Work Songs

This year I’m going to do work songs for my Wednesday show before Labor Day, so I thought it would be appropriate to say something about work and music. When I Googled work songs there were some interesting results. I was immediately thinking of rhythmic songs that people used to sing when they worked at jobs that required working together to a beat like sailors’ songs or millworkers’ songs, but what came up was more interesting. There were results of playlists that people could listen to at work, or there were songs about being at work, or there were songs about getting away from work. We have such an interesting relationship to working in our culture. Personally I’m driven to work almost all the time - feeling the pressure of things that need to get done yesterday to pay the bills or fulfill an obligation. (I actually need a little work-life balance again in my life.) I really respect people who like to work hard, but I also respect those who know how to take time off and enjoy themselves. Some cultures even encourage people to take vacations -  that sounds good to me. And as far as the songs go, there are so many tunes about working in such a large variety.  I still really like my first impetus for rhythmic work songs that were sung in different trades, and I’d like to do a bunch of those some time, but for this show we’ll do a potpourri of all different fun work songs. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all really enjoyable. I know I say that every week, but I mean it.

My Wednesday online show was doing the music of Simon and Garfunkel, and I don’t know why we didn’t do a show of them earlier. I so love their music, and I have ever since I was a kid and listened to them with my sisters. There were memories all night long.

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests, and it was a great time as always. I had a couple new tunes that were really special. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and it should be a great bunch of shows. These folks are the best.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be work songs as I wrote of above. I’ve put together a really nice list of songs with several requests, and I’m looking forward to a sweet night with friends. Come on out!

Saturday 11-1:30 I’m playing in Westcliffe, Colorado, for the KLZR Labor Day Block Party. This is a fun event in Westcliffe where they’ll have studio tours of the radio station and sidewalk food in addition to my music out front of the station. It’s put on by the same folks who hosted the concerts I used to do in the Feedstore Park in Westcliffe. Come on out if you’re in the area!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I expect that there’ll be a big turnout since most folks don’t have to work on Monday. It will be a good time with friends, so come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend, and get out and enjoy some live music if you can.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of work songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing and singing for the KLZR Labor Day Block Party

Where:  103 South 2nd Street, Suite A, Westcliffe, CO

When:  Saturday, September 2, 11 am - 1:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, September 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Simon and Garfunkel

When I was young and just developing my sense for music and who I was going to be I encountered Simon and Garfunkel’s music through my sister’s records. There was something mesmerizing in their gentle harmonies, acoustic sounds, and cleverness of lyrics that swept me up and carried me along. Some of their songs were very simple, and I know that Paul Simon doesn’t particularly care for some of his early writing, but to me they had a sophistication and forthrightness that I really respected and enjoyed. I can still listen to songs like “The Dangling Conversation”, “Cloudy”, or “Punky’s Dilemma” and get the same joy I got when I heard them almost 60 years ago. Of course their hits were even more influential, and you can’t deny that songs like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” made a big impact on a lot of folks. They still do. My favorites will always be the quieter lesser-known songs like “Kathy’s Song” and “April Come She Will”. But all of their music was fairly easy for me to learn when I was starting on guitar, and so I have cherished playing and singing them for most of my life. Did you have a relationship with these songs back in the day too? I’ll enjoy singing and playing these old favorites on Wednesday this week.

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What have I been up to?

I had 11 senior facilities last week, and they were all so enjoyable. I can’t say enough how much I like doing these shows for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing a second round of “never done” songs I haven’t done for my online shows before, and it was a fun night of tunes. There are just so many good tunes out there, and I want to do every one.

My Saturday private party was a retirement party for a good friend, and it was such a great group of folks and a nice evening. Congrats on your retirement, Lauri!

My Sunday show was doing a tribute to Chuck Pyle from my good friends Matt and Deann’s house with a live in-person audience of friends. It was a really good time even though I get overwhelmed with so much going on at once. Chuck’s music is so good, and it was a pleasure to celebrate it once again.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all. It is a privilege to bring music to an appreciative audience.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the music of Simon and Garfunkel as I wrote about above. This will really be a night to remember with so many good songs and memories. Come on out if you can!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests, and I will be endeavoring to get to some of the requests I’ve had on my list this summer that I haven’t had time to learn. It is always a good time. Come and join in with our wonderful group of friends.

