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“Smokefree venues have saved my life and my career. I hope that 15 years of not inhaling secondhand smoke has limited the damage done by my first 35 years of playing in smoky bars. It was a hard slog to get people to understand how important it is to consider other people when they light up and to maybe stop smoking all together. The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation fought that battle for us and the result is cleaner air and a healthier environment for musicians and fans alike. We couldn’t have done it without Smokefree Music Cities and we are so grateful. My lungs, my hair and skin, my clothes, and my instruments all thank you!”
Marcia Ball
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“I think it is, without question, a far more enjoyable and healthy experience for everyone involved, to play music in a smoke-free environment, rather than the alternative, and I’m grateful to the smoke-free movement for working so diligently towards their goals!”
MATT THE ELECTRICIAN
Photo by Diving Starlings Photography
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“Everyone deserves a smokefree workplace. Even musicians.”
SaulPaul
Photo by Diving Starlings Photography
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“Playing in non-smoking venues has not only saved my voice it has saved my health and quite possibly saved my life. I spent the first 30 years of my life as a secondhand smokers growing up in a smoking household and singing in smoky bars. Before the smokefree movement, I suffered from decades of chronic bronchitis. After the smokefree movement, I’ve been consistently bronchitis-free for many years. Only if I rarely end up playing in a smoking venue of out the state of country, does the bronchitis return. I’m so grateful for the smokefree movement. Thank you for making my life as a musician better.” - Leslie Sisson
MOVING PANORAMAS
Photo by Diving Starlings Photography
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“Smoking is for brisket, drag racing and religious ceremonies. Not necessarily in that order.”
Shinyribs
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“If I am around smoke, it really affects my voice. I was in Japan and playing in this really cool bar upstairs – very cool venue - and as I was in the middle of playing a song, my voice just dies. The bar was filled with smoke and my voice died – nothing would come out. I went outside for some fresh air and immediately start feeling better. The manager was so apologetic and said they would ask everyone to go outside to smoke, which changed the atmosphere and I could finish the show. I take for granted that I live in Austin, which is a smokefree city, when I play in cities that still allowing smoking indoors. You reek from the smoke, and then there are the health effects from the secondhand smoke. Smokefree music cities really do save lives and help us with our quality of life.”
Gina Chavez
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“No one should be forced to be subject to indoor smoking at their place of work. For musicians, bartenders, servers, security, and sound engineers, this means clubs, venues, bars, restaurants, and theaters. Performing in a smokefree venue means all these people maintain their ability to avoid this significant health risk.”
BettySoo
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"I am so happy to be able to not have to sing in a smoke-filled room anymore. My voice appreciates it, and I don’t come home smelling so smoky that I have to wash my hair. No more secondhand smoke!"
Johnny Goudie
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“Thanks Smokefree Music Cities for caring about musicians. I live in Nashville, and I hope the Nashville venues which still allow smoking, will decide to reopen smokefree because it’s very difficult to sing and breathe when there’s smoke everywhere.
We all know how dangerous secondhand smoke can be.”
ANNE MCCUE
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“As a professional musician, I’ve spent the better part of the last 20 years traveling and playing in all kinds of venues. While I’ve never smoked, I certainly respect the choices of my friends who do. That said, I’ve definitely faced significant challenges as a performer in venues where smoking is allowed, mostly resulting in severe sort throats, and they have sometimes caused me to cut shows short. Even when venues designate my shows as “smokefree,” the thirdhand smoke from years of smoke particles all over the venue and equipment still presents a significant health risk to both me and the folks who pay to see me. Artists and their audiences have a right to a safe work environments, so I wholeheartedly in support of American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation and its Smokefree Music Cities project.”
DEREK WEBB
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“The image of the road-worn musician playing to a crowd in a smoke-filled bar has been a trope romanticized by various media outlets and musicians themselves for decades, but it’s time we updated our thinking; smoking is deadly, and being a touring musician is a difficult job as-is. Just like most other jobs, musicians deserve to work in a reasonably safe, healthy, smokefree environment.”
SMOOTH HOUND SMITH
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“It is always my goal to spread the message of empathy and love through consistent engaging performances and practicing unconditional love and empathy with my audiences. The smokefree movement is an extension of that practice, it helps to extend the idea of respect and love toward the health of me and my bandmates, so that we can continue to give consistent engaging performances for the entirely of our tours. Self-love is the start of mutual love and understanding.”
KYSHONA
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"Playing music in a venue that allows smoking not only compromises my health and my ability to play the best show possible, but it also compromises all of those who come to see me. Artists deserve a clean place to work, create, and connect with their audience and that cannot happen in a smoking venue. I look forward to the day when worrying about it will be a thing of the past!"
