Into the Past

I’m diving into the past this week to do research for my Thursday online show about Bing Crosby. I like to know a little bit about the times and situations that brought about people's careers and the songs they sang. It helps so I can get an authentic sense for the music and the delivery. Bing had a different path than you might guess. Would you think that he grew up in Spokane, Washington? That’s just one of the interesting facts about Bing’s life. I often think about what people were like in this country and what the world was like in different periods. Part of that is because I wonder what my ancestors were doing and thinking. Not all of it is pleasant, of course. One of the more enlightening things when we were going though family books and notes after my mother's death was seeing some of the prejudices and biases that were prevalent 100 years ago and more. I do think that we are improving as a species although it goes in fits and starts. So I don’t have anything bold or profound to say this week in relation to the past other than there is value in studying and learning from it. The music really helps to relate to it in a personal way, and that’s what this Thursday's show featuring Bing Crosby will be all about. 

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went well last week. Luckily none of them had to be cancelled for COVID. Music and interaction means so much to these wonderful folks. 

My online show Tuesday with songs about planes, trains, and automobiles was great fun. There were some surprises, and I think everyone had a good time. I love my audience. 

Thanksgiving went well for us. We enjoyed a quiet day at home with the pets and some good family food. I think this is the first year we didn’t watch hardly any parades or football. 

My online show Sunday was well-attended with lots of good friends and good music. There such a great depth of music and friendship we can share, and each week seems to top the one before. 

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What am I up to this week?

Wednesday I won’t be at the Gold Dust Saloon. They have staff now, but licensing costs are making this gig more difficult for the venue. We’re going to take off the whole month of December, so there won’t be a gig on December 15th either. It’s probably for the best with COVID numbers increasing and the new variant coming. I don’t mind staying safer for my seniors. 

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the afore-mentioned music of Bing Crosby. Bing was very prolific, and there is so much material to choose from. Of course,  we'll do at least a couple of his Christmas songs to start the holiday season, but there will be other songs from musicals and movies and so much more. For instance, did you know that Bing made a cowboy album and an Irish album? It will be a memorable evening. Come on by if you can. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 will be doing favorites and requests as always. I spend most of my day Sunday as well as several hours during the week preparing music and listening to songs to get ready for these shows. It’s a labor of love learning songs that mean so much to my audience. I do a lot of songs in the spur of the moment as well. Please come by if you can.

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That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that I have a holiday concert on December 16th at the La Veta Mercantile as well as many appearances around the area even with COVID. My calendar is always up to date on my website - http://tommunch.com/calendar. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season. 

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Bing Crosby songs 

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

When:  Tuesday, December 2, 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, December 5, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

With a Song in Your Heart

Hello,

I’m quoting an old Rodger’s and Hart song, “With a Song in My Heart” today to ponder an idea. I quite often say during my senior shows that the last song I sing for them will be an earworm that they will have in their heads for the rest of the day. I sure find that this is true for myself. I’ll get a song stuck in my head that will dominate my subconscious for hours - especially if I’m taking a walk and the song has a good beat to walk to. I also find and have written about before that the first thoughts I have in the day seem to frame my whole day whether they’re angry or kind. So I’m proposing to try an experiment to put a song in your mind or heart at the beginning of the day that reflects kindness or goodwill towards others and towards ourselves and then see what happens in your morning and your day. I know that music has real power, and I believe we can harness it to create the kind of world we want to see each day. In this week of Thanksgiving it could be really helpful. How about something for today like “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash?!

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What have I been up to?

My senior homes went very well last week although I did have one that had to cancel due to COVID. The residents are so frustrated - especially with it being so close to Thanksgiving. If they can’t lift the quarantine before Thanksgiving then they won’t get to see their families over the holiday.

My Thursday online show doing ‘50s songs was more fun than should be allowed. There were just so many upbeat songs at the start of rock ’n roll and in that time of hopefulness after World War II.  We will definitely do them again sometime in the near future!

My Sunday show doing favorites turned into a request-slinging good time. We had a great group of folks who were having such a fine time with each other and the music, and it was a joy to be part of.

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What am I up to this week?

I’m doing 7 senior facilities this week even with the holiday. Hopefully none of them will have to cancel due to COVID. I wish there were more Thanksgiving songs.

Tuesday will be my weekly online theme show 7-8:30 mountain time since Thursday is Thanksgiving and I figured that people would have plans for Thanksgiving evening. We’ll be doing songs about “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” in honor of the Thanksgiving-themed movie of the same name from John Candy and Steve Martin. The movie is from 1987, and although it is a little dated I still enjoy the message of friendship and family that the movie hits out of the park. Come on out if you’d like to hear some good songs with good people.

Thursday have a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time will be my weekly favorites and requests show as always. This last Sunday was such a wonderful time, and you never know who will show up and what songs we’ll sing to make the night. You’re always welcome.

