Stumbles and Summits: Katy Tessman’s Healing Outreach
|
At the heart of Katy Tessman’s work is the theme of “Stumbles and Summits,” a reflection of life’s challenges and triumphs woven through her music, books, and community outreach. A young survivor of breast cancer, Katy shares her personal journey with honesty and warmth, offering messages of resilience, hope, and connection.
Recognized as a Changemaker by Minnesota Women’s Press, Katy is a songwriter, children’s book author, and passionate literacy advocate who brings stories to life through music, poetry, and picture books. Designed for all ages, this engaging program blends original songs, poetry, and readings from her children’s books into a warm, interactive experience. Centered on connection, creativity, and a love of reading, Katy’s work invites audiences to see themselves in the stories we share. “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” is her young family’s story battling breast cancer. A decade after her cancer diagnosis, Katy wrote a song that sums up the everyday-hero’s journey and published the accompanying lyric picture book, “Hero Now Crowned.” Through story and song, she creates space for laughter, reflection, and connection, fostering a sense of hope, resilience, and belonging. |
Sharing her story, talent, and positivity to those who need it:
|
Songs and Stories of Strength with Katy Tessman
Tessman leans on the power of song to heal and lead us forward.” - Doyle Turner, Adventures in Americana
|
Katy Tessman’s program is a heartfelt blend of uplifting songs, poetry, and storytelling. Featuring music inspired by authors, sing-alongs, and excerpts from her book "Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden"—a tender story about her family’s breast cancer journey told through the eyes of her two young sons—Katy creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere. As a literacy advocate, she shares books about courage, hope, and Wonder Woman, resonating with audiences of all ages. The program concludes with her signature song, "Hero Now Crowned," now a beautifully illustrated picture book, celebrating the power of stories and songs to inspire and unite communities.
|
With a voice shaped by the wisdom she’s gained through motherhood, heartbreak, and being a young survivor of breast cancer, Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable songwriter who celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. Soaring to new heights, her eagerly awaited album "Fly" marks a triumphant return to the stage after a twenty-year hiatus. Based in Minneapolis, Katy also works as a project manager, curating diverse and inclusive library book collections for new schools across the country. An award-winning children's book author, she has been honored as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press.
|
|
|
|
Gilda's Club–Minnesota fundraiser concert at Icehouse
|
In October 2024, to celebrate her 15th year of being cancer-free, Katy and her band performed at Icehouse in Minneapolis. The funds raised from ticket sales, along with donations received via social media fundraiser, Katy meet her goal of $500. Pictured are Katy Tessman with Gina Parker and Shaunequa James at Gilda's Club - MN headquarters in Minnetonka.
|
MAMA HELLCATS moms who rock music festival raising awareness and funds for domestic violence resources
|
|
CLICK TO READ
|
|
ANGEL FOUNDATION fundraiser concert at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior
In October 2022, to celebrate her 13th year of being cancer-free, Katy and her band performed at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. The funds raised from ticket sales, along with donations received via social media fundraiser, Katy meet her goal of $1000. In addition, 10 donation copies of her book were purchased. Pictured are Katy Tessman with Jim Thurbis at the Angle Foundation headquarters in Mendota Heights.
|
Click the image to access the full story.
|
MORE ABOUT KATY TESSMAN
Minnesota Parent Local Author Spotlight: meet Katy Tessman, author and singer-songwriter
|
CLICK TO READ
|
