My mind has been on retirement this past week. First, I had a conversation with a good friend from Bose about his retirement. Then I had my friend JoAnn from the Yellow Pine announce her retirement. I have always said that I would work until I dropped or couldn't play anymore - figuring music was something I could do well into my twilight years. I still feel that way and have no plans to retire, but I still found myself exploring the thought as my friends told me about what they were doing and looking forward to. There is always that idea that you have things you'd like to do that you will eventually be too old and decrepit to do, and if you retire before that time maybe you can do them more fully and with gusto. The worry that you'll use up your money or have a debilitating illness that will leave you with no money is also a thought, so maybe you should enjoy your health and savings while you have them both? It also occurs to me that we should do the things we want to do during our healthy years or maybe make a career out of those. I've kind of done that with my music, but there are always other things I'd like to do in addition. Anyway, it's was an interesting place to dwell in for a time - the thoughts about what I'd do if I retired and how I could live my life differently in the present to feel more fulfilled. How about you?
What happened last week?
Last week was a whirlwind - especially Friday when I had five, count 'em, five gigs.
Tuesday was a windy but fun day playing with the Atomic Fireballs at the Royal Gorge Bridge. Everything just flowed as the heat zapped our energy by the end of the day.
Thursday was a fine evening at the Yellow Pine where JoAnn announced her retirement - Congrats, JoAnn! She will leave at the end of the season.
Friday I had three nursing and Alzheimer gigs followed by playing for rafting scouts and then a private backyard party. Whew! What a crazy day of running that was.
Saturday was my annual concert at Philmont Scout Ranch which was wonderful!
Sunday was another show for rafting scouts. It was a stellar group.
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is another evening at the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30. Each week seems more fun than the last with good friends galore. If you'd like to be a part of it, then make your reservation by Tuesday evening - 719-742-3528.
Friday I'm back at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs 12:30-4:30. I'm sure it will be a great afternoon!
Then also Friday I play for another group of rafting scouts at the Royal Gorge after I'm done with the band. (I'm also playing for the scouts Monday and Wednesday.)
Saturday I'm playing 9-1 with the Atomic Fireballs for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance after the rodeo wraps up. This is always the wildest night of the year, and if you love to dance western or watch drunk cowboys try to dance, then this is the place for you!
That's it for now. I hope your summer is going well - even with all the hot weather, angst, and unrest in the air. Love and laughter is always the answer.
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Friday, July 15, 12:30 am-4:30 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 16, 9 pm - 1 am
Monday, July 11, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
Longing for the Wild Places
It’s the time of year when my heart turns to the mountains and I long for the wild places. I spent so many years in my youth hiking and exploring in the peaks, and I’m always so busy with gigs in the summer that I don’t get time for more than brief dalliances with them. There’s just a grandeur and majesty that really speak to me and it reminds me of how wonderful the universe is. My mind goes to all those John Muir and Thoreau quotes. It’s a great recharger of peace and meaning in life. I’m playing at Philmont in New Mexico this Saturday, and I’ll get a little shot that I’ll thoroughly enjoy. I’m going to journey to the Wild Lands!
What have I been up to?
Last week was another whirlwind although I thought it would be a little easier.
Monday and Wednesday I did shows for the rafting Scouts which were very worthwhile.
Thursday was a large group of folks at the Yellow Pine.
Saturday was an even bigger group at the park in La Veta that was a blast, and then I also played a retirement party for dear friends with the La Veta band that was great fun.
Sunday was Jelly Jam in La Veta that really kicked with lots of guest singers and players.
What am I up to this week?
Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m playing at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs on the south side of the bridge. I haven’t played with the Atomic Fireballs in quite a while, and I always enjoy seeing the guys and playing - especially at the Gorge.
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue in Cuchara, and I’m looking forward to so many friends and new acquaintances. Plus the food is SO good. Call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Friday I’m playing for rafting Scouts and then a private party in Pueblo that should be a lot of fun.
Saturday I’m playing for Philmont Scout Ranch again during the staff reunion in New Mexico. This outdoor concert is one of the highlights of my year each year, and this one will be especially poignant since last year’s concert was the last time I saw my mom before her stroke.
Sunday I’m playing for a group of rafting Scouts again. This is very rewarding work.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe and laugh much! Oh, and Happy Independence Day!
