Groups and Community

I’m struggling today to write about groups and community. I have very mixed emotions about being in groups. I’ve always seen myself as kind of a lone wolf - especially since I mainly play music solo. Generally, when you’re in a group there are always dynamics that play into how you feel and how you interact. In a concert or theater setting as an audience member it can be very rewarding to experience the rush of emotion when everyone is feeling the same energy and you react together. As a performer on a stage it is an amazing feeling when you feel the audience transcend from individuals to one entity in reaction to your performance. In group settings like a party or gathering at a reunion or memorial there are all kinds of dynamics that come into play, and some people are gregarious and effusive while others are quiet observers. Some of this is learned and some is innate. I have to push myself to interact with other people in a group setting. I write a lot about how much we need each other, but when it comes to being in a group I’m most comfortable when I’m helping with the setup and logistics of the gathering instead of conversing with people in the group. It’s a funny thing how it all works out. The older I get the more I tend to pull into my shell. And this all relates to my online concert group too. I’ve cultivated a great group of folks that have become a community almost without any direction from me. All I’ve done is to try to put out good energy that benefits people, and that has attracted people who appreciate that and want to know the kind of people who like my music and presence. I hope this all makes sense. Like I said, I struggle to be in groups even when they are there for me.

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What have I been up to?

Last week was a good one. The weather is still plenty hot although we had a couple cooler days. As result I had to have all my senior shows indoors. Hopefully we can keep the virus under control enough that we can continue indoors. I’m comfortable performing in a mask, so I feel fairly safe indoors.

My Fall show online Thursday went very well. There are so many really good songs for Fall, and we didn’t even get to them all. I had a great group of friends and fans come out and join in. There’s that community thing again!

My Saturday show for the Good Sam’s RV’ers went very well. I did mostly old country songs for them to feature my “Back to the Old Country” album, and it was right up their alley. I love playing for these folks.

My Sunday favorites show online was another full group of friends with great participation although Facebook changed their app just enough that comments were being hidden for everyone on devices other than a computer. That didn’t stop the group from finding a way to join in and support me and each other though. It was very fulfilling. We actually did more impromptu requests this time than we’ve ever done before.

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What am I up to this week?

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing songs about food. My online show comes right after or during dinnertime for some folks, and food is a frequent topic of conversation in the chat. So why not do a show about food?! This will be a lot of fun, and Jen and I have already had a blast finding and putting together songs for this show. Come on out and join in the fun! I recommend you eat before the show so you’re not dying of hunger as the food talk builds. 🤪

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing favorites and requests as always. I’m very pleased at the way these shows have morphed over the months. Everyone is so comfortable with each other and the music and flow that we truly reach some very sweet and alternately boisterous moments. It’s something to experience. Hope to see you this week!

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That’s it for this week. Next week on Saturday, Oct. 9,  I have a show in Littleton at the Littleton Museum from 12-3 as part of their Fall Festival. If you’re in the Denver area I’d love to see you! Take care and enjoy being part of groups.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Thursday, September 30, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, October 3, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Making a Difference

Hello,

One of the most important things in our lives is feeling like we’re making a difference. There are many ways to do this. Giving to others is one of the most meaningful things I have found that makes a difference. I’m lucky that I have music as an obvious gift that I can give to others, but we all have talents and abilities that we can use to make others’ lives better and thus add meaning to our lives. Making a difference can be as simple as going out of your way to help someone, open a door, welcome them, or tell them they look nice. Little things can change someone else’s attitude, and that can ripple through out an entire day or community. It doesn’t take much, and it can add meaning and make a difference to others as well as ourselves. As I look back on my life there are some very big ways that someone else did something that made a difference to me or an entire group, but there are also very small things that made a difference. It just took the presence of mind and the brief pause to think of the kind or the beneficial thing that showed care and respect in the moment. I encourage you to try to make a difference as you go through your day and your week.

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What have I been up to?

Last week was a good one. It felt so good to be back to playing after my COVID isolation.

I had 8 senior facilities including one where I hadn’t been for a whole year because of COVID. It was SO good to see them. Talk about feeling like you’re making a difference! I love these folks.

My Monday night online show doing favorites was a good one. I didn’t expect as many people as usual on an off night and with Monday Night Football, but so many great folks came out and joined in.

Wednesday I played for the Pueblo Zoo at Senior Discovery Week, and it was more than fun! I also brought a PA for them to use on Tuesday and Thursday morning, so I got to see a lot of the wonderful staff. It was a pleasure!

Wednesday night I played at the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo to a local crowd of good friends, and it was a rare night when everything really clicked.

Thursday night’s online show was doing Elvis Presley tunes, and it was a boppin’ good time. His ‘50s tunes especially were just a hoot!

I had a Philmont reunion on Saturday that was full of old friends and new friends and good food and conversation. I even played a few tunes at the end to round out the evening.

