House of Music

La Onda

Napa, CA

June 1st, 2024

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

La Onda, the inaugural Latin music festival in Napa Valley, California, made a vibrant debut from June 1-2, 2024, presented by the organizers of BottleRock Napa. The two-day event at the Napa Valley Expo was a kaleidoscope of Latin culture, music, and festivities, attracting a larger crowd than anticipated.

The festival grounds were transformed into a celebration of Latin heritage, adorned with traditional Mexican decorations like papel picado (colorful tissue paper banners), larger-than-life catrinas (skeletal figurines), and lowrider cars serving as art installations. Massive lotería cards and a statue of a Mexican hairless Xoloitzcuintle dog added to the immersive experience. Mexican food vendors offered regional specialties, agua frescas, and cafés de olla, while lively cantinas served tequila and other beverages.

The diverse musical lineup spanned multiple Latin genres, catering to a multigenerational audience. Headliners Junior H and Alejandro Fernández captivated the crowds with their performances. Earlier in the evening, artists like Yng Lvcas, Gera MX, Danna Paola, and Farruko energized the festival with their sets.Danna Paola, the princess of Latin pop, delivered a high-energy performance, donning a gold and black outfit with matching dancers. She celebrated Pride month by wrapping herself in a rainbow flag during her hit “TQ Y Ya” and shouting “viva Mexico.”Farruko had the crowd in a frenzy, yelling “Viva la raza!” and incorporating EDM breakdowns into his set. He encouraged the audience to raise their hands in gratitude for life, creating a unifying moment.

Organizers reported that attendance reached about two-thirds of BottleRock’s numbers, exceeding expectations for the inaugural Latin festival. The overwhelming turnout, with attendees hailing from Los Angeles, Sacramento, New York City, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Napa, and neighboring North Bay areas, underscored the demand for such an event in the region.

Yng Lvcas

One of the standout performances on the opening day of Festival La Onda was the high-octane set by rising Mexican-American star Yng Lvcas. The 22-year-old rapper and singer took the stage with an infectious energy that had the crowd moving from the first beat.

Yng Lvcas kicked off his set with his hit “La Muñeca,” immediately setting the tone for an evening of high-energy reggaetón and trap music. His dynamic stage presence and seamless transitions between rapping and singing showcased his versatility as a performer.

Throughout his performance, Yng Lvcas kept the energy levels at a fever pitch, effortlessly blending Spanish and English lyrics that resonated with the diverse audience. His ability to connect with the crowd through his music and charismatic interactions created an electric atmosphere.

A highlight of Yng Lvcas’ set was his performance of “La Bebe,” a collaboration with fellow rising star Peso Plum. The track’s infectious beat and catchy hooks had the entire festival grounds moving in unison, solidifying Yng Lvcas’ status as one of the most exciting new voices in Latin urban music.

Gera MX

Danna Paola

Cementing her status as the “Princess of Latin Pop”, Danna took the stage in a dazzling gold and black outfit, matched by her energetic dancers. Paola commanded the audience’s attention from the moment she opened with her hits “Mala Fama” and “Oye Pablo.”

Throughout her set, Paola showcased her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between upbeat pop anthems and heartfelt ballads. Her powerful vocals and infectious energy had the crowd dancing and singing along to every word.

A highlight of Paola’s performance was her celebration of Pride month, where she wrapped herself in a rainbow flag during her empowering anthem “TQ Y Ya,” shouting “Viva Mexico!” in a powerful display of inclusivity and pride.

Paola also treated fans to tracks from her latest album “XT4S1S,” including “Donde Quera” and “Atari,” showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to blend pop sensibilities with Latin influences.

As she closed her performance with her hit “XT3S1S,” Paola left an indelible mark on Festival La Onda, solidifying her position as one of the most exciting and influential voices in Latin pop music today. Her ability to connect with the audience, both through her music and her message of empowerment, made her performance a standout moment of the festival’s first day.

Farruko

Junior H

Junior H kicked off his set with a slew of hits, including “Lady Gaga” and “Rompe La Dompe” from his 2023 album. However, the artist seemed visibly frustrated with the sound levels, repeatedly signaling for his vocals to be turned up. Despite this challenge, Junior H’s energy and stage presence were undeniable, keeping the audience captivated.

Adding to the night’s obstacles, Junior H revealed that his original band was unable to travel with him to the United States due to visa issues. Undeterred, he performed alongside the talented band of indie artist Joe P, showcasing his professionalism and adaptability.

Despite the challenges faced, Junior H attracted one of the largest crowds of the weekend, a testament to his rising popularity and the fervent dedication of his fans. His unique blend of traditional corridos and trap/rap music resonated deeply with the diverse audience, who sang along to every word.

Junior H took the opportunity to announce additional dates for his highly anticipated 2024 $Ad Boyz Mania tour across the United States, following a successful run in 2023. Fans in Sacramento and San Jose were delighted to learn that Junior H will be performing at the Golden 1 Center on September 7th and the SAP Center on September 28th.

Alejandro Fernandez

The legendary Mexican singer-songwriter, delivered a spellbinding performance as the headliner on the first night of Festival La Onda. The 53-year-old Latin Grammy winner from Guadalajara took the Verizon Stage, clad in a traditional black charro outfit, and immediately commanded the audience’s attention.

Fernández kicked off his set with the rousing “El Rey,” leading the crowd in a singalong and eliciting a thunderous Mexican grito (cry). From the outset, his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence had the audience in the palm of his hand.

Throughout the night, Fernández seamlessly blended rancheras, pop hits, and ballads, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various genres. He paid homage to his late father, Vicente Fernández, by performing classics like “Es La Mujer,” “Estos Celos,” and “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” which were originally popularized by the legendary singer.

Fernández’s renditions of these timeless rancheras were met with rapturous applause, as the audience sang along to every word, transported by his emotive delivery and impeccable mariachi accompaniment.

The veteran performer also treated the crowd to his pop hits, including “Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti” and “Me Dedique a Perderte,” captivating the audience with his powerful vocals and infectious energy.

As the sun set over the Napa Valley Expo, Fernández brought his performance to a climactic close with two of his most beloved songs, “Volver, Volver” and “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella.” The crowd erupted in wild cheers, singing along to every note, creating a truly unforgettable moment.