Last week was the first week I’ve played back in the Cuchara Valley since the tremendous fire that swept through the area a month ago. To say it was surreal is an understatement. Anyone who has been through a cataclysmic event knows the realities of having your life upended and rearranged. Folks were in limbo for a couple weeks there - not knowing if they would have to evacuate and whether they would have a home when it was all over. It resets your priorities, and it makes you feel at sea for a long time. And it gives you abandon to truly enjoy the little and big things of life. All the events I played had folks feeling joyous and free like I seldom see. They were so thankful and so united - and they danced and laughed. It was very heartening, and I felt blessed to be a part of the celebration. Truly this is the stuff of life - enjoying our time here without fear or worry. I saw it personally at Philmont and in New Mexico after the fire the month before. I saw it personally at the Royal Gorge Bridge when the fire swept through there several years ago, and we saw it globally after 9/11. These events that stop us and put us in limbo are gifts that help us see how life can be lived every day. Enjoy life, my friend. It’s why we’re here.
What have I been up to?
Monday at the Royal Gorge Bridge was a lot of fun although it was a little hectic dealing with rain most of the day. It never really rained hard, but it kept sprinkling off and on, and I tried to set up tarps for protection without much luck. In the future I’ll just be ready to pack up and go when it rains.
Thursday was a wonderful evening at the Yellow Pine barbecue. It was good to see the folks and share memories. I love this place!
Friday was a party played with my friend Dennis Mills on bass and vocals at a house in Cuchara where we partied like there was no tomorrow. Everyone was so joyous after the fire. Happy Birthday, Danette!
Saturday was DJ’ing for the La Veta Fire Auxiliary folks. It was great to see the volunteer firefighters and thank them for there heroic efforts during the fire. Everyone was in high spirits and full of emotion as we watched the slides of the firefighting and then danced ’til the wee hours.
Sunday was the Feed Store concert in Westcliffe which was really well attended. I was a little beat up after several busy days and late nights, but I had a great list of songs that carried right up to the end of the show when rain forced us to back into the amphitheater and sing the last song acoustically with great harmonies from the audience gathered ‘round. Magical!
What’s up this week?
Monday and Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m back at the Royal Gorge Bridge for two afternoons of fun. I really get to stretch out and do some cool and unexpected tunes as I interact with the tourists rolling through. Come on out if you’re in the area.
Thursday 6:30-8:30 I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue. I still haven’t seen all my friends from Cuchara, and I aspect this week will bring even more out to celebrate and enjoy great barbecue in the old barn. As always call 719-742-3528 for reservations by Tuesday if you want to come.
Friday 6:30-8:00 I’m playing a free concert at I Love Lucy’s RV Park in La Veta. This is always a very special event on the great little stage at Lucy’s. Bring a lawn chair and something to drink, and there’ll be popcorn and good music to share!
Saturday 10:30-12:00 I’m playing the Celebrate Aguilar Street Festival and Car Show in Aguilar. I’ve never played this before, but my friend Sandy Dolak suggested me for this and it looks like it will be a fine event. Come on out and enjoy the history and town of Aguilar!
Sunday I’m playing music before and also during the services at 9:30 and 11:00 at the Cuchara Chapel. I always enjoy getting to play spiritual songs and old hymns, and the folks in Cuchara are like family. Come on out if you can.
Sunday 7:00-8:15ish MDT I’ll be doing my First-Sunday Online Living Room Concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch. I SO enjoy seeing everyone around the country at these online concerts. It’s my chance to connect with so many who don’t live in the immediate area. Please tune in if you can.
That’s it for this week. This is one crazy rollercoaster ride of a summer.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just east of the bridge
When: Monday and Tuesday, July 30 and 31, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, Aug 2, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing an outdoor concert
Where: I Love Lucy's Place RV Park, 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252
When: Friday, Aug 3, 6:30-8:00 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at the Celebrate Aguilar Festival
Where: Aguilar, CO, on the street!
When: Saturday, Aug 4, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, Aug 5, 7-8:15ish pm MDT