I’m doing my show on Wednesday with songs from 1955. We tend to think of this year as the start of rock and roll with songs like “Rock Around the Clock” and the beginnings of modern American culture with the founding of McDonald’s and Disneyland. It’s also the year the James Dean died and when Rosa Parks made her famous bus ride. I wasn’t alive yet, but I know that those events shaped my life in many ways. Rock and roll has been a big part of my life, and everyone I knew could sing the words to the Big Mac jingle and the Mouseketeers’ song. I play a lot of songs from that year, and I’ve always tried to connect with the emotion and the emphasis that those songs carried. There was an optimism in that music since it was so new, but it was also driven by the blues that came out of hardship. The music was often very simple - “three chords and the truth” as many still say. The form was often built on 12-bar blues with a simple three line verse and sometimes a chorus. Many songs had a driving rhythm, and they were mostly based on a small combo built on the newer instruments of electric guitar, electric bass, a drum kit, sometimes a piano and a saxophone or other brass instrument. It was exciting especially for the young people of that day, just like previous generations had their newer music that was exciting and revolutionary. That enthusiasm brought out new dances and everything we all know from that era. I look forward to playing this engaging music of 1955!
What have I been up to?
I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one. There was a midsummer energy to all of them that was pretty cool.
My Wednesday online show was doing songs I’ve never done for my online shows, and there were some really good ones. I had a really good turnout as well of folks who enjoyed it.
Thursday night was another full night at the Yellow Pine Barbecue. I got to see some old friends, and there was a great energy there too.
Friday was an odd night at Garden of the Gods Club. There was just a different feeling to the night with storms in the air and unique personalities. It’s all good though.
My Sunday online show was really busy - probably because I had been off the previous Sunday for the party I played. There were some great requests and a lot of virtual smiles. I love this group of folks!
——
What am I up to this week?
I have 11 senior facilities again this week, and I think I’ll be doing a variety of tunes again for them. I like to choose a theme at the beginning of each show and then run with it.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs of 1955. I think this will turn out to be a night to remember. I’ll play a bunch more rock and roll and a few country tunes on electric guitar with fun backdrop. Come on out!
Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue. These nights have been going so well, and it’s such a neat environment in the old barn with the smell of the pines all around. I’d love to have you in the audience as well if you like good barbecue and my music. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday at noon.
Friday night 6-9 I’m at Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant to play instrumental guitar tunes for the diners. I’ve really fallen into a sweet combo of interesting songs and improvisations for these sets. I’d love to have you hear them. 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, and I’m sure there’ll be some new tunes this week. I’ve been working on some. I’d love to have you there too, and it’s so easy to just pop on either on Facebook or on my website. The links are below in my weekly details.
——
That’s it for this week. I love the summer, and I haven’t fallen off the wave yet although I came close after working 8 and more hours in the yard this week. I hope you’re healthy and happy.
Best always,
Tom
——
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1955
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, July 23, 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 24, 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 25, 6-9 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, July 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
No comments:
Post a Comment