It’s Thanksgiving Day week - Happy Thanksgiving! I often use the holidays to mark where I’ve been and and where I am. It’s kind of like the waypoint I mentioned in my title - dropping a pin to remember a point along the way. I look back along the timeline of my life and see where I was on past holidays - who I was with, where I was staying, and what was going on in the world. This Thanksgiving finds me in fairly good spirits. I released a new album this year. I have enough money to take a day or two off now and then. My health is pretty good for a 55-year-old - I'm exercising daily and eating healthy with a few treats along the way. My marriage with Jen is happy, and we have a new dog, Beau, who brings us joy daily. I’m missing some old friends and family members who’ve passed on in the last year or so, and I’m enjoying new friendships and opportunities. I’m enjoying more peace and mindfulness - notwithstanding the election season we just went through. My music is flowing as well as ever, and probably coming to me more easily and naturally. I’m still learning and exploring - reading new books and listening to podcasts that stretch my mind with science, history, fiction, philosophy, and spirituality. I’m thankful for such a good life as I approach the holiday where we express our thankfulness. I hope you are too. I think of those around me who are less fortunate, and I try to keep giving from my gifts as I walk the path of life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
What have I been up to?
Last Friday was so much fun at Magpies. Most of the regulars were there with a few new faces as well, and once again we did music from all over the map - even singing songs in tribute to Leonard Cohen, Leon Russell, and Mentor Williams.
What am I up to this week?
I don’t have any weekend gigs with the holiday other than nursing facilities, but I am playing a party tonight for a very good friend that I wanted to mention. I live for these kind of events - playing in a living room for music lovers and friends. I feel like family, and I get to sing my favorite songs for some of my favorite people. It’s pretty much musical heaven.
I also wanted to remind everyone to put my online living room concert on your schedule if you’re available. It’s Sunday, December 18, 7:00 pm mountain standard time (9:00 eastern) at concertwindow.com/tommunch. Just tune in on your computer, tablet, phone, or whatever for an hour or so of Christmas tunes and memories. You can make requests and comment as we go, and it’s free.
That’s all for now. Happy Thanksgiving!
Best always,
Tom
Monday, November 21, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Finding Peace
I’m not sure what to write about this week. The last week has been trying for everyone - just too much angst about a change. I try not to wrap myself up in the goings on of the world, but it’s hard to not be affected. So I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of talking to friends on all sides. I’ve also been listening to music and walking in nature - both things that absolutely enrich my soul and bring joy. I don’t have final answers, but I do find peace for myself. I will always believe and say that we choose our own reality - making each day what we want it to be. I will always say that love is the most important thing - loving ourselves and loving others. I will always believe in the big picture - living this life to the fullest in joy and laughter regardless of my situation. I will always find wonder in this world - seeing the beauty of nature around me and the infinite possibilities in the universe.
What have I been up to?
Last time out at Magpies 2 weekends ago was really nice. So many friends were out, and we did songs from all over the board.
What's up this week?
I'm back at Magpies 7-10 Friday again. It's such a special time whenever we all get together downstairs at Magpies, and I'm sure this will be another night to remember. Please come down if you're in the area.
Also I'm planning an online Christmas concert for Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 Mountain Standard Time (9:00 Eastern) at concertwindow.com/tommunch. I always really enjoy these, and it's so easy to join in and make requests that it really is an interactive and fun time. Please mark your calendars and tune in.
That's it for this week. Take care of yourself, do something fun, and keep spreading the love.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Nov 18, 7-10 pm
What have I been up to?
Last time out at Magpies 2 weekends ago was really nice. So many friends were out, and we did songs from all over the board.
What's up this week?
I'm back at Magpies 7-10 Friday again. It's such a special time whenever we all get together downstairs at Magpies, and I'm sure this will be another night to remember. Please come down if you're in the area.
Also I'm planning an online Christmas concert for Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 Mountain Standard Time (9:00 Eastern) at concertwindow.com/tommunch. I always really enjoy these, and it's so easy to join in and make requests that it really is an interactive and fun time. Please mark your calendars and tune in.
That's it for this week. Take care of yourself, do something fun, and keep spreading the love.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Nov 18, 7-10 pm
Monday, October 31, 2016
Out of Sorts
Boy, did I have a trying few days! It started Wednesday when I started 2 simultaneous projects.
