Special Songs

My Wednesday show will be something very special to me. All during the year I get requests from my audience, and my audience is very sharp and well-versed in so many different musicians and styles. As a result, they introduce me to many great songs that are truly gifts. Also I get to do retrospectives on many musicians during the year that I and my audience choose for theme nights. There are so many gems from these artists as well, and after I cull the best songs from the year I end up with a wonderful group of tunes. These will be the playlist for Wednesday. These tend to be deeper, slow and medium tempo songs that have real meaning and clever words and melodies, but there are also fun and upbeat songs as well. So if this appeals to you, then tune in Wednesday to hear the show on Facebook or my website.

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What have I been up to?

Christmas week was really something with the weather and festivities. I hope you made it through and celebrated with gusto. 

I had 11 senior facilities last week of fun Christmas shows, but one had to be cancelled due to the cold weather that kept their clients from coming Friday. It’s too bad, because I had some fun songs ready for them. 

My Wednesday online show of Christmas songs last week was hymns for the first hour, and it was so sweet. The audience went right along with me. We have such a great group of folks!

My Sunday online show on Christmas Day was a mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I really had fun, and it was gratifying how many people came out on a holiday to get together and share music and friendship. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure some will still want to hear some Christmas songs, which is great. This time of year is always a kind of sacred limbo between holidays that everyone seems to enjoy. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the special songs that I mentioned above - my favorite new-to-me songs of 2022. I know this will be a great night of tunes and goodwill. Come on out if you can.

Instead of Sunday this week I’m doing a New Year’s Eve show on Saturday at my regular time of 7-8:45 mountain time. This will be a really fun online party where I’ll pull out some electric guitars and play some party favorites. It’s a chance to have a New Year’s Eve in your own home without the hassle of going out and also staying up ‘til midnight. Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. It has been quite a year, and I’m looking forward to the next with hopefulness and cheer. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of new-to-me 2022 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of party favorites and requests

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

When:  Saturday, December 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Reflection

It’s the final week before Christmas, and a little reflection is in order. As a performer I take great responsibility in putting out as much enthusiasm and encouragement as I can during this season. I know how hard it is on a lot of people to be cheerful and full of goodwill at this time of year. Luckily I really am an optimist and a utopian thinker. I really do see the good in mankind, and I really do believe in all the tropes about helping each other and making the world a better place for everyone. I so often see the beauty in the little things of life like the intricacies of music and the beauty of how a tree or flower grows. I’m fascinated by the inner-workings of life from the smallest quantum particles to the vastness of the universe, and I believe all of this does work together to make our lives rich and full even in the worst of circumstances. So when Christmas and the solstice roll around, I amplify my world-view with the goodness of the season to understand the possibilities of love and understanding in all of us. In everyday we have the choice to do good or ill and to put forth love or hate. I choose love and doing good for others. Merry Christmas!

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What have I been up to?

Last week was really busy.

I had 11 senior facilities, and I was able to get to all of them even with the little bit of weather that we got. It’s so fulfilling to spread Christmas and genuine affection for these folks.

My Wednesday online show doing Christmas songs went really well. I concentrated on old-English  Christmas songs for the first hour, and it was very sweet. The group really came up with some great tunes to request as well.

Friday I played for the Council of State Governments legislative academy group at the Broadmoor, and I can honestly say that I’ve never met a more enthusiastic and engaging group of people. They were all there for each other and for me. We sang songs and played together after their graduation ceremony with gusto, and they were so appreciative!

Saturday my concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence was a blast too. I had a great audience of friends and fans who sang along and created a real bonfire for Christmas. What a great venue!

Then my Sunday online show of favorites and requests was a huge variety of songs including a few Christmas songs. I love this group of folks so much.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and several of them are resident Christmas parties, so I know I’ll be wearing my Santa hat a bunch and spreading good cheer. I love playing for these folks too!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing Christmas songs one more time for the season. I’ll lean towards Christmas hymns for this show since we’ve done newer songs and old-English Christmas songs in previous weeks. I’m sure we’ll throw in a few other requests as well. Come on by!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a special show of favorites and requests on Christmas night. I’m thinking of doing some songs that I’ve really enjoyed during Christmas seasons of the past that weren’t necessarily Christmasy. Of course I’ll be taking requests as well and hoping everyone will be ready for a little music after a day of gifts and food. I’ll be here if you’re up for it!

Looking farther out I will be doing a New Year’s Eve show at my normal time 7-8:45 mountain time if you’d like to have some fun at home with my music and friends on New Year’s Eve. I’d love to have you tune in, and I’ll be doing party songs and festivity. This will be in place of the Sunday show which would be the next day.

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That’s it for this week. I do wish you the merriest of Christmases or whatever you celebrate at this time of year.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 21, 7-8:45 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, December 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mindset

A funny thing happened last night during my Christmas show at the La Veta Mercantile: I found myself harboring thoughts from a book I had read earlier in the day. I’ve done this before, and I’m sure you have too. I do this with movies as well. I get so involved in the story that I put myself into it, and the next thing I know I’m carrying those feelings and reactions into my own life. I usually try to fill myself with good thoughts and goodwill in my reading and entertainment. Jen and I will often choose a movie that is uplifting or light instead of something heavy and dark. It’s a variation of “you are what you eat” or “garbage in, garbage out”. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating at least for myself - fill yourself with light. It’s not necessarily religious or woo-woo. We can all see it in our own lives. Our mindset is determined by the outlook we choose and the influences we allow ourselves to take in. In my case it made the first half of my show last night a little less cheerful and exuberant than I wanted it to be. So at the break I changed my mindset, and for the second half I let the light shine through. I don’t know if anyone else felt it, but it was a good lesson for me to always take a second to look within and find out where I am. How about you? Do you feel these things and make changes too?

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, but I had a scheduling mixup on one that had to be rescheduled for later this month. The other 8 facilities went wonderfully, and the Christmas cheer is strong!

My Wednesday online show was my own original songs, and I have to say that this is the most comfortable I’ve ever been doing my own songs. You’d think that after all these years it would be “old hat” for me doing my own songs, but I still get nervous exposing my vulnerabilities in my writing. Everyone was so supportive, and it went really well. I did do the new Christmas song I was writing last week!

My Saturday Christmas concert at the La Veta Mercantile went really well too. We had a nice crowd, and the ambience and sound were just perfect. It’s such a pleasure to get to play a show in a beautiful listening room of genuine folks. We did quite a few Christmas sing-alongs too. Emile and her staff do a great job.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests went well too. It’s like a comfortable old jacket putting on this group and singing songs and making memories.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m hoping the winter weather will let me get to all of them. We have a system moving in on Tuesday. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Christmas songs again. We did newer Christmas songs two week ago, and I’ll think I’ll try to do more traditional songs this week - maybe old British songs. I do have a lot of those that I love. Come on out!

Friday I have a private event at the Broadmoor for the Council of State Governments. I have written before about these annual occasions. I get to entertain state legislators from all over the West. It’s always fun and enlightening.

Saturday 7-9 I have a Christmas concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence, Colorado. I love playing at the Bell Tower, and I really look forward to my concerts there. Call 719-784-2038 for tickets - $8 for members and $10 for non-members. I’d love to have you there!