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That’s it for this week. As the summer winds down I find myself appreciating the later morning and earlier nights that lead to the blessed Fall season.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Simon and Garfunkel songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 23, 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, August 27, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Angst and Joy

There’s no doubt about it. This life is filled conversely with bouts of angst and bouts of joy. It’s kind of the continuous reality. I think that’s our purpose here - to feel all those things that life has to offer both hard and wonderful. But knowing that doesn’t always make it any easier when you’re deep into hard times. So what do I do when I’m feeling angst? I have two things I go to - 1) Seek out beauty, and 2) Give to others. I’ve written about both of these before. First, there is so much beauty and fascination in so many little and big things in every day of our lives even in the toughest of times, from the way light reflects off of and absorbs into any object in your field of vision to the delicacy of sound if you listen to all the sounds around you that make their own music and rhythms. Beauty is there if you just look for it and allow yourself to see it. Second, when you are in the act of giving to and helping someone else the engagement is its own reward as well as the priming of your own pump of goodwill and love for others. It really does work if you try it. I have tried to make this what my music and my life is mostly about. It’s not totally selfless although I’d like it to be, but it really helps to take yourself out of your own head and into empathy and caring for others in your sphere. These two things are not the only things I like to do, but they are somewhere to get me started. Yes, I sometimes just like to wallow for a while in the feeling of angst and woe, but I let it flow through me and then come out on the other side with renewed vigor for this life. I hope you can too.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and believe it or not, one of them even required masks because of a small COVID outbreak. It was good to bring some relief to those who were well and able to come out for some music and encouragement.

The party I played on Tuesday was really nice. I got to play a lot of sweet songs that I haven’t played in a while to create an atmosphere for friendship and thought.

My Wednesday online show was playing songs I haven’t done for my online shows before, and it was so good to be able to share favorites that folks hadn’t heard me do before. It was so good that I’m going to do more songs this week that I’ve never done on my shows.

The final barbecue of the season at Yellow Pine was packed and was so much fun. Now we just have to figure out what we did to get so many people out for next year. 

The dance I played with Dennis Mills on bass on Saturday night was a hoot again. It was packed too, and everyone danced and had a good time. Cuchara folks are so sweet. It was Carolyn’s birthday and we made sure she had a great one. Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

My Sunday show doing favorites and requests was really nice too. We get such a stellar group of folks who come out for the music and friendship!

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What am I up to this week?

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs I’ve never done for my online shows again because I had such a swell time last week, and I want to do it again! Come on out for some surprises.

Saturday I have a private retirement party for some old friends who we met at a summer festival I played 20 or more years ago. It should be a night to remember.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will broadcast from Matt and Deann’s house, and we’ll be doing the music of Chuck Pyle for this special night. I’m really looking forward to featuring Chuck’s music again and having an evening doing a show with a live in-person audience.

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That’s it for this week. If you’re making plans for Labor Day weekend I’ll be playing in Westcliffe, Colorado, for the KLZR Radio Block Party in front of their studio from 11-1:30 on Saturday the 2nd. If you’re out and about it would make a fun day in the mountains. There are other cool gigs coming up too, so stay tuned. Lastly, my heart goes out to all the people suffering loss and angst in Hawaii.

