'Modern Warrior Live' Debuts at Tri-C to Honor Veterans

Musical drama on Nov. 8-9 tells story of infantryman and his transition back home

Modern Warrior Live, a drama sharing a combat veteran’s experiences through words and music, will debut Nov. 8-9 at the Eastern Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®).

The performance tells the story of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jaymes Poling, who served in Afghanistan with the 82^nd Airborne Division. Poling’s narration is accompanied by a musical score written and performed by acclaimed jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci.

The autobiographical production explores the psychological weights of war, the challenges of reintegration as a civilian and the potential for positive personal and communal growth.

The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre at Eastern Campus, located at 4250 Richmond Road in Highland Hills.

General admission tickets cost $30, or $10 for students with a school ID. Two complimentary tickets will be provided to veterans and active service members with valid military IDs. To order tickets, visit www.modernwarriorlive.com.

Modern Warrior seeks to build bridges between veterans and civilians by educating, entertaining and inspiring — all while redefining the discussion that currently surrounds those who served.

The debut performance at Eastern Campus in advance of Veterans Day reflects a shared connection between the College, Poling and Farinacci. Both men are from Northeast Ohio and attended Tri-C.

Poling grew up in Warren and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He served eight years, including 36 months over three tours in Afghanistan. He currently serves as a liaison for veterans at John Carroll University.

Farinacci’s path to becoming an international recording artist began in his hometown of Solon and the classrooms of Tri-C. He has released multiple albums, toured the world and become a leading advocate for music education.

The upcoming performance builds on Tri-C’s commitment to those who served. The College works with thousands of Northeast Ohio veterans every year through its Veterans Initiative. For more information on programs and services, visit www.tri-c.edu/veterans.

October 27, 2017

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu