New Year

I’m playing an online show for New Year’s Eve, and that has me thinking about the significance of the turning of the calendar. We tend to make a big deal out of the end of one year and the starting of the next. There is a lot of symbolic meaning around it. People like to take stock and make resolutions of how they can improve and move forward. I like to take stock too and use the new year as a time for both reflection and planning, but as I grow older it is not as big a deal. I’m not necessarily looking back, but I’m not making big plans for the future either. I think that’s a healthy thing. Many times planning comes from an angst about accomplishment and  a lack of fulfillment that neglects living in the moment and having contentment in your life. New Year’s Eve is still a night that people like to have a good time with those they love. If you take off the pressure of making it the “best ever” it can be a fun evening of music and camaraderie. That’s how I look at it now. Yes, I’ll still do some end-of-the-year stuff for business, and in the new year I’ll look at what’s coming and make some plans, but I’ll do it with less expectation and craziness. Happy New Year!

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to write about my senior facilities last week, and I’m sorry I didn’t. I played for 8 different places, and the Christmas and holiday spirit was strong and so special. I say it a lot, but I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was on Christmas night and I had many more people than I expected come out to celebrate Christmas and share a meaningful evening with friends and music. It made a nice close to a good day.

Friday night I played the Grand View restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, and the place was packed with folks enjoying the holiday weekend and magic of the season. It was a grand night.

Sunday I also played the Grand View restaurant to a nice brunch with nice folks - even some I knew. I arranged several new songs for instrumental guitar, and it was very sweet.

My Sunday online show was a special one where I did my favorite songs I’ve learned in the past year with my favorite sunrise pictures as the backdrop. It was a very cool night of tunes that I definitely want to keep playing. The group was really into it too!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities to play for this week including one on New Year’s Day. It will be a fun time of party songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be changed to Tuesday night to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking for an alternative to going out or watching the ball drop on TV for another year, then join me for some music and friendship online 7-8:45 mountain time. It’ll be a great time!

Friday night 6-9 although I may play earlier the rest of the winter 5-8 I’ll be back at the Grand View restaurant at the Garden of the God Club playing instrumental guitar tunes. I’ll know sometime this week if I’ll play earlier. Reservations are a must unless you’d like to sit at the bar. 888-994-3156

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests this week. I love this evening and the folks who come out to share themselves and enjoy the music. Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you enjoy your New Year’s celebrations and maybe a day off. Here’s to a great new year no matter where life finds you.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of New Year’s Eve songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, January 3, 6-9 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, January 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Day

This Wednesday is Christmas, and that has me thinking about how we spend Christmas. I build up expectations about Christmas as December progresses. I think that comes from being a kid and looking forward to presents and family. I still consider it a magic time regardless of where life has taken me. Some years have been happy and some sad. Some have been spent at home and some in other places with a variety of circumstances, from ski resorts to hospital visits. Some years I’ve worked - playing for Christmas brunches or Christmas parties. Of course I really fall strongly into the Christmas spirit with so many holiday songs and so many Christmas shows for my senior facilities and concerts. By Christmas Day I’m usually ready to stop playing them. One year I recorded my Christmas album in early January on purpose so that I would be well-rehearsed on the songs and able to record them easily and with some flair. What do I do nowadays on Christmas Day? First, we like to have a peaceful Christmas Eve with some sort of special food and music. We sometimes drive around neighborhoods to see Christmas lights. On Christmas morning I don’t sleep in. I like to get up early to greet the sun - walking with Beau, our dog, to see the beauty of the early morning. Then we have a relaxing breakfast and a leisurely morning before we open presents. It’s just me and Jen and our dog Beau and cat Tuzi. Our pets actually get pretty excited about opening presents. Beau loves his toys, and Tuzi loves the boxes and wrapping paper. Jen and I usually pick our own presents, and it’s hard waiting to open them if it’s something we’ve been expecting and looking forward to using for a month or more. It’s difficult to relax for the rest of the day, and so usually there’s a project to work on to round out the afternoon before we have a special dinner and see a movie that evening. It’s a nice day. It’s different than the years we would travel a bit and see a lot of family. I usually work right up to Christmas and right after, so it’s great to have a day to relax. As I mentioned at the top, this year I’ll do an online show on Christmas Day of holiday songs I didn’t get to this season as well as other fun winter songs and requests. How about you? How do you spend Christmas Day?

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What have I been up to?

Last week I played for 14 senior facilities. I had one more scheduled, but they had to cancel with a Covid quarantine. That’s the first one this season that has had an outbreak bad enough to isolate their residents in their rooms. I hope they get it under control soon so they can have some semblance of a normal Christmas. I did have a couple others with Covid that were requiring masks, but they didn’t have to isolate their folks. It’s a hard time to be dealing with illness.

My Wednesday online show was Christmas hymns, and it was just as special as I hoped it would be. There is something so familiar and sweet about the old Christmas hymns that we’ve known all our lives. I think everyone in the audience enjoyed it too.

Friday night I played Christmas songs on the guitar for the Garden of the Gods Club, and it was really fun making up clever arrangements for so many Christmas songs.

Sunday morning I also played at the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch, and it was just as special. Some of the Christmas songs are really fun to noodle on! Santa’s and Mrs Claus were there for the kids, and I had a nice group of appreciative folks.

My Sunday show was playing favorites and requests, and there were some great Christmas songs we finally got to. I love playing for these folks so much!

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What am I up to this week?

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas leftovers - holiday songs we still haven’t gotten to out of a list of 200 or so plus other winter and seasonal favorites. If you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Day evening then tune in and enjoy!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs playing instrumental guitar. It’s such a beautiful place with views to die for. Make reservations now if you’d like to come. 888-994-3156

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m also at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs playing for brunch. It’s a wonderful place to bring visiting guests for a really nice time. 888-994-3156 for reservations. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a little different for this Sunday. I’m going to do my favorite songs from this year along with my favorite sunrise pictures as the backdrop too. Come on out and hear some neat tunes with stunning views. 

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That’s it for Christmas week. I hope you have an amazing Christmas, and I should also tell you that I’ll be doing a New Year’s Eve online show 7-8:45 in case you’re making plans for that night. 

Best holiday wishes,  

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas leftovers

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, December 27, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, December 29, 10 am to 2 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 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Christmas Hymns

This Wednesday I’m doing an online show of Christmas hymns, and there are some truly special songs in the hymns. These are the songs that feel the most like the sacred Christmas Eves I can remember over the years. Those are the times I can remember special church services and family gatherings. There were candlelight ceremonies that ended at midnight with soft snow falling and evenings enjoying Christmas lights and favorite albums with beautiful renditions of the best of the hymns. The feeling was so quiet and special. That’s when it really feels like Christmas to me. Some of it is the story of the Christ child, and some of it is just the gentle reverence of solitude when everyone is with their immediate family in the best expression of love. The other thing about the hymns is that people have heard them and know a verse and chorus by heart. Sharing in this creates the same peaceful feeling of community throughout our lives. So Wednesday I’ll do just hymns from days gone by.  

