

When:  Friday, November 8, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

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

Purpose

I’m thinking this morning about how my mindset is affected by how I approach life each day. I find that if I don’t frame my day when I first get up then I tend to wander without direction and purpose throughout the day. I can pick up a bad attitude while reading news or worrying over bills and correspondence that affects my music and how I perform and how I treat people the rest of the day. I mentioned before how one of my residents at a senior facility once told me that my purpose is to encourage others and give them joy with my music and interaction. I took that to heart, and I still think of it when I start my day. Of course my philosophy is one of looking at the big picture and believing the best about every person. It’s easy to forget these things on some days when I go out in the world. On these days I tend to be lost in my own head and my own thoughts, and I don’t give my all like I want to. I find that if I just slow down for a minute and increase my awareness of what is going on in the big picture then I can resume my purpose and be happier. That’s really all it takes. How about you? How do you frame your day?

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and it was so cool doing fun and spooky Halloween tunes for the folks. A couple of them I got to play outside on beautiful Fall days that just sparkled!

My Wednesday online show was doing Halloween songs, and it was a blast. I had a great group of folks who really got into the spirit with me. We’ll do it again this week with more tunes.

Friday night at Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental tunes was very sweet. I’m having so much fun working up arrangements of songs I usually sing and finding other songs with strong melodies that I can pour myself into.

Saturday night I played at the Garden of the Gods Club again in the Rocks Lounge for some really nice folks from different parts of the country who were so appreciative and kind. I forgot how much fun it can be to play for and talk with hotel guests like I used to have at the Pueblo West Inn so many years ago.

My Sunday online show was a spontaneous adventure where we ended up doing a mini Simon and Garfunkel theme for part of the night. It’s always such a ride with my Sunday night group that never fails to thrill me.

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What am I up to this week?

I only have 5 senior facilities this week since for 3 days it’s a 5th week of the month again where many of my monthly repeating gigs don’t fall. It’ll be a fun week of Halloween shows - especially on Halloween where one of them is a party where I can dress up a bit and get into the spooky tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween tunes again with special lighting and costuming and effects to paint the right mood. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods playing instrumental tunes in the Grand View Restaurant. I’d love to see you there if you’re up for a great meal with one of the best views in the state with Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak out the window over a beautiful lawn and pond. Call 888-994-3156 for reservations.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These Sunday nights always turn into a strong night of good tunes and friendship with folks tuning in from all over the country. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I’m booking Garden of the Gods regularly playing instrumental tunes - 5 nights next month, and I just booked Friday, November 29th at the Pueblo Country Club playing instrumental tunes too. With my voice aging and not being able to hit some of the high notes as well this is probably a good thing that I’m playing more of these fun instrumental gigs. 

I hope you’re heathy and happy. Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

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

When:  Friday, November 1, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, November 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Halloween

I’m thinking today of Halloween since I am doing an online Halloween show this Wednesday and next Wednesday. I’ve always enjoyed the fun aspects of Halloween. It comes from that innocent time of kids growing up after the war when we dressed up in costumes to go trick or treating. The biggest fear we had was that someone might slip a needle or a razor into our caramel apple or popcorn ball. I never really liked scary movies - especially when they had demons or supernatural elements to them. I had enough nightmares just from scary TV shows like “Dark Shadows”. We say it often, but it really was a simpler time. One of my favorite memories was the year I made a werewolf mask out of a milk jug, the fur from a buffalo hide, some green shiny buttons for eyes, a piece of screen, a grocery sack, and some masking tape and spray paint. It looked so realistic at the time to me, and I delighted in jumping out of the alley as other kids walked by and growling and howling at them. Then in high school we had fun costume parties where we’d try to be as creative as we could be with our costumes and party games. It was all pretty innocuous and fun. Even in college we delighted in sitting in an empty field on a dark night and scaring each other with ghost stories. That kind of frivolity has always been the way I think of Halloween through the years. So Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of Halloween songs both spooky and fun. I’ll add a cool green-screen backdrop and wear my skeleton vest. How about you? What does Halloween do for you?

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and all but one wanted some Halloween tunes. There was a full moon too, so everyone was primed for it. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing another batch of songs I’ve never done for my online shows, and there were some good ones - both familiar and new. I think everyone really enjoyed it.

Friday night I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club for a good audience. People are so appreciative of the little unexpected touches - even when it’s background music. It’s refreshing how you can create the atmosphere that makes an evening special for folks.

