Nicole Zuraitis | Vocals
A Grammy-nominated musician and vocal chameleon, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal Nicole Zuraitis continues to establish herself as an undeniable force in the modern jazz landscape of both NYC and beyond. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police) Nicole’s effervescent personality and boundless enthusiasm for sharing the joy of music keep her audiences thrilled.
Nicole is the premier vocalist for both the Birdland Big Band and the Dan Pugach Nonet and headlines iconic NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle and the late, great 55 bar. Her co-produced collaboration, How Love Begins with bassist and 8x Grammy Award winner Christian McBride, is set to release July 7th, 2023, and features all-original compositions and the talents of some of the jazz world’s best. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony and other noted pops orchestras, as well as supported with piano and vocals by iconic singers such as Morgan James and Darren Criss. Nicole regularly plays Birdland, The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Carlyle, 54 Below, and 55 Bar in New York City.
In 2019, Nicole was nominated for a GRAMMY alongside her husband, renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, for their arrangement and performance of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” In 2020, Forbes Magazine featured Nicole’s pandemic pivot project, “Virtual Piano Lounge Plus One” and was featured in the Connecticut Magazine 2020 “40 under 40” list.
Nicole has performed throughout America and the world, including such places as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, Savannah Jazz Festival, Saratoga Jazz Festival, Klaipeda Jazz (Lithuania), and Port Ferry Festival (Australia). Her many collaborations include work with the likes of Christian McBride, David Cook, Morgan James, Darren Criss, Gilad Hekselman, Kabir Sehgal, Cyrille Aimee, Antonio Sanchez, Don Braden, Livingston Taylor, Omar Hakim, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Melanie Safka, Ryan Keberle, Benny Benack, and Bernard Purdie.
Nicole is a proud faculty member at New York University and SUNY Purchase. She is also vocal faculty at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and has taught songwriting and jazz vocal workshops worldwide, along with college workshop residencies and masterclasses at the University of North Texas and the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
An ardent activist with a decade-long track record of giving back, her album release coincides with a self-produced day-long fundraiser for Save the Sound. Org at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport, CT on July 8th, 2023.
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