In-Between Time

We are in that in-between time over the holidays that is always interesting. As a kid I loved this time because we were out of school with new toys and all our friends to play with and have winter adventures with - like sledding and ice skating. As a teenager it was going to movies or heading out on a ski trip. As a young adult it was a time of traveling to see friends and family. When I began working it became a time of working and re-jiggering for the new year with excitement and planning. As I age it has become a time of reflection and different planning. COVID has certainly put a spin on that as far as messing with planning, but I’m learning to live with it. Every day is a gift, and that is more evident now than ever. I am enjoying losing myself in books and movies. So in this in-between time I just finished “1491” which talks about the Native Americans and their amazing societies and advancements before white folks came here. If it wasn’t for European diseases the world would be a very different place today. Most of the food we grow and eat found its origins in the fantastic agriculture of the New World. I’m also reading a book called “Basin and Range” which talks about the geology of North America in a very engaging way. I’m also looking forward to watching the “Get Back” documentary about the making of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” album. There is much to enjoy and savor no matter what life brings us. The key is to keep putting love and joy out into our everyday lives.

——

What have I been up to?

I had many senior facilities to play for last week. The Christmas spirit was flowing, and we exchanged many smiles (through masks) and good wishes.

My Monday Christmas lunch show for a local Pueblo church went very well. I was a little hesitant to play out so much this last couple of weeks, but people were respectful and careful for the most part, and I just hope that very few get sick from all the getting together over the holidays.

My Thursday online show from my brother’s went very well. Many of my family members were together (after rapid tests) to enjoy food and gifts and my concert. I had a little camera trouble, so if you watch the show you should be prepared for a blurry picture, but the Christmas vibes were so strong and genuine.

Christmas Day was fairly quiet at home with a few pet gifts and special food and fun.

My Sunday show was sweet as always with such good friends and a few leftover Christmas songs and other favorites. We even did some Christmas blues which was fun.

——

What am I up to this week?

My Thursday online show is moved to Friday for New Year’s Eve 7-8:30 mountain time. It’ll be a fun night of end-of-year and party songs. Come on out and celebrate the new year with friends in the comfort and safety of your own home!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We have such a kind and caring group of friends at these concerts who always welcome everyone and put out such good energy that it is a joy to be a part of. Come on out and share the joy!

——

That’s it for this week. I don’t know what the new year will bring. I’m pretty sure I won’t be back at Gold Dust Saloon to start the year. I think we need to lay low until we see what the omicron variant turns out to be. I have ordered even better masks, and I’m going to try to be more cautious for myself and my senior facilities for a while. Life is still a wonderful thing, but I will do my stuff from home as much as I can for now. I hope we all have a happy and healthy new year.

Best always,

Tom

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of party songs for New Year’s Eve

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

When:  Friday, December 31, 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, January 2, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Christmas Engulfs Me

I was talking at my concert last night at La Veta Mercantile about how much there is about Christmas that is intertwined through us. It is a time of so many memories, sights, smells, sounds, and tastes that are overwhelming in their intensity and abundance. All of us have memories of favorite foods, cookies, and treats that are part of the season. We also have memories of the smell of pine and fireplaces and peppermint and so much more. Think of the many sights of twinkling lights and snowfall and red, green, and gold decorations and clothing. Add to that the memories, good and bad, of hugs and kisses, seeing relatives, losing relatives, and special moments and smiles. For me, of course, the sounds are so much of it from the jingling sleigh bells to the choirs and the crunch of snow or the familiar melodies of Christmas songs that are absolutely engrained in us all. Every year we add more to this list of memories and delights as we come around full circle with the seasons and introduce new family members, friends, and even pets to the traditions and joy of the season. It fills me to the brim to think of all these things and to be wrapped up, and yes, engulfed in them. I hope you feel all of this as we head into this final week of Christmas. Merry Christmas, one and all!

——

What have I been up to?

It was a very busy week of Christmas shows for my senior facilities, and it was so good to share some cheer and encouragement with these folks.

My Christmas show on Thursday was just a blast with good friends and loads of songs. I didn’t get to do all the requests, but we sure sang some great songs! There just isn’t enough time!

