Ozomatli - FREE SHOW

This event will be held outdoors in the NHCC Plaza Mayor. 

OZOMATLI

Ozomatli’s collaborative, energetic blend of multi-cultural music and activism has earned themthree GRAMMYs®, four Hollywood Bowl shows, a TED Talk and much more. Since forming in 1995,the Los Angeles-bred lineuphas inspired and energized listeners as far awayBurma and Mongolia: Ozo’smessages and music, sung in both Spanish and English, need no translation. Like The Doors, X, Los Lobos, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other L.A.-based artists who take cues from the city and also reflect and unearth its movements, Ozomatli reaches from the curbs to the high-rises. Ozomatli’s commitment to social justice is ongoing. Their 2019 single “Libertad,” with founding members Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Cut Chemist, was the first release together since Ozomatli’s1998 debut album. It highlighted the struggle of Latin workers in the U.S. who sacrifice everything to help family on the other side of the border wall. In 2008 the U.S. State Department appointed the band United States Cultural Ambassadors; in 2009 and 2010 Ozoperformed for President Barack Obama. Hometown honors arrivedin 2013,when April 23 was deemed “Ozomatli Day” in perpetuity, and in 2011, Ozomatli was awarded the NCLR (National Council of La Raza) Capital Award.In 2022, Ozo’s new songs, stronger-than-ever brotherhood and creativity culminated in Marching On. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Sparta) at El Paso’s Sonic Ranch, the LP’s 11 songs are a unified blend of the members’ influences and ideas. Guests include J.J. Fad and Lisa Lisa on “Fellas,” while“Mi Destino,” sung in both English and Spanish, features Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Guatemalansinger-songwriter Gaby Moreno, who also lendsher vocals to the title track "Marching On".If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli’s music. Asfounding members Jiro Yamaguchi and Uli explain: "You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it's salsa, cumbia, merengue, Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it's that crazy blend that's going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y'know."

NOSOTROS

Nosotros is one of the most recognizable Latin bands, in the Southwest United States. They have twice been featured on NPR’s Alt Latino, twice been named winners in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition, been awarded 13 NM Music Awards and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music.

This Latin music powerhouse, seamlessly combines Latin rhythms with elements of Rock, Salsa, Jazz and Cumbia creating an original sound that is unmistakably Nosotros. But M.E. Schenck of Hyperactive Music Magazine may have interpreted their sound best by saying “Nosotros’ music is not to be explained, it is to be felt in the pit of our souls.”

Nosotros has been drawing music lovers to their music for over 20 years. What began as a guitar trio in 1994, quickly took on a life of its own and developed and grew into something that no one could have predicted.

After releasing two albums they left their hometown of Las Cruces, NM, and relocated to the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. They continued to make a name for themselves with a near non-stop performance schedule. They teamed up with producer Chris Trujillo to release their third album self titled “Nosotros”. Chris is best known for his work with Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, Rod Stewart and Toto. The album received numerous awards from the NM Music Awards including the highly coveted “Album of the Year” and “Producer of the Year” awards. This album marked a new beginning for the band.

BARACUTANGA

Baracutanga is a seven-piece band, representing four different countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, USA), that blends South American ancestral traditions with a modern sensibility, whose exciting and distinct Latin flavor keeps crowds dancing and always wanting more.  Baracutanga creates songs that cross linguistic and cultural barriers, building bridges between the south and the north, overcoming the barriers of discrimination and promoting intercultural experiences that empower Latinos and all people with a positive message of self-affirmation.