Comfort Food

I’m standing here writing you while I eat a “comfort food” lunch of pinto beans and green chiles.  I have lots of comfort foods and lots of times and reasons I eat them.  My main comfort foods are popcorn, chips and salsa, black licorice, chocolate, and milk.  I eat one or more of them sometimes after a gig, or when I’m having a bad day, or when I want to feel that everything is right with the world, or even when I just want a little special treat.  Most of these are things I have eaten my whole life, so they may even remind me of childhood or special moments throughout my life when I ate them and was around friends and family.  Why do I feel I need these?  They just make me feel “on center” - which is a good place to approach anything that’s next on my plate.  I don’t have them every day, in fact I only have some of them once a month or less.  But I think they are an important touchstone to remind me that life is good, and that being happy and fulfilled is worthwhile.  So how about you?  Do you have certain comfort foods that you turn to?

Okay, I’m done with lunch.  What were the highlights last week?

Friday night I got rained out of the patio at the La Veta Inn.  I brought an umbrella and set up on the patio - only to have it start raining just as I was starting to play.  I waited a few minutes and hoped it would stop, but alas it didn’t, and I had to pack up my wet gear and set up inside.  But I had a great group of folks come out to hear me, and I played some oddball sets of mixed music that hit just about every style you can imagine.  It was fun!

Saturday night I had the private party I told you about last week in the Springs.  The weather was beautiful, and the recently-finished back yard patio and deck was amazing for the fine people I got to sing for AND with under the stars.  I can honestly say that I’ve never played for a more appreciative and engaging group.  It was a blast!

Sunday Jen and I drove up to Westcliffe to hear my good friends the Rifters (Don Richmond, Rod Taylor, and Jim Bradley) play at the Feedstore Park for an afternoon concert that was picture-perfect.  They never cease to amaze me with their fine spirit, good humor, and easy-going style.  I wish you all could have been there.  I even snuck up on stage to play a couple with them.  Always great to see those guys!

Great week!

So what’s up for this week?

Friday I’m back at the La Veta Inn to see if the weather gods will allow one more special evening on the patio.  It looks like we’ll continue these Friday evenings for at least a couple more weeks.  Come on down if you can.

Saturday I have another private event that I can’t tell you too much about because it’s a surprise for someone special, but if you happen to be anywhere near the Nature Center in Pueblo you may hear my voice drift up out of the trees and the rolling waters for a couple songs.  That’s all I can say.  I’m excited!

That’s all for this week.  I hope to see you out and about!

Tom

Details:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 29, 6-9 pm

Write It Down

As I grow older I’m amazed at how my mind and habits change over time.  I’ve always delighted in pushing myself to new boundaries both mentally and physically.  I used to intentionally switch methods of doing things in my routine just for the mental stimulation.  This extended from the habitual way I used my computer or devices to the way I brushed my teeth and did other routine daily activities.  We make mental maps and lists of the way we do things, and these are important to our thought processes and our organization.  I think I may have done this too many times though in my life, because I notice now that it’s pretty easy for me to confuse myself with a change.  I even find that I have a harder time remembering things.  I know this is common as we age, and so I’ve taken to writing everything down that is important.  It’s easier with today’s tools - smartphones for example where you can write a quick memo or even record one.  But even if you just carry a small pad of paper and a pen you can capture all the fleeting important thoughts that cross your mind - things you need to get done and important names and places.  I sometimes think that I use these tools too much, and that depending on these tools has reduced my ability to remember.  That may be so, but it also frees my mind to be creative and spontaneous when I don’t try to hold onto these fleeting thoughts and todos.  So how about you?  Do you depend on writing things down or are you able to hold it all in your brain?

So what were the highlights last week?

The final Yellow Pine barbecue of the season Thursday was a really nice evening. We went long with a little sadness over closing the season, but it was warm and inviting. Friday night at the La Veta Inn was also wonderful - starting on the patio with a full house and ending up inside after a light rain chased us in. The energy of the rain spurred me to play some rock 'n' roll and let my hair down a little bit. It was fun! Saturday night's wedding was an unexpected treat. The couple were an accomplished and delightful duo from Brooklyn, New York. I'll be surprised if they don't go far.

And what's up this week?

