Litchfield Jazz Camp Faculty and Alumni Shine at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards

The 2025 GRAMMY Awards were a triumphant evening for the Litchfield Jazz family, as many of its esteemed faculty members and alumni took home top honors in jazz categories.

Dan Pugach w/ Nicole Zuraitis – Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
Dan Pugach, leader of the Dan Pugach Big Band, won the GRAMMY for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album with Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws And Persistence. The album, co-produced and featuring longtime Litchfield Jazz Camp vocal instructor Nicole Zuraitis, bested four other exceptional nominees.

Nicole, who first attended Litchfield Jazz Camp at age 12 as a trombonist, has built an impressive career as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. In 2024, she won the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Album, making history as the first artist to write, sing, produce, independently record, and promote a winning jazz vocal album. She continues to inspire and mentor young musicians at Litchfield Jazz Camp.

Joining Dan’s award-winning ensemble was Troy Roberts, another esteemed Litchfield Jazz Camp faculty member.

CAMP INFO: https://litchfieldjazzcamp.com/

Zaccai Curtis – Best Latin Jazz Album
Litchfield Jazz Camp alum and faculty member Zaccai Curtis celebrated his first GRAMMY win for Best Latin Jazz Album with Cubop Lives! The album, created in collaboration with his brother Luques Curtis (also a former Litchfield Jazz Camp student and faculty member), along with Willie Martinez, Camilo Molina, and Reinaldo DeJesus, won over six other nominees!

Zaccai’s journey with Litchfield Jazz Camp began when he was just 13 years old. Today, he is a highly respected pianist and instructor, returning each summer to share his expertise with the next generation of jazz musicians.

Upcoming Events & Camp Information
Zaccai Curtis will return to Litchfield Jazz Camp for its 29th season this summer, mentoring aspiring pianists. Interested young musicians are encouraged to join the camp and learn from some of the best jazz artists in the industry.

Additionally, Zaccai will perform at a special Litchfield Jazz event on Valentine’s Day February 14th at the Palace Theater’s Poli Club. Teaming up with longtime friend and Litchfield Jazz Camp Operations Director Albert Rivera, the event will feature Rivera’s Beautiful Ballads program, with Conway Campbell on bass, Richie Barshay on drums, and Zaccai Curtis on piano.

Tickets Available Now
Don’t miss this romantic evening of jazz! Buy your tickets today and celebrate the incredible talent of the Litchfield Jazz Camp community.

Buy Tickets: https://www.palacetheaterct.org/shows-and-events/offstage-poli-club/jazz-albert-rivera-quartet

For more information about Litchfield Jazz Camp and how to register for this summer’s sessions, visit https://litchfieldjazzcamp.com/