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I always say how special these evenings are, and you’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. This is kind of a marathon week, and it’s fun to rise to the occasion and ride the wave of music!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who: Tom Munch

What: playing a Christmas concert

Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, Florence. 719-784-2038

When: Saturday, December 17, 7-9 pm

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, December 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

What's It Worth

One of the things I’ve struggled with the most in life has been deciding the value of something. This goes from items to time. The old adage that a price should be what “the market will bear” is relevant, but it’s not necessarily true. Occasionally I think we have to look at what we really value in our lives - friendship, community, family, security, peace, health, entertainment, music, and ? I honestly think we should reevaluate what is important - especially in these times of inflation when the value of things is being shaken up. I’ve had to do this personally as I feel the squeeze of inflation. I’ve never been able to gauge what my music is truly worth. It comes easily to me for the most part although I spend many hours on it, and so I’ve never asked for as much as others ask for their music - always feeling that it wasn’t right somehow to put too much value on myself. The old Bible quote “Do not muzzle an ox when it is threshing the grain” comes often to mind as I puzzle this. It means getting your fair share for your hard work. And how that relates to the price you pay for a house, car, food, and everything else comes from how you gauge your own worth. It’s actually a pretty big overall concept. What if we didn’t have money to measure the worth of things? Anyway, that is what I am pondering as I work on songs, raise my prices, and plan my week out as Christmas approaches. What do you think?

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. Once again there is COVID in some of them, and so precautions are still being taken although I’m no longer seeing temperatures being taken at most places. Most just require a sign-in saying that you are not experiencing symptoms.

My Wednesday online show of Christmas songs as a kickoff to the season went very well although I’m still not all the way in the spirit (but Im getting there!) I did lesser-known songs for this show to expose some great songs to the group, and it was a joy.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests went very well too with a great variety of tunes. Our online community of friends is so engaging and rewarding.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and as Christmas nears these shows become more and more special. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be my own original tunes again. I haven’t done a show of original tunes since last February, and I hope to do a new Christmas song that I’m working on as well. It is so gratifying that folks want to hear my own tunes and stories from my life.

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a Christmas concert at the La Veta Mercantile in La Veta. I dearly love this venue and the folks of La Veta, and the Christmas shows I’ve done there have always been a highlight of the year. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here - www.simpletix.com/e/tom-munch-christmas-tickets-102553. I’d love to have you there. There will be some surprises and some sing-along songs as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We are doing many Christmas requests at these shows as well as anything else you want to hear. I try to make sure everyone gets something, and I love these folks who are so good to me and create such a strong community.

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That’s it for this week. Next week I have a Christmas concert in Florence, Colorado, at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. You can call 719-784-2038 for tickets, and they $8 for members and $10 for non-members. Be good - Santa is coming!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of original songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 7, 7-8:45 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 10, 7-9 pm

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, December 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Season Starts

I’m starting Christmas season with enthusiasm and a little earlier than I usually do this year. I’ve found that I usually have to pace myself, but I’ve also found that the season is over before I know it. So this year I’m doing a Christmas kickoff show before December even starts on this Wednesday, November 30th. I haven’t gauged my Christmas spirit yet this year. Every year I comment on how I feel about Christmas as the season starts. I still feel a sacredness at this time that is based on childhood experiences and mystical stories. When I think of those I am still transported into the magical feelings I get every Christmas season. I rely on the ability to do that, and I think it comes from a truly genuine place inside each of us. It sounds like a Hollywood utopian image of Christmas, but I think it is based on a communal unity that we each sense. Of course it’s tied up with all the commercialism and complexity that Christmas has become, and so it’s kind of camouflaged and a little tarnished. I wonder if this is how a lot of people feel about Christmas. Either way I always encourage people to open up to the season and let themselves enjoy it. It can be a wonderful time if we let it.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and some of them were really ready for the holiday season. The caution around COVID has lifted for some, but I’m still being careful. I did lose one of my residents at one facility who was a real fireplug. He will be missed.

My Wednesday online show of thankful songs was very enjoyable with a good mix of tunes that expressed thanks from a lot of different directions. The group really seemed to have a good time.

My Sunday show of favorites and requests was a little heavier than usual, but we had a great group of folks with some fine requests. This is such a stellar group of people.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and most of them will start wanting to hear Christmas tunes. I need some new Christmas jokes to tell as well. I’m looking forward to them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the Christmas kickoff that I mentioned above. Last year my audience wanted Christmas songs almost every week, so I figured we’d start off with a bang to get us in the spirit. Come on out if you’re ready to embrace the season.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These shows are always really special, and the goodwill really shows and flows. You’re always welcome to join in.

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That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that I have Christmas shows on December 10 at 7:00 at the La Veta Mercantile, and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. These will be really fun and very festive! I’ll give more details as they arrive. Meanwhile I hope you can get in the spirit, get your Christmas cards going, and look forward to a great holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 30, 7-8:45 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, December 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Thankful for Community

We had a tragic mass shooting just up the road from us in Colorado Springs on Saturday night, and one of the biggest things that has come out in interviews with the people affected is that it wasn’t a place, but a hub where people shared each others lives as a community. There are many communities in our lives like that - from social clubs to churches to even jobs to some extent. I belong to many communities, with my online concert community being the most vibrant at present. Community is very important. A recent study I heard said that more people, especially men, have less close friendships nowadays, and that really affects our well-being and self awareness. So belonging to a group where you can express yourself and be accepted is a very good thing, and it’s something I am so thankful for. In this life all we can do is to put ourselves out in the world with all our good will and shortcomings and hope that we find kindred spirits who understand us and give of themselves as well with gratitude. Giving of yourself is an act of faith, but it is also a confidence that we are part of a continuum of positive energy and spirit. That’s really what community is all about. So for this week of Thanksgiving I am pondering on that and wishing you the best of Thanksgivings!

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I really enjoyed every one. They are all communities that are fun to plug into even if only for a brief time.

My Wednesday online show of Willie Nelson songs was such a good time. Some of Willie’s songs are so insightful and melodic. It was a real pleasure. And our group really shined.

My Sunday online show of requests and favorites was a wonderful evening too with several songs that were new to me. I can’t believe the depth of musical knowledge and love these folks have.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week which is more than I usually have on a holiday week. I’m looking forward to every one of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be thankful songs for Thanksgiving. This will be a fun topic to explore in song, and I have a few surprises I think everyone will enjoy. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. Being that it’s after Thanksgiving I’ll be open to starting to sing Christmas songs although I’ll save most of that for a special Christmas show or two. I’m looking forward to the group dynamic during the holidays! Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. Remember that I do have two Christmas shows coming up - December 10 at 7:00 at the La Veta Mercantile, and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center. I’d love to see you at either or both if you’re in the area. Viva la community!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of thankful songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 23, 7-8:45 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, November 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Willie Nelson

When I think of great songwriters I often overlook Willie Nelson, and that’s a big mistake. When you consider the breadth and depth of Willie’s albums over nearly 70 years it is astounding how many great songs he’s written and recorded. Of course he has his own style that’s often caricatured, but you can’t deny the authenticity and genuine care he puts into writing and performing a song. I have more than 30 songs of his that I regularly perform, and some of my very favorites are on that list like “Hands on the Wheel” and “Crazy”. Willie is one of those rare writers who can express something simply yet profoundly. And he also has the ability to cover and make a song his own like “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “Stardust”. I can’t count the number of times I’ve performed “Stardust” just to have someone say how great a Willie song that is. They’re surprised when I tell them that Hoagy Carmichael wrote it in 1927. And of course he’s legendary for his help with Farm Aid and his own concerts in Texas. So Wednesday I’ll perform his songs, and it’ll be a pleasure!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities to play at, and unfortunately one of them went out of business, so I won’t be playing there anymore. Luckily I’ll see most of the folks from there who have now relocated to other facilities in the area.