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What have I been up to?

Last week I played for 11 senior facilities, and the Christmas spirit was really strong. These folks are very special. 

My Wednesday online show was fun Christmas songs, and that’s exactly what it was. We had a blast!

Friday night I played at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs for a legislative academy graduation that was wonderful. I play for these folks once a year, and it’s always a treat. 

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, there were some new Christmas songs and old favorites. I love playing for these evenings with good friends. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 15 senior facilities, and yes, that’s a lot! I’ll be a great time building up to Christmas in just another few days. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas hymns as I wrote about above. This will be a sweet night of friendship and tunes. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental tunes again. This is such a beautiful restaurant with such nice guests. It’s a great night out if you’re looking for a yummy Friday night meal with my music. 

Sunday morning I’m also at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant for brunch. It’s off the brunch menu, and it’s great. I’d love to have you there if you’re near Colorado Springs. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. This is also the cap at the end of the week that is the cherry on top. Please tune in if you can!

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That’s it for this week. I hope your holiday season is going well. Gosh, I need to finish my Christmas cards! 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas hymns

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, December 20, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, December 22, 10 am to 2 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 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Season of Giving

I’ve been reading a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer called “The Serviceberry” that echoes something I wrote about before Thanksgiving in my blog titled “Gratitude”. I’ve been thinking of this in light of this time of year that we often call the season of giving. I suggested in my blog that if we understood that “gifts and payments we make to each other are gestures of kindness and respect that we pass back and forth then “we might have a better understanding of this life”. She takes this further into an understanding that receiving a physical item from others out of abundance or kindness creates a relationship that is stronger and more beneficial to each other than purchasing the same item - especially if we then share it with others out of abundance or re-gift it when we are done with it. She says that we see things received as a gift in a different way than how we see a purchased thing. We also take better care of it.  When we see items as gifts then they are no longer objects or property - commodities in a market economy, they have meaning and real value. Ultimately she sees everything as a gift from the abundance of the earth, and so she sees a big web of reciprocity that we create to make better societies and a better world. One of her examples was of a hunter from the Brazilian rainforest who brought home a big kill. When asked where he would store the meat, he said he would invite his family and friends to a feast and thus “store the meat in the belly of his brother.” He knew that person would reciprocate when there was abundance and a chance to give in return. There wouldn’t be money exchanged, but instead gratitude and connection. I like that! I would tie to that another concept I’ve written about. I think that giving is a well that we can tap. When tapped, this well flows and increases as long as we continue to give. I’ve sure found this in my life. So I hope you are able to give and to receive the joy and connection that comes from giving at this time of year.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and all of them were so enjoyable as we started doing all the great Christmas songs. I love interacting with these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing less-known Christmas songs, and there were some great ones. I think the audience really connected with these gems.

Friday night I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View restaurant, and I had so many very nice people including a little girl who was celebrating her 8th birthday. I even had some very good friends come out to dinner and to listen. Thanks! It was a good night.

My Sunday show was requests and favorites, and there was a good mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I had a good number of folks, and they really got into the spirit.

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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. This season is just chock-full of love and giving, and it’s an honor to be part of spreading it to everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be fun Christmas songs, and there are so many. This will be a blast, and I’m really looking forward to a super night. Come on out!

Friday night I’m playing for a group at the Broadmoor that I have played for many, many times. It’s the Council of State Governments West graduation of the their training that they put on in Colorado Springs every year. It’s always a great night of stellar people and great food and sights. I’m so happy to get to play it each year.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know we’ll be in the Christmas spirit. Come on out and enjoy it!

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That’s it for this week. Looking ahead I will be doing an online show on Christmas Day in the evening as I always do on Wednesdays that should be very special. Also I’ll do a New Year’s Eve online show to ring in the new year as I usually do if you’re looking for something fun to do and don’t want to go out on New Year’s Eve.

I hope you’re healthy and happy and enjoying the holiday season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of fun Christmas songs

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

When:  Wednesday, December 11, 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 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Month

I love Christmas tunes. I’ve written before that it is unique in all music (at least here in America) because almost everyone knows the same songs that we grew up with. The only thing comparable would be sing-along songs or maybe Church songs if you’re a churchgoer. As such we share a familiarity and love for these songs that is deeper than most songs, and it goes across all ages for the most part. I can’t get enough of them whether they’re fun Santa and snow songs, old hymns, or touching songs of the season. Because of that, I’m planning something different for my online shows this December. I’m devoting all the Wednesday theme shows before Christmas to different types of holiday music. There are so many great Christmas songs that I thought this would assure we get to more of the really good ones. The first week will be less-known songs of all types. The second week will be fun Christmas songs, and the third week will be Christmas hymns. The fourth week Wednesday actually falls on Christmas Day, so that day will be a mix of Christmas leftovers and requests. I think this will make for a wonderful holiday season this year!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week even with the Thanksgiving holiday in the middle of it. I sang thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs, and it was just wonderful.

My Wednesday online show was singing thankful songs, and a lot of folks came out to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with me. This is quite a community of sweet friends and followers.

Friday evening I played instrumental tunes for the diners at the Pueblo Country Club, and I had some good friends come out there too. It was another nice evening at a place I haven’t played in quite some time.

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, and there were some very nice requests. I broke in a couple of Christmas songs for good measure. I love this group!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to starting out the Christmas season right with everyone. This is such a magical time to share with my seniors.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be less-known Christmas songs as I wrote above. There will be some fun and some new songs to most of the listeners. When a song is new to me or I have a song to share that most folks don’t know it’s a marvelous thing. I expect there will be many on this night! Come on out!

Friday 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of Gods Club playing instrumental tunes in the Grand View Restaurant. It will be sweet sharing holiday songs and other seasonal favorites with the folks there. I’d love to play for you too. It is open to the public, and reservations are a must. 888-994-3156

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a great night with the Munch Bunch and others who tune in. I’d love to have you as well.