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests as always. It was rewarding and sweet with good friends and music.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I always look forward to these. It will be a bit cooler, so I don’t think I’ll be doing any of them outdoors. That may present some challenges.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Fall songs. I have so many great songs about this season, and I’d hate to miss the opportunity to sing them, so come on out Thursday night to celebrate the Fall equinox and the cooler weather.

Saturday I have a private concert for a Good Sam’s RV gathering. I’ve played shows for Good Sam’s groups for a decade now, and I always enjoy their camaraderie and spirit.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing favorites and requests as always. We have such a giving group who I know make a difference in their lives. It’s a joy to be part of them. Come on out and join in.

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That’s it for this week. I look forward to the changing season, and I hope you are staying safe and happy. Hope you can do something that will make a difference this week.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Fall songs

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

When:  Thursday, September 23, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, September 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Ukulele

I’ve been breaking out the ukulele again. I started on ukulele as my first stringed instrument, and I’ve recently become enamored with it all over again from it’s happy sound and portability. My sister Jane would tell you that she is responsible for my musical career since I permanently borrowed her ukulele and chord book when I was 12 which led to getting a baritone ukulele a couple years later and then my first guitar when I was 15. The ukulele was first mentioned in Hawaii in a newspaper in 1888, and is mostly likely based on Portuguese instruments from the island of Madeira that may have been brought to Hawaii in the 1800s. It became especially popular in the 1920s when famous musicians adopted it and performed and recorded with it. I read where George Harrison said it always was a happy and hopeful sound that people wanted to hear particularly in the 20s and 50s after the world wars when people needed its uplifting spirit and sense of fun. I will tell you that it’s more difficult for me to play than guitar because I can’t naturally transfer my skills on guitar to the ukulele since the instrument is so different to hold and play. So it is taking me some time to adjust and find the sweet voice of the ukulele that I know I can bring out in time. One of these days I will surprise my audience with a few songs. I think you’ll like it. There is always something to explore and enjoy in this life!

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were wonderful once I got back to them at the end of the week. I played for the veterans home in Walsenburg and a memory care facility in Pueblo. It is such rewarding work when you see how the people respond.

My Tuesday online show playing Linda Ronstadt songs was such a good time. Her music has meant so much to me over the years, and it is such a tragic thing that she got her illness which has taken away her singing voice. Such a stellar voice and great presence!

The final outing of the Yellow Pine for the year on Thursday was outdoors around the campfire, and it was very special. The folks of Cuchara are just so warm and appreciative. I even had good friends from Pueblo West come down to join in.

The private engagement party Saturday evening was a beautiful outdoor event even though it had been a very hot day.

My concert at Pink House Concerts on Sunday in Colorado Springs was even more enjoyable than I had hoped for. I got to be the last regular concert of this venue, and after the rain stopped threatening and I hit my stride it was pure joy to the end. Gayle and Corlie are wonderful people and great hosts. John Spengler opened for me with some very heartfelt, well-written songs, and the audience was so genuine and welcoming. It will be a cherished memory.

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What am I up to this week?

My Sunday favorites and requests show will be tonight (Monday) 7-8:30 mountain time on Facebook and my website. Hopefully I didn’t throw my regular crowd off by switching a day. I knew I wouldn’t get back from the afternoon Pink House concert until after 7:00 when I usually start, so I moved it a day later. It will be fun show, and I hope you’ll tune in if you can.

Wednesday 11-1 I’m playing for Senior Discovery Week at the Pueblo Zoo. Admission is free for seniors 65 and older all week, and it’s always a wonderful time getting to play music and see folks and the animals at the zoo. Come on out if you’re free - especially if you’re a senior.

Wednesday evening 6-9 I’ll be at the Gold Dust Saloon on the patio. I’ve been getting back my old Magpie’s crowd coming out to see me again here, and it’s so good to reconnect over good food and drink with my music. It’s a wonderful place to spend an evening. Come on out!

My Thursday online concert 7-8:30 mountain time will be the music of Elvis Presley. I’m telling folks that I don’t do any sort of Elvis impersonation.  I just like his music and love playing it. It’ll be a memorable night with tunes we all know. I’d love to have you join in with our sweet group of friends.

Saturday I’m going to a Philmont “Philtoberfest” at a Philfriends house in Colorado Springs where I’m sure the guitars and maybe even ukuleles will come out. It’s not a gig, but if you’re a Philmonter I’d love to see you there. You can find info and RSVP on the Philstaff Facebook pages.