My Wednesday online show of Bob Dylan songs was a wonderful time, and as expected everyone was surprised how many great tunes they knew and didn’t realize that Bob had written. 

My Sunday online show was also a great time, and people kept me on my toes with some fine requests.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. The continuity and good will that we generate with each other at each of these shows is so rewarding.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing the tunes of Willie Nelson as I wrote about above. I’ll probably play a nylon-string guitar to get that Willie sound that everyone knows so well. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure there’ll be some new tunes and some old favorites. We’ll be doing it live from Deann and Matt Pujol’s house, so it’ll be extra-special! I’d love to have you join in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I do have Christmas shows coming up soon - December 10 at 7:00 at the Mercantile in La Veta and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower in Florence. Put them on your calendar and come on out!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Willie Nelson songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 16, 7-8:45 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, November 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Making an Impact

I’m doing the music of Bob Dylan for my Wednesday show, and it has me thinking of the kind of writing that makes an impact in the world. I think that anyone would say that Bob’s music touched a lot of people, especially in the ’60s. As I make my list for the show and listen to his songs, it’s amazing at how many still resonate, and how many have been recorded and re-recorded. It’s not uncommon to hear a great song cover that sounds brand new just to find that Bob Dylan wrote and recorded it several decades before. Bob’s version may sound different than the cover version, but the quality of the writing and the power of the message is undeniable. I heard Joan Baez once say that Bob was not aware of how sophisticated and deep his writing was. That may be, and that makes his music even more impressive. So Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of his songs. It should be a night to remember. 

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What have I been up to?

All my senior facilities were wonderful last week with no problems with COVID except that I had an exposure to COVID over the previous weekend that I found out about mid-week and had to be extra careful about. I think we’re all tired of the vigilance, but we have to keep on keeping on.

My Wednesday show of John Prine songs was so rewarding. It was just wonderful to bask in his brilliant songwriting. Everyone enjoyed it.

My Sunday show of favorites and requests was a sweet time too. I honestly just build speed and then hang on ’til the end with all the requests coming in and the positive energy flowing from everyone.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities again this week, and there is even one that I haven’t been to since before the pandemic, so that will be a wonderful reunion with some good folks. I’m looking forward to it!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the Bob Dylan songs I talked about above. This will be a fine experience, and I’d love to see you if you can make it.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I don’t say enough how many great songs I’ve had the opportunity to learn and play due to the requests from folks in these shows. There are dozens of super tunes I’ve gotten to do! Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are well and happy. There is a general angst in the air this week with the elections, and hopefully it will all work out for the best - no matter what side we’re all on. It’s hard to live with the divisions we have nowadays.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Bob Dylan songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 9, 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, November 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

John Prine Subtle Wisdom

I’m doing the music of John Prine for my Wednesday show this week. I also did his music two years ago after he passed in April of that year from COVID. I’m partially doing his music because it was requested, but I’m also doing it because I have so much respect for his writing and want to honor his memory and spread his tunes. John had what I am calling “subtle wisdom”. His songs would seem to be light and even silly sometimes, but he’d slip in a little gem of wisdom at the right moment. He even wrote a song once as a complete lark, and listeners still perceived a subtle message that couldn’t be denied. It’s kind of amazing, and it’s something I’ve never been able to even approach with my writing. It eluded me so much that I even discounted some of his music without understanding his true genius. I came around though - luckily before he died, and I sing his praises and his music. So Wednesday I’ll play and sing his deceptively simple songs, and I encourage you to tune in and pick up on his subtle wisdom. 

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were very enjoyable last week, and fortunately none of them had to be canceled for COVID. 

My Wednesday online show last week was requests and favorites so that we could do a Halloween theme on Sunday - closer to Halloween. It was a good group with some great requests!

My Sunday show doing Halloween songs was so much fun. I did several green screen tricks that included flames in guitars and a cape that left only my head floating on the screen. The songs were great too including a new one called “John’s Garden” by Peter Mayer about pumpkins finding out that they were to become jack o’lanterns. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and it’ll be time to shift gears away from Halloween after my shows today. It’s always interesting to go with the flow with the folks at these places!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing John Prine songs as I mentioned above. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you’ll tune in!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests. These are always such a whirlwind of good feelings and good tunes. Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. The holidays will be here before you know it.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of John Prine songs

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

When:  Wednesday, November 2, 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, November 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Music Changing

I’ve been thinking a lot about what music is and what it was and what it will be. As you can guess, I still think of music as one person with an instrument or a group of people with instruments playing and/or singing. I think this goes into the “what it was” category. That is the purest form to me, and it was obvious during the pandemic when a lot of musicians took to performing on the internet that this is not as natural as it once was. Today’s music is often very much created from sampled instruments on a computer - particularly drums and keyboard sounds. Vocals are often so altered with computer effects that they aren’t very close to one person singing in a room. I don’t think that’s bad, it’s just not what I prefer. Of course there are some people like me who do it more in the old way in some genres, but in popular music it’s mostly not done this was anymore. With the advent of artificial intelligence it’s possible that what music will be may be an AI coming up with all the sounds and vocalization with just a little human input. And it may be pretty good at it too. It’s all about what reaches you and entertains you, I suppose. I tend to think of music as something that has an unknowable and almost spiritual aspect to it, and I think that is still true, but ultimately I guess it is just a way for us connect to each other and to our environment. At the very least it’s fun to see where it is and to speculate on what it will become. I’m out of the loop enough that I just marvel at what can be done today, and then I pick up my guitar and just play.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, but one had to cancel due to COVID outbreak. I have heard now that everyone at that facility is almost back to normal, and that it wasn’t too bad an infection. That’s good.

My Wednesday online show doing birth-year songs for a second show was even more fun than the first show last week. I’m amazed at how many memories and good vibes come up when we explore these songs from even before our childhood. We have enough to do it again at some point, and I’m sure we will.

My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was great fun as well. We had a big group and some wonderful requests. I love these evenings we share!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them as always. I’ve been doing Halloween songs which is a blast, and I’m even playing a Halloween party Friday evening.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time this week will be favorites and requests so that we can do a Halloween theme show on Sunday since it’s closer to Halloween. I’m curious if this will throw me or the audience off any. Come on out and see!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing Halloween songs as I mentioned above. I have gathered so many great songs for Halloween over the years, and I’m really looking forward to playing them for the group. Come on out if you’d like a little fun and spookiness.

