I'm struggling with something this morning. I told a historical story on Saturday that I had researched and told many times. Shortly thereafter someone else told a different contradictory story about the same event. I deferred to them because I figured my memory might be faulty, but I researched again this morning and found that my story was correct. I thought about sending a link to the person who told the other story, but I decided not to - even though it goes against my grain to let history be incorrect. But it opened up a bigger topic in my thoughts - what really is truth? I don't think that even if something is proven scientifically that it is absolutely true. I'm still open to what some might call "magical thinking" because I've seen too many things I couldn't explain. This may brand me as "simple" in some folks' eyes, but I have my own inkling of what is true. I suspect we all do. Some see this as a major problem in our world that leads to uninformed decisions. I see this, but I also don't want to close myself off to new paradigms and explanations that science hasn't broadened enough to study yet. The science I have studied has taught me that the world is a much more wonderful and mysterious place than we tend to believe - especially in the quantum realm where the laws seem to contradict what we know in our bigger visual world. It makes for an interesting experience in this life - separating the wheat truth from the chaff truth. Stay curious and thoughtful, my friends!
What have I been up to?
Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbeque was a little slow last week. I need to sell it better. A friend told me that there's nothing that can compare to the atmosphere of the old barn where we enjoy yummy barbeque and share bygone western tunes and hospitality, and the campfire where kids can roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Does this sound good to you? Then come on out if you can!
Saturday was interesting. I got a rock in my windshield that blew glass onto my head and lap. My Subaru also lit up pretty much every light on the dashboard to check most of the systems - Check engine, AT Oil Temp, Vehicle Stability, ABS, Hill Holder, Cruise, and Sport Shift. I think the computer is fried. It still runs great though! Then my voice disappeared in the middle of a song at the wedding. It came back within a few notes luckily. What a day! I just wanted to go home and go to bed. But I did have two good gigs.
Saturday was cowboy tunes in the old patio of the Francisco Fort in La Veta. I had a great crowd for my set of trail-drive and movie cowboy songs, and then I shared the stage with Will Dudley, Kurt Corsair, and Peggy Godfrey in a round-robin of tunes and poetry.
Saturday was also a beautiful mountain wedding for Erin and Mark in the chapel in Cuchara. Congratulations, you two!
Sunday was my first time of the season playing for the Scouts heading to Philmont Scout Ranch after rafting the Arkansas River. They had a wild ride on very fast water with winds whipping the canyon. Sounds like fun, no?!
What's up this week?
Tuesday I'm playing for rafting Scouts again. I can't wait.
Thursday 6:30-8:30 I'm back at the Yellow Pine Barbeque. I'll sell it again. It is a really cool place for some good eats, hospitality, and music. You don't want to miss it if you are in the area. It's a Cuchara tradition! Call 719-742-3528 to reserve a table for your family.
Saturday 11-1 I'm playing for SPACe (Spanish Peaks Arts Council) Art in the Park in La Veta. This is always a fun event with handmade art, food, and music. Come on out!
Sunday 9:30 and 11 I'm playing for church services in Cuchara at the chapel where I played the wedding last week. I love little mountain chapels - I went to several with my grandparents on summer vacation in the mountains when I was a kid where we even had deer grazing next to us at outdoor chapels.
Sunday evening 7-8ish MDT I'm playing my monthly first-Sunday online concert from our living room. I haven't picked out any sort of theme, but I made a list recently of some of my absolute favorite songs that I've gathered and written, and I think I'll pick songs from that list. Think of it like the list of essential songs that Johnny Cash made for his daughter, RoseAnne, that she picks songs for her album, "The List".
I think I'd better close on that note. There's a busy week ahead, and today has several commitments - fix the car and windshield, change guitar strings, cut weeds, and we're going to see a possible new cat today. Be good to each other, and love life!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 29, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Space Art in the Park
Where: Ryus Ave as you enter on the right - just cross the tracks in La Veta
When: Saturday, July 1, 11-1 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for church services
Where: Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara, CO
When: Sunday, July 2, 9:30 and 11:00
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/
When: Sunday, July 2, 7-8ish pm MST
Monday, June 26, 2017
Monday, June 19, 2017
What Is Music?
