Frieda’s Lounge musicians plan a tribute

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A special musical tribute for the late David J. Martin will take place today at 6 p.m. at Frieda’s Lounge, corner of Belmont and Rayen avenues.

Martin was the husband of Alfreda “Frieda” Anderson Martin, who has owned the iconic jazz club that bears her name since 1979. The two were married for 24 years.

Martin, who died July 20 at age 77, was a longtime presence at the club. To honor him, Howard Howell, leader of Howard and the Point Five Band, which regularly plays at the club, put together tonight’s event, which will welcome the musicians, friends and patrons of the bar.

“It will be a chance to show support for Frieda and family and their building, and to let them know they are loved,” said Howell.

A large group of musicians and vocalists who played the room will perform everything from jazz, of which the late Martin was an aficionado, to R&B, soul and funk. The lineup will include Howell and members of his band, Billy Beck and Rick Ward of the Ohio Players, Jeff Green, David Taylor, Clarence Ross, Keysha Toney and others.