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Tuesday, July 5, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch
Where: Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM
When: Saturday, July 9, 8:00-10:00 pm
What have I been up to?
Last week was another whirlwind although I thought it would be a little easier.
Monday and Wednesday I did shows for the rafting Scouts which were very worthwhile.
Thursday was a large group of folks at the Yellow Pine.
Saturday was an even bigger group at the park in La Veta that was a blast, and then I also played a retirement party for dear friends with the La Veta band that was great fun.
Sunday was Jelly Jam in La Veta that really kicked with lots of guest singers and players.
What am I up to this week?
Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m playing at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs on the south side of the bridge. I haven’t played with the Atomic Fireballs in quite a while, and I always enjoy seeing the guys and playing - especially at the Gorge.
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue in Cuchara, and I’m looking forward to so many friends and new acquaintances. Plus the food is SO good. Call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Friday I’m playing for rafting Scouts and then a private party in Pueblo that should be a lot of fun.
Saturday I’m playing for Philmont Scout Ranch again during the staff reunion in New Mexico. This outdoor concert is one of the highlights of my year each year, and this one will be especially poignant since last year’s concert was the last time I saw my mom before her stroke.
Sunday I’m playing for a group of rafting Scouts again. This is very rewarding work.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe and laugh much! Oh, and Happy Independence Day!
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Tuesday, July 5, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch
Where: Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM
When: Saturday, July 9, 8:00-10:00 pm
Monday, June 27, 2016
Music of the Spheres
A friend of mine sent me a video link that brought back a series of thoughts about frequencies, music, and how the universe works. The idea is that everything in the universe down to the quantum level vibrates at certain frequencies that interact with each other. These interactions are very similar to the way musical frequencies interact with each other. When we hear a series of musical frequencies they make up the notes and chords that result in music, and by extension the interaction of the frequencies in the universe also make a kind of music also even though it’s not audible in most cases. In the spirit of this idea, everything interacts in a way that can be harmonious or disharmonious - in tune or out of tune. By thinking about this down to the tiniest level we can explore thoughts about how we get along with each other, how we comprehend our world, and how we seek the things each day that bring us pleasure and pain. All are a result of the interactions within us and without us and how we perceive them at all levels. Pretty heady stuff, and I only lightly touch on what I understand here. You can see the full video she sent me here - https://youtu.be/AfzjjcXIf9Y. What do you think?
What have I been up to?
Last week was a little easier on me than the previous week. Thursday was a wonderful group of folks at the Yellow Pine. Friday was a beautiful opening reception at the Blue Heron Gallery. Saturday was a fun party for a dear friend. Sunday was the first show for the Blue Sky scouts after they rafted. What a blast!
What's up this week?
Today and Wednesday I do shows for the Blue Sky scouts after their rafting trips. I won’t say much more about these other than it’s great to see folks heading to Philmont and share some memories and great songs.
Thursday is the barbecue at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30, and it just keeps getting better. The food is wonderful this year as always, and there have been some good friends and new friends already this year. Make reservations by Tuesday if you’d like to come so they know how much food to make - 719-742-3528.
Saturday 11-1 I’m playing in the park on Ryus in La Veta for Space Art in the Park. I really love playing in this park for the great folks of La Veta, and this should be a really fun time. Later that evening I’m headed to play with the La Veta band at good friends’ retirement party in Avondale.
Sunday I’m back with the La Veta band for Jelly Jam at Sammie’s in La Veta again. I think we’ll be playing 7-10, but we could flex either side of that since it’s the crazy 4th of July weekend. We’ll have a special guest form Nashville sitting in with us, so this will be extra special.
Whew! I’m going to be ready for a day off on the 4th. How about you? Come on out for some music if you’re in the area where I’m playing, and have a great Independence Day!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 30, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Space Art in the Park
Where: Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just cross the tracks in La Veta
When: Saturday, July 2, 11-1 pm
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: Jelly Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, July 3, 7-10?
What have I been up to?
Last week was a little easier on me than the previous week. Thursday was a wonderful group of folks at the Yellow Pine. Friday was a beautiful opening reception at the Blue Heron Gallery. Saturday was a fun party for a dear friend. Sunday was the first show for the Blue Sky scouts after they rafted. What a blast!