I often contemplate what music really is to me and to this world. There is no doubt in my mind that it is magical beyond what we see, hear, and understand. Sometimes I feel it like a wind inside of me, and sometimes it is a slowly moving deep current of water. I intimately know that it is part of the force of the universe and flows through me and all around me. I often struggle with the fact that its creation within me is not something I can take credit for, and yet I also know that I have been given a gift to express it and mold it to some extent. To this end I sometimes balk at being paid for performing it. But then I think that being paid is an odd concept at its heart as well. I think I would have been better off in a barter and patron society. But back to music, what is it - really? Some see it as a mathematical set of principles whose inter-workings help to shape our brains with its patterns and logic as we listen and play. Some see it as an frivolous curiosity. Some see it as a beautiful jewel that sparkles and awes. I see it as an integral expression of that unknowable and powerful great mysterious that you can call God, or spirit, or universal energy. Whatever it is, it's a pure pleasure to be part of it.
What have I been up to?
Thursday at the Yellow Pine was a lot of fun at the barbeque. Unfortunately it was a sad day for the staff because one of their horses got colic and was doing very poorly. I'm not sure whether the horse pulled through.
Friday was the anniversary party for PDubs, and it was great to see so many friends and to help celebrate PDubs with good music, beer, and food!
What's up this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the barbeque at the Yellow Pine. It’s starting to get busy as the summer progresses, so call now if you’d like to come - 719-742-3528. It’s great fun!
Saturday 11-1:30 I’m playing for Cowboy Day at Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta again. I love getting the chance to play cowboy music, and this event is always spectacular with some great cowboy poets and singers. It runs 10-4:30, so come on out!
Saturday afternoon I’m playing a private wedding in Cuchara. I love playing for these beautiful summer weddings.
Sunday I start the season of playing for the Boy Scout groups on their way to Philmont Scout Ranch after they raft on the Arkansas River. I always enjoy playing for these groups of young men headed to the adventure of a lifetime. Hopefully I give them a little inspiration and some great tunes to keep in their heads as they hike the trails.
That’s it for this week. Be good to each other, and come on out and enjoy some summer fun if you can.
Best always,
Tom
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Francisco Fort Cowboy Day
Where: Francisco Fort, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, June 24, 11-1:30 pm
What have I been up to?
Thursday at the Yellow Pine was a lot of fun at the barbeque. Unfortunately it was a sad day for the staff because one of their horses got colic and was doing very poorly. I'm not sure whether the horse pulled through.
Friday was the anniversary party for PDubs, and it was great to see so many friends and to help celebrate PDubs with good music, beer, and food!
What's up this week?
Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the barbeque at the Yellow Pine. It’s starting to get busy as the summer progresses, so call now if you’d like to come - 719-742-3528. It’s great fun!
Saturday 11-1:30 I’m playing for Cowboy Day at Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta again. I love getting the chance to play cowboy music, and this event is always spectacular with some great cowboy poets and singers. It runs 10-4:30, so come on out!
Saturday afternoon I’m playing a private wedding in Cuchara. I love playing for these beautiful summer weddings.
Sunday I start the season of playing for the Boy Scout groups on their way to Philmont Scout Ranch after they raft on the Arkansas River. I always enjoy playing for these groups of young men headed to the adventure of a lifetime. Hopefully I give them a little inspiration and some great tunes to keep in their heads as they hike the trails.
That’s it for this week. Be good to each other, and come on out and enjoy some summer fun if you can.
Best always,
Tom
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Francisco Fort Cowboy Day
Where: Francisco Fort, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, June 24, 11-1:30 pm
Monday, June 12, 2017
Where Does It Come From?
