We’re pleased to celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with our friend, Katy Tessman. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, Katy underwent a double mastectomy on her 40th birthday and has been cancer-free ever since. Now, 15 years later, she’s celebrating this milestone with a special show at Icehouse on Friday, October 18, alongside Laura Hugo, raising funds for Gilda’s Club–MN. To mark the occasion, Katy is also releasing the music video for her song “Treasure Trove,” a heartfelt tribute to the gift of life, love, and the connections that make it all meaningful.
What is the inspiration for your song “Treasure Trove?”
I wrote Treasure Trove a year ago during Mother’s Day weekend as part of a songwriting challenge; the prompt was the word “opulence.” The idea of opulence immediately made me think of the true wealth in my life—love. I’ve never owned expensive things, not even a diamond ring, but I’m rich in love from my two sons, and I have an abundance of love for my mom. This song celebrates that kind of treasure.
It’s featured on my new Fly album, and I recently released a remix that captures the energy and emotion of my live performances. The remix is used in my new music video, emphasizing that the most valuable things in life are the connections we have with the people we love.
Can you give us some info about the making of the video?
Filming at the iconic Turf Club in St. Paul during my tour homecoming show was truly a dream come true! Greg Paape from Feature Foundations Videography did an outstanding job capturing the essence of the performance and the love I have for my bandmates, including my son who’s my lead guitar player. His use of vibrant color and striking black-and-white footage beautifully reflects the song’s core message—that life’s greatest treasures are found in love and human connection, not material wealth. The way Greg played with film speed captured the raw passion of the performance invites viewers to slow down and reflect.
It’s more than just a performance video—it’s a visual reminder to pause and appreciate the true riches we often overlook in our everyday lives. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out and how beautifully it complements the meaning behind the song.
Please tell us about your summer tour. How does it feel to be uplifting so many communities?
My 2024 Treasure Trove Summer Tour was a journey filled with unforgettable moments, taking me from Chicago to Nashville, with stops in Ohio, West Virginia, Missouri, and Iowa, all culminating in a special homecoming show at the Turf Club, where we filmed the music video for “Treasure Trove.” Returning to music following a 20-year hiatus, after releasing my debut album and touring nationally in the early 2000s, has been an amazing experience.
During my eleven-day road trip across the Midwest and South, I covered over 3,000 miles, performing at restaurants, breweries, and wineries. However, some of the most heartwarming moments came from singing at a library and even for a kindergarten summer camp. (Fun fact: I camped in my minivan along the way, including a stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.)
I’ve always loved connecting with people through my songs, and it’s been amazing to travel this beautiful country again, sharing that joy with so many communities.
Do you have any secrets to share on how you seem to forever find the positive?
My parents have always said optimism is my superpower, and I’ve certainly come to embrace that. Now, being a young survivor of breast cancer, has reinforced this mindset for me. I focus on the positive and always try to find the silver lining in every situation. I have this immense appreciation for growing older now—I don’t take any birthday for granted. Every year is a gift, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
My philosophy is simple: seize the day, do the things that bring you joy. For me, that’s being outside—hiking, canoeing, camping, and … making music. I’ve also become more comfortable with failure, knowing that learning from it helps me grow as an artist and that simply making the effort is a success in itself. There’s always more to discover and experience if you stay open to what’s ahead, and I’ve found that silver linings appear when you choose to see the good in every situation.
Will you please tell us about the big celebration event at Icehouse and your personal connection to Gilda’s Club?
Since undergoing a double mastectomy on my 40th birthday, I’ve made it a personal mission to celebrate every year of life after cancer with intention and gratitude. This year is extra special—on Friday, October 18th, I’ll be celebrating my birthday and 15 years of being cancer-free with a special concert at Icehouse. Laura Hugo, known for her heartfelt lyrics and soulful performances, will open the show, and I’ll be joined by my band and some special musical friends.
This event isn’t just about music—it’s also a fundraiser for Gilda’s Club–MN. I first connected with Gilda’s Club back in 2014 when I published my children’s book about breast cancer, Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, and held an event there with Barbara Porwit and her Breast Cancer Superhero Portrait Project (yes, there’s a 7-foot-tall painting of me as Wonder Woman!). They do incredible work to support people and families affected by cancer.
This concert is about celebrating life, the healing power of music, and giving back to an organization that provides hope to so many families facing cancer.
Mostly Minnesota 