Friday I'm back at the La Veta Inn 6-9 or as long as I last. I had thought we might not go through August, but last week was such a good crowd that we're going to give it a shot. Come on out if you're in the area!

Saturday night I have a private party in the Springs that should be a lot of fun! I'm sorry I can't invite you all.

So the season is winding down and I only have those two gigs to tell you about this week. Take care of yourselves and enjoy life.

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 22, 6-9 pm

My Cat Understands

I've been writing about pretty heady subjects of late. I guess I’m trying to be wise and learn from all the reading and living I’ve been doing. Funny thing is, my cat seems to have more wisdom than I do sometimes - especially in the morning. She waits until she knows I’m rushing to get something done, and then she comes to me for affection. I usually try to pick her up and cuddle her for a while, and of course this has a wonderful calming and loving effect on both of us. It also reminds me that there are more important things in life - giving and receiving love and caring. The most interesting thing she shows me is when I’m not totally present there for her. She gets annoyed and will bite me. At first I thought she was wanting to play or was being mean, but I more realize that she is actually teaching me to be in the moment and to let other things go. When I do that and talk to her, then she doesn’t bite or get annoyed by me.  Now I suppose I could see this as a cat being selfish, but I don’t think so. I think that she is more in touch with the meaning of living here on earth - wanting to enjoy each moment and putting the passion in everything that life is really about. So I say, “Thank you.” to her, and I hope you get these moments, however brief, in your life to enjoy.

What were the highlights from last week?

I had a wonderful night Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue - again seeing old friends and making new ones.  It’s always so magical there. I only have one week left unless we decide to add one more, so each week is more precious as the season ends. Then Saturday and Sunday I played Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista to some of the best audiences I’ve ever had. It’s always beautiful there in the park by the lake and the waterfall, and the days couldn’t have been more perfect!

So what’s up this week?

Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the last barbecue of the season for the Yellow Pine (unless we decide to add just one more next week stay tuned.) I’ve had a great summer at the Yellow Pine, and every week is a gift of great memories. If you’d like to come, then call before noon Tuesday - 719-742-3528.

Friday I'm at the La Veta Inn 6-9 - hopefully on the patio.  The season is winding down for the summer at the Inn as well, but I hope to have at least one or two more great Fridays there, and I’d love to have you in my audience if you can make it.

Saturday I have a wedding in Pueblo West.  It’s funny, I hadn’t played a wedding in several years until this summer, and now I’ve played almost a half dozen.  This one is at a house and looks to be a beautiful event.  I’m looking forward to it!

So that’s it for this week.  Be good to each other, and I hope to see you out and about.

Tom

Details for the week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, August 14, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 15, 6-9 pm

What Are We Here For?

I've been thinking a lot about life (as always), and I've been doing a lot of reading about different understandings of our purpose on earth. I know that's a pretty big topic, but it breaks down to very practical ways of approaching every day. I don't know if most of us think of this much as we live from day to day, but I find that it helps me see the bigger picture and gives me peace of mind that really helps. One of the books I have been reading and re-reading this year has been Anita Moorjani's near-death-experience story called "Dying to Be Me."  I have read other books like this, but in her book she has some very practical reflections on daily life. Some of you may have doubts about these experiences, but I am willing to entertain these ideas, and at the very least the people who have these experiences are able to look at the world with a fresh perspective. Anita has an interesting way to look at our time here on earth. She says that our time on earth is the "big show" where we beings want to be, and that the reason we chose to be in our bodies here on earth was to live our lives fearlessly with the passion and emotion that we can only experience in this body. I know that kind of talk sounds a little "sci-fi", but it puts a new spin on our time on earth - instead of slogging through this life trying to make the best of of an inherently sinful and evil situation, we are here to love and dance and sing and passionately pursue joy and meaning in our chosen field and relationships. I like that. It makes sense to me, and that is how I think of life. And it fits into my daily life. If I'm starting the day in fear of something I need to do or feeling like I can't plug myself passionately into whatever I need to do, then I either adjust my attitude towards my tasks with a look at the big picture of how it fits into the world or else I change my plans. This doesn't always make my tasks passionate and fearless, but it helps me remember that I am striving towards this goal.

So how about it? Does this ring true for you?

What were my highlights from last week?

