COVID Isolation

Well, I tested positive for COVID last Monday. Jen had been around a friend the previous week who later tested positive, so after waiting 5 days we got a Rapid test on Sunday and then a PCR test on Monday. The Rapid test was negative for both of us within minutes, and the doctor who did the test was confident that if we had no symptoms by Tuesday we were in the clear. We had already scheduled a PCR test for Monday, so we went through with that just to be sure. The PCR test came back negative for Jen and positive for me on Wednesday night. I didn’t have any symptoms still, and the recommendation from the CDC says to isolate for 10 days after a positive test, so I cleared my schedule of any outside gigs until Thursday of this week. I still don’t have any symptoms, and Jen doesn’t either. Her friend who she was with who tested positive has been sick ever since the day she got her positive test result 11 days ago. I don’t know if the vaccine for both of us is the reason that neither Jen nor I have symptoms or if the test is just so sensitive that it showed COVID particles in my nose even though I wasn’t infected, but either way we are doing the safe and responsible thing. This virus is too unpredictable to take chances with. I missed a few gigs I was looking forward to, but at least I could do my online concerts for folks. There is no doubt that we dodged a bullet. I’ve had several friends who caught the virus and had miserable experiences - with and without the vaccine. It does hit you very hard when you hear the test results. I’m pretty level-headed about life and death, but your mind still races when you stand at the precipice. I’m thankful that I’ll have more opportunities to continue playing my music and spreading whatever good it can do in the world.

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What have I been up to?

You already know that I had to clear my schedule once I got my test results. When I had the negative Rapid test result I decided that I should still be cautious until I got the PCR test back so I masked up and only played one outdoor gig on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. 

Tuesday I played for one senior facility outdoors at a good distance with their permission after the negative Rapid test. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play for these folks.

My Tuesday online show was playing the tunes of the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Their music is so much fun, and I played my Fender Strat that looks like Buddy Holly’s Strat on his rockin’ tunes. It was so enjoyable!

Wednesday I played for the Gold Dust Saloon outside on the patio with a good breeze to good friends who were distanced - wearing my mask when I was anywhere near them. We did a bunch of old rock and roll songs including a bunch of Linda Ronstadt’s tunes in anticipation of this week’s theme show with her music. That’s where I got the positive test result in between songs.

My Sunday show playing favorites and requests was great fun too. We did a lot of impromptu requests in the moment as people asked for them. I did have computer problems at the start when I found there was no sound and my streaming program was frozen, but after a reboot and a small delay we were able to proceed with gusto. This is such a wonderful group of folks to know and spend time with.

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What am I up to this week?

I have three senior facilities once I am over the isolation period this week. 

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing the previously-mentioned songs of Linda Ronstadt. Next to Ella Fitzgerald, Linda is my favorite female vocalist. Her music is so dynamic and heartfelt. She has done everything from rock to folk to country to Spanish tunes and even jazz standards, so there is so much music to choose from. This will be a special night with a lot of memories. Pleas tune in if you can.

Thursday night 6:30-8 I’ll be at the Yellow Pine for their AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) or Shalom and Charcuterie party that they like to close the season out with the Thursday after Labor Day each year. It’s a FREE potluck appetizers and BYOB (bring-your-own-beverage) event that is a blast to be at every year. Everyone is welcome. Please come if you can!

Saturday I have a private engagement party that I’m looking forward to.

Sunday 3-5:30 in Colorado Springs I am playing a wonderful house concert that is part of the Pink House Concerts series. It is run by two gals who love music and have a beautiful backyard setting where they have put on concerts for several years. I am honored to play for this series, and I’d love to have you come if you’re up for it. You have to make a reservation to come, and they do require that you have been vaccinated. There is a $20 suggested donation that goes to the performers. I’ll have a musician I recently met named John Spengler open the afternoon with a few songs before I go on. It should be a really nice afternoon! You can make reservations and find out details on their website - https://pinkhouseconcerts.com/gt

Monday 7-8:30 I’ll be doing my weekly favorites and request show that I usually do on Sunday since I won’t get back from the house concert above on Sunday until well after 7:00.