What's up this week?
Today and Wednesday I do shows for the Blue Sky scouts after their rafting trips. I won’t say much more about these other than it’s great to see folks heading to Philmont and share some memories and great songs.
Thursday is the barbecue at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30, and it just keeps getting better. The food is wonderful this year as always, and there have been some good friends and new friends already this year. Make reservations by Tuesday if you’d like to come so they know how much food to make - 719-742-3528.
Saturday 11-1 I’m playing in the park on Ryus in La Veta for Space Art in the Park. I really love playing in this park for the great folks of La Veta, and this should be a really fun time. Later that evening I’m headed to play with the La Veta band at good friends’ retirement party in Avondale.
Sunday I’m back with the La Veta band for Jelly Jam at Sammie’s in La Veta again. I think we’ll be playing 7-10, but we could flex either side of that since it’s the crazy 4th of July weekend. We’ll have a special guest form Nashville sitting in with us, so this will be extra special.
Whew! I’m going to be ready for a day off on the 4th. How about you? Come on out for some music if you’re in the area where I’m playing, and have a great Independence Day!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 30, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Space Art in the Park
Where: Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just cross the tracks in La Veta
When: Saturday, July 2, 11-1 pm
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: Jelly Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, July 3, 7-10?
Monday, June 20, 2016
Sensations
I'm reminded at just how wonderful life is today by sensations I'm feeling. First, I found some new fingerpicks that simulate fingernails better than any I have tried before, and so I have stripped off the coatings on my right-hand nails and am trying these new picks all week. This gives my fingers a feeling I haven't felt in more than 20 years with flexibility in my fingertips and a lightness that is hard to describe. I was using my left hand where I didn't have the nail coatings for a lot of tasks that I couldn't perform with thick nails on my right hand. It's a small thing, but it's huge in my experience. We'll see if the picks make the grade. Second, I was walking this morning in very thin-soled "barefoot" shoes, and I was struck at how often I felt sticks and grass under my feet that I'm usually unaware of. It was like being a kid walking barefoot in grass or sand for the first time. It was a great sensation, and one I savored. I tend to be more aware of sensations than a lot of folks in my experience. It's a little joy I can treat myself to on an ordinary day. How about you? Hugh Prather wrote about sensation in books I must have read more than 30 years ago. I'm glad to remember today.
What have I been up to?
Last week surely kicked my patootie! I played Tuesday through Saturday nights as well as days, and I was exhausted by Sunday when I got the chance to catch up a bit.
Tuesday was great fun playing at the park in Florence. I had a good crowd on a beautiful evening. Thursday was the first night of the summer at the Yellow Pine, and I love the new owners, Lee and Joy, and what they've done with the place. Playing there always feels like home. Friday was a blast playing at the Jelly Jam with the La Veta band folks. We had a huge crowd. Saturday night was glorious celebrating Karen and Erics' marriage with the McGregors and friends. Congratulations, you two!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbeque, and I'm really looking forward to it. I can't believe how much I've missed the place. The food is better than ever, and I think you'll love the improvements. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations.
Friday I'm playing the opening celebration for Blue Heron Gallery at 125 E. Main in Florence, CO. This looks like a very nice place. You may have seen the post I shared about this on Facebook.
Saturday I'm playing a private party for a good friend's graduation in Cañon City that I'm really looking forward to!
Sunday I start my season playing for the Scouts on their way to Philmont Scout Ranch after they raft at the Royal Gorge. This is a great chance to inspire and encourage, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so.
That's it for this week. There's a ton going on this summer, and I hope I run into you somewhere down the road.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for the gallery opening
Where: Blue Heron Gallery at 125 E. Main, Florence, CO
When: Friday, June 24, 7-9 pm
What have I been up to?
Last week surely kicked my patootie! I played Tuesday through Saturday nights as well as days, and I was exhausted by Sunday when I got the chance to catch up a bit.
Tuesday was great fun playing at the park in Florence. I had a good crowd on a beautiful evening. Thursday was the first night of the summer at the Yellow Pine, and I love the new owners, Lee and Joy, and what they've done with the place. Playing there always feels like home. Friday was a blast playing at the Jelly Jam with the La Veta band folks. We had a huge crowd. Saturday night was glorious celebrating Karen and Erics' marriage with the McGregors and friends. Congratulations, you two!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbeque, and I'm really looking forward to it. I can't believe how much I've missed the place. The food is better than ever, and I think you'll love the improvements. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations.