Thursday the Yellow Pine cancelled the barbecue due to a conflict. Friday at the La Veta Inn it was chilly and threatening rain, so I played inside. I had some really nice folks out for the evening. Saturday I had a wonderful evening playing the concert and sing-along in Cuchara I wrote you about. It turned out to be very enjoyable, and the people were wonderful. I may have to do another sing-along soon. Sunday was a relaxed evening at 8 Mile Bar and Grill where I got to reconnect with a friend from high school who was in Colorado on vacation. I was in the mood to play some songs from high school, so I fired up the '70's and had a good time reconnecting. Had some history buffs start up a good conversation about Zeb Pike.

So what's up this week?

Thursday I'm back at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue 6:30-8:30. There will be some returning guests that I'm looking forward to catching up with. If you’d like to come, call 719-742-3528 fro a reservation.

Saturday and Sunday I return to Buena Vista for Gold Rush Days 11:00-3:00 each day. I've been playing for this event for 15 years, and I have such great respect for the people of this rugged mountain town. A lot of folks come from Denver and Colorado Springs for the day, and I've made friends with several of the vendors selling their crafts and yummy treats. If you feel like making a drive into the mountains this weekend, please come out to Buena Vista and cheer me on!  I’ll be at the south end of McPhelemy Park at the main light in town with my little white EZUp tent.

That’s it for this week!

Tom

Details:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, August 7, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at Gold Rush Days
Where:  Buena Vista at McPhelemey Park (on the west side of the highway in the center of town)
When:  Saturday & Sunday, August 9 and 10, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Gamesmanship in Relationships

I just finished a spy thriller about the Whiskey Rebellion from the Revolutionary War period in America called "The Whiskey Rebels." It was entertaining, and it was full of deception and gamesmanship. I know that's what a good spy novel should be based on, so I got what I paid for, but I found that it bothered me and got me thinking about life and how we craft our relationships - both at home and at work. I say "craft” because I think we do - weaving kindness and sometimes even manipulation into how we deal with each other. I used to enjoy mentally sparring with friends - challenging, teasing and jostling with them, but as I age I'm starting to change my ways. When I was in college I had a friend I worked with one summer who was terminally nice. I would want to play a prank on one of our coworkers (like short-sheeting a bed,) but my friend would instead want to make him cookies. I thought then that he just didn't get what a prank was about, but now I think he got it even better than I did. The kinder choice may have seemed a little goofy to me then, but in my older age I see the wisdom of my friend. By avoiding the game and included mixed feelings in the prank, you get to the heart of what you want in the end (bonding with that person) without the entanglement of the prank - especially if the prank goes wrong (and I sure remember some that did.) Of course there is some fun in the prank, but I realize it is done at someone else's expense, and just like a joke told at someone else's expense there is an inherent meanness that you just can't get around. So as I get older I realize that this inherent meanness just isn't worth being involved in. And this extends to all of our relationships. Life is short, and the opportunities of doing something meaningful for another person that actually helps are few enough in number that it just isn’t worth the mental labor to play the game.  Plus I question what it really gets you in the end that matters.  Just like being one car ahead at the expense of upsetting another person doesn’t get you to your destination any faster, strategizing and plotting a course that includes abusing others doesn’t get you the success with the peace and contentment in the end that you think it will.  So I’m going to keep this in mind as I navigate my relationships.  How about you?

What were the highlights from last week?

Thursday night was great fun at the Yellow Pine. We had a packed house and even had a bear charge towards the barn!
Friday night at the La Veta Inn was a beautiful night on the patio with some really great folks.  We even had a girl wearing a fox tail.
Saturday was a very memorable night in Elizabeth at Coyote Creek Concerts.  It had such a warm and genuine audience which really made the night blossom into some special moments.  We made a lot of new friends, and I hope to be able to go back again to Elizabeth!
Sunday night at 8 Mile I had some old friends and musicians that made for a great time.  A constant light drizzle even brought out some songs from the ocean which were fun!

So what am I up to this week?

CORRECTION - Yellow Pine IS CANCELLED THIS WEEK.  Thursday night is the Yellow Pine barbecue again 6:30-8:30.  We’ll see if the bear is back or if the game department has trapped him out by then.  If you’ve never been to a Texas-style barbecue, you really should try this one out!  Make reservations at 719-742-3528.

