Ozomatli, Fresh From Cuba

The Afro-Cuban-influenced, genre-jumping Ozomatli--one of Southern California’s favorite club bands--had one thing in mind upon landing in Cuba recently.

“If one person likes our music here, that will be enough,” said Asdru Sierra, the band’s trumpet player, on the day Ozomatli arrived in Havana for a weeklong stay. The group’s visit coincided with the 14th World Festival of Students and Youth.

By trip’s end, the salsa-hip-hop-funk combo had some 5,000 spectators jumping with their fists in the air to “Superbowl Sundae” on the city’s largest stage.

After returning home to East Los Angeles, the group heads south tonight to perform at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana.

The Cuban adventure will not soon be forgotten.

“It’s amazing how there are bands playing on every block [in Havana], and they are the best bands you’ll ever listen to,” said William “Wil-Dog” Abers, the band’s leader.

The urban-edged dance stylings of Ozomatli is powered by Wil-Dog’s funk-driven bass; Raul Pacheco’s flamenco-inspired guitar; Justin “Nino” Poree’s congas and percussion; Jiro Yamaguchi’s tablas; William Manrufo’s drums, and the horn section of Ulises Bella and Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa on sax and Sierra on trumpet. Also contributing are DJ Cut Chemist and rapper Chali 2na on the mike.

“We each have differing backgrounds,” Wil-Dog said. “Each of us makes the group what it is.”