The Sky

My Thursday show this week is songs about the sky, so I thought I’d reflect on what I get from the sky in my life. I’ve always been enamored of the sky. It expresses so many different conditions and moods. I’ve worked outdoors enough at times that I had to plan my days around the weather and what the sky was doing. The patterns of the clouds, and the quality of the light always affects my feelings about the moment I’m in. And that’s not even to mention the night sky when I feel a part of the entire cosmos as I gaze at distant worlds. It’s truly full of magic and mystery to me, and it gives me a connection to the timelessness of the world and each moment in our lives. The sky has enchanted writers throughout time, and you have to know that there are countless songs that mention the sky as it relates to the weather or the enormity of the world and our place in it. So this week I’ll try to play songs that express the poetic qualities of the sky. It’s just part of the magic that makes this life such a rewarding experience.

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went really well. It’s so good to feel like I’m getting into the flow of pre-pandemic in a small way.

My studio time got rescheduled to next week, but I’m looking forward to being in that creative and meticulous space.

My Thursday show was very relaxing and peaceful - coming back to the favorite songs I’ve recorded over the past 40 years. When I’m really in promotional mode I tend to tire of playing the songs I have recorded (anything can get old, I guess), but after not having played these for a long while they are old and dear friends that I can’t wait to get reacquainted with. My wonderful audience was of the same mind.

My Sunday show was a lot of favorites I hadn’t played in quite a while as well, and the interaction with everyone present made it into a night to be remembered. I’m truly blessed by everyone who gives of their time and kindness.

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What am I up to this week?

I have several senior shows this week which I’m looking forward to. One is still remote on Zoom, but the rest are finally in-person unless something changes.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs about the sky as I wrote about above. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you’ll join us if you can.

Saturday I’ll make a jaunt over to Alamosa to see my friend Bill Hearne play with Don Richmond at Society Hall at 7:00. I’ll probably sit in for a couple tunes. Come by if you’re in the area. It should be a great show!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I’ve grown to enjoy so much. The audience is such an integral part of these shows, and I’m gratified each week to see how well we all support each other and the music.

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That’s it for this week. I’ll start the weekly barbecue at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch on June 17th, and I have several other gigs I’m lining up including hopefully a show at the La Veta Mercantile. Visit my calendar page to see what I’m up to - http://tommunch.com/calendar. Take care, and I hope to see you online or down the road soon!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Thursday, June 3, 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, June 6, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Rejuvenation

It’s amazing what time in the outdoors will do for you. I know it’s a recurring theme for me, but it’s worth saying again. Nature has a way of retuning our expectations and making us aware of ourselves and the truths of this world. In nature we can find belonging and order. Nature shows us how interconnected we are to the land and the creatures around us. There is an understanding of the timelessness and also the preciousness of life and our time here. Just listening to the birds and feeling a blade of grass in your hand can make you feel the rhythm of the earth and our place on it. I encourage you to be in and with nature if you can in your day. I’m writing all of this because I really feel rejuvenated this morning after our walk in the prairie and a couple days in the mountains.

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went very well last week, and one was packed with retirees who absolutely drank in all the music I could give them. It was so gratifying.

My Thursday show doing Beatles music was a blast too. I was little off kilter for the first couple tunes, but once I dialed in we connected to the spirit of the Beatles and their genius.

My Sunday show was way too much fun as well. There were a couple new songs and some old favorites that really hit the spot. I love these folks and this music!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 3 senior shows this week which should be great. 

I have some studio time working on a project for some folks up north. 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be playing songs off of my albums. I have several folks who want to hear some of my interpretations and originals, so this week we will do those. I’m really looking forward to playing some songs I haven’t had a chance to play for a year or more. Here is my album page on my website if you’d like to see what I’ll draw from - everything except the Christmas album. 😉 https://tommunch.com/albums

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. I hope some more frequent visitors can come back this week as I have some songs I’ve learned that I’m anxious to play for them. We always have way more joy than should be allowed!