Friday I'm playing the opening celebration for Blue Heron Gallery at 125 E. Main in Florence, CO. This looks like a very nice place. You may have seen the post I shared about this on Facebook.
Saturday I'm playing a private party for a good friend's graduation in Cañon City that I'm really looking forward to!
Sunday I start my season playing for the Scouts on their way to Philmont Scout Ranch after they raft at the Royal Gorge. This is a great chance to inspire and encourage, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so.
That's it for this week. There's a ton going on this summer, and I hope I run into you somewhere down the road.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for the gallery opening
Where: Blue Heron Gallery at 125 E. Main, Florence, CO
When: Friday, June 24, 7-9 pm
Monday, June 13, 2016
Humanity
I'm thinking today in the wake of pain over the weekend of what it means to be human and what the big picture is. I always draw back when I get too involved in my own world so I can see what the high-altitude view of the world is. In the end we all share this existence on a big blue ball in this universe. All of our struggles and individual ideas - how we express ourselves in this world - are an experiment in living and learning. Figuring out our individualism is part of the experiment. I think that diving so deeply into the experiment that we forget our connectedness is when we hurt ourselves and each other - at least that’s what makes sense to me today.
What have I been up to?
Song of Pueblo was very nice last Friday in Walsenburg. We had a small but appreciative crowd on a beautiful evening. The stories flowed.
What am I up to this week?
This is the first very busy summer week.
Tuesday. First of all, I told you the wrong date for the show at Pioneer Park in Florence. It will be Tuesday evening starting at 6:00 with an old-fashioned potluck with sandwiches, bring-your-own side dish, a lawn chair, a smile, and your friends (from the fun poster). I should start playing around 7:00. It sounds like a great time to me. It's sponsored by the Cowboy Church at Crossroads in Florence. You might remember I played a Christmas show for them last year. They are great folks, and this should be fun.
Thursday night at 6:30 I start the barbeque at the Yellow Pine in Cuchara. This is my 15th season at the Yellow Pine (with taking off last year), and I'm looking forward to the grand folks in the big barn on a starry night. This is such a fun gig. If you haven’t been, it’s a great Texas-Style barbeque with all the fixin’s, my music, and marshmallow roasting and s’mores at the campfire. It’s $25 for adults and $10 for kids 10 and under. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations. They sell out quickly.
Friday 7-10 I’m playing with the group from La Veta (that we put together for the music festival and then decided to play elsewhere) at Sammie’s in La Veta. Last time out we had a great time, and I expect this time to be the same. We call it the “Jelly Jam” for no jelly, just jam(ming). It’s free and a lot of fun.
Saturday I have a private wedding party in La Veta for some very good friends.
That’s it for this week. I hope I make it through. I love to play though, and I wouldn’t be caught doing anything else.
Best always,
Tom
Details:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for the pot luck and concert in the park
Where: Pioneer Park in Florence, CO
When: Tuesday, June 14, 6:00 potluck with music to follow after 7:00
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: Jelly Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, June 16, 7-10
What have I been up to?
Song of Pueblo was very nice last Friday in Walsenburg. We had a small but appreciative crowd on a beautiful evening. The stories flowed.
What am I up to this week?
This is the first very busy summer week.
Tuesday. First of all, I told you the wrong date for the show at Pioneer Park in Florence. It will be Tuesday evening starting at 6:00 with an old-fashioned potluck with sandwiches, bring-your-own side dish, a lawn chair, a smile, and your friends (from the fun poster). I should start playing around 7:00. It sounds like a great time to me. It's sponsored by the Cowboy Church at Crossroads in Florence. You might remember I played a Christmas show for them last year. They are great folks, and this should be fun.
Thursday night at 6:30 I start the barbeque at the Yellow Pine in Cuchara. This is my 15th season at the Yellow Pine (with taking off last year), and I'm looking forward to the grand folks in the big barn on a starry night. This is such a fun gig. If you haven’t been, it’s a great Texas-Style barbeque with all the fixin’s, my music, and marshmallow roasting and s’mores at the campfire. It’s $25 for adults and $10 for kids 10 and under. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations. They sell out quickly.
