JESS MARTIN
Queer singer-songwriter & interdisciplinary performance artist, based in Western Massachusetts
Biography
Jess Martin is a queer singer-songwriter and interdisciplinary performance artist based in Western Massachusetts, creating original music-driven performances that combine sound, story, and visual elements.
Their work draws from gothic folk and poetic punk traditions, expanding into collaborative formats that include puppetry, poetry, and place-based performance.
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Jess’s projects are developed through sustained collaboration with artists and community partners and are designed for presentation in theaters, libraries, festivals, and nontraditional spaces.
In addition to touring original work, Jess facilitates inclusive creative spaces that support trans, nonbinary, and women artists. Across formats, their practice centers accessibility, narrative depth, and meaningful audience engagement—inviting listeners into performances that are both artistically rigorous and community-rooted.
“Jess’s gift for storytelling and evocative vocals creates a fully immersive listening experience—intimate, layered, and haunting in the best way.”
— Lily Sexton, musician, Splendid Torch
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle
Presentation contexts: theaters, fringe festivals, libraries, educational and arts venues
Interdisciplinary performance & visual storytelling
Shadow, Sound, Spectacle is an interdisciplinary performance ensemble led by Jess Martin in collaboration with puppeteer Amy J. West and musician Abby Hanna. The project merges live music, shadow puppetry, and theatrical storytelling to create immersive performances that reinterpret literary and mythic source material through a contemporary, queer lens.
Current touring work includes Literary Monsters, a 45-minute performance with post-show discussion options. The project is designed for theaters, fringe festivals, libraries, and educational settings, and emphasizes visual accessibility and layered narrative engagement.
“They took something that is familiar to the audience—these iconic monster stories, and they approached it in a really new and interesting way that combined music and puppetry,” Myhrum said. “That is really memorable and makes a great impact.”
Echoes of Nature
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Presentation contexts: libraries, climate action programming, festivals, community arts series
Music & poetry rooted in place
Echoes of Nature is a collaborative, place-based performance project created by Jess Martin and poet/nature essayist Kim Hoff.
The work blends original music, poetry, and visual elements to invite audiences into deeper listening—to landscape, memory, and shared ecological responsibility. Developed in partnership with libraries, cultural councils, and local organizations, each performance is shaped by its environment and community context.
The project is designed for libraries, cultural centers, outdoor venues, and environmental programming, and is adaptable for audiences of varied ages and accessibility needs.
“Jess is deeply dedicated to their craft and clear in their artistic vision. Their collaborative, story-driven approach results in music that is thoughtful, expressive, and genuinely fun.”
— Carolyn Walker, musician & artist
Jess Martin
(Solo / Ensemble Performances)
Presentation contexts: music venues, house concerts, libraries, festivals
Original music in intimate and adaptable formats
Jess Martin’s solo and duo performances center original songs rooted in narrative songwriting, emotional immediacy, and audience connection. These sets are adaptable in scale and format, making them suitable for a wide range of venues, from intimate listening rooms to community events and festivals.
Solo and ensemble performances often serve as entry points into Jess’s broader interdisciplinary practice, and can be paired with facilitated discussion, workshops, or shared-bill programming.
“Jess is a true artist. Their songwriting is rich with musical intelligence, layered storytelling, and meaningful collaboration—music that rewards close listening as much as emotional connection.”
— Mara Levi, Queer Joy Collaborative
Song Share Sessions for Nonbinary, Trans & Women Singer Songwriters
Presentation contexts: residencies, community arts programs, advocacy and arts organizations
Facilitated community music gatherings
Song Share Sessions are recurring monthly, facilitated gatherings created by Jess Martin to support nonbinary, trans, and women singer-songwriters.
Part performance, part peer exchange, these sessions offer structured opportunities for artists to share new work, receive feedback, and build creative community.
The program functions both as an ongoing local series and as a replicable model that can be adapted for residencies, conferences, and community arts initiatives.
“Jess Martin is a fearless performer with an important message to share. Their songs address sexuality, gender identity, and acceptance with vivid imagery, driving guitar work, and an uplifting stage presence.”
— John Mason, guitarist & educator
