Ozomatli On A Mission

Ozomatli, the three-time Grammy-winning, multi-ethnic rock group from Los Angeles, performed twice in Vietnam last week as part of a cultural program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Consulate General.

Tickets for the shows were free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis through the U.S. Consulate’s Public Affairs Section. The group played once in Ho Chi Minh City and once in Bunh Duong Province

While in Binh Duong, the group also carried out humanitarian events at a vocational center for the disabled, a school for the blind and an outreach center for “people in recovery.”

The State Department has worked with the group in the past on similar tours in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East.

“Going to Vietnam is a huge deal for me personally,” said saxophonist and vocalist Ulisses Bella in an announcement released by the consulate. “It just seems like an excellent opportunity to break down some stereotypes and promote positive exchange.”