Dominick Farinacci

Awarded: 2026

A Cleveland native shaped by the city's old-school jazz apprenticeship tradition, Dominick Farinacci was only 17 when Wynton Marsalis selected him for a PBS special. He soon joined Juilliard's inaugural jazz class, launched a prolific international recording career, and later served as a Global Ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center in Qatar, where he built vibrant cross-cultural musical exchanges from the ground up.

His artistic path deepened after his mother's cancer diagnosis, inspiring him to compose "A Prayer for You," which later became the centerpiece of a TED Talk at the Kennedy Center. That same spirit of empathy led to Modern Warrior LIVE, the groundbreaking production he created with U.S. Army veteran Jaymes Poling. Blending first-person storytelling, live music and film, the work explores the emotional journey of returning veterans and the universal need for mental health support. It has been performed more than 150 times and praised by leaders including General Jim Mattis.

Alongside his creative projects, Farinacci is deeply committed to shaping the future of jazz. As director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, he mentors young musicians with the same blend of artistry, discipline and compassion that defines his own career — preparing the next generation to carry the music forward with purpose and individuality.