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