1976

I’m continuing my shows featuring songs from a certain number of decades ago by featuring songs from 1976 - 50 years ago - this Wednesday. 1976 was an interesting year. Going through the year I see all kinds of events that shaped where we are today. The Eagles released their first greatest hits that would go on to be the best-selling album of all time. The Cray-1 became the  first commercially available supercomputer. Patty Hearst was found guilty of armed robbery. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” won big at the Oscars. Apple Computer was formed in California. President Gerald Ford defeated Ronald Reagan in presidential primaries. The US celebrated the bicentennial. I remember the bicentennial especially because my school class flew on specially-painted patriotic jets to Washington, DC, to tour the capitol that spring. Viking 1 and Viking 2 landed on Mars. Bruce Jenner (who will later be Caitlyn Jenner) won at the Olympics. The Big Thompson River in northern Colorado flooded and destroyed more than 400 cars and houses. I heard Chuck Pyle’s song about this just a few years later when I met and befriended Chuck. His guitar style would influence my music for over 30 years. Stevie Wonder released “Songs in the Key of Life”, one of my favorite albums that year. Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford in the presidential election, switching the country back to Democratic rule. I remember this year especially because I was the art person for our school newspaper, and I got to design a crazy collage of patriotic images that were printed on our mimeograph printer in patriotic colors. I was pretty proud of that. I also got my first good guitar that Christmas that would launch my dreams of being a musician. I had played soprano and baritone ukulele before that for a couple years after taking piano lessons in grade school and also playing the clarinet. It’s fair to say that the country was feeling some of the same angst over money and race then although it was much more tame than where we are today. For the most part I was a happy kid just learning to function in the world and with my friends. How about you? What things do you remember that had an effect on you that year - assuming you were born by then.

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What have I been up to?

Last week was a tough one for me. I was fighting laryngitis, and I was lucky to have my voice actually improve over the week with some care like drinking hot water with honey and lemon and gargling with salt water. At the start of the week I thought I would have to call off several gigs and seriously consider retiring before the month was out. I’m still toying with retiring, but at least I made it through the week and am mostly back to normal. I’m continuing the vocal care though.

Last week I had 14 senior facilities. I did a lot of patriotic songs for Memorial Day, and folks were mostly forgiving of me for having a rough voice. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing songs about mountains. It was a really fine show with lots of songs that took me right up among the peaks. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Saturday I played a special concert in Jess Price Park in Westcliffe, Colorado, that went really well. The weather was perfect, and the park has a very nice stage with good acoustics. I had several folks I know come to listen. Special shout out to Ed and Diana who drove up from Pueblo to hear me.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some great songs shared. Even though it was a holiday weekend I had a good number of people out to support each other and enjoy the music.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure I’ll be playing summer songs and looking forward to all the joys that summer brings. A couple of my places will probably want to start doing outdoor shows. Being in the outdoors is so good for everyone.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1976 as I wrote above. There are so many great songs from that year. At first I thought there would be a lot of dance disco-type songs, but I was amazed how many other songs I knew from that year. I’ve listed 66 so far. It should be a lot of fun. Come on out if you’d like to reminisce and hear some songs from that year.

Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show of Philmont songs for Philmont alumni to celebrate the start of another season at the scout ranch. This is what they call “Scatter” when the staff goes out to the backcountry to set up for the summer. It’s an exciting time for the staff and for us old alumni who remember our time there fondly. If you’re Philmont alumni and would like to relive some of those times you are welcome to join me at my Tom Munch Philmont Songs Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/ or on my website

tommunch.com/online-concerts. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure we’ll have some memorable moments with the fine folks who come to see me. I’d love to have your requests too if you’d like to come out.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have a good Memorial Day, and I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1976 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370

When:  Saturday, May 30, 7-9 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, May 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

I Keep Forgettin'

