Fountain Valley Hosts Free Concerts by Ozomatli

Categories: CommunityConcertsEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Concert-goers enjoying Ozomatli live at Mile Square Park with food trucks in the background.

News Summary

Fountain Valley is gearing up for grand summer festivities as Ozomatli, a renowned band, celebrates its 30th anniversary with two free concerts. The first will take place at Mile Square Park, kicking off the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Concert-goers can enjoy food trucks before the show at 6 p.m. amid a beautiful lakeside setting. Ozomatli is known for their diverse musical style and commitment to activism, making this event an exciting opportunity for the community to come together for a vibrant musical celebration.

Fountain Valley is Set for a Musical Extravaganza!

Get ready to groove, Fountain Valley! This summer promises to be a spectacular one as Ozomatli, the beloved Los Angeles-based band, celebrates its 30th anniversary with not one, but two amazing free concerts right here in Orange County. Mark your calendars, as the first free concert is coming up this Thursday at Mile Square Park, starting at 6 p.m., and it marks the kick-off of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series.

A Little Slice of Musical History

As we soak in the summer vibes, there’s a lot to be excited about! Ozomatli is not just a band; they have been a powerful force in music, winning three Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Latin Grammy. Their blend of genres—from Latin to hip-hop to reggae and funk—is like a delightful buffet of sounds that will get everyone dancing, and rightfully so! Founded back in 1995 in the spirit of community and activism, this band’s journey has certainly been remarkable. It all started amid a workers’ strike and sit-in, highlighting their deep connections to social issues and a commitment to their roots.

Ulises Bella, one of the band’s founding members, has expressed genuine surprise at how their journey has unfolded over the years. There were times they thought their success might only last a couple of years, but here they are, 30 years later, still rocking the stage and embracing new musical influences gathered from their travels around the world.

Concert Details: What to Expect!

For those heading to Mile Square Park, you’ll want to arrive early. Food trucks and concessions will be available starting at 5 p.m., allowing concert-goers to grab a bite to eat before the music kicks off. The concert will take place by the north lake near Freedom Hall, creating a picturesque setting to enjoy live tunes under the summer sky.

And the summer fun doesn’t stop there! Ozomatli will return to Orange County later this summer on August 3, performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, sharing the stage with fellow icons X and Los Lobos. Both concerts are part of the “30 Revolutions” tour, celebrating the band’s lasting impact.

Looking Ahead

For those eagerly awaiting more musical fun, the OC Parks Summer Concert Series features additional free concerts throughout the summer. Upcoming shows include Doin’ Time, a Sublime cover band, scheduled for June 26, plus performances in other scenic locations like Mason and Irvine Regional Parks, Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.

Music with a Purpose

As always, Ozomatli doesn’t just deliver catchy tunes; their music carries potent messages. Their commitment to activism remains a core value, reflecting the socio-political inspirations behind their formation. So, it’s no surprise they’re set to release a new single titled “Red Line” at the end of July, emphasizing once again how music can be intertwined with meaningful narratives.

Unfortunately, a major anniversary show originally planned for California Plaza in downtown L.A. faced postponement due to local circumstances, but fear not! Ozomatli has planned to engage with the community through “No Kings” demonstrations on the same day, showcasing their ethos of standing up for what they believe in.

With an extensive lineup of talent including founding members Asdru Sierra, Raul Pacheco, Wil-Dog Abers, Jiro Yamaguchi, and Justin Poree, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable musical celebration. So, gather your friends and family, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready to embrace the incredible energy of Ozomatli right here in Fountain Valley and beyond. It’s going to be an epic summer filled with music, good food, and lasting memories!