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That’s it for this week. I’m glad that my first close experience with COVID has been extremely uneventful, and I’m looking forward to playing the week. Take care and be safe.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Linda Ronstadt songs

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

When:  Tuesday, September 7, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing for the AA Shalom and Charcuterie party

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

When:  Thursday, September 9, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing at a house concert at Pink House Concerts

Where:  Colorado Springs - https://pinkhouseconcerts.com/gt for location and details

When:  Sunday, September 12, 3-5:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Monday, September 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Free Won't

Interesting concept today - Free Won’t. It’s the choice to Not do something that crosses our thoughts. I heard it on a podcast I was listening to this past week. We tend to think that we are somewhat controlled by our thoughts, and we tend to react very quickly most times instead of remembering that we have a choice not only to do something, but also to Not do something. I think this is also tied up in habits. We like habits because they allow us to follow an established path, and that oftentimes is easier and takes less thought. But I’d like to propose that we have a choice in everything we do. That’s Free Will. But we also have a choice to Not do something as well, and that’s Free Won’t. If you can stop for a second to consider the outcome of your choice you can control the flow of thoughts and events that follow, and you can also set yourself free in the moment from your automatic habits. Try it!

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What have I been up to?

Tuesday’s online show was doing the music of Nanci Griffith, and it was so rewarding getting to dive into her music again. She was a fine songwriter who could express so many emotions in stories not only about other people but about herself as well. She will definitely be missed, and it was a walk down memory lane for me Tuesday over the past 35 years.

Thursday we found out that a friend of ours had tested positive for COVID, and we had spent time with her on Tuesday and Wednesday. So we had to read up on precautions for vaccinated folks who are exposed to people with breakthrough COVID. We found that we needed to wear a mask indoors for the next week and also get tested anywhere from 3-7 days after exposure, so we did a Rapid test after 5 days on Sunday, and we’ll do a PCR test today. The Rapid test was negative, so that’s good news. Our friend was pretty sick over the weekend, so we still want to take caution until we get the PCR test back just to be sure. My Saturday show I stayed away from folks and wore a mask except when I was onstage performing. We are both feeling fine.

Saturday’s show at Hoobler’s in La Veta was so enjoyable. We had a good crowd, and I did mostly songs off my albums. It was a perfect night outdoors on the beautiful stage the Jim and Peggy Hoobler built on their yard. You can see pictures of it on my Facebook and Instagram. Thanks to everyone who came out.

Sunday’s online show was also wonderful with a few new songs and our genuine  group of friends and fans. I can’t express enough how thankful I am for such warm and caring people who have joined in with me and my music.

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What am I up to this week?

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 will be doing songs from the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Don Everly passed a week ago, and so I wanted to honor the memory of Don and his brother Phil with a few of their tunes. I thought Buddy Holly would be a good compliment to their music, so we’ll combine the two for a rousing show. Come on out!

Wednesday 6-9 I’ll be at the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo out back on the patio. Our first outing there a couple weeks ago went very well, and I hope this week will be just as fun. Since it’s outdoors I can still maintain a good distance and safety with folks if we haven’t gotten back a negative PCR test yet. I’ll cancel if we test positive, of course. I have agreed to do the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays going forward. We’ll move them inside to the balcony as weather dictates. Of course this is all dependent on how things go with COVID.

Saturday 11-1:30 I’ll be in Westcliffe performing for the street fair in front of KLZR radio station. This was originally scheduled on Sunday at the Feed Store Amphitheater, but they moved it to be part of the party on the street with all the cars and food vendors and excitement. It should be a good time, and there’ll be seating and lots of stuff going on. Come on out if you’re in the Westcliffe area!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be doing the favorites and requests that make for such a fun evening each week. I said it above, but we get such a great group of friends with so much support for each other and the music. Please tune in if you can!

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That’s it for this week. It was kind of a whirlwind with the COVID scare for us this week, and our friend is still pretty sick, so we definitely have an even better understanding of the risks that we all are still part of with this virus. Take care, my friend, and we’ll all get through this. My thoughts about Free Won’t definitely apply to how we think through this every day.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Nanci Griffith songs

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

When:  Tuesday, August 31, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Gold Dust Saloon, 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo

When:  Wednesday, September 1, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for the Street Fair

Where:  on the street in front of KLZR Radio, 103 S 2nd St, Westcliffe

When:  Saturday, September 4, 11-1:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, September 5, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

