Summer's End

Well, summer is over in my mind once we hit Labor Day, and that always makes me take stock and look at where I’m headed. I know for some people the summer was pretty much back to normal with few worries about the pandemic. For me that wasn’t the case. I still shied away from indoor gigs for the most part and was hyper-careful for my senior facilities. Especially with the chapel in Cuchara there was a lot of COVID still going around. It was still slightly more relaxed knowing that the vaccines were making the threat a lot less ominous. Musically I did pretty well. I had some really interesting gigs like playing in Estes Park, and my voice and fingers held out for the most part with just a few struggles here and there. I’m definitely feeling my age and the wear from playing so much in my younger years. I have come across some wonderful songs this year - mostly from requests from my group of friends who frequent my online concerts. Those concerts continue to be well-attended and very good for the soul of all involved. It’s so nice to not have to go out to a venue and still be able to connect with so many folks that I used to almost never interact with. It also gives me the chance to play a lot more instruments than I usually get to play since they’re all so close at hand in my office. I’ve even played the piano more this year which I’ve wanted to do for many years. I got to play the banjo once before I started to work on it and found out it will be out of commission until I put some real effort into repairs. And going into the fall I have some interesting gigs in addition to my online shows. I’ll be writing about those as they near. So as I write this on Labor Day I find that I’m in an interesting place with some great things behind me and a winding path in front of me. There’s a small touch of melancholy as I say goodbye to summer, but what more could I ask for?

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What have I been up to?

I had just 6 senior facilities last week, and none of them had to be cancelled for outbreaks. I enjoy playing for these folks so much.

My Wednesday online show went really well with the 1972 songs - so well that we’re going to do a part two this week. These songs are so much a part of my generation that many people in the audience said they knew every word even though they haven’t heard them in almost 50 years.

My Sunday online show of favorites was also very nice with some great new songs for me as well as the audience. We have such a great group - I have to say it again!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities to play this week including Labor Day and even a special show for 9/11. I’m looking forward to all of them. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be part 2 of the 50-years-ago songs from 1972 as I said above. I found 104 songs in my repertoire from 1972, and I can’t resist playing some more of them. Come on out if you remember some of the great songs and memories from that year.

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the wrap-up for the year at the Yellow Pine with their annual BYOB event called AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) or Shalom and Charcuterie. It’s always a fun goodbye ‘til next summer for the summer folks of Cuchara. Anyone is welcome to attend. Just bring an appetizer to share and whatever libation you prefer. I’ll be playing my music, and it’ll be a hoot!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always look forward to what the night will bring with such good folks and great opportunity for musical interaction. We always do a Zoom a half hour beforehand (6:30 MT) which you’re welcome to attend. The link is https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7759127796?pwd=MZ55WfXnEkOSi3bztfvmMlbe2oCpoN.1

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That’s it for this week. We’re coming into my foveate season of the year when things cool down and slow down. Savor it with good friends!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 50 years ago, part 2

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the Appetizers and Alcohol event

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

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

50 Years Ago

I’m doing songs from 50 years ago for my theme show on Wednesday, so I thought I’d reminisce a little on that year. In the bigger world we had the Olympics with Mark Spitz and terrorist attacks, President Nixon visiting China, Spiro Agnew resigning, the Cowboys winning the Super Bowl, “American Pie” and “Candy Man” on the radio, and “The Godfather” and “Diamonds Are Forever” in the theater. In my smaller world I was moving from 5th to 6th grade, my niece Pam was born, I was helping my sister Jane crew for my dad on our sailboat in races, I started playing the clarinet, and I got to slow-dance with a girl for the first time. I was a pretty typical kid - probably a little more cocky than a lot of kids because things came relatively easy for me. We had a lot of kids my same age in my neighborhood, so we were always playing football or whiffle ball or with frisbees or riding bikes. It was pretty idyllic. Weekends we’d go to a trailer on a lake an hour away so our dad could sail his small sailboat and we could either help sail or explore the lake ourselves in a rowboat. We’d go to the mountains for a couple weeks each summer as well to see our grandfolks and have outdoor adventures. Music was always playing on the radio in the house and the car, so we knew all the latest songs. I still have memories of certain songs playing while driving certain stretches of highways or skating at the skating rink. These songs were a huge backdrop for the culture at the time, and that’s why they still mean so much to us and why I think it will be fun to concentrate on that one year and the songs we remember. 1972 - it doesn’t seem that long ago, and yet it seems a million years ago too.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities scheduled last week, and unfortunately one had to cancel for another COVID outbreak. The others were so enjoyable. I can’t say enough how worthwhile it is to give and interact with folks in the community.

