THE STORY GOES ON—AND IT SHOULD

The American Songbook Association celebrates Richard
Maltby, Jr. and David Shire while reaffirming why America’s
great songwriting tradition deserves to endure

Few songwriting partnerships have enriched the American musical theater canon quite like Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. On Monday, October 5, the American Songbook Association (ASA) celebrates the legendary collaborators with its sixth annual gala, Maltby & Shire: Our Story Goes On, at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center.

Honoring the award-winning team behind Baby, Big, Starting Here, Starting Now, Closer Than Ever, About Time, and other beloved works, the evening will feature performances by Loni Ackerman, Margery Cohen, Catherine Cox, Gretchen Cryer, and Charlotte Maltby, with additional guest artists to be announced. Deniz Cordell serves as musical director.

The gala also serves as a reminder of why organizations like the American Songbook Association matter. While Broadway continues to evolve, the Great American Songbook remains one of our nation’s richest artistic legacies, influencing generations of composers, lyricists, singers, and audiences. Preserving these songs—and introducing them to new listeners—is more than an act of nostalgia; it’s an investment in the future of American musical storytelling. Through performances, educational outreach, and its stewardship of Cabaret Scenes magazine, the ASA continues to champion an art form that deserves to be celebrated and passed on.

For theater lovers, cabaret aficionados, and anyone who appreciates sophisticated songwriting, Maltby & Shire: Our Story Goes On promises to be both a heartfelt tribute and a celebration of two extraordinary careers whose songs continue to resonate.

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Maltby & Shire: Our Story Goes On
American Songbook Association’s Sixth Annual Gala
Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St. in New York
Mon. Oct. 5, 2026, 7:30
for tickets ($75–$300), visit American Songbook Association or Kaufman Music Center

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