Music of Our Youth

 I’m doing an online show tomorrow night playing ‘70s songs, and that has me thinking about music of our youth and how it shapes us and stays with us throughout our lives. I was exposed to a lot of different music when I was young. My dad played the piano, and he grew up listening to the hit parade in the ‘30s, so he played a lot of old standards from that era all the way through the musicals of the ‘50s and ‘60s. My siblings were older than me, and they listened to everything from folk music to rock and roll to Motown. My interest was in the folk-rock music of the ‘60s and ‘70s once I started playing ukulele and then guitar, but I heard everything that was on the local AM radio too. The attitudes and lyrics in those songs shaped me in ways I can’t really know. I still have snippets of those songs run through my head at odd times with their messages of hope or love. We all have had the sensation when hearing a song from our youth of instantly being back in a place and time with friends we have sometimes long forgotten. It’s a very endearing thing, and I can tell you that it works for the rest of your life - as evidenced by my seniors who often come out of their dementia for a few moments when hearing a favorite song from their youth. I really do think that music has some magical elements that reach into our spirit and mind in profound ways, and in combination with strongly imprinted memories from our youth that music can be very powerful. So I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with some songs of my youth from the ’70s, and if this speaks to you then come on out and share in the fun.

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What have I been up to?

I had a bunch of senior facilities last week. Once again it was great to see folks I hadn’t seen for 16 months, and it was sad to miss some who were no longer there. Little by little they are all coming back as the virus wanes.

My Tuesday online theme show doing summer songs was very fun. There are so many wonderful songs about summer, and it was a joy to play them with this fantastic group of folks. I had thought that maybe we would have less people tuning in since we switched the theme show from Thursdays to Tuesdays, but we actually had more people than we average on Thursdays.  

The Yellow Pine Barbecue on Thursday was a packed house with many old friends. The barbecue is being provided by a separate person from the Yellow Pine - Steve Palmer. It’s just as good as ever, and the evening was perfect. It appears that almost every week is already almost fully reserved, so if you want to come out for any of the next 8 weeks you’d be smart to call today to reserve the date you’d like to come.

My Sunday online show was also a lot fo fun. It was Father’s Day, so of course we did a couple father songs, but we also did a bunch of other favorites including The Rolling Stones, Jerry Jeff Walker, and even Fleetwood Mac. I love the folks so much who come out to join in!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 5 senior facilities to play for this week, and if I can get gas it’ll be great to see all the folks. We have a truck driver shortage in the area, and so several of the stations have run out of gas. This was exacerbated by people panicking and making on a run on the stations to fill up. It’ll work itself out, but hopefully I won’t have to cancel anywhere because I can’t get gas. I’m currently almost on “E” and am hoping to find some gas after I write this.

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the aforementioned ‘70s songs. This will be great fun, and I’d love to have you. If this appeals to you then join in on Facebook or on my website. The links are below.

Thursday I’ll be back to the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8. Again as I said above they are almost booked for every week this summer, so if you’d like to come then call to book ASAP. The number is 719-742-3528. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be doing the favorites that are such a good time. You are always welcome, and I’d love to see you. This week will be extra special because we are doing it live from Deann and Matt Pujol’s house in Pueblo. Deann was going to put together a watch party, and I said, “Why don’t we do the whole show from your place?” So that’s what we’re doing. I can’t tell you how special it will be to see some of the local friends in our group.

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So that’s it for this week. It seems we may be out of the woods with COVID unless a new variant gains a lot of strength. It feels so good to be over the worry and strife although I’m still happy to take whatever precautions are necessary to keep everyone safe - especially the seniors I am privileged to play for.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘70s songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 22, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 24, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, June 27, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Summer

 Well, it’s summer. I’m not sure how to feel about summer this year. It has meant so many things over the years to me. It was exciting as a kid to look forward to all the outdoor activities and fun places to go and see. We’d go fishing or boating or driving on a trip or just playing in the neighborhood. As a young adult it still had those kind of activities, but there was also the opportunity to work at an exciting place with other people my age who were full of life and enthusiasm for what lay ahead. As I got into my career the summer became my main time to work as a musician with lots of cool places to play for wonderful people. That has been the rule for me for more than 35 years, but when COVID hit that all stopped. And now this summer things are opening back up, but there is not the unabashed feeling of freedom and possibility I used to look forward to. Every situation holds some uncertainty and questions over whether to wear a mask and whether to give a hug or even attend or perform at a big gathering. And on top of that there is the fear that someone will cause trouble. It’s a crazy time that is so much different than even 10 years ago. I attended a memorial service over the weekend, and even that seemed awkward and somehow foreign to me. So life has changed somewhat, and it’s not all bad, but I do find myself again wondering what comes next. I’m just glad that my music gives me purpose, and I will continue to try to spread joy and meaning to those who will listen.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities last week went very well. One of them was for folks I haven’t seen in over a year. It took me a minute to remember all their requests and get back in the flow with them, but once I did it was really cool.

