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