My Wednesday online show of “spinning the wheel” and doing songs at random from my huge song library was a blast. My rule that it had to be a song that I hadn’t done before at a show was a little surprising to the audience, but that made it a night of discovery and a lot of new tunes for many. All in all, it was a memorable night of songs and interaction.

My Thursday show that I mentioned last week playing for a community event in Walsenburg for the Puentes group was very nice too. They are seeking to unite the different southern Colorado communities in a way that fosters support and common goals, and it was a wonderful night of planning and new friendships.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests was a blast as always with a lot of great songs being suggested and played and many more leftover for the future. We always have such a great group of folks who support each other and my music. I even dug out the banjo and played a couple tunes on it as well as the piano, which I didn’t end up playing until the last song for a bit. I may dig out some of the other odd old instruments I have just for the fun of it.

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What am I up to this week?

I have only 6 senior facilities this week because it’s the fifth week of the month, and so my monthly repeating facilities don’t happen to fall on a fifth week. That’s okay. We had to have our air conditioner and heater replaced last week, and I have some work to do to finish up with that. I’m also working on a possible fiction book with a good friend, and I want to spend some time brainstorming about that.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the above-mentioned songs of 50 years ago in 1972. This was a great year for songs, and I’m looking forward to playing them! Come on out and reminisce!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time of favorites and requests should be a blast this week. Being that it’s Labor Day weekend I’m in hopes that a lot of folks will be relaxing on Sunday evening with no work Monday and will be up for a fun night of songs. If that’s you then come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I’m still really enjoying doing online shows, but I’ve had several folks ask where I’ll be playing this fall and winter where they can come see me in person so I’m thinking about scheduling some. I do have a few interesting public gigs like the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo from 11-1 on September 14th, the Deer Print in La Veta from 6-8 during Oktoberfest on October 1st, and the Littleton Museum Harvest Festival from 11:30 to 1:30 on October 8th. I’d love to see you if any of those places line up with your life. Until then, thank you for your friendship and for your time.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a an online concert of songs from 50 years ago

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, September 4, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Choices

I’ve had a couple interesting exchanges this week about life and the directions we take, and it has me reflecting on the choices we make. We make a lot of decisions in our lives that shape where we go and where we end up. Early on I had some big adventures that gave me the gumption to shoot for whatever I wanted in life. I’ve always been a little more subdued in my choices, but I had the confidence to not shy away from challenges. That said, when I had the chances to go for the “big time” in music I held back, realizing that I would have to give up more than I wanted as far as privacy, freedom, and autonomy. Still I have taken a few higher-profile gigs to see what that life would have been like. Those have been fun, but I always realized that I was more interested in making music than I was in having fame or making lots of money. I can remember phrases like, “Bloom where you’re planted” although I also heard phrases like, “A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were made for.” It’s funny how we take these things to heart. These past two years of the pandemic have made me realize that I could reach people everywhere from my own home base, and I’ve grown contented with that - doing my shows from the house over the internet. I don’t ever plan to retire, but I’m glad to know that I can always make music that reaches people where they are. What else is there?

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and they all went very well. It’s hard to express what it feels like to contribute to these people’s lives. It’s very special.

My Wednesday online show of songs about music and singing went just as well or better than the first show I did with this theme the week before. We have such a great group of folks who tune in.

My Thursday evening playing for the Hermosa folks was very nice. It was so good to see all those folks. They always make me feel welcome and at home.

My Sunday request show was very sweet as always. I love these Sunday nights!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I am looking forward to all of them as always.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be a spin-the-wheel event where I’ll randomly pick songs from my songbook (laptop) where I have over 4700 songs to choose from. There will be some real surprises and some diversity that will be so much fun. Come on out!

Thursday I’m playing for an event for a project called Puentes (Spanish for Bridges) that seeks to unify different southern Colorado communities for the common good of all. My good friend Sandy Dolak has put this together in Walsenburg, and I’m proud to lend my music to it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These evenings are always special, and I’d love to have you join in as well.