Best,

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, August 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Chuck Pyle tunes 

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

When:  Sunday, August 20, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Pockets

I’m preparing for a fun show on Wednesday doing songs for my online show that I’ve never done for my online shows. Because of that I’m thinking about this interesting group that has been created around my shows. It is an eclectic group of friends I have crossed paths with from my entire life from childhood to the present. It is a pocket of people like many other pockets of people in so many like-minded or topic-oriented groups all over the world. I’m honored to have this group gather around me and my music, and I know that there are so many gatherings of people in person and online around their interests that most of us aren’t even aware of. Of course there are churches and community groups that we all recognize that have been around for years. But then there are sports fans and hobbyists and foodies and travelers and so many other pockets of people who passionately unite around just about anything you can think about. It’s amazing! And these people share a camaraderie and care for each other that often goes beyond friendship. It’s the human capacity for sharing and selflessness that I think is such a big part of our earthly experience. We are curious and inventive and driven to explore and bond with others. I know this is probably an obvious topic, but it’s important to recognize these strengths in each other that are so vital to our lives. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and one was a scheduling mistake on my part that worked out better than either the facility or I could have imagined. I love it when things work out for the best of everyone involved. I love playing for these folks too.

My Wednesday online show was doing random spin-the-wheel songs from my songbook and was really fun. The variety of songs was from almost every genre. By the way you can always watch these shows after the show too at my website at tommunch.com/online-concerts or on Facebook at facebook.com/tom.munch.

Thursday the Yellow Pine barbecue was a good time too with so many kind folks who really got into it and danced and sang along. I so much enjoy nights like this.

My Saturday party was a 90th birthday that was such a sweet gathering of family and friends. I was lucky to be part of it with my music. Happy Birthday, Dora!

Sunday I played again at the Cuchara Chapel for morning services, and I played “Mist-Covered Mountains” for the folks. That’s the old Gaelic song I found when I was doing the Pike bicentennial project. The mountains were deep in the clouds as I drove into the valley, so it seemed appropriate to play a song that fit.

My Sunday online show was so well-attended once again with great friends and fans. These nights just get better and better.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and they take me up and down the Interstate. I’m looking forward to every one!

Tuesday night I have a private party in Cuchara that I play every year for a lot of community folks that I love to see.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing songs I’ve never done for the group before. There are a bunch of songs I haven’t done, but I’m working hard to find real gems. It should be a sweet show, and I hope you’ll tune in if you can. There will be be some surprises.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the last regular barbecue of the summer at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. It has been a wonderful summer once again - especially without so many of the worries of COVID. I’d love to have you there if you’re anywhere near southern Colorado. These evenings in the old barn are very special. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Saturday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance in the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass again. The last one of these dances we did in July was beyond fun. I expect we’ll be in fine form and primed for a blast of a night again. It’s a free dance for everyone, so come on out!

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m sure this will be another stellar evening of friendship and music. It’s a blessing to be with this pocket of folks.

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That’s it for this week. The summer is wrapping up quickly as the kids go back to school and the evenings get cooler. I’m savoring every day.

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, August 9, 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, August 10, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

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

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Saturday, August 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, August 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Downtime

As the summer progresses and I hear about all the fun things people are doing, I find myself remembering all the fun things Jen and I have done in past summers. I have lately felt more of a drive to work even more than I used to, and I have always worked 6 or 7 days a week. I’m not sure why this is. Part of it is just being glad to work after spinning my wheels during the pandemic - although I definitely filled that time learning songs and reaching out to my friends and senior facilities with music. Part of it is the fear we all have of not having enough as we age and think of retirement. I’m a pretty trusting person, so this drive isn’t all that strong. I just find that I don’t know how to have downtime lately, and I am longing for it. I’ve always had a curiosity about when is enough - for everything. It’s hard balancing responsibility with pleasure, but it is key to being aware and available to friends and loved ones, and it is important for happiness and fulfillment in life. Currently Jen and my downtime is mostly enjoying an evening together watching something uplifting or engaging on TV or eating out together or with friends. Of course, music is always inspiring and relaxing to some extent for me even when I’m working, but sometimes it’s so inviting to just have nothing you have to do and nothing to think about. There are so many things you can make yourself worry about, and so many things you can busy yourself with. I’m telling myself to make some downtime, and I guess I’m telling you too! We are here to love and learn, but we are also here to enjoy what this life has to offer.

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities that it looks like I neglected to write about last week. I enjoyed them all, and some good connections were made. That’s one of the things I try to do at these shows - make a genuine connection with at least a few residents. That makes it worthwhile for them and me.

