Blues

I’m doing a show on Wednesday of blues tunes, and I thought I’d talk about the blues and what they mean to me. I didn’t really understand the blues until I was in my late 20s. I didn’t grow up listening to them, and although blues did influence the rock and roll I listened  to I never really “got” them. I did like R&B and other more syncopated music, so it wasn’t really that I was too Caucasian to relate like some folks are. It was more that I just wasn’t exposed to them. I have really found that you have to be steeped in a style of music before you really understand it and feel it. I found this with country, bluegrass, and jazz as well. You don’t really internalize what you’re listening to and even that you’re playing until you’ve somehow unconsciously digested it. It’s just how we process anything that’s new to us. I wish this was something we were taught when we’re young. You don’t really “get” something until you’ve spent a lot of time with it. Sometimes you have a knack for something and can get it quicker, but it still takes exposure and awareness. So this is how it was for me with the blues. Little by little I “got” them. A box set of Robert Johnson’s music helped this along. Playing the blues in a band helped a lot too. You have to ease into them and kind of turn off your brain and just feel the blues. I’ve sat in with a touring blues band, and I found that a little limiting, but I still enjoyed the moment. I still don’t profess to be able to go to that place in my soul where the blues is born, but I’m close. How about you?

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I did play a lot of cowboy songs as I thought I might since I was doing cowboy songs for my Wednesday online show. I saw a lot of smiles as folks remembered these old songs. 

My Wednesday online show was cowboy tunes once again, and this time I did relatively newer songs, and they were so well received. These old tunes are just wonderful. 

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a busy one again with lots of good people. The barbecue was so tasty, and folks danced to a bunch of songs. 

Friday and Saturday I led some songs in song circles that were so much fun at the Philmont Scout Ranch Rayado reunion. We had a hammered dulcimer and a flute player sitting in, and the sound was wonderful!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good songs requested and played. These Sundays are so special. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have only 6 senior facilities this week since it’s the fifth week of the month, and I have repeating gigs that don’t often fall on the last week of the month. I’ll bet I end up playing some blues since the blues will be in my mind with my Wednesday show. It’ll be fun!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be blues as I wrote above. It should be a really enjoyable show with some upbeat as well as gritty tunes. Come on out if you want a little bluesy energy. 

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue for some friendly faces and good food and music in the old barn. This is the next-to-last barbecue of the season, and I’m going to be sad when it ends. We have such a good time, and Cuchara is such a beautiful place to spend an evening. I’d love to have you there too. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now.

Friday night 7-8:30 I’ll be at the Pueblo Riverwalk at the north end by the big fountain and the western statues in what they call the Gateway Plaza. I always enjoy playing there, and it’s really the only place I play in Pueblo for the general public anymore. Come on out!

Saturday 1:15 to 1:45 I’ll be playing at El Pueblo Museum for their Colorado Day celebration. It’ll be indoors, and I’ll be singing fun Colorado songs. Come out if you can!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s a most rewarding evening of tunes and friendship. Honestly we have such a good time. Come on out and join in!

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That’s it for this week. This summer continues to roll along like a wild horse ride!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of blues songs 

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

When:  Wednesday, July 29, 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 30, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing on the Riverwalk

Where:  Pueblo Riverwalk Gateway Stage in the Gateway Plaza, Pueblo, CO

When:  Friday, July 31, 7-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing songs for Colorado Day

Where:  El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N Union, Pueblo, CO

When:  Saturday, August 1, 1:15-1:45 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 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Renewal

