Why Do You Listen to Music?

I have an interesting question for you - Why do you listen to music?  I was thinking about this for myself as I found myself listening to the new Apple Music streaming service which allows anyone to listen to anything in their whole catalog for free during a three-month trial service.  Sometimes I listen to find new songs to perform.  Sometimes I listen to connect with memories of days gone by.  Sometimes I listen to change my mood or give me energy to exercise or to stay awake on a tiring drive.  Sometimes I listen to enrich my life with something meaningful or heartwarming.  In past centuries some people believed that listening to and also making music could help shape the brain - aligning us to the laws of the universe.  I actually find that I listen to music less than I used to.  I’ve gotten hooked on podcasts over the past few years (mostly science and philosophy or current events), and those seem to take up a lot of my listening time.  I also listen to audiobooks since I find that to be a more practical way to read books when I’m busy.  With my work with Alzheimer's I have really found that music makes a positive impact on life, and so I know it offers connections and benefits that we don’t fully understand.  Plus it’s just downright enjoyable!  Personally I think that music has much more importance than what we understand in this life - almost like a secret language or mystical portal.  Weird, I know.  What do you think?

What happened last week?

Friday’s concert at Lucy’s was so much fun!  There were lots of familiar faces and such a wonderful setting on the grass under the trees with perfect weather.  I hope to do it again in August - stay tuned for the date.  Saturday with the band at the Westcliffe rodeo dance was all I thought it would be - from partial forgotten gear to wild dancers and a late night.  And they asked us back next year for our 14th year!  Sunday night was the retirement party I told you about, and I did see a few of you there, and it was just as much fun as I thought it would be.  And I discovered a new musician I’ve really grown to like from one of the guests - Hobo Jim.  Check out his Woodsmoke album if you like folksy, bluegrass music from way up north.

What’s up this week?

Friday we’re putting on the Song of Pueblo at PCC’s Hoag Theater again at 7:00.  We’re making a few adjustments to make the show even better, so you’ve never seen it quite like this.  This is such a great history to put on, and I really hope you’ll see it even if you’ve been before.  Tickets are $15 and are available at the Visitor Information Center, 301 North Union, 719-543-2430.  You can call to reserve tickets and they’ll be waiting for you at the show.

Saturday I’m playing lunch at 8 Mile Bar and Grill up by the Royal Gorge 11:45 to 1:45.  This is the second of only two shows I’m doing at 8 Mile, so if you’ve wanted to come out there this year you’d better come out this Saturday.  I love the food and outdoor atmosphere.

Sunday I have the last of my Boy Scout rafting shows for the boys and girls headed to Philmont for the summer.  I’ve enjoyed these groups so much this summer, and I’m always sorry to see them go.

That’s it for this week.  I don’t list my Alzheimer’s, rehab, and nursing gigs for the week, but I do see some of you visiting friends and relatives at these facilities, and there are big events for them that I don’t talk about much in my blog.  Know that I love doing these gigs and feel privileged to play for these fine folks.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, & Alan Polivka
What:  playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where:  Hoag Theater, Pueblo Community College, Orman and Arthur, Pueblo.  719-543-2430 for tickets
When:  Friday, July 24, 7:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558
When:  Saturday, July 25, 11:45 am to 1:45 pm

The Lives We Touch

I'm glad I've lived long enough to see how my words and actions have born fruit. No, it doesn't take 54 years to see this, but it sure compounds the concept. Over my life so far I've had the opportunity to interact with a lot of people in big and small ways - from my Alzheimer's residents to friends, family, and audiences. When interactions are done badly it comes back to haunt us with people thinking poorly of us and not wanting to work with us anymore, and when they're done well it lifts up the other person and lifts us in turn. This weekend I had an instance on both sides. On the bad, a day or so ago a friend of mine made a slightly critical post on Facebook about the kind of people who get under his skin - not knowing that I might be included in this group. I'm used to him kind of trolling Facebook with these kind of comments, so I usually don't let them bother me, but this time I bit and commented. I found that it lingered on my mind for quite some time and really bothered me. I've done that myself in different ways, and I think it doesn't serve any beneficial purpose. And I'm still thinking about it, so I will avoid this in the future! On the good, at my concert on Saturday I talked with a guy just a couple years younger than me whom I met more than 30 years ago when I picked him up hitchhiking at Philmont (a common practice around Philmont since we always trusted other scouts.) He had heard of me and revered me - as often happens when we're young with others a little older than ourselves. I talked with him that day and gave him a copy of my first album on tape which made an impact on him. 30 years later his daughter contacted me asking if that tape was available on CD. I told her it wasn't, but that I would make him a copy she could give him. We developed a friendship of sorts through my helping her with a school music project, and now a few years later I've met the entire family and consider them friends. That's a good that has now compounded in ways I could not have anticipated. What's my takeaway? Every interaction has an impact - from small to large. We should always know that we touch other's lives in ways that matter every day.