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That’s it for this week. I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a second online concert of songs about songs and singing

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, August 28, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Joy of Singing

Since our show this week is part two of songs about music and singing, I thought I would write about the joy I find in singing. There is just something about vocalizing alone or with others that is so joyful. It’s something that comes physically from the deepest part of your core that then comes out in a melodious (hopefully) sound that expresses your individuality and feelings. And many of the songs written about music and singing reflect this joy. And yes, there is also pain and every other emotion expressed in singing, but I guess it’s just the purest way of making music that I can think of, and so I find joy even in singing painful songs. It’s an all-engaging full-body activity! I think that’s why people tune in to watch my online shows. It’s joyful to watch someone feeling that amazing flow of music coming through them. I hope you can enjoy it too!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and there were some really nice moments at all of them.

Tuesday was my online theme show about music and singing, and it was so much fun. That’s why we’re doing it again!

Wednesday was the dance I played with Dennis Mills at the Cuchara Community Center. It was a blast with so many great folks coming out to dance and support us.

Thursday was the last Yellow Pine barbecue for the summer, and it was sad as always to end the summer series, but it was also a great evening. We will have one more event up there for the public on September 8th. That’s our AA (Appetizers and Alcohol) evening that we always do the the first Thursday after Labor Day. That’s a bring-your-own event where everyone shares appetizers as a final farewell to summer. I’ll write more about that on the week it occurs.

Friday I played poolside at the Pueblo Country Club and had a very nice group of mostly families listening to my music as they swam and relaxed. I had some very nice comments.

Sunday I played the final Cuchara Chapel service of the summer which was outside for COVID reasons, and it was very nice. Hopefully they can do indoor services next summer, but I’ll help them make a way to broadcast the sound to the outdoors for people in case there are still COVID concerns.

Sunday evening was my online show of requests and favorites, and even though several regulars couldn’t make the show we still had a very nice group of folks with some great requests.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. Hopefully we won’t have any serious COVID outbreaks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the second show of songs about music and singing that I wrote about above. There are so many great songs that fit this theme. Come on out and join in with the group in listening, commenting, and watching!

Thursday I’m playing an event for the wonderful Hermosa group in Cuchara that I have played for many times. I’m writing about it in case any of my Hermosa friends are reading this blog. I’d love to see you!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I always love to play for our Munch Bunch Group. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I honestly thought I’d be more worn out after last week was so busy, but I guess I have a few more good years of doing so much music. I hope I never stop!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing a second online concert of songs about songs and singing

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, August 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain tim

Clutter

Jen and I watched a TED Talk on clutter a day or so ago, and it has me thinking more about clutter. Some of the points in the video were revealing about why we have clutter in our lives - from unexpected events leading to taking in stuff or breaking our routine of organizing and getting rid of stuff. But there is more to it for me. Often I have clutter because I don’t have the time to deal with stuff or the place to put stuff. Every project of going through things that have stacked up on a desk or accumulated on a shelf takes a block of time that is often hard to find. I’ve always liked the idea that you can just do a few minutes of going through stuff, but often it means spreading stuff out and stacking it in piles to take the next step. If you take time for that then often you don’t have time to finish and have to leave some of those piles out, and I can point to several of those piles over the years that lasted for weeks or months. And for me the organizing of my stuff has also made a map in my brain that corresponds to where everything is in my office or whatever space I’m going through. As I age those maps become fuzzier as my brain gets fuzzier. I’ve definitely gone to buy something I needed and then realized I already had one on the shelf I bought a couple years ago. My space is actually pretty well-organized at present where I mainly work, but I confess that there is storage and drawers that I could go through. I’ve heard several friends mention in discussions about this topic that a good fire would cure their woes. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone though. I have made rules at some points of my life to help me - like: 1) If I haven’t used it in 5 years, then out it goes, or 2) If it doesn’t fit in this keepsake box then it goes to charity. Sometimes those help, but not always. Such a struggle! So how about you? How do you deal with clutter?

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and only one was affected by COVID. At that facility I had to play in the halls because they couldn’t gather residents together for an event. I enjoy playing for and interacting with these folks so much!

My Wednesday show about campfire songs was really fun. We even sang “Kumbaya” if you can believe that - and enjoyed it! There is just something about gathering around the campfire (I had one on the screen behind me.)

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was a great group of folks, and it was good to see them all! 