——

That’s it for this week. I mentioned my upcoming Christmas shows last week - December 10 at 7:00 at the Mercantile in La Veta and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower in Florence. There was some confusion over the date at the Mercantile in La Veta, but that’s been straightened out now, and I will be there on the 10th.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

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:  Wednesday, October 26, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

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

First Freeze

In the land of four seasons we gauge the fall by the coming of the first freeze. We haven’t had ours yet although they said we would be close last night. This is preceded by a flurry of draining outside sprinklers and drip and putting away filters and hoses. I had to fix the same section of sprinkler system for the third time yesterday, and I know it will be a matter of days before it’s abandoned for the winter. This also means that long underwear is in rotation now. I have a love affair with merino wool that coats me from head to toe all winter long. I usually only need it for morning walks and full days in the house where we keep the temperature pretty low. Silk long underwear is a luxury that I sometimes enjoy too. It can take the chill off when wearing the lighter shirts and pants that I favor. Heck, I even wear a wool cap and light puffy coat in the evenings in the house when I want to be cozy on the couch. It’s time to stock up on hot chocolate and postum and put out the warm throws. This change is welcomed although I love warmer weather too. I think it’s good to let ourselves enjoy changes in life. It keeps things interesting, and it marks the time with new stimulation and defined chapters. How about you?

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week although I did have to cancel one so we could take our cat Tuzi to the vet that morning. She’s okay although we were a little worried that morning when she seemed ill.

My Wednesday online show of birth-year songs went so well that we’re doing the theme again this Wednesday. More on that below.

My Saturday online show doing Philmont songs for friends who worked at that wonderful place went really well too with lots of familiar names with songs and memories to match. I’m glad my family got hooked up with Philmont over 50 years ago. It’s a meaningful place.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests went very well too. I sometimes stress myself out before this show when I’m worried that I won’t be able to pull off a request for someone that I’ve been working on, but it always turns out to be a fine time. I should learn from that!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one as always. I’m doing fun and spooky Halloween songs as much as I can which is a hoot!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time is doing birth-year songs again by popular demand. These songs are so much fun, and it’s so cool to put ourselves back in time to what was happening in the world when each of us were born. Come join in if you can, and send me a favorite song from the year you were born.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I remarked last Sunday at how we had been doing these shows at least weekly since the start of the pandemic, and it was amazing all the changes in our lives that all of us had been through. We all agreed that this little community centered around music and friendship has been a blessing in our lives. Come join in if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. If you’re making plans for the future, I’m doing Christmas shows in December at a couple places - December 10 at 7:00 at the Mercantile in La Veta and December 17 at 7:00 at the Bell Tower in Florence. I’ll be posting details and making Facebook events shortly.

Take care and be good,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of birth-year songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 19, 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, October 23, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Birth-Year Songs

This Wednesday I’m doing requests for people from the year they were born. It’s a fun idea from one of the Munch Bunch folks - Rosemarie Vest. It’s neat because it sparks memories that weren’t necessarily from each person’s memory, but from the culture at large when they were born. For me the song “Runaway” by Del Shannon came out the day before I was born, and the song “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson came out 6 days after my birth. That speaks volumes to me of the time after the birth of rock and roll but before the British Invasion when I was born. Songs were a little softer and still a bit more innocent than they would soon become. The requests I’ve gotten so far range from 1943 to 1966, and that shows you a little of what my audience demographic is. It is kind of interesting how the songs of each year hint at what was going on in the world. Popular songs influence the culture and are in turn influenced by that same culture. Obviously there were other niches in the culture in the year each of us were born that were represented by other genres than pop music. Loretta Lynn’s passing reminds us of how her music reflected the times with her bold women’s issues in country music. I really find it fascinating, and it’s even more fascinating looking at the songs each person picks as favorites from the year they were born. So Wednesday will be an exploration of all of this, and it has put me in a great frame of mind to start the week! Do you have a favorite song or songs from the year you were born?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 6 senior facilities last week, and they were all wonderful. I say it often, but it is so fulfilling to sing for these beautiful people.

My Wednesday online show was singing fun songs, and it was a blast. I needed a night of frivolity, and that’s exactly what we had!

Saturday I played the Harvest Festival at the Littleton Museum in the pumpkin patch, and it was just a sweet day all around. There were so many families there to pick out a pumpkin in the patch, and I even had my sister Carol’s family come out to enjoy the day and the music.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was wild too. We had so many friends and good requests that made the night fly by. I love theses Sundays!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities to play for this week, and we’re starting to get into Halloween songs which are always fun and spooky. I love these shows!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the birth-year songs that I talked about above. I expect it will be a night to remember. I’m listening to music from my year right now. Come on out!

Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show of Philmont songs for my friends from Philmont Scout Ranch where I worked for three summers in my teens. I have maintained a great relationship with so many friends from that era of my life, and we have such a good time reminiscing and sharing the songs we learned and sang together there. I have a special group on Facebook for these concerts, but I also put them on my website for those who aren’t on Facebook or aren’t part of the group. I’m really looking forward to it!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. It’s such a good time every week, and you’re always welcome to join in.

——

That’s it for this week. The fall is speeding by, and I am enjoying it even with the illness and struggles the world is in currently. 

I wish you all the best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of birth-year songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 12, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs for Philmont folks

Where:  Facebook Tom Munch Philmont Songs Concert Group and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, October 15, 7-9 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, October 16, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Future of Music

 I recently listened to a series of podcasts about the future of music from The Verge website. The final podcast centered around where live music will be heard in the future. I’ve fully embraced performing music online as you know from my online concerts that I do and love playing for every week. The podcast I heard talked about performing live concerts in the metaverse. This was musicians performing concerts as avatars and characters in virtual reality spaces. Of course this is big production for many of them with full band and the performers flying and bouncing and being underwater as they mix pre-recorded and live elements of music with animated and virtual surroundings and not someone like me standing with a guitar and singing. It is only limited by the imagination of the performer and the people putting together the presentation. It’s almost more of an experience than a musical performance. I’m okay with this although it’s probably not something I will ever remotely entertain doing myself. I think I’m more about affecting the audience in their minds with images from words and harmonies and melodies, but you can see how music has been performed and conceived before in this way with movie and TV that mixed these elements. It just hasn’t been done in virtual reality live like this on a regular basis before. It is an interesting world we live in where this is the future of music for many. I think I’ll always be about one performer and an instrument and a song, but I’d like to try watching a concert like this sometime to see what it’s like. How about you? You can listen to this podcast and find the three-part series here - https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/3/23384883/concerts-metaverse-travis-scott-charlie-puth-iheartland.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and enjoyed every one as always. It is an honor to get to entertain these folks, and I consider many of them as good friends!

My Wednesday online show was doing the music of Kenny Loggins, Loggins and Messina, and Poco, and it was a great time. Every one of these theme nights where I get to explore someone else’s music turns into an adventure.

Saturday playing at the Deerprint in La Veta was very sweet too. I got to see several people I hadn’t seen in quite some time, and it was a perfect evening with just a little chill in the air and a couple quick rain sprinkles.

