Modern Warrior LIVE is one of 26 organizations nationwide selected to receive The National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant.

…an innovative and compelling approach of communicating that Post-Traumatic Stress can result in Post-Traumatic Growth.
— — Mark Otto, Executive Director, United War Veterans Council

Modern Warrior LIVE is an immersive music and narrative experience that chronicles the story of US Army veteran Jaymes Poling and his journey through three deployments in Afghanistan and subsequent transition back home. Narrated by Poling, this autobiographical production weaves together his story with a cast of world-class artists in multiple genres led by internationally-acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci. This production shares a personal and emotional journey of the challenges of military service and the experience veterans face when they return back home, and it is a catalyst for meaningful conversation about mental health.

M WL was created by Dominick Farinacci and Jaymes Poling in 2017, and has since been presented more than 125 times across the country. Modern Warrior LIVE has reached more than 10,000 veterans, 30,000 civilians, and has connected more than 4,000 veterans to veteran and mental health service providers.

HIGHLIGHTING SHARED HUMAN EXPERIENCE, RESILIENCY AND HOPE.

Logos of venues where Modern Warrior Live has performed.

Where We’ve Performed

Modern Warrior Live debuted in 2017, and has since done more than 125 live performances around the country. Venues include theaters, mental health and veteran conferences, galas, high schools and trauma centers.

The artists and veterans posing for a group photo.

OUR MISSION

Modern Warrior LIVE is a national 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to break down societal barriers that leave veterans feeling alone. Through the use of an immersive narrative and music experience, we provide a catalyst for meaningful conversation about mental health, post-traumatic growth, resiliency, and the veteran experience.

Man holding a film slate.

ON FILM

We have completed our new Modern Warrior LIVE film featuring our full performance, shot specifically for big screens and streaming online.

Veteran holding a microphone.

Modern Warrior Experience

Using our unique narrative, music and multimedia model for storytelling, our team of writers and artists work with each veteran to help share the story they want to share, through their own words, culminating in a live performance and filming of each veteran with our modern warrior team.

The Modern Warrior Live team posing for a group photo.

MEET THE ARTISTS

Meet the internationally-acclaimed artists and production team of Modern Warrior LIVE.

What People Are Saying

 

“One of the most moving, touching experiences regarding war that I’ve felt since returning from Vietnam 46 years ago!”

— Attendee

 

“Having lost my son to suicide, this performance brought me peace.”

— Attendee

“The show is like nothing else I've ever experienced; it is a genre unto its own. I was so entirely captivated by the interplay of the story with the music that I did not breathe for large sections of this performance.”


— Attendee

 

“Modern Warrior reminds veterans they are not victims and that they can use their experiences to grow and make significant contributions to society.”

— Anthony Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2001 - 2005)

Media & Sponsorship Inquires

programs@modernwarriorlive.org

Performances, Screenings & General Inquiries

please use the form in this section.