Friday is the La Veta Inn 6-9 - hopefully on the patio again.  I enjoy the folks who come hear me at the Inn as well as anywhere I have ever played.  Come be part of it if you can.

Saturday I’m playing a 50th anniversary for the Cuchara Hermosa group in Cuchara.  This is a private engagement, but it is a wonderful organization that does all kinds of things to help out in the Cuchara area, and I wanted you to know about it.  For the 50th anniversary we are having an old-fashioned sing-along - complete with songbooks, a la the Golden Bee. This is going to be a blast!

Sunday I’m back at 8 Mile Bar and Grill 5:30-7:30 just one more time.  I’ve really enjoyed playing at 8 Mile this summer, and it has let me connect with several Cañon City folks I haven’t seen in a while.  If you’re in the area, please come out.  The food’s great, and the atmosphere is wonderful.

That’s it for this week.  Thanks for all!

Tom

Details this week:

CORRECTION - Yellow Pine IS CANCELLED THIS WEEK.
Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, July 31, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 1, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558
When:  Saturday, August 3, 5:30-7:30

Why Do We Do It?

I’m returning to an idea that often goes through my mind.  Yesterday at the concert in Westcliffe I was having a particularly wonderful afternoon with beautiful weather, a great audience of listening and caring people, an in-tune guitar that was working for me, and a conscious that was ‘in the moment.'  The last set I was reflecting to the audience on just how special an afternoon it was, and I made the statement that I don’t play music for money, I play for the love of the music and the shared experience with the audience.  I truly believe this.  Now I do understand that the money received for the performance represents (in part) the value that people get from the music and the experience, and I think we could have an entire discussion based on the concept of whether that is good or bad, but it makes me think about a broader question - why do we do anything we do?  When I sing the song, “Night Rider’s Lament,” I often ponder on what to say to introduce the song, and I forget that the main message of the song is just this - why do we do any of the things that we do?  The song says it’s for the sight of the northern lights, for the sight of the “hawk on the wing,” and for the sight of the spring hitting the Great Divide.  What are these things?   I think they represent something deep and lasting to the writer and listener - the enjoyment of living and the passion we all seek in life.  I guess maybe that’s all there is to it.  When you get to the end of your life can you look back and say that you truly lived passionately and lovingly in whatever situation in life you landed?

What happened last week?

Thursday was a great night at the Yellow Pine with dancers and a beautiful night - even a little rain.  Friday was a lot of rain and an evening indoors with old and new friends at the La Veta Inn.  The night turned extra-special towards the end of the night as the audience indulged and encouraged me to sing some meaningful heartfelt songs.  Saturday was a crazy night with the band at the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Dance.  They built a new stage this year which solved the dancers spilling into the band unexpectedly, and we got to see even more wild dance moves from our heightened vantage point.  Sunday was the aforementioned concert in Westclifffe which was nothing if not magical.  I REALLY appreciate the folks who helped make it so.

So what am I up to this week?

Thursday I’m back at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue 6:30-8:30.  This summer just keeps topping itself from week to week here, and I’m sure this week will not disappoint.  If you’d like to come, call (719) 742-3528 for reservations.

Friday I’m back at the La Veta Inn 6-9.  I had trout for dinner last week that knocked me out, and I told you above how much fun we had with the music, so I’m in hopes this week will be even better!

Saturday at 7:00 I get to play a fabulous venue that I’ve heard great things about - Coyote Creek Concerts in Elizabeth, CO.  If you’re in the Denver area and have been asking me to play “up your way,” this is the show to catch.  I’m honored to get to share my music here.  Their website has more info and pictures - http://www.coyotecreekconcerts.com.

Sunday I’m back at 8 Mile Bar and Grill most likely 5:30-7:30, although I may start a little later.  I had such a good time with such nice folks the last time I played there, and I’m looking forward to this Sunday!

If you make any of these gigs I’d love to have you in my audience!