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That’s it for this week. I so enjoy getting into this season of the year, and I hope you bring the holidays into your heart and enjoy them too.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of less-known Christmas songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, December 6, 6-9 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 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Gratitude

It’s Thanksgiving week, and it’s the time for reflection on the things we are thankful for. I’ve often heard in recent years that we should always approach our days with an attitude of gratefulness and grace. I agree with this, and last year I made the argument that we are worthy of the things we receive. To add to this I will say that we regularly don’t expect giving from others, but that maybe we should. If we all gave to each other on a continuous basis we would be happier and better people, I think. I remember a time many years ago when a friend gave me something and I thanked him. He replied with something like, “We just give back and forth to each other.” By that he meant that the gifts and payments we make to each other are gestures of kindness and respect that we pass back and forth. I like this. If we saw the money and things we exchange like this we might have a better understanding of this life. It’s really just showing that we’re thankful and respectful for the time and effort that someone has spent for our benefit. In the end this is all that matters - the interaction and care, not the money and stuff. So I’m thankful for what’s given to me and shared with me - the time, care, help, and yes, love. And I will keep giving with gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

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What have I been up to?

I had 15 senior facilities last week, and they were all a blast with thankful songs and smiling faces. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1969 again, and everyone got into another batch of great songs from that year. It was quite a time.

Sunday morning I played for brunch at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant. I had a good time making up new arrangements of songs and playing old favorites. It’s fun to see which songs the audience notices as they enjoy their food and company.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were some good ones. I love this audience of Munch Bunchers.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to sharing more thankful songs with them all and reminiscing about Thanksgiving celebrations. This is such a wonderful time to share music.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be thankful songs, and there are some great ones.  Come on by and join in the fun and gratitude if you’re free on Wednesday night!

Friday evening 5-7 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Pueblo Country Club. This is the first time I’ve played instrumental tunes there, and I’m looking forward to it! It’s for members and their guests only, so if you’re a member come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always a great time with the Munch Bunch. Hope you can join in. 

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

Best always,

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 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes for members and their guests

Where:  Pueblo Country Club

When:  Friday, November 29, 5 - 7 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 1, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

1969

I’m doing a second week of tunes from 1969 for my Wednesday night online theme show, so I thought I’d write a little about 1969. Of course, it was a pretty turbulent year in the US with the Vietnam War still raging and a new president (Nixon) in the White House. It was the year of Woodstock and the first moon landing, so there was a lot of hope and music. The Beatles made their last performance on the roof of Apple Records and released “Abbey Road” as Monty Python made their first TV episode. David Bowie released “Space Oddity” as Edward Kennedy drove off a bridge in Chappaquiddick and Mary Jo Kopechne drowned. Charles Manson killed 5 people in LA as “The Brady Bunch” aired for the first time (which I remember watching all the time). Finally at the end of the year The Rolling Stones had a concert at Altamont with the Hells Angels working security where 4 people died, as Tiny Tim and Miss Vicky got married on Johnny Carson’s show. There were so many things happening in that year, but as a little kid in Nebraska in 2nd and 3rd grade I just remember seeing some of this stuff on the TV news as I had my first kiss and struggled with math class. My brother was off to college, and my 3 teenage sisters were still at home, so there was lots of activity in the house. We had a cat who was having litters of kittens that I remember naming and playing with. I was taking piano lessons, but I had no illusions about playing the great music I was hearing on the radio as a career although I could sing along to all my favorites. We spent some time in the mountains that summer as well as spending weekends going to a lake where we could swim and row around in a rowboat or sail with our dad in his sailboat. I remember watching Neil Armstrong take that “small step for man” on TV with Walter Cronkite commenting. It was all pretty magical, and some of these moments come back when I play the music of that year, although I have later memories of hearing these tunes as well. It was quite a year, and I’m looking forward to Wednesday’s celebration of the music from 1969. What are your memories from 1969?

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities to play for last week, and I really loved playing for all of them. I started doing thankful songs for Thanksgiving as well as doing some of the 1969 songs I was doing for the Wednesday show last week. 

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1969 as I wrote above, and it was a blast. There was lots of rock and roll and lots of memories shared.

Friday night I played the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, and I had a great time especially since I got to see a friend who had run the La Veta Inn when I played there 20 years ago.

Sunday morning I played the Grand View Restaurant again for brunch, and I had a nice group of folks who were very complimentary. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones and unexpected ones which I always love. This online group is so wonderful to be a part of.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 15 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. It takes so little to do so much for people sometimes. Music is magic.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1969 as I wrote above. This will be a blast, and I know the group will be in fine form. Come on out!

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch. I’m having so much fun coming up with arrangements of so many great melodies and favorite songs. And the food looks scrumptious! Come out if you can, and definitely make reservations - 888-994-3156.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I cherish these Sunday nights when I get to spend the evening with such good people playing good music. You’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. Next week is Thanksgiving, and I’ll do a special show of thankful songs on Thanksgiving Eve. That will be sweet! I hope you’re happy and healthy. If you’re not, then I’m sending out “hugs and howls” as the Munch Bunch says to give you strength and peace.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, November 24, 11 am - 2 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, November 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Change

I wanted to write something relevant to the election we just had last week. No matter what you think of the results or the myriad issues surrounding the state of the nation, there is one thing for sure - there will be some significant change in the coming years. Like always, change can be good and bad. I’m not one who shies away from change. At times I have sought it out for the excitement and challenge it brings. As I get older I don’t like it as much because I’ve found that I’m not as malleable or as sharp as I once was. Change also means uncertainty which is hard to deal with in older age. We kind of want everything worked out and secure when it becomes time to retire. But I’m not quite to retirement yet, and I think I can roll with the punches if they’re not too jarring. As I look back over my life I’ve dealt with more change than it seems between job changes and family and other losses. Some of it was gradual, and some of it was sudden and unexpected. I’ve learned and been scarred from many of them, and still I feel pretty objective and optimistic. I often say, “one day we’ll all understand”, and I think that fits the present changes. So whether you’re upset or ecstatic over the election, I hope you find some comfort or joy in these words.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and unfortunately 2 of them had to be cancelled and rescheduled when the big snowstorm rolled in and shut down the interstate on Friday south of here. One of them was just getting over a COVID outbreak, so I had to wear a mask there. I enjoyed seeing all the folks and offering up some musical encouragement.

My Wednesday online show was doing outlaw songs, and it was so much fun sharing these sometimes gritty and exciting songs. The group seemed to really enjoy it.

Friday night I drove through the snow to play guitar instrumentals for the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. I added some more new instrumentals that went over well. 

My Sunday online show was a good one too. I’m so thankful to have such a great community of fans and friends who share my joy in the music.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week including a veterans’ show tomorrow morning for Veterans Day. I love playing for these folks!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1969 as a continuation of the songs from different years of the early 1970s that I did over this past year on several theme nights. There were a lot of great songs from 1969, and I’m really looking forward to playing them. Come on out if you have favorites from this year!

Friday night 6-9 I’m playing instrumental guitar tunes at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs once again, and I know it’ll be fun playing more cool arrangements of songs I know. Come out and listen and have a great meal.

Reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

Sunday morning 11-2 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs to play for brunch. The view is so pretty that it’s worth it just for that. Again reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests again, and I always look forward to these satisfying evenings of friendship and great tunes. I’d love to have you tune in too.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you have your own ways of dealing with change that help you no matter what may come.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1969 songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 15, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, November 17, 11 am - 2 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, November 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Outlaws

I’m doing a show of outlaw songs on Wednesday, and so I’m thinking about the old outlaw legends and what drives folks to become outlaws. We’ve all heard the stories of the outlaws of the old west up through the present day. There has always been a romance about them that probably goes all the way back to characters like Robin Hood. Some of the outlaws were truly bad men who committed heinous crimes, and some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and had tall tales that spread about them. I think we all have a little outlaw spirit in us whether we express it through stealing a piece of candy as a kid or speeding down the highway as a teen or adult. Most of the time we are just rebels without a cause - feeling like we need to misbehave just to get a thrill and to feel like we aren’t dominated by a perceived injustice. It’s silly most of the time, and I’ve seen it in myself. Of course, there are some who take it too far and really hurt others with their carelessness or scofflaw attitude. We all have to live together somehow, and the rules do help keep us to a shared ethics that we have agreed to. But there is always that devil-may-care dream of freedom and randomness that tempts us. I’m old enough now that I think I’ll just stick to the outlaw songs.

——

What have I been up to?

I only had 5 senior facilities last week , and so I got time to work on projects and have some time off. I really enjoyed the facilities I had, especially since it was Halloween week and we were doing all the fun and spooky Halloween songs.

My Wednesday online show was doing Halloween songs, and it was a lot of fun again creating a spooky backdrop and playing with lighting and effects. The songs and audience were spooky and great too. Boo! I love doing these shows.

Friday night I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club and I had a packed house that was very appreciative. I’m getting much more comfortable with playing all these guitar tunes now, and I’m still creating arrangements on the fly of songs I like or requests I get.

My Sunday online show was a banner night of favorites tunes and good requests. I’m always amazed at how meaningful and enjoyable these nights are.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and now I’m doing songs to build up to the holidays. This is a fun time of year, and I love sharing it with these folks!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing outlaw songs as I wrote of above. I’ll be doing mostly old west outlaw songs for this show although I may include a couple surprises. It should be a good time, and you’re welcome to join me!

Friday night 6-9 I’m playing instrumental tunes again at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. It’s always an interesting time of doing songs to see who reacts and comments on their walk by me. I love to surprise the audience with something unexpected and seasonal. Come on out if you can. Reservations are a must - 888-994-3156.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always a wonderful evening of friendship and surprises. I’d love to have you tune in if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you can control your outlaw urges this week! :-)

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of outlaw songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 8, 6-9 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, November 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Purpose

I’m thinking this morning about how my mindset is affected by how I approach life each day. I find that if I don’t frame my day when I first get up then I tend to wander without direction and purpose throughout the day. I can pick up a bad attitude while reading news or worrying over bills and correspondence that affects my music and how I perform and how I treat people the rest of the day. I mentioned before how one of my residents at a senior facility once told me that my purpose is to encourage others and give them joy with my music and interaction. I took that to heart, and I still think of it when I start my day. Of course my philosophy is one of looking at the big picture and believing the best about every person. It’s easy to forget these things on some days when I go out in the world. On these days I tend to be lost in my own head and my own thoughts, and I don’t give my all like I want to. I find that if I just slow down for a minute and increase my awareness of what is going on in the big picture then I can resume my purpose and be happier. That’s really all it takes. How about you? How do you frame your day?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and it was so cool doing fun and spooky Halloween tunes for the folks. A couple of them I got to play outside on beautiful Fall days that just sparkled!

My Wednesday online show was doing Halloween songs, and it was a blast. I had a great group of folks who really got into the spirit with me. We’ll do it again this week with more tunes.

Friday night at Garden of the Gods Club playing instrumental tunes was very sweet. I’m having so much fun working up arrangements of songs I usually sing and finding other songs with strong melodies that I can pour myself into.

Saturday night I played at the Garden of the Gods Club again in the Rocks Lounge for some really nice folks from different parts of the country who were so appreciative and kind. I forgot how much fun it can be to play for and talk with hotel guests like I used to have at the Pueblo West Inn so many years ago.

My Sunday online show was a spontaneous adventure where we ended up doing a mini Simon and Garfunkel theme for part of the night. It’s always such a ride with my Sunday night group that never fails to thrill me.

——

What am I up to this week?

I only have 5 senior facilities this week since for 3 days it’s a 5th week of the month again where many of my monthly repeating gigs don’t fall. It’ll be a fun week of Halloween shows - especially on Halloween where one of them is a party where I can dress up a bit and get into the spooky tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween tunes again with special lighting and costuming and effects to paint the right mood. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods playing instrumental tunes in the Grand View Restaurant. I’d love to see you there if you’re up for a great meal with one of the best views in the state with Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak out the window over a beautiful lawn and pond. Call 888-994-3156 for reservations.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These Sunday nights always turn into a strong night of good tunes and friendship with folks tuning in from all over the country. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m booking Garden of the Gods regularly playing instrumental tunes - 5 nights next month, and I just booked Friday, November 29th at the Pueblo Country Club playing instrumental tunes too. With my voice aging and not being able to hit some of the high notes as well this is probably a good thing that I’m playing more of these fun instrumental gigs. 

I hope you’re heathy and happy. Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday.

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 1, 6-9 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, November 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Halloween

I’m thinking today of Halloween since I am doing an online Halloween show this Wednesday and next Wednesday. I’ve always enjoyed the fun aspects of Halloween. It comes from that innocent time of kids growing up after the war when we dressed up in costumes to go trick or treating. The biggest fear we had was that someone might slip a needle or a razor into our caramel apple or popcorn ball. I never really liked scary movies - especially when they had demons or supernatural elements to them. I had enough nightmares just from scary TV shows like “Dark Shadows”. We say it often, but it really was a simpler time. One of my favorite memories was the year I made a werewolf mask out of a milk jug, the fur from a buffalo hide, some green shiny buttons for eyes, a piece of screen, a grocery sack, and some masking tape and spray paint. It looked so realistic at the time to me, and I delighted in jumping out of the alley as other kids walked by and growling and howling at them. Then in high school we had fun costume parties where we’d try to be as creative as we could be with our costumes and party games. It was all pretty innocuous and fun. Even in college we delighted in sitting in an empty field on a dark night and scaring each other with ghost stories. That kind of frivolity has always been the way I think of Halloween through the years. So Wednesday I’ll do a bunch of Halloween songs both spooky and fun. I’ll add a cool green-screen backdrop and wear my skeleton vest. How about you? What does Halloween do for you?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and all but one wanted some Halloween tunes. There was a full moon too, so everyone was primed for it. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing another batch of songs I’ve never done for my online shows, and there were some good ones - both familiar and new. I think everyone really enjoyed it.