I was walking early one morning last week and was amazed at the energy I had for a fast walk. I hadn't had enough sleep the night before, and I didn't feel energetic when I woke up. But as I walked I began to drink in the sunrise and the beauty of the morning, and before I knew it I was bounding along behind the dog - marveling at how much pep I had. So where did this verve come from? I could say it was the healthy food I had eaten the night before. I could say it was the adrenaline flowing through me as I anticipated the walking path. But it seems that there is an innate energy of the universe that we all tap into when we are aware of it (and even when we're not aware of it!) This seems to be a spirit that flows in nature and all through us. Many religions have names for this - chi, prana, ki, even God, depending on how you look at it. The universe is full of energy that makes the planets move and even the plants on earth grow. It is unstoppable and magical in the way it affects us. It feels amazing to be a part of it and sense its flow in us. Drink it in!
What have I been up to?
The first Thursday of the season at the Yellow Pine barbecue was too much fun! It was so good to see old friends and be in the barn letting the music flow. This is going to be a fun summer!
What's up this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue 6:30-8:30 again. Please join me for a beautiful night under the mountain stars in the old barn. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations by Tuesday.
Friday night is good beer and good food at PDubs in Pueblo West 6-10. They are celebrating their first year of brewing and business, and I'm happy to be a part of the celebration. Please come on out for a really fantastic night!
What's on the horizon?
June 24th I'm playing for Cowboy Day at the Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta 11-1:30 before I run up to Cuchara for a wedding. It's so much fun to play the old cowboy tunes, and the plaza in the old museum feels just right - like the walls of the place are playing along with all the history they hold.
July 1st I'm playing Art in the Park in La Veta 11-1. I always enjoy playing for the folks in the park for this event.
That's it for this week. A very Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there this Sunday. Be good to each other, and I hope to see you soon.
Best,
Tom
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing for the first anniversary
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, June 16, 6-10 pm
Monday, June 5, 2017
Beauty of the Outdoors
I spent the weekend in the mountains getting our old cabins open for the summer - opening shutters, draining antifreeze, opening chimneys, cleaning up rodent calling cards, etc. - and I’m always refreshed and made new by being in nature and the great outdoors. It’s honestly a little amazing how just a little time outdoors can reconnect us to who we are and what our place is in the universe. We are part of the world and the universe - made up of all the same reactions and atoms and part of the same forces physically and spiritually that shape everything we see around us. Being in nature seems to enhance this understanding intuitively. This is calming and exciting at the same time, and the wonder you feel can remind you that our daily worries are very small in the grand scheme of everything.
What have I been up to?
My online concert last Sunday went really well! I played off the cuff from my favorites list and hit some really special songs that brought me joy in the sharing and playing of them. Thanks to everyone who tuned in! My apologies that I set the concert up wrong on the website so that it had a ticket price of “pay what you want.” This meant that you didn’t have to pay anything, but it was confusing to folks since it’s usually set as free. I already have next month’s set as free.
What am I up to this week?
This is the first week of the season for the Yellow Pine Thursday-night Barbeque. This is one of the highlights of my summer! If you’ve never been, it’s a Texas-style barbeque in the old barn at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara, Colorado, where I play for dinner and then dancing and listening afterwards. The feeling in the barn is so cool, and the food and camaraderie is so special that I have a great time playing for this! I think this is the 16th season I have played the barbeque at the Yellow Pine and the friends I have made up there are really special. Come join in if you can. You need to make reservations by Tuesday so that they can plan the right amount of food, and you may want to call a week or more in advance because the evening sells out often - especially in July. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations.
That’s it for this week. Check my website for other dates if you’re interested in other places I’m playing and stay tuned. http://tommunch.com
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
What have I been up to?
My online concert last Sunday went really well! I played off the cuff from my favorites list and hit some really special songs that brought me joy in the sharing and playing of them. Thanks to everyone who tuned in! My apologies that I set the concert up wrong on the website so that it had a ticket price of “pay what you want.” This meant that you didn’t have to pay anything, but it was confusing to folks since it’s usually set as free. I already have next month’s set as free.
