I’m doing some traveling this week in a way that I haven’t done in many years. I’ll be flying to Atlanta on Tuesday to play for the annual meeting of the Boy Scouts of America on Wednesday night. This is an extension of my continuing connection to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico where I worked summers in high school and college and have played many concerts. My friend Rod Taylor was on staff at Philmont for many years and used to play for these events but he has retired, and it has fallen to me now as an old-timer Philmont musician to spread some music and good memories of a place I’ve always loved. I don’t fly well - especially with a guitar in-tow, but I think this will be a good experience all around. It’s putting a little adventure in my life that I’ve lacked since before COVID hit. I’ve always loved to travel, and although getting off a plane leaves me wondering which way is north as I drop out of the sky, I usually can acclimate pretty quickly. A little dramamine helps that, of course. You sometimes have to charm the gate folks to let you carry the guitar on the plane, but it’s much safer than checking it in the cargo area and risking that it gets damaged or doesn’t end up on your connecting flight. I do have someone who has a guitar I can use in Atlanta if something happens to mine. But besides all that, it will be fun to meet new folks and see a little bit of the country and a city that I’ve only driven through before. I’m sure you love to travel too, and that you might have some reticence about flying and figuring out travel arrangements. So wish me luck, and wave to me as I fly over!
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What have I been up to?
I had 11 senior facilities last week, and one of them even had a little COVID outbreak so that we had to wear masks again. I think that this is our new normal. I sure enjoy seeing and playing for the folks, and a little inconvenience is worth it to keep them safe and show them a little love through music.
My Wednesday online show was part two of songs of 50 years ago from 1973. It was so much fun! The memories and stores just flowed out of everyone there.
Sunday I played an outdoor concert in La Veta, CO, at La Veta Pines RV Park. It was so well-attended, and although it got a little chilly by the end of the show, I think everyone enjoyed my stories and a little look at some of the new songs I’ve been writing and learning as well as a look back at some old favorites.
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What am I up to this week?
I have only 3 senior facilities this week since I’ll be traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but I’m looking forward to those 3 facilities. I’ll carry the traveling energy to them!
Wednesday I’ll be playing for the BSA meeting I mentioned above. They have me playing several favorites with even a little sing-along. It should be great fun.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites as requests as usual. I enjoy these shows so much, and after a week off from them I think it will be a nice reunion with the Munch Bunch folks. Come on out if you can!
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That’s it for this week. I hope you had a great Memorial Day, and I’m still thinking about the shootings in Red River, NM, that are so close to where I like to spend some time. It was a sad occasion on a holiday weekend.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
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 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time