Ozomatli, celebrating 30th anniversary, returns to Fountain Valley
Los Angeles-based band Ozomatli is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and those in Orange County have not one, but two chances to see the eclectic, multi-genre act perform.
Ozomatli will be playing a free concert at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley on Thursday at 6 p.m., kicking off the OC Parks Summer Concert Series.
Ulises Bella, who plays saxophone and provides vocals, is one of six founding members that is still at it three decades later.
'It's a trip,' Bella said in an interview with the Daily Pilot. 'When we were younger, when we were kids, none of us thought that this was going to last that long. When you're younger, you're thinking maybe the band would last a couple of years, maybe it would last 10 years. Now we're at 30, and it's incredible. It's a testament to the chemistry of the members of the band, and our commitment to the music and to ourselves as a group.'
The band will return to Orange County on Aug. 3 for an OC Fair show at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, along with X and Los Lobos.
The shows are part of Ozomatli's '30 Revolutions' tour. A hometown anniversary show was scheduled for Saturday night at the California Plaza in downtown L.A., but Bella said it has been postponed due to the curfew and ICE raids in the city.
Bella said Ozomatli, a band whose origins are steeped in activism, instead plans to perform at 'No Kings' demonstrations planned for Saturday.
'That's going to be Plan B,' he said. 'I think [the raids are] pure political theater. The worst kind, too, because the people who are suffering are working class people.'
Three decades in, Ozomatli also still features founding members Asdru Sierra on vocals and trumpet, Raul Pacheco on vocals and guitars, Wil-Dog Abers on bass, Jiro Yamaguchi on percussion and Justin Poree on vocals and percussion.
The group has won three Grammy Awards, including a Latin Grammy, and is unique in the way it blends Latin, hip-hop, reggae, funk music and more.
'All of us grew up with all kinds of different music growing up, and it's this blend of those different kinds of music that make up the gumbo of what Ozomatli's sound is,' Bella said. 'I will say that the scope of the influences from where we've started to where we are now has grown over the years. We used L.A. as our foundation, and traveling around the country, you go to places like Chicago and New Orleans, cities with very important musical traditions, [Washington] D.C., New York.
'Then we go all around the world, and we're able to soak up some of those obscure references and obscure music styles,' Bella said. 'It's expanded our whole musical horizon.'
Admission and parking are both free for Thursday's show at Mile Square Park, with attendees welcome to save their spot on the grass for the concert and enjoy food trucks and concessions starting at 5 p.m. The concert, which will take place by the north lake near Freedom Hall, starts at 6 p.m.
The OC Parks Summer Concert Series continues back at Mile Square Park on June 26 with Doin' Time, a Sublime cover band. More free concerts are scheduled throughout the summer at Mason and Irvine regional parks in Irvine, Craig Regional Park in Fullerton and Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Menu Featured An Elaborate Italian Spread Spearheaded By A Michelin Chef
With American billionaire and businessman Jeff Bezos' wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez well underway in Venice, every detail about the celebration is gradually coming to light. One focal point is the cuisine, which Daily Mail reports will cost the couple €1,000 (or approximately $1,170) per guest. The dinner's theme exemplifies the South of Italy, and some of the world's most impressive chefs are catering, including celebrated culinary artist Fabrizio Mellino. In 2023, Mellino made a name for himself when he became one of the youngest chefs ever to earn three Michelin stars. He did so at just 30 years old for his Naples-based restaurant, Quattro Passi. Bezos and Sanchez's wedding spread is set to include a Mellino classic, spaghetti alla Nerano (an Italian dish everyone should order at least once), before guests enjoy a wedding cake created by French pastry chef Cédric Grolet. The event will also feature small-scale cuisine served by Salvatore de Riso's famous patisserie in Minori, which features some of the region's most prominent ingredients like hazelnuts, ricotta, and lemon. Read more: Who Is Chef Christopher Kimball And Why Did He Leave America's Test Kitchen? Fabrizio Mellino catering Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding is more than just an opportunity to provide their guests with excellent Italian food. This event also shines a massive spotlight on Mellino himself and his restaurant Quattro Passi, exposing his name to people who may not have known it previously. Only 157 restaurants worldwide boast three Michelin stars as of 2025, proving just how accomplished Mellino is in his field. The event will also highlight important elements of Italian cuisine. Employing chefs like Mellino and Salvatore de Rosi honors Southern Italy's produce and history. Mellino's cooking, in particular, ushers the region into the limelight, as he prepares traditional dishes with both respect and innovation. One of Quattro Passi's key elements is its emphasis on local ingredients, including fresh-caught fish and freshly grown vegetables. With names like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and a smattering of Kardashians and Jenners attending, this event will no doubt aim for the highest possible quality. Between Italy's breathtaking scenery and the high-caliber catering, Bezos and Sanchez's wedding dinner is sure to make a splash. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
