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