PAUL CHILDERS
Photo Credit Cat Denton
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“I have not played in smoking venues in over a decade. I find it unhealthy and undesirable, so I avoid them.”
MARY GAUTHIER
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"Las Vegas is a smokin’ town. This is a project I can get behind that is near and dear to my heart. I am at risk. We are all at risk. It would be nice to have our voices heard in this case, and to reopen Vegas as a smokefree music city."
SETH TURNER
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"I love music; it is my life! Music allows me to connect with people. I always want to be present and give it my all when performing. but a smoke-filled environment impedes my ability to put my best foot forward and stains that important connection. Public places are our workplaces, whether they are bars, restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, or theaters. Let’s all work together so that we can stay connected, safe, and healthy. Together we will make a change!"
MATTHEW SZLACHETKA
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"Now more than ever, smoke-free clubs, lounges, and bars are a vital part of keeping musicians healthy and safe. We can do this, Vegas! Let's push for reopening smokefree in all venues so musicians will have healthier spaces that protect our bodies and our futures!"
ANDREA BENSMILLER
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“I support Smokefree Music Cities! It’s crazy sometimes being an artist in those smoky venues. A lot of times people don’t realize that I have to have my asthma inhaler right on stage with me. For someone like me, if I go in those smoke-filled venues it’s pretty hard. I have crazy bad asthma and sometimes in those smoky places, I can’t get enough air to breathe, let alone sing! I don’t want anyone to have to call me an ambulance!”
SELWYN BIRCHWOOD
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"As an artist that has played over 1,000 shows in just about every kind of venue imaginable, I can say without question that my least favorites all have one thing in common: smoke. I've battled asthma for years, so playing music in a smoke filled bar makes my job really tough, and honestly impacts the performance I can give fans."
JAMIE KENT
"Because of that I now make a point to avoid booking any venues that allow smoking on any tour, even though some of the rooms have some incredible history. My lungs are the engine that my career as an artist runs on. If they go down, so goes the music. It's just not worth it."
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"It’s a strain to perform in venues that allow smoking. I only played in one venue that allowed smoking and that was enough for me to know I didn’t want to play in a smoking venue again. Smokefree venues are the way and being a vocalist, I must perserve my voice and inhaling smoke is not the ideal way to do that. I’m 100% for Smokefree Venues and the Smokefree Movement."
JONTAVIOUS WILLIS
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"After a gig in a venue full of 2nd hand smoke my throat is irritated, sinuses
are inflamed, and eyes are burning.... That can't be good for my voice."
Sean Ardoin
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"I am passionate about creating a space where musicians and audience members can both feel comfortable. In smoke free music venues, we allow the best of both worlds. If someone would like to partake in smoking they can go outside to a provided space, then join listeners inside for the main event, the music!"
Kendra Muecke
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“Having been a heavy smoker
in the past I realize the
irrefutable damage it can do not
only to oneself, but to
nonsmokers as well. Our
musicians and fans need to
be protected from secondhand
smoke. This is a health equity
issue – everyone needs to
breathe! I find it alarming
that more music cities aren’t
already smokefree. What’s
going on Atlanta, Nashville,
Las Vegas? It’s time for all
cities to go smokefree!”
Al Bell
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“I am the official music ambassador of Macon, Georgia. We have
big things going on in Atlanta. We want to have smokefree
environments for our entertainment, the health of our citizens, the
health of the children. and the health of the people who participate
in all these amazing things we are doing.”
Joey Stuckey
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“When delivering a musical performance I feel it is paramount
for the audience to have the best experience possible!
That includes a smokefree environment that isn’t toxic to their
health, or mine. I proudly lend my voice to support smokefree
performance spaces and work environments.”
Eric Adcock
Photo Credit: LeeAnn B. Stephan Photography
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"As a singer, my voice is my instrument and the air quality around me is so important, but no matter what type of artist you are, I believe that everyone should be able to choose the air they breathe."
Kendra Black
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“When I was a young drummer performing in Philadelphia, I was a nonsmoker, and yet, I remember how my clothes stank from cigarette smoke and how that putrid odor lingered in my hair and on my instruments. Forty years later, I’m surprised to learn Pennsylvania still allows smoking in clubs, bars, and casinos. Musicians who work at these places are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. This really needs to stop! Musicians and others employed in the hospitality industry deserve safer working conditions. That’s why I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Smokefree Music Cities.”