Friday night I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club for a good audience. People are so appreciative of the little unexpected touches - even when it’s background music. It’s refreshing how you can create the atmosphere that makes an evening special for folks.

Saturday I did an online show of Philmont songs for a great audience of Philmont friends. It’s so great to be able to connect with people you haven’t seen in years with songs that bring back so many memories.

Sunday brunch I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club for another good audience of diners. I’m working up some new instrumental tunes so I never bore myself or the staff with the same songs. Sometimes I can do a spontaneous arrangement of a tune that I sing as an instrumental that really works.

I forgot to mention my Sunday online show last week in my weekly “What am I up to this week?” blog detail, and it was good one. So many people come out on a Sunday night to say “Hello!” and enjoy the music. It’s always so gratifying and rewarding to see so many folks.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and it should be a delightful week of Halloween songs and jokes. This is a fun month!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween songs as I mentioned above. It should be a rollicking good time with some spooky songs thrown in for good measure. Come on out!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental tunes. It’s really a nice restaurant with good food and views. It’s probably the best view in town with their beautiful lawn and pond and landscaping providing a perfect foreground to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. You really have to see it. I recommend reservations. Call 888-994-3156 ASAP if you’d like to come.

Saturday night 6-9 I’m also back at the Garden of the Gods Club, but this night I’m in the members-only Rocks Lounge. I’ve only played this room once before on the lawn outside, and I assume I’ll be inside this time since the forecast is only calling for temperatures in the 50s when I start. When I was in the restaurant last Friday the lounge was really hopping, so I expect it’ll be a really fun night. Come on out if you’re a member or guest.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll have great energy and lots of enthusiastic folks. It’s so good to have a place to play where people enjoy each other and the music.

——

That’s it for this week. It’s really feeling like Fall this past week with much cooler temperatures and snow in the mountains. October is pretty sweet! I hope you’re healthy and happy, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 25, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Rocks Lounge. 888-994-3156

When:  Saturday, October 26, 6-9 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, October 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Busy

I was looking at my schedule this week, and I started to feel a little overwhelmed. I never thought I’d be this busy again when everything slowed down during the pandemic. I figured that there were some things that would never really happen again. Many of my musician friends got back to work as fast as they could, but I held back because I had liked more time at home. I love to play, and I know I will never completely stop, but something inside me changed as those months wore on in 2020. Though I played online and recorded and played over the Internet for as many of my senior facilities as I could, I just never thought I’d be back with a vengeance to those early times of playing several nights a week. But now I’m suddenly very lucky with requests from all corners to have me play at several venues and many events. It’s a blessing to be sure, but I’m finding that I lack the drive I once had for some of the tunes, and I’m not sure why. Some of it is because I can’t hit the notes I used to reach with my voice and pick the fingerings I used to flow through on the guitar. There are moments when I break through the limitations and have a blast, but I have to work harder to find these. I realize too that I have to make more time for joy and relaxation so that I have the balance that keeps the enthusiasm up. I’ll find my way like always, but it’s worth reflecting for a moment and taking stock. I know we all go through these thoughts, and voicing them lets us share the realization and move forward. I’m just turning the stone over to see different facets.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. One of them has a lot of Covid cases now and I’m really hoping they can get through this infection without much pain and suffering. It’s tough watching them go through it.

My Wednesday online show was doing the music of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen, and it was great sharing his music and remembering his life. He wrote some really good songs.

Saturday I played at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival, and it was so much fun seeing all the kids and parents in the pumpkin patch playing and picking out pumpkins and listening to my music. I love playing this event.

Saturday evening I played a 1969-1972 high school reunion for Pueblo Central High, and it was fun doing a lot of the tunes I have recently played for some of my online 1970s shows. They really had a good time.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had a great group of friends come out to support me and each other and enjoy some special tunes. I love this group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I know they will all be loads of fun. I’m doing mostly Halloween songs now, and it’s a goofy, spooky time.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be what I call “never done” songs - songs I haven’t ever played for these online shows. This is always a good time playing songs that people don’t know that I have learned and performed. Come on out if you’d like to hear some real gems!

Friday 6-9 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant again. I have really been enjoying these nights, and I do different songs every time. Come on out if you’d like to hear some first-class noodling!

Saturday night 7-9 I’m playing an online show for Philmont alumni as I do 3 times a year. This is a chance to reminisce with good friends I worked with or who shared the same experiences I did when I was in high school and college at Philmont. Come on out if you’re a Philmont alum!

Sunday 11-2 I’m playing instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for brunch. This is such a great venue with very beautiful views. It’s open to the public, and I really recommend calling ahead for a reservation if you’d like to come out!

——

That’s it for another week. It’s great to be so busy. I just need to take time to breathe occasionally. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of “Never Done” songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 18, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where:  facebook.com/share/sLzZUYu1EEUvyMNN/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, October 19, 7-9 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, October 20, 11 am - 2 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 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Tributes

I’m doing a tribute to Kris Kristofferson Wednesday online, and that has me thinking of all the tributes I’ve done and all the musicians who have contributed so much to the lives we all live. I’m always amazed at how a song can affect a person’s life and outlook, and when I think that a song started as just an idea in a songwriter’s head I’m even more amazed. Some songs are contrived to sell, and some songs are a labor of love that has to be expressed. Either way when we hear them they have an impact on us in an almost unexplainable way. And the people who choose to go into music will do it for all kinds of reasons - fame, fortune, love, or just because they are internally compelled to. The ones who are able to make a lifetime career are the ones I usually do tributes to. I respect the effort and resilience they have to keep going even when the business isn’t great for them and they only see the smiles on their audience’s faces. And unfortunately some of the tributes I’ve done have been in remembrance as some musicians have passed. I believe in keeping their music alive even if that music seems irrelevant. A lot of understanding can come from the heart that someone put into a song - even if that song is 20 or 200 years old. So I’ll pay tribute to Kris Kristofferson on Wednesday and many who played with him and celebrated him.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was fun starting to play Halloween songs or them. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs about wildlife, and it was creative and fun. I love doing shows where there is some leeway for some surprises. I think the audience really liked it too.

Friday I was at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant in Colorado Springs, and I had a good group of folks to play for. I played the guitar that I have tuned down to a lower pitch, and it makes the instrumental songs I play there have a really interesting quality to them. Several people noticed and gave me compliments. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones. We always have a Zoom call before the show, and these are really fun too. You’re always welcome to join in.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. It’s always an interesting dynamic. They all know that I love and respect them, and that makes it all worthwhile.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen as I wrote above. Kris was a wonderful songwriter with a touch of heart that belied his gruff persona. So many of his songs speak right to me, and I will do a few songs from the Highwaymen as well to round out the show. Come on out!

