Awards & Recognitions

James A. Norkawich: A Groundbreaking Artist and Advocate for the Arts

James A. Norkawich is an accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, and producer whose music has resonated deeply with audiences across the world. Known for his ability to blend genres and evoke powerful emotions, James has crafted a unique and lasting place in the music industry. His music encompasses a wide range of styles, from jazz and R&B to classical, Americana, and Christian music, marking him as an artist of significant diversity and innovation.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, James is a strong advocate for the arts and plays an active role in fostering the next generation of musicians through education and community engagement. His efforts have led to the creation of the Lighthouse Project, an arts initiative that uses music education as a tool for empowerment, social change, and personal growth in underprivileged communities.

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Groundbreaking Christmas Albums

James has redefined the Christmas music genre with his innovative holiday albums, offering listeners both familiar favorites and original compositions that stand out for their unique blend of musical styles and heartfelt storytelling. His notable Christmas albums include:

• "A Connecticut Christmas" (2022)
  This album captures the essence of Christmas in New England, combining traditional carols with original piano arrangements. It has been praised for evoking a sense of nostalgia while offering a modern twist on holiday music.

• "Christmas By The Seaside" (2022)
  With this album, James pays tribute to the coastal charm of Bridgeport, Connecticut. It mixes jazz, classical, and contemporary arrangements to transport listeners to a peaceful, seaside holiday experience.

• "Christmas Magic" (2023)
  Christmas Magic features whimsical and enchanting arrangements that celebrate the magic of Christmas through intricate performances and lush orchestrations.

• "Christmas Enchantment" (2024)
  Released in 2024, this album brings a sense of wonder to the season. Combining orchestral arrangements with James’ signature piano style, Christmas Enchantment offers both traditional and new holiday classics, filled with joy and festivity.

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All-Christian Album: A New Beginning (2024)

In 2024, James A. Norkawich released his first all-Christian album, A New Beginning. This deeply spiritual work reflects James’ faith and personal experiences, blending classical, jazz, and contemporary Christian styles. The album serves as a message of hope, faith, and renewal, featuring compositions that express gratitude and the transformative power of belief.

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Awards and Accomplishments

James A. Norkawich’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, award nominations, and recognition for his excellence in music composition, performance, and education. Here are some of his notable achievements:

Multiple Award Nominations

• Best Original Composition at the Connecticut Music Awards

• Producer of the Year at the Independent Music Awards

"Hometown Homecoming" Album Recognition

• Featured in top music publications and blogs

• Praised for its emotional depth and innovative blend of jazz, R&B, and Americana

Recognition for Excellence in Music Education

• Honored for his work in supporting arts education in Connecticut

• Acknowledged by local school districts for fostering creativity and discipline through music

Musical Achievement Award

• Awarded for his dedication to preserving the Great American Songbook and his commitment to excellence in composition and arrangement.

Outstanding Pianist Award

• Recognized for his exceptional talent as a pianist at prestigious musical festivals across the United States.

Notable Nominations

• Best Jazz Album Nomination at the Global Music Awards for Lighthouse (2023)

• Best Original Song Nomination at the Independent Music Awards for "When Will It Be Me" from Hometown Homecoming (2024)

• Best Producer Nomination at the Connecticut Music Awards for his work on Christmas By The Seaside (2022) and So Far So Great (2024)

Collaborations and Contributions

• Worked with celebrated musicians to arrange, compose, and perform on several critically acclaimed albums, blending jazz, R&B, and classical influences.

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Community Engagement in the Arts

James is deeply committed to arts education and social change through music. His contributions to the community include:

• Founder of the Lighthouse Project
  This arts initiative provides youth in underprivileged communities with access to music education, using the arts as a tool for empowerment and personal growth.

• Active Engagement in Local Communities
  James mentors aspiring musicians in Glastonbury and Bridgeport, helping them cultivate their talents and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

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Performances and Recognitions

James has performed at numerous high-profile music festivals, including:

• The Bridgeport Jazz Festival

• The Connecticut Music Festival

• The American Songbook Festival in New York City

Special Performance at the P.T. Barnum Festival

• Invited to perform at the annual P.T. Barnum Festival in Bridgeport, CT, celebrating the city’s rich history and contribution to the arts.

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Press and Media Coverage

James’ achievements have been featured in various media outlets, including:

• Glastonbury Citizen
  Profiled for his contributions to the arts, music career, and advocacy for arts education.

• Interviews and Features on Prominent Platforms
  James has appeared on podcasts and media channels such as:

  • Onstagepodcast (Upcoming)

  • Above The Bar Podcast

  • I Am Refocused Radio

  • News Channel 12 Connecticut

  • WTNH Channel 8

  • Journal Inquirer

  • Glastonbury Citizen

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Music and Media

James’ music is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. His discography includes:

• Yesterday (Songs From The Great American Songbook) Vol 1 (2022)

• Today (Songs From The Great American Songbook) Vol 2 (2022)

• A Connecticut Christmas (2022)

• Christmas By The Seaside (2022)

• Lighthouse (2023)

• Christmas Magic (2023)

• So Far So Great (2024)

• Hometown Homecoming (2024)

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Social Impact and Advocacy

James is an active advocate for arts education and the preservation of music programs throughout Connecticut. He is passionate about providing opportunities for marginalized youth, helping them discover the power of music to transform their lives.

Supporting Arts in Education

• James works with local schools and communities, especially in at-risk areas, to ensure that arts education remains accessible to all students.

Advocacy for the Arts in Connecticut

• James is a vocal advocate for the preservation and enhancement of arts education in Connecticut, using his platform to create opportunities for underrepresented communities.

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Additional Notable Nominations and Features

• 2022 Nominations:

  • Best Passive Instrumental Album at the Connecticut Music Awards

  • Best New Artist by The Advocate

• Featured on Prominent Podcasts and Media:

  • OnStagePodcasts

  • Above The Bar Podcast

  • I Am Refocused Radio

  • News Channel 12 Connecticut

  • WTNH Channel 8

  • Journal Inquirer

  • Glastonbury Citizen