Astoria Music: A One-Song Celebration

The Irish Whiskey Bar in Astoria will host a music event on Sunday, November 22, that bills itself as a 'Singles Party' but focuses on a musical release rather than romance. Singer-songwriter Bill Popp, who has been active in the New York and Tri-State Area scene for over 50 years, is organizing the afternoon gathering to mark the debut of his latest single, 'Jenny.'

The event runs from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM at 28-48 31st St. Admission is free, and attendees will receive a CD or QR-code card at the door. Popp is also providing refreshments. The venue is open to the public, and the schedule includes performances from more than twenty local musicians.

A strict rule governs the lineup: each guest artist will perform exactly one song. This format applies to the scheduled performers, which includes The Repressions, Sera No H, Mary Noecker, and Adam von Housen. Other confirmed acts are Fin Miller, Anne Husick, Gerald Donnelly, John Crissey, Andy Sydor, Rick Rocker, Jeannie Skelly, Elliot Cronin, Andreas Karantzikos, Density Black Cat -Acoustic, John Cavaliere, Virginia Marcs, Dion, Sam Rasiotis, Xristina Sophia Ladikos, Grace Leckey, Marlon Warr, Paneto Twins, and Nami. Additional artists are still to be announced.

The centerpiece of the afternoon is 'Jenny,' a track that pairs Popp’s piano and lead vocals with a live string quartet. Popp, the frontman of Bill Popp and The Tapes, noted that the recording process was distinct from his previous work. 'I’ve always dreamed of having a real string quartet, not synthesized strings, on one of my songs, and 'Jenny' was the perfect fit,' he said. Adam von Housen arranged the strings and recorded both violin parts and viola for the track, while cellist Katie Chambers played the cello.

Popp has been a fixture in the region's music community for half a century. The new single is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. His previous solo releases and recordings with The Tapes are also on those platforms, as well as on TouchTunes jukeboxes across the United States. Physical downloads of his albums are sold through Amazon.

The event is designed as a casual gathering where guests are encouraged to leave their dating profiles at home. The lineup reflects the density of the local scene, featuring performers from Astoria and surrounding neighborhoods. The day concludes at 6:30 PM with the final scheduled performance.