I’ve been watching everything happening with the Aspen Acres fire in southern Colorado this past 3 weeks with fear and empathy. I lived in Beulah off and on for 3 years 40 years or so ago, and my wife Jen was living there when we first got together back then. Her old place burned in this latest fire although the cabin I lived in is still standing, I think. I have several friends who lost their homes or cabins or had to evacuate, and although we weren’t in much danger 15 miles away, it still had me thinking about what we would do if we lost our home and had to start over. Of course, there would be a tremendous feeling of loss, but once we had grieved there would also be a time of release and an opportunity for renewal. I think we often long for renewal. That kind of reset is scary but also healthy for us. Just like a fire triggers new life in the forest or a flood feeds the fields, a tragedy often lets us reflect on what is important and clears the excess baggage we accumulate in our lives and in our minds. My extended family tends to collect a lot of things. That makes it great when you want some piece of historical memorabilia from an ancestor 200 years ago, but it also makes it darn hard to move. I would never want to lose my heritage, but I also value the idea of having everything I value in my pack on my back. I often think of the pioneers venturing out across the continent with nothing but their hopes and dreams and a few possessions. What a chance for renewal! Do you think about it too?

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I really enjoyed playing for them all. I actually did a lot of cowboy songs for them. I love taking them on an adventure of music for an hour.

My Wednesday online show was cowboy songs, and I ended up doing mostly historical songs or songs about historical topics. I don’t know if most folks like a history lesson, but the folks tuned in that night said they really enjoyed it. I loved getting to play some old favorites and telling them a few stories.

Thursday night at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a really nice night of familiar faces and old friends. Big shout out to Charlie and Janet - they’re celebrating their anniversary.

I played Sunday morning for Cuchara Chapel - leading their Sunday outdoor service and singing “Beulah Land” in tribute to the folks who are going through the fire. They also did a tribute to Don Pike and his wife. Don has been very helpful with the chapel over the years.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was quite a potpourri of different songs. I think everyone loved it. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll be singing more cowboy songs for them. The veterans’ home in Florence has been under evacuation these last 2 weeks, and they’ll be back this Thursday so It’ll be great to see them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be more cowboy songs, and this week I’ll sing more of the movie and recent cowboy songs that we didn’t get to last week. There are just so many great cowboy songs! Come on out if this appeals to you.

Thursday night 6:30- 8 I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue for some great food and tunes with good folks in the old barn. This is such a fun night, and we only have 3 more Thursdays before we stop for the season. I’d love to have you there if you’re in southern Colorado. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now.

Friday night and Saturday I’m down at Philmont Scout Ranch to lead a song circle and see many old friends at the Rayado 50-Year Reunion. 49 years ago I went on a two-week Rayado trek that honestly changed my life in so many ways - giving me the confidence and gumption to succeed in my young life. This will be a pleasure.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and you know it’ll be a worthwhile evening. The folks really feed the good vibes at these show, and you’re always welcome.

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That’s it for this week. This has been such a whirlwind summer, and sometimes I never want it to end!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of more cowboy songs 

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

When:  Wednesday, July 22, 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 23, 6:30-8 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 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Cowboys

I have been enchanted by cowboy history and lore for all my life. Of course, you have to know that western TV shows and movies were all the rage when I was kid. Every friend I knew had a hat, boots, and toy guns. Playing “cowboys and Indians” was a regular pastime. (To tell the truth, I was also into Native American stories and history.) When I was in college I worked at a cowboy camp one summer at Philmont Scout Ranch that led me to study historical cowboy songs and the history of the cattle trails and ranches in the early west. I felt compelled to learn all I could about the realities of early cowboy life and also the mythology that led to all the western movies and shows I love. Since that time I have continued to be enamored with cowboys. I’ve done cowboy campfires at several guest ranches. I’ve done cowboy history shows at schools and historic events. I regularly do cowboy songs at my senior facilities and other venues. I just love the rough and rowdy as well as the lonely and vulnerable stories of the old west. How about you? Do you have a fondness for cowboy lore?

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and surprisingly they still wanted to hear patriotic songs for Independence Day even though it had already passed. I even did a short version of the history show I did on July 1st for one place. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing beach songs, and it was so much fun. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. I loved getting into the feeling of being near the waves with my toes in the sand.

The Thursday barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch was packed again, and it was a great crowd of nice folks who really gave some nice energy.