My concert on Saturday at La Veta Mercantile was so rewarding. I won’t lie, I was a little concerned about being in a group with 50+ folks, but everyone was very respectful with mask-wearing and kindness, and I think we were safe enough for the most part. We are fortunate that the omicron variant isn’t more prevalent in Colorado yet.

My Sunday cancer event at the Green Spot in Alamosa was very memorable. There were cancer survivors including very young children as well as many who were grieving a loss this year. Christmas is a tough time to deal with health issues, and it was very special to be part of this event. I especially want to give a shout out to Peyton Sanchez. His smile made the whole evening worthwhile.

——

What am I up to this week?

It turns out that I have even more senior facilities to play this week than last - 11. Some are even doing rapid testing which I am happy to do to keep these folks safe. This season is just so important to the health and well-being of everyone.

Monday I’m playing a Christmas luncheon at a local church in Pueblo that should be wonderful. Again I will endeavor to be safe and responsible as I offer some holiday cheer.

Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will be a Christmas show from my brother and sister-in-law’s house with many of my family in attendance and decorations galore! It will be very nice, and you’re all welcome to tune in and be part of the party.

Saturday I hope we all have a meaningful and special Christmas Day.

Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will be favorites and requests and a couple of Christmas leftovers. It should be a party as well with all the good feelings of the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that next week I will be doing Friday night instead of Thursday as a New Year’s Eve show that anyone can tune in and enjoy in lieu of going out. We’ll bring the party to your house! Have a wonderful Christmas Day, and I hope to see you soon.

All the best,

Tom

——

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs from my brother’s house

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

When:  Thursday, December 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, December 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Taking Stock with Love

I’m taking stock of all that’s going on less than two weeks before Christmas. I’m carrying a little magic for Christmas in my heart and for my senior gigs and my concerts this week. That’s very important since I need to inspire others to feel joy and to embrace the magic for themselves. But there were two musician deaths that I’ve been thinking about - Bill Staines and Mike Nesmith. Both of them wrote songs that affected me, and they made an impact on our world each in his own way. I’m also thinking about the devastation in Kentucky and other places from the tornados. Since I went through a tornado I can relate to the fear, wonder, and uncertainty that comes with this kind of natural force - and even worse when it’s close to a holiday like this. On top of that, there are a myriad of things we all have on our minds from health to family to finances and COVID. It’s important to take stock and accept the place where life finds us, but it’s also important to have a more timeless view of our lives and our arc in our time here. Christmas magic reminds us of what’s truly important though all of our troubles - love and being there for each other and ourselves. There should always be a pulling back for a moment to remember that love is what we’re here for. This realization helps me, and I hope it helps you too.

What have I been up to?

I had six senior facilities last week including one that I haven’t been to but once since COVID began. It was so good to see these folks and catch up! 

Tuesday I played for the Pueblo Newcomers luncheon which was very nice. They are a great group of folks that really enjoy each other. Tuesday I also played for the legislators at the Legislative Academy of the Council of State Governments at the Broadmoor. It’s such a great group of people, and I really enjoyed getting to know some of them and seeing the beautiful holiday decorations at the Broadmoor.

Thursday my online show was doing howling songs - songs about wolves and coyotes that we could howl to. It was so much fun. We’ve been collecting these howling songs for almost two years to sing at 8:00 mountain time for the healthcare workers.

My Sunday online show was very nice as always with such good friends doing requests, a few songs for Mike Nesmith, a few songs for Kentucky, and a couple Christmas songs to get us in the mood for the next two Thursday shows of Christmas music. 

——

What am I up to this week?

This is the big week for the most holiday music since it’s the last full week before Christmas. It starts with doing nine senior facilities. Many of these will be their Christmas party for the season. I’m honored to get to play these with appearances from Santa and all the elves spreading good cheer among the residents.

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Christmas music. I’ve had a lot of requests for new songs which I can hopefully learn in time. I’ll mix a lot of old favorites in with them. This and also the next Thursday will be very sweet Christmas fun.

