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