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!

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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. 

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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!

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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

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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

Fair

The state fair is about to start here in Colorado, and that has me thinking about all the fairs I’ve been to and played at over the years and the excitement that always surrounds them. I think the first time I went to a fair was either a state fair as a kid or a community fair near our neighborhood. There was such a buzz about the fun we would have and the things we would see. At the state fair there were the animals and the music and the food in addition to the produce and the arts and crafts and farm implements. It was just fun to walk around the grounds and see all the people and feel the energy. It seems that some fairs had rides that I remember thrilling to or getting a bit queasy during. Of course there was food there that would make you queasy if you ate too much of it. Some fairs were simple events with local crafts and food and maybe a dunk tank. It was just fun to be outdoors enjoying the enthusiasm all around me. I’ve even enjoyed reading in some of my fiction books about fairs with their bright costumes and interesting novelties. There is just something magical and sometimes even mysterious about a fair and all the people and things you see. And when I have gotten to play at them as a musician on a stage or as part of a band for a dance I have been able to be a part of creating the magic as well. Solo I have played a set or two in many situations where I got to rise to the occasion and ride the wave of joy that the fair creates. As part of a band I got to create the dance rhythms that drove folks to exhaustion and bliss with their partner on the dance floor. I have so many good memories. Briefly one of my favorites was at the Kiowa County Fair in Eads, Colorado, where as our band started to play there was no one in the big dance building. The organizer said to not worry that everyone would come in when they heard the music start. They were right - as we started to play a thundering herd of folks from across the road in the parking lot ran onto the dance floor and began to dance their hearts out. Turns out there was no drinking allowed in the fairgrounds, but they could drink in the parking lot. At every break they would exit to the parking lot and then come back when they heard us start again. It was a wild night. I have so many stories like that, but I’ll close for now. Come on out on Wednesday when I play songs that remind me of this energy and the fun I’ve had at so many fairs.

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to write about my senior facilities in last week’s blog. I had 10 facilities, and I loved playing at every one. I say it all the time, but it is an honor and a privilege to play for these folks.

Tuesday evening I played for a women’s group in Cuchara, Colorado, called Cuchara Hermosa that was an evening of appetizers and music on the deck of the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. It was a wonderful evening. Unfortunately the wind picked up before we were done so we finished a little early, but I know everyone had a splendid time.

My Wednesday online show was garden songs, and there were some good ones about so many topics around gardens. You can watch the replay if you’re so inclined on my Facebook page facebook.com/tom.munch or my website online concert page tommunch.com/online-concerts. 

Friday night I played a dance with my good friend Dennis Mills at the Cuchara Community Center that was just too much fun. I was full of beans for some reason, and I put so much energy out that I thought I would burst. It was so much fun!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it turned out to be a very fine time as always. I don’t know how these nights can continuously become more special. There are so many great moments with so much friendship.

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What am I up to the week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I know there will be many sweet moments at these shows. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about the fair as I wrote above. This show will have some great diversity and excitement as we explore all that is the fair. Come on out!

This weekend is my 45th high school reunion, and even though I’ve paid for a reunion before I’ve never been to one. I’m so looking forward to it! I know there will be several folks I’ll spend time with - one is a friend I even played in a band with, and we plan to play at least a couple songs together. I’ll tell you how it went next week.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll be getting back to town just in time to play for it so you know I’ll have some good energy and stories to share. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’ve been able to go to a fair this year or have some good memories of fairs you’ve been to in days gone by. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of fair songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 21, 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, August 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Garden

It’s the time of year when gardens are really producing their bounty, and although Jen and I don’t have a garden this year, we have been eating fresh produce every chance we get. There is something wonderful about a juicy apple picked off the tree, a tangy berry pulled off the bush, or a rich tomato plucked off the plant. You can actually taste the earth and sun and even the love and care that went into growing it. And if you grew it yourself you appreciate it even more. It plugs you into the earth in a way that makes you understand how connected we are to the earth. It helps you see how a small seed can make a healthy plant or a giant tree. Gardens are just that special. So this week I’ll do songs about everything garden - from songs about gardens to songs about produce to philosophical gardens. It’ll be a blast!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all enjoyable.  It is so much to pick a theme and take folks on a little musical ride or do a special request that makes someone’s day. 

My Wednesday online show was the music of Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers. There were some great tunes, and it was so much fun finding arrangements that I could do for each song and bringing the essence of each song to the audience. Everyone seemed to enjoy it so much.

Thursday was the final barbecue of the season at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, and it was a full house. I will surely miss the old barn and the great folks up there all winter long.

Sunday I played the brunch at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. I played just instrumentals as they requested which is a challenge for me, but there were some surprises and some winks and nods from the guests that let me know I was connecting with them even without my singing.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was another spontaneous show of tunes since I was so busy this weekend that I didn’t have time to prepare favorites for my regulars. It’s always a good time.

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What am I up to this week?

Tuesday evening 6-8 I’m playing for the Cuchara Hermosa group in Cuchara, Colorado, for a deck party that they are inviting locals to. It’s a bring-your-own appetizer and beverage to the main house at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. It’s one of the prettiest places in the whole valley, and if you’re in the area they encourage you to come.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be garden songs as I wrote above. I know there will be a wide variety of songs, and I think it’ll turn into a really fun night. Tune in if you can!