What am I up to this week?
This is the first week of the season for the Yellow Pine Thursday-night Barbeque. This is one of the highlights of my summer! If you’ve never been, it’s a Texas-style barbeque in the old barn at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara, Colorado, where I play for dinner and then dancing and listening afterwards. The feeling in the barn is so cool, and the food and camaraderie is so special that I have a great time playing for this! I think this is the 16th season I have played the barbeque at the Yellow Pine and the friends I have made up there are really special. Come join in if you can. You need to make reservations by Tuesday so that they can plan the right amount of food, and you may want to call a week or more in advance because the evening sells out often - especially in July. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations.
That’s it for this week. Check my website for other dates if you’re interested in other places I’m playing and stay tuned. http://tommunch.com
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, June 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
Monday, May 29, 2017
Keep Your Head Up
I have an interesting observation that I haven't worked out fully, but it has some interesting implications. One of my daily exercises is on an elliptical machine. We just have a few cheap exercise machines in our house, but they work for us. I only do the elliptical for a short time in my routine to get my heart rate up, and I reached a plateau of a certain pace that I could never break without completely exhausting myself and leaving me gasping for air. My exercise position was always with my head down to read the display so I could keep track of my pace and total revolutions. One day I put my head up straight and just counted my steps. As I was completing my exercise I looked down at the display and realized I was markedly faster than usual, and I also was not nearly as winded as usual. I thought it was a mistake, but day after day I've been able to duplicate it now, and I find the same result on our other machines. Could it be that just the position of keeping my head up makes that much difference to my outlook while exercising? Is it just because my airway is more open with my head up? I know that there is very interesting communication between our minds and brains. Not only can our outlook affect how our body feels, but our body position can also affect our emotion and outlook. I think that keeping your head up is good advice for many aspects of life. It lets us be more aware of the world around us and more comfortable with our body being straight and relaxed. Just like putting a smile on your face can actually make you happy, keeping your head up can make you have a brighter outlook and enjoy the moment more. Could it be that simple? Try it!
What have I been up to?
The concert at Coyote Creek last Saturday was unbelievable! I have never played for a more genuine and appreciative audience. It was a full house, and it was a great time. Thanks to all who help put it on and all who came out!
What's up this week?
Sunday at 7:00 MDT is my next first-Sunday online concert from my living room. I'll be rushing back from opening the cabins, so I'll probably be sporting some mountain spirit and tired muscles that will make it an interesting show. I don't have a plan for what music I'm playing yet, but I'll be doing something special. Please tune in if you can - concertwindow.com/tommunch.
That's it for this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day and are thinking of those who gave their lives and sweat and tears for us.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, June 4, 7-8ish pm MST.
What have I been up to?
The concert at Coyote Creek last Saturday was unbelievable! I have never played for a more genuine and appreciative audience. It was a full house, and it was a great time. Thanks to all who help put it on and all who came out!
What's up this week?
Sunday at 7:00 MDT is my next first-Sunday online concert from my living room. I'll be rushing back from opening the cabins, so I'll probably be sporting some mountain spirit and tired muscles that will make it an interesting show. I don't have a plan for what music I'm playing yet, but I'll be doing something special. Please tune in if you can - concertwindow.com/tommunch.
That's it for this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day and are thinking of those who gave their lives and sweat and tears for us.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, June 4, 7-8ish pm MST.
Monday, May 22, 2017
In the Weeds
I’m looking out the back window watching for the rain and contemplating a little noodling on my guitar. All around there are weeds popping up and gaining steam from all the rain we’ve been having, and in my guitar case there is every pick known to man as I have been experimenting with all kinds of different techniques of getting sound out of a guitar. In both cases I find myself lost in the weeds. Our daily walking path and property will soon be overgrown with summer growth, and my guitar playing is full of variables too myriad to mention. I’m not panicking although I do need to make a plan to take care of both of them so I don’t get overwhelmed. Each one also presents endless variety and possibility for beauty - with the growth there will be beautiful wildflowers and richness from the earth, and with the guitar there will be new textures of sounds and possibilities for exploration and expression of passion and excitement. Maybe being “in the weeds” is not such a bad thing.
