We give individuals a platform to share their stories of trauma and their resilient paths forward, working to tear down barriers to stigma and communication, and in doing so carve a path for others hoping for a better tomorrow,”
Dominick Farinacci, Musician
When the bell rings and an opportunity like this comes up – am I ready? This was a chance for me to speak not just for myself, but to inspire countless other people to lift up their own unique stories. Sharing my story lets me bring a voice to the voiceless – ‘if I can do it, you can to’ – so when that bell of opportunity rings – they are ready!”
Ronnie Cannon, Storyteller
What is A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE?
Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist, Cleveland native and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, has partnered with Towards Employment to create a live performances in collaboration with TE Alumni with involvement in the criminal justice system who faced barriers to finding jobs and careers. This heart wrenching, inspirational and joyous Work and Reentry EXPERIENCE holds up the words of the four storytellers using Modern Warrior LIVE’s innovative and immersive model of storytelling, music, and multimedia.
Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE & Dominick Farinacci
Recipient of the 2022 Cleveland Arts Prize, a TED Speaker, and headliner in the 2024 Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, Dominick Farinacci co-created the national touring production Modern Warrior LIVE, a production that provides a catalyst for meaningful conversation about stigma, mental health, post- traumatic growth, and resiliency. Using Modern Warrior LIVE’s innovative, integrated and immersive model of storytelling, music, and visual multimedia, the Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE is part of a series of storytelling collaborations that lift community stories of resonance and healing.
Meet the Storytellers
Watch the Performances
Past Events
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE: October 28, 2024
On October 28, 2024, Dominick Farinacci and the musicians of Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE partnered with Towards Employment and four Clevelanders for a free performance of A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE hosted at the Cleveland Public Library's newly opened Hough Library Campus.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacci, Trumpet / MWE Creator
Emmett Murphy, Director
Shenel Johns, Vocal
Richard Johnson, Piano
Jordan McBride, Bass
Gabe Jones, Drums
Steve Madden, Production Manager
Storytellers
Special Thanks To:
Cleveland Public Library
Fatima Family Center
The George Gund Foundation
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE at A Chance to Advance: June 14, 2024
On June 14, 2024, A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE headlined at Towards Employment's 2024 Annual Event: A Chance to Advance.
Dominick Farinacci and the musicians of of Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE partnered with Towards Employment and three Clevelanders for a performance of A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE hosted at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacchi, trumpet & MWE creator
Emmett Murphy, Director, MWE
Shenel Johns, Vocals
Jonathan Thomas, Piano
Oscar Lacombe, Bass
Gabe Jones, Drums
Storytellers
Thank you to our 2024 A Chance to Advance Sponsors:
Advancing
us bank
keybank
Mobility
thompson hine
jp morgan chase
swagelok
Training
cleveland.com - advance ohio
bank of america
brookfield
d'amore
huntington
jill and joe
weiss
r4
nordson
rpm
fisher phillips
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE Watch Party: October 22, 2023
On June 17, 2023, Dominick Farinacci and the musicians of of Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE partnered with Towards Employment and four Clevelanders for a watch party of the first full performance of A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE hosted at in the Greg L. Reese Performing Arts Center at the East Cleveland Public Library. A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE performance was made possible through the contributions of Char & Chuck Family Foundation.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacchi, trumpet & MWL creator
Jaymes Poling, narrator & MWL creator
Emmett Murphy, director
Jonathan Thomas, piano
Akua Allrich, vocal
Jordan McBride, bass
Gabe Jones, drums
Patrick Graney, percussion
Storytellers
Made possible by the The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation. The Char & Chuck Fowler Foundation is committed to helping create an equitable Northeast Ohio by funding and partnering with organizations that elevate community assets, dismantle barriers to opportunity, and create a vibrant environment.
Special Thanks To:
Carlos Latimer, Executive Director, East Cleveland Public Library
Greg L. Reese, Artistic Director, The Greg L. Reese Performing Arts Center
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE: June 17, 2023
On June 17, 2023, Dominick Farinacci and the musicians of of Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE partnered with Towards Employment and four Clevelanders for the first full performance of A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE hosted at in the Greg L. Reese Performing Arts Center at the East Cleveland Public Library. This first performance was made possible through the contributions of Char & Chuck Family Foundation. This performance was recorded and shared free for the public during a watch party on October 22, 2023.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacchi, trumpet & MWL creator
Jaymes Poling, narrator & MWL creator
Emmett Murphy, director
Jonathan Thomas, piano
Akua Allrich, vocal
Jordan McBride, bass
Gabe Jones, drums
Patrick Graney, percussion
Storytellers
Made possible by the The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation. The Char & Chuck Fowler Foundation is committed to helping create an equitable Northeast Ohio by funding and partnering with organizations that elevate community assets, dismantle barriers to opportunity, and create a vibrant environment.
Special Thanks To:
Carlos Latimer, Executive Director, East Cleveland Public Library
Greg L. Reese, Artistic Director, The Greg L. Reese Performing Arts Center
World-Premiere at A Chance to Advance: June 7, 2023
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE had it's world premiere at Towards Employments 2023 Annual Event: A Chance to Advance.
Dominick Farinacci and the musicians of of Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE partnered with Towards Employment and one of the four Cleveland storytellers for the inaugural performance of A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE hosted at The Agora Theatre. This premiere performance was made possible through the contributions of Char & Chuck Family Foundation.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacchi, trumpet & MWL creator
Jaymes Poling, narrator & MWL creator
Emmett Murphy, director
Jonathan Thomas, piano
Akua Allrich, vocal
Jordan McBride, bass
Gabe Jones, drums
Patrick Graney, percussion
Storytellers
Made possible by the The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation. The Char & Chuck Fowler Foundation is committed to helping create an equitable Northeast Ohio by funding and partnering with organizations that elevate community assets, dismantle barriers to opportunity, and create a vibrant environment.
Press Releases
Experience the Power of Cleveland’s Stories and Music on October 28
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Adaora Schmiedl, 216-696-7310, aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org Cleveland, OH – [October 21, 2024] Celebrate the power of Cleveland’s people at an inspirational and meaningful live performance where world-renowned jazz artist Dominick Farinacci of Modern Warrior LIVE partners with Towards Employment, a Cleveland-based non-profit helping people-including those with past justice involvement- connect to equitable…
Press Release: Amazing CLE Experience – World Class Jazz Meets Real Life Stories
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Adaora Schmiedl, 216-401-6883, aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org June 4, 2024 – CLEVELAND – Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist, Cleveland native and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, is no stranger to the world jazz stage. Towards Employment, founded in 1976 to support Clevelanders in their efforts to keep a job, and evolving over the…
Free Watch Party This Sunday: Film Holds Up Challenges & Triumphs Of Work & Reentry Experiences for 4 Clevelanders
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Adaora Schmiedl, 216-696-7310, aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org October 16, 2023 – CLEVELAND – Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist, Cleveland native and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, partnered with Towards Employment in June to create a live performance in collaboration with four Clevelanders with involvement in the criminal justice system who faced barriers to…
Innovative Partnership Brings Challenges, Triumph and Healing Moments to Cleveland stage on June 17 with Work & Reentry Experience
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Adaora Schmiedl, 216-696-7310, aschmiedl@towardsemployment.org Innovative Partnership Brings Challenges, Triumph and Healing Moments to Cleveland stage on June 17 with Work & Reentry Experience June 2, 2023 – CLEVELAND – Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist, Cleveland native and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, is partnering with Towards Employment to create a…
