09.08.2021 Virtual Talent Showcase - Artist Profiles

JOE BLEICHER

From New York, Joe Bleicher came to Connecticut via California and Massachusetts. He now lives in West Hartford. Joe is a former host of Folk ‘on Fridays at Cheney Hall and The Living Space of West Hartford.

TOM CARAHER & JOSÉ VÉLEZ OTERO

Tom and José collaborate on writing, recording, and performing across a wide spectrum of music.  They have been playing together for 18 years in Connecticut.

 Dr. Vélez is originally from Puerto Rico and brings a rich background of Latin rhythms and music from the Island.  José is an accomplished guitarist, singer and percussionist.

 Tom Caraher is from Chicago and although classically trained brings strong influences from the Chicago rock bands of the 60s and 70s

 Music produced by Tom & José can be found on YouTube https://youtube.com/user/tcaraher and Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/tomcarahermusic/

BILLY FREEMAN, “SURGE UNLIMITED”

Billy Freeman is Founder and Principal of Surge Unlimited. Surge Unlimited was founded in 2016 with a passion to capture stories and package them in a digital format to be seen in a variety of different spaces including some of the world’s biggest platforms.

Our goal has always been to provide exemplary service and our drive to deliver high-quality products was strongly shaped by our early experiences in Connecticut. The local culture demanded excellence immediately which allowed us to build a foundation of professionalism, quality, work ethic, and customer service that continues today.

Through key mentorships and self-guided training, what began as an individual’s dream has grown into a company that regularly collaborates with Fortune 500 companies, network television, and other creative agencies to create memorable content that suits your needs.

We specialize in television, corporate work, commercials, music videos, documentaries, events, marketing, and social media campaigns. We have experience with and utilize industry-leading technology to ensure you always are receiving the best product possible.

We understand the power of your story and it is our promise to help you deliver it in an unforgettable way.

ED SMYTH

Ed Smyth is an unique comic who serves up an absurdist and silly string of brain-twisty people and things. Moe Bot the Comedy Robot, Bronco Brad The Croonin’ Cowboy, Oog Son of Ahg 30,000 BC all show up at his own feature show “Geek Comedy Hour” in performance spaces throughout the Northeast, along with a virtual weekly “Bronco Brad Dang Tootin’ Good Time Show”.

Ed performed a week long show at the Rochester Virtual Fringe Festival in 2020, and has been a regular at the Finger Lakes Comedy Festival since 2016. He currently appears monthly on the Colorado Comedy Shows’ “Apocalips Comedy”.

NICOLE ZURAITIS

Grammy® nominated Nicole Zuraitis is a New York-based vocalist, pianist, and songwriter who took home the Gold Medal and Ben Tucker Jazz Award in the 2021 American Traditions Competition. The musical chameleon brings her signature warmth and outstanding vocals to various genres and styles, as demonstrated on her newest multi-hyphenate album, All Wandering Hearts (DotTime Records). As a bandleader, a recording artist, and the premiere vocalist of the world-famous Birdland Big Band and Dan Pugach Nonet, Nicole has established herself as a staple on the New York City jazz scene and has made a significant mark on the global modern jazz landscape.

In 2019, Nicole's career blossomed when she and her husband, renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, were dually nominated for a Grammy® for their arrangement of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Nicole graces the stages at both the iconic Birdland Jazz Club and Greenwich Village's 55 Bar monthly. Before Covid, she toured extensively nationally and internationally. She was named in the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine, and her weekly live stream during the Covid 19 crisis "Virtual Piano Lounge" was featured in Forbes in October 2020.

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. Zuraitis has assembled an all-star female ensemble to record her project Generations of Her - Women Songwriters and Lyricists of the Last 100 Years while working diligently on her sixth album as a leader.

Nicole has collaborated with such luminaries as Cyrille Aimee, Thana Alexa, 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, with highlights including Berklee College of Music, NYU, SAM in India, The Australian Embassy, and the Lithuanian Consulate. Nicole is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration from LSUS and loves to rescue and rehabilitate pit bulls with her husband, Dan. For more information, visit www.nicolezmusic.com.

Nicole has submitted "Dreams"/Van Halen performed by Dan Pugach Big Band + Nicole Zuraitis for this July 2021 Virtual Talent Showcase.

EC-CHAP presents “An Evening with Nicole Zuraitis” A Holiday Theme Performance at The packing House December 18, 2021. Tickets available at: http://thepackinghouse.us/upcoming/2021/12/18-ec-chap-jazz-series-nicole-zuraitis