What have I been up to?
I forgot to thank everyone who tuned into my online concert two weeks ago. It was so much fun playing for you and seeing all your comments. It’s really a neat way of reaching out sharing an evening!
Last Friday at PDubs was a blast with lots of good friends - some I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Brad Schoolland sat in for a bunch of tunes, and the beer tasted so good. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.
What's up this week?
Saturday at 7:30 I’m playing a concert for Coyote Creek Concert series in Elizabeth, Colorado, at the city park pavilion. Concerts are such a great way to play music! I get to stretch out and put all myself into the performance in a way that I don’t get to very often at other venues. If you’re anywhere in the area please come out. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
Almost forgot - this afternoon I’ll be helping to teach a class in music appreciation at Adams State College remotely. This is a cool thing. I get to share some of my experiences in music with young, budding musicians.
What's on the horizon?
Summer will be here before we know it, and I have a bunch of events coming up - Yellow Pine Guest Ranch barbecues, PDubs, private parties, weddings, Boy Scout shows, Art in the Park in La Veta, Bull Moose in Guffey, Philmont, online concerts, Feed Store Concert in Westcliffe, Royal Gorge Bridge, and lots more. Stay tuned!
That’s it for this week. Hope to see you soon!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert for Coyote Creek Concert series
When: Saturday, May 27, at 7:30 pm
Where: City park pavilion in Elizabeth, Colorado, Tickets - $12 at the door or $10 in advance at the website - coyotecreekconcerts.com
What have I been up to?
I forgot to thank everyone who tuned into my online concert two weeks ago. It was so much fun playing for you and seeing all your comments. It’s really a neat way of reaching out sharing an evening!
Last Friday at PDubs was a blast with lots of good friends - some I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Brad Schoolland sat in for a bunch of tunes, and the beer tasted so good. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.
What's up this week?
Saturday at 7:30 I’m playing a concert for Coyote Creek Concert series in Elizabeth, Colorado, at the city park pavilion. Concerts are such a great way to play music! I get to stretch out and put all myself into the performance in a way that I don’t get to very often at other venues. If you’re anywhere in the area please come out. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
Almost forgot - this afternoon I’ll be helping to teach a class in music appreciation at Adams State College remotely. This is a cool thing. I get to share some of my experiences in music with young, budding musicians.
What's on the horizon?
Summer will be here before we know it, and I have a bunch of events coming up - Yellow Pine Guest Ranch barbecues, PDubs, private parties, weddings, Boy Scout shows, Art in the Park in La Veta, Bull Moose in Guffey, Philmont, online concerts, Feed Store Concert in Westcliffe, Royal Gorge Bridge, and lots more. Stay tuned!
That’s it for this week. Hope to see you soon!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert for Coyote Creek Concert series
When: Saturday, May 27, at 7:30 pm
Where: City park pavilion in Elizabeth, Colorado, Tickets - $12 at the door or $10 in advance at the website - coyotecreekconcerts.com
Monday, May 15, 2017
Hear, Taste, Feel the Love
I'm reminded today of what makes things worthwhile in life. It strikes me that all the things that I think are excellent in this life are the result of someone putting in time and effort - great art, technology, food, music, and products. What makes them put in this effort? Well, care, I think, passion, and even love. When we love what we do and how we do it we take the time to do it creatively and to do a depth that is truly excellent! We are drawn to these things because we see that the people making it are engaged and enthusiastic, excited and resonant with life. And it really just takes the openness to explore and see the beauty in things around us to have this enthusiasm. So in that spirit I invite you to hear, taste, and feel the love!
