Latest news with #FestivalLaOnda
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Concerns at Napa's La Onda festival after musicians' visas revoked
The Brief The popular regional Mexican band Grupo Firme announced they had to cancel Sunday night's performance after the U.S. government suspended the musicians' visas. The State Department has revoked visas of several Mexican artists over music it says glorifies cartel violence. Festival goers say they're upset, with some calling the move political, while organizers say they're disappointed by the development. NAPA, Calif. - There are concerns over federal immigration policy at a Napa music festival this weekend. A couple of the bands, including a very popular group from Mexico, were forced to pull out of La Onda over problems with their visas. "This is what we come here for right here," said Alfonzo Robles of Santa Rosa. "It's just the music, the ambiance," said Maria Rangel of Reno, Nevada. Music fans were having a blast at Festival La Onda, which features all sorts of Latin music acts. "We are big fans of Carin Leon," said Rangel. But it's who didn't take the stage that's raising some eyebrows. The regional Mexican band Grupo Firme announced on Instagram they had to cancel Sunday night's performance, after the U.S. government suspended the musicians' visas. The backstory The State Department has revoked the visas of several Mexican artists over music it says glorifies cartel violence – though Grupo Firme has recently taken steps to distance themselves from that lyrical content. What they're saying "I think it's sad," said Guadalupe Torres of Carson City, Nevada. "We're very, very disappointed," said Robles. "We all paid for this. This is what we came here for. And now [Grupo Firme] can't be here because of some political reason," said Robles. The Mexican group La Receta also pulled out of La Onda over reported visa issues as well. "They're not stealing anything, they come here to work," said singer Vilma Diaz of the Colombian group Sonora Tropicana, which did perform at La Onda this weekend. Big picture view "Artists don't know how to navigate the system right now. There's a lot of roadblocks that pop up unexpectedly," said Alex Ashley, a musician and journalist for Rolling Stone. Ashley says he's concerned foreign artists will give up on even trying to come to festivals like this. "When artists cancel or when events get canceled, you've got local economies that miss out. You've got hotel bookings, fewer ticket sales, jobs that get lost," said Ashley. A few people KTVU spoke to at the festival say those same concerns over immigration policy may have kept some concertgoers home as well. Local perspective "I'm pretty sure maybe it did affect some people because people don't want to go out. People don't want to go anywhere, do anything because they're afraid of these persecutions," said Robles. "To all my people, please don't be afraid," said Diaz. Festival goers say all this underscores why gatherings like La Onda are so important. "I think this just gives people the confidence to be out here and just feel that they have a community behind them," said Rangel. In a statement, David Graham, partner with Festival La Onda, said festival organizers understand and share in the disappointment, but added that organizers and performers are still dedicated to putting on an unforgettable show. "We are obviously disappointed that Grupo Firme was not able to play the festival due to visa issues," Graham said. "Our fans have been enjoying over two dozen incredible artists that are performing over the weekend. These are unprecedented and challenging times, and we remain committed to providing a memorable experience for fans of La Onda." The Source Instagram post by Grupo Firme, statement from Festival La Onda organizers, and interviews conducted by KTVU reporter John Krinjak and producer Estefany Mendez
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
La Onda Latin music festival thrives in Napa Valley, despite setback
Festival La Onda made a lively return to Wine Country over the weekend, marking its second year with an exuberant celebration of Latin music, food and culture. Despite a last-minute setback when Grupo Firme, one of Latin music's most prominent acts, was forced to cancel after being denied entry into the United States, the festival's spirit remained unshaken. Hosted at the Napa Valley Expo on Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, the event still saw an estimated 20,000 spectators each day, all reveling in a weekend of high-energy performances and a deep sense of community. Indeed, La Onda has carved out its own identity, distinct from the annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival, which is produced by the same team in the same spot over Memorial Day weekend. While BottleRock draws crowds from all over the Bay Area for rock and pop acts, La Onda is an immersive Latinx cultural experience, complete with rows of taco trucks, low riders and the unmistakable sounds of mariachi bands and lucha libre matches. 'It is wonderful to see the Latino community celebrating at La Onda,' said Dave Graham, partner at BottleRock, the team behind both festivals. 