Meet Katy Tessman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katy Tessman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katy below.

Katy, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from the people who shaped me. I grew up in a family and community where helping others wasn’t something extra; it was simply what you did. As a young survivor of breast cancer, I also know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of generosity. When people show up for you in hard times, it stays with you forever.

Now, whether it’s through SUMMIT Presents, my music and books, or my personal life, giving back feels natural. Sharing time, energy, or opportunities isn’t a loss; it’s a way to create more connection and possibility for everyone involved.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

SUMMIT Presents is where I bring people together through music, storytelling, and shared experiences. It’s not just about booking shows, it’s about curating the right mix of artists and venues to create moments where performers shine and audiences connect. The magic for me is seeing strangers become a community for the night. I’m excited to be expanding with new venues, partnerships, and events that blend art forms, always keeping the focus on experiences people remember long after the lights go down.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest difference for me: adaptability, storytelling, and relationship-building.

Adaptability has been essential because no two events are ever the same. Something will always change, and being able to shift gears with a clear head keeps things moving. Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s promoting an event, hosting a show, or thoughtfully curating lineups that shape the flow of the evening. It is how you connect with people and make the experience meaningful. Relationship-building is what sustains the work long term. None of this happens in a vacuum; it is about artists, audiences, partners, and the community all coming together.

As a Minnesota-based artist and entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how important these qualities are in building a strong creative community. For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: practice saying “yes” to opportunities that stretch you, and don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out at the start. Learn to tell your story in an authentic way, because that is what people connect with. And invest in relationships. Show up, listen, and support others. Those connections are often where the best opportunities begin.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely — collaboration is at the heart of SUMMIT Presents. I’m always looking to connect with musicians, storytellers, artists, and community organizations who believe in the power of live events to bring people together. I also love working with venues and local partners who want to create experiences that feel authentic and memorable for their audiences.

If someone reading this is interested in collaborating, I’d encourage them to reach out directly — I’m always open to a conversation about how we might work together. They can connect with me through my website or by email, and I’d love to hear their ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katytessman.com/summit-presents.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summit.presents

Image Credits

Tom Smouse, Greg Mellang, Katy Tessman