Saturday 11-1 I’m playing at the Littleton Museum outside in the pumpkin patch for their Harvest Festival. This is a really fun event that I’ve played for several years now. I’ll be in the tent by the pumpkin patch where families will be picking out their Halloween pumpkins and going for a wagon ride. It’s really cool and a good time. Come on out if you’re in the Denver area!

Saturday evening I’m playing a high school reunion in Pueblo that should be great fun too with all the songs I know from 1967 to 1972. I was made for these kinds of parties.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will be a good night with good requests and great friends. I never have a bad time at these shows. Tune in if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. The Fall is really coming on now. Jen, Beau and I went for a drive to see the leaves changing in the mountains of southern Colorado last Saturday, and it was beautiful. I can’t say enough how much I love this time of year even as my morning walks with Beau get chillier. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Kris Kristofferson and the Highwaymen songs

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

When:  Wednesday, October 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing at the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival

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

When:  Saturday, October 12, 11 am -1 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 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Wildlife

 My show this Wednesday online will be about wildlife, so I thought I’d share with you a couple reflections on my interaction with wildlife. I’ve spent a lot of time in the outdoors ever since I was a kid hiking in the mountains and generally being outside as much as I can. As little kids we would see bears by the side of the road and deer on hikes. I was too little to remember seeing the grizzlies we saw at Yellowstone. We didn’t see many elk, and we never saw mountain lions although we once heard one scream outside our cabin at 3:00 am. I was one of those kids who watched National Geographic and Mutual of Omaha’s shows on TV always, and there was no lack of fascination with all the details about all the animals I saw. When I worked at Philmont in high school and college I saw a lot of bears - even close up before they tired of us and started to bluff charge. They also had buffaloes (bison) and lots of deer and elk. Over the following years I’ve interacted with skunks and raccoons, badgers and wild horses, and all kinds of other wild animals including birds of prey and lots of reptiles. One of my favorite things in recent years has been reading about the wolves of Yellowstone. And you know that I see coyotes and deer frequently on my sunrise walks with our dog Beau. I revere these wild animals and respect them in the lives they lead. So we’re privileged to still see wildlife often in our lives, and I want to celebrate them.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all marvelous. Only one had Covid masking, so maybe this Fall won’t be so bad as we had thought. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing the songs of Michael Martin Murphey, and it was so fun revisiting my favorite songs of his. He was such a big part of my early guitar playing and singing. I had a really great audience too with many more folks than I expected.

Saturday at the Rocks Lounge at Garden of the Gods Club was really sweet too. I played outside to a really nice bunch of folks who were so appreciative and engaging. I can’t wait to play there again.

Sunday’s Celebration of Life for Kathy Drozda was very sweet too with warm remembrances and special tunes that she loved. We will miss you, Kathy.

My Sunday online show was very spontaneous with a huge variety of favorites and requests. These Sunday nights never fail to rise and shine.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have just 7 senior facilities this week since it’s the first week of the month where I never book as many shows. I love these folks, and it’ll be exciting to start doing Halloween songs.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about wildlife as I wrote above. This will be a lot of fun singing clever songs and telling exciting stories about wildlife and the many meetings everyone has had with them. Come on out if you’re free.

Friday 6-9 I should be at the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the Gods Club. I haven’t had a confirmation yet. The view is to-die-for at this venue with the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in full view. It’s open to the public, so you don’t have to be a member to join, but I really recommend a reservation since it’s usually a long wait if you can get in. 888-994-3156. I think you can sit at the bar if you just want to come in for some music. Come on out! 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always an adventure and a pleasure seeing all the friendly faces and playing great tunes. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. It has been a beautiful Fall this year, and we’re hoping to get out to do some leaf-peeping this weekend. I love this time of year! I hope you are healthy and happy.

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, October 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 4, 6-9 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, October 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Beginnings

 My Wednesday online show this week is doing the songs of Michael Martin Murphey, and that has me thinking about my beginnings when I really started to play and sing in the early 1970s because Michael’s songs were some of the first ones I learned. I took lessons on piano as a little kid like so many other kids did and then played clarinet in the elementary school band again like so many other kids did, but I never really felt the music inside me in a way that was engaging and inspiring. At about age 12 I “borrowed” my sister Jane’s ukulele (I still have it - as she often reminds me) and I learned to play it with the Mel Bay book that came with it. I soon started trying to learn songs off records and the radio, and I bought sheet music to a few tunes. Michael Murphey’s “Wildfire” and “Carolina in the Pines” were some of just a handful of sheets I ordered and learned. We had songbooks too, but I soon found that the intricate guitar riffs and melodies weren’t represented in the sheet music or books, so I learned them by experimentation and noodling. Michael and John Denver’s music were some of the main songs I was learning to pick out on the ukulele. The ukulele led me to the baritone ukulele which is tuned like the top 4 strings of a guitar, and by age 15 I had graduated to an acoustic guitar. So you see that Michael made a big impact on me. I had all his albums into the mid-1980s, and even got to run sound for him at a concert at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1983 where we used my PA system that I was using for gigs around northern New Mexico. I’ve since run into Michael many times in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. His music has always expressed some of the things I love in this life. Did his music have an impact on you back in the day too?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and several were wearing masks with Covid outbreaks. That didn’t slow us down though. I did learn that one of my long-time folks at the vets home passed. He will surely be missed.

My Wednesday online show was Fall songs with a couple harvest moon songs thrown in since it was the full harvest moon that night. It was a blast! I love this group.

Friday I was booked at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club, but they had a private party booked in that room so they had me play across the street at the golf course at Kissing Camels Grille and Bar to nice group of folks including a music friend who snuck into the members-only venue. It was fun.

Saturday morning I played 1840s and 1850s songs in historic costume the Mercado at El Pueblo Museum in Pueblo during the Chile Festival. That was something I haven’t done in a long time. It was great to see some of the museum folks I haven’t seen since I was musical director for the Song of Pueblo.

Saturday evening I got to see more friends at a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs where we sang a few songs together and reminisced. That was great!

Sunday I played the Grand View Restaurant at Garden of the God Club for brunch, and that went really well. It’s actually a lot of fun to play instrumental songs and sometimes make up melodic guitar arrangements on the spot of songs I usually sing.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and there were some fun requests and off-the-wall favorites I played to a great group of friends and fans. I love my Munch Bunch.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one of them. Hopefully there won’t be more illness striking these places as we get into the cold and flu (and Covid) season.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs of Michael Martin Murphey as I wrote above. I love these songs, and I really haven’t done very many of them for several years, so it’ll be great to share them with my online community again.

