Monday, June 21, 2021

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

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