Saturday I did an online show of Philmont songs for a great audience of Philmont friends. It’s so great to be able to connect with people you haven’t seen in years with songs that bring back so many memories.

Sunday brunch I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club for another good audience of diners. I’m working up some new instrumental tunes so I never bore myself or the staff with the same songs. Sometimes I can do a spontaneous arrangement of a tune that I sing as an instrumental that really works.

I forgot to mention my Sunday online show last week in my weekly “What am I up to this week?” blog detail, and it was good one. So many people come out on a Sunday night to say “Hello!” and enjoy the music. It’s always so gratifying and rewarding to see so many folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and it should be a delightful week of Halloween songs and jokes. This is a fun month!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween songs as I mentioned above. It should be a rollicking good time with some spooky songs thrown in for good measure. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental tunes. It’s really a nice restaurant with good food and views. It’s probably the best view in town with their beautiful lawn and pond and landscaping providing a perfect foreground to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. You really have to see it. I recommend reservations. Call 888-994-3156 ASAP if you’d like to come.

Saturday night 6-9 I’m also back at the Garden of the Gods Club, but this night I’m in the members-only Rocks Lounge. I’ve only played this room once before on the lawn outside, and I assume I’ll be inside this time since the forecast is only calling for temperatures in the 50s when I start. When I was in the restaurant last Friday the lounge was really hopping, so I expect it’ll be a really fun night. Come on out if you’re a member or guest.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll have great energy and lots of enthusiastic folks. It’s so good to have a place to play where people enjoy each other and the music.

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That’s it for this week. It’s really feeling like Fall this past week with much cooler temperatures and snow in the mountains. October is pretty sweet! I hope you’re healthy and happy, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

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

When:  Friday, October 25, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Rocks Lounge. 888-994-3156

When:  Saturday, October 26, 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 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Busy

I was looking at my schedule this week, and I started to feel a little overwhelmed. I never thought I’d be this busy again when everything slowed down during the pandemic. I figured that there were some things that would never really happen again. Many of my musician friends got back to work as fast as they could, but I held back because I had liked more time at home. I love to play, and I know I will never completely stop, but something inside me changed as those months wore on in 2020. Though I played online and recorded and played over the Internet for as many of my senior facilities as I could, I just never thought I’d be back with a vengeance to those early times of playing several nights a week. But now I’m suddenly very lucky with requests from all corners to have me play at several venues and many events. It’s a blessing to be sure, but I’m finding that I lack the drive I once had for some of the tunes, and I’m not sure why. Some of it is because I can’t hit the notes I used to reach with my voice and pick the fingerings I used to flow through on the guitar. There are moments when I break through the limitations and have a blast, but I have to work harder to find these. I realize too that I have to make more time for joy and relaxation so that I have the balance that keeps the enthusiasm up. I’ll find my way like always, but it’s worth reflecting for a moment and taking stock. I know we all go through these thoughts, and voicing them lets us share the realization and move forward. I’m just turning the stone over to see different facets.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. One of them has a lot of Covid cases now and I’m really hoping they can get through this infection without much pain and suffering. It’s tough watching them go through it.

My Wednesday online show was doing the music of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen, and it was great sharing his music and remembering his life. He wrote some really good songs.

Saturday I played at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival, and it was so much fun seeing all the kids and parents in the pumpkin patch playing and picking out pumpkins and listening to my music. I love playing this event.

Saturday evening I played a 1969-1972 high school reunion for Pueblo Central High, and it was fun doing a lot of the tunes I have recently played for some of my online 1970s shows. They really had a good time.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had a great group of friends come out to support me and each other and enjoy some special tunes. I love this group.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be loads of fun. I’m doing mostly Halloween songs now, and it’s a goofy, spooky time.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be what I call “never done” songs - songs I haven’t ever played for these online shows. This is always a good time playing songs that people don’t know that I have learned and performed. Come on out if you’d like to hear some real gems!

Friday 6-9 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant again. I have really been enjoying these nights, and I do different songs every time. Come on out if you’d like to hear some first-class noodling!

Saturday night 7-9 I’m playing an online show for Philmont alumni as I do 3 times a year. This is a chance to reminisce with good friends I worked with or who shared the same experiences I did when I was in high school and college at Philmont. Come on out if you’re a Philmont alum!

Sunday 11-2 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for brunch. This is such a great venue with very beautiful views. It’s open to the public, and I really recommend calling ahead for a reservation if you’d like to come out!

