#21: Operation Cold Comfort

Tomorrow I go in for my operation for the basal cell carcinoma, which everyone tells me is no big deal even with the word CANCER written all over it. And I believe them, but it's cold comfort when it involves someone cutting holes in your face. (I say that with a smile).


Speaking of Cold Comfort, I was putting together a playlist on Spotify for all the songs we're going to perform on March 7 at Don't Tell Mama when I realized I have never released a recording of the song Cold Comfort, which is one of the most popular numbers we perform live.


Back a few years ago, Blake Zolfo, Bill Goffi and I recorded a loosey-goosey version in my studio, which I never released because I worried it wasn't "perfect." So last week, I dug into the archives and found it -- and it's not bad at all. In fact, I kinda liked that it wasn't honed to perfection. So, I brushed off the cobwebs and decided to just put it out there. (There are numerous live versions up on YouTube here and there.)


It starts off autobiographical and then I turned it into a love song just to give it some life. The opening line is "I never learned how to dance / My preacher daddy said Jesus would like it / So I never learned how to dance."


Blake once told me laughingly there was more information in that line "My preacher daddy said Jesus wouldn't like it" than in most entire songs. I do love that line. All the lyrics are below so you can follow along.


So, hold me in your prayers as they go digging in my face tomorrow morning. And next week, I'll take a picture of a big bandage on my face.


Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cold-comfort-feat-steve-schalchlin-blake-zolfo-2022-demo/1792332394?i=1792332395


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3qKOCrf6Zpu29T9Nodweo9?si=4b240c3c723e4b13


Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DTQ2XN1J?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_5qkauVyn4kNi0ywTuMJU0q5rJ


COLD COMFORT
Words and Music by Steve Schalchlin

I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DANCE
I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DANCE
MY PREACHER DADDY SAID
JESUS WOULDN’T LIKE IT
SO I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DANCE

NOW THAT I CAN DANCE
I DON’T KNOW HOW
GOT NO FEELING FOR IT NOW

SO IT’S COLD COMFORT --
COLD COMFORT --
COLD COMFORT
IN MY BONES
IN MY BONES

I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DRINK
I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DRINK
A NASHVILLE DRAG QUEEN ONCE
GAVE ME SOME MOONSHINE
BUT I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO DRINK

AND NOW THAT I CAN DRINK
I DON’T KNOW HOW
I GET IN TROUBLE FOR IT NOW

SO IT’S COLD COMFORT - A BITTER PILL
COLD COMFORT - ALIVE, BUT STILL
COLD COMFORT
IN MY BONES
IN MY BONES

COLD COMFORT (NO WARNING LABEL)
COLD COMFORT (I’M ABLE SO I)
WIN THE BATTLE
BUT I LOSE THE WAR

NEVER LEARNED TO MAKE LOVE
NEVER LEARNED WHAT TO DO
BUT I LEARNED ENOUGH TO STAY
HERE WITH YOU

I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO FIGHT
I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO FIGHT
MY MAMA’S HEART WOULD BREAK INTO PIECES
IF SHE SAW ME IN A FIGHT
BUT NOW THAT I CAN FIGHT
I FIGHT TO WIN
SO YOU SHOULD LET ME IN

FOR SOME COLD COMFORT --
COLD COMFORT
COLD COMFORT
IN MY BONES
IN MY BONES
COLD COMFORT
COLD COMFORT - IF YOU LOSE THE BATTLE
BUT YOU WIN THE WAR
COLD COMFORT NO MORE
IF YOU LOSE THE BATTLE
BUT YOU WIN THE WAR
COLD COMFORT NO MORE



--

You are free to stream the songs but purchasing them is the best way to support independent artists such as myself. Or if you have the means, you can make a small donation through PayPal or Venmo using my email address: steveshack@gmail.com.


March 7 at 7pm at Don't Tell Mama here in NYC. Tickets: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/8788-steve-schachlin-friends-3-7-25


And please share this with friends!


