There are a lot of unusual performers out there, one episode of America’s Got Talent is certainly proof of that, but as far as we know, when it comes to being uniquely unusual, Janice Martin wears the crown in Branson! She can sing like a bird and fly like a...well, she can also fly like a bird - and she doesn’t seem content to display just one of her exceptional talents at a time, she’s a master at combining skills as easily as most of us stroll down the street. One of the coolest things to watch her do is play the violin, already an incredibly challenging instrument to play, while she works the aerial silks with the grace of a jungle animal! Janice can also play piano - and do it in the air (we’re not joking,) and uses her popular Branson production as a showcase for a variety of other acrobatic skills, all while being capably supported by a cirque-style cast of magicians, jugglers, aerialists, and singers. On top of everything else, Martin also happens to be one of Branson’s favorite kind of people, a veteran - this uber-talented artist served our country in the United States Army, and for that we respectfully salute her and thank her from the bottom of our deeply patriotic hearts.
So, how did this phenomenally talented veteran become a Branson headliner? Of course, Janice Martin was born with special gifts, but she also worked hard, learning to sing and play several instruments, and she got a little help from the world-famous Juilliard School of Music. She’s appeared as a guest soloist with chamber orchestras in Philadelphia and the European Union, and with notable symphonies in significant cities like Seattle, Houston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Edmonton, Portland, New York, and Atlanta. Her undeniable talent earned her opportunities that include performances for dignitaries everywhere, appearing in programs on the History and Discovery networks on television, and even competing on TV’s biggest talent show, America’s Got Talent, on NBC. Martin has also been recognized as a champion in the Young Artists International Competition and at the Washington International Competition, and was the recipient of the Career Award Grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Hearing about her background, it’s certainly not surprising to learn that Janice Martin is the world’s only aerial acrobatic violinist. She’s displayed her exceptional skills around the globe, performing as both a solo artist and accompanied by her five-piece band - she’s also part of the Cirque de la Symphonie, a collection of artists who’ve performed with such legendary orchestras as the Boston Pops. Her time in the service also gave her an opportunity to share her gift by joining the United States Army Band; while stationed in Washington DC, the band, featuring Janice as a violin soloist, performed for the State Department, in the Capitol, and for the White House, and she would go on to a successful debut at Carnegie Hall. It was during her time with the Army that she overcame her fear of heights, obviously a necessary step to achieve such lofty heights, both figuratively and literally! This milestone in her career inspired her to help children conquer their own fears by writing the book “How I Learned to Fly” to inspire kids from all walks of life to believe in themselves and what they can accomplish.
Branson was first introduced to the unforgettable Janice Martin when she was a guest performer for “Fiery Fiddles” during Silver Dollar City’s legendary World Fest - she went on to headline for the company on their Showboat Branson Belle for an incredible six straight years. You can catch her now (don’t worry, you won’t literally need to catch her as she soars over the stage!) at the Americana Theatre on Branson’s famed “Strip” - Highway 76.
If you’ve been to Branson and have yet to experience the magic of The Janice Martin Cirque Show, make plans now! If you’ve never been and not sure if Branson is for you, maybe these posts will help: “Branson - The Capital of Live Entertainment...What Really Makes it Special?” -- “Branson, Missouri - The Little Town that Racks Up Big Accolades!” Returning and new guests alike might find this post helpful: “Branson - 11 Good Things to Know Before You Go!”