Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?

Subject: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Jingle
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 01:54 PM

Had a lovely time in the Tap & Spile Whitby last Sunday with the captain and crew of the Grand Turk but I could hardly sing a note because of people smoking roll ups and big cigars which affected me so badly I am only now getting back to normal (Wednesday). I have had to give up going to our local folk club for the same reason. Can any of you singers out there similarly afflicted pass on some tips for coping with this. My friend (an ex-nurse) says a glass of neat brandy is good and anyone who knows me can confirm I have tried this one again and again. Woke up this morning, got the coughing folk singer blues, oh yeah!

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: hesperis
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:13 PM

I don't. I avoid the place if it's gonna be smoky.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:17 PM

Ya... what Hesser said... Especially if I'm there, 'cause I'm smoking like it's a CURE for cancer these days!

;-)

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:24 PM

Try the Tap & Spile in Hull, they have 2 no smoking rooms (folk night is Sundays).

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:40 PM

Not a whole lot you can do. I know that there is a spray device that some folks clip to a microphone, but I'm not sure how effective it is.

My big problem with bars was drunks (even nice folky ones) and the only way to deal with it was to git out.

Rick

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: LR Mole
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:39 PM

Wey, hey, and up she rises, wey, hey...wha? Oh. Sorry.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:41 PM

The Bad News:
Jerry's had asthma for about 15 years

The Good News:
Whatever triggers it is only in bloom here in California during April and May so he has 10 months a year without asthma

The Bad News:
Unless he gets into a smoky room like a British pub

The Good News:
but in California, it's illegal to smoke in any public building - this includes bars. Yeah!

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:54 PM

The Good News: but in California, it's illegal to smoke in any public building - this includes bars. Yeah!

Yet another reason to not live there!

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:00 PM

Tried it, couldn't breathe, dont do it no more.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: InOBU
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:00 PM

This is why I disagree with Richard Bridge on the "rights" of smokers. Death should not be the wages of singing.
Cheers
Larry -
ps see the post non-smoking pubs in the UK - I think it is called.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:03 PM

Ya don't like a smoky pub, don't go there... cast you vote by spending your $$ somewhere else...

The Kildare House, my local is a SMOKER-FRIENDLY environment, and we won't miss you bucks at all if yoiu decide to not come in... You'll miss a hell of a good Tuesday session though!

;-)

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:04 PM

But before this get's WAY out of hand again, let's drop it and try to stay on topic eh!

Any other suggestions for folks so afflicted?

;-)

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:07 PM

I used to go to a session every Thursday but had to stop because I kept having to take Friday off with wheezing and coughing. It improved a great deal once I stopped, so now I confine my activities to festivals, where I get aclimatised to it and then suffer the consequences when I get back.

LTS

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,SharonA
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 05:15 PM

I find a glass of Irish Cream helps a little bit, but the soundest advice is to find folk venues without smoke. In many areas, this is easier said than done and you may find yourself having to be proactive about organizing house concerts and the like.

As Clinton pointed out, we wheezy types in the audience do miss out on an awful lot of great music because it's not safe for us, healthwise, to be in the environment in which it is to be performed. We wheezy types of performers miss out, too, on the money to be made for bar gigs (lots more $$$ than smokeless-coffeehouse gigs)!

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,Phil Cooper
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:17 PM

Considering some of the things I smoked in college, I was quite surprised when I, too, vapor locked a couple years ago at a Chicago area Irish pub. I usually am OK, but if I've had a cold or other respiratory things going on, I can feel the smoke making my lungs seize. As a consequence we don't play many pubs.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: hesperis
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:24 PM

There are supposedly personal air filters that will clear the air only in a few feet radius around you, but I never tried one because they cost about $250 US. And it probably wouldn't be able to handle really bad pub air anyway. No thanks...

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: RichM
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:48 PM

I don't think there are any precautions available--other than clean air.

I don't mind if smokers inhale, as long as they don't exhale. ;)

In August, Ottawa becomes smoke-free in public places like pubs and restaurants.
About time.

I don't do gigs in smoky bars anymore, and I don't miss it. Once the new laws are in place, I'll have lots of places to play--yay!

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Marion
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 10:03 PM

Rich, I'm looking forward to August too...

Marion

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From:
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 10:36 PM

I have asthma and it is a real impediment to my playing with my friends at a bar in Newport, RI. I wish it were smoke free, but that is nearly impossible here in RI. I don't play there in the winter when the doors are closed and their smoke remover is on (what a joke). In the summer, we singers and players turn off the smoke remover and open the doors - works much better and i am able to tolerate an evening of lessened smoke while I sing. Diana

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: alison
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 11:24 PM

as far as possible I avoid playing or sitting in smokey bars... clubs tend to have better air conditioning....

have you tried a preventative inhaler like "becotide" sometimes it helps.... and most asthmatics should be taking a regular preventative anyway.. cuts down on the need for the ventolin....

I have been using a great one for a while called "seretide" .,..... it is a combination of serevent (a long acting bronchodilator) and becotide... but it works wonderfully...... usually by this stage in the winter my asthma has started to play up... so far so good this year......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Jim Cheydi
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 05:38 AM

I like playing in dark smokey venues. It makes it look less respectable. I find that you can get through as long as you've got something to spit or be sick into (the audience?). Often that seems to do the trick, whether I actually use it or not.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,Sooz (at work)
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 06:02 AM

I don't go there a second time - its their loss just as much as it is mine! The sooner Britain follows California the better.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: JudeL
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 08:12 AM

If it's not too smoky, spiced rum helps a bit. Most places have areas where the smoke is less try to find those, or stand by an open door. Failing that vote with your feet - sometimes its the only way.

Jude ( who shares the problem )

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: English Jon
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 10:56 AM

How about fitting a gas mask with internal mics?

EJ

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 04:52 AM

Our club can get very smokey and I suffer from Asthma as well. Fortunately I am doorman so I get to sit by the door which helps a lot. Repeating the advice above - a couple of puffs on the old 'reliever' type inhalor of your choice before going in helps. I find strong spirits help as well (Well, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it....) Oddly enough Coke or any such type drinks make it worse!

I find it odd that roll-ups and cigars were mentioned specificaly. I have always found that these in particular give off very little smoke and the bit they do give off is not half as bad as ordinary cigarettes. Something to do with the chemicals in ready mades that keep them burning and make the smoke particulary acrid? But that may be my imagination.

Incidentaly, there is a good festival for non-smokers this weekend. Four Fools at Lowton, Nr. Leigh, Lancs. It is at a school where smoking is banned altogether.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: JudeL
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 08:45 AM

Yes, the good thing about roll ups and pipes, is that if the person smoking it doesn't take a puff it quickly goes out and so pollutes the air around them less. Unlike readymade cigarettes where you see people, take one puff of the smoke down into their own lungs and sit with it in their hand putting great clouds of smoke into the air for everyone elses lungs for the next 5 minutes ( which feels like 1/2 an hour). It's not the smell that makes me wheeze, and stops me singing, it's the choking chemical fumes.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 09:35 AM

Whoops! Just noticed that Four Fools aint at Lowton this year - It's in Chorley. See Four Fools thread for details.

DtG

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Julie B
Date: 07 Sep 01 - 08:37 AM

For reference, see related threads:

Non-smoking folk clubs in the UK

UK folk festivals, non-smoke singaround

Remember, you are not alone. The tide is slowly turning in the UK. 95 percent of performers in the clubs I go to are non smokers, and half of the smokers are considerate and pop out to another area for a few minutes to smoke. Sadly, there will usually be one or two who still just have to have a puff there and then. On many occassions problems can stem from just a lone chain smoker in the audience. I wonder if problem stems from us docile UK non-smokers being far too tolerant/accommmodating for our own good? In private (usually the ladies loo!) most singers have a good moan about the very smokers who they are far to polite to complain too...unfortunately, it's just the British way!

If you know of any non-smoking clubs not already on the list, please add to it.

Thanks,

Julie B

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 07 Sep 01 - 09:24 AM

I sing in a local session as well as play other instruments.

Most the times people are very considerate about their cigarettes. Sometimes though a couple have been sat next to me, with smoking cigarettes in ashtrays, hands etc. Whilst I have been singing a song, I waft my hands clear the smoke and they usually get the hint.

If I am not singing, and the smoke is getting to much, I just ask the person, if they would mind not, blowing smoke in my face (one guy does this alot - he forgets) and just say, excuse me politely, and no one ever minds.

But most musicians I have noticed tend to get up and have a break stepping out of the session to have a cigarette.

I usually find the next day my sinuses are bad, so inhilations with hot water, and eucalyptus is great.

So, I would recomend just asking people outride, if they could try to direct their smoke away, or just not blow it your ways...

S'hard to do though

Ella

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,Walking Eagle
Date: 07 Sep 01 - 03:43 PM

Having a glass of water with some lemon juice in it available helps some for non-asthmatics. But asthma is a condition that affects breathing, not just singing.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Sep 01 - 07:04 PM

well, gee...those smoker's rights have to be protected...why not just wear one of these when you sing?

Bill D....who has almost totally given up attending anything where smoking is allowed.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Sep 01 - 10:23 PM

Howdy ... my bride Judy has serious asthma. I sang for years in the clubs. Today, ONE whiff of smoke causes my throat to seize up. Smokers can be in denial all they want, but how much evidence does it take to learn that smoking kills you ... period. I don't give a diddly darn about rights ... smokers or non-smokers. Neither I, nor bride Judy CAN be in a smoke environment. If we go to a new place, I walk in alone to check out the air. If it's bad, I won't bring her in. Our loss? Of course not! If I don't perform at a bar or gathering, because of the smoke, s it my loss? Of course not. It's THEIR loss. Get the message folks ... SMOKING KILLS!

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Cappuccino
Date: 08 Sep 01 - 08:48 AM

Cigarette smoke is bad enough, but those of you who have never played the British country & Western circuit should try this problem. Over here, C & W fans believe that country is the real cowboy music (no, American friends, don't bother arguing, some of us know the truth!) and so they not only dress up like cowboys, but actually wear replica guns and have fast-draw contests in the interval. In some clubs, they hold this blasted contest on or near the stage... now, try and imagine what it's like going up and singing after that, in a blue haze of cordite-or-similar.

Excuse me, just the memory of it is making me want to go and throw up....!

- ianB

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: JudeL
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 03:45 AM

Thanks Bill for that link but for some venues I think the only thing that would work would be to take your own oxygen mask and cylinder and I have just a suspicion that it might make singing somewhat strange and difficult.

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 06:49 AM

Bill Clinton has some tips on not inhaling. ** BG **

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 11:44 AM

almost 6 years ago, my wife..(Ferrara..who is doing the Getaway program) had a heart transplant, and recoverd nicely....a number of months later, we heard that a 'steel guitar' group was have a memorial/fundraising annual concert in honor of one of their own who had died of congestive heart failure. "Steelin' for Hearts", it was called...and featured 15-20 of the best steel players around..very nice..and they invited heart transplant patients from the area as inspiration! Very nice.....except....thay held it in a C&W barsouth of Baltimore!...well, that's where these guys play!...and the smoke was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Nice music...and we endured it for awhile, but never again! There was just something incongruous about 7-8 transplant patients wheezing & gulping as they tried to be inspirational............

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Deckman
Date: 09 Sep 01 - 07:35 PM

Very interesting posts here folks! I wonder how many more years it will take until society (societies) figgure it out! These days I'm very careful about where I place my body ... and I'm still a working man. I'm even more careful where I place bride Judy's body ... she's precious. Don't even bother to try to flame me you smokers ... you'll just be wasting your breath ... and you'll need all of it you can get. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Julie B
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 08:09 AM

'John in Hull' suggested above:

Try the Tap & Spile in Hull, they have 2 no smoking rooms (folk night is Sundays).

I visited the Tap & Spile in Hull on Springbank (I assume this is the one you meant, John) one Sunday at the end of July, and found a lot of heavy smokers there. The non-smoking area I saw, if I remember right John, was a small 'box' type room just next to the toilets. Unfortunately, if you sat in that room you wouldn't really be part of the proceedings in the adjacent room (where the folk musicians were), and naturally this non-smoking area was, anyway, full of smoke that drifted through the permanently open doorway.

I'd say the Hull Springbank Tap & Spile was not really a place to go if you don't like smoke.

Cheers

Julie B

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: CharlieA
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 08:19 AM

Rum & Black - works wonders - my mother swears by it. Dad swears by Whisky Macs but then i think thats just an excuse cos he don't sing! Cxxx

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: JudeL
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 09:51 AM

Spiced rum or rum and shrub helps a little but the only real answer is smoke free air. I repeat again, smokers rail about restricting their freedom of choice but their choice to smoke in a venue effectively removes everyone-else's choice about whether or not to smoke.
Jude

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: Jingle
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 01:44 PM

I started the original thread and I think it's great that so many of you feel the same. At Whitby festival last month we encountered a pipe smoker who couldn't keep it going and re-lit the b**** thing 30 times, enveloping everyone in the Middle Earth in clouds of acrid smoke and stopping all the singers in their tracks. Pete of No Smoke Folk did offer to follow him outside, wrestle him to the ground and remove the offending pipe but alas the evening never quite recovered despite his kind offer.

Seriously, I respect other people's freedom but I have rights too and I think breathing is a pretty basic requirement. I too have lost someone dear to lung cancer and it's really not a joke. So how about it, folk club and singaround organisers - at the very least, how about asking people to step outside the club room for 5 minutes if they must smoke? Not a lot to ask, is it?

Subject: RE: Asthma - how do you sing in a smoky pub?
From: GUEST,Catlin
Date: 10 Sep 01 - 09:40 PM

I'd try to get the bouncer to open up a back door so there is some cross-ventilation going on. But then again, here in State College, PA, the only time I go to a pub is on St. Patrick's Day, and that's to the Phyrst. It's usually a trip, and a good way to find $20 bills on the floor, dropped by a drunken sot.

Anywho, I just hit the old nebulizer or inhaler before going in, and have the lil' squirt around at all times. I play the recorder, so it's a bit different. The breathing problem is still there, but I can still play the next day to open up my lungs. I've notice that whenever I play more than 15 minutes, my peak flow is over 500 lpm.

Maybe playing a woodwind is the answer.