The Music Center today announced that Grammy® and Latin Grammy®-winning band Ozomatli will headline the performing arts organization’s first annual free concert in the as part of the Live at The Music Center series, Saturday, September 3 at 8:00 p.m., Place Jerry Moss. The concert, which will take place over Labor Day weekend, is made possible by a major gift from Tina and Jerry Moss & the Moss Foundation, which calls, in part, for the Music Center to develop an annual celebration of music on Jerry Moss Plaza every summer.
The special evening will begin with a 40-minute A/V set by famed LA-based Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf. Getting his start spinning and playing hip-hop beats, Peanut Butter Wolf developed the careers of Madlib, J Dilla, Quasimoto, Madvillain, Dam-Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, KNX, Mild High Club, MNDSGN and Anderson Paak.
“We’re thrilled that Ozomatli is performing a free concert on Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center for all Angelenos to enjoy – what a fantastic way to kick off live at the Music Center with one of LA’s local bands!” said Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center. “We were able to organize this free event thanks to a major donation from Tina and Jerry Moss & the Moss Foundation. Their deep love and appreciation for music will reverberate in the many free and low cost events we produce throughout the year. So mark your calendars for September 3 and get ready to rock the night under the stars!
Ozomatli’s music is as multifaceted as its members and influences. Coming together as young political activists and musicians, the original group formed in Los Angeles in 1995 to play a notorious urban-Latin-and-beyond collision of hip-hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and simile, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga, all while following a key mantra: Ozomatli will make you do around the world by showing you around Los Angeles. Their music has been widely recognized and celebrated with three Grammy® Awards (for Best Latin/Alternative Rock Album and Best Alternative Music Album, among others), and the city of Los Angeles has declared April 23 as “Ozomatli Day ” in recognition of the important contribution of the group for more than 25 years to the cultural life of the city. The six-member band (Wil-Dog Abers, Ulises Bella, Raul Pacheco, Justin Poree, Asdru Sierra and Jiro Yamaguchi) recently released a new album titled Marching On on Blue Élan Records.
“Ozomatli are an award-winning band that formed right here in Los Angeles, so their next gig over Labor Day weekend will be like performing in their own backyard,” the executive vice president said. of TMC Arts, Josephine Ramirez. “Ozomatli’s ability to influence and create change through his music aligns perfectly with the Music Center’s vision to provide artistic experiences that create healthier, more compassionate and more equitable places to live. Join us on September 3 for an energizing performance – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the last days of summer and the strength of our LA community.
Tickets are required to access the concert. Limited places will be available on a first come, first served basis. Drinks will be available for sale on site. No food, drink, alcohol or outdoor seating is permitted.
The concert will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Public parking will be available for $9 per vehicle in the Music Center’s main garage ( accessible via the Grand Avenue entrance) and the Walt Disney Concert Hall Garage. Given the large number of participants expected, the public is strongly encouraged to use public transport. The Music Center is located across from Grand Park, which is home to the Civic Center/Grand Park station along the Subway B (red) and Subway D (purple) lines.
TICKETS: Each guest may claim up to four (4) general admission tickets online by visiting
musiccenter.org/ozo or by calling the box office at 213-972-0711.