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What is upcoming?

I’m playing a couple of special events in December although I’m trying to be cautious about gigs during COVID. 

December 18 at 7:00 I’m playing a holiday concert at the La Veta Mercantile in La Veta. Tickets are $16 advance and $18 at the door. If you’re in the La Veta area or would like to take a drive I’d love to see you. I’m not sure if there are vaccination or mask restrictions although I’ve been vaccinated and will be wearing a mask when I interact with folks. I’ll be singing Christmas songs, and there’ll be a couple to sing along to as well.

December 19 at 5:00 I’m playing a cancer fundraiser at the Green Spot in Alamosa. I don’t know all the details about this event, but it is for a good cause and I’d love to see you if you’re in the San Luis Valley. This should be a very worthwhile evening!

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That’s it for this week. Do you have a song in your heart for today? Please try it and see if it makes a difference.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”

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

When:  Tuesday, November 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, November 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Obsession

I wanted to write about obsession today. I tend to be a little obsessive about things I’m working on or exploring. That’s not a bad thing when it comes to music because it lends to being a little more meticulous when it comes to learning complicated guitar and vocal parts. When I was a kid a had some obsessions that weren’t as healthy like having to repeat things I did with one hand the same with the other hand. I also got obsessed with not stepping on cracks in the sidewalk. I think that’s just the kind of things that kids get hooked on while their brain is still developing the pathways and habits that will serve them in adulthood. But as an adult I do go down rabbit holes that are not that uncommon - collecting different items like hats or guitars. My latest obsession has been with ceramic safety knives. I cut myself with my little multitool knife while setting up for a party this Fall and trying to open a pre-packaged shrimp container. This led me to looking for safer knives or openers where it wasn’t so easy to cut myself. I have now bought more ceramic safety cutters than anyone needs in my quest to find the perfect one for me. Of course this thing is encouraged through internet advertising and Amazon prompts! Anyway, it’s just another example of the obsessions that are so easy to adopt. So what’s your obsession? How do you deal with the feverish desire to collect a bunch of things? I could name a dozen I’ve been through in the last decade. 😀

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What have I been up to?

Unfortunately I did have one senior facility have to cancel for a COVID case again last week. It looks like I’ll have to go back to some virtual shows again for some of them.

My Thursday online show doing historical songs was a lot of fun. I have learned so many historical songs for so many different events and places I’ve played over the years, and it was a pleasure to get to share them with the folks. I think many people were surprised at how many songs they knew and remembered the words to.

My Sunday online show had several new songs to me and several old favorites. I love playing for the wonderful group that has assembled for these online concerts so much.

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What am I up to this week?

I have eight senior facilities to play for this week including some that have reopened after COVID cases. They are so eager to have people come in and give them cheer and hope, and I’m happy to provide it.

My scheduled Wednesday show at the Gold Dust Saloon has been cancelled because they are closing on weekday nights due to short staffing. I’m sorry I won’t get to see my local friends as we have been able to see each other this Fall so much. With elevated COVID cases it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. We’ll determine if we can have December gigs at Gold Dust after Thanksgiving.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be doing ‘50s songs. We did ‘50s songs a year ago, and it was so much fun bopping along to so many great tunes. I’ll get out a couple ‘50s guitars and do this up right! I hope you’ll tune in and sing along.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as usual. I’ve had some really good requests of late, and I’ve really enjoyed learning the new songs that my great audience is acquainting me with. I’ll hope you’ll tune in to that as well.

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That’s it for this week. Next week I’ll do my theme show on Tuesday since Thanksgiving is the following Thursday. The theme will be “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” following the Thanksgiving-themed movie from several years ago with Steve Martin and John Candy. I’ll sing songs about, what else, planes, trains, and automobiles. Hope you are well and happy and are preparing for the holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘50s songs

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

When:  Thursday, November 18, 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, November 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Historical Music

I’m going to do a show of pre-1900s historical music on Thursday, and it has me thinking of all the great songs and history in that first century and more of our nation. And it also has me thinking about my ancestors and the role that music might have played in their lives. First let me say that I am under no illusion that these songs will come across without any irony or possible offense. American history and all history is full of contradictions and pitfalls. I’ll do my best to steer clear. American history has so many periods of music and so many influences. Firstly you have to know that the music of the British Isles is the first influence on colonial music since the original states were under British rule until we established our independence, so that will have some influence on some of the songs I’ll choose. Of course there were pockets of other ethnicities especially since the French and Spanish claimed parts of what became the United States, and there were many Africans brought here as slaves, not to mention the Native Americans who were here before. As you progress through American history you come across many different work songs from miners, pioneers, cowboys, and more as well as songs about historical occurrences, so there’s a wealth of great music there to round out my setlist to 1900. As to my own ancestors, they came from the British Isles on my mother's side mostly before the Revolution, and my dad's side came mostly from Germany in the 1840s. I often wonder whether they were musical or enjoyed the music of their day. We don’t have any instruments passed down from them, and we don’t have stories of musical talent although it’s fair to assume that many folks had some musical talent since they couldn’t hear music often as we can today unless they made it themselves. But I love to imagine them cherishing the same songs that I do from their era. Music plays such a big part of my life, and I hope it delighted and lifted them too. So here’s to some great songs to sing on Thursday. Hope you enjoy them!