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That’s it for another week. It’s great to be so busy. I just need to take time to breathe occasionally. 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 “Never Done” songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

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

When:  Friday, October 18, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where:  facebook.com/share/sLzZUYu1EEUvyMNN/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, October 19, 7-9 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

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

When:  Sunday, October 20, 11 am - 2 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, October 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Tributes

I’m doing a tribute to Kris Kristofferson Wednesday online, and that has me thinking of all the tributes I’ve done and all the musicians who have contributed so much to the lives we all live. I’m always amazed at how a song can affect a person’s life and outlook, and when I think that a song started as just an idea in a songwriter’s head I’m even more amazed. Some songs are contrived to sell, and some songs are a labor of love that has to be expressed. Either way when we hear them they have an impact on us in an almost unexplainable way. And the people who choose to go into music will do it for all kinds of reasons - fame, fortune, love, or just because they are internally compelled to. The ones who are able to make a lifetime career are the ones I usually do tributes to. I respect the effort and resilience they have to keep going even when the business isn’t great for them and they only see the smiles on their audience’s faces. And unfortunately some of the tributes I’ve done have been in remembrance as some musicians have passed. I believe in keeping their music alive even if that music seems irrelevant. A lot of understanding can come from the heart that someone put into a song - even if that song is 20 or 200 years old. So I’ll pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson on Wednesday and many who played with him and celebrated him.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was fun starting to play Halloween songs or them. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs about wildlife, and it was creative and fun. I love doing shows where there is some leeway for some surprises. I think the audience really liked it too.

Friday I was at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant in Colorado Springs, and I had a good group of folks to play for. I played the guitar that I have tuned down to a lower pitch, and it makes the instrumental songs I play there have a really interesting quality to them. Several people noticed and gave me compliments. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones. We always have a Zoom call before the show, and these are really fun too. You’re always welcome to join in.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. It’s always an interesting dynamic. They all know that I love and respect them, and that makes it all worthwhile.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen as I wrote above. Kris was a wonderful songwriter with a touch of heart that belied his gruff persona. So many of his songs speak right to me, and I will do a few songs from the Highwaymen as well to round out the show. Come on out!

Saturday 11-1 I’m playing at the Littleton Museum outside in the pumpkin patch for their Harvest Festival. This is a really fun event that I’ve played for several years now. I’ll be in the tent by the pumpkin patch where families will be picking out their Halloween pumpkins and going for a wagon ride. It’s really cool and a good time. Come on out if you’re in the Denver area!

Saturday evening I’m playing a high school reunion in Pueblo that should be great fun too with all the songs I know from 1967 to 1972. I was made for these kinds of parties.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will be a good night with good requests and great friends. I never have a bad time at these shows. Tune in if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. The Fall is really coming on now. Jen, Beau and I went for a drive to see the leaves changing in the mountains of southern Colorado last Saturday, and it was beautiful. I can’t say enough how much I love this time of year even as my morning walks with Beau get chillier. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 9, 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 12, 11 am -1 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 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Wildlife

 My show this Wednesday online will be about wildlife, so I thought I’d share with you a couple reflections on my interaction with wildlife. I’ve spent a lot of time in the outdoors ever since I was a kid hiking in the mountains and generally being outside as much as I can. As little kids we would see bears by the side of the road and deer on hikes. I was too little to remember seeing the grizzlies we saw at Yellowstone. We didn’t see many elk, and we never saw mountain lions although we once heard one scream outside our cabin at 3:00 am. I was one of those kids who watched National Geographic and Mutual of Omaha’s shows on TV always, and there was no lack of fascination with all the details about all the animals I saw. When I worked at Philmont in high school and college I saw a lot of bears - even close up before they tired of us and started to bluff charge. They also had buffaloes (bison) and lots of deer and elk. Over the following years I’ve interacted with skunks and raccoons, badgers and wild horses, and all kinds of other wild animals including birds of prey and lots of reptiles. One of my favorite things in recent years has been reading about the wolves of Yellowstone. And you know that I see coyotes and deer frequently on my sunrise walks with our dog Beau. I revere these wild animals and respect them in the lives they lead. So we’re privileged to still see wildlife often in our lives, and I want to celebrate them.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all marvelous. Only one had Covid masking, so maybe this Fall won’t be so bad as we had thought. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing the songs of Michael Martin Murphey, and it was so fun revisiting my favorite songs of his. He was such a big part of my early guitar playing and singing. I had a really great audience too with many more folks than I expected.

Saturday at the Rocks Lounge at Garden of the Gods Club was really sweet too. I played outside to a really nice bunch of folks who were so appreciative and engaging. I can’t wait to play there again.