Saturday night I played a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my friend Dennis Mills on bass that was also a blast. It’s so much fun to play music where you stress the beat to drive people to dance. Cuchara folks are so genuine and kind.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a little different assortment of tunes this time as I picked some I haven’t done in a long while. Love these folks!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll choose a theme for each one and run with it. I’m sure some will want to hear the cowboy songs I’ll be doing for my Wednesday online show too.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing cowboy songs and history. I love doing these songs so much, and getting the opportunity to dedicate a whole show to them is the best. Please tune in if this sounds like a show you’d enjoy.

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m back at the barbecue at the Yellow Pine. These nights have been so much fun this summer, and it’s so gratifying to enjoy a night in this classic mountain barn under the stars. I’d love to see you there if it sounds good to you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now.

Sunday morning 10-11 I’m playing an outdoor service at the Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, Colorado. I’ve always really enjoyed the folks at this chapel, and the guest speaker, Morgan Stokes, is from Austin, Texas, and I’m really looking forward to hearing him speak. Come on out if this appeals to you and you’re in the southern Colorado area.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it’ll be a good night because it always is! Come on out and join in.

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That’s it for this week. This has been a heck of a summer, and it’s only half over. There’s so much more adventure to be had. I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of cowboy songs

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

When:  Wednesday, July 15, 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 16, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for chapel service

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, 16400 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO

When:  Sunday, July 19, 9-10

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 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Beaches

It’s the time of the year when people go to the beach if they have an ocean nearby or a lake or swimming hole with a sandy shore.  I have some wonderful memories of being at the beach by both the Atlantic and the Pacific. There’s something about being that close to the ocean so powerful, and the birds and shells and sometimes wildlife are so thrilling. Camping near the ocean or even sleeping in a motel with the window open to hear the sound of the surf is so calming. I’ve made wind chimes from the washed-up small pieces of wood with their hollow ring. I’ve sat and played my guitar on the beach and dunes - drawing inspiration from the wonder of it all. I’ve fished with friends in the surf and caught small and large fish (I caught the small and my friend caught the large!) Jen and I have walked for miles and the beach just enjoying the sound of the birds and bells on the buoys. I can imagine that living near a beach would be intoxicating - improving life by the magic of the ancient forces being so close. There are just so many amazing things about being on a beach, and I have been there many times. So this Wednesday I will do show about beaches on my online show. It will be so cool to immerse myself in songs about such an enthralling place.

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What have I been up to?

I had 6 senior facilities last week, and we were celebrating 250 years of independence with lots of patriotic songs for most of them. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing 250 years of American music that commented on the history of different eras and events. I suppose it was a real history lesson, and the audience was so appreciative and engaged.

Thursday night at the Yellow Pine barbecue was packed, and it was such a good time. They had a special banner for 250 years and a large American flag for folks to take pictures in front of, and I did several patriotic songs that people sang along to.

Friday I played in La Veta in the park to a great crowd of folks who were enjoying the day after a patriotic parade while looking at all the cool artwork that people were selling. It was a fine time.

My Sunday online show had some great requests, and even though I was really tired from being with family July 4th and playing music into the wee hours, the music really flowed.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll probably play them some of the beach songs I’m doing for my Wednesday online show. That should fun!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing beach songs as I said above. This ought to be a really fun show with all the great beach songs we’ll do. I’d love to have you go to the beach with me!

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue, and I’m sure it’ll be a spicy night of barbecue and good times in the old barn. You’re always welcome, and I think anyone would really enjoy it. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now.

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing a free dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my good friend Dennis Mills on bass and vocals. This old facility is so cool, and these dances are so much fun. I get to stretch out on some great dance tunes, and the community really comes out and celebrates. I’d love to have you there as well if you’d like to come dance in the mountains where the air is crisp and the music is cookin’!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always such a sweet night of friendship and good choices in music. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I’m riding the wave of summer as best as I can, but it’s almost kicking my butt with so much to do. But I rise and have a blast. I hope you do too.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of beach songs

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

When:  Wednesday, July 8, 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 9, 6:30-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

What:  playing a free dance of country and rock and roll

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, 16500 State Highway 12, Cuchara, CO

When:  Friday, July 11, 7-9 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 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time