Sunday’s online show of favorites and requests was also notable with some really good song requests and a great group of folks in attendance.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7, make that 6, senior facilities this week (just had one cancel) that I am looking forward to playing for this week. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing fun songs this week. I decided I wanted a show of just plain frivolous and carefree songs this week, so I’m putting that together for Wednesday evening. Come on out if you can! I am trying to put together a show of songs from the year that each of our Munch Bunch folks were born, but we don’t quite have enough. Hopefully that will be the theme for next week. If you’d like to contribute then please go to the Tom Munch Munch Bunch Concert Group on Facebook and add your birth year and favorite song or songs from that year to that thread. Here’s a link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/398664345396960/permalink/544881160775277/

Saturday 11:30-1:30 I’ll be back at the Littleton Museum for their Harvest Festival. I played this last year, and it was so much fun! I set up next to the pumpkin patch where families come out to pick out pumpkins, and it is such a good time. They also have wagon rides, carnival games, yummy treats, an oddities tent, and much more. Attendance is free, and it’s a great day. Come on out if you’re in the Denver area! https://www.littletongov.org/city-services/city-departments/museum/programs-events/harvestfestival/-fbclid-IwAR0Xaf0xXvwPiWvwbjuGnkAcR7HT6eIoyPGHIuukVi0So8Qv2AG1QALFzn8

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always anticipate it with excitement. We do a Zoom a half hour before the show too. Here's a link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/398664345396960/permalink/546939720569421/ Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I really like contemplating where music and performing will go. As long as it’s about the music and the way we understand each other and our world it will always be good.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of fun songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 5, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival

Where:  Littleton Museum, 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO, 303-795-3950

When:  Saturday, October 8, 11:30-1:30 pm

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, October 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Full Sails

I was trading texts with my friend Don, and we both agreed that we don’t feel like the wind is in our sails of late. Some of it is the lingering of pandemic worries and not fully feeling engaged like we used to be. Some of it is just the season and a bit of malaise with the state of the world and general unrest. I think sometimes we need to inhale, and sometimes we need to exhale, and this time is kind of an “in between” with maybe a bit of holding a breath to see what comes next. I don’t mind these states of mind, but I always listen to them carefully to see if I’m wanting a bigger change or just a pause. I’m always a peaceful person who feels the oneness with others and with our earth. So here’s to licking a finger and putting it into the wind to feel where that wind is coming from, and then trimming the sails to catch it - no matter how light.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one. I need to catch up on some of the requests that my folks have made over the last couple months, but it’s all good.

My Wednesday online show doing fall songs was very enjoyable. There are so many great fall songs! We even did a couple of the more melancholy songs that people know about fall. I love this season!

My Sunday online show of requests was another fun night of sharing and great songs. This group never ceases to amaze me with their fine song requests and engagement with each other. It’s a family!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m rushing to finish this missive to get to the first one today!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the music of Kenny Loggins, Loggins and Messina, and Poco. I wanted to do Kenny Loggins and Loggins and Messina since the one flows to of the other, but I knew I didn’t have enough songs there for a full show, so I added Poco since they are a good fit. I also could have added Buffalo Springfield since Jim Messina was involved with them at the end of that band, but I thought Poco represented more of that early ‘70s into the ‘80s vibe. It will be night of music we’ve only hinted at before. Come on out!

Saturday 6-8 I’m playing for what will be an after-Oktoberfest party at Deerprint Wine in La Veta on the patio. It should be a really fun night of music, and I’m putting a lot of energy into it. I’d love to have you there if you’re in the area.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We have such a good time at these shows, and you’re always welcome wherever you are to tune in and join in.

——

That’s it for this week. I’m enjoying this fall although it’s honestly going too fast. Be well, and send some good thoughts and prayers to the folks in Florida as Hurricane Ian bears down on them.

Best always,

Tom

——

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:  Wednesday, September 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:   Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Deerprint Wine & Bistro, 106 E. Francisco, La Veta, 719-650-2079

When:  Saturday, October 1, 6-8ish pm

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, October 2, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Ahh...Fall

There are two things happening this week that really signal that fall is here for me. 1) The first day of fall is on the 22nd, and 2) my family is closing cabins for the winter. Of course it’s getting cooler in the mornings which feels great, and the weeds I’ve been battling on our morning walks are drying and dying out so I don’t have to whack them daily. I love this time of year. The leaves are turning in the high country, and everything is slowing down. It just fills me with peace and completeness. We’ve planted mini/micro clover so we can phase out our grass to use less water in the future, and we're starting to turn our thoughts to plans for the winter. It is a time of reflection and introspection. So Wednesday evening I’ll celebrate this beautiful change of seasons with songs of fall. To me it is one big Ahh…

What have I been up to?

I forgot to say how many senior facilities I was playing for last week in my last blog. I actually had 9 in addition to playing for many of them at once at the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. I enjoyed every one of them although I confess I haven’t had time to keep up with learning requests for many of them.

Wednesday was the afore-mentioned Senior Safari which was a blast with so many familiar faces and such a wonderful energy in everyone involved. I hope this event can go many, many years into the future.

Wednesday was also my online concert of “middle-aged” country songs. It was really well-received, and many more people love country music in our group than I realized. We’ll have to do country more often.

Sunday my online show of favorites and requests was so much fun even though several of our regulars couldn’t make it. We have such a giving and caring group who love music so much that it’s always a rewarding evening.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. We have a vet appointment for Tuzi for a dental on Wednesday, so I’ll take that day to be with her until the evening online concert, so I won’t have quite as many as usual.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be fall songs as I mentioned above. I have several new songs from the last couple years about fall that I really love in addition to many of the classic fall songs we all know. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests with our wonderful group as always. It will be special, and I’ll have all the energy of the mountains coming in from closing the cabins with my siblings.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you’re enjoying the fall season wherever you are. It’s still hot here for a couple days until it starts feeling more like fall. I do have two gigs out and about coming up that you may be interested in 1) Deer Print Wine in La Veta during Oktoberfest October 1st - probably 6-8, and 2) Littleton Museum Harvest Festival October 8th from 11:30-1:30. So if you’re near La Veta or Denver please come out and say “Hi!” I’ll write more about these as they come into view.

Best always,

Tom

——

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:  Wednesday, September 21, 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, September 25, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

It's a Zoo

I’m playing for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo this week, and I thought I’d reflect on what this event is and has become. I’ve been playing for senior facilities since I was in high school, and I started playing for them in southern Colorado as soon as I moved here in 1985. The zoo here first asked me to play for the Senior Safari in 2009, and I was honored to play for it. If you’ve never heard, it’s a free day for seniors at the zoo with fun activities, animal encounters, and food that draws seniors from facilities and the communities for miles around. Over the years it has become the place where I see folks from almost every facility I play at - 30 places or more sometimes. Attendance is in the many hundreds, and it is so gratifying to get to see and play for so many folks. The event now goes for the entire week although I just play one day for them. It’s not often that you get to see how many people you’ve been able to work with and play for all in one place, and I really look forward to it so much - especially since we couldn’t do it in 2020 because of COVID. I’ll put more details below.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week to play for, and I enjoyed every one of them - especially the one I got to play for on 9/11. We commemorated the anniversary with a somber but meaningful show.

My Wednesday online show was doing the second part of the songs from 1972 (50 years ago), and it was just as fun as the first show. There really are so many good songs from that year.