The first one was my Halloween costume which I decided to make myself this year. I went online and searched Halloween costume pictures on Google for a few days until I found what I wanted - green sweats and a hoodie made to look like a cactus. All I needed were matching sweats and hoodie and some yarn to make the cactus spines. I ordered everything off Amazon so it would be to our house by Wednesday - figuring that would give me plenty of time to sew the yarn “spines” on the sweats. Wednesday night I spent time figuring and diagramming until I had marked the sweats with dots where I thought the yarn should go. On Thursday evening I started sewing the yarn pieces on - almost 900 of them. The yarn was so thick that I had to use a leather needle and then pliers to pull the thick yarn through after threading the needle for each spine with a needle threader. Can you see how this might take longer than I expected? The thing I didn’t anticipate was that the acrylic yarn was going to go up my nose as I was sewing and cutting and give me an allergic reaction that would make my nose run like a had a terrible cold. It even made my nose hurt with sinusitis so that it felt like I had been punched in the nose. I did finish the hoodie this afternoon (Sunday) with half the original pieces of yarn than I had figured at first, and I’m going to wear the sweats without the yarn. Maybe if I get a wild hair I’ll finish those later. The costume does look pretty good, but my nose still hurts, and it’s still running, and my fingers and wrists are pretty sore from all the tugging and pulling on the yarn.
The second project was testing a hardware problem on the iPhone 7 I got last month. I had noticed the screen dimming at odd times - particularly in the car when it was just slightly warmer, and it was really starting to bother me that I couldn’t read the navigation map when I was driving unless the air conditioner was blowing on the back of the phone. I had called Apple about it, and they had told me that I had to wipe the phone and make sure it would happen with none of my software installed or they wouldn’t replace it. I have all my business on my phone, including inventories, invoices, schedules, income tracking, and much more, and every time I get a new phone it takes me several hours to get everything loaded on the phone, so wiping the phone and reinstalling all of that is not something I look forward to. So Thursday evening I wiped the phone after doing a good backup and duplicated the problem. I called Apple and they approved the replacement phone. Everything was good so far, but then I started restoring all my data and apps back on the phone. I went to bed hoping the process would be complete in the morning. When I awoke the phone wouldn’t turn on. Seems the backup process had hit a snag and the backup had crashed. With support’s help I was able to make the phone function as just a phone for the day until I got home again Friday night and tried twice to restore it, but each time it crashed right at the end of a 4-hour process. Saturday morning the kind support person determined that my backup was corrupted, so I started an 8-hour restore from the cloud backup I had made Wednesday night. My phone was functioning normally, for the most part, by the time I got to bed Saturday night. Of course I had to determine what I had lost from Thursday and Friday and reenter any data I needed. Then today I’m doing extra backups so that I’m ready to start the process all over again when I get the replacement phone tomorrow. Whew! Are computers really worth all this? So I’m hoping this week will be less eventful, and I won’t be so out of sorts.
So what have I been up to?
Magpies was a blast the week before last. It was so good to see all my regulars again, and we had a great time reminiscing and telling stories of our adventures over the summer. After starting with a variety of songs, the night turned into a sing-along 60’s night by the end. It was so much fun!
What am I up to this week?
Friday is Magpies 7-10 again, and I already have friends coming from as far away La Veta, so I know this will be a marvelous night again. Please come out if you can!
That’s it for they week. I’m still thinking of doing an online concert soon, so stay tuned.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Nov 4, 7-10 pm
The first one was my Halloween costume which I decided to make myself this year. I went online and searched Halloween costume pictures on Google for a few days until I found what I wanted - green sweats and a hoodie made to look like a cactus. All I needed were matching sweats and hoodie and some yarn to make the cactus spines. I ordered everything off Amazon so it would be to our house by Wednesday - figuring that would give me plenty of time to sew the yarn “spines” on the sweats. Wednesday night I spent time figuring and diagramming until I had marked the sweats with dots where I thought the yarn should go. On Thursday evening I started sewing the yarn pieces on - almost 900 of them. The yarn was so thick that I had to use a leather needle and then pliers to pull the thick yarn through after threading the needle for each spine with a needle threader. Can you see how this might take longer than I expected? The thing I didn’t anticipate was that the acrylic yarn was going to go up my nose as I was sewing and cutting and give me an allergic reaction that would make my nose run like a had a terrible cold. It even made my nose hurt with sinusitis so that it felt like I had been punched in the nose. I did finish the hoodie this afternoon (Sunday) with half the original pieces of yarn than I had figured at first, and I’m going to wear the sweats without the yarn. Maybe if I get a wild hair I’ll finish those later. The costume does look pretty good, but my nose still hurts, and it’s still running, and my fingers and wrists are pretty sore from all the tugging and pulling on the yarn.
