Ozomatli: Diplomacy You Can Dance To

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Ozomatli, the Los Angeles-based Latin-rock-funk band, is touring the world on the government’s dime.

U.S. officials, who I’m sure are eager to present an image of an America different from the footage of soldiers fighting insurgents in Iraq, recently sent the Grammy-winning band to Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia on a U.S. State Department grant. Their trip included visits to orphanages, schools, and community centers. They also hosted master classes and music workshops.

A government-sponsored trip of diplomacy really does suit this funk band, which was founded 12 years ago—at a labor workers’ protest—to promote issues of social justice and community involvement.