The studio work for hire I did last week went very well. It’s so gratifying to create something you know will bring joy to the listener. Unfortunately the amount I made was almost exactly the amount it took to get our car worked on. Oh, well. Easy come, easy go. It was a great experience.

My Thursday online show was doing sailing, ocean, and beach music, and there were some sweet tunes played and even sweeter folks in the audience. It was so much fun.

My Sunday online show of favorites turned into a bunch of old rock tunes - many of them requested that night. I forget how much I enjoy these tunes, and luckily I was able to rise to some rock energy for the most part.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities to play for this week, and 3 of them I haven’t played for since before COVID last year. It will be great to see them, and of course there is much caution still taken by all of the facilities in different measure. 

My online theme show moves to Tuesday 7-8:30 mountain time this week through the middle of August so I can play the Yellow Pine Barbecue on Thursdays, and this week the theme will be summer. There are some wonderful summer songs that express the free and easy feeling of the season, and I’m really looking forward to immersing myself and my audience in them. Please tune in if you can!

Thursday 6:30-8 mountain time will be the first Yellow Pine Barbecue for the season and the past two years. The barbecue is such a fun time with good friends. If you’ve never been it’s held in a barn built in the 1890s at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch just a half a mile or so north of the beautiful mountain village of Cuchara, Colorado. It’s a traditional Texas-style barbecue with all the fixings and my music as the entertainment. There is usually a campfire with marshmallow roasting and s’mores outside while I entertain for the diners and dancers inside. You need to make reservations by Tuesday morning so they can order enough food. The number to call is 719-742-3528. It’s a blast!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites that we play as always for the great group of folks who join in almost every week. This is the highlight of my week, and I look forward to hopefully seeing you there.

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That’s it for this time. I can’t believe it’s summer already. I’ve been working outside on the trees and weeds almost every day, and it’s great to be working outside although the heat and hard work does wear me out while it also makes me feel so alive. I hope you’re enjoying your summer so far. Be safe, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of summer songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 15, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 17, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, June 20, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Slow Down

I’ve been thinking of the changes that have happened in me and in the world with the pandemic. One of the things I have really appreciated has been the slowing down of life. I don’t feel the need to speed to get to a gig. I don’t feel the need to rush through my day. I’ve realized that life is not really worthwhile when I’m feeling pushed and not savoring simple things. I don’t want to compete or impose my will or agenda on other people. Life is much better when I really find joy in other people and the moment where I find myself. So do I feel the need to speed back up to where I was before the virus? I don’t think so. Maybe I’ll have to make a conscious choice to stay slowed down. I don’t know. I do know that I learned something during the pandemic that I don’t want to forget. Life is much more enjoyable when I don’t feel I have to get into a jostling frame of mind with each moment. I’ll try to remember that when someone is tailgating me on the highway, or when I feel I have to get something done RIGHT NOW.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were good shows last week - some in-person and some on Zoom. I don’t think I’ll ever have the full schedule I had before the pandemic of senior homes, but that might not be a bad thing although I really do feel it’s a worthwhile way to spend my time.

My Thursday online show was songs about the sky, and it turned out really well. We had a little smaller group of folks, but everyone was into the theme and the songs.

Sitting in with Bill Hearne and Don Richmond and bass player Brett Davis on Saturday night in Alamosa went well too. Bill has such a genuine energy and drive on stage that really carries the audience. 

My Sunday online show was some neat favorites that I enjoyed as well. I can’t say enough about how special these nights of interaction usually turn out. Some really good people have contributed to making this a time of building up every week.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 3 senior facilities this week - all in-person. One of the facilities I haven’t visited since March last year, so it will be great to see how many folks I know.

