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