I wanted to talk about something I think can really help us through these hard times. We have such a prevalence of dark stories in the world and in movies and TV, and I know that laughter and true joy can do so much for us during stressful times. I did several songs last night on my online concert that were pretty silly, and it really lightened the spirits of everyone involved. It reminds me of all the silly songs that came out after World War II. Those really helped people get over the pain of that terrible time. It sometimes feels guilty to laugh when there is strife all around, but it really releases stress and lifts us up. In that spirit I’ll be playing a show that I did with a few friends for the veterans at the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center in Walsenburg a few years ago. We did a performance of old TV show themes and commercials that was really fun. I’ll tell you more about it below in the description of what I’m doing this week. It’s hard to find true joy in the midst of sorrow and strife, but a little laughter sprinkled in here and there really helps. Being silly leads to remembering that this hard time is not all there is to life. We will get through it with some weary wisdom that will help us cherish true joy when we hold it. Seek out those things that bring joy and laughter.
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What have I been up to?
My senior facilities were wonderful - particularly on Saturday when I got to play for the vets in Florence whom I haven’t seen since March. One of my other facilities has a COVID outbreak, so I sang from outside closed windows all around the facility with a sound system I could set up outside their windows.
Thursday’s online show of cowboy outlaw songs went really well. I love these old gems and stories, and I threw in a couple newer ones too that were a blast. It’s amazing to me how comforting how even the cautionary tales are.
Sunday’s show of favorites went really well too. Our community is growing in spirit, and it's wonderful to spend time with friends.
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What am I up to this week?
Thursday's online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the above-mentioned TV show themes and commercials. As I said, it will mainly be the show I did with friends for the vets in Walsenburg a few years back that had trivia, fun facts, and a mixture of different TV themes and fun commercials from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I’ve had a few requests for some later shows that I’ll try to incorporate as well. Hopefully a little levity and nostalgia will be a comfort and a welcome relief this week. Please join in if you can.
tommunch.com/online-concerts
facebook.com/tom.munch
Sunday 7-8:30 online will be favorites and requests again. I explained on my show yesterday that I have a hard time keeping up with requests lately. Some songs are really challenging to map out and perform well, and I don’t like merely covering them. I’ll keep doing my best, but please know that if I don’t do a request it’s not for not caring. I know how deeply we can love a song. Please tune in if you can.
tommunch.com/online-concerts
facebook.com/tom.munch
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That’s it for this week. I hope I don’t sound too disjointed this time around. The uncertainty of our situation is putting stress on everyone, and at times it’s hard to find meaningful things to say. I feel peace in my heart, and I hope you can feel it and that it makes a difference.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of TV themes and commercials
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Thursday, October 15, 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, October 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain