Katy Tessman performs at the 318 Cafe on June 9

The 318 Cafe (located at 318 Water Street in Excelsior) will host Katy Tessman and her band for a night of storytelling and music on Thursday, June 9 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This event is open to all ages; tickets are $10 (Reservations are recommended.)

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.

Tessman says "After a 20 year pause from the stage, songwriting has become like musical medicine for me. It feels amazing to be back on stage with new songs and new-found energy for performing. And the best part of it is my older son, (nicknamed Sweet Lou) is performing in my band!"

During her performance hiatus, Tessman 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.

Before becoming a mom in 2003 (and again in 2006), Tessman 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 11-song solo debut album, "Fall," remarkably showcases her acoustic based arrangements expanded by a talented cast of players. National tours allowed her to grace stages from Seattle to Sioux Saint Marie.

Opening the evening will be Mark Schirmacher. Tessman and Schirmacher have a lot in common -- both are talented singer-songwriters, accomplished authors, cancer survivors, and they attended Robbinsdale Cooper High School together in the 80s. On Thursday, June 9, these storytellers will guide you on a diverse musical and emotional terrain.

No doubt this event will feel a bit like a homecoming and a celebration of life.