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, July 24, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, July 25, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing at singing a concert at Coyote Creek Concerts
Where:  Casey Jones Park and Pavilion, Elizabeth.  www.coyotecreekconcerts.com
When:  Saturday, July 26, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558
When:  Saturday, July 27, 5:30-7:30

Maintenance and Finality

We had a ferocious thunderstorm late last night that tore branches off our big tree, washed out our road, and exposed a sprinkler leak. So this morning and early afternoon we had work to do - moving branches, moving dirt and rock, and cutting sod and repairing leaks. It wasn't what I had planned to do with half of my partial day off, and it got me thinking about my attitude toward maintenance in life. I tend to get annoyed by things wearing out and requiring tending to, preferring to fix them once and be done with them for good. But that's a little crazy. Yes, doing the mundane maintaining of our things in life can get old, but I seem to have this idea that I can have some permanence that will last, and I think I am missing the point of the joy in the simple things of life. I wrote a couple weeks ago of how a chore can actually be meditative. There's also a little of the "journey is more important than the goal" that I'm missing as well. It really is true that often the journey is what we remember fondly, and the goal is not as (insert superlative) as we expected.  I'm also missing the fact that everything in life changes even though we seem to think that there is permanence. I wonder if even in old age we have the wisdom to see that this isn't so. People pass on, buildings fall, and rivers change their course. In the end I know that I really enjoy the process, the journey, and the change, so why do I continue to entertain the thoughts of permanence? When I figure it all out I'll let you know.

First of all let me tell you how wonderful the past week was. I figure I'm always telling you about the week to come with glowing encouragement, but then I'm not telling you how the events turn out. The wedding reception I played on Monday outside in Cañon City was beautiful. It was at the old Robison Mansion on the lawn. There was plenty of shade, and it was just one of those storybook events that are a pleasure to be a part of - big trees, beautiful clothes, and perfect weather. Thursday night at the Yellow Pine was just full of spirit and fire - good folks and music, and a good vibe all evening. What a pleasure it was! Then I got to spend a couple days at our family cabins in New Mexico seeing my family while I played first at Red River at the top of the ski area on the deck at lunchtime Saturday to a crowd of stellar folks while we enjoyed a light sprinkle and views of the high alpine country of New Mexico. It was pretty sweet! Then I had what I'm calling "one of the most magical evenings of my life" at Philmont Scout Ranch Saturday evening playing a concert for current and past staff members. The energy was just perfect, and the mountain songs were pouring out of me along with stories and memories from a lifetime of mountain adventures. Sunday night I got to play to some very special new and old friends at 8 Mile as the evening descended on a beautiful day. It was quite a week!

So what does this week bring? Plenty!

Thursday night I'm back at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30 for the barbecue. Each week brings more new and old friends in this rustic barn in this is remarkable place. It's full of community spirit and fun. I'd love to have you be part of it. Call (719) 742-3528 for reservations.

Friday I'm back at the La Veta Inn 6-9 on the patio (hopefully.) I can't say enough about how special this place has been over the years. I expect this Friday to be another banner night.

Saturday I get to play with a band at the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Dance 9-1. This is one crazy night full of dancing and fun music, and I get to be the lead player (sharing duties with Matt Kouba.) If you've never been to a rodeo dance in Colorado, this is the one to see and be part of!

Sunday I've been asked to do another concert 2-5 for the Summer in the Park series at the Feedstore Restaurant Park in Westcliffe. The one I played in June got mostly blown out and rained on if you remember, so they've asked me to give it another go, and I love this venue and am ready to tear it up again! If you can make it I'll promise you a good time. Bring a lawn chair. There'll be refreshments available, and if you come early you can have a wonderful lunch or brunch at the Feedstore Restaurant just up the hill.

So you can see what a fun week I have in store. I hope to see you!

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, July 18, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch & the Atomic Fireballs
What:  playing for the Westcliffe Stampede rodeo dance
Where:  Westcliffe Rodeo Grounds (north of town)
When:  Saturday, July 19, 9 pm - 1 am

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing a concert in the mountains
Where:  The Feed Store Amphitheater, 116 North 2nd Street, Westcliffe.  719-783-2771
When:  Sunday, July 20, 2-5 pm

Trying to Be Wise

I've been burning both ends of the candle, and I'm finding that being tired is making me say really stupid things. It's not that I'm such a smart and eloquent person normally, although I sometimes can be still enough to be wise, but lately I find myself right at that leading edge of consciousness that is ragged and without reflection. That's a little scary at times - like losing-my-marbles kind of scary, but I know that it's just overextending myself and letting my tired brain lead me when I should get centered and approach each situation from a calm and peaceful place. I find that preparation and the right mindset is always the key to successful interaction. I also like to be spontaneous and in-the-moment, so there's a happy balance to find, but at least I have an awareness of where I can improve. And at least I know now when to keep quiet!

