OneTwoThreeFour!
Now, Ozomatli can't get arrested in this town
By Joe GrossApril 29, 2004
Yes, they marched into the crowd and out the door. But you know what happened at the Ozomatli show last Thursday at La Zona Rosa?
Nothing. Zippo. Nada. They played a show. People danced.
A pretty good show, now that I think about it, especially when the Los Angeles-based multicultural band, who played for more than two hours, threw some abstract grooves into its Latin stew. And the crowd loved 'em (one local fan who has seen them multiple times thought it was the best crowd they'd ever played to).
You might recall that Ozomatli percussionist Jiro Yamaguchi, bassist Willy Abers and band manager Amy Sue Blackman-Romero were arrested in a scuffle as the band did their normal percussion march out of the club after a set at Exodus during South by Southwest.
So it was not without some concern that they played here. Blackman-Romero says they had expected a police presence at the show. "I was on pins and needles, honestly," she said.
But Austin police were nowhere to be seen, and the show went off without a hitch.
Besides dedicating a song to Yamaguchi, the band ignored the controversy completely. Blackman-Romero said they decided not draw attention to the issue while they were in town.
"We talked about it," she said, "and we decided the purpose of this trip was to play music. Besides, I think it could get a little tacky if the guys kept harping on it."
Other than sporting a few "Free The Ozo 3" T-shirts, the audience tended to ignore the rumpus as well. Blackman-Romero said people recognized her, which was new. (The occasional random shout of "Hey, Amy" could be heard as Blackman-Romero, who has long, black, very recognizable hair, walked around the club. "That is totally weird," she said.)
Blackman-Romero's parents, Allan and Ruth Blackman, were also in attendance. The retired labor mediator and public school teacher were also both sporting "Free the Ozo 3" shirts. (I wonder if they have any other shirts with their kids' mugshots on 'em?)
The band is not nearly out of the woods yet. Blackman-Romero was in town to meet with Ozomatli attorney Bobby Earle Smith, who attended the show.
"We're just waiting for the prosecutor to do the right thing," Smith said.
Blackman-Romero said there is still considerable concern on the band's part. Ozomatli is planning a Canadian tour, and Blackman-Romero says Yamaguchi, with a standing felony charge, would not be allowed into the country.
"They don't want to go without Jiro," she said.
FIVESIXSEVENEIGHT!
Or Music, home of Los Lonely Boys, will release "Por Vida," its two-CD tribute for Alejandro Escovedo, on July 13. Sales of the album -- which features Cowboy Junkies, John Cale, the Flatlanders, Lucinda Williams, the aforementioned Lonely Boys and many others -- will help Escovedo defray medical and living expenses. The album is also intended to raise public consciousness about hepatitis C, for which Escovedo was hospitalized in April 2003.
Just when you thought this town had enough festivals, Cinemania is coming. Emo's and the Alamo Drafthouse are sponsoring a three-day music and film festival over Memorial Day weekend. The two organizations are still trying to settle on an appropriate venue, one that can accommodate camping, rock 'n' roll and outdoor movie screenings. Indie rockers Sebadoh are expected to play, along with locals Explosions in the Sky and Zykos on the first day. Underground hip-hoppers Del the Funkee Homosapien and Murs will join the regional premiere of Mario Van Peebles' "Badass," and on the third day (and here's the one that makes the least sense) anti-comic Neil Hamburger joins deeply odd rockers Quintron and Miss Pusssycat join a screening of "The Warriors," complete with 25th anniversary cast reunion. More bands and activities are awaiting confirmation. Ticket prices will go up on Saturday, but until then, single-day passes are $25, weekend passes are $55 and weekend passes with camping are $65. Call 474-1510.
Feedback magazine, the little electronica publication that could, is turning 5 years old and celebrating by hosting an anniversary party at Copa. Featuring music from Echo Base Soundsystem, Scott Pace, Robbie Hardkiss and more, the party will also rock with a display from the Austin Museum of Digital Art. Doors are at 9 p.m., and it is a 21 and over event. Go to www.feedbackmagazine.com.
jgross@statesman.com; 912-5926.
