JazzFest 2026 - Dominick Farinacci & Jon Thomas
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Dominick Farinacci
Dominick Farinacci is one of the most acclaimed trumpeters and educators of his generation. Born and raised in Cleveland, Farinacci was just 17 when mentor Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform. While still a Juilliard student, Farinacci began recording and leading bands, first in Japan — where he released eight albums in rapid succession — and then internationally.
At Marsalis’ request, Farinacci directed a branch of Jazz at Lincoln Center in Doha, Qatar, from 2012 to 2016. His 2016 album Short Stories, produced with industry legend Tommy LiPuma, showcased his lyrical phrasing and sophisticated sound. In 2022, his hometown recognized his contributions with the Cleveland Arts Prize, the city’s most prestigious honor.
For Farinacci, however, accolades are secondary to the human impact of music. In 2011, after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, he composed “A Prayer for You,” a serene, heartfelt melody that later inspired his TED Talk at the Kennedy Center in 2014. A decade later, he recorded the piece with his group TRIAD.
Farinacci is also the co-creator of Modern Warrior, alongside combat veteran Jaymes Poling, blending music, storytelling and theater to explore personal narratives of service, loss and resilience. Their critically acclaimed flagship show, Modern Warrior LIVE, has toured nationally with more than 150 performances. The company’s latest work, Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story, brings together Poling and firefighter Bill Spade, the sole survivor of FDNY Rescue Company 5, reflecting on the enduring weight of service.
Farinacci also dedicates himself to education as director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy in Cleveland. He mentors young artists to pursue both artistic excellence and personal well-being.
Farinacci has established himself as a musician, educator and storyteller whose influence extends far beyond the trumpet. Whether through global performances, transformative educational programs or deeply personal compositions, he continues to inspire audiences and emerging artists alike.
Jon Thomas
Deemed “stunningly good” by The New York Times, pianist Jon Thomas has emerged as one of the most ardent and gifted rising voices in jazz. A graduate of The Juilliard School’s jazz program (Master of Music, 2019), led by Wynton Marsalis, he has performed with Jason Marsalis, Samara Joy, Curtis Lundy, Marquis Hill, Melanie Charles, Dominick Farinacci, Benny Benack III, Walter Blanding, Jazzmeia Horn and Robin McKelle, among other leading artists.
Thomas appears regularly at top New York jazz venues, including the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club and Minton’s Playhouse, and he is also a frequent presence at international jazz festivals. He studied with renowned pianists Benny Green, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Dan Nimmer, Aaron Parks and Taylor Eigsti. Thomas is also a graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2017) and is based in New York City.
Dominick Farinacci is one of the most acclaimed trumpeters and educators of his generation. Born and raised in Cleveland, Farinacci was just 17 when mentor Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform. While still a Juilliard student, Farinacci began recording and leading bands, first in Japan — where he released eight albums in rapid succession — and then internationally.
At Marsalis’ request, Farinacci directed a branch of Jazz at Lincoln Center in Doha, Qatar, from 2012 to 2016. His 2016 album Short Stories, produced with industry legend Tommy LiPuma, showcased his lyrical phrasing and sophisticated sound. In 2022, his hometown recognized his contributions with the Cleveland Arts Prize, the city’s most prestigious honor.
For Farinacci, however, accolades are secondary to the human impact of music. In 2011, after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, he composed “A Prayer for You,” a serene, heartfelt melody that later inspired his TED Talk at the Kennedy Center in 2014. A decade later, he recorded the piece with his group TRIAD.
Farinacci is also the co-creator of Modern Warrior, alongside combat veteran Jaymes Poling, blending music, storytelling and theater to explore personal narratives of service, loss and resilience. Their critically acclaimed flagship show, Modern Warrior LIVE, has toured nationally with more than 150 performances. The company’s latest work, Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story, brings together Poling and firefighter Bill Spade, the sole survivor of FDNY Rescue Company 5, reflecting on the enduring weight of service.
Farinacci also dedicates himself to education as director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy in Cleveland. He mentors young artists to pursue both artistic excellence and personal well-being.
Farinacci has established himself as a musician, educator and storyteller whose influence extends far beyond the trumpet. Whether through global performances, transformative educational programs or deeply personal compositions, he continues to inspire audiences and emerging artists alike.
Jon Thomas
Deemed “stunningly good” by The New York Times, pianist Jon Thomas has emerged as one of the most ardent and gifted rising voices in jazz. A graduate of The Juilliard School’s jazz program (Master of Music, 2019), led by Wynton Marsalis, he has performed with Jason Marsalis, Samara Joy, Curtis Lundy, Marquis Hill, Melanie Charles, Dominick Farinacci, Benny Benack III, Walter Blanding, Jazzmeia Horn and Robin McKelle, among other leading artists.
Thomas appears regularly at top New York jazz venues, including the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club and Minton’s Playhouse, and he is also a frequent presence at international jazz festivals. He studied with renowned pianists Benny Green, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Dan Nimmer, Aaron Parks and Taylor Eigsti. Thomas is also a graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2017) and is based in New York City.
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Where is it happening?
Hanna Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherTri-C JazzFest Cleveland
