Picture Show: Ozomatli @ Irving Plaza

Ozomatli leaned heavily on their last album, 2010’s Fire Away. And throughout, the percussive wall of sound anchored by Mario Calire (drums), Wil-dog Abers (bass, backing vocals)  and Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion, backing vocals) worked in perfect counter point to the brass sounds of Sierra & Ulises Bella (sax, clarinet, keyboards, backing vocals).

Highlights of the night were Chango, 45, Are You Ready, Cumbia, Afterparty, Saturday Night and of course…the moment all Ozomatli fans wait for. To end their show, the whole band jumped off the stage, climbed over the barrier and proceeded to form what Deadheads might have referred to as a drum circle with all the musicians – as well as their 2 guests on brass instruments – in the middle of the auditorium. From there, they started what many N’awlins Funk fans would think of as a “second line” snaking their way through the crowd with audience members joining in to make it look like one of the wildest weddings you ever attended. And from there, off they went into the night. Next time you should make sure to be there. And maybe you can help me to understand why I had so much fun.