Thursday was the Appetizers and Alcohol BYOB event at the Yellow Pine, and it was so much fun seeing everyone for one last hurrah before the season ends. We had a great group of folks, and the food they brought to share was amazing!

My Sunday online show doing requests and favorites was very nice also with all our good friends. I enjoy this evening so much!

——

What am I up to this week?

Wednesday will be the Senior Safari that I mentioned above, and I’m playing from 11 to 1. It will be a crazy fun day with zoo bingo and lots of animals and music. More details can be found on the zoo’s website here - https://www.pueblozoo.org/senior-week. I notice on this page that they have me starting at 10:30, so maybe I’ll start before 11. Come on out and see!

Wednesday evening my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be what I’m calling “middle-aged” country. That’s country music that’s from the ‘60s and ‘70s, so it’s not the early old country or the more pop-oriented country of the ‘80s up to today, but the more classic country of Merle Haggard and Jim Reeves and others. It was especially requested by my friends, Dan and Debbie Brantley. It should be a really fun evening!

Saturday I’m attending a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs that’s called the Philtoberfest that I’m not playing at as a gig, but that I mention in case there are some Philmont people reading my blog and mailer that are debating whether to come. It’s always a fun time, and I encourage Philfolks to come on out!

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I love to play for my wonderful group of friends and fans. I can’t say enough about how special these evenings are.

——

That’s it for this week. It’s really starting to feel like Fall here in southern Colorado, and I hope you’re enjoying it wherever you are.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What: playing and singing

Where:  at the Pueblo Zoo for Senior Safari, pueblozoo.org/senior-week

When:  Wednesday, September 14, 11-1

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of middle-aged country songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 14, 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, September 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Summer's End

Well, summer is over in my mind once we hit Labor Day, and that always makes me take stock and look at where I’m headed. I know for some people the summer was pretty much back to normal with few worries about the pandemic. For me that wasn’t the case. I still shied away from indoor gigs for the most part and was hyper-careful for my senior facilities. Especially with the chapel in Cuchara there was a lot of COVID still going around. It was still slightly more relaxed knowing that the vaccines were making the threat a lot less ominous. Musically I did pretty well. I had some really interesting gigs like playing in Estes Park, and my voice and fingers held out for the most part with just a few struggles here and there. I’m definitely feeling my age and the wear from playing so much in my younger years. I have come across some wonderful songs this year - mostly from requests from my group of friends who frequent my online concerts. Those concerts continue to be well-attended and very good for the soul of all involved. It’s so nice to not have to go out to a venue and still be able to connect with so many folks that I used to almost never interact with. It also gives me the chance to play a lot more instruments than I usually get to play since they’re all so close at hand in my office. I’ve even played the piano more this year which I’ve wanted to do for many years. I got to play the banjo once before I started to work on it and found out it will be out of commission until I put some real effort into repairs. And going into the fall I have some interesting gigs in addition to my online shows. I’ll be writing about those as they near. So as I write this on Labor Day I find that I’m in an interesting place with some great things behind me and a winding path in front of me. There’s a small touch of melancholy as I say goodbye to summer, but what more could I ask for?

——

What have I been up to?

I had just 6 senior facilities last week, and none of them had to be cancelled for outbreaks. I enjoy playing for these folks so much.

My Wednesday online show went really well with the 1972 songs - so well that we’re going to do a part two this week. These songs are so much a part of my generation that many people in the audience said they knew every word even though they haven’t heard them in almost 50 years.

My Sunday online show of favorites was also very nice with some great new songs for me as well as the audience. We have such a great group - I have to say it again!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities to play this week including Labor Day and even a special show for 9/11. I’m looking forward to all of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be part 2 of the 50-years-ago songs from 1972 as I said above. I found 104 songs in my repertoire from 1972, and I can’t resist playing some more of them. Come on out if you remember some of the great songs and memories from that year.

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the wrap-up for the year at the Yellow Pine with their annual BYOB event called AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) or Shalom and Charcuterie. It’s always a fun goodbye ‘til next summer for the summer folks of Cuchara. Anyone is welcome to attend. Just bring an appetizer to share and whatever libation you prefer. I’ll be playing my music, and it’ll be a hoot!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always look forward to what the night will bring with such good folks and great opportunity for musical interaction. We always do a Zoom a half hour beforehand (6:30 MT) which you’re welcome to attend. The link is https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7759127796?pwd=MZ55WfXnEkOSi3bztfvmMlbe2oCpoN.1

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That’s it for this week. We’re coming into my foveate season of the year when things cool down and slow down. Savor it with good friends!

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 50 years ago, part 2

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the Appetizers and Alcohol event

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

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

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, September 11, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

50 Years Ago

I’m doing songs from 50 years ago for my theme show on Wednesday, so I thought I’d reminisce a little on that year. In the bigger world we had the Olympics with Mark Spitz and terrorist attacks, President Nixon visiting China, Spiro Agnew resigning, the Cowboys winning the Super Bowl, “American Pie” and “Candy Man” on the radio, and “The Godfather” and “Diamonds Are Forever” in the theater. In my smaller world I was moving from 5th to 6th grade, my niece Pam was born, I was helping my sister Jane crew for my dad on our sailboat in races, I started playing the clarinet, and I got to slow-dance with a girl for the first time. I was a pretty typical kid - probably a little more cocky than a lot of kids because things came relatively easy for me. We had a lot of kids my same age in my neighborhood, so we were always playing football or whiffle ball or with frisbees or riding bikes. It was pretty idyllic. Weekends we’d go to a trailer on a lake an hour away so our dad could sail his small sailboat and we could either help sail or explore the lake ourselves in a rowboat. We’d go to the mountains for a couple weeks each summer as well to see our grandfolks and have outdoor adventures. Music was always playing on the radio in the house and the car, so we knew all the latest songs. I still have memories of certain songs playing while driving certain stretches of highways or skating at the skating rink. These songs were a huge backdrop for the culture at the time, and that’s why they still mean so much to us and why I think it will be fun to concentrate on that one year and the songs we remember. 1972 - it doesn’t seem that long ago, and yet it seems a million years ago too.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities scheduled last week, and unfortunately one had to cancel for another COVID outbreak. The others were so enjoyable. I can’t say enough how worthwhile it is to give and interact with folks in the community.

My Wednesday online show of “spinning the wheel” and doing songs at random from my huge song library was a blast. My rule that it had to be a song that I hadn’t done before at a show was a little surprising to the audience, but that made it a night of discovery and a lot of new tunes for many. All in all, it was a memorable night of songs and interaction.

