Originally founded as the New York Sheet Music Society in 1989, with a strong push by songwriter Sammy Cahn, change came in 2015 with a new name that reflected the songs themselves—The American Popular Song Society. Continuing to meet on the second Saturday of the month from October through June (now at 2 PM), APSS became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2022. And now, after many years of unchanged leadership, a new APSS has emerged, guided by elected president, music director Michael Lavine, with executive committee members Tom Toce, vice president; Lisa Mathias, Secretary/Treasurer and Marilyn Lester, Director-at-Large. As songwriter Tracy Chapman wrote, APSS is looking forward to “Our Bright Future.”
Getting off to its new start, the remaining programming for the 2026 season is:
Saturday, October 10: New Directions Songs Old & New, Borrowed & Blue. Lavine and Toce present APSS’ vision for the future. Joined by some of New York’s best singers, they will present songs old and new, borrowed and blue, in a lively and entertaining afternoon.
Saturday, November 14: Still Roaring After All These Years: The Roar of the Greasepaint. Lavine presents the songs of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, focusing on their 1965 Broadway musical The Roar of the Greasepaint—The Smell of the Crowd. The cast will include Drama Desk nominee Jon Peterson, “The Crown Prince” of NY cabaret, Steve Ross and nouveau vaudevillian Bryce Edwards.
Special December program: APSS partners with Winter Rhythms at Urban Stages. APSS members will be able to select a Winter Rhythms show to attend as part of their membership.
APSS is a MAC Award winner for contributions to cabaret and popular song; and the mission continues, to preserve and promote the legacy of popular music, America’s gift to the world. From roots in the early 20th Century to the present, the ever-expanding American Songbook continues to inspire and educate via musical storytelling…
Membership is $35 for new members and $30 for members under 30. and $70 for returning members ($100 per couple). To join, donate and learn more, visit appsinc.org
Meetings/performances are at Grace & St. Paul’s Church, 123 W. 71st St, New York, NY 10023