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time will be our regular weekly favorites show with all the good friends and fun music we look forward to each week. I’m not sure what’s on the setlist, but it is always a fine time. Please tune in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. It’s back to practicing the ukulele now! Be good and be safe and I hope to see you soon!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Monday, September 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for Senior Discovery Week

Where:  Pueblo Zoo Mandari Pavilion, Pueblo. 719-561-1452 ext 106

When:  Wednesday, September 15, 11-1 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Gold Dust Saloon, 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo

When:  Wednesday, September 15, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Elvis Presley songs

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

When:  Thursday, September 16, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, September 19, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

COVID Isolation

Well, I tested positive for COVID last Monday. Jen had been around a friend the previous week who later tested positive, so after waiting 5 days we got a Rapid test on Sunday and then a PCR test on Monday. The Rapid test was negative for both of us within minutes, and the doctor who did the test was confident that if we had no symptoms by Tuesday we were in the clear. We had already scheduled a PCR test for Monday, so we went through with that just to be sure. The PCR test came back negative for Jen and positive for me on Wednesday night. I didn’t have any symptoms still, and the recommendation from the CDC says to isolate for 10 days after a positive test, so I cleared my schedule of any outside gigs until Thursday of this week. I still don’t have any symptoms, and Jen doesn’t either. Her friend who she was with who tested positive has been sick ever since the day she got her positive test result 11 days ago. I don’t know if the vaccine for both of us is the reason that neither Jen nor I have symptoms or if the test is just so sensitive that it showed COVID particles in my nose even though I wasn’t infected, but either way we are doing the safe and responsible thing. This virus is too unpredictable to take chances with. I missed a few gigs I was looking forward to, but at least I could do my online concerts for folks. There is no doubt that we dodged a bullet. I’ve had several friends who caught the virus and had miserable experiences - with and without the vaccine. It does hit you very hard when you hear the test results. I’m pretty level-headed about life and death, but your mind still races when you stand at the precipice. I’m thankful that I’ll have more opportunities to continue playing my music and spreading whatever good it can do in the world.

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What have I been up to?

You already know that I had to clear my schedule once I got my test results. When I had the negative Rapid test result I decided that I should still be cautious until I got the PCR test back so I masked up and only played one outdoor gig on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. 

Tuesday I played for one senior facility outdoors at a good distance with their permission after the negative Rapid test. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play for these folks.

My Tuesday online show was playing the tunes of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Their music is so much fun, and I played my Fender Strat that looks like Buddy Holly’s Strat on his rockin’ tunes. It was so enjoyable!

Wednesday I played for the Gold Dust Saloon outside on the patio with a good breeze to good friends who were distanced - wearing my mask when I was anywhere near them. We did a bunch of old rock and roll songs including a bunch of Linda Ronstadt’s tunes in anticipation of this week’s theme show with her music. That’s where I got the positive test result in between songs.

My Sunday show playing favorites and requests was great fun too. We did a lot of impromptu requests in the moment as people asked for them. I did have computer problems at the start when I found there was no sound and my streaming program was frozen, but after a reboot and a small delay we were able to proceed with gusto. This is such a wonderful group of folks to know and spend time with.

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What am I up to this week?

I have three senior facilities once I am over the isolation period this week. 

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing the previously-mentioned songs of Linda Ronstadt. Next to Ella Fitzgerald, Linda is my favorite female vocalist. Her music is so dynamic and heartfelt. She has done everything from rock to folk to country to Spanish tunes and even jazz standards, so there is so much music to choose from. This will be a special night with a lot of memories. Pleas tune in if you can.

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’ll be at the Yellow Pine for their AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) or Shalom and Charcuterie party that they like to close the season out with the Thursday after Labor Day each year. It’s a FREE potluck appetizers and BYOB (bring-your-own-beverage) event that is a blast to be at every year. Everyone is welcome. Please come if you can!

Saturday I have a private engagement party that I’m looking forward to.

Sunday 3-5:30 in Colorado Springs I am playing a wonderful house concert that is part of the Pink House Concerts series. It is run by two gals who love music and have a beautiful backyard setting where they have put on concerts for several years. I am honored to play for this series, and I’d love to have you come if you’re up for it. You have to make a reservation to come, and they do require that you have been vaccinated. There is a $20 suggested donation that goes to the performers. I’ll have a musician I recently met named John Spengler open the afternoon with a few songs before I go on. It should be a really nice afternoon! You can make reservations and find out details on their website - https://pinkhouseconcerts.com/gt

Monday 7-8:30 I’ll be doing my weekly favorites and request show that I usually do on Sunday since I won’t get back from the house concert above on Sunday until well after 7:00.

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That’s it for this week. I’m glad that my first close experience with COVID has been extremely uneventful, and I’m looking forward to playing the week. Take care and be safe.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Linda Ronstadt songs

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

When:  Tuesday, September 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing for the AA Shalom and Charcuterie party

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

When:  Thursday, September 9, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing at a house concert at Pink House Concerts

Where:  Colorado Springs - https://pinkhouseconcerts.com/gt for location and details

When:  Sunday, September 12, 3-5:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Monday, September 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time