Singer-Songwriter
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Performance Highlights:
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Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable singer-songwriter with a voice full of the wisdom she’s gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood. Her powerful vocals and rhythmic approach to guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that moves passionately over diverse emotional and musical terrain.
Before becoming a mom, Katy performed her original contemporary folk music both as a headliner and opener at venues in the Twin Cities and throughout the region for nearly a decade. Katy’s band Joe’s Elevator won accolades from fans and critics alike, releasing their album Up & Down in 1997. Katy’s 11-song solo debut album, Fall, remarkably showcases her acoustic based arrangements expanded by a talented cast of players. Before becoming a mother in 2003, national tours allowed her to grace stages from Seattle to Sioux Saint Marie. |
During her pause from the stage, Katy has raised two sons, fought a victorious battle with breast cancer, authored an award-winning children's book entitled Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, and was named CHANGEMAKER by the Minnesota Women’s Press.
Music has always taken center stage in Katy’s household. When her boys were young, Katy taught Music Together (an early childhood music program) and performed at special assemblies and classroom concerts at her sons’ elementary school. Most recently, Katy has joined Joshua Schmidt on stage at their church for the youth education program. Katy’s sons are talented music makers as well; from piano and percussion, to electric guitar and electronic music production, there’s always some kind of music pouring out of the Tessman home. |
Katy’s live shows are flexible to what the event / venue requires; Katy can perform solo, as a duo, trio, or with a full band. Various instrumentation is used, from an acoustic folk sound with mandolin and upright bass to a pop-rock/country band with electric guitar and full drumset.
Podcast Interviews
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Listen to Katy's conversation with Brian Oake and Sean M Barnard on The Brian Oake Show. Katy reflects on her recent burst of creativity, partnering with Mark Allan and recording in Studio XX, and being inspired by Minneapolis-based singer songwriters like Sarah Morris, Katy Vernon, and Mary Bue. We also talk about her breast cancer book for children #OurMamaIsABeautifulGarden and her upcoming show in St Paul with my son, Sweet Lou on guitar and Thomas Leier on bass with an opening set by. David Harland.
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Sarah Morris invited Katy Tessman to be a part of her YouTube show "Hey! I miss you!" along with five other songwriting challengers who participated in the Facebook group "Singer/Songwriter Songwriting Challenge." Marc Severin. Mary Strand, Pat Egan, Nigel Egg, Christopher David Hanson, along with Katy are only a handful of folks who participated in the 20-week, 10 prompt session — a community that is full of thoughtful and loving folks giving constant encouragement and good vibes to each other.
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This episode of Grab a Blanket podcast features a conversation with Katy Tessman, author & singer-songwriter - we chat about the ways she brought comfort not only to herself but to her children as she battled (and beat!) breast cancer, and how she keeps joy and comfort in her life today. Be sure to check the show notes for her easy Corn Soufflé recipe! Find it on all major podcast platforms and at www.melissaoliveri.com/other-podcasts
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Photos
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Katy Tessman & Band, Solo debut CD release concert at The Fine Line, January 2001
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Joe's Elevator, CD release show at The Fine Line, April 1997
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