I had an outstanding experience playing with the extraordinary Gordon Burt on fiddle Saturday, and it has me thinking about playing and living from our comfort zone. Musicians especially talk about being in some sort of mindset that allows us to perform at our best whether that be on stage or in our creative life. For musicians it has a lot to do with how we sound and how well we’re hearing the tone of our instrument and our voice as well as how the instrument feels under our fingers. We have to be comfortable enough to settle into a thought-free place where we can let the music flow effortlessly from our subconscious. Saturday was interesting for both Gordon and me as we settled into a musical rapport that allowed us to breathe and communicate the songs and the sounds with each other and with the audience. We did pretty well although a first shared set always is a little tentative. I think this parallels so much of what we all go through in life. Every situation requires some bending and adapting to new places and people as we try to maintain enough comfort in ourselves that we can be authentic and generous. I find it a challenge and an opportunity to be centered and mindful as I approach each situation. I don’t always do as well as I’d like, but I relish the opportunity. I do tend to stick to myself a lot. It’s all about that comfort that I carry with me. How about you?
——
What have I been up to?
Last week was definitely busy, but I made it through with my voice and fingers intact.
I forgot to mention that I had 5 senior facilities last week although one had to cancel because of a COVID case. I have one of those this week as well. We’re definitely not out of the woods yet on this virus. I did get the Pfizer booster last week.
Tuesday I had a private party outside La Veta that was just as special as I hoped it would be. There are some great folks in that valley, and it was a pleasure to play for them.
Wednesday at the Gold Rush Saloon turned into kind of a private concert. This was probably the last night it will be warm enough to be outside, and it was beautiful. The folks who were there were warm and receptive for a sweet night of tunes.
Thursday was my online show of Jim Croce and Cat Stevens, and there were definitely some strong memories for all of us with both of their catalogs of tunes. I always forget how much I love some of these songs until I’m in the middle of them. It was very nice.
Saturday was the harvest festival at Littleton Museum with Gordon Burt sitting in on fiddle. There were hundreds of kids and families in the pumpkin patch whom we got to play for and interact with, and to say it was a blast is an understatement. I had so many good friends come out to hear us play, and it was just a perfect day. Gordon’s playing definitely drove me to new heights with his intuitive melodies and licks, and it was a joy. The only downside of the day was dealing with traffic on the way back to Pueblo, but I know many city folks deal with it all the time, so I won’t say more.
Sunday my online show had a great group attending, and as I said before I got to do several more favorites than I usually do. The highlight of the evening was probably playing ukulele on The Who’s “Blue, Red and Grey” and on Chuck Pyle’s “Moonglow Rising”.
——
What am I up to this week?
This week I have 6 senior facilities. I’m getting where I sound pretty normal singing through a mask now. One did have to cancel for a COVID case again.
Thursday 7-8:30 mountain time my online show will be doing ‘60s folk music. This should be a lot of fun. I’ve already gotten a ton of requests. I’m going to slant towards the music of groups like Peter, Paul and Mary, The Seekers, and the New Christy Minstrels although there will be plenty of other folk artists thrown is as well. We won’t have time to do all the great songs by a long shot. It’ll be a good time, and I’d love to have you along if you’re up to it. Remember that you can always watch later on Facebook or on my website if you can’t make the live show - facebook.com/tommunch/videos_by and tommunch.com/online-concerts.
My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the favorites and requests show we’ve come to know. I haven’t had as many requests lately, so I’ve been doing more of my favorites. It’s been a good mix, and again I’d love to have you onboard with our wonderful group of friends if you’d like to come along.
——
That’s it for this week. It’s about time to drain the sprinkler and drip systems, and to fire up the heater. I even put on the merino wool long underwear to walk Beau this morning. It feels like Fall. Time to feel a little bit of that comfort I talked about above.
Best always,
Tom
——
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of ’60s folk tunes
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Thursday, October 14, 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 17, 7-8:30 pm mountain time