Jimmy Buffett passed away Friday night. I always liked his music, but the reason I want to write about him is because of his lifestyle. He seemed to be the epitome of someone who just lived his best life. That’s a newer phrase in the last few years to me, but it’s one I’ve pondered many times. I don’t really worry much about making plans or having bucket lists. I’ve always gone with the flow for the most part. But I also haven’t taken huge chances. Jimmy was one who would go on grand adventures with no worries about whether they would fail. If they did fail he’d say he got a great story. In one of his adventures he flew a sea plane to Jamaica just to get some Jamaican chicken with friends, and he was almost shot out of the sky by officials who mistook his plane for a drug runner. He got a story and a song called “Jamaica Mistaica” out of that. Paul McCartney commented at Jimmy’s passing that “When we swapped tales about the past his (Jimmy’s) were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.” Another friend remarked that even when Jimmy was deep into cancer treatment a couple months before his death and was told to rest he instead jetted away to play a concert. That’s a zest for life that you have to admire. And his music could be simple or complex, but he gained a following for a music that was all his own. His followers are many and diverse and have all been affected by his love and joy for life. A song I just learned that will be released on his new album in October says, “Just know that you are loved, there is light up above, and the joy is always enough, bubbles up.” This refers to the advice divers give each other when they are confused underwater on which way is up to follow the bubbles, and it applies so well to life. Bubbles, up, my friend!
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What have I been up to?
I had 8 senior facilities last week, and they were all very nice. It’s always a pleasure.
My Wednesday online show was doing work songs for Labor Day, and it was a good night of swell tunes. More folks came out for it than I expected, and we had a wonderful evening. Happy Labor Day!
Saturday I played for the KLZR Radio Block Party in Westcliffe, Colorado, and I forgot how many great folks and friends I have up there. I haven’t played there in a few years with COVID and all, but so many people came out to hear me play, and we had a sweet time!
My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a very fine evening as always. There were a few new songs and old songs that were new to the group including “Bubbles Up” that I mentioned above. I love this group.
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What am I up to this week?
I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to every one. I’m so honored always to play for these folks.
My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a tribute to Jimmy Buffett like I mentioned above. It should be a nice night of remembrances and tunes. I’d love to have you there if you love the music of Jimmy Buffett or even may be a Parrot Head, as Jimmy’s fans call themselves.
Thursday night 6:30-8 I’m playing the AA (alcohol and appetizer) party at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch that we always have the Thursday after Labor Day. It’s a bring-your-own appetizer to share and whatever bring-your-own beverage you prefer evening that’s also a fundraiser for the local fire folks who protect the valley up there. It’s always a great time that mostly draws local folks, but everyone is welcome. I’d love to see you if you’re in the area or want to make a short trip to the mountains.
My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll be in the mountains before the show closing cabins, so I’ll have that great mountain energy that I love to bring to a show. Come on out!
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That’s it for this week. I have the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo and the Fall Festival at the Littleton Museum coming up this Fall, so there’s always something to look forward to! Be well, and once again, Bubbles Up!
Best,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Jimmy Buffett songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Wednesday, September 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Alcohol and Appetizer fundraiser
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, September 7, 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, September 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time