Ozomatli Performs at Belly Up Aspen

The smell of worn leather and freshly poured beers wafts through the air as the crowd begins to file into Belly Up Aspen, the iconic venue nestled in the heart of downtown, its rustic wooden exterior and dimly lit interior a reflection of the rich musical history that has unfolded within its walls. On this particular evening, Friday, May 1, the anticipation is palpable, as Grammy Award-winning Ozomatli prepares to take the stage, bringing with them a unique sound that defies genre boundaries, a sound that is at once familiar and yet, utterly innovative. As lead vocalist and guitarist Raul Pacheco so aptly puts it, "We're into music from all over the world," a statement that not only reflects the band's eclectic influences but also their ability to craft a sound that is both globally inspired and deeply personal.

As the lights dim, and the crowd's chatter subsides, opener DJ Naka G takes the stage, his set a masterful blend of rhythms and genres that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Ozomatli's music. Born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and raised in Aspen, DJ Naka G's sound is a unique fusion of traditional Mexican music, hip-hop, and electronic beats that has the crowd swaying to the rhythm. It's a sound that is both deeply rooted in his heritage and yet, utterly contemporary, speaking to the diversity and complexity of the human experience.

As Ozomatli takes the stage, the energy in the room shifts, the crowd surging forward as the band launches into their set, a high-energy, dance-ready sound that is at once infectious and exhilarating. With a career spanning over two decades, Ozomatli has built a reputation for their unique blend of Latin, hip-hop, funk, and reggae, earning them two Grammy Awards for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. Their music reflects the power of collaboration, a coming together of different disciplines and influences that has resulted in a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

As the night wears on, the band performs classics like "Cumbia De Los Muertos," "Tus Ojos," and "After Party," as well as some new music, their set a masterful blend of old and new, familiar and innovative. It's a sound that is both deeply personal and yet, utterly universal, speaking directly to the human experience in all its complexity and diversity. As Pacheco notes, the band's music is a reflection of their diverse influences, a coming together of different styles and genres that has resulted in a sound that is both unique and yet, deeply rooted in tradition. The band's ability to blend different genres and cultures has been a hallmark of their sound, and it's something that DJ Naka G admires, having grown up in a diverse household and being exposed to a wide range of music.

As the crowd begins to disperse, the sound of Ozomatli's music still lingers in the air, a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, to transcend borders and boundaries, and to speak to the human experience in all its complexity and diversity. It's a sound that is both familiar and yet, utterly innovative, a sound that will leave you breathless and wanting more. If you look closely, you can see the crowd's faces, still aglow with the energy of the performance, their eyes shining with a sense of wonder and awe, as the music continues to resonate with them. The smell of sweat and smoke hangs in the air, a reminder of the raw energy and emotion that has just unfolded on stage, an energy that will linger long after the night is over.