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.