My Sunday show doing favorites and requests was wonderful as well. We settle into such a nice rhythm of give and take in our group that it is a joy to just be a part of.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I only had one cancel for COVID. I hope everyone at that facility does okay and recovers quickly.

Tuesday will be my online show 7-8:30 mountain time with the theme of songs about songs and singing. My good friend Deann came up with this theme idea, and there are a lot of good songs to be sung. Come on out and see what we come up with!

Wednesday 7-9 I’ll be playing another free dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my friend Dennis Mills on bass for the community. These dances are always fun, and hopefully we won’t have a rain storm just before the dance that scares away the dancers this time. If you’re in the area please come out and enjoy the evening with us!

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the final barbecue of the summer at the Yellow Pine. I’m always sad to wrap these up, but I know we’ll do a special potluck and BYOB night the first Thursday after Labor Day at the Yellow Pine, so I’ll get to be there one more time even if it’s not the regular barbecue. I’d love to have you come out if you can so we can make the last night a gangbuster event! Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come.

Friday 5-7 I’m playing poolside at the Pueblo Country Club, so if you’re a member or member’s guest please come on out and enjoy the evening with some music.

Sunday 11-12 Im playing outdoors for the Cuchara Chapel in the park next to the chapel. The chapel has struggled with many members getting COVID this summer, and so they’ve had hardly any services. This one will be outdoors so at least we can get one service in before the season ends. Please come out for this special memorial service in you’re in the area.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I cherish these evenings of interaction with my wonderful friends and followers. Come on out if you have if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I’m looking at the clutter on my desk and contemplating whether I have time today to deal with any of it! 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about songs and singing

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

When:  Tuesday, August 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

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

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Wednesday, August 10, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel virtual service

Where:  In the park next to Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, August 14, 11 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, August 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

August

It’s August 1st, and that makes me reflect on summers gone by and what August always means. Nowadays it means that school is about to start for many, but that wasn’t the case when I was growing up. Most of us had the full month to enjoy unless we had to go back early for sports or marching band. But beyond those memories long ago it means different things outdoors. The weeds and flowers are heading towards Fall already, and even with it being really hot today the morning started out with a different tinge that presages Fall. There is just something in the air that July is the heart of summer, and August is starting to head down the other side of the hill. In the mountains the berries have already come and gone in early to mid-July, and the monsoons are starting to dry up. I’m sure we have a few more storms and hot days left as always, but it feels different now. The sun is coming up a half hour later, and there is a different shade to the light before the sun rises. I have had some pretty big adventures in August, but it always seemed like I was rushing to get them in before the door closed somehow. And that’s as it should be. I’m just amazed when I reflect that every month feels different within each season. Hope your August is good!

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went well last week. At least there were no COVID closures although they are still just as vigilant - especially with some reports of increasing virus.

I did my theme show on Tuesday so I could do a senior facility luau on Wednesday, and the theme was names again. It turned out to be a really fun show with great requests.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue went very well too with even a visit from a friend from high school whom I hadn’t seen since way back then. 

Friday I did a show at an amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies at Estes Park that went really well. It had rained harder that day, but the skies were clear and beautiful for the show. Thank you to everyone who made that happen and the new folks I got to meet. I even got to go on a sunrise hike to a beautiful point above the camp the next morning, and then I did a Facebook Live video on the way down that many people tuned in to before 7:00 am.

My Sunday request show went very well too with lots of great requests in the moment.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them!

Wednesday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be campfire songs. We haven’t done a campfire show this year yet, and it’s a fitting way to spend a summer evening with friends. I heard that some friends are going to watch around their outside fire pit. Should be fun! Come on out.

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine barbecue again. We only have two more of these shows this summer, and this adds to the August feeling for me. It’s always such a good time with such good food. I’m even doing emcee duties this week with the owner out of town. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come.

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the requests and favorites with good friends that I always look forward to. These nights are so special. I’d love to have you I the audience.

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That’s it again for this week. I hope you are healthy and are enjoying your summer.

