Traveling

I’m doing some traveling this week in a way that I haven’t done in many years. I’ll be flying to Atlanta on Tuesday to play for the annual meeting of the Boy Scouts of America on Wednesday night. This is an extension of my continuing connection to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico where I worked summers in high school and college and have played many concerts. My friend Rod Taylor was on staff at Philmont for many years and used to play for these events but he has retired, and it has fallen to me now as an old-timer Philmont musician to spread some music and good memories of a place I’ve always loved. I don’t fly well - especially with a guitar in-tow, but I think this will be a good experience all around. It’s putting a little adventure in my life that I’ve lacked since before COVID hit. I’ve always loved to travel, and although getting off a plane leaves me wondering which way is north as I drop out of the sky, I usually can acclimate pretty quickly. A little dramamine helps that, of course. You sometimes have to charm the gate folks to let you carry the guitar on the plane, but it’s much safer than checking it in the cargo area and risking that it gets damaged or doesn’t end up on your connecting flight. I do have someone who has a guitar I can use in Atlanta if something happens to mine. But besides all that, it will be fun to meet new folks and see a little bit of the country and a city that I’ve only driven through before. I’m sure you love to travel too, and that you might have some reticence about flying and figuring out travel arrangements. So wish me luck, and wave to me as I fly over!

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and one of them even had a little COVID outbreak so that we had to wear masks again. I think that this is our new normal. I sure enjoy seeing and playing for the folks, and a little inconvenience is worth it to keep them safe and show them a little love through music.

My Wednesday online show was part two of songs of 50 years ago from 1973. It was so much fun! The memories and stores just flowed out of everyone there.

Sunday I played an outdoor concert in La Veta, CO, at La Veta Pines RV Park. It was so well-attended, and although it got a little chilly by the end of the show, I think everyone enjoyed my stories and a little look at some of the new songs I’ve been writing and learning as well as a look back at some old favorites.

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What am I up to this week?

I have only 3 senior facilities this week since I’ll be traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but I’m looking forward to those 3 facilities. I’ll carry the traveling energy to them!

Wednesday I’ll be playing for the BSA meeting I mentioned above. They have me playing several favorites with even a little sing-along. It should be great fun.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites as requests as usual. I enjoy these shows so much, and after a week off from them I think it will be a nice reunion with the Munch Bunch folks. Come on out if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you had a great Memorial Day, and I’m still thinking about the shootings in Red River, NM, that are so close to where I like to spend some time. It was a sad occasion on a holiday weekend.

Best always,

Tom

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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:  Sunday, June 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Season Starts

I don’t know how it happened, but it’s already almost Memorial Day. That means the summer season is kicking off for most folks this weekend. It is for me too. I used to get so excited planning and engaging with so many summer gigs. I’m still excited, but COVID shut down a lot of the gigs and planning, and I haven’t pursued as much and have been happy with more online gigs. But the open road and the great outdoors still beckon, and I love seeing the summer folks and getting to play in the mountains and in the wide open more. I always write about the summer season because it holds a mythology for me. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to travel and play in great places with sweet people to meet and talk with. I have to pinch myself when I think of these times, and those memories and new possibilities enchant me when this time comes each year. I only have a few things set up this year as compared to years gone by, but I will savor every one. This week, for instance, I’ll be playing at La Veta Pines at their sweet little stage outdoors on Sunday evening instead of my usual online show. It’ll be great to see the La Veta folks again! So the summer is hitting the accelerator. Here we go!

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and they were all so enjoyable and fulfilling. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 50 years ago (1973), and it was so fun that we’re going to do some more this week. This was just a great year for the kind of music that I love and love to play.

My Sunday online favorites and requests show was very well-attended, and we had some great requests! This must be about the best audience anyone could hope for.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and they should all be stellar. It’s a privilege to play for them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be part two of songs from 50 years ago in 1973 as I wrote above. I’m really looking forward to playing so many songs we didn’t get to last week! Come on out if you can.

Sunday 7-9 I will playing at the La Veta Pines RV Park in La Veta, Colorado. I haven’t played at the park since it’s been under new owners, and I know it will be a wonderful night! Please come if you’re in the area. It’s a free concert. You need to bring a chair, a jacket, your ears, and a beverage of your choice. It’ll be fun!

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That’s it for the week. Next week is a biggie for me as I have been hired by the Boy Scouts of America to play for their big event in Atlanta, GA, on Wednesday. Wish me luck traveling and playing Philmont and mountain songs for them. Be good and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1973 songs (part two)

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

When:  Wednesday, May 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an outdoor concert - BYO chair and jacket

Where:  La Veta Pines RV Park 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252

When:  Sunday, May 28, 7-9 pm

To the Mountains

This is the weekend that my siblings and I open our old cabins in the mountains for the summer. This entails cleaning, getting water turned on, fixing whatever’s broken, and uncovering chimneys and windows so family can come to stay for a bit. It’s always hard work, but it’s also a time of renewal and getting away to the mountains to see how the winter treated the trees and meadows. We get to see siblings and reminisce a bit and enjoy each other’s company. My grand folks bought a little bit of land almost a hundred years ago, and it has been a sanctuary of sorts ever since. I wrote some of my early songs there, and it has always been the place I yearn to return to. It’s too early to be warm there, and the meadows will be boggy with lots of elk tracks and scat, but it will have a peaceful beauty that I have enjoyed since my boyhood. After finding out last week that I have a wee bit of prostate cancer, I’m really looking forward to it. No worries about the cancer. It’s slow-growing, and I’m sure it can be dealt with without too much angst and procedure. Life is good and I get to see the mountains again. Hopefully I’ll get to take at least one short hike, and I’ll post some great pictures!