Last week was a weird one for me. I know I wasn’t getting the best sleep in the world, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that I forgot several things during the week. The worst, I think, was on Thursday. I was gassing up my car, and when I finished washing my windshield and putting in my mileage and gas receipt in my phone I forgot to put away the nozzle and grab my receipt and drove off without taking the gas nozzle out of my tank. Thank goodness for quick-release gas hoses now that disconnect without any damage. Of course I heard a loud clunk and realized what I had done immediately. Luckily the gas folks weren’t too upset - I guess it happens pretty frequently. They were able to reconnect it without any trouble. I did drive off before the gas charge had registered on my credit card since I didn’t put the nozzle back in the pump, but it showed up once the attendant put the nozzle back. The other forgetful thing (as of writing this on Friday - hopefully I won’t forget anything else) was on Friday morning when I got to my my morning senior facility to play and realized that I had forgotten to load up my equipment. Ya, I opened the back of my car and was surprised to not see my guitar and gear. I have done that before, but it’s been a while. The folks were very understanding, and I rescheduled for later this month. I’m glad it wasn’t a birthday party or some other special event that the folks had prepared for with cake and goodies or special decorations. None of us like to pull bonehead stunts like this, but I guess it keeps us humble and makes us realize that life takes a little understanding from time to time. I’ve been blessed to have people who can read my heart and know that I am always sincere and dedicated to them. Anyway, that’s my story so far this week. And yes, that’s a line from a Michael McDonald song in the title of my blog. I’m listening to it as I write.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and you already know I had to reschedule 1 for my forgetfulness. The others were a lot of fun. I played a wide variety of songs and requests that weren’t on any one theme since we’re kind of between holidays. I love these folks. My voice was pretty raspy for all of my shows, but I persevered.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1966 again, and I’m always amazed how the spirit of a time can possess us and send us right back there in so many ways. Everyone really got into it, and I’m going to miss the songs from that year. The next group of songs from an anniversary decade will be from 1976. That’s a good year in a whole different kind of way.

My Sunday online show was a good one with some great requests and fine chatting. I love this group so much!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and I know it’ll be a marathon of sorts with so much going on. I’ll probably try to work in some songs for Memorial Day even though there aren’t a lot of songs that fit that holiday well.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be mountain songs since I’ll be coming off a weekend in the mountains opening summer cabins with my siblings. These are some of my very favorite songs, and I know it’ll be a fine night of songs and friendship. Come on out if you can!

Saturday 1:15-3:15 mountain time I’ll be playing in Westcliffe, Colorado, for their kickoff weekend of summer entertainment in Jess Price Park on Main Street after the Memorial Day parade. I’ve played in Westcliffe many times, but this is the first time I’ve played this venue. It sounds like a great performance space, and I’m looking forward to getting up into the beautiful Westlcliffe Valley with its amazing views to play some music for the folks. I’d love to have you there if you’d like to get out and about in Colorado to one of the most beautiful places in all of southern Colorado on your Memorial Day weekend.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and since it’s Memorial Day weekend I think we’ll probably have a great turnout with most folks not having to work on Monday. I’d love to play your requests and have your friendship if you’d like to tune in too!

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That’s it for this week. I still can’t believe how forgetful I’ve been this past week. I’m going to double-check myself from now on to make sure I don’t forget such easy things - hopefully!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of mountain songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a concert in Jess Park

Where:  315 West Main Street, Westcliffe, Colorado

When:  Saturday, May 23, 1:15-3:15 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, May 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Longing for Mountains

It’s the weekend in May where my siblings and I head to New Mexico to open our family cabins for the summer. I look forward to this every year although it’s hard work removing chimney covers, turning on and setting up water systems, putting away rat poison, taking down high shutters with block and tackle, putting away furniture coverings and hanging curtains, chopping wood, and fixing any water and other problems that have occurred over the winter. Sometimes there’s road maintenance and trees needed to be removed although we got in on a grant that is currently paying for thinning all of the property with heavy machinery. This is great because hundreds of trees have grown up over the past 50+ years that have made for very high fire danger. My grandfolks put together this property since 1930 by working hard even when they had no money to be able to spend time in the mountains which they loved dearly. It’s a legacy that my siblings and I have tried hard to maintain and an honor to leave for future generations to cherish. And the best part is that it gave us a love of mountains and wild spaces which we share to this day. Hopefully when the hard work of opening the cabins is done we can sneak into the mountains for a short hike and some wonderful views. At least I can walk for sunrise on the two mornings I’ll be there. My heart aches for the mountains in the summer. I spent many of my high school and college summers working in the mountains after going to them on family vacations since I was born. There is just something about the forbidding peaks, towering pine, fir and aspen trees, and colorful wildflowers that gets inside you and enchants you. I don’t spend much time in the mountains other than brief visits and these weekends opening and closing cabins, so I treasure every moment I can get. I know you may get the same thrill from seeing these wild places that I do.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all - especially the one I played outdoors on Mother’s Day. I played many songs for mothers during the week, and it was an honor to celebrate them.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1966, and it was so much fun. There were just some wonderful songs from that year. We’ll do it again this week since there are so many we still haven’t gotten to.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was another good night of requests and favorites with many mother songs sung to honor mothers there too. Unfortunately my voice was really raspy and still is today. I don’t know if that’s an allergy from doing outside work over the weekend or if it’s just wear and tear. My voice is steadily getting rougher though, and that may ultimately be what gets me to slow down my performing so often.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’ll probably start singing summer songs and even songs for Memorial Day. Although I like doing topical songs, I also like being able to range freely over lots of different genres and themes. These in-between weeks let me do that more.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1966 one more time to feature some more songs from that memorable time. It was such a good era for music. Come on out if you enjoy some good energy and great tunes.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and since I’ll be coming back from the mountains I’ll have some deep energy and peace to make the songs that more vibrant. I’m sure I’ll be sore and somewhat exhausted, but the energy will bring me to life in a cool way. Come on out and join in the fun!