La Veta

I’m playing a concert in La Veta Saturday night, and I wanted to tell you a little bit of my experience with this little mountain town over the past 36 years. When I first moved to southern Colorado in the Fall of 1985 I was fresh out of college in Nebraska in the past year and had lived in Dallas for 5 months trying to put together a duo with a great guitarist there that didn’t pan out. I took a temporary job selling stereo equipment for a little shop in Pueblo while I tried to get a corporate job in computers. One of my first customers was an elderly couple who were buying a new receiver to replace an old classic Sansui 4000 receiver that I still have to this day. (It had switchable mono/stereo buttons and even reversible stereo channels!) The couple lived in La Veta, and they wanted me to deliver the new receiver and hook it up for them and take away the old Sansui. So I made a trip to La Veta to see them and discover this little gem of a town. I didn’t spend much time there, but it was the first time I had gotten so close to the Spanish Peaks (Huajatolla) that I had driven by many times over the years. I was enchanted, and when my temporary job in stereo ended after the Christmas shopping season and I hadn’t gotten hired on at the corporate job I was seeking I decided to do some live music like I had done in college. One of the places I booked to play was the Cuchara Valley ski resort and the Timbers bar at Cuchara just up the road from La Veta. I began to hear stories up there from the folks of Cuchara and La Veta of the camaraderie and specialness of the place, and I was hooked. I didn’t play in the resort that much before it unfortunately closed, but I knew I wanted to play in the area more. Over the next few years I played up and down the Front Range and into the mountains with a base in Beulah until I settled in Pueblo West at a house job playing at the Pueblo West Inn for 10 years. When that ended I just had to go back up the road to La Veta.  There I became re-enchanted by the people and the creative spirit and love that they held for life and the place they lived. Over the past 20 years I have played all over La Veta and Cuchara for the wonderful folks who appreciate life, art, music and genuine living. Some of the folks are from there and some have settled there, but they all share an excitement and an authentic joy that is infectious. I love playing there! That’s where I’ll be this Saturday night at an outdoor concert at the Hoobler’s house. More below.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. It is so good to be singing for folks where you know it makes a difference to their lives.

My Tuesday online show was doing the music of John Denver, and it was so rewarding. John’s music meant so much to me as I was learning guitar and trying out my musical wings. We had a great group of friends as always.

Wednesday playing at the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo was a lot of fun too. I had so many local friends come out, and it was very sweet. I’ll be doing the Gold Dust on first and third Wednesdays each month for the foreseeable future.

Saturday night I played a Pueblo Arts Alliance fundraiser that was wonderful too. It was outdoors in a beautiful setting along the river with some stellar folks.

My Sunday online show was very nice too. I did a couple more John Denver tunes that I didn’t get to on Tuesday as well as songs from the Everly Brothers and Tom T. Hall who had recently passed.

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What am I up to this week?

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs by Nanci Griffith. She passed last week at the age of 68, and I followed her music very closely and did a lot of her songs. She was a wonderful Texas songwriter known for songs like “Love at the Five and Dime” and her cover of Kate Wolf’s “Across the Great Divide”. I think it will be a wonderful show and I hope you’ll tune in.

Saturday 7-9 I’ll be playing the La Veta show I mentioned above at Hoobler’s outdoor concert site. Jim and Peggy Hoobler are sweet folks who have been involved in music and history for years around the area, and last year during COVID they began having outdoor socially-distanced concerts on their lawn when all the indoor venues had to close. I have played for Jim and Peggy for many private shows over the years, and I can’t wait to play at their outdoor stage. It’s the only time I’m playing in La Veta this summer, and it should be a blast. Bring a lawn chair and the beverage of your choice to their house at 707 East Virginia Street. It’s $20/person. You can call 719-989-1530 for more info. No reservations required.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that are always so much fun. I love the folks who come out to share each other’s company and my music. Come on out if you can. I’m always learning new tunes and polishing up old ones.

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That’s it for this week. I have a few other fun shows coming up including playing in Westcliffe September 4th, Yellow Pine on September 9th, and a Pink House concert in Colorado Springs on September 12th. I hope a bunch of folks from the Springs area will come out to this concert. You can find more info on that at https://pinkhouseconcerts.com/gt. 

Take care,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Nanci Griffith songs

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

When:  Tuesday, August 24, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing an outdoor concert at Hoobler’s in La Veta 

Where:  707 East Virginia Street, La Veta 

When:  Saturday, August 28, 7-9 pm

Details:  $20/person, bring lawn chairs, beverages, friends!

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, August 29, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Musical Influences

