Monday March 14, 2022 - Irish

It’s the week of St Patrick’s Day and also 2 years since I cancelled everything for COVID. It puts me in mind of the Irish and some of the hardships they faced. The main incident to come to mind is the potato famine of the 1840s. The blight that struck the monoculture of potatoes in Ireland did so much damage to the Irish. Millions of people died or left Ireland during the period of 1845 to 1852. My Irish ancestors had already left for America, fortunately, or I may not be here today. I’m sure that the depth of feeling in much Irish music and lore is a direct result of the hardships these people faced during this time and during other times of oppression. I feel this depth of spirit when I perform Irish songs, and it fills me with a passion that is hard to explain. From the hard-drinking songs to the beautiful ballads there is so much great expression! And it brings the same comfort to us during COVID as it did to the Irish during their hard times. These last two years have been tough, but we’ll get through together, just as the Irish did.  

—— 

What have I been up to? 

None of my senior facilities had to cancel last week which is a blessing. I was playing a lot of Irish tunes, and I know they enjoyed much of it. 

My Thursday online show was doing cover songs from my albums, and it was a sweet evening of old favorites for me. Many people said it was one of their favorite shows I’ve done. 

My Sunday online show was also quite enjoyable. My audience is so supportive, and the give-and-take made it all worthwhile. 

—— 

What am I up to this week? 

I have eleven senior facilities this week - one of which I played this morning which is why I’m late getting my mailer out today. Well, that and the fact that the thermostat went out for the heater, and Jen I woke up to an 88-degree house at 3 am. A quick trip to Walmart at 6 am yielded a thermostat which I had installed by 7 am. Thanks,  Dad, for teaching me to be handy. I’m looking forward to playing the senior facilities and spreading some Irish cheer. 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be featuring Irish music - especially since it falls on St Patrick’s Day! It’ll be a fun night of the best Irish songs I know. Come on out and get in the spirit. 

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence for their Celtic night. This was the last concert I played two years ago when everything shut down for COVID, and it was the impetus for my blog above. The show starts with Celtic dancers doing step dances in colorful costumes for the first hour, and then I’ll entertain with Irish pub songs and sing-along favorites for the second hour. It’s always a blast, and I’ll hope you’ll consider coming. Tickets are just $10 at the door for a wonderful night. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing the favorites and requests that everyone enjoys so much. We have such a great group of folks. I know I always say that, but it is so true! Come on out for an evening of music and friendship. 

—— 

That’s it for this week. It’s time to run to another Irish show right now! 

Best always, 

Tom 

—— 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Thursday, March 17, 7-8:30 pm mountain time  

Who: Tom Munch 
What: playing for a Celtic Concert in Florence, CO 
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, 719-784-2038 
When: Saturday, March 19, 7-9 pm 

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, March 20, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

Leave a comment