The 29 best 50-year anniversary gifts for celebrating half a century together
50th anniversary gifts quick picks To celebrate the promises you made 50 years ago: Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print For the couple who remembers the decades through music: Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record If they don't want more stuff: UrbanStems The Peony Sky For the bookworm: Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Romance is eternal, and so should be finding meaningful ways to celebrate marriage milestones. Whether you're the gift-giving type of couple or prefer to show affection through a different love language, wedding anniversary gifts themed by year offer a special way to honor and celebrate the time you've spent together. 'Fifty years — that's legacy,' etiquette expert Elaine Swann said. As both the traditional and modern anniversary gifting theme, gold gifts speak to the preciousness of a half-century partnership that has thrived through life's inevitable changes, ups and downs. 'It's perfect because it represents something that's stood the test of time,' Swann said. 'To me, anniversary gifts have always felt like little markers along the path of a shared life,' Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird, said. 'I love that the tradition is deeply human,' she said, referencing the centuries-old custom in which husbands would give their wives a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold one on their 50th. 'It represents a quiet but meaningful celebration of endurance and devotion.' Ahead, our selection of thoughtful 50-year anniversary gifts ranges from literal to symbolic, with each giving you the chance to consider what will truly delight your life partner — or any couple you know celebrating this milestone. Framebridge Antiqued Oval Tabletop Frame You can't go wrong with framing a family portrait, wedding photo or special quote, said etiquette expert Myka Meier. She recommends putting whichever would be most meaningful to your spouse in a gold or gold-accented photo frame — and we love this vintage-inspired option from Framebridge. Simply upload the photo of your choice, and Framebridge will take care of the rest. Papier Monogram Navy Leather Notebook When it comes to a super special anniversary gift, etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts recommends taking a trip down memory lane — literally. 'Revisit somewhere like your honeymoon spot,' she said, 'complete with a golden travel journal.' This notebook from Papier can be monogrammed with gold foil, making it a great choice for partners who prefer a subtle gold touch. Plumeria Original Art Original Violet Oil Painting Violets are the traditional flower for 50th wedding anniversaries, commonly seen as symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. This hand-painted oil painting is a unique way of honoring the time-honored tradition. Made by Mary Birth Flower Bookmark Sometimes, the best gift is just one that acknowledges your partner's favorite hobby, pastime or passion. For those who love nothing more than snuggling up with a good book, this golden brass bookmark can be personalized with both their birth flower (or an anniversary-appropriate violet) and up to three characters. Arhaus Jules Frame Meier said a framed poem or letter might seem like a simple gift — but it's thoughtful, personal and gives you a chance to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with your life partner. A sleek frame like this option from Arhaus is the perfect vessel to showcase the keepsake of your choosing. World Market Antique Gold Peacock Trinket Dish Gold doesn't need to mean flashy or expensive. This trinket dish is fun, full of personality and perfect for holding everyday essentials like jewelry, keys or loose change. Michael Aram Heart Frame Ornament Whether you plan to hang it up year-round or during the holidays, we're suckers for a heart-shaped gift. This ornament is made from gold-hued metal with a heart motif and is a charming way to put your love center stage. UrbanStems The Peony Sky Meier recommends 'a bouquet of golden-hued flowers' for those who might not be into a more traditional gold gift. This stunning multicolored bouquet features beautiful yellow roses amongst an array of flowers, including peonies, white roses, ranunculus and delphinium. Dearest Forever Personalized Family Tree Art A