The second project was testing a hardware problem on the iPhone 7 I got last month. I had noticed the screen dimming at odd times - particularly in the car when it was just slightly warmer, and it was really starting to bother me that I couldn’t read the navigation map when I was driving unless the air conditioner was blowing on the back of the phone. I had called Apple about it, and they had told me that I had to wipe the phone and make sure it would happen with none of my software installed or they wouldn’t replace it. I have all my business on my phone, including inventories, invoices, schedules, income tracking, and much more, and every time I get a new phone it takes me several hours to get everything loaded on the phone, so wiping the phone and reinstalling all of that is not something I look forward to. So Thursday evening I wiped the phone after doing a good backup and duplicated the problem. I called Apple and they approved the replacement phone. Everything was good so far, but then I started restoring all my data and apps back on the phone. I went to bed hoping the process would be complete in the morning. When I awoke the phone wouldn’t turn on. Seems the backup process had hit a snag and the backup had crashed. With support’s help I was able to make the phone function as just a phone for the day until I got home again Friday night and tried twice to restore it, but each time it crashed right at the end of a 4-hour process. Saturday morning the kind support person determined that my backup was corrupted, so I started an 8-hour restore from the cloud backup I had made Wednesday night. My phone was functioning normally, for the most part, by the time I got to bed Saturday night. Of course I had to determine what I had lost from Thursday and Friday and reenter any data I needed. Then today I’m doing extra backups so that I’m ready to start the process all over again when I get the replacement phone tomorrow. Whew! Are computers really worth all this? So I’m hoping this week will be less eventful, and I won’t be so out of sorts.
So what have I been up to?
Magpies was a blast the week before last. It was so good to see all my regulars again, and we had a great time reminiscing and telling stories of our adventures over the summer. After starting with a variety of songs, the night turned into a sing-along 60’s night by the end. It was so much fun!
What am I up to this week?
Friday is Magpies 7-10 again, and I already have friends coming from as far away La Veta, so I know this will be a marvelous night again. Please come out if you can!
That’s it for they week. I’m still thinking of doing an online concert soon, so stay tuned.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Nov 4, 7-10 pm
Monday, October 17, 2016
No, I Didn’t Fall Off the Face of the Earth
It has been over a month since my last update, and after a little R&R I’m ready to hit it hard again. Jen and I have been out and about enjoying the fall color and seeing many favorite spots around Colorado over the past few weeks. Unfortunately we’ve also seen wildfires in several of the places we’ve visited, and the destruction of the forests from the bark beetles is very painful to see - whole stretches of nothing but grey trees with aspens interspersed. Slowing down after such a busy summer season is also a little unnerving. At first I go a little stir-crazy, but eventually I redirect my energy to new projects. And this is my favorite time of the year, I think. From the changing colors to the cooler evenings and the generally slowing pace, it becomes a much softer time of year in every way. So in a way I do fall off the face of the earth, but I come back ready to go again.
What have I been up to?
I already told you we had done a bit of traveling. The last time I wrote I was about to do the annual Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. Oh boy, was it a big event this year! Over 800 people came out and saw the animals, listened to my music, ate pizza and goodies, and played bingo at the zoo. It was a perfect day with just a touch of rain as I wrapped up my portion of the day.
What’s up this week?
Friday 7-10 I start the new season of playing at Magpies in Pueblo. This is always a wonderful night as I get to see all of the folks I haven’t gotten to see since my last time there in the spring. I have new guitars and new songs plus all the old favorites we always share with the great food and ambience. Come on down if you can!
I’ll close on that note. Be good to yourselves and try not to get to wrapped up in all the election hoopla. It’ll be over soon enough.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Oct 21, 7-10 pm
What have I been up to?
I already told you we had done a bit of traveling. The last time I wrote I was about to do the annual Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. Oh boy, was it a big event this year! Over 800 people came out and saw the animals, listened to my music, ate pizza and goodies, and played bingo at the zoo. It was a perfect day with just a touch of rain as I wrapped up my portion of the day.
What’s up this week?
Friday 7-10 I start the new season of playing at Magpies in Pueblo. This is always a wonderful night as I get to see all of the folks I haven’t gotten to see since my last time there in the spring. I have new guitars and new songs plus all the old favorites we always share with the great food and ambience. Come on down if you can!
I’ll close on that note. Be good to yourselves and try not to get to wrapped up in all the election hoopla. It’ll be over soon enough.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Oct 21, 7-10 pm
Monday, September 12, 2016
Going Away and Coming Home
Just got back from a couple days in the mountains in New Mexico - exploring and doing some hiking. I heard there was a fantastic festival in Taos, but we didn’t make it over there. Got back a little bit ago, and I thought I’d reflect on the going away and the coming home - even though this was a darn short trip. When prepping for the trip there is always a lot of excitement as you make lists and plans for where to go and what to do. Looking at a map and imagining what you can discover is great fun. Then the travel is exciting - just feasting your eyes on the wide-open spaces from a car, boat, or plane is enchanting and exhilarating. Then when you get to your destination there is so much joy in just relaxing, or making an exploring trip, or letting the spirit lead you on a spontaneous adventure. Being away gives a freedom of mind as you realize that there is little from home that can break the spell you find yourself under. My dad used to say when we were in the mountains that we were going to “let the rest of the world go by,” and that’s why I’ve always loved the song of that name so much. (Have I shared that story before?) Then when it’s finally time to leave there is always a pang for the things you didn’t get to do or see and the promise that you’ll be back there again soon to try those things out. Sometimes theres even a little tear and a silent goodbye to the place as you leave. The journey home always seems to take much longer than the trip out, and we try to leave enough time to at least make one fun stop along the way that we can look forward to. Then arriving home is always a whirlwind of putting things away, checking mail, paying bills, and making lists of things to catch up on. Sometimes I dread the coming home so much that I don’t want to go away - just so much to go through and organize and put away. It sometimes takes away the joy of the trip at first. So how about you? Does this ring true for you too?
What have I been up to?
The weekend before last I had a wonderful time Saturday playing in the park in La Veta for the Pickers Paradise. I got to see some good friends and do some favorite tunes.
Sunday after that was the Feed Store Park concert which was absolutely perfect. The weather was the best I’ve ever experienced (even though it rained the morning before), and the people were so supportive and loving. I played one full set of instrumental tunes in the middle that was a bit of a challenge for me, but it let me express myself in ways that I truly enjoy.
What am I up to this week?
Wednesday 10:30-1:00 I’m playing the annual Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. I look forward to this every year. It’s a free day at the zoo for seniors 65+ that sees friends from all around including many of the facilities I perform at all over the area. It gets bigger every year, and it looks like the weather will be perfect for it. If you’re a senior then come on out!
What’s down the road?
October 21 will be the first time out this fall for Magpies in Pueblo. I love playing here for so many good friends in Pueblo and around the area.
I have a few private events coming up.
I think I’m going to be writing another album of vocal songs. It just feels like it’s time again.
I’d like to do an online concert this fall, but I haven’t made a plan when yet.
That’s it for now. Take care of yourself, and I hope to see you soon.
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing at the Senior Safari - FREE to all senior citizens 65+
Where: Pueblo Zoo
When: Wednesday, September 14, 10:30-1:00 (event runs 10:00-2:00)
What have I been up to?
The weekend before last I had a wonderful time Saturday playing in the park in La Veta for the Pickers Paradise. I got to see some good friends and do some favorite tunes.
Sunday after that was the Feed Store Park concert which was absolutely perfect. The weather was the best I’ve ever experienced (even though it rained the morning before), and the people were so supportive and loving. I played one full set of instrumental tunes in the middle that was a bit of a challenge for me, but it let me express myself in ways that I truly enjoy.
What am I up to this week?
Wednesday 10:30-1:00 I’m playing the annual Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo. I look forward to this every year. It’s a free day at the zoo for seniors 65+ that sees friends from all around including many of the facilities I perform at all over the area. It gets bigger every year, and it looks like the weather will be perfect for it. If you’re a senior then come on out!
What’s down the road?
October 21 will be the first time out this fall for Magpies in Pueblo. I love playing here for so many good friends in Pueblo and around the area.
I have a few private events coming up.
I think I’m going to be writing another album of vocal songs. It just feels like it’s time again.
I’d like to do an online concert this fall, but I haven’t made a plan when yet.
That’s it for now. Take care of yourself, and I hope to see you soon.
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing at the Senior Safari - FREE to all senior citizens 65+
Where: Pueblo Zoo
When: Wednesday, September 14, 10:30-1:00 (event runs 10:00-2:00)
Monday, August 29, 2016
End of Summer and Changing Chapters
Labor Day always marks the end of summer for me, and it always puts me in a different mood. There’s a tinge of sadness left over from all the years (especially when I was young) of leaving the activities and places of summer and returning home to the mellowness of autumn. It’s not just sad, though, as I love the change of seasons and general slowing down of life a bit. It also marks a new chapter of life as I shift gears to what comes after closing my mom’s estate. (We’re not completely done, but we can see the sun setting.) I haven’t really thought that much about what the next chapter will be, but you can tell that I’ve been thinking about it if you’ve followed my thoughts this summer. I still love life with the same passion, and I still love to play, sing, and create as much as ever, so you have to know that I have some worthwhile things still in the pipeline. I feel some cool nights of playing and reflecting coming on, and that usually means new music and lot of both peace and excitement. That’s a great place to be. So bring on the next chapter!
What happened last week?
Last week I just had one public show playing at Lucy’s RV Park for an outdoor concert Friday night. It turned out to be a beautiful night with lots of fine folks and everything clicked. Life is good! Thanks to everyone who came out and made the evening so enjoyable.
What am I up to this week?
Saturday 12-2 I’m playing in the park in La Veta on Ryus for another Pickers Day. The last one of these I played over Memorial Day weekend was really fun, and I suspect this one will be just as good. There’s lots of folks with cool finds for sale, and I get to provide a musical backdrop to all this neatness. Come on out if you can.
Sunday 2-5 I’m returning to Westcliffe to play for the Feed Store Amphitheater “Summer in the Park” series. This is always a very special afternoon of beautiful views of the Sangres and a really rustic layout in the old tunnel-looking stage (complete with train light coming out of the darkness.) I look forward to this afternoon every year, and I’d love to have you there if you can make it.
That’s it for this week. Things officially slow down for me after this week, so I won’t be making weekly updates. Magpies starts in October, although we haven’t picked the date yet. (I’d better get on that.) Be good to yourself, and I hope to see you soon.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for Pickers Day in the park
Where: La Veta Park on Ryus
When: Saturday, September 2, 12-2 pm
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, September 3, 2-5 pm
What happened last week?
Last week I just had one public show playing at Lucy’s RV Park for an outdoor concert Friday night. It turned out to be a beautiful night with lots of fine folks and everything clicked. Life is good! Thanks to everyone who came out and made the evening so enjoyable.
What am I up to this week?
Saturday 12-2 I’m playing in the park in La Veta on Ryus for another Pickers Day. The last one of these I played over Memorial Day weekend was really fun, and I suspect this one will be just as good. There’s lots of folks with cool finds for sale, and I get to provide a musical backdrop to all this neatness. Come on out if you can.
Sunday 2-5 I’m returning to Westcliffe to play for the Feed Store Amphitheater “Summer in the Park” series. This is always a very special afternoon of beautiful views of the Sangres and a really rustic layout in the old tunnel-looking stage (complete with train light coming out of the darkness.) I look forward to this afternoon every year, and I’d love to have you there if you can make it.
That’s it for this week. Things officially slow down for me after this week, so I won’t be making weekly updates. Magpies starts in October, although we haven’t picked the date yet. (I’d better get on that.) Be good to yourself, and I hope to see you soon.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for Pickers Day in the park
Where: La Veta Park on Ryus
When: Saturday, September 2, 12-2 pm
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, September 3, 2-5 pm
Monday, August 22, 2016
Mountain Lions and Living with Nature
We live in a rural area, and I’m amazed at how often at home and in my travels I deal with nature. My title above comes from a note from my sister this morning that she saw a small mountain lion outside our old family cabin in New Mexico over the weekend and heard strange noises coming from several places around the cabin (which may have been a mating mountain lion pair). I have just finished the book, “Heart of a Lion” about a mountain lion who traveled from North Dakota to New York, so I have had mountain lions on the brain a bit this summer. The book mainly focuses on how mountain lions live in and around many populated areas, and how they have been demonized along with other wild creatures over the past couple centuries in America. I find when I’m paying attention that wild critters are around me every day. We just had a hawk sitting on the fence post and consuming a lizard right next to my car as I drove into the driveway a few days ago. And I’ve spotted a couple badgers recently - haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid. Then there have been several coyotes here and in New Mexico that I’ve seen, and there was even a skunk we could smell as I was playing Cowboy Day in La Veta over the weekend. One of the more notable events in the past few years has been the many elk around the cabin in New Mexico that we never had when we were kids out there - big herds of them crashing through the trees and grazing in the meadows. And that’s not to mention the countless rabbits and other common visitors around the house in Pueblo West. We’ve even had more spiders lately. And all of these encounters serve to remind me that this is a big world with lots of creatures sharing it, and lots of opportunities for interaction and wonder every day. When I think that my world is pretty small and limited, these events of living with nature remind me how special this life is.