Saturday 6-9 I’m playing at the Rocks Lounge at the Garden of the Gods Club. This is a members-only venue. I finally get to sing at this venue instead of just doing instrumental music. Singing is really my forte, so it’ll be nice to sing for this gig.

Sunday I’m playing for a celebration of life for my friend Kathy Drozda who was also the sister of my friend Carol Rickman. Their husbands and many friends will also be there to celebrate Kathy, and I’ll be singing a bunch of songs that she loved. Kathy is very missed.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I continue to be amazed at the caring and enthusiasm that this group brings to me, my  music, and each other each week. This is such a joy!

——

That’s it for this week. The Fall is really coming on strong. It was only 41 degrees when I walked Beau this morning. It will warm back up for a few weeks, but I definitely feel the shift in the seasons. I hope you are healthy and happy.

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 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Rocks Lounge. 888-994-3156

When:  Saturday, September 28, 6-9 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, September 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Fall

Fall officially starts this week, and it feels like it’s right on time. I’m ready for it. I often say that Fall is my favorite season of the year. I think that’s true although I definitely have had some very memorable times in other seasons. Life is so full of high points. Fall is the season where I feel most at home though with things slowing down a bit, the temperatures cooling off some, and contemplation the most prevalent in my life. Who doesn’t love the changing of the leaves and the quality of Fall light? It does always arrive with a bit of melancholy though that I can’t deny. I often lament that the songs of Fall are sadder, and they are. I tend to shy away from these sadder songs when I play a show full of Fall songs because I see the effect on my audience. I don’t mind them myself, but I find that people don’t like that old cathartic group experience that the Greeks so embraced with their tragic plays. But sometimes I wish that we would reflect on all aspects of our lives with gratitude and contentment. There is so much beauty in the Fall of the year just like there is beauty in the Fall of life. There is wisdom and understanding gained from the newness of Spring and the craziness of summer. I really love this and cherish this. I see the same grace and stateliness in a beautifully-colored tree as I see in the softly-chiseled lines of a friend’s face in their 60s. It’s all part of a life well-lived on this wonderful planet. So celebrate Fall with me.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 7 seniors facilities that I failed to write about last week. They all went so well even though at least a couple had Covid outbreaks that caused all the staff to wear masks. I don’t mind singing in a mask even though some singers don’t like them. It took a little while to get used to, but I find that the mask actually helps my throat since it holds in moisture, and the mask doesn’t come off my nose if I tuck it under my glasses. It’s worth it for these folks anyway.

Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo on Wednesday was a blast, and I got to play for so many folks that I see at my facilities as well as many friends. I even got to walk around the zoo a bit afterwards to see the animals! Big thanks to the zoo folks and sponsors and everyone who came out.

My Wednesday online show was British Invasion songs again, and we had a blast reminiscing about the ‘60s and all the songs we loved. I have such a great group of folks who tune in to these shows.

Friday at the Pueblo Riverwalk was great fun too. It was a little warm, but it cooled off pretty quickly and became a perfect evening. I had a nice crowd of old friends and new folks with families, and my voice and fingers cooperated and brought the songs out sweetly.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was special just like always. I get such a good group of folks who share themselves and their requests.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. The relationships I have with these folks is something I treasure.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs of Fall as I wrote of above. I’ll try to stay away from the more melancholy songs. There are some really cool songs including a couple new ones that have been requested. Send me your request as well, and then tune in and we’ll celebrate Fall together!

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. This is an instrumental guitar evening, and I’m getting accustomed to playing instrumentals for these gigs. I think I wrote before that I started these gigs by just playing instrumental songs I knew, but now I play any song that I know and can make an arrangement of on the fly. It’s so much fun, and part of the fun is watching the audience recognize the song and react in the moment. Come on out for an upscale dinner if you’re in the area.

Saturday 10-12 I’m playing in period costume at El Pueblo Museum for their annual Mercado celebration that is always held during the Chile Festival in Pueblo. I’ll be in my old mountain man leggings and moccasins with my 1870s guitar playing tunes from the founding decade of Pueblo. I haven’t done this in a few years, and I’m really looking forward to it! Come on out and visit the Chile Festival that morning.

Saturday evening I have a Philmont reunion in Colorado Springs that I’m looking forward to as well. These are some good folks, and we’ll have a fine time.

Sunday 11-2 I’m at the Grand View Restaurant again at the Garden of the Gods Club to play instrumental songs for brunch. The views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are to-die-for at this venue, and I’d love to have you in the audience if you’d like an upscale brunch in a beautiful place.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests once again, and I know it’ll be a fine time with my stellar online audience. We’ll play any Fall songs we didn’t get to play on Wednesday plus whatever other songs folks want to hear. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. My schedule still hasn’t slowed down since summer, and I’m loving the variety of places I’m getting to play and the faces I’m getting to see. I hope you are well and happy.

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 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Room. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, September 20, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing in costume

Where:  El Pueblo Museum, 301 North Union, Pueblo

When:  Saturday, September 21, 10 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Room. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, September 22, 11 am - 2 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 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Senior Safari

I’m playing at the Pueblo Zoo Wednesday for Senior Safari which I have been playing for since 2001, and I thought I’d tell you a little bit about it. Senior Safari is part of a free week at the zoo for seniors, and the highlight is Wednesday when they have volunteers bring animals to show, me to play and sing, local vendors bring donuts and pizza, and the zoo puts on bingo. It’s all sponsored by different healthcare facilities and services in the community with the zoo. The highlight for me is that the majority of facilities I play for bring out their folks, and it turns into a big party of all my favorite people including many senior friends from the community. It’s a grand confluence that is so much fun! I often write about how much these folks mean to me, and I always say that I get as much from the folks as I give. It’s so true. Plugging into a community that needs and appreciates what music does for them is the most a musician can ask for. That is purpose with a capital “P”. I hope you have that kind of connection in your life too. 

——

What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week although one was cancelled because they have been bought out by a new company that doesn’t put entertainment in their budget. Hopefully we can work something out. I feel badly for the folks there.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs for the British Invasion of the 1960s, and it was so much fun that we’ll do more British Invasion songs this week. It was just a very dynamic time of music in America and the world.

The end-of-season party Thursday at the Yellow Pine was cancelled due to the cold and rain that swept into the Cuchara valley that day. It would have only been 41 degrees in the old barn, and I think we all would have been miserable. I’ll miss seeing those folks for the winter, but next summer will be all that much sweeter.

Friday night I played instrumental songs at the Grand View Restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs, and it went very well. This time out I played instrumental versions of songs I usually sing instead of trying to just do songs that are known instrumentals. It was a lot of fun creating arrangements on the fly, and I got so many compliments.