'You can feel a shift as soon as they enter the festival gates. The name La Onda translates to 'the vibe', and we are grateful to be able to provide our fans with such a supportive environment in these challenging times.' Here are some of the highlights from the festival, which concludes Sunday, June 1. Sunday, June 1 Adriana Ríos opens final day with commanding performance Adriana Ríos, an up-and-coming force in Regional Mexican music, kicked off the festival at noon on Sunday with a captivating performance that showcased her powerful vocal range. The Tijuana-born singer-songwriter, known for her commanding stage presence, delivered a mix of tracks from her debut album, 2021's 'Contundente,' and her sophomore release, 2022's 'La Lotería.' Her set seamlessly blended Colombian pop influences with mariachi, norteño rhythms and dramatic romantic ballads, setting the bar high for everyone who followed the rest of the day. — Aidin Vaziri Saturday, May 31 Marco Antonio Solís proves he's far from finished Few artists on La Onda's lineup could unite a crowd the way Marco Antonio Solís did to close out the second annual festival's first night. Old and young sang along to songs like 'Y Ahora Te Vas,' proof of the lasting imprint Solís has made over four decades. (The crowd's rendition of 'Tu Cárcel,' arguably the biggest Latin pop song of the '80s, was without a doubt the highlight of the entire day.) Late in the set, Solís lightened the mood by dancing to a Mexican remix of Kendrick Lamar 's 'Not Like Us' wrapped in Mexican flair. While other artists of his pedigree and longevity fade to the pages of history, Solís shows no signs of slowing down. And if the size of his crowd at La Onda while he closed out with 'La Venia Bendita' and 'Si No Te Hubiera Ido' is any indication, Solís is not in a farewell phase. — Julio Lara Pepe Aguilar honors tradition and evolution Pepe Aguilar took the La Onda stage not as a throwback but as proof of continuity — of how tradition holds when it evolves with integrity. 'Hermoso Cariño' became an instant sing-along, with thousands of voices lifting in reverence for a living legend. With 'Miedo,' he delivered a masterclass in crossover without compromise, solidifying his role as a blueprint for the current wave of genre-fluid regional artists. Later in the set, he captivated the audience with the timeless one-two punch of 'Prometiste' and 'Por Mujeres Como Tú.' Then came the encore: a 15-minute return to his mariachi roots, rich and measured. For an artist who's been touring since birth, Aguilar's ability to conjure raw emotion over and over is its own kind of gift. '¡Que viva el movimiento Latino!' he declared near the end of his performance— not as applause bait but as benediction. In true Aguilar tradition and lineage, his daughter Ángela will take the same stage on Sunday. Saturday evening, Pepe made sure it was blessed first. — Julio Lara Xavi soulful corridos captivate La Onda crowd Leave it to one of the festival's youngest stars to give La Onda its first real breath of life. Kicking off with 'Poco a Poco,' Xavi's songs moved like molasses in the festival sun — slow, methodical, and heavy with heart. At just 20 years old, the ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year carries the weight of soul-wrenching lyrics in a body still young enough to wear braces. His corridos tumbados don't chase tempo; they simmer beneath it, rich with brass and anchored by bass lines that don't just vibrate — they bruise. With only seven musicians onstage, Xavi leans into restraint over spectacle, letting minimalism magnify the melancholy. He debuted 'Qué Hay Que Hacer' live, but it was 'En Privado' that triggered the afternoon's first eruption — until, of course, he performed his chart-toppers. Draped in a Mexican flag for the final stretch, Xavi transformed heartbreak into heritage, striking a chord that went deeper than melody. 'La Diabla' and 'La Víctima' closed the set.
San Francisco Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Summer 2025: Catch these rising stars in the Bay Area
Support emerging new artists this summer throughout the Bay Area. Whether it's music, literature or dance, there's something for everyone. Catch these fresh talents before they're part of the mainstream — because who doesn't love bragging about being an OG fan once the artists hit it big? Festival La Onda Filled with traditional, contemporary and futuristic groups and artists from across the Latin music diaspora, the inaugural Festival La Onda showed that a Spanish-language music festival can thrive in Napa. Organizers answered calls for an encore with a triumphant '¡ Vamos!' as 2025 headliners Marco Antonio Solís, Banda MS, Pepe Aguilar, Carín León and Grupo Firme will grace the Napa Valley Expo stages May 31-June 1. And since this is a BottleRock production, expect food and drink to match the elevated vibes. — Todd Inoue San Francisco Jazz Festival Since becoming only the second male artist to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2023, the 25-year-old Haitian American baritone Tyreek McDole has seized his moment. Performing widely in conjunction with the June 6 release of his debut album 'Open Up Your Senses,' he covers a century of jazz history, confidently delivering 90-year-old standards and spiritual anthems like 'The Creator Has a Master Plan.' Listed in the small print on the San Francisco Jazz Festival's program June 15 ($50-$150), he plays two afternoon sets in SFJazz Center's Joe Henderson Lab. Leila Mottley book launch Leila Mottley's writing commands attention. In 2022, ' Nightcrawling,' the former Oakland Youth Poet Laureate's debut novel, was an Oprah's Book Club selection. Her follow-up, 'The Girls Who Grew Big,' a thoughtful depiction of teen mothers, arrives June 24. That evening, Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore in Berkeley plans to host a book launch discussion featuring Mottley and Ingrid Rojas Contreras, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist ' The Man Who Could Move Clouds.' — Kevin Canfield Stanford Jazz Festival Houston native Paul Cornish, recently in the band of Berkeley tenor sax star Joshua Redman, is rapidly making a name for himself as one of jazz's most poised and exciting young pianists. On the cusp of releasing his debut album for Blue Note Records, Cornish, who now lives in Los Angeles, brings