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they all went very well. I always say how much these mean to me, and I’m serious - it does as much for me as it does for them.

My Wednesday online show was a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot who recently passed, and it was so fun to do a deep dive on his music. He was a remarkable songwriter and performer. Everyone loved it.

Saturday I did an online concert for Philmont friends that was also a great time. We’re all thinking about years gone by when we were heading out to the mountains to work a summer job at Philmont in bygone days, and it’s wonderful to spend time together reminiscing and singing old songs.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a sweet time although we were missing a couple regulars. This is such a warm group of folks who come out to form this listening and sharing community.

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What am I up to his week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week which is many more than I usually have. This is National Nursing Home Week, and so everyone is doing special events for their residents, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 50 years ago in 1973, and this was a fine year for music. There were lots of favorite tunes that will make this a show to not miss if you liked the tunes of the early ‘70s. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will favorites and requests as always. I never know quite what these shows will be, and I’m never disappointed in the great requests and enthusiasm that everyone brings to the show. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it.

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That’s it for this week. In two weeks I’ll have a special event in La Veta at La Veta Pines RV Park instead of my regular Sunday online show, and then I’ll be off to Atlanta to perform the following Wednesday for a National Boy Scout event. It should be fun!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1973 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 15, 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, May 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Words

I’m doing a show in tribute to Gordon Lightfoot Wednesday, and that has me thinking about songwriting, writing in general, and more specifically, how we use words. I’m fascinated by those who can use words well to express ideas and feelings. I’m fortunate that I had teachers who stressed how important it is to be able to write and speak well. I’ve lost some of my ability to do this, but I still love to read and explore ideas in conversation and in writing. Good writing comes from deep thought and understanding and the ability to turn things over in our minds until we can use vocabulary to express the nuances and facets of an idea or concept. Of course, this extends to songwriting where you also combine melody, chord progression, rhyme, meter, rhythm, and syncopation with the words to convey an idea or feeling. It’s amazing stuff, and it’s amazing to be able to harness it and create a song. That’s why we revere great writers and also great songwriters. I encourage you to fill your life with great writing and to practice your own writing when you can in your correspondence and everyday communication. It only takes another second to throw in a creative word, idea or phrase, and it adds so much to life.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all, especially the new one in Monument, Colorado, where I’ll be playing monthly. They were such nice and appreciative folks. All my folks are so genuine and congenial!

My Wednesday online show about pets was great fun with lots of songs about our best friends. I feel like dogs were over-represented, but that just reflects our love affair with them in our culture. Here’s to our kitties, birds, fish, and what-have-you too!

My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was also wonderful as always. We have such a good group of friends and supporters in our online community, and their care for each other really shines through.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities to play for this week including a wedding at one of them that should be really joyous. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot who passed a week ago. I’ve always enjoyed him and his writing, and this will be a great opportunity to show our appreciation for him. Come on out if you can!

Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show for my Facebook Philmont Concert group to reminisce as the current staff gears up for a great summer and us old staffers prepare for the 50th reunion/homecoming in July. If you’re a member of that group then please join in!

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m always astounded and thankful for the great turnout I get for these Sunday evening shows. You’re always welcome to tune in and join in!

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That’s it for now. I so enjoy writing to you and getting a chance to express myself and connect through writing. I hope you enjoy it too! Also a very Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Gordon Lightfoot songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where: facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, May 13, 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, May 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Pets

I’m thinking today of the little beings who live with us and are part of our families - pets. I imagine you might have a pet now or have had one or many in your life. In my life I’ve had cats, dogs, a ferret, Guinea pigs, and fish. They add so much to our lives in such a selfless way. We share a bond with them that is somehow deeper and more interesting than human friendships because they depend on us and can’t talk to us. As a child they often are the first to teach us about caring, respect, and loyalty. Of course they can also contribute to allergies and asthma, but they can also help build our immunity. Most pets live much shorter lives than we do, and so they also teach us about grief and aging, but this also lets us love more of them in our relatively longer lives (as a friend once told me). So Wednesday I’ll sing songs about the animals who share our lives as our pets. Here’s to them!

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all so wonderful. I can’t say enough how much I love offering up some encouragement and enjoyment to these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing ‘60s rock songs, and it was a rollicking good time. I stuck to the really rocking songs for the most part, and some of the audience said they were exhausted by the last song. But it was sure fun!

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests from Deann and Matt’s house, and after a nice meal and chatting we had a fine show with several friends in the house as well as a good online crew. There were a few new songs and some old chestnuts. It was very nice.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including a new one this afternoon in Monument, CO, and I’m looking forward to all of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs about pets that I wrote about above. This will be a lot of fun, and I am getting some great requests. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time is favorites and requests as always, and Sunday nights have just been so cool lately with lots of folks and lots of interaction. You’re always welcome to join in.

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That’s it for this week. Summer is rapidly approaching, and barring any unexpected bumps in the road, I’m expecting a grand time. I hope you are too!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Pet songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 3, 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, May 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time