Oakland Finally Got Some Ozo Luvin’

Photo: Claudia Guzman

Ozomatli have been together for almost two decades now, and in their 17-year career, they were yet to visit Oakland. But all that changed, when the band played at The New Parish this past March 28th.

This show was more than being the first show that Ozo would play in Oakland. It was also a show with a truly special cause. The night of the show, a raffle took place, and the donations were all going to Noah Stout. Noah is a cute toddler, son of former Ozo MC – Kanetic. Little Noah was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010.

We all know how loving & compassionate the guys from Ozo are, not only do they support the arts, are pro-immigration, but they also have love and respect for former members. The show at The New Parish turned out to be beyond remarkable.

Photo: Claudia Guzman

The opening set was in charge of a little firecracker MC who goes by the name of Raw-G. I had never seen her live but have heard terrific things about her set. And boy, was I in awe! Raw-G has swag, flow and unbelievable stage presence. She was spitting lyrics in English and Spanish like no one’s business. I was actually shocked to find out that she was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico – let me tell you, she represents Oakland big time!

Photo: Claudia Guzman

By the time Ozo hit the stage, The New Parish was to capacity, everywhere you  looked, there were people standing, sitting, hanging by the stage, by the bar. All the fans were ready to see Ozo in action. Their set was by far one of the absolute best that I have witnessed in the past few years. There is something about Ozo and their dynamics on stage that just makes you want to sing and dance – the guys made sure to give the Oakland fans a performance that they would talk about for months to come!

If you missed this phenomenal show, Ozo will be playing at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz on April 19th. Also, the guys continue to take donations for little Noah- if you would like to donate, check out: www.iheartnoah.org.







Credits: Cycle Media