Ozomatli will once again bring their unique music to SacramentoState tomorrow.

The L.A.-based funk, jazz, hip-hop, salsa and samba band will beback at CSUS by popular demand, performing in the University UnionBallroom.

The band’s history only intensifies its appeal. Ozomatliwas formed in 1995, originally conceived mainly to perform atcommunity benefits in the Los Angeles area. As the band became morepopular in Southern California, they began performing in differentvenues, and eventually released 1997’s “YaLlego,” which was followed in 1998 by their self-titledofficial debut. However, the band really took shape after itsexperiences at the Democratic National Convention in L.A. in 2000.The convention was plagued by urban protests, and Ozomatliresponded to the political unrest with their next album,”Embrace the Chaos,” which was released in Sept. 2001.The album represented “accepting the (screwed-up) things ofthe world but wanting to change them,” the band’s tenorsax player, Ulises Bella, said on the band’s Web site.

That album also reinforced ideas of cultural activism anddiversity – themes that the band embraces, as the variety in theirstyles of music shows.

Their band’s name represents cultural awareness as well -“ozomatli” is the Nahuatl word for the Aztec god ofdance.

Since the band’s rebirth at the democratic convention in2000, Ozomatli has been touring constantly, crossing the globeseveral times over. The band’s popularity has taken off,especially as they have opened for such musical heavyweights asCarlos Santana, who introduced them as “the future ofmusic” in 1999. Since last appearing at Sac State, Ozomatlihas made yet another album – “Coming Up,” which wasreleased this past September.

What: “Ozomatli”

When: Dec. 4th

Times: 7:30 p.m.

Where: University Union Ballroom

Tickets: $15 general/$10 students.