As you may have heard there is a big fire going on in my old stomping grounds in northern New Mexico that started in Ute Park and spread into Philmont Scout Ranch and toward Cimarron. I immediately wanted to know as much as I could about it from all sources on the web, on Twitter, and on Facebook, and to use that information to help ease others fears. I’ve always felt the desire to help when I could, particularly with fire and other natural disasters. I don’t know exactly where that desire comes from, but I know it’s a good thing. There is a natural kinship that we all share - almost a knowing that we need each other and are ultimately one with each other. This comes out in times of trouble. We tend to think that people are selfish and look out for themselves, but I believe just the opposite - we are unknowingly but intimately intertwined down to the smallest elements of spirit and being, and this compels us to help each other. When all pretense is stripped away we gain an awareness of shared purpose. I think it’s grand, and I cherish this. Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to draw this out of people.
What have I been up to?
My online concert on Sunday was a blast. I did a bunch of songs in tribute to Philmont where the fires have been this last week. I so enjoy doing these although sometimes I get a little flustered watching messages come in and choosing songs to play. I just don’t multi-task like I used to!
What am I up to this week?
This is the first busy week of the season.
Monday and Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m at the Royal Gorge Bridge playing on the south side stage by the bridge. I’ve always loved playing for the folks who come to the bridge while enjoying being out in the fresh air and next to that awesome chasm. Come see me if you happen to be at the bridge.
Thursday 6:30-8:30ish I start the barbecues at the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch. This has been such a wonderful place to play and enjoy the friendship of the folks of the Cuchara Valley for so many years. If you’ve never been, it’s Texas-style barbecue held in an old rustic barn with all the fixin's. I do lots of old favorites, and folks even get up to dance on the old barn floor as the evening progresses. It is SO much fun. If you’d like to be part of it, call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday for reservations.
That’s it for this first week of summer. I hope you are enjoying your summer already, and I hope you feel the joy of helping that I spoke of above.
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 off the bridge
When: Monday and Tuesday, June 4 and 5, 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, June 7, 6:30-8:30 pm