Best always,

Tom

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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:  Wednesday, 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 4, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

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

Friends

I spent a couple days at a reunion in New Mexico for Philmont Scout Ranch where I worked in high school and college in the summers, and it turned out to be a larger-than-life confluence of many more people than I thought I’d ever see at one event. It was a celebration of 50 years of women rangers of whom two of my sisters were standouts in the first 5 years. Since it was such a big anniversary there were so many women and men who came back to hike and interact with each other. There were too many people to get a chance talk to everyone, and we all wished we had more time to catch up. I also got to play some good music with people I haven’t seen in years, and of course I had to go on at least one hike to get out into the backcountry. The amazing thing was that everyone has led outstanding lives. I knew that it was a group of achievers, but I had forgotten just how engaged and ambitious and yet in-the-moment these people could be. I was definitely proud and amazed that I got to be part of these folks’ lives when we were young and also now that we could get together again. So I’m writing this just to encourage you to reach out to old friends and share some uplifting times. It’s good for us!

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were all very rewarding last week although I had fewer than most weeks since I went to the reunion I mentioned above for two days. I love playing for these folks, and hopefully I make their day brighter.

My Wednesday online show about name songs was so much fun that we decided to do it again this week. The best part was doing songs that surprised folks and brought out a different take on names.

Thursday’s barbecue at the Yellow Pine was a good one with lots of wonderful new and old faces. There was quite a bit of dancing crammed into the end of the evening, and we need to do more of that.

My Sunday online show was a little different since I had been gone for the better part of three days and hadn’t had time to work on requests as I usually do. But the energy I was bringing from the reunion charged the evening and made the night really special. We have such a wonderful group of friends at these concerts.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities again this week since I’m playing in Estes Park on Friday and need the day to drive. I’m looking forward to every one of them!

Tuesday my theme online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be names again. We’re switching to Tuesday this week because I have a luau for one of my senior facilities that I do annually on Wednesday. These name shows are so much fun. Tune in if you can!

Thursday I’m doing the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again. There are only three more of these barbecues this year, so if you’d like to come you won’t regret it. The food and atmosphere are great, and it’s so good to share music in the old barn. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Friday 7-8 I’m playing a concert at the Kathie Mennel Amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies near Estes Park. This is part of their Summerfest series of concerts on Friday nights. I’m not sure of their setup for these concerts, but if you’re in the area give them a call and come on out! 970-586-3341 x1113

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests with our great online community that I’ve grown to know and love. We do a Zoom call a half hour before that you’re welcome to be a part of as well. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7759127796?pwd=MZ55WfXnEkOSi3_ztfvmMlbe2oCpoN.1

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That’s it for this week. I hope your summer is going well and that you’re staying safe and healthy. One of the better things about the reunion last week was that everyone was very respectful about mask-wearing and keeping safe. That’s a refreshing state.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of name songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 26, 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 28, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a concert

Where:  Kathie Mennel Amphitheater at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies, Estes Park. 970-586-3341 x1113

When:  Friday, July 29, 7-8 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, July 31, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Names

My show this Wednesday is about names, and I was really surprised when I searched through my song folder to come up with 243 songs that were about names. I’m even missing quite a few songs that immediately come to mind from the '50s and '60s like “Diana” and “Sherry”, and still I have so many. Names really do have importance in our lives. Most of the people I grew up with had the standard names of America, but I’ve really found that people with unique names lead different lives. They are more noticed - sometimes for the good and sometimes not so much. But there is power in a name. We romanticize the dramatic names in stories and in life. I think that’s why so many stars take interesting names. I was going to have my professional name be something different at one point. My middle name is Paul (named for my maternal grandfather), and I toyed with the name of Paul Grey at one point. It doesn’t really fit me, and I don’t know why I picked Grey. I guess I thought it sounded dignified and mysterious. Anyway, I’m sure we all had nicknames and tried out different names at times - whether it was a married name or just a fantasy. And songs with names have really captured our collective psyche. No one likes to hear the song with their name in it, but we do like name songs. So Wednesday I’ll play a bunch of them. Maybe I’ll play yours!

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to mention my senior facilities again last week. I think it was because I had so many other things going on. I actually had 13 facilities to play, so it was a busy week there also. A couple of them were dealing with COVID cases, so caution is always at the forefront. It was great to see them all.

The dance in Cuchara on Monday went very well although they had a super-soaker rainstorm just before I arrived, and the road was closed and then reopened just before I got there to set up. We had to deal with some mud that had flowed into the entrance of the community center, but after we got that cleaned up the evening went really well. We did miss some folks who couldn’t get out with the little bit of flooding that occurred though.