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That’s it for this week. Things are beginning to book up, so I’ll have more to write about as the weeks progress. We’ve had a lot of rain, so I’m just hoping I can also keep up with weeds and housework too. Now where did that rejuvenation go that I was so full of when I started this page?!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs off my albums

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

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

Pulling Back or Pushing Forward

 This past week with the CDC saying that vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks or practice social distancing except in certain crowded or healthcare environments has really thrown me into a quandary. Part of my thoughts are on the different life I’ve established over the past year - staying closer to home and not traveling so much, and part of my thoughts are on the possibility of returning to the life I had - driving several hundred miles a week to 10-15 gigs all over the area. I’ve had a taste of a different kind of life, and there many parts of it I enjoyed. I’m still the most useful and fulfilled when I’m creating and performing music, so that won’t change, but I can see that maybe I could sculpt the next few years a little more instead of mostly flowing with presented opportunities as I have done over most of my life. I’m sure many people are weighing their futures too. This has been a time of deep introspection and winnowing our lives down to what’s important. I don’t feel ready to make any decisions today, but I can tell that I really need a deep dive into myself to see what’s next. I’m not full of any particular ambition. I just want peace and love to fill my life and those around me - with music all around that.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities were very enjoyable last week. I only had a couple, but one of them was playing for folks I hadn’t seen since a year ago in February, and it was a grand reunion!

My Thursday online show was doing songs about mountains, and I so enjoyed visiting some of my favorite songs over my lifetime. The mountains have really influenced me over the years. I’m glad I get to live close to them.

My Sunday show online was also very gratifying with good friends and some wonderful songs. I started to run out of gas towards the end of the show, but I still managed to end with a flourish. Highlights for me included new songs by Graham Nash and Bill Staines.

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What’s up this week?

I have three senior facilities this week including a new one I haven’t played for before, so there will be some new faces and an introduction to a new group. That’s always fun!

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 will be a return to the Beatles. We did a Beatles show last November, and I promised I’d return to the Beatles for a bunch more of their tunes. This Thursday’s the night! I love the Beatles music, and it will be a really good time. Come on by!

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 will be favorites and requests as always. I’ve been getting some pretty adventurous requests lately, so if I can actually work them up it will be very entertaining to watch me deliver them. I say that knowing I may really fall on my face or chicken out on them. I’ve never really said “No!” to a challenge though, so come on out and see if I can pull them off.

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That’s it for this week. I’m still deciding if I should switch my Thursday show to Tuesday when we come to the start of my Yellow Pine Barbecue shows on Thursdays in mid-June or just stop the online Thursday show the for the summer. I’ll announce it soon. It’s another in my factors I talked about above - what to do next?

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:  Thursday, May 20, 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, May 23, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Longing

 One of the most frequent feelings in my week is one of deep longing. It’s something I feel in many situations as I go through my day. I feel it when I first rise in the day and give my pets a little love before I dress for our sunrise walk. I feel it when we hit the path and gaze at the mountains, the moon, or the horizon. I feel it when I see friends or family or receive a text from them. I feel it when I pick up my guitar and start a song. I feel it when I hit the road for a destination. It is always just a deep desire to know the situation and reach for deep involvement in every aspect of whatever I’m doing. I guess it’s kind of a savoring of life in all its forms, and I can best describe it as longing because that is the kind of pull it puts on me. I’m sure it comes from something ancient and eternal within me - a desire to reconnect with the essence of life itself. I know it sounds a little wacky, but I suspect you might feel it too. I’m going to ponder on it this week and see where it leads me - maybe to a song. It is ultimately love.

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What have I been up to?

Last week I had several more senior facilities to play for since they are opening back up to entertainment. It’s great to see the folks, and I’m remembering what it’s like to schlep around equipment again!

My Thursday show playing songs by the Neils - Neil Young and Neil Diamond - was loads of fun. The audience really got into it, and I did too. There are some real favorites there!

My Sunday show playing favorites was really satisfying. Several of the songs were pretty difficult to remember the details on, but I think I did okay. Once again the folks were full of energy and goodwill, so it was the boost everyone needed.

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What’s up this week?

