Traveling

It’s that time of year when so many people pack up and head for the high country or the extended family visit or state and national parks. Hitting the road is such an intoxicating adventure! Jen and I haven’t made a big trip in several years, but we sure have some great memories of traveling all over the West and Southwest and even Maine in the East. There’s nothing like planning a trip and then getting in the car and heading out on the open road. I even wrote a song about it called “The Road”. There’s the magic of seeing everything along the way as well as meeting different people and getting to see family and old friends. We’ve always been the types that like seeing different parks and monuments. Learning about history and geology and getting to get out and hike and explore is fascinating. I tend to bring too much stuff - always wanting to bring a little equipment in case I can play a gig somewhere along the way. That makes getting in and out of motels a little more difficult. We’d love to try the RV route sometime, but we haven’t worked up the gumption yet to really look at them in person or consider renting one sometime to see what it’s like. The main thing is just to feel the freedom of being on the go and without the usual pressure of daily life at home. Of course it’s hard to come back home to all of that stuff that hasn’t been done for as long as you’ve been gone, but while you’re gone it’s all a distant thought that’s whisked away with the beauty of the moment. You can really live in the present in a very real way. So here’s to traveling - whether by car or boat or plane!

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week including 2 on Independence Day which was a blast. I wore red and blue with a stars and stripes bandana on my guitar and my goofy (maybe cool?) flag boots showing. I love playing for these folks and creating an hour of just plain fun.

My Wednesday show was blues tunes to celebrate some American music for the holiday. There are so many great blues tunes, and everyone had a good time. We’ll do some more very soon.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was great fun too with a packed house and lots of big smiles and happy dancing feet. I love playing these shows in the old barn with the great atmosphere and barbecue. We even recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “God Bless America”. 

Saturday at Art in the Park in La Veta was a grand time too with perfect weather and all those good folks I get to see in this special place. This is an event I look forward to all year long.

My Sunday online show was full of good tunes and folks including some new tunes that were really cool. I was pretty bushed by the end of the night, but the group kept me going.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and now we get to ride the energy of the rest of the summer with all the good memories of summer in tow. I talk and sing about fairs and gardening and fishing and all the good stuff that summer holds. It’s exhilarating!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be traveling songs as I wrote about above. There are some great songs about traveling, and I’ve already received some fine requests that I’m looking forward to playing. Come join me and the group as we celebrate the magic of seeing new things and new faces all over the globe.

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the Yellow Pine Barbecue in Cuchara, Colorado, once again, and I have several friends coming this week to have a mini reunion there. I expect it will be a night to remember for years to come. I’d love to have you there as well, and hopefully there’s still room for you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. It’s a sweet time with great food, old-barn atmosphere, singing and dancing, and roasting marshmallows around the fire.

Friday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance with my good friend Dennis Mills on bass at the Cuchara Community Center in Cuchara, Colorado. These dances are so much fun in the old rec building on a beautiful night in the mountains. Dennis and I have some great old rock and roll and country tunes that really get the toes tapping and the blood pumping. I’d love to have you there.

Saturday Jen and I will take the day to celebrate our 33rd anniversary which is on the 12th.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and we’ve had some really great nights recently with such good friendship and tunes. I’d love to have you join us anytime you can. 

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That’s it for this week. The summer is flying by, and occasionally I just have to sit and enjoy a moment. Life goes by so fast. I hope you’re enjoying it, and I hope I get to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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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:  Wednesday, July 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing a dance with Dennis Mills on bass

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, 16500 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO

When:  Friday, July 12, 7-9 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 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