Louis Anthony deLise
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"As a vocalist, and a melodica and sax player, my lungs are a big part of my livelihood as a musician. I've been lucky enough to live and perform in smoke free cities during my career and I hope that soon, every musician can breathe easy while performing their hearts out on stage.”
LENNY SAN JOSE
aka Ukulenny
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“Choose a smoke free life. Choose a smoke free life for those around you. Don’t smoke! Let us all breathe free!”
DAVID ARKENSTONE
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"Everyone deserves to work in a smokefree environment. By now everyone knows the health dangers of secondhand and thirdhand smoke. The times I have sung in smoke filled venues greatly affected my singing and ability to perform. I applaud Smokefree Music Cities for being the champion of this cause. There have been great steps taken to eliminate smoking in music venues, but there is still a long way to go."
LINDA SYPIEN
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"All smoking does in venues is harm others. There is no positive benefit whatsoever. If we can take a small step to stop this, then we can make the world a much better place."
SIERRA HEUERMANN
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“It’s counterintuitive in this day and age for venues to still allow smoking. Everyone is aware of the harmful side effects smoking causes, both for smokers and those within second-hand distance. It’s a simple solution and ultimately helps to save lives.”
KATHRYN CLOWARD
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“My hometown Houston, TX is a smokefree venue town. I have been around long enough to remember when that wasn’t the case. I tour all over the USA and some in Western Europe now, and occasionally I’ve played a smoking venue. The memories come flooding back of the not-so-good old days. It takes me up to a week to recover my voice. Because I cannot afford to damage my voice, I never return to those venues. I strongly support the work of Smoke Free Music Cities to create a healthy inside environment at venues for musicians, patrons, and staff.”
JORDI BAIZAN
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“I strongly support SmokeFree Music Cities in all of their efforts to ensure everyone involved in the entertainment industry has clean air to breathe and work in. It’s not only a personal choice but a human right to have our health and well-being protected. I hope my hometown Nashville TN and all cities across the world join this movement.”
Alie Vincent Harrington
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"Starting out in the music business at 16 years old I was performing as many as seven nights a week seven sets a night in smoky bars. I learned very quickly that my decision not to smoke was a very smart one. However, suffering the consequences of working in a smoke- filled environment was not something that I relished. Having had glaucoma all my life the effects of secondhand smoke on my eyes, not to mention my vocal cords and lungs has been difficult at times to say the least. I will continue to use my voice to speak out against venues that continue to allow smoking."
Ellis Hall
Marie Gregorio-Oviedo, Photographer
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"I really feel I can do my best work when the air is clean making it easier to sing and for long pure notes to ring out without being stifled and cut short by a smokey atmosphere. Thank you to Billboard Live Tokyo for this photo and for not allowing smoking at their venue."
Julia Fordham
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“Playing music in a smoke free
environment has added years
onto my music by way of
keeping the air clear which
keeps my lungs clear.”
Craig Klein
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“Smoking just seems so out of style these days. I mean, how uncool it is to consciously know what level of poison these things are on, yet continue to blow smoke everywhere. I mean, you’re taking away my right to oxygen... and that is just the uncoolest.”
Branjae
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"Keep live music alive in a smoke free environment!"
Deacon John Moore
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"No one should have to tolerate a smoking environment for any reason. This includes the performers up there working, the audience and fans wanting to hear them and any crew providing the technical, audio and lighting support to make the show happen. Here's to a smoke free musical experience for all!"
LENISE BENT
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“As a frequent touring musician, singing in a
smokefree venue is an absolute must. Smoke, of
course, affects my lungs and breathing, and irritates
my voice. We pay the price... but so does the audience,
as they don’t get our very best performance.”
Janet Robin
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“As a musician I want to be present and feel connected
to my environment. Playing in smoky clubs and casinos
is an unwelcomed distraction and, more importantly, an
unhealthy place for any musician. I’m glad to be a
voice in support of smokefree air for everyone.”
JESSIE BRIDGES
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“As a vocalist, performing
in a smokefree
environment is essential
to sustaining my voice!
I have been blessed to
have traveled the world,
singing in various
cities ... It’s always a joy
to step onto a stage where
the air is clean and free
of smoke! It’s good for our
planet - it’s good for
our lives!”
TERRY STEELE
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"Living in Los Angeles, I automatically assume that
a venue will be smokefree. If I walk into a venue
where it isn’t I feel assaulted by the air. The smoke
gets into my jeans, my hair, my eyes, my lungs, my
mood! Sadly, I don’t think I could stay."
Shelly Peiken
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"Smokefree shows make the job
easier and more enjoyable because
I can breathe. Breathing is important
for singers horn players, bartenders,
servers and tech crew because if we
can’t breathe we can’t do our jobs,
whatever your job is in the venue.