I only have a couple senior facilities this week, but one of them I haven’t seen the folks since last year so I’m really looking forward to it.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing songs about mountains. Mountains have been a big part of my life - like a giant magnet pulling at me ever since I was a child. We’ll be doing songs that talk about mountains and their affect on people - longing, majesty, and mystery.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing the favorites and requests that we always come around to once a week. This is such a special group of friends that get together every week to celebrate each other and the music that fills our souls. Come on along!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have lots of longing.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Thursday, May 13, 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, May 16, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Rainy Days

We’re having a rainy day here in southern Colorado. It’s the kind of day where you want to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book while you watch the rain drip off the roof as the clouds drift over the mountains. I feel the pressure of Monday things to do.  As Beau and I walked before sunrise in the mud and blowing rain I felt my spirits dip ever-so-slightly with the rain and grey weather. The prairie is greening, and the rain brings life and hope always, but it also asks us to slow down and have some downtime. My favorite rain has always been the afternoon showers I experienced when I worked in the mountains. If you planned it right you could have camp set up just in time to take a nap in your tent during the rain or be inside in a tin-roofed cabin where you could hear the rain patter on the roof and windows. Afterwards the freshness of the rain permeated the land and the trees with a wonderful smell and the feeling of rebirth and new life. So I shake off the dip in spirit and put off for just a moment the work I have for the week while I greet the new week and write you my thoughts. There is always so much to look forward to and be joyful for!

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What have I been up to?

My senior shows went well last week. Hopefully they will be able to lift more restrictions as our numbers get better in Colorado and all around.

My Thursday night online show doing ‘60s songs went very well. Of course there is a huge catalog of great ‘60s tunes, so we were definitely not at a loss for requests and songs to sing. We will have to do another ‘60s night or more to make another pass at some more great songs.

I did a Saturday night online show that I didn’t write about last week for guests and staff of the Don K Guest Ranch where I played for 8 years or so in the ‘90s. It was great to see so many folks and share some great memories and songs.

My Sunday night online show went very well too with lots of friends and fans. I’m blessed to have such a variety of friends and a variety of music to play.

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What am I up to this week?

I have senior shows almost every day this week as facilities are allowed to open up more. Many of these folks I haven’t seen in over a year. One of my shows will still be online until restrictions change.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs by the Neils -  Neil Young and Neil Diamond. I figured this would be an interesting mix of tunes by these two seemingly-unrelated artists. I think the chemistry will be very exciting, and I invite you to join in!

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests I love to do. It’s Mother’s Day, so I’ll be doing at least a couple songs to honor mothers including the mother song I wrote last year titled “How Did You Know?” Come on out for an evening of music and friendship!

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That’s it for this week. Now it’s time to have a cup of tea and figure out if I can play hooky from my work for a little while longer. ;-)

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ’60s songs

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

When:  Thursday, May 6, 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, May 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

A New Decade

 Well, I just turned 60, and I’m trying to decide what this decade will be like for me. On turning 50 I changed a lot of things. I set out to lose weight and write more songs. I started a blog and online concerts. I decided to pursue more festivals and house concerts. So what has changed over these 10 years? Well, I have done more festivals and a few house concerts. I have plugged into shows and venues where I am among many musicians whom I have looked up to for many years. I did lose weight - which I gained some back and then lost again. I’m feeling very healthy overall. I have written a decent number of songs although I’m not the wellspring of songs that I might have hoped for. I did write a bunch of instrumental guitar tunes that I am very proud of.  I lost my mother at age 90 which shut down my creativity for the better part of a year - more from having to clean up her estate than dealing with her loss emotionally, although she is dearly missed. That was during the time when my instrumental album was being finalized, and I even wrote songs after her death that were heavily influenced by my mindset in the wake of her passing. I even wrote a lot of more spiritual and thoughtful songs in the last few years as I have become more aware of who I am and why I’m here. The pandemic changed a lot of my thrust and direction. I have found that my purpose is to use my talent for music in helpful ways even more than I did before. I have also come to trust that my financial needs will be met if I give with a joyful heart and a loving soul. So what will the next decade bring? I’m a little uncertain since the pandemic is still not under control, but I can see me continuing to play online concerts since I can reach so many people so easily and genuinely. I’d love to write more along the lines of songs that will encourage and comfort others. I never thought I needed to be famous or have a huge audience, and I’m even more comfortable now with drawing the people to my music who get something beneficial out of it. Hang out with me a while and see where life takes us!

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What have I been up to?

