Celebrating Joy

I’m doing R&B songs on Wednesday night and then playing a wedding for my niece and her fiancée Sunday, so I’m thinking about joy. I’ve always loved songs with some drive and a strong beat, and the rhythm and spirit in R&B music has always been infectious to me. When my toe is tapping and I’m feeling the music in my body I can’t help but move. There is a syncopation and emphasis on the backbeat that has a somewhat hypnotic effect as it plays with what our brains expect and then have fulfilled by the instruments and vocals. I think that’s the best way to describe it. The beat is just slightly delayed, and this creates an expectation and then release that is so satisfying. Similarly, a wedding pushes some of the same buttons. We build up an anticipation of the beautiful moments in a wedding that are then delivered in emotional ways that bring us joy - the moment the couple enters, the moments when they say their vows, the moment when they kiss and are announced. It’s all part of what life is all about. I’m looking forward to both events so much!

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What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities to play last week, and they were all very special. They did have COVID precautions in place at a couple facilities, and I had received COVID, flu, and RSV shots (which went fine other than some sore shoulders). 

My Wednesday show was doing Fall songs, and it was so good to circle back around to these sweet songs. I love the Fall and this audience!

My Sunday show of favorites and requests was a nice time as always. This group of folks is so supportive of me and each other, and it is a joy to be a part of them. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be a great time. There are so many friendly faces and so much music to share. 

My Wednesday show will be ‘60s and ‘70s R&B as I wrote above, and this will be a driving show full of lots of smiles. I love playing this music, and I know it will be a fun night. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. As I said above, I won’t be doing a Sunday night online show because I’ll be on the western slope of Colorado playing for and celebrating my niece's wedding. Here comes a week full of joy!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘60s and ‘70s R&B songs

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

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

Fall

Is it really Fall already? My cooler morning walks definitely say it’s so. It officially starts this coming Saturday, the 23rd. I always write about this season because it is my favorite time of the year. One thing I don’t like about it is that it’s harder to keep my fingers warm when taking pictures on my morning walks with Beau. But when the leaves start to change and life begins to slow a bit I am rejuvenated. Another thing I don’t like about it is that snow comes to the high country, and I can’t get into the mountains as easily until the next summer. But all those things are worth the beauty and relaxed feeling I get from the world around me as we head into the Fall. I think I feel connected enough to the earth that I sense the shift in the land as it seems to exhale at this time in my area. All is saying that it was an exhilarating period of growth and excitement, but now is time to rest and prepare for the winter. I like that. I’m not happy that this season is often seen as depressing, and that songs about this time tend to be more somber. My show on Wednesday will be Fall songs, and I will endeavor to pick out the songs that are more uplifting and positive. I just love this season and want to bring out the joy of the Fall. Do you feel it?

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all so worthwhile. I did wear a mask at 3 facilities that are either taking precautions or have had COVID in their staff. I get my COVID shot today, so hopefully I can dodge it myself as well as keep my folks healthy. 

Senior Safari on Wednesday was a beautiful event this year with lots of folks I knew, perfect weather, and a great playful vibe. It’s so nice to get to do a great event outdoors like this. Big thanks to the Pueblo Zoo staff for pulling it all together. 

My Wednesday online show doing more Jimmy Buffett songs was so much fun too. I got to do some lesser-known songs of his that were requested and were just gems. 

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests had some great songs and folks too as always. I’m just amazed at the great moments we continue to have on these online shows. 

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What am I up to his week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and although that’s a lot, I’m looking forward to every one. I’m also getting my COVID, flu, and RSV vaccinations this morning, so this will be an interesting experiment in endurance. Wish me well!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Fall songs as I wrote above. Every year I have more new songs that are so neat and fun to play. Come on out and listen to Fall!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I love doing these shows, and the interaction online is so much more rewarding than I thought would be possible over the internet. Come on out and join in!

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That’s it for this week. Next week I’ll only be doing a Wednesday online show because Jen and I are headed over the mountains to attend our niece's wedding next Sunday near Grand Junction. I’ll play some songs for them as well for the ceremony and reception. Enjoy the Fall!

Best always,

Tom

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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 20, 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, September 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Taking in Beauty

I traveled over the weekend to our family cabins in New Mexico to close them for the winter, and seeing the beauty on the drive and at the cabins refreshed me like I knew it would. There’s just something about seeing the land and the creatures in it that makes me remember my connection to the earth. It’s something that’s easy to forget in our coddled lives. But when you slow down and let yourself sink into the horizon and the sights, smells, and sounds of a beautiful morning or evening it helps you remember. We really are part of this old earth with every element of our being. It’s kind of a joyous thing. I hope you are able to connect in that way too.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and at one I even had an old friend sit in, and it was such a nice time. I love playing for these folks. 

