I’m doing a show in tribute to Gordon Lightfoot Wednesday, and that has me thinking about songwriting, writing in general, and more specifically, how we use words. I’m fascinated by those who can use words well to express ideas and feelings. I’m fortunate that I had teachers who stressed how important it is to be able to write and speak well. I’ve lost some of my ability to do this, but I still love to read and explore ideas in conversation and in writing. Good writing comes from deep thought and understanding and the ability to turn things over in our minds until we can use vocabulary to express the nuances and facets of an idea or concept. Of course, this extends to songwriting where you also combine melody, chord progression, rhyme, meter, rhythm, and syncopation with the words to convey an idea or feeling. It’s amazing stuff, and it’s amazing to be able to harness it and create a song. That’s why we revere great writers and also great songwriters. I encourage you to fill your life with great writing and to practice your own writing when you can in your correspondence and everyday communication. It only takes another second to throw in a creative word, idea or phrase, and it adds so much to life.
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What have I been up to?
I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all, especially the new one in Monument, Colorado, where I’ll be playing monthly. They were such nice and appreciative folks. All my folks are so genuine and congenial!
My Wednesday online show about pets was great fun with lots of songs about our best friends. I feel like dogs were over-represented, but that just reflects our love affair with them in our culture. Here’s to our kitties, birds, fish, and what-have-you too!
My Sunday online show doing favorites and requests was also wonderful as always. We have such a good group of friends and supporters in our online community, and their care for each other really shines through.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 10 senior facilities to play for this week including a wedding at one of them that should be really joyous.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot who passed a week ago. I’ve always enjoyed him and his writing, and this will be a great opportunity to show our appreciation for him. Come on out if you can!
Saturday 7-9 mountain time I’m doing an online show for my Facebook Philmont Concert group to reminisce as the current staff gears up for a great summer and us old staffers prepare for the 50th reunion/homecoming in July. If you’re a member of that group then please join in!
Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m always astounded and thankful for the great turnout I get for these Sunday evening shows. You’re always welcome to tune in and join in!
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That’s it for now. I so enjoy writing to you and getting a chance to express myself and connect through writing. I hope you enjoy it too! Also a very Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday!
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Gordon Lightfoot songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, May 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs
Where: facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370/ and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Saturday, May 13, 7-9 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, May 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time