My Wednesday show will be doing the music of two bands who incorporated traditional brass and woodwind sounds into rock and pop songs in a relatively different way than they had been used before. Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears brought a texture that was rich and sounded great on the new stereo systems of their day. The horns blended with the guitar, bass, piano and organ in a very satisfying way. They both featured distinct vocals too and great songs that have stood the test of time. It makes me think of how often in life the differences become the strengths that make us love something in our lives. Think of ‘sweet and sour’ or ‘sea salt and chocolate’. We tend to think that we want sameness, but it’s the contrast that makes so much of life worthwhile. Melding two things together even experimentally helps us find new ways to look at life and appreciate our time here. That’s what life is all about after all.
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What have I been up to?
I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one of them. I did have the sad news that one of my favorite people who had just turned 100 was very sick and on hospice. She died a couple days after I was at her facility. I’ll remember her fondly whenever I’m there or when I sing her favorite songs like “Memories”, an old song from 1915 by Egbert Van Alstyne and Gus Kahn.
My Wednesday online show doing campfire songs was so much fun. Some of those old songs are pretty corny, but they bring back such wonderful memories of singing around the campfire. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it.
Thursday night at the Yellow Pine barbecue was full of good friends and good times. The summer is going by too quickly. Thanks to everyone who came out to share an evening in the grand old barn.
Sunday morning at Cuchara Chapel was very special too. It’s always so beautiful in the mountains at the rustic old log chapel. It truly is “The Little Brown Church in the Vale”.
My Sunday online show was broadcast from our family cabins in the mountains of northern New Mexico with all my siblings in the audience. It was so good to see everyone and share a little piece of my family upbringing and camaraderie with my online audience.
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What am I up to this week?
I have just 4 senior facilities this week since I usually have no monthly repeating gigs scheduled in a 5th week of the month. That’s okay. It gives me time to get my car serviced and catch up with family. I’ll enjoy the folks at the 4 facilities I have.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing the songs of Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears as I wrote above. I love these songs so much. My brother Jim introduced me to BST, and there are several songs that just send me - especially with the vocals of David Clayton Thomas. I even got to meet them when they played at the Colorado State Fair and were eating in the restaurant where I was playing. My sister Jane turned me on to the music of Chicago, and their songs have been a soundtrack for me through the years - particularly the first few albums. I know you probably wouldn’t guess that these songs sound good just with guitar and voice, but if you have the passion for them they ring true. Please tune in if you can.
Thursday 6:30-8 will be the next-to-last Yellow Pine Barbecue of the season. I enjoy these so much, and it’s a great way to spend an evening eating good food with good folks and good music in a beautiful place. I’d love to have you if you can make it. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now.
Friday 6-9 I’m playing in the Grandview Room at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. I was booked for this by a friend, and I think you have to be a member to come, but if you are a member then I’d love to see you!
Sunday morning I’m playing the 9:30 and 11:00 services at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, Colorado , one more time. I’ve been enjoying filling in for Peggy who has been doing the music for these services for several years now while she’s on vacation. This week is the traditional yearly service where we memorialize those who’ve passed before we start the service.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back at home doing favorites and requests. These are always special nights with great songs and friendship. Tune in if you can.
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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe July is almost gone. Where does the time go? I hope you are healthy and happy.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, July 31, 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, August 1, 6:30-8:00 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grandview Room. 888-994-3156
When: Friday, August 2, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for chapel service
Where: Cuchara Chapel, 16400 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO
When: Sunday, August 4, 9:00 and 11:00 am
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, August 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
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