Omaha, Neb. (3/24/2023)
Join family and friends for a day of remembrance for local jazz legend, Ernest “Curly” Martin, on Saturday, March 25, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend to celebrate the life and journey of Curly at NOMA (North Omaha Music & Arts) located at 2510 N. 24 Street.
Terrace Martin, Curly’s son and a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, will be performing to honor Curly’s legacy, along with several artists including Kamasi Washington, Marlon Williams, Trevor Lawrence, Dominique Sanders, Javier Santiago and more.
Curly, known primarily as a drummer, rose to prominence in the North Omaha music scene in the 1960s, and his career spanned several genres and decades between Omaha and Los Angeles. He was a pillar in the local jazz community and was a mentor for younger musicians. Curly was inducted into the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and, in January 2023, he received the lifetime achievement award from the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards. Curly passed on March 13 at age 79.
Dana Murray, Executive Director of NOMA, shares his fondness for his fellow musician, “Curly, first and foremost was a purveyor of music at the highest level. He demanded everyone’s respect for the art form. His legacy is one of excellence. We’re honored to host this celebratory event and acknowledge the contributions Curly made to the community and beyond.”