What have I been up to?
Friday a week ago was the final evening at Magpies until next fall, and it was a packed house of good friends and music lovers. We did all kinds of tunes with lots of favorites.
What's up this week?
Friday night 6-9 I'm back at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West for some of that good stuff created with passion - good food, good brews, and good music! Come on out if you can. Brad will be sitting in again for a few tunes, and I'll be in fine form with all my new pick explorations and songs.
It's also National Nursing Home Week, so I'll be doing many, many shows for different facilities around the area all week. I don't talk about the nursing, assisted living, and retirement facilities I play at very often, but it's one of the more enjoyable things I get to do with my time for some wonderful people.
What's on the horizon?
Next week on Saturday, the 27th, at 7:30 I'm playing for the Coyote Creek Concert Series in Elizabeth, Colorado. This is a really cool concert in the pavilion at the city park in Elizabeth. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County with love. I'd be honored to have anyone near Elizabeth or around Denver come on out for it. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
That's it for this week. I hope you are gearing up for a fine summer!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, May 19, 6-9 pm
What have I been up to?
Friday a week ago was the final evening at Magpies until next fall, and it was a packed house of good friends and music lovers. We did all kinds of tunes with lots of favorites.
What's up this week?
Friday night 6-9 I'm back at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West for some of that good stuff created with passion - good food, good brews, and good music! Come on out if you can. Brad will be sitting in again for a few tunes, and I'll be in fine form with all my new pick explorations and songs.
It's also National Nursing Home Week, so I'll be doing many, many shows for different facilities around the area all week. I don't talk about the nursing, assisted living, and retirement facilities I play at very often, but it's one of the more enjoyable things I get to do with my time for some wonderful people.
What's on the horizon?
Next week on Saturday, the 27th, at 7:30 I'm playing for the Coyote Creek Concert Series in Elizabeth, Colorado. This is a really cool concert in the pavilion at the city park in Elizabeth. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County with love. I'd be honored to have anyone near Elizabeth or around Denver come on out for it. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
That's it for this week. I hope you are gearing up for a fine summer!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, May 19, 6-9 pm
Monday, May 1, 2017
Snow Day
We had a snow day last Saturday that gave us a day at home and postponed a trip to Nebraska. The sudden free time was a surprise and had me drifting throughout the day. I had projects I could do, but there's something in a snow day that gives you permission to be as free as a bird. I love this feeling, disconcerting as it sometimes can be. So I did a couple projects, but I also took the opportunity to listen to new music and just play around on the guitar which I seldom do - trying techniques and experimenting - just letting myself enjoy joyful play. It was refreshing, and it reminded me that surprises can happen from out of nowhere that take me outside of our planned grid-work. Life is full of this when I let it be.
What have I been up to?
I had a wonderful gig for a friend's retirement last Friday. It's fun giving joy to good friends with the music you know they love. Congrats, Tom!
What am I up to this week?
Friday 7-10 is the last time at Magpies for the season, and if you've been meaning to come out this is the last chance until October. We have such fun down in the tap room with such good friends. I'd love to have you there if you're out and about.
Saturday I have a private party for an 80th birthday.
Sunday 7-8ish I'm playing another online concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch in my first-Friday series. I haven't made a songlist, but I'm feeling in an eclectic mood, so it may be interesting. I'm going to use my neighbor Mari Pretzer's quilt she made me for a backdrop. Please join me if you can!
That's it for this week. Be good to yourself and each other. Enjoy life!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, May 5, 7-10 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, May 7, 7-8ish pm MST
What have I been up to?
I had a wonderful gig for a friend's retirement last Friday. It's fun giving joy to good friends with the music you know they love. Congrats, Tom!
What am I up to this week?
Friday 7-10 is the last time at Magpies for the season, and if you've been meaning to come out this is the last chance until October. We have such fun down in the tap room with such good friends. I'd love to have you there if you're out and about.
Saturday I have a private party for an 80th birthday.