My Wednesday online show about hot and cold was really fun. We found some really clever songs about hot and cold, so it was kind of a playful night with a lot of folks coming out to participate.

The Thursday barbecue at the Yellow Pine was packed with mostly one family who books the entire ranch for a reunion every summer, so it was a really fun night spending time with them.

The Sunday Cuchara Chapel service was cancelled due to the uncertainty around COVID with so many of the chapel folks coming down with it. They have cancelled all services until August 7th. I’m scheduled to play the service on the 14th.

My Sunday online show was really sweet with great requests and interaction in our wonderful group. Some nights just end up being extra-special.

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What am I up to this week?

I have just 8 senior facilities to play this week as I am taking off Friday and Saturday to go to a reunion at Philmont that is celebrating 50 years of women rangers, of which two of my sisters were early pioneers. It’ll be great to hike with those two sisters, Jane and Carol, on Saturday to one of the camps and to a demonstration forest where we can learn more about wildfire mitigation. This will be a great opportunity to have a little R&R and see some old friends.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be featuring names as I wrote about above. I know it’s going to be a great time already. Come on out!

Thursday will be the barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. I’d love to have you come out and enjoy some barbecue, music, dancing, and even roasting marshmallows around the fire. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature requests and favorites as always. We have such a supportive and ever-growing group of friends and music fans, and I’d love to have you in the audience as well. Come on out.

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That’s it for this week. I hope your summer is going well, and that you’re staying safe. COVID continues to be something we deal with daily, and it has been hard to live with it hanging over our heads, but somehow with love and care and perseverance we are getting through.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of name songs

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

When:  Wednesday, 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 21, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, July 24, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Hot and Cold

I’m doing my online show about hot and cold on Wednesday, and it has me thinking of how I’ve dealt with hot days and cold days in my life. I loved the heat as a kid. In the summer I liked to sit outside in front of the air conditioner when it was blowing hot air. I liked sitting in the hot sun too as long as I wasn’t getting sunburnt. Nowadays I don’t mind the heat, but it does wear me out quickly. I seem to be okay as long as I have a breeze moving past me outside or from a fan indoors. I used to not mind the winter cold that much either, but now I live in wool long underwear all winter long and get chilled easily. Strangely it doesn’t bother me to do my early morning walks with Beau in the cold, but I think it’s because I know how to dress warmly. And we all know what hot and cold weather does to our psyche. Some get depressed, and some revel in it. So Wednesday I’ll do songs about hot and cold. It should be fun! 

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What have I been up to? 

My senior facilities last week all went very well. Some had extra COVID precautions. I love playing for these folks! 

My Wednesday online show doing songs by Canadian musicians went very well. Canada has a wealth of great writers and performers, and it was so much fun doing their songs. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. 

The Yellow Pine barbecue on Tuesday was a packed house. The barbecue was tasty (I love the beans especially), and Steve told me his technique for barbecue which is steeped in his family traditions and uses aspen for smoking because it’s less carcinogenic. Fascinating and yummy! 

The chapel service Sunday in Cuchara was a little different than we expected. The minister tested positive for COVID that morning, so we had a short online service where I sang three songs, and they awarded scholarships to four worthy students. 

My Sunday online show that night was wonderful - with lots of great friends and music. 

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What am I up to this week? 

Monday (tonight) 7-9 I’ll be playing a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my friend Dennis Mills on bass for whoever would like to come and do some dancing in the mountains. These evenings are usually a great time. The admission is free, but donations are accepted. Come on out! 

Wednesday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature songs about hot and cold as I wrote above. This should be a fun exploration of hot and cold with a few surprises. 

Thursday 6:30-8 I’ll be back at the Yellow Pine barbecue. I always say how much fun this is and how good the food is, and I ain’t lyin’! I’d love to have you in the audience. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.  

Sunday 11-12 I’ll be playing for the Cuchara Chapel again to fill in for my friend Peggy Hoobler. I’m pretty sure we’re doing a virtual show on Facebook again, but the details aren’t nailed down yet. Go to the Cuchara Chapel Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cucharachapel or the website cucharachapel.org for details as they decide. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I love these evening even when I can’t keep up with the requests. We have such a giving and caring group! Please join us! 

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That’s all for this week. I hope you are staying healthy. COVID is rising in some places, and I’m sure at least I’m not being as careful as I could. 