Friday 7-10 I’m playing with the group from La Veta (that we put together for the music festival and then decided to play elsewhere) at Sammie’s in La Veta. Last time out we had a great time, and I expect this time to be the same. We call it the “Jelly Jam” for no jelly, just jam(ming). It’s free and a lot of fun.
Saturday I have a private wedding party in La Veta for some very good friends.
That’s it for this week. I hope I make it through. I love to play though, and I wouldn’t be caught doing anything else.
Best always,
Tom
Details:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for the pot luck and concert in the park
Where: Pioneer Park in Florence, CO
When: Tuesday, June 14, 6:00 potluck with music to follow after 7:00
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: Jelly Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, June 16, 7-10
Monday, June 6, 2016
Ah, Summer!
The season is upon us again that always fills me with energy and awe. Summer has always represented such wonderful things to me - traveling, mountains, swimming, fresh produce, warm evenings, lots of music, and so much more. As I get older it wears me out just thinking of all the things to do in the summer, and yet there is an electricity in my bones as the season gets rolling that will carry me through. When I was young the summer always had endless hours of outdoors playing with friends and literally living in my swim trunks. As I got older it was hiking and mountains and the smell of a campfire and fresh pine. Then in my adulthood it was playing music at all hours and in every location imaginable. In midlife now it’s still playing music a “heckuvalot”, but there is also the quiet reflection of the beauty of a summer morning or the cool of a summer evening. The summer seems to fly by and be gone before I even know it has started. But still there is that energy that helps get me through the long hours of work, the weeding and digging, and the rush of the day. Drink it in, my friends, it’s summer!
What have I been up to?
The gig at the park in La Veta the weekend before last was a blast! It was the perfect start to summer for me, playing for a group of old and new friends on a perfect day in the park. I sang a bunch of Guy Clark songs to honor his memory, as well as a lot of other mountain and western songs and a bundle of my own tunes.
I’ve also been rehearsing with the band from La Veta that I play the Jelly Jam with. We have a gig next week and a couple over Independence Day weekend - more about those as they draw closer.
I’m also done with the big part of my mom’s estate. The sale from the moving of all her stuff will be in Pueblo on Santa Fe Ave this month. There is more info and pictures of some of the stuff here - https://www.estatesales.net/CO/Pueblo/81006/1171410.
What’s up this week?
This Friday I’m performing the Song of Pueblo oratorio at 7:00 with the SoP band in Walsenburg at the Washington Underground Theater. This should be a really fun evening in a really fine venue. If you’re in the area please come! This will be quite a special performance.
That’s it for now. Next week my calendar starts going crazy with summer gigs. Check it out at my website if you’re interested in planning where we might rendezvous over the summer.
Best,
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: Washington Underground Theater (the old Washington School) 5th and Russell, Walsenburg
When: Friday, June 10, 7:00 pm
What have I been up to?
The gig at the park in La Veta the weekend before last was a blast! It was the perfect start to summer for me, playing for a group of old and new friends on a perfect day in the park. I sang a bunch of Guy Clark songs to honor his memory, as well as a lot of other mountain and western songs and a bundle of my own tunes.
I’ve also been rehearsing with the band from La Veta that I play the Jelly Jam with. We have a gig next week and a couple over Independence Day weekend - more about those as they draw closer.
I’m also done with the big part of my mom’s estate. The sale from the moving of all her stuff will be in Pueblo on Santa Fe Ave this month. There is more info and pictures of some of the stuff here - https://www.estatesales.net/CO/Pueblo/81006/1171410.
What’s up this week?
This Friday I’m performing the Song of Pueblo oratorio at 7:00 with the SoP band in Walsenburg at the Washington Underground Theater. This should be a really fun evening in a really fine venue. If you’re in the area please come! This will be quite a special performance.
That’s it for now. Next week my calendar starts going crazy with summer gigs. Check it out at my website if you’re interested in planning where we might rendezvous over the summer.
Best,
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: Washington Underground Theater (the old Washington School) 5th and Russell, Walsenburg
When: Friday, June 10, 7:00 pm
Monday, May 23, 2016
Packing, Packing, Packing
No time for a real update because I'm in Nebraska packing up my mom's
stuff with the estate company trucks coming in tomorrow. I've never seen so many boxes.