I played a couple senior facilities last week, but I also had a cancellation because the state Residential Care Facility (RCF) guidelines are now recommending that visitors not be allowed in group activities which includes musical visitors playing for a group. Our virus transmission rates are up in Colorado, and this is a precaution that hopefully will be able to be reversed soon. We just have to keep being vigilant until this virus is under control and no longer a threat.

My Thursday online show doing Hank Williams tunes was so much fun. I learned several new tunes and played every one of them since they are relatively short and I could fit so many into the show. I also did a few earth songs since it was Earth Day. It was grand.

My Sunday online show was extra special since it was my birthday and that made me be full of gumption (full of beans my mom would say). We had a wonderful group of folks out to hear favorites and many requests. It was fine time.

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What am I up to this week?

My senior facilities may have to be cancelled or changed with the state recommendation I mentioned above. I’m sure I can do outdoor shows if the weather is good. If it all works out I’ll have three shows this week.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing ‘60s songs. I will probably leave it pretty free-flowing with songs from many genres all over the decade. The ‘60s was such a fun time of both crazy and thoughtful songs, so I’m sure it will be a stellar evening of songs. Come on out if this sounds good to you.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests that we have come to enjoy. The camaraderie is always something I look forward to, and I hear that these shows have really helped folks get through this virus time. They have certainly helped me.

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That’s it for this week. I am excited for the coming week and the coming summer - and the coming decade. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of ’60s songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 29, 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, May 2, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Hesitancy

 We are in a strange time right now. It’s hard to know how to deal with the virus and the reopening of our communities and lives. Case numbers are going up right now, and yet many stories from credible sources are saying that once we’ve had the vaccine we can start to do more normal things again. Since I work with seniors in my facilities I tend to be more cautious since I fear that I could carry something into their buildings and cause an outbreak, but I read a good article today that said that we could see more hesitancy in our society than is merited as we get a handle on the virus. I think a little more restrictive behavior isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’ve seen flu numbers and other disease numbers drop precipitously over this past year, so the extra hand-washing, mask-wearing and distancing has other benefits. Obviously my chosen occupation of performing music depends on people gathering in a large group to listen to me play and sing, so at some point I want to go back to what amounts to riskier behavior. I’m anxious to see the results of the concert experiments that have been done in several places in the world in the past month or so. I’ve really enjoyed doing the online concerts, and I know it has opened up a new way for people to connect without being in a large group physically. I’m thinking this through as I write, and as I’ve said before in this time, the indecision and waiting is disconcerting. I hope you’re coping with it as best you can. Time will only tell when we can be “normal”.

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What have I been up to?

My senior facilities went well last week although it is very difficult to see how reduced some folks have become and how hard it is to help folks with dementia maintain their distancing and wear a mask. I really hope the vaccine is effective enough that we don’t see any more outbreaks in close communities.

My Thursday show was fun playing older folk songs from the first half of the last century. I even found a new resource just after my show in an anthology that was treated as the Bible by many folksingers of the ‘50s and ‘60s, which was released in 1952. It’s called “The Anthology of American Folk Music” by Harry Smith on Folkways Records. I didn’t know a lot of the songs on this big collection, but I’m looking forward to enjoying it.

My Sunday show playing favorites and requests was a wonderful evening again although we were missing several regulars. We have such a great group of folks who attend that we always miss those whom we can’t check in with and wish well. It took me a while to get in the groove although I started with some favorite songs from the band Poco that were sung by Rusty Young who died this past week.

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What am I up to this week?

I have many more senior facilities to play for this week. They are all trying to open up and bring in entertainment more, and there have been some changes at several places in staff and residents. It has and will be fun seeing the changes and getting to know folks all over again.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature the songs of Hank Williams. I haven’t done very much country music at my online shows although I know a lot and perform a lot of it in person usually. Hank Williams’ songs have always spoken to me with their intuitive lyrics and infectious rhythm.  Come on out if you want to hear my take on these classics.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will again feature favorites and requests. I always say how I look forward to these evenings, and as things change with the virus I mark time by how these shows feel and how everyone responds. It is such a supportive and caring group - not only to me but also to each other.

