Blues

I’m playing a show of blues this Wednesday evening, and my mind is on what blues is. We’ve all heard the story of how the blue notes were notes that black musicians over the past couple centuries were seeking to play from traditional melodies and scales brought over the sea from their homeland. European instruments were set up differently than African instruments, and the blue notes (typically the minor 3rd) were the closest tone to what they played in Africa. Of course the blue notes and blues scales are closer to a minor key, and so the songs with them sound a little darker and a little sadder - as songs in minor keys do. That fits the lyrics of many blues songs as well. So blues became a staple in the black community through the first half of the 1900s. It offered an outlet for black musicians to express the hard times that they were going through in so many ways. But that music was mostly unknown to white folks other than the blues songs that popped up in jazz occasionally. It definitely was present in early rock and roll too. But the blues didn’t really become popular here in the U.S. until kids in Britain got it - probably because they had so much hardship from World War II and were looking for music that expressed their angst. When they started to play it then the kids in America got turned on to it. It honestly takes a while to learn to play the blues. There is a feeling and a rhythm that is not intuitive - at least it wasn’t to me as a white kid from Nebraska. And there is a satisfaction and an addictive quality to the blues sound and feel. Some of it is just because it is so cool and full of authentic emotion. Some of it is because it digs so deeply into your soul when you play it well. So I’ll play the blues on Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day. It doesn’t get more American than that.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they all went so well. It is a joy to get to serve these people with love and to encourage them with music.

My Wednesday online show was the music of Sly Stone and other R&B classics. It was so much fun, and it was so good to explore the rhythms and the lyrics of Sly’s music. He was a stellar songwriter.

Thursday I played the Yellow Pine Barbecue to a good group of folks and friends. This place is home in so many ways, and the folks of Cuchara feel it.

I played a private house concert on Saturday night that went very well. I don’t get the chance to do many house concerts, and I enjoy them so much. They are intimate and let me shine. I’m so grateful to get to do them.

Sunday brunch at the Garden of the Gods Club went well too. It was a beautiful day with just a few sprinkles, and everyone was really enjoying the day. I even played the Fender Acoustasonic guitar so I could get some electric guitar tones.

My Sunday online show went well too. I had a mix of great requests from so many folks. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and as always I’m looking forward to them all. It’s so good to see their familiar faces when I roll in to each facility. Of course there is a sad side too in that I lose someone every so often, but that makes each time more special.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing the blues for Independence Day week. It should be a really fun show with a variety of blues. Come on out!

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m back at Yellow Pine Guest Ranch for the weekly barbecue. We haven’t had a packed full week yet, so there should be room if you want to come. This should be the busiest week of the summer with Independence Day being the very next day. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday at noon.

Friday 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes for Independence Day. I don’t know if I’ll play the Acoustasonic again  Friday, but I may if I get a wild hair. I’d love to see you there if you don’t have 4th of July plans.

Saturday 11-2 I’m playing in La Veta, Colorado, at Railroad Park for the Art in the Park event. I’ve played for this for many summers on the weekend of Independence Day, and it’s always so good to see all my friends and fans in the La Veta. Come up early for the parade and stay for the music, food, and art. It’s a wonderful event, and I’d love to have you there!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m going down to our family cabins in New Mexico after my show in La Veta, so I’ll be coming back home for the show with some good mountain energy. Come on out and see!

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That’s it for this week. The next few weeks are crazy busy, and it’s always like surfing a wave. Woo hoo!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Red, Hot, and Blues

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

When:  Wednesday, July 2, 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, July 3, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, July 4, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for SPACe Art in the Park

Where:  Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just across the tracks in La Veta 

When:  Saturday, July 5, 11 am - 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, July 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Musical Statements

This Wednesday I’m doing a show of Sly and the Family Stone songs and other songs of his genre and time, and it has me thinking of what statements people try to make with their music. Sly died at the age of 82 on June 9th. He was generally hopeful with his writing, and he encouraged his audience to stand for what they knew to be right with some songs, and with others there was just pure fun or dancing. That’s the reason I wanted to feature him this week. His writing had some real depth and scope. And on a broader note, it makes me think of what songwriters are trying to say in their music. For myself I’ve usually just written personal reflection on life with a lot of emphasis on nature since that has been a big part of my life, but I see writers choose all kinds of topics - from love to causes. I’ve written a few love songs, but I don’t usually get into causes in my writing. I did delve into spirituality a bit with the project I started in 2019, but I only got a single out of that called “Part of All” before I realized I didn’t have enough material for a whole album and then used that studio time to record my old country album. I wrote an instrumental album with my “Guitar” album 10 years ago where I think my purpose was to create pure emotion that was devoid of any direct statement. Instrumental music can do that. There is a running joke among instrumental musicians that they name their songs with frivolous names when a song wasn’t written with anything in mind. My instrumental songs each had a feeling I was trying to capture in music, so I wasn’t trying to be as random with my song names. Every songwriter approaches writing with a different purpose. That’s not something I think of when I listen to a song, but I think I’ll try doing that a bit more now. Seeing if a song is created for art, for dancing, for comfort, for opinion, or for so many other reasons is fascinating. Every song makes some sort of statement even if it’s just for fun.

