Gems

I’m writing today about songs that are gems to me - favorites that I don’t get to play often anymore. Why don’t I get to? Well, I just don’t play the kind of venues where I can randomly choose my own list of songs. Ever since the pandemic I’ve given up on playing at bars and restaurants for the most part where I would choose like this. At these venues I might play for 3 or 4 hours, and I would wander all over my song library - playing all kinds of diverse tunes. Part of not playing at these venues is because I established a nice online community for whom I enjoy playing where I do mainly requests, and part of this is just age and preferring not to go out at night as much. I also play senior facilities where I do different songs than I would do in a bar or restaurant, and I often choose to play a theme for them that doesn’t include some of my old gem favorites. I do miss playing these favorites. This is part of the reason I’m playing a show of Beatles tunes this week. I just haven’t had the chance to play many Beatles songs for several years. I guess it’s kind of a luxury to have learned so many songs over the years and to have had places to play them. The funny thing is that I’ve almost forgotten how to play some of these tunes that I haven’t played in such a long time. That’s definitely the age talking. I just don’t have the brain sharpness that I once had. There’s something so satisfying about getting lost in an old favorite song that hits all the right notes musically and philosophically. It’s always been kind of a meditative state that has helped me thrive. I’m going to try to get there more often!

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed playing for all the folks I got to see. There were many special moments. This is a gift.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs about the beach, and it was a fun night with several new tunes. I got to reminisce about beaches I’ve spent time on and fun in the sun and the waves. I think the audience really enjoyed it!

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a great time too with a good crowd of familiar and new faces. These evenings go by way too fast.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a good time with good folks. These nights are so full of joy and camaraderie.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’ll probably do a few patriotic songs in anticipation of Independence Day. I can’t believe we’ll be celebrating 250 years of our nation in just 2 years. I hope we can see through our divisions to our oneness on this great occasion.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Beatles tunes as I wrote above. I’ll try to get to some of the songs I haven’t played in a long time although I’m sure I’ll hit some of the ones I’ve played more recently too. I know 70 of the 213 tunes that the Beatles recorded over the years they were together. My audience really likes the Beatles too, so this will be a cool night. Come on out if you can.

Thursday 6:30 - 8 I’ll be playing at the Yellow Pine Barbecue in Cuchara again. We’re getting into the heart of the season now so these nights are just full of energy and good vibes. I’d love to have you come out too if a barbecue meal in a historic barn with my music sounds good to you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation today.

Saturday I’m playing a private house concert that I’m looking forward to at the home of some musician acquaintances of late. I love playing house concerts.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests once again, and I’m sure it will be a fulfilling evening amongst friends as always. These Sunday nights are always a highlight of the week. Tune in if you can!

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That’s it for this week. Next week will be Independence Day with some family get-togethers as well as music and art in the park in La Veta which is always a blast. I’ll write more about that then. I hope you’re well and happy this summer.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Beatles songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 27, 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, June 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time