[This is the hand-crafted newsletter of Steve Schalchlin. If you wish to be removed from the list, send me an email. If someone sent you this and you want to be added, write me at steveshack@gmail.com]--



Steve Schalchlin

Living in the Bonus Round

2024 Songs https://tinyurl.com/3su9t85m

Love Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevelovesongs

Personal Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepersonal

Comic/Humor Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevehumor

Inspirational Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/steveinspire

Meditation Music by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevemeditate

Political Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepolitics

Rebel Nerd Songs - lyrics by Steve Schalchlin

https://tinyurl.com/steverebelnerd

#20: Beatles in the Frozen Park

Last week, it was 22-degrees Fahrenheit (-5.5 C) so we decided to go ahead and sing anyway in Central Park. We lasted about 90 minutes thanks to Carl Draper and Blake Lee Zolfo joining us. And we had a blast! A winter blast!

I made a very short video of us out there and no, we're not going out there today, the 22nd, because it's 9-degrees. Watch us!

https://youtu.be/omE93OEPLH8

Remember Carl, Blake Lee, Gavin and myself are going to be singing together on March 7 at 7pm at Don't Tell Mama here in NYC. And now I'm getting back into my warm bed with Jim and the cat. Tickets: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/8788-steve-schachlin-friends-3-7-25

Stay warm, folks!

And please share this with friends!

[This is the hand-crafted newsletter of Steve Schalchlin. If you wish to be removed from the list, send me an email. If someone sent you this and you want to be added, write me at steveshack@gmail.com]

Steve Schalchlin

FREEZING in the Bonus Round

#19: In My Hands, away from the noise.

In school, I was terrible in shop class. We had to make a wooden paper towel hanger, but I always wasted wood, screwing it all up. The machines scared me, the teacher yelled at me, but looking back, I think I was scared of being "found out" that I wasn't a "real man."

But I love making things. A friend once told me how he loved going into his shed, closing off the world, picking up a tool, carving wood and making something beautiful. I realize how privileged I am to be able to go into a room, close the door, pick up an instrument and lose myself in that same hypnotic act of creation, much like the carpenter in this week’s song who "ignores (his) buzzing phone as distant headlines break."

"In My Hands," is the first song of the year! What better way to start the year than to shut off the noise and confusion of yesterday, clear your mind and reboot, tracing "the lines of grain" until "the world outside disappears." (Except I am keeping an eye on the horrible fires in LA. We lived there for at least 10 years, and I’m finding myself scouring every Facebook page to see how they’re doing. Even with that weighing on my mind, creating music offers a kind of refuge.)

Also on my mind: Don't Tell Mama on March 7th at 7. It's going to be a transformative night because I’m getting out there on the New York stages for the first time in years. And to be honest, it’s scary! Like shop class all over again! My courage comes from the fact that we did this show in December and blew the roof off Urban Stages so all I really have to do is show up and sing.


Tickets: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/8788-steve-schachlin-friends-3-7-25

I don’t have a press agent or manager, so I’m just sending out the press releases myself. A real Do-It-Yourself operation. I’ve already gotten a few bites from last week’s.

Today’s release announces jazz/soul sensation Natalie Douglas is joining us on stage, as well as the reliably hilarious Sidney Myer. Natalie is one of the best singers in New York City, and she has an international following. Now to find the perfect song for her.

I’m excited to be rebooting my career after so long and at the merry old age of 71. (That'll bring in the kids, right?)

Here are the links and lyrics to "In My Hands" and happy new year!


Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-my-hands-feat-bonus-round-band-single/1789966673
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/0O496lkvIi6zZvx0GvZkD4?si=bb32c797116a4209
Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DSLV3NLB?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_P2i9ecAg75rcpBa4tXi3uTXTh&trackAsin=B0DSLV7QF1
YouTube
https://youtu.be/UpBc51SnWnc?si=8GMcPNxEeDcAVR9a


In My Hands
©2025 by Steve Schalchlin

My fingers trace these walnut boards
I've saved for twenty-odd years,
Following the lines of grain
The world outside disappears

I ignore my buzzing phone
As distant headlines break
I start a brand new cabinet
I control what I can make

In my hand
Treasured plans
I control what’s
In my hands

My father’s tools worn smooth with time
Carve fine lines in this wood
A older craft than I am
Through time his work has stood

Trending topics fall away
And die outside this place
This cabinet will hold cherished things
More precious as they age

In my hands
Are my plans
I control what’s
In my hands

Kids will hide behind these doors
They won’t know my name
Blankets, keepsakes, cubbyholes
Inside this crafted frame

The world outside moves faster
With each day, new stress and more
I count my time by shavings
From my workbench to the floor

SOLO

At night, I put it all away
And focus on us two
I put myself where I feel safe
The last place that feels true

In your hands
No more plans
I am safe here
In your hands


--

You are free to stream the songs but purchasing them is the best way to support independent artists such as myself. Or if you have the means, you can make a small donation through PayPal or Venmo using my email address: steveshack@gmail.com.


And please share this with friends!


[This is the hand-crafted newsletter of Steve Schalchlin. If you wish to be removed from the list, send me an email. If someone sent you this and you want to be added, write me at steveshack@gmail.com]--



Steve Schalchlin

Living in the Bonus Round







Spotify Links

2024 Songs https://tinyurl.com/3su9t85m

Love Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevelovesongs

Personal Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepersonal

Comic/Humor Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevehumor

Inspirational Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/steveinspire

Meditation Music by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevemeditate

Political Songs by Steve Schalchlin https://tinyurl.com/stevepolitics

Rebel Nerd Songs - lyrics by Steve Schalchlin

https://tinyurl.com/steverebelnerd

Press Release 1 for March 7, 2025 at 7pm

###


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:
Steve Schalchlin
Phone: 212-470-7593
Email: steveshack@gmail.com


STEVE SCHALCHLIN AND FRIENDS:

FROM OFF-BROADWAY TO BEATLES MAGIC AT DON'T TELL MAMA



A Genre-Bending Night of Music Combining Cabaret Heart with Beatles Harmony



NEW YORK, NY (January 2025) – Award-winning composer Steve Schalchlin, known for his poignant storytelling and emotionally resonant music, brings his unique sound to Don't Tell Mama NYC on March 7th at 7pm. Expect an evening of laughter, reflection, and soaring melodies as Schalchlin weaves together his signature blend of gallows humor and heartfelt depth. The New York Times called his work "triumphant and very touching," and this special concert offers a rare opportunity to experience that magic firsthand.



Along with a special appearance by cabaret legend Sidney Myer, the stellar ensemble features internationally acclaimed vocalist Carl Draper, known for his powerful baritone and emotive performances, rising star tenor Blake Zolfo, celebrated for his angelic voice and stage presence, and virtuoso Charlie Viehl on violin, vocals, and guitar, bringing his distinctive improvisational energy to each performance. The Rebel Nerds – South African musician Gavin Gold and Maine native Jake Adams – will bring their high-energy pop-punk infused sound to several numbers, with Adams seamlessly transitioning to bass with the Bonus Round Band.



The evening culminates as Schalchlin and Gold transform into the duo Strawberry Feels NYC, bringing audiences together through the universal language of Beatles classics. Expect a Sgt. Pepper's-inspired singalong of the Fab Four that embodies the same spontaneous, magical community spirit they create weekly in Central Park.



For those unfamiliar with Schalchlin, he's an award-winning composer whose career has been defined by music's power to connect, heal, and transform. From Off-Broadway musicals to Beatles singalongs in Central Park, he has consistently used his art to bridge emotional and cultural divides. Selected by George Michael to play John Lennon's IMAGINE piano for a documentary, Schalchlin has dedicated his career to music's transformative potential. His accolades include NY Drama League, NY Outer Critics Circle and awards from the LA Drama Critics Circle, GLAAD Media Awards, and LA Ovation Awards for works like the Off-Broadway musicals "The Last Session" and "The Big Voice: God or Merman?". This one-night-only performance offers a glimpse into his powerful ability to build community through music.


TICKET INFORMATION:


The performance takes place on March 7, 2025, at Don't Tell Mama NYC (343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036). Seating begins at 6:15 PM, with the show starting at 7:00 PM. The cover charge is $20.00, with a $20.00 minimum (including two drinks).


Please note that Don't Tell Mama is a cash-only venue, so please be prepared. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as seating is limited. Reservations can be made at donttellmamanyc.com.



Don't miss this unforgettable night of music. Reserve your seats today at donttellmamanyc.com.

###

#18: From Arkansas to Austin to Strawberry Fields

Last week, my three hilarious and horrible brothers and I (plus one amazing sister-in-law) piled into a U-Haul for an 11-hour journey from Arkansas to Austin. The mission: moving our 95-year-old father to his forever home. Those two massively heavy chairs he refused to leave behind? Worth every herniated disc. My brother Scott and his wife Annette transformed his room into something straight out of a boutique hotel - complete with a bidet, which has led to some interesting conversations.

Now Dad's surrounded by adoring family, grand and great grand nieces and nephews, being taken for daily walks, and settling into his new life. It's exactly where he needs to be and I'll be forever grateful for the care all my brothers have heaped upon him since mom died two years ago.

Meanwhile, back in the frozen tundra of Central Park...

I'm at Strawberry Fields in 30-degree wind chill, playing Beatles songs with semi-numb fingers. Gavin and I are becoming experts at the dress in layers performance technique, except I always feel like I never bring enough. Blake also showed up to sing. Carl had to work.

But here's the thing - people still come. They brave the cold to sing "All You Need Is Love" at the IMAGINE mosaic, their breath visible in the winter air.

And because life likes to keep things interesting, I just got diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma right below my eye. Surgery needed. Januay 29. March 7th show approaching. But hey, what's life without a few plot twists?

For some reason, today's song, Lazarus (different from "Lazarus Come Out") has been on my mind and was my late friend, Dick Remley's favorite song. I buried the sheet music in his grave.

It was written after The Last Session, after being given my bonus round life. I was internally struggling because I had come to terms with my impending death. I should be thrilled!

In it, I recollected how Death was like this sweet angel hovering nearby, who buys me a martini and says he'll make it all go away. And how I could picture the curtain falling.

When Death abandoned me, I was suddenly naked and having to live a new life. Feeling so guilty because so many didn't make it and here I was bemoaning my supposedly sad fate. I felt ungrateful to have these feelings. So I poured it all out into this song.

Listening newly this past week, I didn't remember it being so symphonic! My inner Freddie Mercury was ablaze. Have I ever sung anything this passionately in my life? (Links below).

The countdown to March 7th continues. Will your partially frozen, slightly medical, but still singing storyteller make it to the finish line? Stay tuned...

Warmly,
Steve

LAZARUS
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/58mQxYJqXe6hIJOhIzw4Fd?si=647fb76863fd4935

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lazarus/1082085482?i=1082085655

YouTube: https://youtu.be/7FXGinGYHjc?si=n7K9vVn_j1Ajg5kn



Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B01BIUT0RO?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_rh0gFnsfWlSwWl7AL21YkqFWL&trackAsin=B01BIUSST0
--
You are welcome to freely stream the songs but purchasing them (Apple or Amazon) is the best way to support independent artists such as myself. Or if you have the means, you can make a small donation through PayPal or Venmo using my email address: steveshack@gmail.com.

And please share this with friends!

Tickets to our show at Don't Tell Mama, March 7 at 7.

https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/8788-steve-schachlin-friends-3-7-25