News Summary
Ozomatli, the renowned Los Angeles-based band, will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a free concert at Mile Square Park, marking the kick-off of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Attendees can enjoy food trucks and a picturesque setting by the north lake while experiencing the band’s vibrant fusion of music genres. Following this performance, Ozomatli will participate in community activism and return for an August show at the Pacific Amphitheatre. This concert highlights the importance of cultural engagement through music in Orange County.
Fountain Valley, California – Ozomatli, the iconic Los Angeles-based band, is set to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a special free concert at Mile Square Park on Thursday, which will commence at 6 p.m. This concert marks the opening of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series, an annual event that features various live music performances throughout the summer.
Attendees can enjoy the concert in a picturesque setting by the north lake near Freedom Hall, with food trucks and concessions available starting at 5 p.m. Both admission and parking for the event are free, allowing fans and families to gather and celebrate the band’s milestone without financial barriers.
Ozomatli, known for their vibrant fusion of genres including Latin, hip-hop, reggae, and funk, has remained a significant part of the music landscape over the last three decades. The band features several founding members including Ulises Bella, who plays saxophone and provides vocals. Throughout their career, Ozomatli has garnered three Grammy Awards, enhancing their standing in the music industry and showcasing their artistic trajectory.
The upcoming concert is part of Ozomatli’s “30 Revolutions” tour, which commemorates their enduring legacy and musical journey. Following the Fountain Valley performance, the band will return to Orange County on August 3 for a show at the Pacific Amphitheatre during the OC Fair, alongside other famed performers such as X and Los Lobos.
The band’s celebration was initially intended to include an anniversary show at California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles; however, this event was postponed due to local curfews and ICE raids occurring in the area. In response, Ozomatli plans to participate in “No Kings” demonstrations coinciding with the date of the postponed show, reaffirming their commitment to activism, which has been a foundational element of their identity since their formation.
Formed out of both a love for music and a commitment to social and artistic endeavors in their community, Ozomatli’s roots are deeply intertwined with their environment. The band attributes their longevity to both their musical chemistry and their commitment to one another. Their diverse musical influences have evolved through years of travel and engagement with various cultures, further enriching their sound and artistic expression.
Despite changes in the music industry and shifts in public taste, the founding lineup—comprising Bella, Asdru Sierra, Raul Pacheco, Wil-Dog Abers, Jiro Yamaguchi, and Justin Poree—has managed to maintain their core essence while adapting to new influences. Their brand of music, which combines elements of different genres, remains accessible and appealing to audiences of all ages.
The OC Parks Summer Concert Series will continue beyond Ozomatli’s performance, with a diverse range of musicians slated to perform at various parks throughout the summer months. This initiative not only highlights the importance of community engagement through music but also celebrates the rich cultural landscape of Orange County.
As the concert approaches, the excitement continues to build among fans and community members alike, eager to partake in this unique celebration of music and camaraderie.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Ozomatli Celebrating 30th Anniversary
- Wikipedia: Ozomatli
- Daily News: Ozomatli Celebrates 30 Years
- Google Search: Ozomatli 30th Anniversary
- Orange County Register: OC Parks Summer Concert Series
- Google Scholar: Ozomatli
- NBC Los Angeles: Free Events in OC Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ozomatli
- ABC7: 2025 Summer Concert Series
- Google News: Summer Concerts California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