My Tuesday online show was the music of Tony Bennet and it was wonderful. I played my old Fender Strat with a jazz tone so I could put a little of that sweetness in my performance, and it was wonderfult to deliver these great standards and songs that Tony was known for. He will be missed.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was a very nice night of new and familiar faces. It went by fast as the nights are getting dark sooner. It really is a special evening, and I hope you’ll take advantage of it if you’re in the area on one of these last couple Thursdays we’re having it.

Sunday morning playing for the Cuchara Chapel services was interesting. I had a bad cord that had me scrambling to be ready to start on time, and then I forgot how one of the hymns went even with the music right in front of me, so I balked on the beginning a bit. It was all good although things like this always make me question whether I’m losing my mind. I had similar things happen many years ago remembering songs for weddings and funerals. It’s a fun profession. 🤪

My Sunday online show of requests was really well-attended, and we had some really fun requests. I just love the group that shows up that call themselves “Munch Bunchers”.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week and I’m looking forward to all of them. Heading into August there are different seasonal songs with fairs going on and the end of summer approaching. We have a good time.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be what I call “Spin the Wheel”. We did this last summer where I just scroll through my big song list of over 5000 songs and pick a song at random. It’s usually really entertaining since we never know what kind of song will come up. Come on out and join in the fun!

Thursday will be the Yellow Pine barbecue 6:30-8. There is only this Thursday and then one more on the 10th to end the season, so book now if you want to come out this summer. We also do a “bring your own” appetizer to share and beverage party the first Thursday after Labor Day, but it’s not the regular barbecue and music event that the summer nights are. I’d love to see you if you’re in the area. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Saturday I have a private party that should be really sweet. I’m always up for private backyard parties and family events if you ever want to throw one.

Sunday morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara again. They have asked me if I’d like to be more a part of this in the future, and I’m considering it although guitar accompaniment on hymns is not always what you might expect. It’s not my forte either, but I give it a go for the benefit of the folks.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These nights are so wonderful with good friends and a great vibe. If you’ve never been I’d love to see you. We do a before-show Zoom too for a half hour before the show that’s always fun. You can go to the Munch Bunch Facebook page to find details about that - https://www.facebook.com/groups/398664345396960

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That’s it for this week. Summer is winding down, and I always don’t want it to end, but I also yearn for cooler days and a little less intensity. Be well, 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 “Spin the Wheel” songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 2, 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, August 3, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, August 6, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, August 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Sincerity

I’ve been thinking a lot about sincerity the past few days. It first came to me when I heard that Tony Bennett died. The first word that popped into my head was sincerity. When he sang a song, especially in later years, you always believed the words he sang. They seemed to be coming from him personally and authentically. Then I was thinking about sincerity as I had conversations with friends and acquaintances this week. Some people were so available and aware of what was happening around them and in the conversation. That’s the kind of conversation I like to have. I think about sincerity when I watch people in all kinds of situations. When there is no hidden agenda or place the person would rather be, then there is usually sincerity. I love that. Of course I’m reminded that some people are pretty good actors with sincerity. Chuck Pyle liked to say, “My mother told me to always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.” I think you can usually tell when someone is not being sincere though. I encourage you to take the time to relax into a situation and find the true course within yourself to be sincere.

What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities this past week, and they were all very sweet. I get more out of these than I put into them - for sure.

My Wednesday online show was about boats and the sea, and there were some great songs requested and played. It was a small but appreciative group.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was fun as always, and I got to see some old friends once again. It’s always a magical evening in the old barn.

Sunday morning I played for services at Cuchara Chapel, and one funny thing happened. I knew a different tune to one of the hymns I was leading at the first service, and when I realized it was different than the printed music I panicked a little as I listened to the sermon. So I led just two verses of it with the melody I knew, and I threw off those who could read music. Oh, well. I learned the melody out on the printed music before the second service. I think they forgave me. It was great to see some of the folks I only see at the chapel.

My Sunday online show was requests and favorites, and we had some wonderful requests and a good crowd as always. I love these Sunday evenings.

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What am I up to this week?

