Dreams

I’m doing my Wednesday online show about dreams, and so I wanted to write about dreams a bit. Dreams have always enchanted and confused me. My dreams range from flying over mountains or floating above a crowd to exploring my old school and childhood church or spending time with my late parents. Some people say that dreams are our brain’s way of working out questions and situations in our subconscious. I think that may be true, but I also believe it could even be a way that we communicate with other times, places, and people - here and beyond. Some views of time and space in physics explain how we may move through time in a non-linear way that we can’t conceive with our linear brain, and so we may actually have interaction with these other times, places, and people. Dreams might be the place where we experience this time travel and try to work it out. As I said above, my parents are often in my dreams as participants, and it is so real that I believe it is more than just a memory. But on a less woo-woo note, the lore around dreams is very cool and a great theme in songs. So that’s what Wednesday’s show will be all about. What do you dream about?

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and they were all a blast. I actually had to wear a mask at a couple of them, so I think that precaution is with us to stay. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A little wisdom and respect for others is very appreciated.

My Wednesday online show was doing summer songs, and we did some good ones! I like going down that road of summer reminiscence. The group did too.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine was marvelous with several good friends coming down for a little barbecue and music. That place is just special from the start.

Saturday was a concert at the La Veta Center for the Performing Arts, and it was an intimate crowd that I got to share some really intimate music with. I will remember this night for a long time to come. They just don’t happen like this in such a wonderful old theater with such good vibes. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.

My Sunday online show was a great group of regulars and new faces with some fine requests. Check out the replay on my website or Facebook page. There were some really good songs I got to play.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week - a few less than most weeks since it’s the last week of the month where we get into the 5th instance of certain weekdays. That’s okay. There’s a lot going on. I will enjoy all the folks I get to play for.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be dream songs as I wrote about above. This is such a wide-open topic that I know we will do some great tunes. I’ve already had a bunch of requests. Come on out and explore dreams with me!

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue, and we’ll have big crowds from now until August. The energy and friendship at these barbecues in the old barn is really nice and warm, and I’d love to have you experience it too if you’re in the area or want to make a drive. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday 11-2 I’m playing in the park gazebo in La Veta by the train station for Art in the Park. I love playing for these events in the park, and the vendors have wonderful art and food to celebrate the day. If you like these kind of events, then come on out! Bring a chair if you want to sit and listen for a spell.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We’ve had so many sweet shows with so many friends lately that I really anticipate these shows with gratefulness and wonder. 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. Next week I get to play at Philmont Scout Ranch, and I also get to go in for an MRI, so it will be way up and a little down for the week. That’s okay. I love life and living it!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of dream songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 29, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where: Art in the Park, La Veta

When:  Saturday, July 1, 11-2

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 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Summer

Well, it’s almost the longest day of the year. Somehow I can actually feel it in my bones. Since I get up to walk Beau for sunrise every day I have an intimate feeling for the seasons. This time of year is filled with activity and life from every being and plant, and it’s so evident when you’re out in it. When the sun rises it’s like a symphony playing everywhere you look. There are birds flitting and bees buzzing and lizards scurrying and deer pogo-sticking. It’s just amazing! And the energy in the sky with rain and sunshine and dew is just electric. The sun comes up here at 5:35, so I’m out by 4:45 with Beau to try and catch the beauty of the light as it progresses. It’s hard to express how it feels to be so in-touch with the earth on these summer mornings. It almost feels chaotic, and yet it is intoxicating. So I’ll be playing summer songs on my Wednesday online show this week to celebrate the summer solstice. The ancients could feel it too, and I encourage you to get out and experience it. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, but one had to reschedule due to water problems. They should have it fixed by now. The others were so enjoyable. I say it every week, but it is a privilege to play for and encourage these folks. 

My Wednesday online show was the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, and it was really a fun show. I don’t know why I didn’t do their music sooner. Everyone was reminiscing and having a good time. 

Thursday was the first night of the Yellow Pine barbecue, and it was like old-home week with all the friends and familiar faces. I love playing for these people!

Saturday was playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk, and it was a perfect evening. Many of my in-person regular friends and fans were there as well as some new faces. It was pretty magical.

Sunday was my online show, and it was a mixture of songs for Father’s Day and requests. I played the 12-string guitar almost the entire evening and I think I am finally comfortable with its cathedral-like sound and touch.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and I know I’ll enjoy every one. I do have some friends come out to see me at these homes, and most of them are comfortable with visitors if you ever want to come too.

Wednesday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be summer songs as I mentioned above. There are so many wonderful songs that embody summer. Please come by and help me celebrate the solstice. 

Thursday 6:30-8 I’ll be playing for the Yellow Pine barbecue once again. The food is as tasty as ever, and they have new tables this year, so it’s much more comfortable and inviting. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a concert at the Francisco for the Performing Arts in La Veta, Colorado. This beautiful old theater is a really cool place to do a show, and I’m honored they asked me to be part of their summer series. Tickets are $20 in person or $21 online. Visit lavetatheaterweb.org for more information. I’d love to play for you there. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time is favorites and requests as always. Every one of these shows is unique and familiar at the same time with our wonderful group of friends and fans. Come on out and make some requests and join in the fun.