The Blues

I thought I’d write a little about what the blues is all about to me - both musically and philosophically. I didn’t “get” the blues when I was a kid. I mean that I didn’t hear it on the radio or really understand what it was about. Like most white kids in the US I probably heard it from the British Invasion rockers more than from the true creators of the blues. I can remember doing a blues tune in the college swing choir band and thinking that it was really exotic. If I had been a guitar student who studied scales and listened to different music styles to understand them I probably would have connected earlier, but I grew up with the same AM radio pop that most midwestern kids heard in addition to the old standards that my dad played on the piano in the evening. Dad’s piano playing did expose me at least to the great jazz chords and blue notes that are shared with so many blues songs. I wonder if you have to have some hard times to really “get” the blues. I finally began to understand them when I was on my own and was playing some blues tunes in a band in addition to getting my first real blues recordings like a Robert Johnson box set or Muddy Waters and several early blues compilation records. It was then that I would listen for hours and be enchanted just like I had been to folk rock when I started playing acoustic guitar in the mid-70s. It was the sound and emotion that I was hooked by. The guitars and vocals just wailed with an intensity that I could relate to. I still hadn’t had enough hard times in my life to really “get” the blues, but I was on my way there. There really is a shared misery and resiliency to the blues that is cathartic just like the old Greek tragedy plays. Just like most folks of my age I’ve definitely had enough heartache and trouble in my life at 63 to at least reach the place inside where I can express the blues with some authenticity. I think that’s why the British Invasion musicians could “get” it - they had plenty of angst coming out of the war in the British Isles at a young age. And of course the blues is really about those special blue notes and scales that came from African instruments that so many African Americans were trying to recreate on western instruments. Their pain and musical culture came through and influenced American music to create jazz and blues. So I’ll do blues tunes on Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day. What more American music could there be? It’s born and bred here.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all so worthwhile. There are special moments in these gigs every day that remind me why I’m here. We even had a 100th birthday last week at one facility!

My Wednesday online show was doing Beatles tunes, and it was so much fun. These songs were with me from the first time my sisters put on a Beatles record in our house when I was 3. I think the audience loved it too.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a blast too. There were several familiar faces, and we had a great time doing tunes and dancing. Funny thing though, all these recent press stories about tipping have really changed how people feel about it. Musicians used to be a logical choice to tip, and now I think people aren’t sure if they should. Please tip your musicians - especially if they do a special request for you. Most of them make less money than you might guess.

The private house concert that I did on Saturday was great fun too. A big storm rolled in with close lightning, so I ended up unplugging and doing most of the show acoustically. It made it so much more intimate, and the blowing rain outside added an energy that was felt by everyone. What a night!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and I had a good group that really asked for songs with good energy and fire. I had gone to heavier strings on one of my Strats, and it was fun  experimenting with the tones I was getting in addition to the acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars I played. The Munch Bunch was strong!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including a couple on Independence Day, and I know the energy will be so high for all of them. It’s so much fun to ride the summer and holiday energy with these folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing blues songs as I wrote above. This will be a dynamic night of songs, and I know it’ll be a night to remember. Come on out if you’re free.

Thursday 6:30-7 will be a packed night at the Yellow Pine Barbecue on Independence Day. I expect it will just be crazy fun. It’s probably sold out, but you might still be able to squeeze in. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation now. It will be a fantastic way to celebrate the 4th. Remember that I’m doing these barbecue shows through the 8th of August every Thursday if you can’t get in this week.

Saturday 11-2 I’m playing in the gazebo in Railroad Park on Ryus Ave in La Veta for SPACe Art in the Park. This is always a super celebration of art and music in La Veta for the holiday weekend. They have a great town parade at 10 as well if you want to come early. I love playing this event! Come on out if you want a fun Saturday.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I have several new tunes I’m trying to work up in between all the gigs I have going this week. It should be a blast, and I’d love to have you tune in!