My Wednesday online show was playing Jimmy Buffett songs to honor his life and songwriting, and it was so much fun that the group asked to do his music again this week. 

Thursday I played the final event of the season for the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, and it was a wonderful evening of food and music and fundraising for the Spanish Peaks Alliance for Wildfire Protection. I’ll miss the ranch until next summer.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and we did a bunch of unexpected songs including some that I’d never played for my online shows before. It was a blast!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m really looking forward to all of them. It’s hard to explain the satisfaction of knowing you’re giving something of value to others. And as I always say, I get just as much or more out of it than they do. 

Wednesday 10:30-1 I’m playing for the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo once again. This is one of my favorite events of the year, and there will be friends and folks from my senior facilities out to see the zoo, eat some pizza, listen to my music, and play a little zoo bingo from 1-2. It’s part of senior week which is a free week at the zoo for all seniors. You can find out more here - pueblozoo.org/senior-week. Come on out!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Jimmy Buffett once again. Everyone had such a good time last week celebrating his life and music that they asked for another night. He had some great tunes, and I’m learning some more, so come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as per usual, and it’s always a lovely evening of friends and music. I hope you’ll tune in too!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you can take in some beauty this week. It’s so good for us!

Best,

Tom

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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 13, 10:30-1

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Jimmy Buffett songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 13, 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, September 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday night. I always liked his music, but the reason I want to write about him is because of his lifestyle. He seemed to be the epitome of someone who just lived his best life. That’s a newer phrase in the last few years to me, but it’s one I’ve pondered many times. I don’t really worry much about making plans or having bucket lists. I’ve always gone with the flow for the most part. But I also haven’t taken huge chances. Jimmy was one who would go on grand adventures with no worries about whether they would fail. If they did fail he’d say he got a great story. In one of his adventures he flew a sea plane to Jamaica just to get some Jamaican chicken with friends, and he was almost shot out of the sky by officials who mistook his plane for a drug runner. He got a story and a song called “Jamaica Mistaica” out of that. Paul McCartney commented at Jimmy’s passing that “When we swapped tales about the past his (Jimmy’s) were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.” Another friend remarked that even when Jimmy was deep into cancer treatment a couple months before his death and was told to rest he instead jetted away to play a concert. That’s a zest for life that you have to admire. And his music could be simple or complex, but he gained a following for a music that was all his own. His followers are many and diverse and have all been affected by his love and joy for life. A song I just learned that will be released on his new album in October says, “Just know that you are loved, there is light up above, and the joy is always enough, bubbles up.” This refers to the advice divers give each other when they are confused underwater on which way is up to follow the bubbles, and it applies so well to life. Bubbles, up, my friend!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all very nice. It’s always a pleasure. 

My Wednesday online show was doing work songs for Labor Day, and it was a good night of swell tunes. More folks came out for it than I expected, and we had a wonderful evening. Happy Labor Day!

Saturday I played for the KLZR Radio Block Party in Westcliffe, Colorado, and I forgot how many great folks and friends I have up there. I haven’t played there in a few years with COVID and all, but so many people came out to hear me play, and we had a sweet time!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a very fine evening as always. There were a few new songs and old songs that were new to the group including “Bubbles Up” that I mentioned above. I love this group.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one. I’m so honored always to play for these folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a tribute to Jimmy Buffett like I mentioned above. It should be a nice night of remembrances and tunes. I’d love to have you there if you love the music of Jimmy Buffett or even may be a Parrot Head, as Jimmy’s fans call themselves.

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m playing the AA (alcohol and appetizer) party at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch that we always have the Thursday after Labor Day. It’s a bring-your-own appetizer to share and whatever bring-your-own beverage you prefer evening that’s also a fundraiser for the local fire folks who protect the valley up there. It’s always a great time that mostly draws local folks, but everyone is welcome. I’d love to see you if you’re in the area or want to make a short trip to the mountains.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll be in the mountains before the show closing cabins, so I’ll have that great mountain energy that I love to bring to a show. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I have the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo and the Fall Festival at the Littleton Museum coming up this Fall, so there’s always something to look forward to! Be well, and once again, Bubbles Up!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Jimmy Buffett songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the Alcohol and Appetizer fundraiser

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

When:  Thursday, September 7, 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 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time