Before computer-savvy music nerds discovered that they could illegally download music from websites such as Napster, Limewire and others, which ultimately led to the eventual downsizing of major record labels – many companies in the mid- to late 1990s were still signing buzz bands out of Los Angeles. Bands like Incubus, Weezer, No Doubt and Ozomatli were garnering attention from artists and repertoire executives who saw these bands create a loyal and growing following that sometimes led to bidding wars, and the eventual signing to major label recording contracts.
The multicultural and groundbreaking band Ozomatli uses a unique mix of Latin, hip-hop and rock music. The group formed in 1995 after members of the ensemble met through their affiliation with the Peace and Justice Center in Los Angeles.
Ozomatli has created oZoKidz – a family-friendly ensemble geared to children and adults alike. oZoKidz will play a multi-band bill called Kids Rock, on Saturday, June 11 at Hancock Park, between the La Brea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The free concert is put on by the Children’s Nature Institute, whose KidsROCKprogram works to inspire children and families to get outside. The idea that children need to go to the outdoors to learn, discover, play and care for the Earth is the main message of the event. In addition to oZoKidz, other family favorites like Rhythm Child, Randy Kaplan, David Tobocman, Renee & Jeremy and the Silver Lake Conservatory will perform. The institute’s WonderMobile classroom on wheels will bring live animals and artifacts that visitors can touch and hold. There will also be art activities and healthy food trucks. The extravaganza goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found at cni-kids.org.
Royal-T Café and Art Space in Culver City will showcase the Los Angeles Composer Project 2011 on the night of Wednesday, June 15. This is the third annual showcase of the some of the best new composition music in Los Angeles – presented by the What’s Next Ensemble and will feature diverse pieces and electro-acoustic works by emerging and established local composers, including Lalo Schifrin, Ralph D’Iganzio, Morten Lauridsen, Don Davis and more.Showtime is 8 p.m. and admission is free.
The Culver City Symphony Orchestra presents Season’s End – Moscow Bound on Saturday night, June 11 at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium. Under the direction of conductor and music director Frank Fetta, the symphony will showcase Senior Division winners of the Parness Young Artists Concerto Completion. This final concert of the season will feature violinist Nigel Armstrong and cellist Xian Zhuo before they leave for Russia to participate in the prestigious XIV International Tchaikovsky competition. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for members of the Westchester Symphony Society. Tickets can be bought online or at the door. More information can be found at culvercitysymphony.org.
Canadian transplant Tamara Silvera continues her Sing Out Live series Sunday, June 12 at the Spot Café in Culver City, with this month’s featured songwriters, Lieber and Stoller. Silvera will feature a handpicked selection of singers who will interpret the songs of the legendary Brill Building Tunesmiths, who wrote countless hits for Elvis Presley, The Drifters and Peggy Lee. The Spot is at 4455 Overland Ave., admission is free and the downbeat begins at 7 p.m. More information can be found at singoutsingers.com.
