Almost every Friday night for nearly 24 years, Mel Stiller has been stationed behind the piano at Jacob Wirth, leading a raucous sing-along at the beloved Theatre District restaurant.

“I might take one off a year,” says Stiller, who loves his weekly engagement, has gotten to know his regulars by name, and has happily watched patrons go from first date to marriage. “Believe it or not, a lot of friendships have grown over the years.”