"Okay, sorry to be preachy but its better before a performance if you don't eat anything. You will find if you eat heavily before a performance you may start to find yourself losing concentration and even becoming lethargic because the blood in your body is rushing away from your noggin and racing towards your stomach to help and aid in digestion."

Sorry Mike--the human body doesn't work that way. The brain actually protects itself from changes in perfusion (blood flow) by shutting down flows to the body's periphery, and under dire circumstances, it shuts down flow to all the other major organs to keep blood flowing freely to the most important organ--the brain.

The only reason I don't usually eat before a late night job is I just don't feel like it, or more often than not, I just don't have time. Older folks, such as myself, really don't have to eat nearly as much as the youngsters do, but it really don't make a bit of difference physiologically if you eat or not--just as long as you you don't stuff yourself until you feel uncomfortable. Moderation is the key to longevity.

As for staying hydrated, yes it is extremely important for vocalist, especially when you consider the fluid volume lost while singing. The quantity is beyond most anyones wildest imagination. As for the temperature of the fluids, it really doesn't make a bit of difference. The human laryngeal/pharyngeal system is unique and does neat things during the swallowing process. Ice cold water, lemonade, sport drinks, light beer, decafinated soda--they're all good. Only a thin layer of fluid actually comes in contact with the outer layer of the vocal folds, which are fully closed during swallowing. The contact time is usually under a second, which is not sufficient to significantly lower the vocal fold's temperature, which is the same as body temperature (98.6 degrees f.). Most of the lubrication and moisturizing process on the vocal folds are from moisture emitted from the lungs, flowing up the bronchi, then passing through the folds before entering the laryngeal/pharyngeal area. This moistened air is also the same as your body temperature. The next time you get near the public library, open a copy of Gray's Anatomy and take a close look at the respiratory system. Human physiology and anatomy are fascinating subjects.

I loved the disclaimer--it's hoot! You can only imagine if they put this on some of the medications advertised on TV. "Rocketpoop is not for everyone. Tell your doctor if you experience the following--blah, blah, blah!" Then add your disclaimer message--OH YEAH!

Gary