Katy Tessman

With a voice full of the wisdom she’s gained through cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable songwriter who celebrates life’s stumbles and summits. Her powerful vocals and rhythmic approach to guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that moves passionately over a diverse emotional and musical terrain.

After a two-decade hiatus, Katy returned to the local music scene in 2022 with new music and a new album entitled “Fly.” Since then she’s sold out listening-room concerts, released new music, and published the lyric picture book, Hero Now Crowned, which Melodic Noise calls “a passionate tribute [to the everyday hero].” Based in Minneapolis, Katy is also an award-winning children's book author, celebrated as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press.

Her band, Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles is made up of her son Louis “Sweet Lou” Tessman Stanoch on electric guitar, '90s bandmate Tom Leier on bass, and high school friend Kelley Lima on drums. Through her compelling voice and meaningful songwriting, Katy has the ability to uplift and inspire. Blending Americana and Folk-Rock, live shows are high-energy, engaging, and captivating.

Before becoming a mom in 2003 (and again in 2006) Katy Tessman released two albums, including Joe’s Elevator’s Up & Down (1997), and her 2001 solo debut, Fall. For nearly a decade, Katy performed throughout Minnesota and tours brought her to stages from Michigan to Washington. During her 20-year pause from the stage, Katy raised two sons, fought a victorious battle with breast cancer, and authored an award-winning children’s book entitled Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.

Past Shows


Sep
19
th
2024
Turf Club
Sep
19
th
2024
Turf Club

Cover Me ⏤ A Bruce Springsteen Sing-along

with Doug CollinsBen Cook-FeltzJennifer EckesDan IsraelZachary Scot JohnsonLakewood CemeteryMare LennonLeslie RichLydia SophiaAnna TalpeKaty TessmanLeslie VincentScott Wooldridge • more TBA

★ Local Show ★
Jun
30
th
2024
Turf Club
Jun
30
th
2024
Turf Club
Dec
20
th
2023
Turf Club
Dec
20
th
2023
Turf Club
Jun
28
th
2023
Turf Club
Jun
16
th
2022
Turf Club
Jun
16
th
2022
Turf Club

Paul McCartney 80th Birthday Tribute

featuring TAYLOR JAMES DONSKEYBEN COOK-FELTZEMILY HAAVIKTED HAJNASIEWICZHER CROOKED HEARTDAN ISRAELZACHARY SCOT JOHNSONMEGHAN KREIDLER (KISS THE TIGER), MARE LENNONLESLIE RICHATOM ROBINSONJAMES RONEKATY TESSMAN w/ PAPA MBYEKATY VERNONSCOTT WOOLDRIDGE
Apr
27
th
2022
Turf Club
Apr
27
th
2022
Turf Club

Tribute to
Emmylou Harris & Loretta Lynn

featuring Cathy 'N Abel, Doug Collins, Jennifer Eckes, Vicky Emerson, Annie Fitzgerald, Zachary Scot Johnson, Lakewood Cemetery, John Louis, Sarah Morris, Mother Banjo, Jillian Rae, Lara Shortridge, Savannah Smith, Katy Tessman, Katy Vernon, and Nicole Wilder

More Shows

May
17
th
First Avenue

The Devil Makes Three

with Bridge City Sinners
May
2
nd
Turf Club

Papooz

Apr
21
st
First Avenue

James Bay

Mar
1
st
First Avenue

Michael Marcagi