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What’s coming up?

I have several exciting gigs as the summer swings into gear. 

Next weekend on Saturday, the 23rd I’ll be playing in Westcliffe, Colorado, for their opening summer weekend of entertainment over Memorial Day weekend. I’m playing along Main Street in Jess Price Park from 1:15 to 3:15 after the parade. It should be a beautiful time in the mountains. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains above Westcliffe are some of the most beautiful ranges in all of Colorado, so you don’t want to miss this beautiful location with my music.

On the 30th 7-9 I’ll be playing an online Philmont concert on Facebook and my website to celebrate the return of staff to Philmont Scout Ranch for the summer season. If you’re Philmont alumni you’ll enjoy this show. It will air on my Tom Munch Philmont Songs Concert page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DbfDqjKHn/ and also on my online concert page on my website https://tommunch.com/online-concerts.

Then in June I start the weekly summer barbecue series at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch on the 11th that goes through August 7th this year. I’ll post more as this approaches. 

I’ll also be at the Pueblo Riverwalk July 31st and playing dances at the Cuchara Recreation Building with my friend Dennis Mills July 18th and August 7th.

There’ll be more, I’m sure, so stay tuned!

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That’s it for this week. Other than voice getting rough this week and feeling the need for more time as yard work increases, life is going pretty well. I hope yours is too.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1966

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

When:  Wednesday, May 13, 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, May 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Tools

I have been updating my tools lately for general maintenance around the house and our property. This is partially just general preparedness, but it’s also a promise to myself to be useful and to accomplish things into my retirement. I tend to think like this often in my life. I like to take deep dives into whatever my current interest is. I think of it as preparing for possibilities. If you never dream of what could be, then you never take a step outside of your surroundings and yourself. Having the tools is just part of this. I also have to blame it on the fact that I’m an Eagle Scout. That motto of “Be Prepared” stays with you throughout your life, let me tell you. Sometimes I do have to admit that on the mental side I’m not as prepared as I’d like to be. I feel this more as I age and can’t think as quickly on my feet as I used to. I’m contemplating the tools it takes to cure that. I guess it’s just taking the time to prepare. I don’t usually have that kind of time. Oh, well. We keep on keeping on! Having the tools to envision the things we want to get done is an important part of life.

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was so good to be back to performing after having a week off being sick. I started playing Mother’s Day songs and also Spanish songs for Cinco de Mayo. One place even had a Kentucky Derby theme. Wasn’t the Derby race exciting this year? The winner came all the way from last place. I love playing for my seniors. 

My Wednesday online show was playing earth songs for Earth Day a week late. There are so many good songs for our Mother Earth. It was a wonderful show with lots of good vibes. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a really good time with lots of great songs and camaraderie. I love these Sunday evenings!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure I’ll be singing more mother songs for Mother’s Day as well as Spanish songs for Cinco de Mayo. I even have a special outdoor Mother’s Day performance that I hope won’t be hampered by inclement weather.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1966 again. This was such a good year for music, and I have a bunch more songs I can’t wait to play. Come on out if you love the Stones, the Beatles, Motown, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, or so many others from that year. It’s going to be a blast!

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 as well as many old gems. Tune in and request anything you’d like to hear as well as joining in to the conversation in the comments. You know there’ll be some songs for Mather’s Day as well.

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That’s it for this week. It’s so nice to feel well again. I hope you are healthy and happy too. Happy Mother’s Day!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1966

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

When:  Wednesday, May 6, 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, May 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time