We are a coalition of artists and advocates on a mission and with something to say. And what better a way to say it, than with a song? Listen below, then scroll down to hear why smokefree venues, bars, and clubs are so important to so many artists.
ARTISTS
“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. 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.”
— Jamie Kent
"I've long been an advocate for smoke free public spaces, restaurants, bars and venues. As a
singer and vocal coach, my career and ability to work is dependent on my vocal health. I want
for myself and others to be able to work and socialize in environments where we are not forced
to be exposed to damaging second hand smoke."
— Michaela Anne
“I have not played in smoking venues in over a decade. I find it unhealthy and undesirable, so I avoid them.”
— Mary Gauthier
“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 Armstrong
“Nashville is a place where you can experience legendary artists up close along with the best of the best of upcoming artists in all genres! To know going in, that those experiences will be smoke free, and that music will be the only thing in the air—only elevates the moment & the memory for everyone. It’s important to me that our beloved community of artists & audiences alike, be given the absolute best circumstances to shine & enjoy with no distractions or health concerns!”
— Jamie Floyd
“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
“I won’t perform in a smoke filled venue. My health is my priority. Thank you to Musicians for a Smokefree Nashville for helping to create more smokefree stages.”
— Sarah Potenza
“Having smokefree bars helps me be my best for you – it protects my instrument and the job I love so much.”
— Erin Enderlin
Whether you're one of the musicians onstage or a fan in the crowd, you want to finish a
show feeling invigorated and infinite. Nothing can drain that spirit -- not only mentally, but bodily,
too -- like inhaling a bunch of second-hand smoke. Those who smoke indoors are forcing
everybody around them to partake, and if you're smoking during a show, you're personally
jeopardizing the singer's ability to his or her job.
— Andrew Leahey
“I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke. I will lose my voice by the end of the show, no doubt. It happens every time.”
— Shelly Fairchild
“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!”
— SZLACHETKA
“When venues started converting to ‘smoke free’ in Nashville, it was a huge relief to
breathe clean air indoors again, especially while playing music. We think it planted a seed
that we all deserve to exist in a smoke-free environment in smokers and non-smokers
alike. We support this movement toward healthier spaces and also as courtesy to those
who can’t tolerate smoking environments due to health concerns such as asthma, COPD
and other diseases. It’s not always obvious who is struggling, and it’s our mission for all
people to feel comfortable and be able to breathe when they are trying to relax and enjoy
a show.”
— SlowForce
“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
“Smokefree venues create the safest environment not just for performing musicians but also our
fans!”
— Adrian & Meredith
"Nashville is my home and singing is what I plan to do forever. It's important to me to see a Smokefree Music City so that my health and yours is not an issue and we can continue to live this dream together."