I play around the world and it is rare to
walk into venues that allow smoking,
it is always a jarring memory of a
less civilized time. I’m grateful for
smoke free music."
Paul Sanchez
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"The dangers of second
and thirdhand smoke are
very well documented.
It’s just not possible
for me to perform in a
smoke filled atmosphere.
Aside from the health risks
and the uncomfortable vocal
experience, it’s just never
a pleasant experience when
you return home and your
clothes and equipment
are destroyed with
the smell of smoke."
EAMONN MCCRYSTAL
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"Our voices help us share our
stories and smoke filled venues
make it hard for us to do just
that. We must breathe clean air
to perform at our best. Not to
mention, secondhand smoke is
a serious threat to our bodies
and everyone in the audience!"
me&you
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"A smoke-free venue is just as important to the musicians
as it is to the audience. It creates a safe, clean environment
for all, and it's important we lead the way in setting the
precedent for a healthier world for the generations to come."
CHLOË AGNEW
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“Smoking in venues is a
deadly proposition. Many
talented people have died
as a result of secondhand
smoke. I was recently at
my own performance and
stepped outdoors for some
fresh air, but what I got
instead was a mouthful of
secondhand smoke. This
one unfortunate incident
rendered me bedridden for
two weeks. Smoking should
be outlawed— it is a poison
that surely kills!”
Kaylene Peoples
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“I tried smoking cigarettes once because I wanted that gruff sound
like Wilson Pickett, but after 2 weeks, I quit, and it’s a blessing I
didn’t get hooked. I still work in places around the USA where
there is smoke, like casinos and other venues. I usually have red
eyes, and I start coughing so I would love to perform in
smokefree environments.”
Lenny Williams
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“Let’s clear the air...smokefree venues help me to live well and
sing about it! I support Smokefree Music Cities. Won’t You?"
Yvette Landry
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"Every time I play in a concert hall, club or recording studio
that is smokefree - which is 99% of the time now - I am
grateful to everyone who relentlessly fought this battle for
both performers and audiences. I was around when things
were very different and really appreciate the positive change."
Josh Sklair
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“I want to leave a longer music Legacy to my family and fans
than my father Zydeco Legend Roy Carrier was able to leave
to me. He had to play in smoky places all of his career. And
he suffered for it. Smokefree is a way to give me and my fans
a longer life filled with music.”
Chubby Carrier
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“It is not possible to perform at
my best, unless my lungs are
strong and clear. Every stage I
step onto is my office, no
matter the size of the venue.
If you are a true supporter
of the musical arts, insisting
on a smoke free environment
is one of the most important
ways you can support the
longevity and health of the
artists you love! And you will be
supporting your own health at the
same time! And your health, the
FAN, is absolutely vital to us,
the ARTISTS!”
Ken Stacey
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“When I first started playing in rock clubs, I used to see the crowd through
a haze of low hanging cigarette smoke. By the end of the night, not only
did my clothes, instrument and gear all reek of cigarettes, but my eyes and
lungs would hurt for days. Let’s help to make smoky clubs go the way of
my old 4 track cassette recorder and become a relic from an earlier, less
advanced era.”
Tracy Silverman
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"As a singer, there’s nothing worse
than entering a club or casino and
being confronted by that dreadful
smell of cigarette smoke. It can
often be a make or break in terms of
a good performance. Second hand
smoke should play no part in the
workplace of a professional musician."
Rob Bonfiglio
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“Playing in smoke filled venues in the 70’s and 80’s gave me a hacking cough
and triggered Asthma. Since most venues have gone smokeless my breathing
is better and my overall health has improved.”
Jennifer Leitham
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"As an artist who doesn't smoke, but has been around many smokers, I can
now see and feel the difference between a smoke-free environment and a
smoking environment. Because smoking affects everyone’s health (yours,
mine, ours!), I think we should help create a smoke-free environment for us all.
It not only affects our voices, but our health and our children’s health.
Without second-hand smoke, we'll all experience longer healthier living!"
Ronee Martin
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"Smoke-free venues give me peace of mind that my vocal chords will still be
working by the end of the show. The times I have played in smoking venues,
the second hand smoke has affected my vocals for a day or two afterwards,
which is never a good thing for a professional vocalist. I'd love to see Tulsa
become a smoke-free venue music city!"
Casii Stephan
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“As someone with asthma, it is hard for me to play gigs in smokey bars.
I end up using my inhaler towards the end of the night. There were tours
where I would go back to back in clubs with smoke and lucky now that many
of those clubs are now non-smoking.”
Eric Himan