Best always, 

Tom 

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Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills 

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

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara 

When:  Monday, July 11, 7-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch  

What:  playing and singing an online concert of hot and cold songs 

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

When:  Wednesday, 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 14, 6:30-8:00 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch  

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel virtual service 

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara 

When:  Sunday, July 17, 11 am - 12 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch  

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

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

When:  Sunday, July 17, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Independence Day

It’s Independence Day morning as I write this, and that has me thinking of how I’ve spent this holiday over the years. When I was a kid I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some firecrackers and bottle rockets - the bigger the better. I would spend all day with my friends blowing things up in creative ways - ant hills, milkweed pods, old toys, or anything we could fit a firecracker into. Kids are pretty destructive and unaware like that. I think I grew out of that phase by my teenage years although I’m sure I still enjoyed lighting off a few pretty fireworks at night with my family. Of course we were usually at a lake or camping somewhere. My dad liked to sail his sailboat, and so as kids we accompanied him to several sailboat races around the area that frequently were held around Independence Day. One of my favorite Independence Day memories was driving back from one of these races along Interstate 80 in Nebraska as the night was setting in and seeing all the fireworks displays from each of the little towns positioned just north of the interstate as we passed them. It was a movable feast for the eyes. That’s was also around 1976 when the US celebrated our bicentennial, and I got to go on a school trip to Washington, DC in a red, white, and blue plane. When I left home I didn’t really celebrate Independence Day as much except to maybe go to a professional fireworks show somewhere. When I got my first dog when I was on my own he was deathly afraid of the noise, and he even ran away one year out of fright - digging out of the backyard and disappearing for three weeks. I also started listening to a radio show around that time called the Thomas Jefferson Hour. The host portrayed the third president on the air and answered questions and told stories and insights about early America and how our government was formed. That gave me a deeper appreciation for the serious thought that went into our independence and into the struggles it took to make our nation. I now spend Independence Day contemplating our country and it’s issues - some that our founders contemplated and that we are still dealing with more than 200 years later. I still appreciate the deep work our founders did to create something special that I benefit from every day. From the preamble - “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Happy Independence Day!

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What have I been up to?

I forgot to mention my senior homes last week. I had nine scheduled, and one had to cancel for COVID, and another had to change the setting so that it kept their residents safer.

My Wednesday online show was doing the songs of James Taylor, and it was a wonderful if mellow night. James’ songs have always been favorites of mine to listen to and perform.

The Thursday night barbecue at the Yellow Pine was cancelled due to COVID in the Cuchara community. This is usually the biggest barbecue of the summer before the 4th, so it was a tough decision to make, but it was for the best. Hopefully we can do this week. I’m going to promote it and hope we can.

Saturday was the SPACe Art in the Park event in La Veta, and it was really fun and busy. It was so good to see so many friends, and being outdoors it was a safe way to see folks. The weather was really nice, and it held off raining for the whole time. 

My Sunday online show had some great requests, and it was just as good as ever with sweet friends and music. I’m blessed.

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What am I up to this week?

I have seven senior facilities this week. I’m not doing any today with Independence Day, and I think I had one cancellation, so it’s fewer than I usually have. I’m hoping COVID doesn’t get any worse for them since many have active cases currently in their facilities.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing music by Canadian musicians. Canada has a rich tradition of great writers and singers, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating their music, especially since one of our favorite Munch Bunch Group members, Bob Deskin, is from Canada.

Thursday will be the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8. It’s great barbecue in the old and rustic barn with my music and a lot of atmosphere. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. I’m hoping they don’t have to cancel this week for COVID.

Sunday I’ll be singing at the Cuchara Chapel 11-12 mountain time for a virtual chapel service that you can watch if you like at cucharachapel.org if everything works out. We were up in the air about this service until just a day or so ago, so hopefully it will go off without a hitch.

Sunday night my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We have such a fine group of folks who join together for this weekly celebration of friendship and music, and I’d love to have you join in if you can.

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That’s it for this week. Life continues to be a rollicking time of music and adventures, and I’m happy to be with you to share them.

Best always,

Tom

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Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Canadian musician songs

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

When:  Wednesday, 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 7, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel virtual service

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, July 10, 11 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests

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

When:  Sunday, July 10, 7-8:30 pm mountain time