Sunday’s Celebration of Life for Kathy Drozda was very sweet too with warm remembrances and special tunes that she loved. We will miss you, Kathy.

My Sunday online show was very spontaneous with a huge variety of favorites and requests. These Sunday nights never fail to rise and shine.

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What am I up to this week?

I have just 7 senior facilities this week since it’s the first week of the month where I never book as many shows. I love these folks, and it’ll be exciting to start doing Halloween songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about wildlife as I wrote above. This will be a lot of fun singing clever songs and telling exciting stories about wildlife and the many meetings everyone has had with them. Come on out if you’re free.

Friday 6-9 I should be at the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the Gods Club. I haven’t had a confirmation yet. The view is to-die-for at this venue with the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in full view. It’s open to the public, so you don’t have to be a member to join, but I really recommend a reservation since it’s usually a long wait if you can get in. 888-994-3156. I think you can sit at the bar if you just want to come in for some music. Come on out! 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always an adventure and a pleasure seeing all the friendly faces and playing great tunes. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. It has been a beautiful Fall this year, and we’re hoping to get out to do some leaf-peeping this weekend. I love this time of year! 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 Fall songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

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

When:  Friday, October 4, 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 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Beginnings

 My Wednesday online show this week is doing the songs of Michael Martin Murphey, and that has me thinking about my beginnings when I really started to play and sing in the early 1970s because Michael’s songs were some of the first ones I learned. I took lessons on piano as a little kid like so many other kids did and then played clarinet in the elementary school band again like so many other kids did, but I never really felt the music inside me in a way that was engaging and inspiring. At about age 12 I “borrowed” my sister Jane’s ukulele (I still have it - as she often reminds me) and I learned to play it with the Mel Bay book that came with it. I soon started trying to learn songs off records and the radio, and I bought sheet music to a few tunes. Michael Murphey’s “Wildfire” and “Carolina in the Pines” were some of just a handful of sheets I ordered and learned. We had songbooks too, but I soon found that the intricate guitar riffs and melodies weren’t represented in the sheet music or books, so I learned them by experimentation and noodling. Michael and John Denver’s music were some of the main songs I was learning to pick out on the ukulele. The ukulele led me to the baritone ukulele which is tuned like the top 4 strings of a guitar, and by age 15 I had graduated to an acoustic guitar. So you see that Michael made a big impact on me. I had all his albums into the mid-1980s, and even got to run sound for him at a concert at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1983 where we used my PA system that I was using for gigs around northern New Mexico. I’ve since run into Michael many times in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. His music has always expressed some of the things I love in this life. Did his music have an impact on you back in the day too?

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and several were wearing masks with Covid outbreaks. That didn’t slow us down though. I did learn that one of my long-time folks at the vets home passed. He will surely be missed.

My Wednesday online show was Fall songs with a couple harvest moon songs thrown in since it was the full harvest moon that night. It was a blast! I love this group.

Friday I was booked at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, but they had a private party booked in that room so they had me play across the street at the golf course at Kissing Camels Grille and Bar to nice group of folks including a music friend who snuck into the members-only venue. It was fun.

Saturday morning I played 1840s and 1850s songs in historic costume the Mercado at El Pueblo Museum in Pueblo during the Chile Festival. That was something I haven’t done in a long time. It was great to see some of the museum folks I haven’t seen since I was musical director for the Song of Pueblo.

Saturday evening I got to see more friends at a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs where we sang a few songs together and reminisced. That was great!

Sunday I played the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the God Club for brunch, and that went really well. It’s actually a lot of fun to play instrumental songs and sometimes make up melodic guitar arrangements on the spot of songs I usually sing.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were some fun requests and off-the-wall favorites I played to a great group of friends and fans. I love my Munch Bunch.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one of them. Hopefully there won’t be more illness striking these places as we get into the cold and flu (and Covid) season.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs of Michael Martin Murphey as I wrote above. I love these songs, and I really haven’t done very many of them for several years, so it’ll be great to share them with my online community again.

Saturday 6-9 I’m playing at the Rocks Lounge at the Garden of the Gods Club. This is a members-only venue. I finally get to sing at this venue instead of just doing instrumental music. Singing is really my forte, so it’ll be nice to sing for this gig.

Sunday I’m playing for a celebration of life for my friend Kathy Drozda who was also the sister of my friend Carol Rickman. Their husbands and many friends will also be there to celebrate Kathy, and I’ll be singing a bunch of songs that she loved. Kathy is very missed.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I continue to be amazed at the caring and enthusiasm that this group brings to me, my  music, and each other each week. This is such a joy!