Saturday I'll be playing at the park in La Veta 12-2 on Ryus Ave. If you're out and about please come on by.
Best always,
Tom
Monday, May 2, 2016
Slowing and Wisening
I've noticed over the past couple years that I'm starting to slow and hopefully wisen a little bit. Things don't come to me as quickly as they used to, and I'm not as fast off the trigger as I once was. I like to see this as the result of growing wiser and more tolerant, and in part that is true. I also know that it is because my brain takes just a tick longer to register and let me react, and hopefully this makes me consider my options more thoughtfully. I really do see this in my life, as I do think about things more than I used to - I know some folks think that maybe all I do is think, what with my rambling missives. But seriously I do have some things that go over my head, and I'm going to take this badge of my years as a good thing and not the early signs of senility. :-) And I see this in my music that I'll be performing this Friday off my new album. The songs are more thoughtful and simpler than anything I've done in the past - stripped down to the barest melodies, emotions, and accompaniments. Think of it as a slower and wiser collection! ;-)
What have I been up to?
The Jelly Jam I wrote about in La Veta was a blast! When you put five seasoned players together you come up with a very nice stew of music, and that's what we had - from old to new and in between. We'll do it again on June 17 at Sammie's.
What's up this week?
Friday will be my Album-Release Party at Magpies 7-10. I've been immersing myself in these tunes, and am quite pleased at how they came out. I know that may sound funny, but when you're in the middle of recording them you don't have the perspective to judge them completely, and a little time reveals the truth. So Friday I'll perform them at Magpies in all their glory and with a little extra spice thrown in because I can't perform the same thing twice in exactly the same way. I expect that it will be very busy, so get there early if you want a seat, otherwise it's SRO (Standing Room Only) and you'll have to eat upstairs. I'm SO looking forward to this!
That's it for this week. I'm still in Nebraska working on packing boxes and stacking them with my siblings, so I'm stealing time to update you and practice my songs, and I should be in rare form Friday night.
Thanks for all,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, May 6, 7-10 pm
Monday, April 18, 2016
The Little Things
I was walking down the hall and marveling at the turquoise color on one of our cabinets, and it struck me again how much I love the little things in life. Beautiful colors and rich textures and golden light - those and so many more simple things just reach out and grab me. Maybe I'm just simple (and maybe that's okay), but I've always been thrilled at the world around me - even if it was just the shine dancing on the water or the roughness of a pebble. I forget to let these things remind me how much I love this life. Sharing joy and love and music are three key ingredients to enjoying life, and these spill right out of the little things all around us. Enjoy!
What happened last week?
Last week was Song of Pueblo all week - rehearsals and then great shows. Thursday we did 3 1-hour shows for schools and seniors, and we were thrilled at the response that even the littlest gave - here's to historically inspiring the young (and old). Then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were full shows for wonderful groups of friends from today and yesterday that really gave us a workout. The dancers were outstanding, and except for me forgetting to introduce the band on Sunday (D-oh!), the shows were stellar tributes to Pueblo and the area.
What's up this week?
I'm playing Friday for a fun event in La Veta at Sammie's that we're calling "No Jelly, Just Jam" that is sure to be a good time. This is a band of mostly La Veta musicians put together to play for the Spanish Peaks Music Festival in July that will be playing some warm-up gigs in La Veta to have fun, give us some practice, and generate enthusiasm for the festival. If you're in La Veta Friday, we promise you a "Jammin'" good time of rock and country tunes.
That's it for this week. I'll be off next weekend getting ready for my album-release party at Magpies May 6th and spending more time in Nebraska on my mom's house.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: No Jelly, Just Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, April 22, 7-10
What happened last week?
Last week was Song of Pueblo all week - rehearsals and then great shows. Thursday we did 3 1-hour shows for schools and seniors, and we were thrilled at the response that even the littlest gave - here's to historically inspiring the young (and old). Then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were full shows for wonderful groups of friends from today and yesterday that really gave us a workout. The dancers were outstanding, and except for me forgetting to introduce the band on Sunday (D-oh!), the shows were stellar tributes to Pueblo and the area.
What's up this week?