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That’s it for this week. I appreciate you and your willingness to read my writings and cheer me on as I try to make a difference in the world with my music and thoughts.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Hank Williams songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 22, 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, April 25, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Working Through Thoughts

I’m not sure what to write about today. This is one of those Mondays that really feels like a Monday. I’m a little frazzled from trying to keep track of several things at once, and I’m not used to that since COVID slowed everything down so much. I wrote about multitasking a few weeks back, and how this year had helped me do less of that. Today is different somehow. This past year has been different like that as well. There have been several mind shifts from one structure set to another. I’m a creature of habit, and I like to get my life into a series of habits that let me take care of the mundane things in life automatically so that I can concentrate on the things that are more creative and engaging. I have found that I’ve changed habits a few times, and I suspect a lot of people have been doing that too. And in one way I’m annoyed by the frequent changes, and in another way it just reminds me that there is depth beneath all these changes that is more reliable and permanent. My undercurrent of peace and timelessness is ever a source of strength and resilience. All I have to do is slow down for a moment and remember that truth. And I guess this blog today has been more a working through of this thought process. I imagine you have a similar way to work through your thoughts and center yourself. Thanks for coming along with me on mine!

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What have I been up to?

I had three senior facilities to play for last week - two outside and one inside. It’s tough to keep the social-distancing and mask-wearing discipline in check. It was so good to see everyone, and it was so difficult to not give hugs and handshakes.

My Thursday online show playing my own original songs was great fun. I even did some songs I haven’t played in 30 years or more - had to relearn them, in fact. It was a wonderful night, and it’s so gratifying to have folks be so supportive of my writing.

My Sunday online show included several new-to-me tunes that I really enjoyed. Our group of friends and fans is so genuine and caring that is always a lift for everyone. You’re always welcome if you’d like to join in.

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What am I up to this week?

I have three senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to seeing several folks I haven’t seen in a year or more. I know we lost some people at a few places, and I’m apprehensive about seeing some absent as well. This has been a tough year, but we keep supporting each other and staying the course.

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature older folk songs from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Burl Ives. There is a wealth of great folk songs from this genre that most everyone knows, and I’m really looking forward to sharing these with everyone. Come on out if this kind of evening appeals to you.

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will feature favorites and requests as always. I have a few stored up that are really special, so I hope to have a wonderful night. Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. Please be safe and caring for each other. Let me know how you are doing with the many changes over this past year and the habits you’ve created or given up.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of older folk songs songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 15, 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, April 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

What Is Normal?

 I’m thinking a lot of what normal will be after the virus is under control and what it was before. How do we ever settle on what normal is in the first place? Many things we do in our society are very different than what other societies accept and practice. It goes to how we create norms in our societies in general. Most are based on some sense of fairness and morality. I’m fascinated with Greek city-states who experimented with different forms of philosophy and laws. Some were pretty wild in their practices, and many of our ideas are based on one or other of the experiences and relative successes they had. In my mind we base our norms upon some sort of common respect we build around what we want for ourselves. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is a pretty concise statement of what most have wanted since humanity set out. Love your neighbor as yourself seems to be a pretty good guide too. Basic awareness of who we are and why we are here seems to help general morality. And this deep dive I just made is all pointing back to where we will find normal after the virus is over. If we proceed with a new-found respect and awareness of our situation and our interdependence I think we can hope for something slightly better than what we went into the virus with. We have a pretty short memory though, and I suppose it is just as logical that we will drift into complacency and myopia. I will continue to spread as much joy and love in hopes that our new normal will be more beneficial to humanity and our condition together. I hope you do too.

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What have I been up to?

I had a couple senior shows indoors last week. Even with a good mask it still feels odd being back in these facilities. Still it is so good to see some of these folks whom I haven’t seen for a year. Of course we have lost several folks over the year too, and thats saddening to have their faces absent.

My Thursday show was doing rain and Spring songs, and it was wonderful singing about all of joys of Spring and rebirth. We have such a good group of celebratory folks.

My Sunday show doing favorites had several new songs and some old favorites. It was a more mellow show than I usually do, and it was gratifying to see that people were okay with doing some slower songs with deep meaning since I gravitate towards those myself.

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What am I up to this week?

I have three senior gigs this week, and one of the facilities I haven’t seen the folks since last summer. It will be so good to see their faces again.