Friday night 7-10 I’ll be playing a dance with my friend Dennis Mills on bass and vocals at the Cuchara Community Center in Cuchara, Colorado. It’s a free dance with donations to the community recreation program accepted, and it’s always a hoot! Dennis and I really bring the energy, and everyone dances and has a great time. Come on out if you’re in the area!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I expect it will be a rousing time. The group of folks who come out to listen online are so supportive of me and each other, and it is just a fine community. You’re always welcome to join in!

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That’s it for this week. The season is winding up with a bang, and I’m enjoying it so much. I hope you’re well and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch

What: playing for the Cuchara Hermosa folks and locals

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch main house deck, Cuchara

When:  Tuesday, August 13, 6-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of garden songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a dance with Dennis Mills

Where:  Cuchara Community Center (just south of the main street next to the chapel)

When:  Friday, August 16, 7-10 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, August 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Stuck and Happy

I was talking to a friend this morning about music and life, and my Wednesday show came up which is going to be the music of Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers. I found myself in the moment trying to express why I liked the music of my youth and why I stopped listening to new popular music at some point. I know that most generations go through this - preferring the music of their formative years over newer music. On one hand I’m sure it’s because everything is fresh and new at that age, and also because it is relevant to the current culture that youth is so wrapped up in. In the current age it could also be because music is more technology-driven, and new technology is adopted more slowly by older generations. It may also be that the topics in the songs appeal to different ages. Popular music that is written by younger artists is topically more about younger issues of love and getting established. Older artists write about issues that are farther down the line of adulthood. I sure find that fact myself when I hear a song written by a younger artist. To be sure there are some younger writers who write timeless and ageless songs too, but even when I look at my own songs I can tell what age I wrote them just from the topics. And then the instrumentation appeals to different groups. Synthesizers and synthesized drumbeats definitely fit in a certain age. Different guitar effects and the use of strings or horns also date the music to a certain period. And then there is just plain nostalgia, you know - this music fits my tribe and my people. But it’s not all bad to be stuck in a certain era. As we age we need touchstones to bring peace into our lives when things seem chaotic and out of control. Music can definitely do this. So that’s why I say I’m stuck and happy. Of course I love hearing new tunes too, but the old ones of my youth will always ring the bell for me.

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What have I been up to?

I had just 4 senior facilities last week since it was the 5th week of the month where I don’t have repeating monthly shows scheduled. I enjoyed the 4 immensely. It’s an honor to play for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was the music of Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. It was a night full of good tunes and memories, and it was also a challenge as many of those songs have very complicated arrangements that I put my own spin on. That is definitely the music of my youth.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a great time with old friends and new. There’s only one week left of the barbecue for this season, and I always get a little wistful when it’s over.

Friday night I played the Grand View restaurant at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in Colorado Springs, and I really enjoyed it. They only wanted instrumental guitar tunes which was a little bit of challenge since I haven’t played many instrumental gigs over the years and my voice is really my main emphasis. It went really well, and I even had some friends come out to hear me play. I wasn’t sure last week if it was open to the public or members only, but I now know that the public is welcome, so I’d love to see anyone if they are in the Springs and would like to have a great meal and hear me play some guitar.

Sunday I played morning services at the Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, and I really enjoyed playing some old hymns and spiritual songs. The folks of Cuchara are so kind and generous.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was a good time too with lots of new requests and familiar faces. I love these evenings!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and many of them are birthday parties that are so much fun to play. If you could see some of the moments I get to experience with these folks you’d know why I love it so much.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will the music of Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers as I wrote above. There was some really driven music from these bands that will be a joy to play - even the more angsty stuff. Come on out!

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the final barbecue of the season for the Yellow Pine Ranch. If you’ve been meaning to come out this summer to see me here and enjoy some Texas barbecue, then call the ranch at 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. It is such a good time, and I’d hate for you to miss it. There will also be a free bring-your-own Yellow Pine event on Thursday, September 5th where everyone brings appetizers to share and whatever libation they prefer. You’re welcome to come to this, but it’s not the full barbecue experience even though the music is still cooking and the folks really come out.

Sunday 11-2 I’m playing the brunch at the Garden of the God Resort and Club in the Grand View room, and I’m looking forward to seeing how beautiful they’ll be set up for this. This restaurant is open to the public, so please come on out. Playing this venue may get to be more regular as the Fall commences. I am just doing instrumental guitar there for now, but I’m in hopes that they’ll want to hear me sing too as time goes on. Since my voice has been more ragged of late this may be a good fit. The brunch is ordered off the menu, and you can see the menu on their site - https://issuu.com/gardenofthegodsresortandclub/docs/grand_view_brunch?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ I’d love to see you there!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s often my favorite show of the week. We just have such a good time, and my online community is so supportive and giving. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I just booked Littleton Museum again for their Harvest Festival October 12th, so if you’re in the Denver area please put it on your calendar and come out for a fun day on the historic grounds of Littleton Museum. I’ll also be playing a concert on the stage of the La Veta Pines RV Park on August 31st that I’ll be writing about soon. It’s been a great summer. 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 Fleetwood Mac and Doobie Brothers songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the last barbeque of the season

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

When:  Thursday, August 8, 6:30-8:00 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, August 11, 11 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, August 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time