My Wednesday online show will be on Tuesday 7-8:45 mountain time this week so I can play a luau on Wednesday that I play at one of my assisted living centers every summer. So on Tuesday we will do a show in tribute to Tony Bennett with many of the songs that he made popular. It should be a very sweet night. Come listen!

Thursday I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8, and I’m sure we’ll have an enjoyable evening of barbecue, music, dancing in the barn, and roasting marshmallows and s’mores by the fire. These are always memorable nights, and I’d love to have you there. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come too.

Sunday Morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, and I’ll make sure I know the hymns this week with no misreads of the music. I’m still embarrassed that happened to me! If you’re in Cuchara then come on by!

Sunday night my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and I’m looking forward to it. I just couldn’t ask for a better group of friends and good music on these evenings. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I’m still thinking about my topic above and of how much you can feel it in Tony Bennett’s music. Give him a listen and tell me what you think.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Tony Bennett songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 25, 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 27, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, July 30, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, July 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Still Got It

Last week was so busy, and for the most part I was able to keep up and even perform above my energy level. Part of it was by pushing myself, and part of it was by riding the energy of the people, the music, and the moment. I can’t deny that I am slowing down. I write about it every year when the summer season is really whirling around me. This is the first year since the pandemic that I’ve really felt like things are back to normal. The mind-shift that we went through during that pandemic time made me wonder if things would ever feel the same. But things really do feel pretty good although there is a gulf of memory from those years. So I pushed myself really hard last week, and several of the gigs I just let myself flow with the music. You know what? Everything came together, and I was totally lost in the moment and feeling good and centered in every way. So I put in the title above that I “Still Got It”, but in the end it’s not me, it’s just that I can still let go and completely immerse myself in the magic of this life. I hope you can too, and I hope you get some little encouragement from this acknowledgment.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I really loved seeing the folks and interacting with them with music. 

For Wednesday’s online show I ended up doing almost all songs about sailing, and it was really fun. But we skipped a lot of neat boat and ocean songs, which is why we’re doing more of those songs this week.

Thursday night at Yellow Pine was the biggest barbecue of the season to date. It was such a crazy night. At one point we even stopped as a huge wind and dust cloud came up the valley and threatened a massive storm that ended up passing east of us. 

Friday afternoon I played a memorial service and reception in Cuchara for Frances Staniforth, and it was such a warm and beautiful family time. She will be missed, but we sent her off well.

Friday night I played a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass, and we tore it up! We had so many great folks come out to dance and share in our energy, and it was a blast.

Saturday night I played a private backyard party in Pueblo that was really cool. There was dancing, and kids singing along, and such a great vibe.

Sunday night we had a wonderful crowd for my online show with sweet requests and such a nice feeling. I love playing for these folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a continuation of last week’s theme as we play songs about boats and the sea. There are so many good songs around this theme!

Thursday night 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue, and it promises to be another big week. These nights are pretty special, and I’d love to have you in the audience if you’d like tasty barbecue in an old barn in the mountains with my music. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Sunday Morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara. I always love playing these services in this log cabin chapel.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as you’ve read before. These nights always take on a life of their own that I cherish, and you’re always welcome!

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That’s it again for this week. We’ve just passed the halfway point of the summer as I see it, and there’s so much fun to come. 

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of boat and sea songs

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

When:  Wednesday, July 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, July 20, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, July 23, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, July 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Sailing

One of my favorite memories of childhood and young adulthood is sailing with my dad. He had gone to a summer camp when he was a teenager that had sailboats, and he fell in love with sailing and then passed it on to us kids. He got a boat that we sailed with him for fun and in many regattas (races). I still have a Laser sailboat behind our house that hasn’t been used in many years. There is something about sailing that is hard to describe. It’s a communion with the earth and the wind as you align yourself to the forces of nature to propel you through the water. It’s exhilarating and so freeing. There is an art to it in the way you react to the movement of the boat, and there is a science in it in the way you trim the sails to optimally use the wind. In every second you can feel the give and take of the wind and water, friction and motion. It’s really something! I can’t think of anything I’ve ever done that makes me feel so connected to the earth and nature. I should probably write a song about it even though I haven’t been sailing in decades now. It’s that strong in my memory. Have you ever sailed?