My Thursday show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing my own original songs. I haven’t done a show of my own songs for a few months, and I have a couple new songs that I’m anxious to play again. I had hoped that this COVID year would have inspired me to write more, but like everyone I have had more angst and less of the mindset I need to write songs from. It will be a fun evening of songs, and I’d love to have you along if you’re free.

My Sunday show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing favorites and requests as always. Some of the songs that people have been pointing me towards lately have been really special, and I look forward to the gems that I’ll find every week. I haven’t had time to seek out much new music although it seeps thorough the cracks occasionally. Come on out if you can.

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What’s on the horizon?

I have several gigs on the calendar for this summer, and there are several who are trying to set up events for this summer that I’d love to play. Hopefully we won’t have any surges in cases that will slow down the recovery. This time is a real test in patience and responsibility. My calendar is always online if you’re interested in what’s coming - http://tommunch.com/calendar.

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That’s it for this week. Every day is interesting in this life. Waking up with beauty inside and outside makes it all worthwhile. It’s fun to decide what normal is for each of us.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of original songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 8, 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, April 11, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

What Is Music?

 I had an interesting conversation with my friend Shaun McGill from England last week about music for his podcast “McGST”. It was the third conversation we’ve had covering a bunch of questions about what music really is and how it affects us. I have been so blessed to be involved in music for my whole life. I know that it is a gift that is meant to be shared and used to give joy and meaning to the world. I have read many books about music theory and physical relationships with the world as well as its affect on the brain and our moods, and even with all I’ve read I know that its true substance and significance eludes us. It is a magical and spiritual force in our world that is wrapped up in mathematics and physics and emotion and creativity in ways that is truly astounding. It just shows me that our world and universe is such an interesting place, and I think all our problems would be ended if we just realized it and lived in awe of what it and we are. Here are links to all three conversations I’ve had with Shaun about music. You can also find them on most podcast apps if you search for “McGST”. 

Most recent: 

https://mcgst.com/2021/03/29/mcgst-podcast-episode-57-what-is-music-part-3-with-tom-munch/

Previous two:

https://mcgst.com/2020/12/12/mcgst-podcast-episode-38-what-is-music-to-different-people-with-tom-munch/

https://mcgst.com/2020/12/22/mcgst-podcast-episode-40-what-is-music-part-two-with-tom-munch/

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What have I been up to?

I had one senior show last week that had to be online instead of outside because of inclement weather. I did a bunch of spring songs and western tunes.

My Thursday show online was 60’s Motown songs, and it was one of the most fun shows I’ve ever done. All of the music is so danceable and engaging, and you wouldn’t think that they would sound good on one guitar and one voice, but somehow they come to life even with a sparse arrangement. I was dancing to many tunes throughout the evening as I played and sang.

My Sunday show was a huge variety of songs as always with such a wonderful group of folks. I can’t say enough about how sweet it is to have such good folks and energy to support and be a part of.

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What am I up to this week?

I have a couple senior shows to do this week, and I think one will be indoors with full masks. I ordered new masks made especially for singers that should protect me and my audience better. The masks offer better coverage that allows more jaw movement and harder breathing that are both needed for singing. Here’s an article about them if you’re interested in learning more - https://makermask.org/constructing-masks-for-singers/.

My Thursday show online 7-8:30 mountain time will be rain and Spring songs and it should be a fitting way to start April. I’ll try to keep it to songs of rebirth and growth since some of the rain songs can be little somber and damp. ;-) It should be a great time!

My Sunday show online 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests that I’ve enjoyed learning and performing this past year. I always have a new supply of songs that I’m working on and arranging for guitar and voice, and the fine folks who come out to join in always make for exceptional evenings. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I don’t know how much longer things will be shut down in general. I know that a lot of folks are trying to resume normal lives, but I’m still playing it a little more cautious even though I’ve had the vaccine. I know we’ll have to continue wearing masks for much of this year, and I fear if we get any sort of surge that much of the summer schedule will vanish for me since singing and gathering a crowd for music don’t really fit in with a viral world. I’ll continue to do online concerts as long as folks continue to come out and join in with the love and support they’ve shown so much over this last year. You give and you get more, right?

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Rain and Spring songs

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

When:  Thursday, April 1, 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, April 4, 7-8:30 pm mountain time