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That’s it again for this week. I hope your summer is going well and that you have a chance to stop and enjoy it.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of summer songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where: Francisco Center for the Performing Arts, La Veta. 678-698-4666

When:  Saturday, June 24, 7-9

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 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Listening to Music

This Wednesday my online show will be the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, and it has me thinking of when I really started trying to collect and listen to the music I love. When I was first out of college and on my own around 1984 I started really paying attention to older music that I liked as I heard it in different places. When CDs came out about that time it gave me the opportunity to collect  all the music I wanted to have in my own home. (Who knew It would all be available to freely listen to online one day?!)  I’ve gone through periods of intense seeking for the music of different artists. This included many people including Nat King Cole and Hank Williams. It also included Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers, especially when the radio station that we listened to at work when I lived for a short time in Dallas played a lot of '50s music. The music was so clean and fun with a certain power and sincerity that I was really attracted to. This is partly because both had some of the best sound recording available - the Everly Brothers with Chet Atkins in Nashville, and Ricky Nelson with Bunny Robyn and Jimmie Haskell in Hollywood. So I listened to these artists and a lot of others over and over, and I really fell in love with their music. This Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of their songs. It should make for a fun start to the summer. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. The folks are always so appreciative, and even though it takes a lot of energy to fill them up, it’s worth it!

My Wednesday online show was doing traveling songs, and it was full of great songs and good interactions. I think everyone enjoyed it. 

My Sunday online was favorites and requests as always, and there were some good ones. I never cease to be amazed by the wonderful requests and genuine caring of this group of fine folks. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure they will all be very sweet. One of them is brand new to me,  and I’m really looking forward to meeting the folks and bringing some music to them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers as I mentioned above. this should be a really fun show, so come on out and join in!

Thursday night 6:30-8:00 I start the season at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch playing for the barbecue. This is always a really enjoyable evening of music, food, and friends, and I’d love to have you there if you’re in the area. It’s held in the old historic barn at the ranch, and the barbecue is always good, the atmosphere special, and my music as the backdrop. What else could you ask for? Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday night 7:00-8:30 I’m playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk on the Flood Wall Stage by the boathouse for their summer concert series. I played at this location once before, and the acoustics are great, and the Riverwalk has such a nice presence that I know you’d enjoy it. Come on down if you’re in the Pueblo area. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and since it’s Father’s Day I’m sure I’ll play a few songs for dads. It should be a nice evening, and I appreciate so much the folks who make this an evening to always remember. 

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That’s it for this week. Next week I’ll have the Yellow Pine barbecue plus a concert in La Veta at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday plus my online shows. The summer is starting out very well!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of traveling songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Flood Wall Stage at the Pueblo Riverwalk, Pueblo.

When:  Saturday, June 17, 7-8:30

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 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Relevance

My trip last week and a few other things like meeting new people and reading about cultural changes and AI have made me think about relevance lately - relevance of my life and where relevance fits into our general conversation these days. It’s a big topic, and I only want to say a couple things. We tend to see the world through what we read and the overall consensus of people we meet and interact with. Having the latest things and being in touch with the latest trends would seem to be important. I can see this sometimes in my life, but I also see life through a simpler lens. When I worry that I may be becoming irrelevant with my music and my approach to life, I stop and think again. I was talking to the driver of the car that I rode in from the airport to and fro in Atlanta, and we had an interesting conversation. Although she is from Africa and has lived a life that is different than mine, we both agreed that the most important things in life are that we care for others and that we try to live a good and honest life. We didn’t talk about religion or culture or politics. We did talk a little about the pandemic and how it opened our eyes to what really matters. At the end of the day it is the people and relationships that fulfill us. The trends and the things with which we weigh our relevance just don’t count for much if we don’t love and care for our situation and the people in it. So relevance is not worth worrying about. If you approach life that way, you are more relevant than the most in-tune person in the world.

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What have I been up to?

I only had 3 senior facilities last week because of my trip, but I enjoyed them all! It is an honor to play for them.

My Wednesday performance playing for the national Boy Scout meeting in Atlanta was wonderful. I met so many nice folks and had such a great time. Big thanks to Dan Ownby and everyone who put together such a stellar event. My plane flights were not so wonderful though. I need to find something I can do or take to not feel so awful physically when I fly. I just feel like I’m drunk for the rest of the day - woozy, dizzy, hot. Maybe I need to drive from now on.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was great fun too although I worked on our property all afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday up until my show, so I didn’t have as much time to prepare as I usually like. Sometimes you just have to get things done though.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be rewarding. A couple of them are back to wearing masks with COVID and other viruses, but it’s a small price to pay wearing a mask to protect everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be traveling songs to reflect my trip last week and also folks starting to travel on vacation. It should be a really fun show, and I’d love to have you in the audience.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These nights always end up being really special, and it’s the people and the music that make it, so come on out and enjoy.

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That’s it for this week. Next week the summer really picks up with the start of the Yellow Pine barbecue on Thursday nights and also a performance at the Pueblo Riverwalk on Saturday. Here we go!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of traveling songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 7, 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, June 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time