I’m in the studio on Tuesday doing work on a song I mentioned before for a writer. It’s fun to put my spin on someone else’s song and lend my talents. I don’t do very much of this.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time is doing songs about sailing, the ocean, and the beach. My good friend Donna Dodaro Kemper suggested this show theme, and it will be a nice summer show to get into all of freeing magic of being on the water. Please tune in if you can.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing favorites and requests as always. We will never run out of great songs to sing at these shows, and the giving and kindness from my audience is something to behold. I’m so thankful to have gathered such a stellar group of folks to my shows.

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That’s it for this week. Next week I start the Yellow Pine Barbecue on Thursday nights and shift my online theme night to Tuesday. I don’t know if we’ll continue to get a big group of folks out for the theme night, but I’ll keep doing them until it is no longer feasible. I love to play and sing. Take care, and I hope you find joy in slowing down like I have.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about sailing, the ocean, and the beach

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

When:  Thursday, June 10, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, June 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

The Sky

My Thursday show this week is songs about the sky, so I thought I’d reflect on what I get from the sky in my life. I’ve always been enamored of the sky. It expresses so many different conditions and moods. I’ve worked outdoors enough at times that I had to plan my days around the weather and what the sky was doing. The patterns of the clouds, and the quality of the light always affects my feelings about the moment I’m in. And that’s not even to mention the night sky when I feel a part of the entire cosmos as I gaze at distant worlds. It’s truly full of magic and mystery to me, and it gives me a connection to the timelessness of the world and each moment in our lives. The sky has enchanted writers throughout time, and you have to know that there are countless songs that mention the sky as it relates to the weather or the enormity of the world and our place in it. So this week I’ll try to play songs that express the poetic qualities of the sky. It’s just part of the magic that makes this life such a rewarding experience.

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went really well. It’s so good to feel like I’m getting into the flow of pre-pandemic in a small way.

My studio time got rescheduled to next week, but I’m looking forward to being in that creative and meticulous space.

My Thursday show was very relaxing and peaceful - coming back to the favorite songs I’ve recorded over the past 40 years. When I’m really in promotional mode I tend to tire of playing the songs I have recorded (anything can get old, I guess), but after not having played these for a long while they are old and dear friends that I can’t wait to get reacquainted with. My wonderful audience was of the same mind.

My Sunday show was a lot of favorites I hadn’t played in quite a while as well, and the interaction with everyone present made it into a night to be remembered. I’m truly blessed by everyone who gives of their time and kindness.

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What am I up to this week?

I have several senior shows this week which I’m looking forward to. One is still remote on Zoom, but the rest are finally in-person unless something changes.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs about the sky as I wrote about above. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you’ll join us if you can.

Saturday I’ll make a jaunt over to Alamosa to see my friend Bill Hearne play with Don Richmond at Society Hall at 7:00. I’ll probably sit in for a couple tunes. Come by if you’re in the area. It should be a great show!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I’ve grown to enjoy so much. The audience is such an integral part of these shows, and I’m gratified each week to see how well we all support each other and the music.

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That’s it for this week. I’ll start the weekly barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch on June 17th, and I have several other gigs I’m lining up including hopefully a show at the La Veta Mercantile. Visit my calendar page to see what I’m up to - http://tommunch.com/calendar. Take care, and I hope to see you online or down the road soon!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about the sky

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

When:  Thursday, June 3, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, June 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Rejuvenation

It’s amazing what time in the outdoors will do for you. I know it’s a recurring theme for me, but it’s worth saying again. Nature has a way of retuning our expectations and making us aware of ourselves and the truths of this world. In nature we can find belonging and order. Nature shows us how interconnected we are to the land and the creatures around us. There is an understanding of the timelessness and also the preciousness of life and our time here. Just listening to the birds and feeling a blade of grass in your hand can make you feel the rhythm of the earth and our place on it. I encourage you to be in and with nature if you can in your day. I’m writing all of this because I really feel rejuvenated this morning after our walk in the prairie and a couple days in the mountains.

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went very well last week, and one was packed with retirees who absolutely drank in all the music I could give them. It was so gratifying.

My Thursday show doing Beatles music was a blast too. I was little off kilter for the first couple tunes, but once I dialed in we connected to the spirit of the Beatles and their genius.

My Sunday show was way too much fun as well. There were a couple new songs and some old favorites that really hit the spot. I love these folks and this music!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 3 senior shows this week which should be great. 

