By MICHAEL P. WALSH
Public Relations Information Coordinator
Grammy-winning resident Nicole Zuraitis received a citation from Mayor Dorinda Borer recognizing Zuraitis’ “exceptionally meritorious musical excellence” and her contributions to the arts community during a reception at City Hall on June 26.
Borer was joined by City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, D-at large, Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, D-2, and Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, in the City Council chambers to bestow the citation on Zuraitis, who won best jazz vocal album for “How Love Begins” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.
The album, released in July 2023, was written and arranged by Zuraitis, a native of Litchfield who now lives on the West Haven shoreline.
She dedicated the album to “preservation and conservation of my backyard, Long Island Sound and proceeds of the record are donated to Save the Sound.Org.”
Zuraitis’ infectious smile lit up the room as Borer and the council members honored the award-winning vocalist/pianist, whose arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” co-written with drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a Grammy in 2019.
The mayor praised the “talented” Zuraitis before presenting the citation.
“We are so proud of calling Nicole a resident of West Haven,” Borer said. “You represent what’s not only creative and good in West Haven, but your cool vibe gives us all an uplift.”
The reception was attended by a number of city employees and officials and included a cake with “Congratulations” and musical notes in blue frosting, along with cookies, fresh fruit and lemonade.
Reading the citation to Zuraitis, Borer said, “I applaud your commitment to setting an example for aspiring young artists to follow and to supporting others in the music industry and in our thriving arts community.”
Zuraitis, holding back tears, was overwhelmed by West Haven’s goodwill gesture, thanking the mayor and the city she’s called home for five years and counting.
“I speak about the beauty of West Haven wherever I go,” she said. “This is the best-kept secret in all of the East Coast.”
Zuraitis was accompanied by her parents, Brett and Jeanette Zuraitis, of Litchfield, and members of the arts community, including Elinor Slomba, the director of ArtsWestCT.
“Nicole’s an incredibly generous spirit, and to see her honored this way warms my heart,” Slomba said.
Zuraitis expressed optimism about West Haven’s burgeoning arts and music scene, and she and Borer hinted at the potential of bringing a world-class jazz festival to the city’s shoreline next summer.