Las Vegas, N.M. — New Mexico Highlands University presents the Grammy-award-winning band Ozomatli in concert March 24 at 8 p.m.in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave.
Ozomatli formed in Los Angeles in 1995 and is known for its wide variety of musical styles, including Latin salsa, urban hip-hop, jazz-funk, reggae and rock. It tours around the globe and is a favorite in countries like France, Germany, Japan, Argentina and Australia.
“The first time I went to an Ozomatli concert I was blown away by their energy and their diverse style of music,” said Donna Martinez, Ilfeld Auditorium manager. “I’ve been wanting to bring this band to Ilfeld ever since. The opportunity arose through a partnership with the National Council of la Raza, the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the nation.
“If you want to have fun, go to this Ozomatli concert. They are simply amazing musicians with great stage presence and audience rapport,” Martinez said.
The seven-member band has won numerous awards, including Grammys for Best Latin/Rock Alternative Album in 2002 and 2005. Ozomatli was a Billboard Latin Award Winner for Best Album in 2004. In 2005, the California legislature awarded the Latino Spirit Award to the band.
In 2008, the U.S. Department of State appointed Ozomatli to serve as U.S. Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored tours of Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
The band is known for using their music to promote messages of peace and understanding. Band members say they have always juggled two key identities: being the voice of their city, L.A., and being citizens of the world.
Ozomatli’s music is in high demand in the entertainment industry. The band’s original music is featured in soundtracks for films like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Spanglish and The Guardian. On television, their music can be heard on series like Cold Case on CBS, Sex and the City on HBO, and CSI Miami on CBS.
Ozomatli also makes frequent live TV appearances, including NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, and NBC’s the Tonight Show With Jay Leno, to name a few.
Tickets for Ozomatli are on sale for $20, $25 and $30, and are available at the university’s KEDP radio station, 91.1 FM, 901 University Ave., Studio 103. Or contact Martinez at 505-454-3238 or martinezda@nmhu.edu Lodging packages are also available and Martinez has details.