Ozomatli Brings Live Rock Back to Watsonville

Being a native of our little 'burg, I go back far enough to recall many afternoons spent in assemblies and as an audience for various productions in the old Watsonville High auditorium. I also not so fondly remember how sad we all felt after the building had to be razed after the 1989 earthquake. But what they built in it's place? Way cool. 

The Mello Center is a gorgeous theater. Great sound and lights. Comfy chairs. It's also been the setting for lots of notable concerts. Still, it's been underutilized as a real venue for big out-of-town acts. Until now. Sage Productions, in a partnership with the Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association, is kicking off a new "Live from the Mello" series this Friday night. 

And they're starting things off right by bringing Latin Grammy Award winngers Ozomatli to town. I'll resist trite, obvious phrasing like "melting pot" or "genre-bending" and just say that for the uninitiated, Ozomatli deftly combines pieces of soul, hip-hop, cumbia and even rock and roll into a very cool, very danceable, and very uplifting musical experience.  

Jose Olivas, who heads up Sage Productions, has produced and promoted festivals featuring folks like Ozomatli, Ben Harper, and Michael Franti and Spearhead, so we're in good hands with this series. 

Opening Friday's show is Santa Cruz native Gina Rene, sister of . Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $21 and $25 and are available at the in Watsonville, Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz, and online at livefromthemello.com.

The Mello Center is at 250 E. Beach St. in Watsonville.