GRAMMY Award-winning contemporary jazz vocalist and composer Nicole Zuraitis (Nicole Zuraitis Music, who grew up in Litchfield and has family here, is nominated for two more GRAMMYS this year.
Winners will be announced this Sunday, Feb. 1, at the awards show in Los Angeles.
“Live at Vic’s Las Vegas” is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and with other artists Nicole is nominated in the Best Jazz Performance category for “All Stars Lead To You – Live.”
Nicole won a GRAMMY Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2024 for her album, “How Love Begins,” a testament to her masterful vocal control, heartfelt storytelling, and innovative arrangements.
She then won a 2025 GRAMMY with her husband, drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, for the album “Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws and Persistence.” (The album is part of the couple’s ongoing efforts to save and raise awareness for shelter dogs.)
This year’s nominations bring Nicole’s total GRAMMY nominations to six.
See the full list of GRAMMY nominations: https://www.grammy.com/news/2026-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list
Nicole was born in Waterbury and grew up in Litchfield. Her parents live in town and her mother, Jeanette, tends the bar at American Legion Post 27.
She credits her Connecticut music educators for fostering her talent, particularly through her early experiences at the Litchfield Jazz Camp which she began attending at age 12 – going on to star later in the Litchfield Jazz Festival
She honed her craft at the prestigious New York University where she studied jazz vocal performance and composition, and then immersed herself in the vibrant New York jazz scene, performing in renowned clubs and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians.
What truly sets Nicole apart is her unique blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth. She effortlessly navigates complex melodies and improvisations, all while infusing her performances with a captivating sincerity. Her songwriting often delves into personal experiences and observations, creating a relatable and engaging connection with her audience.
Beyond her solo work, Nicole is also a sought-after collaborator and an accomplished bandleader, demonstrating her versatility and leadership within the jazz community.
Area residents have a chance to see her Feb. 7 at the American Mural Project in Winsted. Details are here: https://www.facebook.com/events/3386368094845342
Learn more about her and see Nicole’s full schedule on her website: https://www.nicolezmusic.com/