EDWINS AND TRUMPETER DOMINICK FARINACCI PARTNER TO REIGNITE CLEVELAND’S LEGENDARY NIGHTTOWN STAGE WITH NEW CONCERT SERIES

RENOWNED TRUMPETER AND CLEVELAND NATIVE TO LEAD THE NEXT CHAPTER OF JAZZ AT HISTORIC VENUE

September 3, 2025— Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, bandleader, and producer Dominick Farinacci will partner with EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute to curate and produce an ongoing concert series, ushering in the next era of world-class music programming at the former home of Nighttown, one of Cleveland’s most historic jazz venues.

The concert series will transform EDWINS’ main room into an intimate concert setting, featuring dedicated shows on select weeknights.

Over the past two decades, Farinacci has championed Cleveland’s music scene—curating performances that celebrate local talent across generations while drawing national and international musicians to the region. His vision for the new EDWINS concert series includes regular programming that:

• Honors the city’s jazz legacy and cultural richness

• Brings national artists to the EDWINS stage

• Spotlights Cleveland’s emerging musical voices

• Creates unique collaborative experiences that reflect EDWINS’ values

This new music initiative is an expansion that builds on the organization’s groundbreaking mission to empower formerly incarcerated individuals through education, employment, and wraparound support. “Dominick’s commitment to excellence and his deep roots in the Cleveland music community make this a perfect fit,” said Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS, and 2025 recipient of the James Beard Impact Award. “At EDWINS, we believe in second chances, in elevating voices, and in creating spaces where transformation happens. Now, with Farinacci curating and producing this new series, we are deepening our role as a hub for creativity, connection, and community.”

Dominick will kick off this new initiative with a performance with his band at EDWINS on Tuesday, September 9. Confirmed shows so far include legendary national artists, Cleveland jazz icons, the rising star vocalist from New York City Stella Cole, as well as Jim Caruso’s Cast Party – a cornerstone of New York City Broadway nightlife for more than 20 years. The 20-year New Year’s Eve concert tradition will also return.

A complete listing can be found at edwinsrestaurant.org/music, and new shows will be announced regularly.

“My passion across every aspect of my career has a consistent thread—to use music as a force for connection, growth, and community,” said Farinacci. “EDWINS is a place rooted in transformation and excellence, and I’m honored to partner with Brandon and his team to extend that mission into the music.”

Founded in 2007, EDWINS—short for Education Wins—has become a national model for reentry support, providing culinary and hospitality training, life skills, housing, legal assistance, and job placement for formerly incarcerated individuals. Its award-winning French restaurant, butcher shop, and bakery not only serve exceptional cuisine but also serve as vehicles for personal transformation and community reintegration.

Dominick Farinacci ranks among the most acclaimed trumpeters of his generation, with a list of career achievements that push beyond the conventional notions of recognition for a jazz musician. A Cleveland native and graduate of The Juilliard School, he has been recognized by Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis, has been profiled by The New York Times, is a recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize, and is known internationally for blending artistry with advocacy and education.

The venue—formerly home to Nighttown—has a long-standing place in Cleveland’s jazz history. “Nighttown was so incredibly important for our Cleveland music scene and community for decades, and I have deep respect and admiration for the legacy built by Jim Wadsworth and Brendan Ring,” Farinacci said. “It’s impossible to recreate the Nighttown era, but I’m committed to carrying forward its spirit—taking the best of what made it special and building a new chapter with Brandon and the EDWINS team.”

“This is about creating a space where artistry, community, and second chances thrive together,” said Chrostowski. “Guests already come to EDWINS for extraordinary food and purpose—soon, they’ll stay for unforgettable music.”

ABOUT EDWINS LEADERSHIP & RESTAURANT INSTITUTE

EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute provides formerly incarcerated adults with a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industries and the support network necessary for long-term success. Founded by Brandon E. Chrostowski, a 2025 James Beard Impact Award winner, 2016 James Beard Award Finalist, 2016 CNN Hero and 2020 IFMA Silver Plate honoree, the Cleveland-based training program ensures that participants are equipped with basic culinary skills from its fine French eatery, Butcher Shop and Bakery & Diner. Employment assistance, as well as free housing, legal services, basic medical care, clothing, job coaching, literacy programs and more are offered. EDWINS curriculum, textbooks and videos are available in all 30 Ohio prisons and on over 400,000 tablets nationwide, with over 24,000 incarcerated individuals having completed the tablet program. As the subject of the 2018 Academy Award nominated documentary, Knife Skills, EDWINS has graduated 645 students to date, with a 95% employment rate and a recidivism rate of just 2%.

Learn more about EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute HERE.

ABOUT DOMINICK FARINACCI

Dominick Farinacci ranks among the most acclaimed trumpeters of his generation, with a list of career achievements that push beyond the conventional notions of recognition for a jazz musician. Described by The New York Times as “a trumpeter of abundant poise,” he has led international tours, collaborated with top global artists, and created music-driven programs that inspire community impact.

A Juilliard alumnus, he has released more than 20 albums, including chart-topping work in Japan, and served as Ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center. He also delivered a TED Talk on music and mental health, released “Short Stories,” produced by legendary producer Tommy LiPuma, and created the nationally acclaimed production Modern Warrior LIVE, an immersive theatre experience that intersects music and mental health.

Farinacci also leads the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, home for precollege jazz education in the Cleveland community, working to nurture and guide the next generation of musicians in his hometown. He is a recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize.

Learn more about Dominick Farinacci HERE

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Stacey Vaselaney at (216) 905-0908.

For more information please contact Samantha Tillman, Kate Rakvic, Grace Jacobsak or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.