What happened last week?
Thursday at the Yellow Pine was an emotional last show of the season and last show with Jo Anne Van Lue as the manager at the ranch since she is leaving for Branson. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and we had some very special people there.
Saturday was fun playing cowboy songs at Francisco Fort in La Veta for Cowboy Day as well as sharing the stage with other cowboy singers and poets - some from my old haunts of Cimarron and the Moreno Valley and Black Lake. Some fine folks were in the audience as well, and my good friends, the McGregors, even invited me for a quick lunch before I had to run to Westcliffe for an outdoor wedding and reception where we dodged the rain and enjoyed a beautiful evening of love, friends, and music.
Sunday was a backyard party in Cuchara playing with Dennis and Trudy that was chilly, but oh so enjoyable. What a time we had!
What am I up to this week?
Friday I’m playing a free outdoor concert 6:30-8 at I Love Lucy’s Place RV Park in La Veta for some good folks. I had a great time last year playing on their stage, and I’d love to have you there if you are in the area.
I just have the one gig to tell you about this week. The summer is winding down. Of course I always have my nursing facilities, retirement centers, and Alzheimer homes that I play, so my schedule is never empty.
Hope you have a great week!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing an outdoor concert
Where: I Love Lucy's Place RV Park, 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252
When: Friday, August 26, 6:30- 8:00 pm
What happened last week?
Thursday at the Yellow Pine was an emotional last show of the season and last show with Jo Anne Van Lue as the manager at the ranch since she is leaving for Branson. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and we had some very special people there.
Saturday was fun playing cowboy songs at Francisco Fort in La Veta for Cowboy Day as well as sharing the stage with other cowboy singers and poets - some from my old haunts of Cimarron and the Moreno Valley and Black Lake. Some fine folks were in the audience as well, and my good friends, the McGregors, even invited me for a quick lunch before I had to run to Westcliffe for an outdoor wedding and reception where we dodged the rain and enjoyed a beautiful evening of love, friends, and music.
Sunday was a backyard party in Cuchara playing with Dennis and Trudy that was chilly, but oh so enjoyable. What a time we had!
What am I up to this week?
Friday I’m playing a free outdoor concert 6:30-8 at I Love Lucy’s Place RV Park in La Veta for some good folks. I had a great time last year playing on their stage, and I’d love to have you there if you are in the area.
I just have the one gig to tell you about this week. The summer is winding down. Of course I always have my nursing facilities, retirement centers, and Alzheimer homes that I play, so my schedule is never empty.
Hope you have a great week!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing an outdoor concert
Where: I Love Lucy's Place RV Park, 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252
When: Friday, August 26, 6:30- 8:00 pm
Monday, August 15, 2016
Bushwhacking and Trusting Your Instincts
Jen and I did some exploring yesterday in the mountains with our dog, Beau - following old roads up to a favorite spot of our family over the years. We took a different road than usual and ended up going to a different place above the spot, and then we bushwhacked and also took different roads down that took us to places I haven't been in 30 or more years. It reminded me of when I was a kid and used to spend many days exploring and traipsing around the mountains. I never worried about getting lost, because I always had a "sense" of where I was that I trusted. Somehow when you've spent a lot of time outdoors you have a feel for where you are and which way you need to go for how long to arrive at a certain destination. It's hard to explain, but it's something I've always possessed and cherished. I know that not everyone has this, so I don't recommend it to everyone, but I think in general we do have natural instincts for which way to go in our lives if we are quiet and listen closely enough to our senses and our intuition. We tend to look for guidance outside when we have very clear internal guidance that is there when we listen. So dare to bushwhack in your life occasionally and see where your intuition leads you.
What happened last week?
Last week was a little slower because we took the weekend for R&R in the mountains (and some exploring - see above.)