a stellar trio, featuring remarkable Oakland-reared drummer Savannah Harris, to the Stanford Jazz Festival on July 27 ($47). State of Play Festival Now entering its third year, ODC Theater's annual State of Play Festival feels like a big, friendly party where you can catch some of the dance world's most forward-thinking artists. Grouping choreographers under 'Experimenters' (works in progress), 'Curious Creators' (shorter performances) and 'Risk-Takers' (full-evening performances), the Mission District festival on July 31-Aug. 3 encourages audiences to mix and match their viewing adventure by purchasing a festival pass, which are $80-$300. Sure to be highlights this year are San Francisco dancemakers Gizeh Muñiz Vengel and Natalya Janay Shoaf. — Rachel Howard Taylor Tomlinson CBS made a major blunder canceling the delightfully quirky reboot of pop-culture game show 'After Midnight' after only two seasons. Thankfully, the show's host Taylor Tomlinson is taking her infectious brand of cheery barbs and queer observations, which she's showcased on three Netflix comedy specials on the road, with the 'Save Me' tour. Don't miss out on tickets, which start at $50, for one of her two shows on Sept. 12-13, at Oakland's Paramount Theatre.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Partnership Brings Athletic Brewing Company's Non-Alcoholic Brews to 100+ Live Music Venues and Festivals
70% of concertgoers crave more non-alcoholic alternatives at live music events1 MILFORD, Conn. and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Athletic Brewing Company, America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is bringing its award-winning brews to the heart of the live music scene with an exciting new multi-year partnership. Athletic is now the official non-alcoholic beer partner for more than 100 Live Nation concert venues across the U.S., including renowned locations such as Brooklyn Paramount, Shoreline Amphitheatre, and The Gorge Amphitheatre. Responding to growing consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverage options, with 70% of live music fans saying they want more beverage options at concerts2, the partnership also extends to four major music festivals: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, BottleRock Napa Valley, Festival La Onda, and Two Step Inn. This partnership marks a pivotal step in Athletic's mission to make moderation more accessible by not only reimagining how non-alcoholic beer is made but also by leveling up the live music experience. By offering fans more NA choices, Athletic is broadening how audiences enjoy unforgettable moments at concerts and festivals. Legal drinking age music fans can now enjoy Athletic's most popular brews like Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden, Free Wave Hazy IPA, and Athletic Lite, with selections varying by venue. "We're thrilled to partner with Live Nation venues and bring Athletic's great-tasting brews to center stage at some of the most iconic venues and festivals across the country," said Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic. "This partnership strikes a chord with concertgoers seeking non-alcoholic options that harmonize with their lifestyle. Now fans can enjoy the magic of live music and keep the beat without a buzz." Beyond event concessions, fans of legal drinking age can look forward to unique Athletic tasting experiences at venues and festivals. These experiences will include opportunities to sample the company's award-winning brews, participate in giveaways, snag limited-edition merch, and more. The partnership also brings Athletic backstage, where artists and their teams can savor brews in green rooms, expanding the hospitality experience. "We're constantly finding new ways to give fans the best experience at our shows, and we're excited to expand our offerings to match their evolving tastes," said Maureen Ford, Live Nation's President of National and Festival Sales. "With Athletic now at more than 100 venues and festivals, fans will have even more choices during their most memorable moments." Demand for non-alcoholic beer is surging, with sales growing by double-digits in each of the last five years. Athletic is the number one brand in the NA beer category, with over 19% market share and over 50% growth in 20243. The partnership will enable Athletic to reach millions of new consumers and get cans directly into the hands of thirsty live music goers. This latest venture into live music builds on the company's mission to revolutionize how modern adults drink by providing inclusive options for all lifestyles and occasions. Fans can follow Athletic Brewing's live music journey on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube for updates on new offerings and experiences. For press inquiries, please contact:Athletic BrewingChris Furnari | press@ Taylor PR | athleticbrewing@ Live NationDanika Azzarelli | DanikaAzzarelli@ Additional Assets: Brand images can be downloaded HERE. About Athletic Brewing CompanyAthletic Brewing Company is America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched in 2018, Athletic is now the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America4 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company5. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 50,000 retailers and 25,000 on-premise venues. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Learn more and shop at About Live Nation EntertainmentLive Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit 1, 2 Source: Live Nation 0% Proof Custom Study, Soundboard, Spring 20243, 4 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, CYTD Wks ending 12/30/24.5 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Athletic Brewing Company Sign in to access your portfolio