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That’s it for this week. There’s so much going on, and I’m going to try to get down to see my family in the mountains this week too as they celebrate my nephew’s engagement to his girlfriend. What a wild time this summer! I hope you’re well and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of blues  songs

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

When:  Wednesday, July 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for SPACe Art in the Park

Where:  Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just across the tracks in La Veta 

When:  Saturday, July 6, 11 am - 2 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 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Gems

I’m writing today about songs that are gems to me - favorites that I don’t get to play often anymore. Why don’t I get to? Well, I just don’t play the kind of venues where I can randomly choose my own list of songs. Ever since the pandemic I’ve given up on playing at bars and restaurants for the most part where I would choose like this. At these venues I might play for 3 or 4 hours, and I would wander all over my song library - playing all kinds of diverse tunes. Part of not playing at these venues is because I established a nice online community for whom I enjoy playing where I do mainly requests, and part of this is just age and preferring not to go out at night as much. I also play senior facilities where I do different songs than I would do in a bar or restaurant, and I often choose to play a theme for them that doesn’t include some of my old gem favorites. I do miss playing these favorites. This is part of the reason I’m playing a show of Beatles tunes this week. I just haven’t had the chance to play many Beatles songs for several years. I guess it’s kind of a luxury to have learned so many songs over the years and to have had places to play them. The funny thing is that I’ve almost forgotten how to play some of these tunes that I haven’t played in such a long time. That’s definitely the age talking. I just don’t have the brain sharpness that I once had. There’s something so satisfying about getting lost in an old favorite song that hits all the right notes musically and philosophically. It’s always been kind of a meditative state that has helped me thrive. I’m going to try to get there more often!

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed playing for all the folks I got to see. There were many special moments. This is a gift.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs about the beach, and it was a fun night with several new tunes. I got to reminisce about beaches I’ve spent time on and fun in the sun and the waves. I think the audience really enjoyed it!

Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a great time too with a good crowd of familiar and new faces. These evenings go by way too fast.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a good time with good folks. These nights are so full of joy and camaraderie.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’ll probably do a few patriotic songs in anticipation of Independence Day. I can’t believe we’ll be celebrating 250 years of our nation in just 2 years. I hope we can see through our divisions to our oneness on this great occasion.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Beatles tunes as I wrote above. I’ll try to get to some of the songs I haven’t played in a long time although I’m sure I’ll hit some of the ones I’ve played more recently too. I know 70 of the 213 tunes that the Beatles recorded over the years they were together. My audience really likes the Beatles too, so this will be a cool night. Come on out if you can.

Thursday 6:30 - 8 I’ll be playing at the Yellow Pine Barbecue in Cuchara again. We’re getting into the heart of the season now so these nights are just full of energy and good vibes. I’d love to have you come out too if a barbecue meal in a historic barn with my music sounds good to you. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation today.

Saturday I’m playing a private house concert that I’m looking forward to at the home of some musician acquaintances of late. I love playing house concerts.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests once again, and I’m sure it will be a fulfilling evening amongst friends as always. These Sunday nights are always a highlight of the week. Tune in if you can!

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That’s it for this week. Next week will be Independence Day with some family get-togethers as well as music and art in the park in La Veta which is always a blast. I’ll write more about that then. I hope you’re well and happy this summer.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Beatles songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 27, 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, June 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Beach

I’m thinking this morning about the beach and how it draws so many people this time of year. Most of the time I’ve spent on beaches has been in the cooler parts of the country, so it hasn’t been the swimsuit-and-sandcastle time that many folks remember. We did have some lakes with big sandy beaches where I loved doing some of the warm-weather activities when I was a kid. Either way the beach has the same mystique of the millions of tiny grains and beautiful blue water running up the sand with little birds and driftwood and bits of washed-up curiosities. I’ve walked for miles on beaches - exploring coves and marveling at the power of the waves. I’ve rinsed out many pairs of shoes and felt the sand in my hair and vacuumed it out of cars. I’ve loved the sounds of the sea birds and ringing bells and cresting waves. The smells I haven’t enjoyed as much. There’s definitely an odor that I forget about until I smell it of fish and dirty foamy water. But then I walk into a fresh-seafood restaurant and love almost anything they offer. I can remember a marvelous day when my niece and nephew were young where we picked up small driftwood pieces that we strung into tuned wind chimes that we played around the campfire that night. There is just such a magic around the beach! I hope you’ve gotten to spend time on beaches too.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed every one. I think I wrote last week that I had 8, but I neglected to mention the one that I got to play on Father’s Day outdoors. It was hot but wonderful. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 1970 again, and it was just as fun as the first show we did the week before. I did a few lesser-known songs too just to spice things up a bit. We still had another 60 or so songs we didn’t get to from that year on my list.