Thursday was the Yellow Pine with great friends again. I was experimenting with the new guitars, and they both sounded very nice. We even had lots of dancers. It was a blast!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the last time out for the barbecue at the Yellow Pine for the season. It should be a very special night, and I'm looking forward to it. It has been a wonderful season this year at the Yellow Pine with the new owners, the Evans'. If you'd like to be there, please call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Saturday I'll be playing Cowboy Day at Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta 10-12. I love the old cowboy tunes and lore, and I relish the chance to do a show of cowboy songs, especially since the smaller of the new guitars is a perfect "saddle" guitar - small and simple. Come on out if you can.
Saturday evening I'm playing a wedding and reception in Westcliffe that promises to be a lovely event. Congrats in advance, Barney and Linda!
Sunday evening I'm playing another back yard party in Cuchara along the river with Trudy and Dennis. This should be a really great time. The folks in Cuchara are such good people!
That's it for this week. Just a couple more weeks of craziness for the summer left. Enjoy it!
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, August 18, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Francisco Fort Cowboy Day
Where: Francisco Fort, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 am-12 pm
What happened last week?
Last week was a little slower because we took the weekend for R&R in the mountains (and some exploring - see above.)
Thursday was the Yellow Pine with great friends again. I was experimenting with the new guitars, and they both sounded very nice. We even had lots of dancers. It was a blast!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the last time out for the barbecue at the Yellow Pine for the season. It should be a very special night, and I'm looking forward to it. It has been a wonderful season this year at the Yellow Pine with the new owners, the Evans'. If you'd like to be there, please call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Saturday I'll be playing Cowboy Day at Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta 10-12. I love the old cowboy tunes and lore, and I relish the chance to do a show of cowboy songs, especially since the smaller of the new guitars is a perfect "saddle" guitar - small and simple. Come on out if you can.
Saturday evening I'm playing a wedding and reception in Westcliffe that promises to be a lovely event. Congrats in advance, Barney and Linda!
Sunday evening I'm playing another back yard party in Cuchara along the river with Trudy and Dennis. This should be a really great time. The folks in Cuchara are such good people!
That's it for this week. Just a couple more weeks of craziness for the summer left. Enjoy it!
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, August 18, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Francisco Fort Cowboy Day
Where: Francisco Fort, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 am-12 pm
Monday, August 8, 2016
New Guitars, New Possibilities
Well, I did get a new guitar. In fact, I got two. I know it seems fast since I just talked about thinking about them last week, but I've actually been considering these guitars for quite some time. I haven't purchased a nicer guitar in twenty years, and so it seems it is time. The two are both Martin guitars, and they're kind of complimentary - one with a small and sweet historic sound, and the other with a big, modern sound. They're both easier to get a good sound onstage with less gear than I usually use, and I'm not someone of late that is always looking at the latest thing, so I'm not worried about seeing greener grass on the other side of the fence. So what do I think so far and how will they affect my playing? Well, they seem to be more expressive and dynamic than the guitars I've used in the last few years, so that is already leading me to listen more and work with the interplay between guitar and voice. They haven't inspired any songs yet, but I don't expect that so soon. As I play my regular repertoire I will see what their strengths are and when they sing out strong. It's an exciting time, and it drives my dreams in new ways. That's a good thing.
What have I been up to?
Last week was a lot of fun as always. The summer is definitely waning, but I have several great gigs left.
Thursday was Yellow Pine barbecue, and it was a few less people in attendance, but it was a stellar group of folks on a chilly and rainy evening. If my knuckle wasn't bothering me a bit I could have gone for hours.
Saturday was my solo performance of the Song of Pueblo, and it went really well. It was interesting getting to play with the show a little bit and ad lib some. People told me they really enjoyed it, particularly the intensified intimacy that came from a solo show. We added Native American drummers to the Sand Creek ballad that gave the song an authenticity that was breathtaking.
Sunday was a warm day at the Royal Gorge Bridge playing with the Atomic
Fireballs. It was a blast getting to play some of the old 50's songs that we used to play so often. I miss that.
What's up this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue, and they have extended it one more week due to popular demand, so if you wanted to come they have added next week as well. I can't wait. Call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening if you'd like to be there. I really enjoy these evenings, and I'd love to have you there.
That's it for this week. I hope your summer is rounding out well.
