We’re coming into one of my favorite seasons of the year when we get to celebrate Irish heritage at St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve talked about my family’s connection to Ireland before. Because my mother died shortly after she discovered our Irish ancestors I really don’t have any depth of knowledge about our people there or what they might have done. I’ve said before that all I really know is that I have always felt a passion for Irish music that I don’t really understand. Both the upbeat pub songs and the heartfelt ballads just sink down into me with an ancient longing. I love that feeling in all music, but Irish music just haunts and thrills me in a unique way. It’s like visiting a place you’ve never been to that instantly feels like home. Our bucket list includes a trip to Ireland, and I guess I’ll see if that rings true when we land there someday. The old song “Galway Bay” describes the beauty well.
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland, then maybe at the closing of your day
You will sit and watch the moonrise over Claddagh, and see the sun go down on Galway Bay
Just to hear again the ripple of the trout stream, the women in the meadows making hay
And to sit beside a turf-fire in the cabin, and watch the barefoot gossoons at their play
For the breezes blowing o'er the sea from Ireland are perfumed by the heather as they blow
And the women in the uplands digging praties speak a language that the strangers do not know
For the strangers came and tried to teach us their way, they scorned us just for being what we are
But they might as well go chasing after moonbeams, or light a penny candle from a star
And if there's going to be a life hereafter, and somehow I'm sure there's going to be
I will ask my God to let me make my heaven in that dear old land across the Irish Sea
So it’s time to celebrate Irish heritage. I look forward to this season, and it’s always gone too soon.
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What have I been up to?
I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they wanted to hear quite a mix of tunes - from Irish to train tunes to sun songs. It was fun, and it’s always such a privilege to play for these folks. I was on lifting restrictions from having a leg vein treatment on Monday, so I used a very small equipment setup that sounded different but good.
My Wednesday online show was playing winter songs after being in the winter spirit from watching the Olympics, and there were some great songs requested and played. It was such a good time with so many sweet folks in attendance.
My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a good one. There were so many neat requests and nice moments with good folks. We even did a couple songs to honor Neil Sedaka.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. I’ll be getting into the Irish songs in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, and I know it’ll be a blast. I usually would bring my Irish guitar, but I think I’d better hold off a few days until I can lift normally to carry it. It’s a big guitar that requires some special gear to make it sound great.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Irish tunes as well as the same for the next Wednesday. I love these tunes, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone. Please come on out if you’d like to get into the spirit of the Irish!
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always my favorite night of the week. The requests and moments we share are just magical. I’d love to have you in the audience as well if you’re available.
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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe it’s almost Spring. It definitely feels like it in southern Colorado lately. I hope you are happy and healthy.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, March 4, 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, March 8, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
