Performing Artists

Performances on 3 stages!

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Ozomatli

American rock band

The sonic landscape of Ozomatli mirrors the versatility of its members and the eclectic euphony of their influences. Originating as young political activists and musicians, the original band formed in the heart of Los Angeles in 1995. Their music—a notorious brew of urban-Latino fused with elements of hip-hop, salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, comparsa, East LA R&B, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga—resonates with a fundamental mantra: to explore the world’s sounds by navigating through the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.

Their musical prowess has garnered wide acclaim, marked by prestigious accolades including two Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy, and the honor of serving as official US Cultural Ambassadors, enchanting audiences globally. In a heartfelt nod to their colossal contribution to the city’s cultural vibrancy, April 23rd is celebrated as Ozomatli Day in Los Angeles.

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Over an enriching 27-year journey, Ozomatli has built a robust discography, with sales soaring into the hundreds of thousands across their album releases. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary last year, they marked the milestone with the release of their ninth studio album, Marching On. Their energetic live performances frequently culminate in sold-out concerts around the globe. Beyond the stage, they’ve showcased their charismatic flair on high-profile TV platforms including The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, PBS, and Austin City Limits. Their notable cinematic moment came with an appearance in Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed.

Venturing into the whimsical realm of children’s literature, Ozomatli’s latest exploration has recently enchanted both young and old alike with their imaginative book, “Moose on the Loose,” launched on September 19, 2023. This delightful read, an extension of their family-friendly album Ozomatli presents Ozokidz, encapsulates the ebullient spirit of their music, weaving magic and melody through each captivating page.

G YAMAZAWA

Hip Hop

Born and raised in Durham, NC.

G YAMAZAWA is a Japanese-American writer, performer, and hip hop artist born and raised in Durham, NC. With extensive touring experience in 48 states and 12 countries, G is widely regarded as one of the few spoken word artists to successfully transition into rap music.

His 2022 release George reached #6 on the iTunes Top 100 Hip Hop Albums chart.

Michael Wolff Quartet

Jazz

Michael Wolff is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his virtuoso performances and innovative style. Recording with a hall of fame ranging from Cal Tjader to Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson (served as musical director), Christian McBride, Tony Williams, and more, Wolff has also appeared with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Duke Ellington Band, and Count Basie Orchestra. He has performed with and conducted 25+ symphony orchestras including the Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Berlin Radio Orchestra, and Atlanta Symphony, and has been a featured soloist with the Memphis National Symphony and Pittsburgh Symphony.

In 1989, Wolff began his tenure as the musical director on Arsenio Hall’s late-night talk show. This journey led to accompanying saxophonist and then presidential candidate Bill Clinton, as well as backing giants like Ray Charles, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Al Green, and James Brown.

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In 2015, after a grueling battle with a rare cancer, Wolff fell into a coma, where the prognosis became grim. At one point, the doctor asked his wife if she’d signed a Do Not Resuscitate order. Through the haze of drugs and illness, Wolff lifted his head and growled: “Resuscitate me!” In his bestselling memoir, On That Note: a Memoir of Jazz, Tics, and Survival, Wolff details the journey of an outsider growing up with Tourette Syndrome to near death and triumph.

Recipient of the BMI Music Award, Japan’s Gold Disc Award, and Hamptons International Film Festival’s award for best film score, Wolff has composed scores for many film and television projects, such as The Tic Code, Made Up, Dark Angel, Who’s the Man, The Naked Brothers Band, and Stella’s Last Weekend. Michael Wolff serves on the faculty at New York University and is a Yamaha/Bosendorf artist.

The Nandos

Pop

Ernando has an eclectic music style ranging from Top 40, Rock, R&B, Classic Hits, and more; Ernando and the Nandos will serve as our house band, playing both new original music and instantly recognizable top 40 hits from many genres and eras.

Colburn school

Chamber Music

Bio coming soon!

Rhythm Child

Children’s Music

The Rhythm Child Network is on a mission to elevate the potential of children through music!

Launched in 2003 when Heather & Norm Jones began producing songs for children & performing in Southern California. Rhythm Child has now become a trusted resource for entertainment, education and youth empowerment around the globe.

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Norm is an Award-winning songwriter, musician, speaker & educator who has mastered the art of connecting people through music. Using drumming as a tool of engagement and rhythm as a building block for learning, Norm has helped over 100,000 children under the age of 6 discover a new form of creative expression & creativity. As the current percussionist for Reggae Artist, Ziggy Marley, Norm continues to expand his message of “Hope Through Music” to the world.

Heather is an Award-winning Children’s Author & Co-Founder of The Rhythm Child Network who has 20 years of experience producing events with schools & organizations celebrating music for children. Heather’s collection of fun-filled books showcases her creative side and playfully captures the rhythm of learning. Unusual Animals A-Z is an integral component of Rhythm Child’s Preschool Adoption Project, Drum to Become.

Hālau Hula Lani Ola

Native Hawaiian cultural arts
Hālau Hula Lani Ola is dedicated to the teaching, preservation, and perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian dance and other Native Hawaiian cultural arts through education, demonstration, and community outreach programs.

Student Performances

SUA student Groups
Performances by various SUA student groups including Instant Radio, Josho Daiko, Koto, Soul Wings, Ghungroo, Cheer, Jyuhwa, and In Sync.