ARTIST-OF-THE-MONTH 2026
November 2026 - Danielle Ponder
Danielle Ponder
Bravery can take many forms. For Danielle Ponder it took the shape of a leap of faith: leaving her successful day job working in the public defender’s office in her hometown of Rochester to devote herself full-time to sharing her powerful voice with the world.
The singer-songwriter’s mesmerizing eight song debut Some of Us Are Brave reinforces that her faith was not misplaced, and her leap has been rewarded with a safe landing.
Written and recorded over three years, the album is a refreshingly original, shiver-inducing mix of pop, R&B, blues, rock, and moody trip-hop topped by Ponder’s celestial voice— an instrument that can plumb melancholy depths with a heartsick murmur and scrape the sky with hurricane force wails. Everything Has Changed is the songwriter’s sophomore album, arrived on October 9.
The sixth of seven children, Ponder had always been musical but chose to pursue a career in law after her brother received a 20-year sentence due to a “three strikes” law. But even as she became a tireless advocate for justice in her community—first as a public defender and later as a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer in that same office—the music was never far from her heart as she played in bands and wrote songs, first between classes, then between cases.
“I loved being a public defender, I loved standing next to my clients and advocating for them,” says Ponder. “But it came to the point where I had to choose.” And so, she leapt.
https://danielleponder.com/bio
Photo: Faith Joyvon
2026 - Isabel Abbott
Isabel Abott
Isabel Abbott’s musical adventure began on social media, where the performances she shared quickly went viral and placed her on the map of new voices to listen to, forming a sound that places her soulful voice in R&B and pop. The talent and sensitivity shown by the singer-songwriter hailing from Valencia, Spain, but now based in the Northern musical hotspot of Manchester won the hearts of thousands of listeners all over the world. Abbott is a feminist with beliefs, an artist who wants to show that women of any form can achieve what they set out to do.
Listen to her raw emotional rendition of Thee Sacred Soul’s reputable hit, Can I call You Rose?:
March 2026 - Nichole Zuraitis
Nicole Zuraitis “A Star Emerges”
Nicole Zuraitis, the 2024 Grammy winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her work "How Love Begins," has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and sophisticated interpretations.
Zuraitis' rise to prominence began with her nomination for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in the same category, a testament to her early potential. However, it was her 2024 album "How Love Begins" that truly propelled her into the spotlight. The album, praised for its emotional depth and innovative arrangements, garnered critical acclaim, and ultimately earned her the coveted Grammy Award.
While information on Zuraitis' specific musical influences is limited, "How Love Begins' ' offers clues to her artistic preferences. The album showcases her versatility, seamlessly weaving between classic jazz standards and contemporary compositions. Her vocal delivery is both powerful and nuanced, conveying a profound understanding of the emotional core of each song.
Beyond the recording studio, Zuraitis is known for her captivating live performances. Her stage presence is captivating, drawing audiences in with her heartfelt delivery and genuine passion for the music.
With the Grammy Award in hand, Nicole Zuraitis has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz. Her combination of vocal prowess, artistic depth, and genuine connection with her audience positions her for a long and successful career. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one can only anticipate the musical treasures that await in the years to come.