Well, I just turned 60, and I’m trying to decide what this decade will be like for me. On turning 50 I changed a lot of things. I set out to lose weight and write more songs. I started a blog and online concerts. I decided to pursue more festivals and house concerts. So what has changed over these 10 years? Well, I have done more festivals and a few house concerts. I have plugged into shows and venues where I am among many musicians whom I have looked up to for many years. I did lose weight - which I gained some back and then lost again. I’m feeling very healthy overall. I have written a decent number of songs although I’m not the wellspring of songs that I might have hoped for. I did write a bunch of instrumental guitar tunes that I am very proud of. I lost my mother at age 90 which shut down my creativity for the better part of a year - more from having to clean up her estate than dealing with her loss emotionally, although she is dearly missed. That was during the time when my instrumental album was being finalized, and I even wrote songs after her death that were heavily influenced by my mindset in the wake of her passing. I even wrote a lot of more spiritual and thoughtful songs in the last few years as I have become more aware of who I am and why I’m here. The pandemic changed a lot of my thrust and direction. I have found that my purpose is to use my talent for music in helpful ways even more than I did before. I have also come to trust that my financial needs will be met if I give with a joyful heart and a loving soul. So what will the next decade bring? I’m a little uncertain since the pandemic is still not under control, but I can see me continuing to play online concerts since I can reach so many people so easily and genuinely. I’d love to write more along the lines of songs that will encourage and comfort others. I never thought I needed to be famous or have a huge audience, and I’m even more comfortable now with drawing the people to my music who get something beneficial out of it. Hang out with me a while and see where life takes us!
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What have I been up to?
I played a couple senior facilities last week, but I also had a cancellation because the state Residential Care Facility (RCF) guidelines are now recommending that visitors not be allowed in group activities which includes musical visitors playing for a group. Our virus transmission rates are up in Colorado, and this is a precaution that hopefully will be able to be reversed soon. We just have to keep being vigilant until this virus is under control and no longer a threat.
My Thursday online show doing Hank Williams tunes was so much fun. I learned several new tunes and played every one of them since they are relatively short and I could fit so many into the show. I also did a few earth songs since it was Earth Day. It was grand.
My Sunday online show was extra special since it was my birthday and that made me be full of gumption (full of beans my mom would say). We had a wonderful group of folks out to hear favorites and many requests. It was fine time.
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What am I up to this week?
My senior facilities may have to be cancelled or changed with the state recommendation I mentioned above. I’m sure I can do outdoor shows if the weather is good. If it all works out I’ll have three shows this week.
My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing ‘60s songs. I will probably leave it pretty free-flowing with songs from many genres all over the decade. The ‘60s was such a fun time of both crazy and thoughtful songs, so I’m sure it will be a stellar evening of songs. Come on out if this sounds good to you.
My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests that we have come to enjoy. The camaraderie is always something I look forward to, and I hear that these shows have really helped folks get through this virus time. They have certainly helped me.
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That’s it for this week. I am excited for the coming week and the coming summer - and the coming decade.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of ’60s songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Thursday, April 29, 7-8:30 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 2, 7-8:30 pm mountain time