On Oct. 22, Lancaster-based music group The Jess Zimmerman Band won the Country Rock Group of the Year award at the ninth annual Josie Music Awards in Nashville. The Jess Zimmerman Band is led by Jess Heitz, who is accompanied by guitarist Joe Barszowski, bassist John Knobler and drummer Joe Mattis.

This is the second year the outfit has been nominated for awards at the ceremony, which was hosted at the famous American country music venue the Grand Ole Opry. Last year, The Jess Zimmerman Band received the Album of the Year award for its debut album "Breathe." This year, in addition to being nominated for multiple awards, the band performed during the ceremony. Out of nearly 1,000 applicants, only 10 artists were selected to play at the event. "It was really one of the biggest highlights of the year," Heitz said. "The Grand Ole Opry is iconic for country music." The Jess Zimmerman Band performed songs from an album released in May, titled "Be The Light."

"The idea behind 'Be The Light' was putting together something that puts you in a good place when you listen to it," said Heitz. "It's bright and bold, and it shines through." The group began to work on the album at the end of 2022, and it will be submitted for the 2024 Josie Music Awards.

The Josie Music Awards specifically highlight independent artists, as in musicians who are not signed to a record label. Without a label, independent artists like The Jess Zimmerman band manage their own recording, producing, touring and marketing. "Breathe" and "Be The Light" were both recorded at Omnisound Studios in Nashville, and Heitz and her bandmates have remained busy with and performing shows throughout the East Coast, Midwest and South. Following The Jess Zimmerman Band's success at last year's Josie Music Awards, the group had opportunities throughout the year to share the stage with artists such as Shania Twain, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Marshall Tucker Band. "It's been quite a year," said Heitz. "Winning Album of the Year helped set the tone for 2023. Going into 2024, who knows what's in store?"

Although The Jess Zimmerman Band has multiple gigs booked in other states, the group will perform several shows in Lancaster and York counties in the new year. To purchase tickets or listen to The Jess Zimmerman Band online, visit http://www.jzband.org/.