I wanted to write this morning about online shows and how it relates to feelings about the virus. I’ve written briefly before about how I feel, but I’ve been thinking about them more. I’ve been doing online shows for nine years, but the complexion of these has changed a lot now. In the beginning it was a novelty and a wonder of technology that I could perform over the internet to friends around the world. That wonder has not changed, but the meaning and the flow of the concerts have intensified. This is the only way I get to share my music during this time, and being able to interact with folks in a meaningful way has even more impact. It is an escape as a song envelops me. It is a confirmation that friends are still there and that I can be part of their lives in a gratifying and beneficial way. It is an affirmation that there is goodness and grace in a world that seems to need this more than ever. It is a respect for the awe and inspiration that makes this world such a wonderful place to be. I hope it is the same for you, and that you get these things in your life from other important sources as well in your daily life. It is the food our spirits need.
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What have I been up to?
I posted a whole bunch of public domain songs on my Tom Munch Public Domain Songs YouTube site - youtube.com/channel/UCLYdZkZ0isWlc9wv1QsKutQ/. They are free to anyone to listen to, and I hope it’s helping especially my folks in the senior facilities as they look for ways to drain their worries and fill their time. I’ll be recording and posting many more of these. They are a source of playing that helps keep my calluses up, and I am happy that they may benefit someone out there.
The YouTube page from the Generus volunteer organization that I recorded some songs for is also up and available to anyone who would like a variety of stories and entertainment - youtube.com/channel/UC2SksaQiN9Tkf0su4tmsMJA. Feel free to share it with anyone you might think could use it.
My Facebook Live Concert on Sunday went very well. I worked hard on many new songs as requests this week, and although I’m not “owning” any of these songs yet, they weren’t half bad if I do say so myself. It’s fun to learn beautiful new songs. I’m thinking of doing some theme nights for Facebook Live soon - maybe this Sunday as well as some requests. I could do a theme night on a different night too if folks would like that since I’ve been doing requests on Sundays. Let me know what you think. Some musicians are even doing afternoon shows if you’d like that.
There just isn’t enough time in life to do everything we want - even when that’s all we seem to have is time right now. It’s a gift - enjoy it.
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What am I up to this week?
I will be working on recording more public domain songs this week. I mentioned above that it’s good practice and a gift to anyone who likes to listen to this kind of music that I’m happy to provide.
My “Back to the Old Country” is done and in the can. I’ll be working on the layout more this week. I may not release it as a CD right away since I don’t have any in-person shows and it is difficult to ship right now without being at risk of catching the virus. As such I would just release it as a download and stream right away. I have to do a little more research to see how this works. I’m proud of it, and there are some great classic Western songs on it.
I have a couple other recording projects I’m working on as well.
Sunday at 7:00 mountain time is my Facebook Live “Comfort” Concert again. I’m enjoying these so much, and I’m so appreciative of the spirit and fire that everyone contributes to make these some truly special evenings. I told you last week that I’m also streaming these on my website for anyone that isn’t on Facebook. I had at least one family member who was happy to see this. If you know anyone who might like to watch who isn’t on Facebook please share the link - tommunch.com/photos-videos. The link on Facebook is my regular profile page - facebook.com/tom.munch.
I’m also thinking of doing some other things on YouTube. More about that in the future.
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That’s it for this week. Know that I am getting through the virus so far with good spirits although I am feeling a lot of anxiety too. We all are. My spiritual nature continues to calm me and help me remember who I am and why I am here, and that carries me through too. Be good to each other. Take care, and I hope to see you one day with a big hug and affection.
Best always,
Tom
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Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos
When: Sunday, April 26, 7-8:15 pm mountain time