Mario Calire is drummer in Ozomatli, alongside percussionists Jiro Yamaguchi and Justin "Nino" Porée.



Calire claims he is schooled "by all the great players I've heard and teachers I've had." Mario Calire recalls the first time he played with Ozomatli: "I went to see them play in Santa Barbara to check it out and ended up sitting in. Chali 2na didn't see me get up there, and when I started playing he bugged out and looked back like "Who's that kid on the drums!?". The funny thing is he didn't remember me from when I backed him up with the Freestyle Fellowship." Needless to say, playing with Ozo always is a dynamic, exciting ride that nothing else compares to. There is no slacking off in this band! Ozomatli brings it every night and that's what Mario Calire loves most about them.