Thursday was the first barbecue of the season at Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, and it was so good to see so many familiar faces at this beloved old ranch. It was a hot day, but it cooled off nicely so that folks could roast marshmallow around the fire, and the smiles, music, and barbecue were the best!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a sweet night as always with such good folks from the Munch Bunch. I love these evenings of music.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and it should be a fine time at all of them. The excitement of the summer is so fun to share and celebrate.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be about the beach as I wrote above. There are so many songs that are centered around the magic of the beach, and I’m really looking forward to diving into them. Come on out and share this fun evening with me.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine Barbecue in Cuchara, and it just gets better by the week. I’d love to have you join me for some great food, rustic atmosphere in the 1890s barn, and my acoustic music. It’s such a fun family time. Call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation today. There are seats available, but don’t wait. We only do these until the second week of August.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and this is often the highlight of the week for me and so many folks. It’s so sweet to have good and supportive friends who love everyone and also good music. I’d love to have you join me.

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That’s it for this week. I have a lot of fun events coming up this summer that you can always see on my website at tommunch.com/calendar. Have a great week, and take care of yourself.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of beach songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 20, 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, June 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Rain

I wrote about fire last week, and it only seems appropriate this week to write about rain, especially since there was record rainfall near here in Pueblo last night. I’ve always loved the rain. When I was a kid it would be the soothing rain on the tin roof of a cabin in the afternoon when we would play cards or other games until the rain stopped. When I was in college I lived in an old southern-style house with a large porch that we could sit on and watch the storm all around us. I had an old pickup then that I loved to drive through the puddles too fast until it eventually stalled with so much water splashed under the hood. Of course it also brought lightning that chased us off a mountain and into a flimsy tent or tornadoes that destroyed a friend’s house where we were huddled in the basement. (We were okay, but the house was totaled along with my car and the rest of the neighborhood.) And after the rain there was always that fresh air and scent of the rain that we could often smell as the rain approached. Everything seems so rejuvenated after the rain. The dust settles, and the rough paths smooth out if they don’t wash out. There’s always that threat of destruction with rain too. I’m sure you’ve driven through a canyon that had a flash flood wash out parts of the road or you’ve seen erosion that changes a scene that you’ve viewed all your life. Few things are so relaxing like a gentle rain. I’ve often heard many people say how easy it is to sleep at night or take a midday nap while it is raining. Rain is just so important in our lives. I can’t think of many things in life that are so engaging as rain. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and they were all wonderful. I wish you could see the interaction and the special moments I get to experience at these shows.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 1970, and it was so much fun that we’ll do another week of 1970 songs. Everyone just had a great time.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones with the folks. There were even a couple new songs to the group. I love these evenings!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they should all be really fine with the excitement of the season. I’ll be doing Father’s Day songs at many of them with Father’s Day coming up this Sunday.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1970 again since there are so many good songs I know from that year. We had a blast last week, and I expect we’ll do the same this week. Come on out and see and hear!

Thursday 6:30-8 I start the season at the Yellow Pine Barbecue once again. Each year gets better and better playing in the old barn for these special evenings. If you’ve never been you’re missing a really fun time. It’s centered around a fine barbecue meal with all the fixings staged in a barn from the 1890s with my music and a campfire outside where you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. It’s really a great family experience that often leads to many smiles and dancing and deep memories that last a lifetime. The barbecues run Thursdays from June 13th to August 8th this year, and they fill up fast so a reservation is definitely required. Call 719-742-3528 to make yours today. I look forward to seeing you there!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and you know it will be a sweet night of tunes and friendship. I love this event with so many great folks. 