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all - especially the ones I played for on Independence Day. It’s a blessing for me and I hope a blessing for them to interact and share music.

Monday I was at Philmont Scout Ranch playing music all afternoon and evening with several old and new friends. It was beautiful day.

Wednesday’s online show was mountain songs, and it was just super. I forget how much I love songs about the mysteries of the mountains, but I sure drank it in with everyone else. It was a stellar night.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was the biggest yet with lots of folks from the community and the ranch. It was so much fun! You’ve gotta come to one of these if you can.

Friday I went back down to Philmont to see the Silver Sage award be given to Doc Walker, an old friend from many years back and to play some more music. It was even more fun than Monday. It was a time I will hold dear in my memory for years to come.

Sunday I played the offertory at the Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo to an appreciative crowd. I played the version of “The Water Is Wide” with the words from Oliver Wendell Holmes that I’ve sung before. It’s such a wonderful tune, and the congregation really liked it.

My Sunday online show had some great requests and a very nice group of friends in attendance. These Sunday nights are always so special.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I know they’ll all be very sweet. It’s an honor to play for all these fine folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about sailing and fun on the water, and I hope to bring that joy and awe that I wrote about above to the show. Please come out if you can. It should be a night to remember.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue once again, and I expect it’ll be a busy one again with lots of laughter and fun with good food and music in the old barn. I’d love to have you there if you can make it. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Friday afternoon I’m honored to play at a memorial and reception for Frances Staniforth, one of the matriarchs of the Cuchara Valley who passed earlier this year. It should be a very warm and memorable community sharing. She was really something, and the room always lit up when she entered.

Friday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass that should be a hoot. If you have some dancing shoes or boots and you’ll be in the area then come on out. It’s a free event for the whole area, and Dennis and I always have a blast playing together.

Saturday night I have a private party for some fine folks I met at Bistoro before the pandemic who’ve wanted to put something together since way back then. I’m happy that we’re finally able to make it work.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it should be a good night of fun and friendship.   These nights are always so inviting and engaging. Come on out if you can! It’s just a click away.

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That’s it for this week. This summer is really kicking my patootie, but I’m hanging on and enjoying every minute. 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 sailing and fun water songs

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

When:  Wednesday, July 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, July 13, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

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

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Friday, July 14, 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 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mountains

I’m heading to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico today to host a music event all afternoon and then play a concert this evening. I’ve written about Philmont before since it had a big influence on me in my formative years, but it’s part of a bigger involvement for me with mountains and wildness. I was listening to a podcast this morning with Doug Smith, one of the principal people involved with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park, and he was telling some stories about wild encounters with wolves and other creatures and how it affected people. I’ve had many of those with wild animals myself, including one just yesterday morning when a spike buck almost ran right into Beau and me on the trail but instead stopped and looked at us before he pogo-sticked off across the field. I’ve also felt that same amazement and wonder and spiritual connection to mountains and their wild majesty and rawness. It has always given me a deep connection to the land and my animal nature as part of the earth and the other animals with which we share the earth. I believe that spending time in wild places rejuvenates us and aligns us to our true selves. Of course, many people have written and mentioned this in books and films from Thoreau to Grand Canyon. It’s why I walk at sunrise every day and post pictures of the land and sky. I believe we all need this connection. And for my Wednesday online show my theme will be mountains. How about you? Do you long for this connection in wild places?

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. One had just gotten over a COVID outbreak and was requiring a COVID test and a mask. It seems we will have this for a while. 

My Wednesday online show doing dream songs went really well with some songs that might surprise you. You can check out the replay on my website at tommunch.com/online-concerts. 

Thursday night at the Yellow Pine barbecue was wonderful too with lots of new and old faces. This has been such a great event for so many years. 

Saturday in La Veta at Art in the Park was pretty special too, and it taught me that people still want to have CDs. Thank you, everyone!