How about you? How do you deal with your stupid, tired brain?

So what am I up to this week? It's a busy one. 

I'm writing this Sunday night because Monday morning I'm playing a wedding reception over lunch and then a show for rafting Scouts in the evening. It should be beautiful!

Then Thursday I'm at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30 for the barbecue. Last week was another great packed room with wonderful folks and a little rain. I expect this week to be just as grand! Call (719) 742-3528 for reservations. 

I'm taking off Friday night so I can be up bright and early Saturday to make it to the top of the ski valley in Red River, NM, for a concert 11-1. This is part of the "Music on Top" series for the Red River Ski Area, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's a free concert at the Tip Restaurant deck - http://www.redriverskiarea.com/event/music-top-summer-music-series-2. There isn't a great deal of info here, so write me if you need more, and I'll find more. 

Saturday I'm also doing a concert for past and current staff at Philmont 

Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, from 8-10 during the staff reunion weekend. If you're a Philmont person I'd love to see you!

Sunday I'm playing at 8 Mile Bar and Grill by the Royal Gorge 6:30-8:30 right after I play for another group of rafting Scouts. I had one of their juicy buffalo burgers this week, and I'm looking forward to trying other yummy entrees there! Come on out if you can!

I hope your summer is going well!

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, July 10, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who: Tom Munch 

What:  playing a concert at the Tip Restaurant

Where:  Red River Ski Area, Red River, NM.  (575) 754-2223 Ext. 202

When:  Saturday, July 12, 11:00 am-1:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch

Where:  Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM

When:  Saturday, July 12, 8:00-10:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing

Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558

When:  Sunday, July 13, 6:30-8:30

Drudgery or Dancing?

I was trimming weeds this morning early with my weed whip or weed cutter while I was listening to podcasts on my phone with a bluetooth headset (handy because it uses no wires and leaves one ear free.)  I actually enjoy doing this kind of work - it’s hard on the back, but once you get used to the back and forth rhythm of the swing it can be mesmerizing and even a little meditative.  I was listening to a podcast from a show called “To the Best of Our Knowledge” on the topic of dancing.  It was talking about how dancing has always been a joyful thing that has been part of festivals, religion, and everyday life throughout history.  One of the people said that any rhythmic movement can even be considered dancing, and that got me to paying attention to my rhythmic swinging with the weed whip and my footsteps synchronized with the swinging and swaying.  Maybe this is dancing?  It certainly is joyful when you forget the pain and think of the motion and the peaceful trance it puts you in.  It also got me to thinking about one of my favorite Bible verses that says to live a simple life - working with your hands.  I’ve always wondered if there was something special about doing labor with your hands - whether it be crafting something or simply doing manual labor.  Maybe there is a confluence of these ideas that rhythmic and meditative joyful movement puts in contact with something beyond ourselves - something in tune with the rhythms of the earth and the cosmos - something approaching God or universal energy.  Well, it seems a little far-fetched, but that’s what I’m going to say when I go out to trim weeds next week - I’m communing with divine energy.

So what am I up to this week?

Before I get to that, I have to give you an update on our dog, Kai, that we took to the vet last week when we almost got crushed by those loose semi tires.  He is much, much better.  Several of you asked, and it turns out he just needed another boost of antibiotic to squash an infection that has been hanging on from a broken toenail some time ago.  He’s an old dog, but it seems we get to enjoy his company for a while longer.

So back to the week of gigs.  I have a several private parties this week, so I only have one public gig to tell you about.

Thursday I’m at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30 for the barbecue.  Last week was one of the best ever with my good friend, Steve Leete, sitting in for half the night and swapping songs and harmonies. There were some wonderful folks and it was a beautiful evening.  I’m hoping for the same this week with a lot of folks there for the holiday.  If you want to come please call (719) 742-3528 for reservations.

By the way, Happy Independence Day!!!  I hope you get to celebrate in style with those you love.

