Decorah Iowa Journal
April 30, 2002

Singer-songwriter Tessman returns to Decorah May 4

Minnesota singer-songwriter, Katy Tessman will return to Decorah to perform her original contemporary folk music at the Hay Market on Saturday, May 4. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. and there is a $3 cover charge. The Hay Market is located at 201 Washington Street; for more information, call (319) 382-8005.

Throughout the show, Tessman's cousin and Decorah resident, Robyn Duder will join her on backing vocals on some of Tessman's original songs as well as a few special covers.

"I'm looking forward to performing with my cousin Robyn. She's got a great ear for harmony and her positive stage presence is a great compliment to my positive personality." said Tessman

As a performer, Tessman combines energy and emotion with genuine warmth and musical passion. Her powerful voice and rhythmic approach to the acoustic guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that's won accolades from fans and critics alike.

Since 1993, Tessman has been performing her original contemporary folk music both as a headliner and opener at venues in the Twin Cities and throughout the region. In 2000, Tessman was a finalist in the Minnesota New Folk songwriting contest, and performed at the Minnesota Folk Festival in St. Paul. In 2001 Tessman had over 100 appearances including solo and band performances, TV and radio spots, and toured the midwestern and northwestern United States with percussionist Dave Stanoch.

Tessman's 11-song solo debut CD, Fall, remarkably showcases her abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Release in January-2001, Fall is in regular rotation at KFAI-Radio in Minneapolis and music critic, John Costello said "Tessman's album is worth gently savoring."

The CD packaging features pictures of Tessman taken by Decorah photographer Jon Duder.

"The Twin Cities is filled with photographers, I had to have Jon for my CD. His creativite eye was a perfect match for my debut and I'm extreemly pleased with the end product." said Tessman.

When asked about her songwriting, Tessman replied "My songs range in topic from celebrating life to manic depression, identifying the obstacle to dancing with my gir friends, the northern woods of Minnesota to overcoming the fear of true love."

Tessman said, "I write from my heart; I use frank and honest lyrics that express many sides of the experiences and relationships that have shaped my life."

Photography by Jon Duder.