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What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one. Even on the busier weeks I get a charge out of everyone I get to see and interact with.

My Wednesday online show was doing Beach Boys and other surf songs to honor the life of Brian Wilson who recently passed. It was a really fun show with lots of memories. I think the audience really got into it - even singing harmonies on their end even though I couldn’t hear them.

Thursday was the first night of the Yellow Pine Barbecue for the season, and it was a beautiful night with so many familiar faces and big smiles. The food from the new barbecue place was top notch too. I love this gig and these folks.

Friday night I played the Garden of the Gods Club in the restaurant with lots of summer songs. It was a hot night, and folks were very receptive to my music.

Sunday I also played the Garden of the Gods Club for brunch, and it was another nice group of folks and a pretty day with a little wind.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was very far-ranging with a lot of different requests for different styles. I think everyone had a splendid time.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and it should be a good time at every one. It’s not supposed to be so hot, so that should make it a little easier to get around and play for them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Sly Stone and other musicians and groups of his day and genre. That’ll be a sweet night of great tunes. I’m still putting together the list. Come on out and join in!

Thursday 6:30-8 I’ll be back at the barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara. This is such a good time in this historical and cozy old barn, and the food is just as good as ever. If you like barbecue with all the fixings and my music, then this is for you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. 

Saturday night I’ll be playing a private house concert for a second time in a beautiful garage in Pueblo West. It’s a great group of folks, and I get the chance to really shine at a house concert. Last year there was a big thunderstorm and I performed mostly acoustic to avoid getting a shock through the mic. This year I’ll bring a battery-powered speaker so I can be off the electric grid in case it storms again.

Sunday brunch 11-2 I’ll be at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant again. I’d love to have you come out if you’re in the area. The view from this place is something you’ve gotta see with a pond, green lawn, and bushes leading to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak beyond. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time is favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a fine show with lots of great tunes and friends. You’re always welcome to tune in.

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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe we’re already at the end of June.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Sly Stone and more

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

When:  Wednesday, June 25, 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 26, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Sunday, June 29, 11 am -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, June 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Yellow Pine

This week I start the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again that runs weekly on Thursday nights in Cuchara, Colorado. It’s hard to believe it, but I’ve been playing these weekly barbecues every summer since 2001 except for a couple years when it changed hands and when it had to be closed for fire or Covid. How did I find myself playing for a weekly barbecue night in the cool old Yellow Pine barn every summer? Well, I think it all started because I worked one summer at a cowboy camp at Philmont Scout Ranch where I felt the need to learn all kinds of old cowboy songs so I could be as authentic as possible while playing for the nightly campfire we played after the chuckwagon supper. I found cowboy songbooks in the historical library at the University of Nebraska. That library was recognized as the one of the finest historical libraries in the country, and I drank-in the old cowboy songs. Then when I was playing clubs in Colorado I happened across a staff member of the Don K Guest Ranch near Wetmore, Colorado, who said they were looking for someone to play at their weekly campfire. I hadn’t done much campfire singing since Philmont, and I jumped at the chance. I played at the Don K for 7 or 8 summers in the 1990s, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet the guests and to sing the old cowboy songs plus all kinds of other campfire songs by the likes of John Denver and Michael Martin Murphey. A few years later the Don K sold to a private family who didn’t want to run it as a guest ranch, and I was approached by the the then-owner of the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch while I was playing at the La Veta Inn in La Veta, Colorado. He said he did a weekly barbecue at the old barn just up the road in Cuchara and asked me if I’d like to play for the folks there. I had played in Cuchara at the ski resort when I first moved to Beulah, Colorado, in 1985. It sounded great, and I fell in right away with the wonderful folks of Cuchara. I love the atmosphere of the barn and the sweet mountain air. The people are very kind, and I’ve played just about everywhere in Cuchara by now. You are always welcome, and I think you’ll feel at home too!

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all very enjoyable. I love seeing and sharing time and songs with all these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing songs by the Eagles, and it was so good to relive all the memories of hearing those songs in so many situations. They were so much a part of our lives.

My Sunday online show was very sweet too. There were a lot of requests, and we did some songs for Father’s Day as well.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and that is as many as I’ve ever done in one week. That’s okay because I love playing for them so much!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing songs by The Beach Boys as well as other surf songs. This is all to honor Brian Wilson who passed last week. I’d love have you if you’re a fan of The Beach Boys.

Thursday 6:30-8 I start the season for the Yellow Pine Barbecue as I wrote of above.  IIt’s a great time in the old barn with my music and great barbecue. We have a new barbecue company this year, and I’m anxious to taste their best! Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. 

Friday night 6-9 I’m at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. It’s such a beautiful place with great architecture and amazing view of Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

Sunday brunch 11-2 I’m also at Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. The food and view are so good, and you can listen to me tinkling the strings while you dine. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or the small table near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. This is always a highlight of the week, and I’d always love to have you if you’re free. 

