Stephen Pishner, Italian American Member & Performer

Stephen Pishner comes from a small coal mining town in West Virginia, yet he's always has a deep pride for his Italian ancestry. He's the founder of the band AMICI, which performs some of the most recognizable Italian favorites throughout the country, in addition to performing top 40 hits. But it's his knowledge of traditional Italian music that's earned him a seat at the table as one of the most formidable musicians in the Italian genre. What caught my attention about Stephen is his genuine love of Italian music and spreading that joy wherever he goes. He's played in the Columbus Day Parade in NYC - not an easy gig to get - and has caught the attention of some of the nations top musicians. Throughout our interview, we'll also talk with Stephen about family, heritage, and the deep connection Italian Americans have to finding their roots, which Stephen has embarked upon. He says researching his family history has shaped his understanding of identity, culture, and the legacy of being Italian. We'll talk about the importance of preserving our collective Italian stories, honoring past generations and keeping traditions alive. And for Stephen, it's through music. Where will he perform next? Listen to our interview to find out where you can enjoy AMICI. Our #DeborahKobyltLIVE & #LittleItalyPodcast are available on all video and audio podcast platforms. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.