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That’s it for this week. There are a lot of fun gigs coming up this summer, so stay tuned. And Happy Father’s Day!

Best always,

Tom

—

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1970 songs

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

When:  Tuesday, June 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

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

When:  Thursday, June 13, 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, June 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Fire

I’m sitting by the fireplace in a mountain cabin as I write this, and I’m marveling at the thing that is fire. Is there anything that warms a heart more than a glowing fire in the hearth? Surely our ancestors first felt this when they tamed fire enough to use it to warm their homes and cook their meals. The comforting crackle and the mesmerizing liquid flames dancing over the wood is just intoxicating. I could sit by a campfire all night just hearing that sound and feeling that gentle warmth. It’s just one of the wonders of this life that makes it so worth living. That’s all have to say without spoiling the simple magic. 

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What have I been up to?

I had just 5 senior facilities last week, but I enjoyed every one. There is something very special about sharing the magic of music. 

My Wednesday online show was songs about mountains, and it was one of my favorite shows ever. I just love sharing songs about one of the things in life that I feel so connected to. My audience enjoyed it so much that some of them said they would listen to it more than once or twice. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a really fun show with so many good people in attendance. I love doing these shows. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities to play this week, and I’m looking forward to every one!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1970. This was a year with some true favorites that I am looking forward to playing. I’d love to have you join me if you can. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time would be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure it will be a grand time. Sundays always bring out the finest folks to contribute and enjoy the music. 

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That’s it for this week. Next week starts the Yellow Pine Barbecue, and I’m excited to head to Cuchara to see so many good friends and experience the ambience of the old barn and fill it with my music. If that sounds like fun, then I encourage you to make a reservation and come down on a Thursday for some barbecue and music in a magical place. I’ll have details next week or you can Google Yellow Pine Guest Ranch for more info. I hope you are healthy and happy. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1970 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 5, 7-8:45 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, June 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mountains

I’m thinking of mountains today and how much they have meant to me over the years. There are many things in life that are so much bigger than we are as individuals - mountains, oceans, canyons, stars, and many more. They remind us of just how majestic and mysterious life can be. When I’m on a mountain or even driving through mountains I am struck by their beauty and sheer power of presence. There is danger there, and there is delicate gracefulness as well. The jagged rocks and precious flowers are side-by-side in perfect harmony. And they offer “Because it’s there!” challenges and relaxation as well. Then of course there are the cool breezes and exciting wildlife. As I have written before, we have had family summer cabins in the mountains northern New Mexico that my grandpa and grandma built or acquired since 1930 that we would spend a week or so at in the summertime. Then I worked in the summers of high school and college either teaching backpacking or playing music in the mountains.  My family still has the cabins, and we spend a weekend at the beginning and end of the season opening and closing them every year. It’s that weekend coming up this week, so I have it fully in my mind and am looking forward to the sights and smells of the mountains even though there’s lots of hard work to be done fixing and maintaining them. So here’s to the mountains and every other facet of nature that delights and encourages us to live life to the fullest.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and I had a blast at all of them. I really enjoy connecting with the folks when I get a chance to talk to them before and after my shows. There are so many great stories!

My Wednesday online show was doing summer songs as we were celebrating the start of the season with Memorial Day. It was great fun! I love playing for such good and caring people.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good new ones as well as old favorites. I’m still playing with lower tunings on my guitar, and it makes every song sound new and different. This community is fantastic!

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What am I up to this week?

I have just 5 seniors facilities this week - mainly because it’s the end of a 31-day month, and there aren’t as many monthly repeating days that fall in the last few days of a longer month. I’m sure I will love every one of them!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about mountains and mountain doings. This is a joyful theme that has me deep-diving into some of my favorite songs. Come on out and share it with me if you can!

