Joy Zimmerman is a touring folk & acoustic roots singer/songwriter who cultivates joy and community with a stunningly clear and rich voice.
Born on Shakespeare's birthday, it's no wonder Joy is a natural writer. Her songwriting has been recognized nationally with an American Songwriter Lyric Contest Honorable Mention and ten Walnut Valley Music Festival NewSong Showcase wins. Her music has been described as "vivid and alive, tender and poignant, and altogether a gift for the listener." (Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus)
At home on guitar and violin, Joy loves adding fiddle tunes along the way. She performs solo and with a variety of other musicians. You hear echoes of your own journey in her performances of hope, resilience, and humor.
Joy's new album, "Where the Light Lives," wrestles with challenging issues facing us collectively and individually. Steeped in justice issues since childhood, Joy has always found solace and her authentic voice in music.
Where the Light Lives - #6 Top Album | Folk Alliance International Folk Chart (August 2023)
How Shall We Sing - #3 Top Song | Folk Alliance International Folk Chart (August 2023)
If I Should Fall Behind (feat. Katie Dahl) - #11 Top Song | Folk Alliance International Folk Chart (August 2023)
FARM Folk DJ Showcase (2023)
Women Who Walked on Water - #4 Song of the Month on the FAI Folk DJ chart (March 2022)
The Canvas Before Us - #8 Top Album of the Month on the FAI Folk Chart (August 2021)
We'll Hold the Light - #16 Song of the Month on the FAI Folk DJ chart (February 2021)
Heartland Song Network Artist of the Month (2022)
Artist as Activist Award | Mid-America Arts Alliance (2022)
Artist INC Graduate (2022)
Kansas Public Radio Top Ten New Folk Releases (2021, 2023)
Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Songwriting Contest 10x winner (2011-2020)
American Songwriter Songwriting Contest - Honorable Mention (2017)
Venue References
"Book Joy Zimmerman for one of the best evenings you can offer your audience. Joy is a multi-instrumentalist (fiddle and guitar), with a beautiful voice. Add all that to her insightful writing and you have a show any host would line up to present to their audience. " ~Dani Goodband, Lakeside Music
"Whether she's strumming her guitar or fiddling her fiddle, Joy Zimmerman brings a voice of angels to her music. I've booked her before and I'll book her again." ~Mike Paget, Green Guitar Folk House
“Joy has a wonderfully unique way of connecting to her audience...she engages every audience member and wraps everyone in a blanket of beautiful music." ~Peggy Kelly, Open Range Concert Series
Reviews of Joy's new album, "Where the Light Lives"
"Joy Zimmerman's follow up to her very fine 2021 album, The Canvas Before Us, is an even better representation of her considerable singing, songwriting, and violin playing skills. If I had to choose one adjective to describe this album, it would be "uplifting." Even when dealing with difficult topics, Joy finds a way to an affirming, positive place. It's difficult for me to pick which of these songs will get the most play on my radio show, as there are so many good ones." ~Bob McWilliams, Host of Trail Mix, Kansas Public Radio
"Joy Zimmerman has the knack for taking an audience on a musical journey with storytelling and music in a way few artists are able to do. With her latest album, Joy surpasses even herself. This album should be in every folk music lover's collection." ~Dani Goodband, Lakeside Music
Prior venues: include Lakeside Music Concert Series (KS), Louisville Arts Center (CO), Green Guitar Folk House (KS), Labyrinth Concert Series (MO), Knuckleheads (MO), Headwaters Music and Arts (MN), Stone Room Concerts (DC), InterUrban ArtHouse (KS), The Warming House (MN), InterContinental Hotel (MO), Open Range Concerts (MN), Stories & Songs Series (OR), Taos Inn (NM), Granary Concert Series (MN), Folk Alliance Region Midwest DJ Showcase