BEHIND THE LINES: A 9/11 STORY
TO PREMIERE AT THE
9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM ON JUNE 10
LISTEN TO INTERVIEW—WBGO.ORG
RENOWNED MUSICIAN UNITES FDNY FIREFIGHTER AND COMBAT VETERAN IN NEW PRODUCTION
EXPLORES SERVICE, LOSS AND RESILIENCE IN THE WAKE OF 9/11 AND FOLLOWING WARS
May 18, 2026—A special performance of Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story will be presented at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on June 10, 2026 at 6:00pm. Set against the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is a moving story and musical production exploring service, loss, meaning, and the human capacity to endure.
More info and RSVP to attend HERE.
Watch a trailer HERE.
Led by internationally acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, the production features retired FDNY firefighter Bill Spade—the only surviving responder from Rescue 5. “Every time I meet someone, they want to tell me where they were and what they were doing on 9/11. No matter what your story is or where you were, that day connected us all and sharing our stories is the only way to guarantee that we will never forget,” says Spade.
The show also features combat veteran Jaymes Poling, who fought for three years in Afghanistan. He describes, “When we share our stories in an honest way, illuminating both the highs and lows, we better understand ourselves and allow the audience to see themselves in our shared lived experience. Through that connection, we fight isolation, while building community and resilience.”
Together, Spade and Poling relive their experiences, revealing a shared bond shaped by service, resilience, and the enduring spirit of unity born from tragedy.
Their stories, woven together with a powerful musical performance by Farinacci and a cast of renowned musicians, unite audiences in remembrance and reflection. “It’s incredibly powerful hearing directly from individuals who served our country during these defining moments in history,” Farinacci details. “Music allows us to express the emotion and humanity beneath their words, creating a deeper connection that invites audiences not only to hear these stories, but to truly feel them.”
This production was created by Farinacci & Poling and is directed by Emmett Murphy.
With this year marking the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the creators of the production hope it will inspire a renewed commitment to memorializing those killed and impacted by 9/11, honoring who gave so much in its aftermath, and continuing to educate and connect generations of Americans for years to come.
About Dominick Farinacci:
Dominick Farinacci is among the most acclaimed trumpeters of his generation and launched an international career while in Juilliard’s inaugural jazz studies program. He has released 17 albums worldwide, served as ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center, is a recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Arts Prize, and was invited to present a TED Talk at the Kennedy Center focused on music and mental health. Described by The New York Times as “...a trumpeter of abundant poise,” who “plays beautifully, with expressive control” and “brings true musicality,” Farinacci has built a career that bridges artistic excellence with storytelling, education, and productions centered on resilience, human connection, and the transformative power of music.
About Jaymes Poling:
Jaymes Poling brings to Modern Warrior LIVE the firsthand perspective of a three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne. After confronting the loss of friends, the realities of war, and the isolation many veterans face after service, he discovered the power of storytelling, music, and public speaking to help others move forward. Enlisting at 17, Jaymes served eight years as an infantryman, machine gunner, and squad leader at Fort Bragg. Through Modern Warrior productions and speaking engagements nationwide, he has engaged communities, veterans, and active-duty soldiers in conversations around resilience, connection, and mental health.
About Bill Spade:
Featured on CBS Sunday Morning and the BBC, Bill Spade is a lifelong New Yorker and 9/11 first responder. On September 11, 2001, he deployed to the World Trade Center with FDNY Rescue Company 5 - alongside eleven members of his unit - and was the only survivor. In the years since, Bill has spoken candidly about life after 9/11, including survivor’s guilt, raising two young sons, and the counseling and support that helped him move forward.
Before 9/11, Bill devoted his life to public service - first as an NYPD officer, then as an FDNY firefighter. After joining the NYPD in 1984, he transitioned to the FDNY and spent the next decade responding to major emergencies across New York City.
Bill’s commitment to remembrance and education continues today. He has been a docent at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for more than 10 years, dedicated to ensuring 9/11 is never forgotten.
About Modern Warrior LIVE:
Modern Warrior LIVE is a nonprofit organization that produces and presents live performances
featuring veterans and first responders together with world-class musicians. Through story, music and theatre, these productions honor veterans and first responders, support those navigating mental health challenges, and unites communities in remembering the moments that shape a nation. Created by internationally acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci & U.S. military veteran Jaymes Poling, MWL brings to the stage those who have served our country to share their lived experiences with honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering courage. MWL performances have reached more than 40,000 people, and have connected more than 3,000 individuals to mental health resources. Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story is the latest production of Modern Warrior LIVE
About 9/11 Memorial & Museum:
A quarter century after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. Through preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and service, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world.
For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org.
For more information please contact
Samantha Tillman, Kate Rakvic, Grace Jacobsak or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.