I’m returning to singer/songwriters for my online theme shows starting with John Denver this week and Nanci Griffith next week, and it has me thinking of musical influences and how they have shaped me and my music. I have so many musicians and groups I have followed over my life, and as a listener and as a musician I have appreciated them for different qualities and depth in their music. From the early standards I heard my dad play I picked up rhythms and complex chords and harmonies that shaped my ear to hear and understand subtle nuances. In the folk and folk-rock ‘60s and ‘70s music of my youth I picked up an ear for acoustic instruments and songwriting structure as well as vocal harmonies and eclectic lyrics and poetry. In the rock and roll of the ‘60s through the ‘80s I grew an appreciation for the drive and grit that makes this blues-flavored music so powerful. In the Country and Texas-songwriter music I was exposed to in the ‘80s and ‘90s I heard more detail in the use of different swing-influenced chords and personal stories. So much of this music enchants me and informs my playing style and musical choices in almost every song. I normally do a deep dive on anyone I listen to if there is depth to be had in their music. I think that’s why I can hear and play a lot of different styles. I pretty much get lost in whatever world the musician or group is creating until I can understand it from the inside out. For instance, Jen and I were watching a documentary on Fleetwood Mac and their album “Rumours” the other night, and she asked me if they were an influence on me. I told her they definitely were. I can remember listening on good headphones to the song “Landslide” and being mesmerized by the acoustic guitars dancing in both ears. Then I heard the driving lead guitar, tight and strong vocal mix, and the tom-toms beating out the rhythm and I was definitely moved and wanted to listen and to eventually play that music. That’s just one example. I could say words to that effect for just about every major act I’ve come across in my life. It’s all amazing and engaging. A friend told me that my music was bringing hope back into her life, and I really think it is this amazement I feel that drives me to play with joy and feeling, and that intensity can bring hope to everyone. I’m glad to be in the flow of it.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went very well last week. Some are inside with masks and some are outside without masks and they are all trying to do right by their residents. I’m still worried that we will have to stop again as the virus worsens. This is such a tough time to live through for all involved.

My Tuesday online show doing the songs of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt was a lot of fun. I think my audience enjoyed it as much as I did. There is such a wealth of great writing between these two guys.

The last Thursday barbecue at the Yellow Pine was a very memorable one with a packed house and lots of good friends. We had such a great season, and it looks like we’ll do it again next year. I started playing at the Yellow Pine in 2001, so this is one of my longest standing gigs, and I couldn’t enjoy it more!

Friday night I got to play a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass, and we had a great time! I swapped between electric and acoustic guitars as we played a huge variety of songs for the dancers. If you missed it we’ll be doing a couple dances next summer as well. Stay tuned!

My Sunday online show was a big variety of music as always. There were some great requests, and I was definitely pretty far out there on couple of them. That’s always part of the fun wondering if I’m going to pull it off. Hopefully I won’t ever crash too hard!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including a return back to Innovage - the first time since February of last year. I’m getting pretty good at singing through a mask. I boost the highs on the mic so that the words are still intelligible, and it all works out pretty well.

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time is doing the songs of John Denver again. His music was the first I featured on my theme shows a year ago last July, and we only got to 20 or songs out of 65 or so that I know, so there’s plenty of good songs we haven’t even touched yet. And I don’t mind singing some of the great ones we did last time if anyone remembers what we did! John’s music was some of the first I learned when I got my first ukulele and later guitar, and his accessibility and great tunes definitely influenced me in my early days.

Wednesday night I’ll be playing live in Pueblo 6-9 at the Gold Dust Saloon on Union Avenue in Pueblo. They have a nice patio where we can enjoy each other and some good food and drink, and I hope to see bunch of the old crew from Magpies and Bistoro as well as some new faces and anyone else who’d like to come out. If all goes well we may make it a regular thing! I’d like to do some appearances at Bistoro again too, so stay tuned.

Saturday night I’m playing a fundraiser for the Pueblo Arts Alliance that I’m looking forward to. If you are interested in the arts in Pueblo and you’d like to come there are tickets available at puebloarts.org. It should be fun!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests we always enjoy. We have such a wonderful and supportive group of folks at my online shows, and if you’ve never been you will be welcomed with open arms. Feel free to message with any requests you think I could play for you, and I’ll try to work them in as I can.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re doing well, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of John Denver songs

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

When:  Tuesday, August 17, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing

Where:  Gold Dust Saloon, 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo

When:  Wednesday, August 18, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing ands singing for the Pueblo Arts Alliance fundraiser

Where:  info at puebloarts.org

When:  Saturday, August 21, 6-8ish pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, August 22, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Songwriting

I’m contemplating songwriters and songwriting this morning. It’s a work I’ve dabbled but never fully immersed myself in. I’ve written a fair number of songs, but I’ve never been able to make it a practice that I keep on a continuous basis. Songwriters seem to always be in a thoughtful observance mode. They process all they see with a filter that sculpts the world into a poetic and melodic realm that comes naturally to them. I enjoy it when I try it, and I used to keep a pen and pad by my bedside that I would write phrases and ideas with every night. Great songwriters are fans of great literature and poetry. They look for clever word usage and imagery that expresses ideas in meaningful ways. They can distill an occurrence into 3 verses and a chorus with an optional bridge that makes you feel the place and time in a very real way. One of my favorite book series that has minstrels in it talks of how these minstrels write songs that record history and make that history into legends. And of course I think there is magic in music that goes beyond the songwriters talent - introducing a timelessness and impact that is beyond the song. And so on Tuesday I will be featuring the songs of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt - two songwriters who revered and polished the act of songwriting to a high art. I hope you can tune in and enjoy it.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went pretty well last week. For one of them the performance had to be outside because they had one resident diagnosed with COVID. This virus is surely not over. I even played one facility at the last minute on Sunday morning. That was a pleasant surprise.

My Tuesday online show doing ‘30s and ‘40s music was a thrill. I’m not sure my audience was prepared to hear that kind of music, but the memories flowed, and there were several mentions of not having heard a favorite song since hearing it with a parent many, many years ago.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a little different than usual. We had a lot of new folks, and I don’t think they knew that they could stay and dance and make requests. They did seem to enjoy themselves though, and we even had my good friends Matt and Deann Pujol come out for their anniversary and dance the night away.

My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was just about perfect. There were many regulars with a good mix of new tunes and old favorites including several spontaneous requests. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have a bunch of senior facilities this week from Colorado Springs down to Walsenburg, and it’s interesting to see how each one is dealing with the prevalence of the Delta variant in our area. I’m wearing a mask at most of them even if they say I don’t have to per their policy.

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time is doing the afore-mentioned songs of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Their songs are so engaging and impactful, and I hope you’ll tune in if you can. Remember that you can always catch my show in a replay on my website or Facebook if you can’t be there live - tommunch.com/online-concerts and facebook.com/tom.munch.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the last Yellow Pine barbecue of the season. It’s always a little sad wrapping up the summer at the Yellow Pine. The nights are getting cooler, and families are getting their kids back to school, so it’s time to stop until next year. We will have one last Yellow Pine get-together on the Thursday following Labor Day in the barn though. That is always a potluck hors d’oeuvres night as a fundraiser for the local fire department that is so appreciated in the mountain community.  That’ll be on September 9th from 6:30-8.

Friday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance with Dennis Mills on bass at the Cuchara Community Center. This should be a lot of fun, and it’ll be great to play with Dennis again. We’ve only played one other gig this summer. There’s no door fee, but donations are accepted. It is put on by the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program. Everybody in the valley usually comes out to these fun dances! You’re always welcome.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing favorites and requests as usual. These are always fun nights with friends from all over the country and sometimes world, and I truly enjoy them!

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I mentioned possibly playing at the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo, and several people responded that they’d love to do it.  I’m scheduled to play there on Wednesday, August 18th, from 6-9. If it goes well we’ll set up a regular schedule.

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That’s it for this week. This summer is waning quickly, and I’m enjoying it immensely and hoping the virus doesn’t slow us down a lot. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt songs

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

When:  Tuesday, August 10, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, August 12, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

What:  playing for a dance put on by the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Friday, August 13, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, August 15, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Awareness

 I have a big topic in mind this morning - awareness. What does that mean? Well, it’s pretty broad. I usually use it in a more spiritual sense, but it doesn’t have to be that big. It can be as simple as the awareness of where you are standing or sitting and what is around you as you read this. I believe it is the key to our whole existence. Who you are and what you are currently doing is pretty much all there is. Being aware of this and how it relates you to others around you and where you are in the world determines what you will do today and what will result from that. I ask this of myself every day. Who am I? Where am I? What am going to do with that? In any situation there is always an overview that keeps me on center. To me this is what awareness is all about. When I see someone who is floundering I usually think that they just need some awareness. I also think this when I see someone mistreating someone else or lying or manipulating someone else. It just takes slowing down long enough to look at our situation and think of where we can do the most good for ourselves and others. That is one of my core beliefs. Does that sound true for you?

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities last week were very fulfilling. I had one that had to cancel an online show because of an outbreak. That troubles me. I don’t know when we’ll be truly through with this virus. I recorded a show for them that they can show to individual residents.

My Tuesday night online show playing traveling songs was a lot of fun. It’s hard to believe that there are so many songs about traveling from so many different genres.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was full of good friends - some who are headed back home after their summer vacation at their mountain cabins. It was great to see them one last time and wish them safe travels.

My Sunday online show quite unexpectedly turned into a lot of ‘70s folk-rock songs. It was fun!

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What am I up to this week?

I have half a dozen senior facilities once again that I am looking forward to playing for. With the new recommendations for indoor mask wearing I will need to communicate with each to see how things have changed for each facility.

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature ‘30s and ‘40s standards. I’ve only done this style of music a couple times, and I always forget how much I love this music that I grew up with. I think we’ll really enjoy it!

Thursday 7:30-8 is the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again. We only have two more weeks - this one and next, and I hope folks will come out for some great barbecue and music in the old barn. They only have a few openings, and I’d love to see anyone who was hoping to come out this summer who hasn’t been yet. The number to call is 719-742-3528 by Tuesday morning for booking each week.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature favorites and requests as always. I’m finally getting time to catch up on some of the requests I’ve had over the last couple months as things slow just a little. I so love the folks we’ve gathered around us for these online shows. And if you haven’t attended you’re missing a wonderful evening of friendship and music.

——

Possible Pueblo performances 

I recently talked to the Gold Dust Saloon on Union about doing some regular performances there like I used to do at Magpies. We would start outside and then hopefully move into the balcony over the main room inside as the weather cools. Do you Pueblo folks like the food and atmosphere at the Gold Dust enough to make it a regular place for us? Please let me know. I would start pretty quickly.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re able to approach each situation you’re in this week with the awareness you deserve. This life can be beautiful if we let it.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ‘30s and ’40s Standards songs

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

When:  Tuesday, August 3, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, August 5, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, August 8, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Driving Peace

I tried an interesting experiment on my way back from Chama, New Mexico, yesterday. I locked in my cruise control at exactly the speed limit for almost the whole trip. I was the guy who drives me and, I’ll bet, drives you crazy sometimes. I did speed up when I passed someone on the interstate if someone was coming up fast behind me so as to not hold up the faster driver, but on the two-lane roads they had to pass me. You feel pretty vulnerable when other people are jockeying around you constantly. Some are not good at estimating time or giving you much space when they pull back in. I’m convinced that it’s not very safe to depend on other drivers to be careful and conscientious. Going with the flow or slightly ahead of it is usually safer since you have more control over your interactions. But what I’m really interested in is how driving slower makes me feel, and also what the psychology is that makes us feel the need to be aggressive toward each other. How does it make me feel? In a word, great! I’m more relaxed. I don’t worry about checking my speed or scanning for speed traps. I get much better gas mileage. The time I lose in the speed difference is honestly negligible on the other end, and many times I catch up to the people who passed me in towns. Leaving five minutes earlier is all it takes for all but longer trips. But the more intriguing question is why we feel the need to be so aggressive toward each other - especially on the road. I’ve felt that feeling of being a caged animal when I’m blocked in or stuck behind a slow driver, and I’m sure you have too. Western culture especially teaches us to be individuals who don’t need and don’t necessarily want interaction with other people. I don’t know if this is something we have learned or whether it’s something that’s innate in us. The strange part is that we have all felt that boost we got when we let someone else go first or actually went out of our way to be kind in some meaningful way. So why do we do the opposite so often? I don’t want to get back to my blog of a couple weeks ago where I asked if we are inherently good, but our driving behavior begs the same question. I encourage you to take a little extra time and make the effort to be kind to others in your driving or even walking and interacting with others. This life can be something full of joy and peace if we only try to make it so.

——

What have I been up to?

Tuesday was a blast playing at Deann and Matt’s house for my online show about friends. Ricky Maxey was visiting and sat in on a few tunes, and everyone got a real kick out of it! Thanks again, Deann!

My Wednesday private party was wonderful as well. I won’t go into details, but I hope it is something that I can do again.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine was a packed house for the barbecue. Some of these nights in the old barn are so special.

Friday playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk was great fun too. It started out hot and sunny, but the clouds came over and cooled us off. There were many people who came out who I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic, and it was great! The clouds brought some rain just as I was ending my show, and the cool-down was wonderful with no damage to my equipment from the rain. In fact everyone helped me pack up!

Saturday I had a private party in Chama, New Mexico, that went really well. The folks were so kind and generous, and the next morning I got some great mountain photos that you can see on my Facebook page. I need to start posting some of those to my website too.

My Sunday online show started a little slow as I was pretty groggy from a full week of playing. (How did everything get scheduled into just one week?!) But I bounced back, and it turned out to be a very enjoyable time with most of our regular group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have half a dozen senior facilities this week that should be fun. I’m still afraid that we may go back into some sort of lockdown with all the new Delta variant cases, but for now we don’t have more restrictions on these facilities. I’m always wearing a mask unless we’re outside and I’m at a significant distance. I’m out and about enough that I don’t want any risk of being an asymptomatic carrier.

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing traveling songs. With summer travel going on this seems like a perfect theme. There are a lot of great traveling songs, and I’m really looking forward to this show. Please tune in if you can.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again. I wrote above of how special these nights can be, and I’m look forward to this one as well. Again they have been able to let in a few extra folks each week even though they’re technically sold out for the summer, so if you’d like to come you should call by Tuesday morning to make reservations. 719-742-3528

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be back to the favorites and the good folks who always contribute so much to these evenings. It’s always fun, and I’d love to have you join in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I really do encourage you to find a way to slow down your driving if, like me, you tend to be more aggressive than you’d like to be. Life is really what we make it, and putting extra angst into our lives just doesn’t make sense.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of traveling songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 27, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, July 29, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, August 1, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Busy-ness

 Hello,

This week will be the busiest I have been in two years. I have gigs every day including evening gigs on six of those days. I’m not sure how I’m going to have the endurance to complete it. Last year with the virus going on so strong I was convinced I would never be this busy with work again. I was okay with the slowdown other than the reason for it. But I love to sing, and I’ve never shied away from good opportunities to share what I’ve been given to share. The worst thing about being busy is having to shed anything that doesn’t fit into my schedule. This means I’ll be neglecting things on my to-do list as well as not having as much time for the people in my life. This is usually not a decision I want to make. The virus time last year taught me to prioritize important things in my life. This week will be an interesting test in that light. Luckily this is a busy as it gets, and I can stop and consider afterwards. I’ll let you know how it goes. As long as I maintain my awareness of what’s important it will all be fine. 

——

What have I been up to?

My Tuesday online show playing sun songs was a blast. There are so many great songs about the sun, and we did a bunch!

Thursday at the Yellow Pine was great fun! It’s so great to be in the old barn with good friends.

Friday and Saturday was so much fun being at my nephew’s wedding. The song I learned even sounded good! Big congrats to everyone involved.

My Sunday online show was also fun after getting back for the wedding festivities in the mountains. We did some favorites along with a few new songs.

——

What am I up to this week?

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be at Deann and Matt Pujol’s house and themed around friend songs. Several local regulars will be there, and Ricky Maxey will be in town as well from Texas and may sit in for a couple tunes. So it will be an exciting night with a live audience and on online audience, and I hope you can tune in and be part of it.

Wednesday night I have a private party in Cuchara that should be really nice.

Thursday night I’m back at the Yellow Pine for the weekly barbecue. It’s been so nice seeing the wonderful folks from the valley up there I Cuchara. As always they are technically sold out for the summer, but I have had a few friends able to get a table, so if you’re interested I encourage you to call if you’d like to be a part of it. 719-742-3528

Friday night I’m playing at the Pueblo Riverwalk at the Gateway Plaza from 7-8:30. This is the east end of the Riverwalk by Brues Alehouse and the fountain. It should be a lot of fun, and I’m hoping to see a lot of local folks if they can make it.

Saturday I’m playing a private gathering in Chama, New Mexico, that should be very special.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing favorites as always, and I’m always appreciative of the sweet people who join me. Please tune in if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. Hopefully I can make it through with gusto and love. Here goes!

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of sun songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 20, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, July 22, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where:  Gateway Plaza at the Pueblo Riverwalk, Pueblo.

When:  Friday, July 23, 7-8:30

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, July 25, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Are We Good?

Pondering as always today. I’m thinking about the complexity of human interactions, and I’m wondering what drives us. One thing I always come back to is that I believe in the inherent goodness of people and the world in general. It’s always been part of my view of life. I know that many religions and philosophers don’t agree with this. They believe that because of “human nature” we will always choose the selfish course or the destructive way. I think that is a copout. I think it excuses bad behavior. I think it makes us distrust each other and look for ways we can cheat other people. I tend to be overly idealistic when I view the world. I sense that there is a way we can live where we support each other with kindness and helpfulness. I’ve found that when I do that it invariably helps me as well - both in spirit and in fact. Good begets good. Positive energy put out into the world attracts other people to us, and in the end everyone benefits. I’m aware that negative energy can have the same attractive quality in some ways, but in the end it causes distrust and pain - eventually falling apart. I don’t think I’m writing about morality per se, but a deep feeling of purpose and destiny. It’s just my two cents added to the conversation on this new day. Are we good?

——

What have I been up to?

My Tuesday show playing campfire songs was more fun than I thought possible. We did some pretty corny songs, but those songs took us to a place of memory and joy. We’ll have to do that theme again!

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was also a fine ride - different than other weeks, but special in its own way. I sure enjoy these Thursdays! I love it when the kids fill the dance floor with smiles and dancing!

