Monday, September 27, 2021 - Groups and Community

I’m struggling today to write about groups and community. I have very mixed emotions about being in groups. I’ve always seen myself as kind of a lone wolf - especially since I mainly play music solo. Generally, when you’re in a group there are always dynamics that play into how you feel and how you interact. In a concert or theater setting as an audience member it can be very rewarding to experience the rush of emotion when everyone is feeling the same energy and you react together. As a performer on a stage it is an amazing feeling when you feel the audience transcend from individuals to one entity in reaction to your performance. In group settings like a party or gathering at a reunion or memorial there are all kinds of dynamics that come into play, and some people are gregarious and effusive while others are quiet observers. Some of this is learned and some is innate. I have to push myself to interact with other people in a group setting. I write a lot about how much we need each other, but when it comes to being in a group I’m most comfortable when I’m helping with the setup and logistics of the gathering instead of conversing with people in the group. It’s a funny thing how it all works out. The older I get the more I tend to pull into my shell. And this all relates to my online concert group too. I’ve cultivated a great group of folks that have become a community almost without any direction from me. All I’ve done is to try to put out good energy that benefits people, and that has attracted people who appreciate that and want to know the kind of people who like my music and presence. I hope this all makes sense. Like I said, I struggle to be in groups even when they are there for me. 

—— 

What have I been up to? 

Last week was a good one. The weather is still plenty hot although we had a couple cooler days. As result I had to have all my senior shows indoors. Hopefully we can keep the virus under control enough that we can continue indoors. I’m comfortable performing in a mask, so I feel fairly safe indoors. 

My Fall show online Thursday went very well. There are so many really good songs for Fall, and we didn’t even get to them all. I had a great group of friends and fans come out and join in. There’s that community thing again! 

My Saturday show for the Good Sam’s RV’ers went very well. I did mostly old country songs for them to feature my “Back to the Old Country” album, and it was right up their alley. I love playing for these folks. 

My Sunday favorites show online was another full group of friends with great participation although Facebook changed their app just enough that comments were being hidden for everyone on devices other than a computer. That didn’t stop the group from finding a way to join in and support me and each other though. It was very fulfilling. We actually did more impromptu requests this time than we’ve ever done before. 

—— 

What am I up to this week? 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing songs about food. My online show comes right after or during dinnertime for some folks, and food is a frequent topic of conversation in the chat. So why not do a show about food?! This will be a lot of fun, and Jen and I have already had a blast finding and putting together songs for this show. Come on out and join in the fun! I recommend you eat before the show so you’re not dying of hunger as the food talk builds. 🤪 

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing favorites and requests as always. I’m very pleased at the way these shows have morphed over the months. Everyone is so comfortable with each other and the music and flow that we truly reach some very sweet and alternately boisterous moments. It’s something to experience. Hope to see you this week! 

—— 

That’s it for this week. Next week on Saturday, Oct. 9,  I have a show in Littleton at the Littleton Museum from 12-3 as part of their Fall Festival. If you’re in the Denver area I’d love to see you! Take care and enjoy being part of groups. 

Best always, 

Tom 

—— 

Details this week: 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about food 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Thursday, September 30, 7-8:30 pm mountain time  

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites  
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Sunday, October 3, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Leave a comment