Press Release 1 for March 7, 2025 at 7pm

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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.

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#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
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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