I have some studio time working on a project for some folks up north. 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be playing songs off of my albums. I have several folks who want to hear some of my interpretations and originals, so this week we will do those. I’m really looking forward to playing some songs I haven’t had a chance to play for a year or more. Here is my album page on my website if you’d like to see what I’ll draw from - everything except the Christmas album. 😉 https://tommunch.com/albums

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. I hope some more frequent visitors can come back this week as I have some songs I’ve learned that I’m anxious to play for them. We always have way more joy than should be allowed!

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That’s it for this week. Things are beginning to book up, so I’ll have more to write about as the weeks progress. We’ve had a lot of rain, so I’m just hoping I can also keep up with weeds and housework too. Now where did that rejuvenation go that I was so full of when I started this page?!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs off my albums

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

When:  Thursday, May 27, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

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

Pulling Back or Pushing Forward

 This past week with the CDC saying that vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks or practice social distancing except in certain crowded or healthcare environments has really thrown me into a quandary. Part of my thoughts are on the different life I’ve established over the past year - staying closer to home and not traveling so much, and part of my thoughts are on the possibility of returning to the life I had - driving several hundred miles a week to 10-15 gigs all over the area. I’ve had a taste of a different kind of life, and there many parts of it I enjoyed. I’m still the most useful and fulfilled when I’m creating and performing music, so that won’t change, but I can see that maybe I could sculpt the next few years a little more instead of mostly flowing with presented opportunities as I have done over most of my life. I’m sure many people are weighing their futures too. This has been a time of deep introspection and winnowing our lives down to what’s important. I don’t feel ready to make any decisions today, but I can tell that I really need a deep dive into myself to see what’s next. I’m not full of any particular ambition. I just want peace and love to fill my life and those around me - with music all around that.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were very enjoyable last week. I only had a couple, but one of them was playing for folks I hadn’t seen since a year ago in February, and it was a grand reunion!

My Thursday online show was doing songs about mountains, and I so enjoyed visiting some of my favorite songs over my lifetime. The mountains have really influenced me over the years. I’m glad I get to live close to them.

My Sunday show online was also very gratifying with good friends and some wonderful songs. I started to run out of gas towards the end of the show, but I still managed to end with a flourish. Highlights for me included new songs by Graham Nash and Bill Staines.

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What’s up this week?

I have three senior facilities this week including a new one I haven’t played for before, so there will be some new faces and an introduction to a new group. That’s always fun!

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be a return to the Beatles. We did a Beatles show last November, and I promised I’d return to the Beatles for a bunch more of their tunes. This Thursday’s the night! I love the Beatles music, and it will be a really good time. Come on by!

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. I’ve been getting some pretty adventurous requests lately, so if I can actually work them up it will be very entertaining to watch me deliver them. I say that knowing I may really fall on my face or chicken out on them. I’ve never really said “No!” to a challenge though, so come on out and see if I can pull them off.

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That’s it for this week. I’m still deciding if I should switch my Thursday show to Tuesday when we come to the start of my Yellow Pine Barbecue shows on Thursdays in mid-June or just stop the online Thursday show the for the summer. I’ll announce it soon. It’s another in my factors I talked about above - what to do next?

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Beatles songs

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

When:  Thursday, May 20, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, May 23, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Longing

 One of the most frequent feelings in my week is one of deep longing. It’s something I feel in many situations as I go through my day. I feel it when I first rise in the day and give my pets a little love before I dress for our sunrise walk. I feel it when we hit the path and gaze at the mountains, the moon, or the horizon. I feel it when I see friends or family or receive a text from them. I feel it when I pick up my guitar and start a song. I feel it when I hit the road for a destination. It is always just a deep desire to know the situation and reach for deep involvement in every aspect of whatever I’m doing. I guess it’s kind of a savoring of life in all its forms, and I can best describe it as longing because that is the kind of pull it puts on me. I’m sure it comes from something ancient and eternal within me - a desire to reconnect with the essence of life itself. I know it sounds a little wacky, but I suspect you might feel it too. I’m going to ponder on it this week and see where it leads me - maybe to a song. It is ultimately love.

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What have I been up to?

Last week I had several more senior facilities to play for since they are opening back up to entertainment. It’s great to see the folks, and I’m remembering what it’s like to schlep around equipment again!

My Thursday show playing songs by the Neils - Neil Young and Neil Diamond - was loads of fun. The audience really got into it, and I did too. There are some real favorites there!

My Sunday show playing favorites was really satisfying. Several of the songs were pretty difficult to remember the details on, but I think I did okay. Once again the folks were full of energy and goodwill, so it was the boost everyone needed.