My Thursday show that I mentioned last week playing for a community event in Walsenburg for the Puentes group was very nice too. They are seeking to unite the different southern Colorado communities in a way that fosters support and common goals, and it was a wonderful night of planning and new friendships.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was a blast as always with a lot of great songs being suggested and played and many more leftover for the future. We always have such a great group of folks who support each other and my music. I even dug out the banjo and played a couple tunes on it as well as the piano, which I didn’t end up playing until the last song for a bit. I may dig out some of the other odd old instruments I have just for the fun of it.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have only 6 senior facilities this week because it’s the fifth week of the month, and so my monthly repeating facilities don’t happen to fall on a fifth week. That’s okay. We had to have our air conditioner and heater replaced last week, and I have some work to do to finish up with that. I’m also working on a possible fiction book with a good friend, and I want to spend some time brainstorming about that.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the above-mentioned songs of 50 years ago in 1972. This was a great year for songs, and I’m looking forward to playing them! Come on out and reminisce!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time of favorites and requests should be a blast this week. Being that it’s Labor Day weekend I’m in hopes that a lot of folks will be relaxing on Sunday evening with no work Monday and will be up for a fun night of songs. If that’s you then come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m still really enjoying doing online shows, but I’ve had several folks ask where I’ll be playing this fall and winter where they can come see me in person so I’m thinking about scheduling some. I do have a few interesting public gigs like the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo from 11-1 on September 14th, the Deer Print in La Veta from 6-8 during Oktoberfest on October 1st, and the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival from 11:30 to 1:30 on October 8th. I’d love to see you if any of those places line up with your life. Until then, thank you for your friendship and for your time.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a an online concert of songs from 50 years ago

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

When:  Wednesday, August 31, 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, September 4, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Choices

I’ve had a couple interesting exchanges this week about life and the directions we take, and it has me reflecting on the choices we make. We make a lot of decisions in our lives that shape where we go and where we end up. Early on I had some big adventures that gave me the gumption to shoot for whatever I wanted in life. I’ve always been a little more subdued in my choices, but I had the confidence to not shy away from challenges. That said, when I had the chances to go for the “big time” in music I held back, realizing that I would have to give up more than I wanted as far as privacy, freedom, and autonomy. Still I have taken a few higher-profile gigs to see what that life would have been like. Those have been fun, but I always realized that I was more interested in making music than I was in having fame or making lots of money. I can remember phrases like, “Bloom where you’re planted” although I also heard phrases like, “A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were made for.” It’s funny how we take these things to heart. These past two years of the pandemic have made me realize that I could reach people everywhere from my own home base, and I’ve grown contented with that - doing my shows from the house over the internet. I don’t ever plan to retire, but I’m glad to know that I can always make music that reaches people where they are. What else is there?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and they all went very well. It’s hard to express what it feels like to contribute to these people’s lives. It’s very special.

My Wednesday online show of songs about music and singing went just as well or better than the first show I did with this theme the week before. We have such a great group of folks who tune in.

My Thursday evening playing for the Hermosa folks was very nice. It was so good to see all those folks. They always make me feel welcome and at home.

My Sunday request show was very sweet as always. I love these Sunday nights!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I am looking forward to all of them as always.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be a spin-the-wheel event where I’ll randomly pick songs from my songbook (laptop) where I have over 4700 songs to choose from. There will be some real surprises and some diversity that will be so much fun. Come on out!

Thursday I’m playing for an event for a project called Puentes (Spanish for Bridges) that seeks to unify different southern Colorado communities for the common good of all. My good friend Sandy Dolak has put this together in Walsenburg, and I’m proud to lend my music to it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These evenings are always special, and I’d love to have you join in as well.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a second online concert of songs about songs and singing

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

When:  Wednesday, August 24, 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, August 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Joy of Singing

Since our show this week is part two of songs about music and singing, I thought I would write about the joy I find in singing. There is just something about vocalizing alone or with others that is so joyful. It’s something that comes physically from the deepest part of your core that then comes out in a melodious (hopefully) sound that expresses your individuality and feelings. And many of the songs written about music and singing reflect this joy. And yes, there is also pain and every other emotion expressed in singing, but I guess it’s just the purest way of making music that I can think of, and so I find joy even in singing painful songs. It’s an all-engaging full-body activity! I think that’s why people tune in to watch my online shows. It’s joyful to watch someone feeling that amazing flow of music coming through them. I hope you can enjoy it too!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and there were some really nice moments at all of them.

Tuesday was my online theme show about music and singing, and it was so much fun. That’s why we’re doing it again!

Wednesday was the dance I played with Dennis Mills at the Cuchara Community Center. It was a blast with so many great folks coming out to dance and support us.

Thursday was the last Yellow Pine barbecue for the summer, and it was sad as always to end the summer series, but it was also a great evening. We will have one more event up there for the public on September 8th. That’s our AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) evening that we always do the the first Thursday after Labor Day. That’s a bring-your-own event where everyone shares appetizers as a final farewell to summer. I’ll write more about that on the week it occurs.

Friday I played poolside at the Pueblo Country Club and had a very nice group of mostly families listening to my music as they swam and relaxed. I had some very nice comments.

Sunday I played the final Cuchara Chapel service of the summer which was outside for COVID reasons, and it was very nice. Hopefully they can do indoor services next summer, but I’ll help them make a way to broadcast the sound to the outdoors for people in case there are still COVID concerns.

Sunday evening was my online show of requests and favorites, and even though several regulars couldn’t make the show we still had a very nice group of folks with some great requests.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. Hopefully we won’t have any serious COVID outbreaks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the second show of songs about music and singing that I wrote about above. There are so many great songs that fit this theme. Come on out and join in with the group in listening, commenting, and watching!

Thursday I’m playing an event for the wonderful Hermosa group in Cuchara that I have played for many times. I’m writing about it in case any of my Hermosa friends are reading this blog. I’d love to see you!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I always love to play for our Munch Bunch Group. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I honestly thought I’d be more worn out after last week was so busy, but I guess I have a few more good years of doing so much music. I hope I never stop!

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a second online concert of songs about songs and singing

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

When:  Wednesday, August 17, 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, August 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain tim

Clutter

Jen and I watched a TED Talk on clutter a day or so ago, and it has me thinking more about clutter. Some of the points in the video were revealing about why we have clutter in our lives - from unexpected events leading to taking in stuff or breaking our routine of organizing and getting rid of stuff. But there is more to it for me. Often I have clutter because I don’t have the time to deal with stuff or the place to put stuff. Every project of going through things that have stacked up on a desk or accumulated on a shelf takes a block of time that is often hard to find. I’ve always liked the idea that you can just do a few minutes of going through stuff, but often it means spreading stuff out and stacking it in piles to take the next step. If you take time for that then often you don’t have time to finish and have to leave some of those piles out, and I can point to several of those piles over the years that lasted for weeks or months. And for me the organizing of my stuff has also made a map in my brain that corresponds to where everything is in my office or whatever space I’m going through. As I age those maps become fuzzier as my brain gets fuzzier. I’ve definitely gone to buy something I needed and then realized I already had one on the shelf I bought a couple years ago. My space is actually pretty well-organized at present where I mainly work, but I confess that there is storage and drawers that I could go through. I’ve heard several friends mention in discussions about this topic that a good fire would cure their woes. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone though. I have made rules at some points of my life to help me - like: 1) If I haven’t used it in 5 years, then out it goes, or 2) If it doesn’t fit in this keepsake box then it goes to charity. Sometimes those help, but not always. Such a struggle! So how about you? How do you deal with clutter?

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and only one was affected by COVID. At that facility I had to play in the halls because they couldn’t gather residents together for an event. I enjoy playing for and interacting with these folks so much!

