I'm doing a deep dive on train songs in preparation for my Thursday night show of train songs, and it has me thinking of all that trains represent in our history and mythology. I have no doubt that part of the reason we have so many songs about trains is because a train rolling down the rails has an infectious rhythm that many a musician has played along to. The whistle and horns were always musical too, which added to the audible appeal. Beyond that though, the railroad represented ingenuity and drive that is unparalleled in its thundering forward progress. And it represented the romantic notion of a fresh start and the excitement of a journey to far-away places. The whistle brought sorrow to those being left behind, and hope to those boarding for opportunity. And the jouney is the most universal appeal of a train, and it spills over into all modes of travel. That's why there are so many stories about journeys going all the way back to the Odyssey. And it's really about life. We always hear that the journey is the most meaningful thing in life. I believe it's why we're here - to experience the journey. So come along with me on this train journey for the romance, the thrill, and the love of life.
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What have I been up to?
Last week I just had a few senior facilities, and one of them was even outside amazingly on Saturday. It was just barely warm enough for me to set up outside and play to an open door where a dozen or so residents sat with jackets and blankets enjoying the music. I love these folks, and it's so sad to see how lonely they are without all the normal interaction they've come to know. This virus can't end soon enough.
Thursday's online Thanksgiving show was an interesting mix of Thanksgiving songs and songs about nature. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was good to provide some family for so many friends - me included!
Sunday's online show was an eclectic mix of songs that was so much fun. I keep thinking that these shows will not be as exciting as the virus weeks drag on, but every week seems to supersede the previous one in enthusiasm and goodwill all around. I look forward to them so much.
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What am I up to this week?
Christmas is starting to appear on the horizon now that Thanksgiving has passed, and I will start to do Christmas songs bit by bit until we reach full Christmas spirit by the 25th.
I just have a couple online senior facilities this week. I'm still considering pursuing some national facilities if the opportunity arises.
Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time I'll be doing an online show of train songs as I mentioned above. This promises to be a really fun show with lots of engaging tunes. I hope you'll tune in.
Sunday 7-8:30 mountain time is my online favorites and requests show. If you have any favorite tunes you'd like to hear please send them on.
As a note, you can make comments on my website page for my online concerts now if you're tuned in there and not on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you if you're watching there. I know it's not as engaging as being part of the group on Facebook, but maybe we can change that if enough folks join in.
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That's all for this week. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were careful. Again I say that this virus can't be over soon enough, so let's do our best to make it so. Love to everyone, and I hope your holiday season is starting out well.
Best,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of train songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Thursday, December 6, 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, December 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain