Ozomatli returns to the Islands next week for performances on O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island.

The Grammy-winning eight-piece world fusion band performs Thursday night on the Big Island and next Friday on Maui before taking the stage next Saturday night for a Honolulu show.

The band, which is as popular for its political activism as it is for its singular blend of Latin, African, rock and pop music, has performed a number of times in the Islands giving its members a sort of collective honorary kama'aina status.

Ozomatli is featured on a special edition commemorative inauguration CD, which was released Jan. 14 in support of Barack Obama's successful run for president. The CD, titled "Change is Now: Renewing America's Promise," includes music from a number of other pop artists such as Sheryl Crow, will.i.am, Wilco and Lenny Kravitz, as well as eight speeches by Obama.

Ozomatli will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower. Tickets are $25, and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 877-750-4400. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is restricted to those 21 and older.