Political party

Ozomatli wants to raise your social consciousness and shake your booty, too. The 10-piece group from Los Angeles has been exploring different cultures through music and spreading its progressive political message for almost 10 years. “Music is the key to every culture, the beginning of an understanding,” says trumpet player and co-vocalist Asdru Sierra. “September 11 really pushed us to delve into North African and Arab music. For us, music is a language far more universal than politics.” The band brings together the music of the East and the West on their latest album Street Signs, which features contributions from Moroccan sintir master Hassan Hakmoun, gypsy violinists Les Yeux Noir and the Prague Symphony. The album’s mix of hip hop, salsa, funk-rock and other musical genres has proven to be a hit among fans and music critics. Earlier this year, Street Signs won a Grammy Award for best Latin Rock and Alternative Album. Ozomatli perform 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Reno Hilton Theater, 2500 E. Second St. Tickets are $22 in advance and $23.30 on the day of the show. Call 789-2285.