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That’s it for this week. You can see that it will be a marathon!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Beach Boys and surf songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 18, 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 19, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, June 20, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, June 22, 11 am -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, June 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Beauty of the Land

 I’m playing songs by the Eagles on Wednesday, and I was going to write about them. But I’m traveling back from my nephew’s wedding in California, and seeing all the beautiful country I’m driving through is filling my heart, and I must reflect on it. I feel so at home and at one with the land. Today I hiked a bit at sunrise in the mountains and then drove through Yosemite and on out to the east over Tioga Pass past Mono Lake. Then I turned onto Highway 6 where the road meanders up and over ridges and into gulleys that feel like a rollercoaster. I later followed a twisty path up to where the bristlecone pines towered over me above 10,000 feet. I then traversed into the wide deserts of Nevada where countless ranges and divides rise up and gather the light and shadows while storm clouds leer and create drama. All of it delighted me in ways that I can hardly express. I just feel so connected to it all and at home in the landscape. My song “The Road” captured almost all of this for me over a decade ago. Here’s a link if you haven’t heard it - https://youtu.be/aHk_fBBqlmk?si=k4i2P6Rtf5z1Kyg_ I feel truly like I’m floating over the landscape - experiencing everything as if it was brand new and ancient at the same time. In fact, when I hiked amongst the bristlecone pines after lunch I put my palm on one and felt the years and wisdom flow through me. Can you imagine what you would see in 4000 years?! Amazing! With all this delight in the road I guess I should have been a touring musician after all. 

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What have I been up to?

I had just 4 senior facilities last week since I was driving to California Thursday and Friday, but they were all rewarding shows. These folks are just tops with me.

My Wednesday online show was songs about new beginnings to honor my nephew Rob and his bride Selena. The show was so much fun with some twists and turns that I think were really cool! Everyone said so. 

The wedding and trip went very well. The weather was perfect, and they make a beautiful and fun couple. I wish them well. It was great to be with almost all my extended family as well. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and it’s Father’s Day this Sunday so you know I’ll be singing dad songs to honor all fathers. It’ll be good!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs of the Eagles. It has been at least a couple years since I did an evening of their songs. They made a pretty big impact on me with their catchy songs and great harmonies. They were always a little high for me to sing, but I found a way to perform them. It should be a really fun show. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and you know I’ll be doing some father songs for that evening too since it’ll be Father’s Day. I’d love to have do your requests and have you in the audience if you’re up for it. 

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That’s it for this week. Next week I start the Yellow Pine Barbecue on Thursdays for a couple hot months. Happy Father’s Day, and I hope you get out to see the country as I’ve been doing this past week. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Eagles songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 11, 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, June 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

New Beginnings

I’m heading to California for my nephew’s wedding this week after my Wednesday show, and so I’d like to write about new beginnings this week. I haven’t had too many new beginnings in my life in my 60s, but every so often there is a change in my life that gives me that tingly feeling we feel when something is starting that’s new. There’s always something new that I need to face with enthusiasm and joy. I have new people come into my life at my facilities or I pick up a new gig. There is an excitement and a little trepidation when we start something new. Sometimes it’s invigorating and sometimes it’s a little scary. That’s to be expected. Most of us don’t like change even when we know it will be good. I used to seek out new things in my life, especially when I knew they were really complicated - like operating systems or new interfaces. I was thrilled to see the reasoning behind a certain sequence of ideas and actions. But as I’ve gotten older I don’t follow as quickly as I once did. I still like a challenge, but I tire more quickly brain-wise. I think that’s to be expected. Older brains aren’t quite as plastic as younger brains, but I think the exercise is still so vital and engaging. This life is meant to be savored and delighted in. I love new situations and experiencing something I’ve never pondered before. I think if we all approached life in this way we’d be happier and less stuck in our ways. So here’s to new beginnings, and here’s to my nephew Rob and his fiancee Selena as they start their new life together.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them so much. I played a variety of tunes and themes as the week went by - one group even wanted old folk songs which was so entertaining.

My Wednesday online show was a summer kickoff with lots of summer songs and craziness. I even played a few tunes on ukulele. I think everybody had a good time.

Saturday I played an online show for Philmont folks. That’s the scout ranch I worked at in high school and college where I taught backpacking and cowboy lore. It was great to see so many friends from “way back when” again.

My Sunday online show was a special show from my friends Deann and Matt’s house. Deann made a great playlist of favorite songs that everyone enjoyed. I love this group.

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What am I up to this week?

I have just 4 senior facilities this week since I’m leaving for my nephew’s wedding on Thursday. I’m definitely looking forward to all of them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about new beginnings as I wrote above. There are so many cool songs that fit this theme. I know it’ll be a great time, and I’d love to have you in my audience that night.

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That’s it for this week. I’m looking forward to seeing family and making the fun drive to California. Hopefully the weather and roads will be good.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of new beginnings songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 4 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time