video

21Jun2023Blog postPBS, Sky Blue Sky, video, WHYY

Celebrate summer with Sky Blue Sky

Happy First Day of Summer!

Celebrate with this performance of Sky Blue Sky, recorded for PBS and WHYY, as part of their acoustic House Concert Video Series. Download the song today and let it be the soundtrack to your exotic getaway / romantic staycation

Watch it here: https://whyy.org/episodes/avi-wisnia/

Stream & Download the song here: https://aviwisnia.bandcamp.com/track/sky-blue-sky-bonus-track

21May2023Blog post, My Polish Wisniaeducation, How Saba Kept Singing, My Polish Wisnia, PBS, premiere, RetroReport, video, Youtube

How To Watch “How Saba Kept Singing”

The feature documentary about my family
“How Saba Kept Singing” is now available EVERYWHERE!

You can find the full version available to stream on YouTube.

Watch the documentary trailer:

Watch the full documentary:

This is the Director’s Cut (79min), the same version that has been screened in theaters, with over 20 additional minutes that could not fit on TV for the PBS broadcast – this version includes more songs, music by both me and my Saba, more details, more context, and a pretty decent joke about a first-class banana.

After the premiere on PBS, the producers at Retro Report have decided this story is too important and should be accessible to everyone. And we agree.

I hope everyone gets to see this film, to take it in to your hearts, to think about it and talk about it, and to meet my Saba. If you missed it on PBS, or if you just want to see it again and SHARE it – now you can!

The world needs to hear this story. Watch it HERE.

“Musician David “Saba” Wisnia believed that he survived the horrors of Auschwitz by entertaining the Nazi guards with his beautiful singing voice. Join David and his grandson Avi Wisnia as the pair embark on a journey exploring the mystery of Saba’s past and discover that someone unexpected may have had a hand in saving his life.”
Directed by Sara Taksler, and produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.

Teachers! Educators! Community Leaders!

“How Saba Kept Singing” is now available with Education Resources, Lessons Plans, Film Clips and Discussion Guides – along with short clips and the film itself. Consider incorporating the documentary into your curriculum this year. Join the journey with my grandfather to learn about the Holocaust.

Access everything for free:
>> www.retroreport.org/education/resources/how-saba-kept-singing-film-screening

“Classroom resources accompanying Retro Report’s documentary “How Saba Kept Singing” will help students gain a deeper understanding of life at the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp; explore the connections in music, humanity and perseverance; and examine how anti-Semitism has evolved through modern history.” Resources are divided up by age group, theme, and activity.

Please share this link with your friends, educators, school districts and communities.
Let us make sure that future generations Never Forget.

You can find all education resources and read more about the film HERE.

The Wisnias had a Watch Party for the National PBS Premiere of our family feature documentary
How Saba Kept Singing.
Thank you for watching with us!!

Read more about David Wisnia’s story of survival with his memoir ONE VOICE TWO LIVES.

Read more about our travels & the music we made together by visiting the page MY POLISH WISNIA.

Read more about How “SABA” Became A Film.

27Mar2023Blog post, My Polish Wisniadocumentary, Film, How Saba Kept Singing, My Polish Wisnia, NMAJH, Philadelphia, premiere, video, Weitzman Museum

How Saba Kept Singing Philadelphia Premiere

You are invited to the Philly Premiere of
How Saba Kept Singing

Many of you know that I performed with my grandfather for many years before he passed away. One of the last trips we took together was to Poland in 2020 to perform one last time. That journey has now been turned into an amazing feature documentary, and I’d like to invite you to come see it!

“HOW SABA KEPT SINGING” will have a theater screening (APR 13) in Philadelphia, in advance of a TV premiere (*edited for time) on PBS! (APR 18)

The feature documentary follows our Wisnia family as we recently travelled back to Poland with my grandfather David, my “Saba,” and reveals the many ways he survived the Holocaust. Not only does the film tell my late grandfather’s incredible story, it also incorporates music by Saba and me, including a song he wrote while a prisoner in Auschwitz which I translated into English.

I hope you will join me and my family at this hometown screening, and help us spread the word about the film so that everyone can hear my grandfather’s story.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Sara Taksler and Avi Wisnia, David’s grandson. The Q&A will end with a special musical performance from Avi. All in attendance are invited to a casual post-film reception with the Wisnia family, including wine and food to celebrate the end of Passover.
*This film screening is likely to sell out, advance reservations recommended.*

Tickets and Information: https://theweitzman.org/events/how-saba-kept-singing/

For those unable to attend the Philly Premiere, you can catch it on PBS TV just a few days later. The documentary will air on Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day, Tuesday April 18 at 10pm ET /9pm CT in the United States (check your local listings).

How To Watch: Download the PBS app on your phone, tablet, or TV streaming device and access programs with PBS Passport. Check local listings for broadcast details in your area as times may vary. Read more at: https://www.pbs.org/show/how-saba-kept-singing/

You can read more about our travels together by going to the blog at MY POLISH WISNIA.

Ron Sexsmith and Avi Wisnia on stage at World Cafe Feb2023

20Feb2023Blog postgigs, melodica, Philadelphia, pics, Ron Sexsmith, video, World Cafe Live

Scenes From The Ron Sexsmith Show

Always bring a melodica.

You never know when you’ll be called back on stage for a duet. It was an honor and an absolute joy to open for Ron Sexsmith at World Cafe Live, and then to be invited to join him during his set, to play on one of my favorite songs from his latest album. Thank You Philly for coming out and making this such a special night.

Here’s a video of that moment and that song “When Our Love Was New,” complete with intro about snuggling with your tour manager.

Some more highlights from the concert…

11Feb2022Blog postinterview, Philadelphia, press, Radio, Rusty and Jan Show, video

Featured Guest on the Rusty and Jan Show

Thanks to the fantastic folk duo Rusty and Jan for having me on as the first guest for their new radio show featuring Philadelphia music. Catch the interview with some of my featured songs from the new album Catching Leaves, now on YouTube:

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