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.
——
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!
——
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
——
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