My Wednesday show about campfire songs was really fun. We even sang “Kumbaya” if you can believe that - and enjoyed it! There is just something about gathering around the campfire (I had one on the screen behind me.)

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was a great group of folks, and it was good to see them all! 

My Sunday show doing favorites and requests was wonderful as well. We settle into such a nice rhythm of give and take in our group that it is a joy to just be a part of.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I only had one cancel for COVID. I hope everyone at that facility does okay and recovers quickly.

Tuesday will be my online show 7-8:30 mountain time with the theme of songs about songs and singing. My good friend Deann came up with this theme idea, and there are a lot of good songs to be sung. Come on out and see what we come up with!

Wednesday 7-9 I’ll be playing another free dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my friend Dennis Mills on bass for the community. These dances are always fun, and hopefully we won’t have a rain storm just before the dance that scares away the dancers this time. If you’re in the area please come out and enjoy the evening with us!

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the final barbecue of the summer at the Yellow Pine. I’m always sad to wrap these up, but I know we’ll do a special potluck and BYOB night the first Thursday after Labor Day at the Yellow Pine, so I’ll get to be there one more time even if it’s not the regular barbecue. I’d love to have you come out if you can so we can make the last night a gangbuster event! Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come.

Friday 5-7 I’m playing poolside at the Pueblo Country Club, so if you’re a member or member’s guest please come on out and enjoy the evening with some music.

Sunday 11-12 Im playing outdoors for the Cuchara Chapel in the park next to the chapel. The chapel has struggled with many members getting COVID this summer, and so they’ve had hardly any services. This one will be outdoors so at least we can get one service in before the season ends. Please come out for this special memorial service in you’re in the area.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I cherish these evenings of interaction with my wonderful friends and followers. Come on out if you have if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. I’m looking at the clutter on my desk and contemplating whether I have time today to deal with any of it! 

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

What:  playing for a free dance put on by the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Wednesday, August 10, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel virtual service

Where:  In the park next to Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, August 14, 11 am - 12 pm

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, August 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

August

It’s August 1st, and that makes me reflect on summers gone by and what August always means. Nowadays it means that school is about to start for many, but that wasn’t the case when I was growing up. Most of us had the full month to enjoy unless we had to go back early for sports or marching band. But beyond those memories long ago it means different things outdoors. The weeds and flowers are heading towards Fall already, and even with it being really hot today the morning started out with a different tinge that presages Fall. There is just something in the air that July is the heart of summer, and August is starting to head down the other side of the hill. In the mountains the berries have already come and gone in early to mid-July, and the monsoons are starting to dry up. I’m sure we have a few more storms and hot days left as always, but it feels different now. The sun is coming up a half hour later, and there is a different shade to the light before the sun rises. I have had some pretty big adventures in August, but it always seemed like I was rushing to get them in before the door closed somehow. And that’s as it should be. I’m just amazed when I reflect that every month feels different within each season. Hope your August is good!

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went well last week. At least there were no COVID closures although they are still just as vigilant - especially with some reports of increasing virus.

I did my theme show on Tuesday so I could do a senior facility luau on Wednesday, and the theme was names again. It turned out to be a really fun show with great requests.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue went very well too with even a visit from a friend from high school whom I hadn’t seen since way back then. 

Friday I did a show at an amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies at Estes Park that went really well. It had rained harder that day, but the skies were clear and beautiful for the show. Thank you to everyone who made that happen and the new folks I got to meet. I even got to go on a sunrise hike to a beautiful point above the camp the next morning, and then I did a Facebook Live video on the way down that many people tuned in to before 7:00 am.

My Sunday request show went very well too with lots of great requests in the moment.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them!

Wednesday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be campfire songs. We haven’t done a campfire show this year yet, and it’s a fitting way to spend a summer evening with friends. I heard that some friends are going to watch around their outside fire pit. Should be fun! Come on out.

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine barbecue again. We only have two more of these shows this summer, and this adds to the August feeling for me. It’s always such a good time with such good food. I’m even doing emcee duties this week with the owner out of town. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the requests and favorites with good friends that I always look forward to. These nights are so special. I’d love to have you I the audience.

——

That’s it again for this week. I hope you are healthy and are enjoying your summer.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of campfire songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 3, 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, August 4, 6:30-8:00 pm

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, August 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Friends

I spent a couple days at a reunion in New Mexico for Philmont Scout Ranch where I worked in high school and college in the summers, and it turned out to be a larger-than-life confluence of many more people than I thought I’d ever see at one event. It was a celebration of 50 years of women rangers of whom two of my sisters were standouts in the first 5 years. Since it was such a big anniversary there were so many women and men who came back to hike and interact with each other. There were too many people to get a chance talk to everyone, and we all wished we had more time to catch up. I also got to play some good music with people I haven’t seen in years, and of course I had to go on at least one hike to get out into the backcountry. The amazing thing was that everyone has led outstanding lives. I knew that it was a group of achievers, but I had forgotten just how engaged and ambitious and yet in-the-moment these people could be. I was definitely proud and amazed that I got to be part of these folks’ lives when we were young and also now that we could get together again. So I’m writing this just to encourage you to reach out to old friends and share some uplifting times. It’s good for us!

——

What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were all very rewarding last week although I had fewer than most weeks since I went to the reunion I mentioned above for two days. I love playing for these folks, and hopefully I make their day brighter.

My Wednesday online show about name songs was so much fun that we decided to do it again this week. The best part was doing songs that surprised folks and brought out a different take on names.

Thursday’s barbecue at the Yellow Pine was a good one with lots of wonderful new and old faces. There was quite a bit of dancing crammed into the end of the evening, and we need to do more of that.

My Sunday online show was a little different since I had been gone for the better part of three days and hadn’t had time to work on requests as I usually do. But the energy I was bringing from the reunion charged the evening and made the night really special. We have such a wonderful group of friends at these concerts.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities again this week since I’m playing in Estes Park on Friday and need the day to drive. I’m looking forward to every one of them!

Tuesday my theme online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be names again. We’re switching to Tuesday this week because I have a luau for one of my senior facilities that I do annually on Wednesday. These name shows are so much fun. Tune in if you can!

Thursday I’m doing the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again. There are only three more of these barbecues this year, so if you’d like to come you won’t regret it. The food and atmosphere are great, and it’s so good to share music in the old barn. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Friday 7-8 I’m playing a concert at the Kathie Mennel Amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies near Estes Park. This is part of their Summerfest series of concerts on Friday nights. I’m not sure of their setup for these concerts, but if you’re in the area give them a call and come on out! 970-586-3341 x1113

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests with our great online community that I’ve grown to know and love. We do a Zoom call a half hour before that you’re welcome to be a part of as well. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7759127796?pwd=MZ55WfXnEkOSi3_ztfvmMlbe2oCpoN.1

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That’s it for this week. I hope your summer is going well and that you’re staying safe and healthy. One of the better things about the reunion last week was that everyone was very respectful about mask-wearing and keeping safe. That’s a refreshing state.

Best always,

Tom

——

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of name songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 26, 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, July 28, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a concert

Where:  Kathie Mennel Amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies, Estes Park. 970-586-3341 x1113

When:  Friday, July 29, 7-8 pm

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, July 31, 7-8:30 pm mountain time