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, August 11, 6:30-8:30 pm
Monday, August 1, 2016
Thinking of a New Guitar
I've been trying to simplify my setup and start to pare down equipment (a consequence of realizing how much stuff my mom had and seeing how much I have), and this is leading me to buy a simpler guitar - at least one with less peripheral equipment. How is that worth a paragraph on my weekly missive? Well, each guitar has its own voice and feel that actually influences how I play and how I'm inspired. I know that may sound kind of odd, but it's true. There is an interaction and even a joy to playing some instruments that really does contribute to how I play. Sometimes it's the feel of the woodgrain on the neck or the fit of the shape against my body. Sometimes it's just the responsiveness of the instrument in volume and dynamics. Anyway it does make a difference that is real and noticeable. So what am I looking at? Actually a couple of Martin guitars. My first real guitar was a Martin, and I've owned a few others over the years. They've never been the best for me, but have always been workhorse guitars that did everything I asked of them. The ones I'm looking at have a sophisticated pickup system that incorporates the outboard gear I've been using for the past few years right into the guitar, and this should make my life easier - especially when playing in new locations or on different systems. Anyway, that's what I'm looking at. I'll let you know if I make the jump.
What have been up to?
Last week was a good one. Lots of friends and fans.
Thursday was Yellow Pine with friends I hadn't seen in years, Diana and Scott, coming down from up north with their kids and lots of other familiar faces. Beautiful night with even some sweet-smelling rain.
Friday was a backyard party that was way too much fun playing with Dennis and Trudy. There was even some rain there too, but it only added to the party atmosphere of the night. Thanks, Carolyn!
Saturday was playing for a Target 30-year anniversary that was really neat. Lots of prizes and smiles all around. It was great, Lauri and Ray!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the Yellow Pine barbecue again, and I'm starting to miss it already because this week and next week are the last two weeks of the barbecue season. I will savor these last two times. It's always special and so enjoyable. If you'd like to be part of these last two, please call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for a reservation. Seating is limited.
Saturday at 7:00 I'll be doing a special solo show of the Song of Pueblo in Cuchara at the Community Center. I'll have a couple native drummers to assist with me atmosphere and drumming on "Death at Sand Creek". I've always thought I could do a great intimate solo show of this piece, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how engaging it has sounded in practice. I'd love to have you there. It's a benefit for the fire auxiliary in Cuchara.
Sunday I'll be playing with the Atomic Fireballs at the Royal Gorge Bridge 12:30-4:30. I had so much fun with them last time, and I'm sure this will be right in line. There's something so magical about playing music on the rim of that canyon, and of course I have a history up there of 30 years of playing so that it will always hold a place in my heart. Come on out!
That's it for this week. I hope your summer is rounding out nicely and that you're being good to yourself and others in this contentious election year.
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, August 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where: Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara.
When: Saturday, August 6, 7:00 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: Sunday , August 7, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
What have been up to?
Last week was a good one. Lots of friends and fans.
Thursday was Yellow Pine with friends I hadn't seen in years, Diana and Scott, coming down from up north with their kids and lots of other familiar faces. Beautiful night with even some sweet-smelling rain.
Friday was a backyard party that was way too much fun playing with Dennis and Trudy. There was even some rain there too, but it only added to the party atmosphere of the night. Thanks, Carolyn!
Saturday was playing for a Target 30-year anniversary that was really neat. Lots of prizes and smiles all around. It was great, Lauri and Ray!
What am I up to this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the Yellow Pine barbecue again, and I'm starting to miss it already because this week and next week are the last two weeks of the barbecue season. I will savor these last two times. It's always special and so enjoyable. If you'd like to be part of these last two, please call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for a reservation. Seating is limited.
Saturday at 7:00 I'll be doing a special solo show of the Song of Pueblo in Cuchara at the Community Center. I'll have a couple native drummers to assist with me atmosphere and drumming on "Death at Sand Creek". I've always thought I could do a great intimate solo show of this piece, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how engaging it has sounded in practice. I'd love to have you there. It's a benefit for the fire auxiliary in Cuchara.
Sunday I'll be playing with the Atomic Fireballs at the Royal Gorge Bridge 12:30-4:30. I had so much fun with them last time, and I'm sure this will be right in line. There's something so magical about playing music on the rim of that canyon, and of course I have a history up there of 30 years of playing so that it will always hold a place in my heart. Come on out!
That's it for this week. I hope your summer is rounding out nicely and that you're being good to yourself and others in this contentious election year.
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, August 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where: Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara.
When: Saturday, August 6, 7:00 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: Sunday , August 7, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
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