I'm playing Friday for a fun event in La Veta at Sammie's that we're calling "No Jelly, Just Jam" that is sure to be a good time. This is a band of mostly La Veta musicians put together to play for the Spanish Peaks Music Festival in July that will be playing some warm-up gigs in La Veta to have fun, give us some practice, and generate enthusiasm for the festival. If you're in La Veta Friday, we promise you a "Jammin'" good time of rock and country tunes.
That's it for this week. I'll be off next weekend getting ready for my album-release party at Magpies May 6th and spending more time in Nebraska on my mom's house.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch playing with Jason White, George Galvan, Cass Cruz, Trudy Price, and Dennis Mills
What: No Jelly, Just Jam - playing music to dance to and enjoy
Where: Sammie's in La Veta - just northeast of the tracks on the highway into town
When: Friday, April 22, 7-10
Monday, April 11, 2016
Music Is My Magic Refuge
I just realized (again) that I use music as a refuge when I feel wrapped up in the world and its problems. Music does so much for me - from both sides - playing and listening. It really does seem like it has magic beyond what seems imaginable. The main thing it does for me is to give me a playground where I not only escape for the moment, but also get to experiment with rhythm and pitch and intensity. It lets me plug myself into a storyline with emotions that I have the opportunity to express and present to the listener and to myself. There is a whole world within a song and the elements that comprise it, and that world is amazing to be a part of. I count myself lucky every time I pick up a guitar or turn on my music player.
What have I been up to?
Magpies two weeks ago was great fun! I ended up playing a variety of songs since I hadn't announced any theme. It was quite an exploration.
Song of Pueblo with Daniel Valdez was fun as well - playing for the senior class of Chavez Huerta High School and their staff and supporters.
What's up this week?
This week we perform the Song of Pueblo multiple times at the great Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We have been doing a lot of rehearsing with the dance instructors from the Arts Center and also the dancers from Grupo Folklorico, and have made some really beautiful changes with full lighting and new video and stills with the addition of the dancers, and I'd love for you to see it. Thursday we do three "Nutshell" one-hour condensed shows for students and seniors at 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00. This is a great opportunity to see a healthy taste of the show for only $5, and there are still tickets available as well as possible seats for walkups at the shows. Friday we do an evening show at 7:30, then Saturday a matinee at 2:00, and Sunday a matinee at 2:00. Prices for the full show are $25 ($20 for Arts Center members). We are so looking forward to this series of shows, and we'd love to see you there!
That's it for this week. Remember that my album-release party for my new "Guitar" album will be May 6th at Magpies!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, and Alan Polivka
What: playing and singing the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where: Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N Santa Fe, Pueblo, CO 719-295-7200
When: Thursday, April 14, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00pm "Nutshell", $5
Friday, April 15, 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 16, 2:00 pm, Sunday, April 17, 2:00 pm, $25 ($20 for Arts Center members)
What have I been up to?
Magpies two weeks ago was great fun! I ended up playing a variety of songs since I hadn't announced any theme. It was quite an exploration.
Song of Pueblo with Daniel Valdez was fun as well - playing for the senior class of Chavez Huerta High School and their staff and supporters.
What's up this week?
This week we perform the Song of Pueblo multiple times at the great Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We have been doing a lot of rehearsing with the dance instructors from the Arts Center and also the dancers from Grupo Folklorico, and have made some really beautiful changes with full lighting and new video and stills with the addition of the dancers, and I'd love for you to see it. Thursday we do three "Nutshell" one-hour condensed shows for students and seniors at 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00. This is a great opportunity to see a healthy taste of the show for only $5, and there are still tickets available as well as possible seats for walkups at the shows. Friday we do an evening show at 7:30, then Saturday a matinee at 2:00, and Sunday a matinee at 2:00. Prices for the full show are $25 ($20 for Arts Center members). We are so looking forward to this series of shows, and we'd love to see you there!
That's it for this week. Remember that my album-release party for my new "Guitar" album will be May 6th at Magpies!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, and Alan Polivka
What: playing and singing the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where: Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N Santa Fe, Pueblo, CO 719-295-7200
When: Thursday, April 14, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00pm "Nutshell", $5
Friday, April 15, 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 16, 2:00 pm, Sunday, April 17, 2:00 pm, $25 ($20 for Arts Center members)
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