National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

After the bruising summer healthcare reform debates, President Obama could probably use a little musical relief right now. Luckily, relief is in sight, as L.A.'s Latin alternative heavyweights Ozomatli are slated to perform perform this Wednesday, September 16th, at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 32nd Annual Award Gala in Washington DC.

Ozomatli will play their signature mash-up of hip hop, salsa, and cumbia not only for the President and First Lady, but also for more than 35 Members of Congress including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The 32nd annual award gala will be emceed by Maria Hinojosa, senior correspondent for the acclaimed public television series "NOW on PBS". The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, providing leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders.

Over the past few years, Ozomatli has increasingly put their longstanding social activism in the service of the U.S. State Department, working as overseas "cultural ambassadors" in such countries as Egypt, Jordan and India. Most recently, the band participated in a State Department-sponsored trip included community outreach and performances in Rangoon, Myanmar; Ho Chi Mihn City in Vietnam; and Bangkok, Thailand.

When Ozomatli isn't touring the world and hobnobbing with dignitaries in D.C., they've been holed up in their L.A. studio with producer Tony Berg, recording tracks for their new release scheduled for 2010.

But they will be taking some time out to announce dates for their upcoming fall tour - which kicks off on October 29th in Sacramento, CA.

OZOMATLI "OFF THE GRID" FALL '09 TOUR DATES:

10/29: Sacramento State, Sacramento, CA
10/30: The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
10/31: Mateel Community Center, Redway, CA
11/1: Crystal Bay Club, Crystal Bay, NV
11/4: Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA
11/5: Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
11/6: Showbox at the Market, Seattle, WA
11/7: Showbox at the Market, Seattle, WA
11/9: Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA
11/11: Wilma Theatre, Missoula, MT
11/12: The Knitting Factory, Boise, ID
11/13: The State Room, Salt Lake City, UT
11/14: Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
11/15: Belly Up - Aspen, CO
11/17: Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa, OK
11/18: House of Blues, Dallas, TX
11/21: Orpheum Theatre, Flagstaff, AZ
12/18: Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA
12/19: Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA