If you’ve heard of Ozomatli you have to love them and if you have no idea who they are, just know this; they have won Latin Grammys in 2002 and 2005 for “Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album.” While you may think, “Latin Grammy” with a big question mark, this is a band that transcends all races and genders for the love of music. They are primarily a Latin, hip-hop and rock music band that dabs into salsa, jazz, funk, reggae and rap, essentially providing the soundtrack for the country and world we live in and committed to bringing the beats and sounds to people of all kinds.
Something else interesting about Los Angeles based Ozomatli that people may not know, Chali 2na and DJ Cut Chemist of the now debunked Jurassic 5 were members of Ozomatli (2na has come back from time-to-time). From inception, the band has ranged anywhere from as high as 10 members down to seven with a core of six original members.
To see Ozomatli live know that it is one gigantic party and that the band not only feeds off of the crowd but joins the crowd and makes it a musical moment to remember. One of my favorite Ozomatli memories to date was seeing them live on Halloween in Hawai’i for Halloween High Steppin’ at some hole in the wall Mexican restaurant with 200 people. The energy was through the roof that evening and add in everyone dressed in costumes it was sure a night to remember. I imagine that seeing them perform at Mile High Music Festival will remind me of that live show and what an exciting band they are.