Sunday 7-8ish I'm playing another online concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch in my first-Friday series. I haven't made a songlist, but I'm feeling in an eclectic mood, so it may be interesting. I'm going to use my neighbor Mari Pretzer's quilt she made me for a backdrop. Please join me if you can!
That's it for this week. Be good to yourself and each other. Enjoy life!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, May 5, 7-10 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, May 7, 7-8ish pm MST
Monday, April 17, 2017
Variables, Granularity
I was chatting with a friend this morning, and we got onto talking about different variables in guitars - woods used in the top, back, and sides, body shapes and sizes, number of strings, etc. It was very cool (Thanks, Patrick!) I have also been experimenting with different picks and materials for playing the guitar. Both of these things make me think of how many different ways and different depths we can look at and experience life. There are literally millions of ways we can do things in the minutest of details. With guitars I have found that all the different body shapes, woods used, construction techniques, and combinations thereof make some guitars more expressive in different ways than others. With my picks I have found that all the different materials - woods, stones, plastics, bones, metals, horns, shells, even hoofs, have a different sound on the string. And holding the picks in different ways or attaching them to my thumb and fingers with different contraptions makes a huge difference too in the tone and attack - not to mention combining them with fingerpicks or bare fingers with some or no nail protruding to pick the string with. This is a level of granularity in both guitars and picks that is fascinating to me, and helps me to feel a song and the connected emotion in exquisite relief. It reminds me just how amazing this life is. Everything in this life has endless variables and possibilities just waiting to be found and experienced. And therein is part of the purpose and beauty of this life - to live it to the fullest and with abandon, exploring all these variables in the fine grains of life.
What have I been up to?
Magpies a couple Fridays ago was great fun. I only brought out three guitars (steel string, nylon string, and electric), and the evening was full of variety and good friends. I love it when we can take all the ingredients of different requests, backgrounds, and sounds and make a tasty musical dish out of it!
Last weekend I had two private parties (one of which was postponed) that were great fun. Best to Ron and Pat on their birthdays!
What am I up to this week?
Friday night is back to Magpies for our next-to-last outing of the season. I always talk of how much fun I have there with the wonderful folks and staff, and if you haven’t experienced it I’d love to have you in the audience. The first Friday in May is the last time I’ll be there until mid-October, so come on out if you want to join in the good food and good friends.
Saturday night was supposed to be at the La Veta Inn, but they had to cancel due to kitchen difficulties. I wish them the best as they work through their problems. The Inn is a wonderful place that can be a handful to run.
What’s on the horizon?
I just booked the third Friday of each month at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West May through August.
I also booked a few extra weeks at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara for the Thursday-night barbecue. We’ll now be going June 8 to August 31. This is a wonderful old barn and great place for music and barbecue. More as the season approaches.
That’s it for this week. I surely do appreciate you all and the variables and granularity our friendships and experiences bring to each other!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, April 21, 7-10 pm
What have I been up to?
Magpies a couple Fridays ago was great fun. I only brought out three guitars (steel string, nylon string, and electric), and the evening was full of variety and good friends. I love it when we can take all the ingredients of different requests, backgrounds, and sounds and make a tasty musical dish out of it!
Last weekend I had two private parties (one of which was postponed) that were great fun. Best to Ron and Pat on their birthdays!
What am I up to this week?
Friday night is back to Magpies for our next-to-last outing of the season. I always talk of how much fun I have there with the wonderful folks and staff, and if you haven’t experienced it I’d love to have you in the audience. The first Friday in May is the last time I’ll be there until mid-October, so come on out if you want to join in the good food and good friends.
Saturday night was supposed to be at the La Veta Inn, but they had to cancel due to kitchen difficulties. I wish them the best as they work through their problems. The Inn is a wonderful place that can be a handful to run.
What’s on the horizon?
I just booked the third Friday of each month at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West May through August.