celebration of the family and legacy you've created together, this family tree can be personalized to include four, five or even six generations. There are a couple different print sizes in addition to fonts, and you can work with the designers to get your piece just right before framing and gifting it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Sargent Rose Brooch Brooches are such a classic way to accessorize, and this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art store is a true showstopper. It pays homage to a late 19th-century painting by American painter John Singer Sargent — perfect for the art lover. Williams Sonoma Wilshire Jewel-Cut Gold-Rim Champagne Flutes, Set of 4 Grotts recommends Champagne flutes — monogrammed if you can — to 'toast to 50 years with something as sparkling as your story.' Each of these four glasses is hand-cut with a slightly different pattern and complete with a 24-karat gold rim. Apollo Sundials Custom 50th Wedding Anniversary Engraved Gold Sundial Chances are you or the couple you're shopping for doesn't have an engraved sundial — yet! Perfect for placing in an outdoor garden or yard, each item is customized with your very own message on the front and calibrated for the location in which it'll be placed. Brooks Brothers Sterling Silver Engravable Rhodium-Plated Tie Clip An understated accessory for more formal occasions, tie clips are a simple way to bring the polish of any menswear look to the next level. This sleek option is made from sterling silver with a gold plating. Because we love the opportunity to make any present a bit more personal, it can be monogrammed too. Olivia Riegel Botanica Box Keepsake boxes like this one, which features a gold-cast pewter flower, are a perfect anniversary gift. Include a handwritten letter, a piece of jewelry or a thoughtful trinket inside for extra points. Pottery Barn Hawthorne Oval Wall Address Plaque For those who don't typically love gifts, we'd recommend opting for something that's both practical and thoughtful. This elegant and customizable plaque is a sweet way to celebrate the place where you've created countless memories and built a life together. Classic Touch Clear Glass Vase With Removable Gold Leaf Base If flowers are a common way to celebrate milestones in your relationship, opt for an elegant gold or gold-accented vase to accompany your latest bouquet. Whether it's their favorite flower or a violet-inspired bouquet (paying homage to the flower associated with this landmark anniversary!), this is a thoughtful way to go the extra mile. Uncommon Goods Love Grows Together Wall Art This charming piece of wall art captures all the themes of a 50th wedding anniversary gift — growth, strength and a deepening relationship over time. It's a beautiful daily reminder of your shared journey and a testament to the fact that love does grow together. Artifact Uprising Signature Layflat Photo Album What better way to remember memories from the past 50 years than with a photo album? You can opt for an elegant keepsake like this layflat album, which has gold detailing on the cover (a subtle way to reference the gifting tradition!) or make a custom scrapbook like Meier recommends. Uncommon Goods Personalized Gold LP Record This personalized gold record is a thoughtful and unique way to celebrate the soundtrack of your relationship. In addition to customizing the record's title, you can select up to five songs — perhaps one for each decade — to include on the record label. Mark & Graham Sarah Chloe Monogram Cufflinks When it comes to the perfect 50-year wedding anniversary gift for men (or anyone who wears suits), Meier recommends engraved gold-tone cufflinks. This monogrammed option is a smart alternative you can customize with two or three characters. Minted Your Vows: Square Orientation Custom Foil Print Wedding anniversaries are the perfect opportunity to look back and reflect on the commitment you made to each other half a century ago. This custom print, made with real gold foil, is a stunning way to honor that day and the journey you've been on together since. Skylight Digital Picture Frame in Gold Digital picture frames are an incredible way to remember and celebrate the milestones of everyone in your life, especially if it involves friends and family across the country or the world. This chic gold option is intuitive, user-friendly and easy for loved ones to keep you up-to-date on all their special moments. The Million Roses Heart Gold Box Made from real roses and uniquely preserved to last for up to three years, these gold roses are a grand gesture that'll last way longer than fresh flowers. You can display throughout your home or as an impressive centerpiece. Fossil Men's Carraway Quartz Stainless Steel Three-Hand Watch A stunning piece of gold-toned jewelry doesn't have to come at designer costs. This stainless steel watch strikes the perfect balance between wearability and sophistication that works equally well in everyday and more formal settings. Tiffany & Co. Olive Leaf Stud Earrings When it comes to classic 50th anniversary gifts, you can't go wrong with jewelry, said wedding planner Laura Gardner. 'I would buy something they can wear,' she said. These elegant yet practical stud earrings feature beautiful pearls surrounded by 18-karat yellow gold olive leaves that symbolize peace and abundance. Catbird Dollhouse Oval Gold Locket Plessner, Grotts and Meier all recommend a gold locket as the perfect anniversary gift. You can include photos from your wedding day on one side with photos from today on the other, or choose a photograph and message with special sentimental meaning. Regardless, it's 'something she can wear close to her heart,' Plessner said. Rolex Pre-Owned Datejust 79173 'Gifting a watch for an anniversary isn't just about telling time, it's about telling your story,' James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, said. 'The right timepiece marks your shared milestones with meaning, elegance and intention.' Rolex describes this stunning option — made with stainless steel and 18-karat gold — as the first self-winding wristwatch to feature a date display. Frank Darling The Dad Band 'There's beauty in simplicity, and few things are more timeless than a pair of classic gold band[s],' Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of jewelry brand Frank Darling, said. 'I love the idea of coming full circle at 50 years with matching rings engraved with each other's names — which is complimentary at Frank Darling — and that are meant not just to wear, but to pass down,' she said. Brilliant Earth Homme Engravable Tag Pendant in 14-Karat Yellow Gold Plessner recommends engraving a piece of jewelry or a medallion with a special pet name as a sweet way to celebrate something only the two of you share. 'I hope me and my husband have pet names for each other at our 50th anniversary,' she said. 'Anniversary gifts are a moment to pause the day-to-day and reflect — not just on what your partner means to you, but on why you chose each other to begin with,' Fisher said. 'It's less about the gift itself, and more about the meaning behind it.' So use this landmark as an opportunity to consider your partner's unique interests, passions and hobbies. If you're stuck on where to start, Meier suggests the reason behind this celebration. 'Think about what the milestone represents, and what would feel meaningful and enjoyable to your spouse,' she said. This isn't necessarily going to be something you would want, though it can also be memorable to you. 'It can be something traditional, practical, creative, or sentimental,' she said. 'There's no one-size-fits-all.' Ultimately, it isn't about the price tag. 'Anniversary gifts are more than presents,' Grotts said. 'They're a sentimental mile marker, not just a calendar date.' Whether you're honoring gifting traditions or creating your own, 'the best present is one that honors the journey,' she said. For this article, we consulted the following wedding, etiquette and jewelry experts to gain their professional insights. Kegan Fisher, co-founder and designer of bespoke bridal and fine jewelry brand Frank Darling Laura Gardner, a wedding and event planner and owner of Love, Laura Lisa Mirza Grotts, also known as the 'The Golden Rules Gal,' a renowned etiquette expert, author and public speaker Myka Meier, a globally recognized etiquette expert, two-time bestselling author and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Leigh Batnick Plessner, chief creative officer of Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird Elaine Swann, a nationally recognized lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol James Thomas, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Reklaim, a secondhand platform for luxury designer goods We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this article, contributing writer Noelle Ike interviewed the pros to find the best wedding anniversary gifts for celebrating 50 years of marriage.
Los Angeles Times
3 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
There's an art to bathroom art: anything goes, except potty humor
Many sins have been committed in bathrooms — at least when it comes to decor. Cluttered with crude 'dad humor' cartoons, sappy inspirational wall hangings and peeling travel posters, these intimate spaces are often artless. But they don't have to be. Don't waste the chance to adorn your washroom. 'Every room needs a focal point, an artful place where your eyes can land,' says Los Angeles-based designer Jeff Andrews, who designed his primary bathroom around a vintage abstract oil painting by Aubrey Penny. 'I love putting art in unexpected places — and the bathroom is no different.' In fact, with its cold, hard surfaces and less-than-photogenic features, the bathroom is arguably more in need of decor than other parts of a home. A captivating painting can help a tiny WC feel less claustrophobic and distract from the room's base function. Just stay away from 'bathroom art,' warns New Jersey-based designer, Beth Diana Smith. Although it might seem logical to hang prints that say, 'welcome to the bathroom' or 'toilet tissue here,' resist. 'Ugh, don't do that,' Smith says. 