FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OZOMATLI HEADLINES LATINO CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Local Band Performs at ELAC to Raise Money for Scholarships

Monterey Park. March 22nd, 2004. Popular Los Angles-based rock group Ozomatli will headline East Los Angeles College’s Third Annual Latino Cultural Arts Festival on Sunday, March 28th at the Ingalls Auditorium/Edison Center for the Performing Arts. The all-day event, sponsored by Mervyn’s and the ELAC Foundation, hopes to raise thousands of dollars for scholarships. The wildly popular Ozomatli will end the day at 7pm with, what promises to be, an explosive performance.

The Grammy-award winning band represents the cultural, ethnic and political diversity of Los Angeles. The multi-racial group has a unique sound that blends salsa, meringue, reggae,
jazz, ska, rock and funk. Ozomatli commits itself in its actions and music to battling social justice, progressive politics and anti-war convictions.

The cultural arts festival kicks off at 11am with a Folklorico dance contest. People of all ages will compete in five different divisions: pre-school, elementary school, junior high, high school and adult. The aim of the Folklorico dance competition is to expose students to the cultural history of Mexico and the American Southwest, along with the academic opportunities found at ELAC. After the competition, at 3pm, Plaza de la Raza will present a free arts and crafts workshop along with mariachi music.
The scholarship money benefits the Ramos S. Ramos Memorial Scholarship. Before his passing in 1999, Ramos was the ELAC Foundation’s Development Director. He dedicated a large portion of his life helping kids from East Los Angeles pursue education and get in touch with their roots by learning about Mexican culture. His family wanted to continue his legacy and hard work. They helped start the cultural arts festival three years ago
The East Los Angeles College Foundation has increased scholarship revenue to over $200,000 since 1999 and has developed a strong endowment base. It has sponsored numerous recent events and projects at ELAC including The Anguiano Mural Project at the Edison Center. This is a mural depicting the history of Mexican art by famous Mexican artists, Raul Anguiano.

The Ingalls Auditorium/Edison Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez in Monterey Park. Tickets to the Ozomatli performance are $25 for general seating and $17.50 for students. To purchase tickets people can call 323-265-8742. Media wishing to attend should call Selina Chi at 323-260-8154. Interview and photo opportunities will be available before and after the show.