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That’s it for this week. The Fall is really coming on strong. It was only 41 degrees when I walked Beau this morning. It will warm back up for a few weeks, but I definitely feel the shift in the seasons. 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 Fall songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Rocks Lounge. 888-994-3156

When:  Saturday, September 28, 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 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Fall

Fall officially starts this week, and it feels like it’s right on time. I’m ready for it. I often say that Fall is my favorite season of the year. I think that’s true although I definitely have had some very memorable times in other seasons. Life is so full of high points. Fall is the season where I feel most at home though with things slowing down a bit, the temperatures cooling off some, and contemplation the most prevalent in my life. Who doesn’t love the changing of the leaves and the quality of Fall light? It does always arrive with a bit of melancholy though that I can’t deny. I often lament that the songs of Fall are sadder, and they are. I tend to shy away from these sadder songs when I play a show full of Fall songs because I see the effect on my audience. I don’t mind them myself, but I find that people don’t like that old cathartic group experience that the Greeks so embraced with their tragic plays. But sometimes I wish that we would reflect on all aspects of our lives with gratitude and contentment. There is so much beauty in the Fall of the year just like there is beauty in the Fall of life. There is wisdom and understanding gained from the newness of Spring and the craziness of summer. I really love this and cherish this. I see the same grace and stateliness in a beautifully-colored tree as I see in the softly-chiseled lines of a friend’s face in their 60s. It’s all part of a life well-lived on this wonderful planet. So celebrate Fall with me.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 seniors facilities that I failed to write about last week. They all went so well even though at least a couple had Covid outbreaks that caused all the staff to wear masks. I don’t mind singing in a mask even though some singers don’t like them. It took a little while to get used to, but I find that the mask actually helps my throat since it holds in moisture, and the mask doesn’t come off my nose if I tuck it under my glasses. It’s worth it for these folks anyway.

Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo on Wednesday was a blast, and I got to play for so many folks that I see at my facilities as well as many friends. I even got to walk around the zoo a bit afterwards to see the animals! Big thanks to the zoo folks and sponsors and everyone who came out.

My Wednesday online show was British Invasion songs again, and we had a blast reminiscing about the ‘60s and all the songs we loved. I have such a great group of folks who tune in to these shows.

Friday at the Pueblo Riverwalk was great fun too. It was a little warm, but it cooled off pretty quickly and became a perfect evening. I had a nice crowd of old friends and new folks with families, and my voice and fingers cooperated and brought the songs out sweetly.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was special just like always. I get such a good group of folks who share themselves and their requests.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. The relationships I have with these folks is something I treasure.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs of Fall as I wrote of above. I’ll try to stay away from the more melancholy songs. There are some really cool songs including a couple new ones that have been requested. Send me your request as well, and then tune in and we’ll celebrate Fall together!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. This is an instrumental guitar evening, and I’m getting accustomed to playing instrumentals for these gigs. I think I wrote before that I started these gigs by just playing instrumental songs I knew, but now I play any song that I know and can make an arrangement of on the fly. It’s so much fun, and part of the fun is watching the audience recognize the song and react in the moment. Come on out for an upscale dinner if you’re in the area.

Saturday 10-12 I’m playing in period costume at El Pueblo Museum for their annual Mercado celebration that is always held during the Chile Festival in Pueblo. I’ll be in my old mountain man leggings and moccasins with my 1870s guitar playing tunes from the founding decade of Pueblo. I haven’t done this in a few years, and I’m really looking forward to it! Come on out and visit the Chile Festival that morning.

Saturday evening I have a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs that I’m looking forward to as well. These are some good folks, and we’ll have a fine time.

Sunday 11-2 I’m at the Grand View Restaurant again at the Garden of the Gods Club to play instrumental songs for brunch. The views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are to-die-for at this venue, and I’d love to have you in the audience if you’d like an upscale brunch in a beautiful place.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests once again, and I know it’ll be a fine time with my stellar online audience. We’ll play any Fall songs we didn’t get to play on Wednesday plus whatever other songs folks want to hear. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. My schedule still hasn’t slowed down since summer, and I’m loving the variety of places I’m getting to play and the faces I’m getting to see. I hope you are well and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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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 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

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

When:  Friday, September 20, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing in costume

Where:  El Pueblo Museum, 301 North Union, Pueblo

When:  Saturday, September 21, 10 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

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

When:  Sunday, September 22, 11 am - 2 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, September 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time