I have a funeral on Friday for an elderly man whom I had the privilege of playing for him and his wife at their 50th wedding anniversary 20 years ago. What a joy to live such a long life with so much love.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and I expect I’ll be pretty sore but happy after being in the mountains for a couple of days working hard. As a result, I’m sure the energy at Sunday’s show will be really something. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. My season for the Yellow Pine Barbecue starts in just 2 weeks on June 15th, and I’ll be writing more about it. Of course, there are many more summer gigs (mostly in the mountains!) that I’ll be writing about as the summer progresses. I’d love to see you at any of these wonderful gigs. Here’s my calendar if you want to read ahead - http://tommunch.com/calendar.

Happy Memorial Day!

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of mountain songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 29, 7-8:45 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, June 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Here Comes Summer

It’s that time of year again - just before Memorial Day when you can just feel the summer ramping up. I write about it every year, and I feel no different this year as I scramble to keep up with yard work and so many projects on my list - not to mention more gigs. I always feel it like a wave that I need to swim at full bore to match speed with as it approaches. I love the excitement, and I love the long days and beautiful seasonal flora and fauna all around me. I often wonder how long I can keep up the pace in the summer, but then I feel the intoxication of the season, and I just fly. When I walk in the mornings with Beau we can hear the birds chirping and smell the earth and plants. It’s pretty magical. And when I’m off to my gigs I get to see the summer mountain folks and catch up with everyone’s life. What’s not to love? How about you? Do you love this time of year?

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What have I been up to?

Last week I had 11 senior facilities, and it was so much fun doing different themes at some of the facilities for National Nursing home Week. I love playing for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs I’ve never done at my online shows, and there were some good gems and old favorites that I hadn’t played in many years. I think everyone enjoyed it. I surely did.

Saturday I did an online show for Philmont alumni that was full of memories and favorite mountain songs plus some new tunes I thought fit very well. It was so good to hear from old friends from more than 40 years ago.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones there as well. I have such a vibrant community of friends who support me and each other through music and friendship.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them so much. I’m trying to learn requests more for these folks as they ask for them. It’s always a challenge, but it’s so good to connect with someone over a favorite song.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be fun summer songs as I wrote above. The energy of this season is just magical and fun to wrap up and present in a show. I’m sure there’ll be some great requests too!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will be a blast once again. With summer chores I don’t have as much time to work on songs for everyone, but we have a great time all the same. It is so fulfilling to be part of such a vibrant group of folks.

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That’s it for another week. I can’t believe this year is flying so fast. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying your life. Come on out and listen to some music, or reply to this email and tell me how you are doing.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of summer songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 22, 7-8:45 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, May 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Color

I’m standing at my desk and looking around my room when suddenly I’m taken by so many beautiful colors I see on items around me. I’m amazed at how enchanted I am by color and its depth. I know many of us are - just look at how excited we all got at the appearance of the northern lights over the last weekend reaching all over the northern hemisphere. I tend to go for purples and turquoise greens - the influence of my high school colors of purple and gold and also all the turquoise jewelry I saw as a kid in New Mexico. I have pens, pocket knives, jackets, scissors, shirts, and even guitars with my favorite colors. But I really love all colors from subtle to bold. It’s part of the reason I take sunrise photos every day. There’s just something magical about how light plays on different objects and picks up the dust, water, and chemistry in the atmosphere. The fact that the sunrise lasts only a short time makes it even more special. But then as I think about color I’m reminded how much I love black and white photography too, especially the work of Ansel Adams. I guess I’m just a visual junky for contrast and depth and anything that evokes strong feelings. I say it all the time, but I am really amazed by the beauty of this life and our universe. I hope you are too. It’s such a simple thing that can bring so much joy.

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and they were all really wonderful. I was doing mostly songs for Mother’s Day, and my folks seemed to appreciate them all.

