A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE
Presented by
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
Ronnie Cannon
Ronnie Cannon is a respected member of the Cleveland community. He is a father, a colleague, sits on non-profit boards and serves on citywide initiatives. He is committed to making sure fellow Clevelanders know they are greater than their worst action. As a young person, Ronnie made a decision that influenced the trajectory of his life, and this experience continues to shape his actions, to the benefit of many. He came to Towards Employment in 2012 and advanced steadily – he is currently a member of the leadership Towards Employment team, serving as the Senior Manager of Community Engagement.
LaToria (Tori) Davis
Everybody has a story to tell.
And we don’t often look like what we’ve been through. When I was young, I dreamed of being a teacher – but that’s not me. I started off as a Housekeeper at University Hospitals, and I knew I wanted to grow. I got turned down 60 times for other opportunities. But I got turned down for a reason. When I got accepted as a community health worker – I knew this was the reason. I enjoy helping people, still teaching – but adults. You have to commit to your career growth. You have to be tenacious.
LaTonya Cliff
LaTonya Cliff is a Case Manager at Towards Employment working with young men and women, hoping that they can learn from their experiences and find the strength and connections needed to build a career. She knows firsthand how trauma, violence and abuse can lead to bad decisions and chaos, and as she listens to the younger participants and graduates of Towards Employment, her life and career journey provide a foundation she uses to provide council, understanding and inspiration.
Watch the Performances
Photo Gallery
Past Events
A Work & Reentry EXPERIENCE: October 7, 2025
On October 7, 2025, 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 Martin Luther King Jr. Campus.
Musicians
Dominick Farinacci, Trumpet and Creator - Modern Warrior EXPERIENCE
Dominick served as ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln from 2013-2015 in Doha, Qatar, working to further integrate music into communities around the world in culturally collaborative ways. He is a 2022 recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize, an honor previously awarded to author Toni Morrison, and Cleveland Orchestra conductors George Szell and Franz Welser-Möst. Dominick graduated from The Juilliard School in 2005 launching his career in Japan with a prolific run of twelve albums, later releasing four more globally. He has performed around the world and has been recognized by The New York Times as “a trumpeter of abundant poise.” He was a featured guest on ABC’s Good Morning America and is a TED Speaker. Dominick has been profiled in Vanity Fair, and music icon Quincy Jones said of Dominick’s accomplishments in performance, recording, education & advocacy, “This kid is 360 degrees!”
Mariama Whyte, Vocal
Mariama Whyte is a soulful vocalist, songwriter, and performer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Blending R&B, soul, gospel, and musical theatre, she has starred in national tours of The Lion King and The Color Purple, and performed alongside artists like India.Arie and Frankie Beverly. Her original music, including the EP Find Your Light, showcases messages of resilience and empowerment. Based in Cleveland, Mariama is also a passionate mentor and arts advocate, using her voice to inspire and uplift. Whether on stage or in the studio, she delivers a sound that’s both timeless and deeply personal.
Dr. David Thomas, Piano
Dr. David Thomas is a renowned pianist, composer, and educator based in Cleveland, Ohio. Known for his expressive playing and musical versatility, he blends classical, jazz, gospel, and contemporary styles with ease. A sought-after performer and collaborator, Dr. Thomas has worked with numerous artists and ensembles across the country. He holds advanced degrees in music, including a doctorate in piano performance, and is deeply committed to music education and mentorship. As a musical director and church musician, he brings both technical mastery and heartfelt emotion to every performance, making him a respected and inspiring figure in the Cleveland music community.
Jordan McBride, Bass
Jordan McBride is a bassist whose sound is shaped by the rich Philadelphia jazz scene. Starting at age 12, he studied with jazz greats like Andy McCloud and Mike Boone, later earning a spot in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and training at Settlement Music School. As a teen, he performed for figures like Mayor John Street and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, and opened for McCoy Tyner at Freddie Hubbard’s memorial. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Jordan studied under Peter Dominguez and Gerald Cannon. He has performed with Jimmy Heath, Orrin Evans, and is a founding member of the Theron Brown Trio.
Steve Renko, Drums
Steve Renko is an award-winning drummer and percussionist who began performing professionally at age 9. He has toured internationally across genres including Jazz, Rock, Blues, Afro-Cuban, and Funk, with recent performances at venues including Dizzy's Club (NYC) and The House of Blues (Chicago). A Jazz Performance graduate of The New School, Steve studied with top artists such as Matt Wilson and The Clayton Brothers. He actively tours and records with acclaimed musicians in NYC, Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford, and Detroit. His accolades include Yamaha Young Performing Artist, GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble member, and multiple national drumming competition honors.
Storytellers
Special Thanks To:
Cleveland Public Library
The George Gund Foundation
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.
