Monday, January 10, 2022

A Songwriter's Life

 Hello,


I’ve been listening to the songs of Bill Staines in preparation for my Thursday online tribute to him, and it has me thinking about the life that many songwriters live - one that I had contemplated early-on in my life. Bill, like many songwriters, traveled all over the country playing for audiences of all kinds and meeting people and seeing things up-close and in a meaningful way. He had the ability to put these meetings and memories into clever words and melodies that could connect with listeners. Songs have that curious power to put ideas and reflections into a short space that can grab us and make us think or find joy. Think of your favorite Beatles song. Or think of an old standard or favorite folk or country song. Songwriters combine poetry and music into a gem that we can marvel over. Some songwriters write to get through pain. Some write to tell a story. Others write to express ecstasy or make us dance. It is an amazing art that I have always cherished and sometimes dived into. Of course, there is also a very commercial side to songwriting, and I don’t really want to go down that road of writing to a formula or to sell. I want to celebrate the art of songwriting and the purity of doing something just because one is compelled to do it. So this Thursday I’ll play the songs of Bill Staines, and I hope you can join us to experience someone who wrote just to do it and do it well.


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What have I been up to?


Last week I had only one cancellation of my senior facilities due to COVID. I hope they can get over that without too much trouble. The others were wonderful experiences. I take every one as an opportunity to make someone’s day better - often mine!


My Thursday show of hopeful songs was great fun. It’s a sweet thing to get to spread a little hope and cheer to others, and our group of attendees is so receptive and supportive.


My Sunday show of requests was full of neat new songs and old favorites. I never know what my Sunday shows will turn out like, and they never seem to disappoint. Everyone is so ready for a good evening, and we all rise to the occasion.


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What am I up to this week?


I have nine senior facilities this week, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the omicron variant will stay out of them so I can continue to encourage folks who really need it. More and more I cherish the chance to play for folks who want and need music in their lives.


Thursday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be featuring the songs of Bill Staines as I wrote about above. He wrote some truly wonderful songs that I think you will enjoy as much as I do. Please tune in if you can.


Sunday my online show 7-8:30 will feature favorites and requests as always. I can’t say enough about the great folks who are part of this group of friends and supporters. We always reach a warm place in the night that’s like a welcome fire in the hearth and a nod from a good friend. You’re always welcome to join in.


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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re doing well with one full week of the new year behind us. This life is so worthwhile as we travel down the road together.


Best,


Tom


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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Bill Staines songs

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

When:  Thursday, January 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 


Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, January 16, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

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