Singer/songwriter Tess Arkels started a music career years ago, playing in cover bands that opened for acts like America, B.J. Thomas, and Head East. Then she put it aside for several years to concentrate on raising a family. In 2003, she returned to the scene and started a whole new career with her debut album, Orphan of the Heart.

Tess wrote six of the ten songs on the disc, and the remaining four were written by other Kentucky-area artists. Orphan features such Louisville luminaries as Tim Krekel on guitar and harmonica, Peter Rhee on mandolin, and Steve Cooley on banjo.

A native of Louisville, Tess performs in the Louisville/Southern Indiana area at singer/songwriter-focused events.

Program 607

The storyteller who founded the Louisville Arts Council, one of the top five iconographic artists in the world, and a couple who moved from California to Owensboro to teach bluegrass music to schoolchildren. (#607)

Program 620

Favorite segments from previous episodes, including features on Franklin County photographer and weaver Dobree Adams and the Lexington Public Library ceiling clock, plus musical performances by the Morehead State University Percussion Ensemble, Tess Arkels, and the Middle Men. (#620)

Program 818

Owensboro’s RiverBend sculpture project, Louisville artist Bob Douglas, miniature maker Karen Scates, and music from singer/songwriter Tess Arkels and the Walnut Street Blues Band. (#818)