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What’s up this week?

I only have a couple senior facilities this week, but one of them I haven’t seen the folks since last year so I’m really looking forward to it.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing songs about mountains. Mountains have been a big part of my life - like a giant magnet pulling at me ever since I was a child. We’ll be doing songs that talk about mountains and their affect on people - longing, majesty, and mystery.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing the favorites and requests that we always come around to once a week. This is such a special group of friends that get together every week to celebrate each other and the music that fills our souls. Come on along!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have lots of longing.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about mountains

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

When:  Thursday, May 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, May 16, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Rainy Days

We’re having a rainy day here in southern Colorado. It’s the kind of day where you want to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book while you watch the rain drip off the roof as the clouds drift over the mountains. I feel the pressure of Monday things to do.  As Beau and I walked before sunrise in the mud and blowing rain I felt my spirits dip ever-so-slightly with the rain and grey weather. The prairie is greening, and the rain brings life and hope always, but it also asks us to slow down and have some downtime. My favorite rain has always been the afternoon showers I experienced when I worked in the mountains. If you planned it right you could have camp set up just in time to take a nap in your tent during the rain or be inside in a tin-roofed cabin where you could hear the rain patter on the roof and windows. Afterwards the freshness of the rain permeated the land and the trees with a wonderful smell and the feeling of rebirth and new life. So I shake off the dip in spirit and put off for just a moment the work I have for the week while I greet the new week and write you my thoughts. There is always so much to look forward to and be joyful for!

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went well last week. Hopefully they will be able to lift more restrictions as our numbers get better in Colorado and all around.

My Thursday night online show doing ‘60s songs went very well. Of course there is a huge catalog of great ‘60s tunes, so we were definitely not at a loss for requests and songs to sing. We will have to do another ‘60s night or more to make another pass at some more great songs.

I did a Saturday night online show that I didn’t write about last week for guests and staff of the Don K Guest Ranch where I played for 8 years or so in the ‘90s. It was great to see so many folks and share some great memories and songs.

My Sunday night online show went very well too with lots of friends and fans. I’m blessed to have such a variety of friends and a variety of music to play.

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What am I up to this week?

I have senior shows almost every day this week as facilities are allowed to open up more. Many of these folks I haven’t seen in over a year. One of my shows will still be online until restrictions change.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs by the Neils -  Neil Young and Neil Diamond. I figured this would be an interesting mix of tunes by these two seemingly-unrelated artists. I think the chemistry will be very exciting, and I invite you to join in!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests I love to do. It’s Mother’s Day, so I’ll be doing at least a couple songs to honor mothers including the mother song I wrote last year titled “How Did You Know?” Come on out for an evening of music and friendship!

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That’s it for this week. Now it’s time to have a cup of tea and figure out if I can play hooky from my work for a little while longer. ;-)

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ’60s songs

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

When:  Thursday, May 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, May 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

A New Decade

 Well, I just turned 60, and I’m trying to decide what this decade will be like for me. On turning 50 I changed a lot of things. I set out to lose weight and write more songs. I started a blog and online concerts. I decided to pursue more festivals and house concerts. So what has changed over these 10 years? Well, I have done more festivals and a few house concerts. I have plugged into shows and venues where I am among many musicians whom I have looked up to for many years. I did lose weight - which I gained some back and then lost again. I’m feeling very healthy overall. I have written a decent number of songs although I’m not the wellspring of songs that I might have hoped for. I did write a bunch of instrumental guitar tunes that I am very proud of.  I lost my mother at age 90 which shut down my creativity for the better part of a year - more from having to clean up her estate than dealing with her loss emotionally, although she is dearly missed. That was during the time when my instrumental album was being finalized, and I even wrote songs after her death that were heavily influenced by my mindset in the wake of her passing. I even wrote a lot of more spiritual and thoughtful songs in the last few years as I have become more aware of who I am and why I’m here. The pandemic changed a lot of my thrust and direction. I have found that my purpose is to use my talent for music in helpful ways even more than I did before. I have also come to trust that my financial needs will be met if I give with a joyful heart and a loving soul. So what will the next decade bring? I’m a little uncertain since the pandemic is still not under control, but I can see me continuing to play online concerts since I can reach so many people so easily and genuinely. I’d love to write more along the lines of songs that will encourage and comfort others. I never thought I needed to be famous or have a huge audience, and I’m even more comfortable now with drawing the people to my music who get something beneficial out of it. Hang out with me a while and see where life takes us!