My Sunday online show was very nice as always. We have a spectacular group of folks who are so supportive of me and each other, and it’s a joy to play and sing for them. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week including 2 on Independence Day. Seniors really have an appreciation of Independence Day, and they know all the words to the patriotic songs! 

Monday I’m at Philmont Scout Ranch as I wrote above as part of the 50th anniversary of the staff association. I’m helping/hosting the afternoon Philstock concert, and then I’m playing a concert that evening as well. It should be a great time! If you’re part of the reunion/homecoming then come on over to PTC to listen to some great tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be mountain songs as I wrote above. This will be a fun exploration of some fantastic tunes about the mountains and their mystique. I’d love to have you in the audience.

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine barbecue, and I’m looking forward to it! We have such a good time with good food and music on these evenings in the old barn. I’d love to have you there as well if you’re in the area. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Sunday I’m playing for the offertory at Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo at the 10:00 service. This was set up by my good friends Carol and Mark Rickman. If you attend church there then come on out!

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. This is often the best show of the week, and everyone really contributes to the camaraderie. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Just had to throw that in to remind us of our wonderful founders and the promise of this country. Be good and be safe.

Best always,

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, July 5, 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 6, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

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

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

When:  Sunday, July 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Dreams

I’m doing my Wednesday online show about dreams, and so I wanted to write about dreams a bit. Dreams have always enchanted and confused me. My dreams range from flying over mountains or floating above a crowd to exploring my old school and childhood church or spending time with my late parents. Some people say that dreams are our brain’s way of working out questions and situations in our subconscious. I think that may be true, but I also believe it could even be a way that we communicate with other times, places, and people - here and beyond. Some views of time and space in physics explain how we may move through time in a non-linear way that we can’t conceive with our linear brain, and so we may actually have interaction with these other times, places, and people. Dreams might be the place where we experience this time travel and try to work it out. As I said above, my parents are often in my dreams as participants, and it is so real that I believe it is more than just a memory. But on a less woo-woo note, the lore around dreams is very cool and a great theme in songs. So that’s what Wednesday’s show will be all about. What do you dream about?

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and they were all a blast. I actually had to wear a mask at a couple of them, so I think that precaution is with us to stay. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A little wisdom and respect for others is very appreciated.

My Wednesday online show was doing summer songs, and we did some good ones! I like going down that road of summer reminiscence. The group did too.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine was marvelous with several good friends coming down for a little barbecue and music. That place is just special from the start.

Saturday was a concert at the La Veta Center for the Performing Arts, and it was an intimate crowd that I got to share some really intimate music with. I will remember this night for a long time to come. They just don’t happen like this in such a wonderful old theater with such good vibes. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.

My Sunday online show was a great group of regulars and new faces with some fine requests. Check out the replay on my website or Facebook page. There were some really good songs I got to play.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week - a few less than most weeks since it’s the last week of the month where we get into the 5th instance of certain weekdays. That’s okay. There’s a lot going on. I will enjoy all the folks I get to play for.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be dream songs as I wrote about above. This is such a wide-open topic that I know we will do some great tunes. I’ve already had a bunch of requests. Come on out and explore dreams with me!

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue, and we’ll have big crowds from now until August. The energy and friendship at these barbecues in the old barn is really nice and warm, and I’d love to have you experience it too if you’re in the area or want to make a drive. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528. 

Saturday 11-2 I’m playing in the park gazebo in La Veta by the train station for Art in the Park. I love playing for these events in the park, and the vendors have wonderful art and food to celebrate the day. If you like these kind of events, then come on out! Bring a chair if you want to sit and listen for a spell.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. We’ve had so many sweet shows with so many friends lately that I really anticipate these shows with gratefulness and wonder. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it.

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That’s it for this week. Next week I get to play at Philmont Scout Ranch, and I also get to go in for an MRI, so it will be way up and a little down for the week. That’s okay. I love life and living it!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of dream songs

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

When:  Wednesday, June 28, 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 29, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing

Where: Art in the Park, La Veta

When:  Saturday, July 1, 11-2

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 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time