Music and Life

I’m sitting here this morning contemplating what the function of music is in life. It is so intertwined with my life that I find it hard to separate out from who I am, but it might surprise you to know that I don’t play music on my days off very often. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it and feel compelled to play, but more that it just doesn’t occur to me to play. If I have a new instrument in the house then I quite often will pick it up and noodle with it, but to sit and play for my own enjoyment or to practice just doesn’t happen very often. I really can’t explain it. And music does so many things for the brain and for the enjoyment of life and shaping of attitude that I know I could benefit from more of it. I've been reading a book called “The Brain's Way of Healing” by Norman Doidge. The final chapter explores some very interesting ways that music affects people. I won’t go into all of the fascinating examples, but one passage that sticks with me and gives me pause to think is that “when the brain is stimulated by music, its neurons begin to fire in perfect synchrony with it, entraining with the music it hears.”  Also, “it turns on the reward centers of the brain, which increases the production of dopamine, which in turn increases feelings of pleasure and motivation.” Playing and singing music does this to an even higher degree because it involves even more of the brain in the creation of the music and the synchronization of the hands, mouth, and integrated parts of the body required to play and sing. It’s amazing! And I’ve said it before, but I believe that music is just plain magical. Knowing how it stimulates the brain just reinforces this belief even more. I’ll leave you with one more quote from the book - “this invisible art reaches places in the heart and mind that nothing else can touch. It is indeed a very mysterious medicine, especially for those who want concrete explanations of how things work.” And now I think I’ll pick up the ukulele and the Indian flute and make some music.

What have I been up to?

The gig at Cat's Pourhouse a couple weeks ago was really fun. I haven’t played a sports bar environment in a long time, and it was a gas to rise to the energy level of the room and ride the wave. It was intoxicating! I hope to do it again sometime.

I also had a 95th birthday party that I didn’t write about last week that was great. It’s so much fun to dip into a family for an afternoon and help them celebrate with music.

What am I up to this week?

Sunday 7-8ish mountain time I’m doing my First-Sunday Online Living
Room Concert again. I haven’t picked out a theme yet, but I may do something completely off the wall. At least that’s my inkling right now, so tune in and join in the excitement at https://concertwindow.com/tommunch.

What’s on the horizon?

The summer is shaping up to be a crazy one. Check my schedule on my website at http://tommunch.com/calendar. I’ll be at the Royal Gorge, the Yellow Pine, Deerprint Wine, Lucy's, the Feedstore Concert Series, Red River Ski Area, Philmont, Bistoro, Cuchara, La Veta, and so much more.

That’s it for this week. Thank you for your continued support and friendship, and I hope to see you Sunday online!

Best always,

Tom

Detail this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  online at https://concertwindow.com/tommunch
When:  Sunday, May 6, 7-8ish pm MDT

Pain Is Interesting

I’ve had an interesting last week or so. I’ve had a series of medical procedures and a fall on the ice that have made me remember what it’s like to deal with weird pain. We all go through pain in our own way - it’s just part of growing older. What always amazes me is the different and new ways it comes on. When I was a kid I found pain fascinating - sometimes pinching myself just to see what it was like. Then the first time I had to go to the doctor there was that question of what kind of pain it was - “a stabbing pain, a throbbing pain, an aching pain,” etc.? And “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much does it hurt?” I learned over time to just tolerate pain. We all have it, and no one likes to hear someone else complain. But this week I got an interesting pain.  During a leg vein procedure (I have venous insufficiency) the doctor literally struck a nerve. I said “Ouch!” and kicked him reflexively. It made part of my ankle go numb (not the first part of me to do this) and caused a weird tingly zing that I get whenever that nerve is activated now. It’s very exquisite and unlike other sensations I’ve had. I’m not worried about it too much, and it’ll probably go away over time. It’s just another thread in the tapestry of my experience in this life that is pretty cool even if it’s painful now. So many colors and textures in this life!

What have I been up to?

My online concert a couple Sundays ago was great fun! So many folks tuned in for an eclectic mix of songs. I really enjoyed it.

The private party the day before was a blast too. Happy Birthday to the birthday gal!

What am I up to this week?

Saturday 7-11 I’m playing for some old friends at their new venue. A decade or more ago I got to play many times for the Guidry family at ST's Pourhouse in Pueblo West. ST was a little guy back then, and now he’s all grown up. The new venue is a block away and is called Cat's Pourhouse. It’s a cool place where the vibe is very friendly and energized. It’s going to be a fun night. Come on out!

That’s it for this week. I’ve been laying low and working on some new tunes while getting ready for summer. Hope you are doing well, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  Cat's Pourhouse, 147 Tiffany Drive, Pueblo West, 719-647-0270
When:  Saturday, April 21, 7-11 pm