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What have I been up to?

I played a couple senior facilities last week, but I also had a cancellation because the state Residential Care Facility (RCF) guidelines are now recommending that visitors not be allowed in group activities which includes musical visitors playing for a group. Our virus transmission rates are up in Colorado, and this is a precaution that hopefully will be able to be reversed soon. We just have to keep being vigilant until this virus is under control and no longer a threat.

My Thursday online show doing Hank Williams tunes was so much fun. I learned several new tunes and played every one of them since they are relatively short and I could fit so many into the show. I also did a few earth songs since it was Earth Day. It was grand.

My Sunday online show was extra special since it was my birthday and that made me be full of gumption (full of beans my mom would say). We had a wonderful group of folks out to hear favorites and many requests. It was fine time.

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What am I up to this week?

My senior facilities may have to be cancelled or changed with the state recommendation I mentioned above. I’m sure I can do outdoor shows if the weather is good. If it all works out I’ll have three shows this week.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing ‘60s songs. I will probably leave it pretty free-flowing with songs from many genres all over the decade. The ‘60s was such a fun time of both crazy and thoughtful songs, so I’m sure it will be a stellar evening of songs. Come on out if this sounds good to you.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests that we have come to enjoy. The camaraderie is always something I look forward to, and I hear that these shows have really helped folks get through this virus time. They have certainly helped me.

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That’s it for this week. I am excited for the coming week and the coming summer - and the coming decade. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ’60s songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 29, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, May 2, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Hesitancy

 We are in a strange time right now. It’s hard to know how to deal with the virus and the reopening of our communities and lives. Case numbers are going up right now, and yet many stories from credible sources are saying that once we’ve had the vaccine we can start to do more normal things again. Since I work with seniors in my facilities I tend to be more cautious since I fear that I could carry something into their buildings and cause an outbreak, but I read a good article today that said that we could see more hesitancy in our society than is merited as we get a handle on the virus. I think a little more restrictive behavior isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’ve seen flu numbers and other disease numbers drop precipitously over this past year, so the extra hand-washing, mask-wearing and distancing has other benefits. Obviously my chosen occupation of performing music depends on people gathering in a large group to listen to me play and sing, so at some point I want to go back to what amounts to riskier behavior. I’m anxious to see the results of the concert experiments that have been done in several places in the world in the past month or so. I’ve really enjoyed doing the online concerts, and I know it has opened up a new way for people to connect without being in a large group physically. I’m thinking this through as I write, and as I’ve said before in this time, the indecision and waiting is disconcerting. I hope you’re coping with it as best you can. Time will only tell when we can be “normal”.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went well last week although it is very difficult to see how reduced some folks have become and how hard it is to help folks with dementia maintain their distancing and wear a mask. I really hope the vaccine is effective enough that we don’t see any more outbreaks in close communities.

My Thursday show was fun playing older folk songs from the first half of the last century. I even found a new resource just after my show in an anthology that was treated as the Bible by many folksingers of the ‘50s and ‘60s, which was released in 1952. It’s called “The Anthology of American Folk Music” by Harry Smith on Folkways Records. I didn’t know a lot of the songs on this big collection, but I’m looking forward to enjoying it.

My Sunday show playing favorites and requests was a wonderful evening again although we were missing several regulars. We have such a great group of folks who attend that we always miss those whom we can’t check in with and wish well. It took me a while to get in the groove although I started with some favorite songs from the band Poco that were sung by Rusty Young who died this past week.

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What am I up to this week?

I have many more senior facilities to play for this week. They are all trying to open up and bring in entertainment more, and there have been some changes at several places in staff and residents. It has and will be fun seeing the changes and getting to know folks all over again.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature the songs of Hank Williams. I haven’t done very much country music at my online shows although I know a lot and perform a lot of it in person usually. Hank Williams’ songs have always spoken to me with their intuitive lyrics and infectious rhythm.  Come on out if you want to hear my take on these classics.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will again feature favorites and requests. I always say how I look forward to these evenings, and as things change with the virus I mark time by how these shows feel and how everyone responds. It is such a supportive and caring group - not only to me but also to each other.

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That’s it for this week. I appreciate you and your willingness to read my writings and cheer me on as I try to make a difference in the world with my music and thoughts.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Hank Williams songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 22, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, April 25, 7-8:30 pm mountain time