I also booked a few extra weeks at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch in Cuchara for the Thursday-night barbecue. We’ll now be going June 8 to August 31. This is a wonderful old barn and great place for music and barbecue. More as the season approaches.
That’s it for this week. I surely do appreciate you all and the variables and granularity our friendships and experiences bring to each other!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, April 21, 7-10 pm
Monday, April 3, 2017
What to Do Next
I’m contemplating the future again today. It’s something we all do from time to time. It comes in many forms - from what to do next in your career, to what to do next for travel, to what to do next for your family. You know that we lost our little cat Nisi a couple weeks ago. Each time we lose a pet we go through a period of grieving that also includes when and whether to get another pet or pets. Our lives are endlessly enriched by having little beings around us who show us a different perspective and offer love in new and different ways. But they also bring the responsibility of caring for them and making time for them. The one thing in life that seems to be the most precious is time. I believe it is why we come here to this world - to experience time that is endless in the great beyond. And how we deal with the choice of that time is what makes up our life. So I won’t go into the details of mine and Jen’s life and what we want in the future - mostly because it’s a work in progress that we work through from day to day. But I wanted to touch on the dilemma that time presents us with and the knowing that no matter what decisions we make with our time, the important thing is to live each moment to the fullest and with abandon, seeking love and joy always.
What have I been up to?
The online concert last night was truly fine! I had several good friends listening and joining in the evening. I was a little frazzled with too many things on my mind (par for the course when dealing with technology and still trying to be in the moment), but it seemed to go very well. If you missed it there is a sample on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjI3So_HEq0
We used the beautiful quilt my sister Carol made me as a gift a couple years back for a backdrop, and I switched off on different guitars for different songs. Thanks you to everyone who tuned in! The next first-Sunday show will be on May 7 at 7:00 pm MDT.
What’s up this week?
Friday I’ll be back at Magpies 7-10 for another night of good friends, good food, and good music. I’m sure I’ll bring some different guitars and have some surprises for songs. I haven’t really tried to do themes this year at Magpies like I’ve done in the past, but I may just do some a couple this time out. I haven’t decided what yet. You have to know that we’ll end up doing some ’60’s tunes at some point in the night like always. :-)
What’s on the horizon?
I’ve booked one date at the La Veta Inn on April 22nd. We haven’t decided on the time yet, but this promises to be a wonderful evening of music. We’re still looking at a date in July as well.
Also I’ve booked three more weeks at the Yellow Pine in Cuchara for the Thursday-night barbecues. I’ll be there from the 2nd week in June through August.
That’s it for this week. I’m so grateful for my life of music and for having such good friends.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, April 7, 7-10 pm
What have I been up to?
The online concert last night was truly fine! I had several good friends listening and joining in the evening. I was a little frazzled with too many things on my mind (par for the course when dealing with technology and still trying to be in the moment), but it seemed to go very well. If you missed it there is a sample on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjI3So_HEq0
We used the beautiful quilt my sister Carol made me as a gift a couple years back for a backdrop, and I switched off on different guitars for different songs. Thanks you to everyone who tuned in! The next first-Sunday show will be on May 7 at 7:00 pm MDT.
What’s up this week?
Friday I’ll be back at Magpies 7-10 for another night of good friends, good food, and good music. I’m sure I’ll bring some different guitars and have some surprises for songs. I haven’t really tried to do themes this year at Magpies like I’ve done in the past, but I may just do some a couple this time out. I haven’t decided what yet. You have to know that we’ll end up doing some ’60’s tunes at some point in the night like always. :-)
What’s on the horizon?
I’ve booked one date at the La Veta Inn on April 22nd. We haven’t decided on the time yet, but this promises to be a wonderful evening of music. We’re still looking at a date in July as well.
Also I’ve booked three more weeks at the Yellow Pine in Cuchara for the Thursday-night barbecues. I’ll be there from the 2nd week in June through August.
That’s it for this week. I’m so grateful for my life of music and for having such good friends.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, April 7, 7-10 pm
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