Have to play the Contractors gig tonight. Last night I developed the beginning of a cold I guess. Nasal drip etc. No headache or such.

I'm always nervous when the gig get near. I usually get a one shot whiskey and have it with sevenup while I'm setting up. It helps calm me down.

1. Should I skip the whiskey?
2. Should I have sip of cold medicine?
3. What about those cold remedies that stop the nasal drip etc?
4. Should I do nothing?

So far I don't seem to be hoarse. I don't have any idea what to do. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Boo

Sudafed is one of the only thigs I take if I have trouble breathing. The whisky is a personal choice. I'm agaist it at work, but some people need that "soothing" effect that it seems to give. You make that call, but in general - I advise against stimulants when singing. That goes for caffine too.

hey boo take some good pictures too for us to see...

Dave thanks.
Donny I'll be loaded down with just trying to perform. If I see someone taking pictures I'll get some copies.
Boo

Boo,

I would take a couple of the little red Sudafed pills. I've never had any trouble with a couple of Sudafed and one or two beers but that is me. I would be careful. Some of the liquid cold medicines like Vick's Nyquell are over 40 proof. They are already pre mixed cold medicine and alcohol. If you think you need the mixed drink while setting up try everything the night before the job. That way you can see how you will react to the Sudafed and the shot. Good luck!

Tom

Boo,

You're probably gonna' find this one hard to believe, but it works. About 30 years ago I was a newscaster for one of the local radio stations. I walked in to the studio one morning to do the 7:00 a.m. newscast, which takes about 15 minutes and my voice was totally shot. My throat felt like a piece of raw beef and looked equally as bad. The studio director, who was as old as I am now, said "Go into the frig, open that jar of sour onions and pop one in your mouth--you'll be just fine, at least for as long as the newscast takes. I took his advice, and within seconds after eating the sour onion, my voice was back, sounded as good as ever and the pain was completely gone. The effects last about an hour at best, but I've been using this technique ever since. Essentially, the vinegar anesthesizes your vocal folds and much of your throat. Additionally, the vinegar apparently cuts through any mucus that may have accumulated on the vocal folds. As for the booze, forgattaboutit! Sudafed, those little red pills, are great to dry up the post-nasal drip, which also helps keep you going when you have to perform with a cold. Keep in mind, however, that they are an antihistamine and will dry you out and make you a bit drowsy.

Good Luck,

Gary

Sudafed is good , but the daytime gelcap congestion/cough med's is best for me .

BTW ....whatever you do , don't get hammered .

Boo.....how was the gig?..........

hi Boo: I too advocate Sudafed as the least harmful medication to help clear up nasal drip/congestion problems, but also recommend drinking lots of water and/or sipping warm herbal tea with honey & lemon to help counter act the moisture loss effect to your throat & vocal chords by the Sudafed. Alcohol is particularly bad for a singer as it has a harsh effect on your throat & vocal cords stripping away moisture. One thing I find especially effective to soothe my throat is Slippery Elm. In addition to these things, the best singer's advice is getting plenty of rest before the gig.

Boo, looking forward to hearing how your gig went.

Scott