Meet Tess Andrea: The Sacramento Voice You Need to Know

August 25th, 2026

Tess Andrea is Sacramento through and through. Born at Mather Air Force base, raised on Second Saturday nights, and shaped by a city she calls real, homegrown, and family, Tess brings that authenticity to her craft. That hometown pride shows up in every note, a soulful mix of R&B, funk, pop, and jazz delivered with the warmth of someone performing for her actual neighbors. After a cold call about the Midtown Farmers Market musical lineup, Tess Andrea become a part of Midtown Second Saturday’s performance rotation, proof that self-belief can turn a passion into a calling.

Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to pursue art as a passion or career?

I am a Sacramento native, multi-racial (black, white, and Mexican) woman, I went to high school at Woodcreek Highschool and college at Sac State, a million years ago. I grew up playing sports and dancing. As a kid, I always enjoyed singing, but lacked the self-belief and confidence. It wasn’t until an unexpected and massive life change that I decided to share my gift, pursue singing on a more professional level, and commit to sharpening my craft.

As far as background, I am going on 13 years working for the State, I have a Mary Kay business, and I sing as a solo vocalist as well as in a high-energy dance band called Mixtape Marathon.

How would you describe your artistic style and what sets your work apart from other artists?

I would describe myself as a dynamic vocalist bringing a soulful blend of R&B, funk, pop, and jazz at every stage. In this way, I create an engaging, feel-good experience filled with timeless favorites, and plenty of energy. I bring a warmth, versatility, and a genuine love for live music that invites the audience to feel the groove, move, and enjoy the moment.

How did you first get involved with Second Saturday, and what does it mean to you as a local artist?

Growing up in Sacramento, Second Saturday has always been something I’ve looked forward to and loved. Since starting to pursue singing more seriously in late summer 2024, it has been my goal to reach out to as many potential clients and businesses as possible that may have live music needs. A friend of mine mentioned Farmer’s Markets, and I knew that live music had always been a fun addition to Midtown’s Farmers Market. So, I simply “cold called” Explore Midtown about getting into the live music rotation, and the rest as they say is history. For me as a local artist to be a part of Second Saturday is a dream come true. I love to perform and create a feel-good experience for the audience, and it’s very special to me when I know I’m performing essentially for all my neighbors.

How has living or working in Sacramento influenced your artistic style?

Sacramento has always been my home, my dad was in the Air Force and both me and my older sister were born on Mather Air Force base, so there’s a lot of history for us. Sacramento to me is…real, we are classic, we are homegrown, we are hardworking, we are family, we are authentic, and we are fun. All of those things influence my artistic style.

What are some of your aspirations or goals as an artist, both in terms of your personal growth and the impact you hope to make through your art?

I want to reach my full potential with singing, songwriting, and being a live performer. Though this, I want my art to exude my love for others through music, uplift spirits, bring joy, and inspire others to reach their full potential. I didn’t make my high school choir, and yet here I am, doing it, having belief in myself, and I think anyone can do that too.

How does participating in events like Midtown Second Saturday allow you to connect with your audience or community?

It is an amazing experience to be able to perform and sing live with everyone I call my neighbor. I love that I will see people grooving and dancing with me as I perform, and then I might see them and say hello on a random walk near the Tower Bridge. People in this community love live music, and I love to share my piece of that with them.

Tess Andrea can be found performing at various locations in Midtown during Second Saturday. Learn more about the monthly arts and culture celebration here.

Live Midtown sponsors — 1801L, The Mansion Apartments, Eleanor H16 Apartments, MOD at Midtown, Lavender Courtyard, Studio30, and 19J — bring you this Midtown Second Saturday Artist Feature.

Explore Midtown living options and start your journey to finding your perfect home in vibrant Midtown here.