Sunday I played for a church picnic that was a lot of fun before I played for Grandparents Day at one of my senior facilities. They both went very well.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I got some great requests as well as doing some favorites for the Fall. I’ll do a Fall show in a couple weeks.

——

What am I up to this week?

Wednesday 10:30-1 I’m playing the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo in the Mandari Pavilion as I wrote above. This is always a blast, and it’s part of the free week at the zoo for all seniors. If that’s you then come on out!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from the British Invasion again. I have a least 150 songs on my list for this event, so there are a bunch more great songs we can do. Come on out and relive those songs and memories .

Friday I’m playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk at the east end near the fountain on what they call the Gateway Plaza Stage. I always like playing at the Riverwalk, and it’s a great place to do live music. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s usually the most rewarding evening of music and friendship I have. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. I have several fun things coming up this Fall, so checkout my calendar on my website http://tommunch.com/calendar or stay tuned here. I hope you are hearty and happy.

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and signing for Senior Safari

Where:  Pueblo Zoo Mandari Pavilion

When:  Wednesday, September 11, 10:30-1 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of British Invasion songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing at the Pueblo Riverwalk

Where:  Dodge Gateway Plaza Stage (east end of Riverwalk)

When:  Friday, September 13, 6-7:30 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, September 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

British Invasion

I’m thinking today of the British Invasion of the 1960s in the music business. Britain had gone through so much during World War II, and the kids of that generation were really struggling to find a way to express the angst and troubles they experienced. Somehow they found American blues music mixed in with all the other genres of music they were exposed to as well as what was called skiffle music in Britain. They mixed this together and came up with their own music as well as blues covers. When they began to record this music and released it in the USA it was a hit. American kids were looking for something different that continued the passion of the rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s, and the long-haired driving music coming out of Britain fit the bill perfectly. The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in early 1964 after their first releases went number 1, and that opened the floodgates for Peter and Gordon, The Animals, The Kinks, The Zombies, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, and so many more. I heard this in our house mixed with folk music, Motown, and everything else that my brother and sisters played, and I was smitten too. The creativity of the new music as well as the covers of blues tunes and American music that the British bands re-introduced to American kids was powerful, and it spoke to the 1960s like nothing else could. I hope you were swept away by it too or have since gone back to immerse yourself in this wonderful music.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they all went so well. You know that I get as much from them as the folks get. They are always so welcoming and genuine.

My Wednesday online show was songs about friends and friendship, and it was a very sweet time with some great songs. The audience was really into it as well.

The funeral I played on Saturday was very nice and meaningful too with several friends that I didn’t know I had in common with the lovely woman who had passed. It’s amazing how funerals bring friends together. RIP, Millie.

My concert at the La Veta Pines RV Park on Saturday night was such a good time. It was a perfect evening, and everything came together to make a night I’ll remember for a long time. I had a large and very enthusiastic crowd. Big thanks to Greg and Lisa and everyone who came.

My Sunday online show was full of great requests and friends. I’m always amazed at how these Sunday nights come together with everyone supporting each other and my music.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one of them including one that is a fair for the residents and one that is an afternoon for Grandparents Day. These should be a lot of fun.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from the British Invasion that I wrote about above. There are so many great songs, so I’m betting we’ll probably do next Wednesday with the same theme. Come on out!

Thursday I’ll play the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara 6:30-8 for the end-of-season “Appetizers and Alcohol” or “Charcuterie and Cabernet” party in the old barn. This is a free event where you bring an appetizer to share and whatever beverage you’d like to drink. It’s always a great time, and if you missed coming to the barbecues this summer this is the last chance to enjoy the Yellow Pine with my music for the season. Come on out!

Friday night I may be playing instrumental music 6-9 at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs in the Grand View Restaurant. We are still trying to finalize the schedule as I write this. I’m closing cabins with my family on Saturday, so I’m not sure this will work out timing-wise with an early Saturday morning in New Mexico.

Sunday I’m playing for a church picnic at the zoo before I play for Grandparents Day, so that should be a lot of fun.

Sunday evening my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests was always, and I’m looking forward to it! It’s always a good time with good folks. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. It will be a busy one. I hope you’re having a good Labor Day, and that you’re well and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of British Invasion songs

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

When:  Wednesday, September 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the end-of-season party

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

When:  Thursday, September 5, 6:30-8:00 pm

POSSIBLE GIG - message me to confirm if you want to come

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Room. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, September 6, 6-9 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, September 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Friends

I just left my 45th high school reunion, and it was the first high school reunion I have attended. There was a lot of reminiscing, and of course I remembered a lot of things I have long forgotten. It was great to reconnect with so many people. The most cherished conversations were with those I grew up with from kindergarten all the way through high school. Between all of us talking we remembered so many deep memories. It was pretty special, and I’m surprised how strong those shared memories are and how much they affect us to this day. One of the highlights was hearing a friend sing a song she wrote for our class that became our class song. She was the person I wrote about last week who I was in a band with. We did get to play some songs together too, and that was great! Of course I have been to other reunions for groups I have been part of, but there was a sweetness and innocence to this one that went all the way back to those early days when none of us had an inkling of what the world was about. I’ve never reconnected with those times in this way before. I’ll cherish this reunion especially for that. I also had a great time reminiscing about a trip I took with a choir and concert band that did a European tour based from our high school and schools from Kansas during my junior summer that several of us went on. That was very cool as well. Such a good time! I hope you’ve been able to make connections at a reunion like this. It was very worthwhile!

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all wonderful. One was requiring masks with a Covid outbreak, so again we’re reminded that this virus is with us for the long term. No one was extremely ill thankfully. 

My Wednesday online show was doing songs about fairs, and there were so many great songs to sing about this event that is always so much fun. I think the audience enjoyed them as much as I did. 

My Sunday online show was wonderful too. I say it often, but having a musical community that is supportive of me and each other is so gratifying. 

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I know I will enjoy sharing music and humor with all of them. Music touches folks in such a meaningful way. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about friends and friendship to go along with my reunion experience over last weekend. There are so many fantastic songs about this theme. Come on out!

Saturday I have a funeral for one of my senior facility folks who made it to 100 just before she passed. She was a very sweet and generous person, and I am honored to get to sing for her service. 

Saturday night 7-9 I’m playing a concert at La Veta Pines RV Park in La Veta, Colorado. They have a very nice outdoor stage, and I have played many memorable shows there. I’d love to have you there if you’re anywhere in southern Colorado on Saturday. Bring a jacket and a chair. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and you know how much I love doing this show. It’s always a great time, and I’d love to have you there if you can!

——

That’s it for this week. I have such a warm glow from the reunion, and I hope you have a wonderful week. 

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of friend songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 28, 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:  Saturday, August 31, 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, September 1, 7-8:45 pm mountain time