WHEN
CHILDREN
ENT
AR E

y nmnAL TRAFFIC
RPOSES

1

Ozomatli.

NAOMI PFEFFERMAN

Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles

W

il-Dog Abers is Jewish?" The question
comes up often for the co-founder of the
sociopolitical salsa-pop-reggae-hip-hop
band Ozomatli, which has won two Grammys for
best alternative Latin rock. Hispanic fans address the
bassist as " ese," the Spanish slang for homeboy, and
are shocked to learn he's Jewish. But both Abers and
the band thrive on contradictions.

Ozomatli's songs condemn corporate greed, the
Iraq war and other perceived injustices — not with
punk diatribes but dance party anthems.
The band has played benefit concerts for the
United Farm Workers, among others.
The 32-year-old Abers visits Michigan with
Ozomatli as part of the 2005 Concert of Colors on
Sunday, July 16. The 13th annual event, a free,
three-day diversity festival sponsored by ACCESS
(Arab Community Center for Economic and Social
Service) and New Detroit, is dedicated to bringing

diverse communities and ethnic groups together
through music.
The festival will present more than 35 acts from
around the world Friday-Sunday, July 15-17.
Friday's performances take place on two stages at the
Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. On
Saturday and Sunday, the festival moves to Chene
Park on the Detroit riverfront with music on three
stages.
Headliners on Friday include Cape Breton Celtic

JEWISH AMIGO

on page 51

7/14
2005

47