Friday (Independence Day) I’ll be playing a wedding rehearsal dinner that should be a lot of fun.

Saturday I’m playing a private party at some good friends’ house in La Veta that should be a blast.  It’s Christmas in July!

Sunday I have a group of rafting Boy Scouts to sing for.

Then before I write you next I’ll be playing a wedding reception Monday morning.

Another busy week, though not quite as busy as last week.

So be good to each other this week, enjoy your Independence Day, and come out for some music when you can.

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, July 3, 6:30-8:30 pm

Lucky to Be Alive

Well, we had a very exciting happenstance this Monday morning.  My wife and I had driven our dog, Kai, to Colorado Springs to be checked for a lame foot at the vet specialist (we’re not sure what the problem is yet with him), and were on our way back just after the twisties in the middle of Colorado Springs by the car dealerships when we suddenly saw two huge semi truck tires bouncing our way in our lane.  My first thought was that if they hit the windshield they’d come right through and kill us, so I braked and swerved and luckily missed them both.  The guy in the new Corvette behind us wasn’t so lucky - they smashed the right side of his car, but at least they missed his windshield.  In the confusion I really didn’t see if anyone else behind us got hit.  I expected to see something on the news or on one of the TV websites later about it, although I didn’t.  The truck that the tires must have fallen off of (I assume they were being transported on his flat bed) was pulled over on the shoulder a few seconds past.  So of course we felt a huge rush of adrenaline and were thankful to be alive and unhurt when we noticed that our 80-pound collie had slid all the up against the front seats and was wedged between the folded back seat and the front seat on the passenger side.  We were able to pull off on an exit and get him back up.  He seems okay, but he was frightened and I’m sure a little bruised up. (We may have to start using the car halter for him again.)  So once again I’m impressed at how precious life is and how fleeting this existence can be.  The words of Crowfoot are ringing in my head:

What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

Make it a good day, folks.  It can always be our last.  Today just wasn’t our time.

So what am I up to this week where I can share my new-found joy in life?

Wednesday I’ll be performing the Song of Pueblo oratorio with El Pueblo Ensemble at the El Pueblo History Museum 7-9.  If you haven’t seen this show, this will be an extra-special version with the debut of our new song about the Slovenian community around the old Eiler’s Smelter in Pueblo called “Bojon Town.”  As I think I mentioned before, the Song of Pueblo has gone independent this year from El Pueblo History Museum and History Colorado.  It will be a good thing in the long run although it means we will have fewer public performances this year while we regroup.  We also have a new member of the band - Alan Polivka. Alan plays a mean electronic accordion that allows him to play accordion, piano, strings, organ, trumpet, and several other great sounds. He has been heard in many fine groups around Pueblo, and we're lucky to have him. We dearly miss our good friend, Lind Amman, but all good things come to an end, and we wish Linda well in her future endeavors. If this show is not sold out, it will be soon. (719) 583-0453 or El Pueblo History Museum store for tickets.

Thursday I'm at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue 6:30-8:30. We didn't do last week due to the ranch being rented out to a private group, so I have two week's worth of great tunes stored up to play. Come on out if you have a hankerin' for great barbecue and my music. (719) 742-3528 for reservations.

Friday I'm back at the La Veta Inn 6-9. We had a wonderful night under the stars last Friday with a bunch of great friends old and new, and we even had some great young men with a band from Turkey who played some great music! You never what may happen, and I never thought I'd hear a song sung in Farsi at the La Veta Inn.

Saturday I have a wedding I'm playing on solo guitar. Wish me luck as I bring out my classical chops on Bach and Beethoven.

Sunday I have a rare afternoon performance at 8 Mile Bar and Grill 2:30-4:30 by the Royal Gorge. I really like playing at this venue, and my good friends, Steve and Laura, who came out last week said it just may be their favorite place place they've heard me play. They said it has everything - good food, good beer, a beautiful outdoor location, and my music. Come on out for some afternoon fun!

So that's enough excitement for one week. Be well, and come say "Hi!" if you have the chance.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, & Alan Polivka
What:  playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where:  El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union, Pueblo.  (719) 583-0453
When:  Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, June 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, June 27, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558
When:  Sunday, June 29, 2:30-4:30