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a holiday show at the La Veta Mercantile in La Veta. This is always a special time in La Veta with such good friends and at such a perfect venue for music. I’d love to have you there if you’re in the area. There’ll be some surprises and holiday energy from me along with some sing-alongs that everyone can join in on. I plan to really pump up the Christmas spirit, so if that sounds good to you then come on out! Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the door. You could read more about the event on the La Veta Mercantile Facebook page. 

https://fb.me/e/YPw6JIGi

Sunday 5:30-8:30 I’m playing at the Green Spot in Alamosa, Colo., for the San Luis Cancer Relief Fund’s 9th Annual Memories & Reflections. It is a time of remembrance and friendship for those who have had cancer in their lives. Donations of $10.00 (or any amount) are accepted with all monies donated to the San Luis Valley Cancer Relief Fund, and there will be brisket and beer and my music. They also ask that you bring a dish to share if you have time as well. There’s more info on the Facebook event page. Please come if you’re in the Alamosa area.

https://fb.me/e/2JVJpvf9r

——

That’s it for this week. Next week on Thursday I’m doing a special Christmas show from my brother and sister-in-law’s house with lots of Christmas decorations and a live audience of my family after we exchange gifts and have some dinner. It should be full of Christmas cheer and warm holiday friendship. More next week!

Be good and be safe,

Tom

——

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs 

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a holiday concert

Where:  La Veta Mercantile, 300 South Main Street, La Veta 719-742-3387

When:  Saturday, December 18, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for Memories and Reflections for San Luis Cancer Relief

Where:  Green Spot, 711 State Street, Alamosa 

When:  Sunday, December 19, 5:30-8:30 pm

Every Year

In early December every year I take stock of my frame of mind and Christmas spirit. This year is not as worrisome as last year before we had vaccines for COVID, but of course we’re still not out of the woods with that. We haven’t had any snow and little cold weather here in southern Colorado to put us in the mood for Christmas. We’ve done our decorating, and I’m doing Christmas shows for my senior facilities now. Still I find that I’m having to push myself a little to get into the sparkling magic that always overtakes me for Christmas. Traditions and their emotions are amazing things that we have created to move us through seasons and times of plenty and want. It’s easier for me than it is for many who struggle through this time of year with expectations of joy and letdowns of sorrow. We should always know that we are loved and that nothing can ultimately separate us from the joy of life and being. Dwelling in those thoughts can bring the spark that lights each celebration of tradition with wonder and excitement. I hope this season finds you with fullness in your heart for your loved ones and those you meet in your day.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 6 senior facilities last week, but one had to be cancelled for COVID again. This is certainly a tough time for folks to not have visitors and entertainment. The one I had on Saturday I hadn’t been to since September, so it was so great to see them again.

My Thursday online show doing Bing Crosby tunes was a lot of fun. The time I spent preparing and studying his songs was almost as cool as playing the songs for the audience. I can get lost in that era pretty quickly.

My online show on Sunday was also very nice with so many good friends and good requests. I love playing for these folks.

——

What am I up to this week? 

Tuesday will be a busy day with shows for the Newcomers group in Pueblo and also for the Legislative Academy of the Council of State Governments that I haven’t played for in two years at the Broadmoor. These are both wonderful groups of folks that I’m honored to play for.

Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be a howling theme. I’ll feature songs about coyotes and wolves and howling dogs that we’ve used for our 8:00 howling for healthcare workers that we’ve done since COVID started. It should be a fun night. I’m not saying that we’ll howl in every song, but it’ll be fun to do all these neat songs I’ve learned over the past two years.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests I continuously work on for folks. I’ve picked up a lot of Christmas requests lately, and I’ll be mixing in some of these even though I’ll be doing holiday songs for the next couple Thursdays after this one. This season is so short and there’s no way I can get in all the great Christmas songs that I know and have been requested.

——

That’s it for this week. I put the wrong date for my La Veta Mercantile concert next week in my last blog. It’s actually 7:00 Saturday, the 18th and not the 16th as I had written. I hope you’ll come out if you’re in the area. Stay safe and enjoy this holiday spirit - even if you have to open your own heart to the magic.

Best always,

Tom

——

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of howling songs 

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

When:  Tuesday, December 9, 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 12, 7-8:30 pm mountain time