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went well last week although I had another one cancel for COVID after they had just been cleared to do shows again. I really feel for these folks.

Wednesday’s show at Gold Dust was great fun! We had a bunch of good friends (although a few couldn’t make it), and I did another straight three hours of a huge variety of songs. I have to remember to take a break next time so folks can stretch their legs!

Thursday was my online show with original songs, and I have to say that I was finally comfortable doing my own songs for the first time. I tend to be reticent to play my own songs - partly from embarrassment over what I perceive to be sub-standard writing, and partly from shyness since I write pretty personally - baring your soul can be a pretty scary thing. But I knew I was among friends without judgement, and I really enjoyed sharing my songs and stories. I think I might actually pull this thing off!

Sunday was my online show of favorites and requests, and there were some good new songs as well as other favorites from the past two years. This time of learning songs for requests during the pandemic has really acquainted me with some wonderful tunes I never would have had the opportunity to learn, and I’m grateful that this is one of the good things that has come out of this turbulent time.

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What am I up to this week?

I have five senior shows this week. I’m looking forward to seeing the folks!

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing historical songs as I wrote about above. I’ve been learning historical songs since high school about many different eras of music in American history to play for museums, historic shows, and events. I can’t wait to dive into them and share them with you. I hope you’ll find them as entertaining and enlightening as I do.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests we have grown to love playing. I have had several people send me lists of favorite artists and songs to work on and learn at my leisure, and I really enjoy doing this and then singing them for folks when I see them at my shows. Feel free to do this if you have favorite songs you think I could do well and folks would enjoy hearing.

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That’s all for this week. The holidays are fast approaching, and I hope you’re staying safe and well.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of historical songs

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

When:  Thursday, November 11, 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, November 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Wind in the Sails

I’m thinking about motivation today. I’m wondering where the gumption comes from that allows us to go out every day and accomplish meaningful things. I’ve usually been a pretty driven person. Until COVID hit I was always going from one place to another - racking up 30,000 miles or more on my car annually, and working seven days a week for many weeks out of the year. Sometimes the impetuous to go out was made by the need to pay the mortgage or purchase a piece of gear I needed or wanted. Sometimes the drive was to accomplish a new milestone. Sometimes it was a feeling of obligation or a desire to serve people. Sometimes I really have to frame the situation so that my approach is centered and coming from a good place. It’s interesting how much that makes a difference. It reminds me of an athlete who visualizes the movements and emotions of their sport before they actually perform it. And then there is also the need to be physically and mentally ready to take on new challenges. That makes the motivation flow much more easily. So what will motivate me today and this week? Hmmm…

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What have I been up to?

Last week was a good one, but I had two more senior facilities have to cancel because of COVID cases in their facility - mostly from unvaccinated staff. This puts a lot of strain on the residents with isolation and uncertainty. Although vaccinations are mandatory in nursing facilities, many people are claiming a religious exemption. I wish they would see what it’s doing to those around them. 

My online Halloween show on Thursday was a blast! I did many different songs than people expected, and it was just plain fun to get a little dark and creepy!

My online Sunday show included several more Halloween songs and a bunch of new requests that were quite good. I don’t mention it often enough that my great audience has exposed me to some wonderful new songs with their requests. My cup runneth over!

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What am I up to this week?

Wednesday 6-9 I’ll be back at Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo for what is turning out to be a wonderful gig. The upstairs balcony is a very cozy place to play music, and everyone is really enjoying it. There is only seating for 22 people upstairs, so get there early if you want to make sure you have a good seat. The music does spill over to the downstairs nicely though, so there really isn’t a bad seat for listening. 

Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will be doing my own original songs. We haven’t done an evening of my own tunes for a while, so this will be a fun night. I need to brush up on some of my tunes that I don’t play very often, and I’m always a little self-conscious of playing my own material. People are so supportive, and I’m honored to play my own music. 

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will be favorites and requests as always. Some of these nights turn into a real happening that surprises me with old friends and acquaintances from distant places and times. It’s turning out to be many evenings that I’m honored just to be a part of. 

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That’s it for this week. I hope my thoughts on motivation help you trim your sails to pick up the wind of your life..

Best always

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Gold Dust Saloon, 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo, 719-545-0741

When:  Wednesday, November 3, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of original songs

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

When:  Thursday, November 4, 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, November 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time