What happened last week?

What a week gone by! Friday and Saturday spending time with family and helping with family projects was a joy. Then the Philmont concert Saturday night was much better than I could have expected. Everyone was so generous with their time and kind recognition. Even the sunset and the warm night were beautiful! Lastly, the memorial I played Sunday went from somber to festive and was a real honor to be part of. It's a joy to be able to give to others in support of their grief and celebration.

What's up this week?

Friday I'm playing a concert at Lucy's in La Veta starting at 6:30. This is a fun outdoor community event that has a really beautiful setting with supportive people. Bring a lawn chair just in case.  It's free with donations accepted. I'd love to see you there! Then Saturday I'm playing the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance with a band we call Midnight Rain (members of the Atomic Fireballs) that only plays at this event each year. It's a kickin' time that's a wild ride and a blast to play! Come out if you want to see some great dancers - some crazier than others. Sunday I'm playing for a good friend's retirement party, and I may see some of my regulars from Magpies there since this friend goes to Magpies with his wife often!

On beyond

I wanted to mention that the Yellow Pine has already told me that they definitely want to do the Thursday-night barbecue again next summer even though we cancelled them for this summer. Also, we're performing the Song of Pueblo next week on Friday at PCC Hoag Theater again. Tickets are available at the Pueblo Welcome Center in front of El Pueblo Museum on Union.

That's it for this week. Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer!

Best always,

Tom

Details for this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing an outdoor concert
Where:  I Love Lucy's Place RV Park, 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252
When:  Friday, July 17, 6:30- 8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch & the Atomic Fireballs
What:  playing for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance
Where:  Westcliffe Rodeo Grounds (north of town)
When:  Saturday, July 18, 9 pm - 1 am

Experiences that Shape Us

I’m playing a concert at Philmont Scout Ranch this Saturday as well as spending time with family in the mountains over the weekend, and it has me thinking about those experiences in our formative years that shape who we are. I was lucky enough to get to spend time in the mountains as a child as well as work in the mountains in high school and college, and it affected me in ways that are still a huge part of me. I think the first time I saw those peaks and valleys I was enchanted by the rugged beauty and the stark wildness and even danger they presented. They made me feel small, and yet somehow I soared at the thought of being in them in forest thunderstorms and windswept passes. There was just something timeless and knowing about them. I felt challenged by them and alive. Even through all the years and the other changes that have occurred in my life, that early experience with something greater than myself that was forged by nature and the forces of the universe gave me a respect and awe that lingers in my mind always.  It reminds me that I am part of this majesty and wonder. This among many other things has shaped me into who I am still today.

What happened last week?

The online concert last Thursday was more than I could have hoped for!  So many wonderful people from so many chapters of my life checked in and said “Hello!” - friends from childhood, college, Philmont, the Don K Guest Ranch, Pueblo, Philmont, the Pueblo West Inn, La Veta, family, and many more.  I had some great requests, and it was good to hear from people I haven't seen in years.  You can bet I’ll be doing again soon. I may have to revolve each night around a certain theme or a certain group so we can dover more ground.  Then Monday (yesterday) I had a great time meeting new friends and recording a couple more original guitar tunes in the studio with Don Richmond.

What’s up this week?

Saturday night at 8:00 I'm playing a concert at Philmont Scout Ranch for the annual staff reunion down there. It's always a great time, and I get to meet new current staffers as well as old friends who are out for the reunion. It's an honor to get to play, and if any of you Philmont folks are attending the reunion or on staff I'd love to have you in my audience. Sunday I'm playing for a memorial in Cuchara for one of the kind folks who used to come hear me play at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. It'll be a somber occasion, but hopefully my music will serve the event well. 

That's all for this week. I sincerely hope you're enjoying you're summer. 

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch

Where:  Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM

When:  Saturday, July 11, 8:00-10:00 pm