'Treat the art the way you would in the rest of your home.' Here's how. Think broadly when it comes to bathroom art. If framed travel photos or ceramic wall hangings are aesthetically pleasing or stylish, they can function as decor. 'Strange but not valuable items,' like postcards or a poster, are fair game, says Washington, D.C.-based designer Annie Elliott. 'I do not mean a Monet poster from a long-ago art exhibition, but one from a much cooler event, like a film festival or your early adulthood. Something you can't make yourself get rid of.' Elliott had been planning to donate a framed block print she'd owned for years. But then her daughter intervened. She was attached to the piece and ended up propping it against the wall in the center of her bathroom vanity. 'It looks great,' says Elliott. The world is your oyster when it comes to bathroom art. Although you want to avoid cheesy or cringey pieces, consider injecting some humor. 'Don't take yourself too seriously,' says New Jersey-based designer Sarah Storms, who hung a small, ornately framed painting of a pink swan in a tiny bathroom with blue wallpaper. 'I wanted a pop of contrast, and the pink and blue look pretty together,' she says. In a similarly small powder room, Elliott situated a painting of a dog in a business suit against a backdrop of playful, French Revolution-inspired wallpaper. Since the painting hangs directly across from the mirror, the effect is as if the pup is observing itself. A duck figurine on the sink adds to the whimsical feel. Or take a cue from Atlanta-based designer Jessica Davis and showcase your kids' artwork. In their bathroom, Davis hung paintings her children had made in the style of the artists Piet Mondrian and Yayoi Kusama. The pieces' geometric shapes and primary colors echo the subway tile on the walls. Of course, fun can also swing sinister. When an artsy client asked for a 'cool, edgy, funky' feel for his Beverly Hills bathroom, Andrews chose dark, somber oil paintings. One is of a full face, while others depict portions, such as an ear or nose and mouth. Together, the people (or their parts) seem to stare creepily at guests. Their juxtaposition with a live-edge-topped wooden backsplash conjures a rough and violent effect reminiscent of a slasher film set. Maybe you'd rather veer high-end or traditional. Elliott notes that a Picasso painting hangs in the anteroom to a prominent political family's Washington, D.C. bathroom. 'Wouldn't that be nice, to glimpse a Picasso on your way to the bathroom? You can hang your Van Gogh there if you trust your guests,' she says. That statement doesn't need to be tongue-in-cheek. Just like any room, a bathroom can have a gallery feel, says Andrews. In his client's glam Beverly Hills refuge, he hung a red ink sketch of abstract dress forms. Since the room is all white, the piece pops. 'It's the one little piece of jewelry that catches your eye and takes away from the cleanliness of all the white,' he says. For a lower-budget alternative, try a strategy from Storms. Over a client's toilet, she hung a set of three Rifle Paper Co. dessert plates featuring images of different cities. Splashed water or condensation can damage art. So, 'if you have a super steamy bathroom with condensation dripping down the mirror, avoid including anything valuable,' Elliott says. Instead, choose art you're willing to 'let die a long, slow death.' But if your bathroom is well-ventilated and not showered or bathed in often, you have more options. In her primary bathroom, Elliott hung two engravings of birds, protected under glass. Despite 20 years of exposure to steam, the pieces have held up well, she says. Here are some tips for mastering the art of bathroom art: Art doesn't have to match the walls: Smith often chooses art in a color scheme complementary to the walls. 'I don't try to color match art to anything specific in a bathroom. I want the art to feel distinct and not blend in,' she says. You can and should hang art on wallpaper: 'If you don't hang art or a framed mirror on wallpaper, the room won't look finished,' says Elliott. But there's one exception, according to Storms: murals, since they're meant to be seen in full. She recommends choosing a wallpaper pattern with a small repeat, so hanging art won't obscure key portions. Prop it up: Lean a framed print against the wall in the center of a wide vanity or on a shelf above the toilet. As part of a vanity vignette, Elliott can envision small photos of grandparents in silver frames interspersed with perfume and cologne bottles. Consider a small gallery wall: Either opt for a cluster of three to five images or cover the entire wall, says Elliott. For an affordable approach, buy 4-by-4-inch oil paintings from Etsy and keep either the frames or the art consistent, says Storms. Think all black-and-white photos in different frames or a variety of botanical prints in the same frames. But don't overdo it: 'Sometimes less is more with art layering in a bathroom,' says Storms. If you only have space for one great piece over the towel bar or toilet, go for one great piece. Make it slightly larger so you create a moment. Don't try and cram too much in.'
