Guest Artist

With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice” (Jazz Police), award-winning jazz vocalist Nicole Zuraitis has captivated audiences worldwide and has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after artists of the moment. The New York-based jazz singer-songwriter and pianist recently sold out Dizzy’s Club in her Jazz at Lincoln Center bandleader debut. 

Winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal, Nicole has established herself as a staple on the New York jazz scene, headlining such venues as Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy’s, and more. As a touring artist, she has made a significant mark on the global modern jazz landscape, appearing as a featured soloist with Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, and other noted pops orchestras. Additionally, she has played and sung with iconic singers such as Morgan James and Darren Criss.

In 2020, she was named in the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine, and her weekly livestream during the Covid-19 crisis, “Virtual Piano Lounge,” was featured in Forbes Magazine.

Nicole’s critically acclaimed 2018 release, Hive Mind (Dot Time Records), earned the title of ‘Best Jazz Album’ in the 2018 International Music and Entertainment Awards. She was a finalist in the International Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition, and her original composition “The Coffee Song” won the New York City Coffee Music Project Songwriting Competition. Nicole has collaborated with an extensive list of luminaries, including Cyrille Aimee, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Stryker, Livingston Taylor, Tom Chapin, Omar Hakim, Melanie Safka, Helen Sung, and Bernard Purdie. She is a proud educator and teaches jazz and songwriting worldwide, having held positions at Berklee College of Music, SAM in India, The Australian Embassy, and the Lithuanian Consulate. She currently serves on faculty at New York University.