Grand Performances launches its 39th season with a hometown celebration: Ozomatli’s 30th anniversary. If LA had a soundtrack, it would sound like Ozomatli—an electrifying fusion of Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global rhythms that captures the spirit of the city in full. Over three decades, they’ve become cultural ambassadors of LA’s diversity, activism, and joy. Their history with GP runs deep—who remembers when Stevie Wonder jumped on stage at our 2013 show? This anniversary promises a euphoric, cross-cultural dance party with surprise guests, deep grooves, and a reminder of why Ozomatli continues to move hearts and hips around the world.
Schedule
6:00pm, DJ Anthony Valadez
7:00pm, Healing Gems
8:30pm, Ozomatli
LOCATION, PARKING & FAQ click here
Ozomatli
Ozomatli — Celebrating 30 Years: The Soundtrack of L.A. If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the culturally diverse ensemble, multi-genre band has been a cultural force, blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of LA.
In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: 30 years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world. Emerging from the politically charged streets of Los Angeles, Ozomatli’s origins are steeped in activism and a desire to unite communities through music.
This ethos has carried the band across three decades, earning them a dedicated global following and accolades that include three GRAMMY® Awards, four iconic performances at the Hollywood Bowl, a TED Talk, and countless sold-out shows worldwide.
From high-profile TV appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Austin City Limits to groundbreaking tours in places like Burma and Mongolia, Ozomatli’s music and message transcend borders, languages, and cultures.
The ensemble’s six founding members — Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion) — have remained true to their mantra:
"We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles."
Their music is a vibrant collision of styles, drawing from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga.
This eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Ozomatli’s legacy extends far beyond their music. Known for their tireless community involvement, the band has used their platform to amplify causes that matter — from immigrant rights to education and beyond. Their ability to combine socially conscious lyrics with infectious grooves has made them a beacon of unity and resilience, a band that celebrates life while addressing the struggles that connect us all.
Their 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity but also a testament to their enduring relevance and innovation. With a career that began with their groundbreaking 1998 self-titled debut, they continue to evolve and inspire. Whether performing new material or beloved classics, Ozomatli’s live shows remain a jubilant experience, igniting dance floors and uniting communities.
As they embark on their fourth decade, Ozomatli stands as a symbol of Los Angeles’ past, present, and future — a band whose music is as multifaceted and vibrant as the city they call home. Here’s to 30 years of Ozomatli, and the many more adventures yet to come.
Healing Gems
"L.A.'s Healing Gems make music for lost explorers, midnight surfers and spaghetti western anti-heroes wha packed one too few bullets. They're cinematic in the mont technicalor way possible. and they take a long history of kitschy studto soundtracks, 50s pan-Latin dance compilations and overlooked erotica albums and remake them into a world all their own." - L.f. Record
For fans of Perez Prado, Haruomi Hosono, Walter Wanderly, Martin Denny, Talking Heads, Lounge Music, and shoplifting
Anthony Valadez
Anthony Valadez is a native Angeleno, a DJ, producer, and radio and podcast host. Dating back to skipping 6th period during his senior year in high school, he became part of a cast of rotating DJs on KVCM. He would later land shows on KCSN, KPFK, Dublab, and KROQ. He joined KCRW in 2008. He has held DJ residencies in Los Angeles, including the legendary Temple Bar and the Natural History Museum for their First Fridays series, and in Las Vegas at the SLS.
This program is made possible in part by Logic Technology Consulting Group and a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
