Ozomatli members arrested

Two members and the manager of Los Angeles band Ozomatli were arrested in Austin, Texas, early Thursday morning when the group took its performance onto the street during the first night of the South by Southwest Music Conference.

The clash with police happened after the multicultural rock band’s nightclub showcase, around 2:25 a.m., when it started a drum line outside on the city’s bar-lined 6th Street. Police said the street performance, a common ending to an Ozomatli show, violated the city’s noise ordinance and the band was repeatedly warned to stop.

According to the police report, percussionist Jiro Yamaguchi struck an officer in the head with his drum when officers moved in. Pepper spray was used to disperse angry onlookers, who were chanting, “Nazi police.” Yamaguchi, 36, is charged with assault of a public servant, a third-degree felony punishable by 10 years in prison.

Manager Amy Sue Blackman-Romero is charged with interfering with police and bassist Willy Abers with violating the noise ordinance. All three were released Thursday afternoon. Blackman-Romero told the Austin American-Statesman, “We were assaulted by the police. They were so over the top.”

Despite the incidents, the band still plans to perform a set at another Austin club tonight.

-- Chris Riemenschneider