The memorial on Saturday was very sweet. I have never been to an event where there were more deep and genuine friendships expressed. The song I learned - “Moment of Forever” as sung by Willie Nelson and written by Kris Kristofferson - was a song I will cherish. Playing at the following reception with Dennis Mills on bass was also very enjoyable.

Sunday morning playing for Cuchara Chapel was nice seeing old friends and sharing some of my instrumental songs. Leading a group in singing is always a challenge for me, but I did okay even if I did pitch a couple songs very low for the sopranos. :-) I sang a very old song for a solo that my Grandpa Bell taught me called either “Morn Amid the Mountains” or “Murmur” depending on what old hymnal from the 1800s you have on  hand. It’s a very obscure song.

My Sunday evening show playing favorites turned in to a “mush bunch” as one of my friends called it as we ended up doing several sentimental songs. They didn’t mind, and it was nice exploring a little different overall tone for the night.

——

What am I up to this week?

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing sun songs. I thought this might be a fun theme for summer since our lives are so dominated by the sun. Please come by for a listen if you can.

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine for the weekly barbecue. I’m seeing so many friends that I only see at the barbecue, and I really enjoy them! If you’d like to come we might be able to fit you in, but call by Tuesday morning at the latest of the week you want to come. 719-742-3528

Friday and Saturday I will be busy at the wedding of my sister Jane’s son Ian and his fiancee Kate. It should be a beautiful event, and I’m really looking forward to it! Wish them well as they start their life as husband and wife. I’ll be singing a favorite song of theirs at the wedding and providing sound for the dancing.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m not getting time to learn as many new songs and requests as I was last year at this time, but that’s because I’m working so much more. It’s all good. The folks are so good to be with, and we have a great time! Come on out if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. I wonder what everyone thinks about the goodness of humanity and the world. Whatever it is, I’m glad to be in this world at this time with the folks I love.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of sun songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, July 15, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, July 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Missing Togetherness

I’ve noticed something about everyone starting to get back to our new normal - we’re not as together as we were during the uncertainty of the pandemic. It’s a good thing that we feel we can be more adventurous and free, but it has left me a little wistful for the comfort and unity that we experienced when we realized how much we need each other. I’ve written before on how much we really are intertwined in our lives, and the time of the pandemic made that very real to us. I hope we don’t forget that as we move forward. That was one of the better things about the time we spent together apart. You see this happen in many times of universal despair in history. People pull together when they recognize that they need each other’s support and caring. So my hope and prayer would be that we spend a little time in contemplation of what we’ve lost and what we’ve gained in this stressful time. That knowing look that we gave each other of uncertainty and comfort was something we should cherish and remember when things get busy and scattered. I will try to as much as I can.

——

What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were very enjoyable last week. Once again it’s wonderful to see faces I haven’t seen in so long. 

My Tuesday online show playing country music was a blast. We did songs from several decades. It was a special group of folks too!

Thursday at the Yellow Pine sported a thunderstorm that brought everyone indoors for some high-energy dancing and reveling. It’s amazing the excitement that a little weather puts into us. 

Our niece’s wedding on Saturday had a thunderstorm too that drew the festivities to a close right after they cut the cake and had a couple dances. It was still a beautiful occasion if too short. 

My Sunday online show for Independence Day was playing a lot of patriotic songs along with some fine requests. Again, we have such a good group of friends that I cherish.

——

What am I up to this week?

My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing campfire songs. Summer memories are peppered with nights around the campfire singing songs we all know from childhood, so we decided that would be a good theme for an evening together. Come on out if you’d like to join in!

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine for the weekly barbecue. I think they can sneak in a couple more people a week even though they are officially booked for all the Thursdays of the year. Call by Tuesday morning at the latest to see if you can get in. 719-742-3528

Saturday I’m playing a memorial in Cuchara followed by a reception that I’m doing with Dennis Mills on bass. Dennis and I haven’t gotten to play together for a couple years, so it’ll be nice to share the stage again. 

Sunday morning I’m playing for Cuchara Chapel at both the 9:30 and 11:00 services. It’ll be great to see all the folks in the valley who love to come out to greet each other in the old log chapel on a summer Sunday morning.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing the favorites and requests we have come to know and love. I’m not having much time to learn requests with things returning to normal, by I bring out a couple when I can. Come join in if you can.

——

That’s all for this week. It will be a very busy one. I intend to give an extra thought to old friends, and to extend a hand when I might pull back as I remember what we’ve gone through and how much we need each other.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of campfire songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, July 8, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for chapel services

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

When:  Sunday, July 11, 9:30 and 11 am

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites 

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

When:  Sunday, July 11, 7-8:30 pm mountain time