My Wednesday online show was doing instrumental songs, and it was a blast. There are just so many fun and meaningful songs from the past 80 years as well as my own songs. I especially enjoyed the surf songs. I wish I had more time to listen to instrumental music.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some good ones. We did a lot of songs for mom as well to celebrate Mother’s Day. This is such a great group of folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 11 senior facilities this week, and this is also National Nursing Home Week, so there’ll be all kinds of fun themes and great energy. This will be fun!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be another round of songs I’ve never done for my online shows. I love doing these never-done shows because I get a chance to surprise my audience with new songs they don’t know and old songs they didn’t know I do. I get to play a lot of songs I haven’t played in years as well. Come on out if you’d like to hear them!

Saturday night 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show on Facebook and my website of Philmont songs for the friends and acquaintances I’ve made from Philmont Scout Ranch where I worked 3 summers in high school and college. These are always nice nights of memories and favorite mountain songs. If you’re a Philmont friend then join me on my Philmont Songs Concert Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These are always the best night of the week for spontaneous friendship and songs. I relish them. Come join in!

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That’s it for this week. The summer season starts soon, and I’ll have lots of gigs to tell you about and places to travel to. Hope you are having a good week, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of never-done songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 15, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont tunes

Where:  facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370

When:  Saturday, May 18, 7-9 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, May 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Instrumentals

My Wednesday show is going to be instrumental tunes, and my feelings toward instrumental songs might be different than you would think. I’ve only made one solo instrumental album although I’ve written many more instrumental tunes. The interesting thing about instrumental songs is that without lyrics the listener can imagine the song is about anything they want, independent of what the song title or description is. When I play an instrumental song I usually talk about what inspired it, but the listeners often say that they envision many images and feelings that I never saw or felt. Instrumental songs can bring out deep emotions and trigger all kinds of senses more than just sound. It’s amazing. And they really trigger profound feelings in me that I try to convey when I perform them. I once wrote a song about sitting on a cabin porch watching a mountain sunset, and when I recorded it I was suddenly transported back decades to when I first saw the sunset there. I improvised a whole new section of the song that was inspired by memories of my long-gone grandparents who were at another cabin across the meadow at the time. I was flooded with so many memories as I felt their presence and went with the melody that was flowing through me. It was quite an experience! That song is “Moreno Valley Sunset”. It was so profound for me. And of course there are lots of fun instrumental songs that are kick to play. I’m sure you have favorite instrumental albums of all kinds of music, from guitar to piano to full orchestra. It’s a very worthwhile experience listening to melodies and rhythms without words sometimes. Do you have any favorite instrumental albums?

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all with quite a variety of songs. I so enjoy getting to play for these folks!

My Wednesday online show was rain songs, which was more fun than anyone had an idea it could be. There is so much joy in seeing the life-giving effects of rain. My audience was in fine form.

My Saturday night concert at the Center for Inner Peace in Pueblo went really well. I had a nice audience of great people, and it was so much fun to be able to shine for a group of folks with some meaningful favorite tunes. Thank you to everyone who helped put it on - Neema, Kelli, and Tom, and one name I’ve forgotten with his sweet pup, Smoky - and to all who came and shared an evening with me.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had spent so much time on the weekend preparing for my Saturday concert and working on the yard on Sunday for Spring that I didn’t have much time to get ready for the show. Everyone really gave me some great requests and made the whole night a blast. I love this group!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to all of them. The opportunity to serve others is always worthwhile, and it’s fun to boot!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be instrumental songs as I wrote above. I have to admit that I get more nervous playing instrumental tunes than I do singing even though I love to play the guitar. There are so many wonderful tunes to play from slow to fast though that I know it will be a really fun night. Come on out if you can.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it will also be a sweet evening of tunes and camaraderie. I always look forward to Sunday nights! I’d love to have you in the audience.

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That’s it for this week. Spring is rushing headlong into Summer around here as everything is growing and I’m already struggling to keep up. This is an exciting time of year. I hope you are enjoying it, and as the Munch Bunch group says, “Howls and hugs” to you!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of instrumental songs

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

When:  Wednesday, May 8, 7-8:45 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, May 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time