BottleRock, Day 2: Solo dates for Caloncho and more, locals embrace festival alone
BottleRock is an experience — one many are not afraid to enjoy alone. Cristina Chavez is no stranger to the festival, having attended at least nine or 10 times. But this year marked her first time going solo. Her main motivation? Seeing one of her favorite artists, Mexican indie singer Caloncho.
Although the Spanish-language sister festival La Onda caters more directly to Latin music fans, Caloncho’s blend of indie, reggae, and folk drew festivalgoers to BottleRock. At the Prudential Stage, he performed to a diverse crowd, smiling fans swaying to his sound, from loyal followers up front singing along, to curious newcomers and bilingual couples sharing translations.
One highlight of the set was a surprise cover of “Amor Prohibido,” made famous by the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.
“He got me dancing. I’m super excited that he did that,” said Chavez, a Napa resident originally from Michoacán, Mexico. “He showed his Mexican roots and made Mexicans proud and happy — and the audience gave that energy right back.”
Cheers of “¡Viva México!” rang out from the crowd. Another fan shouted, “¡Ya eres Napalero!” (“You’re already a Napa local!”), celebrating Caloncho’s warm reception.
The artist connected directly with fans, handing out guitar picks to two attendees — one of them was Chavez.
Photo by Elsa Cavazos
“I came just for him, and I was so lucky to get his pick. I’m super excited,” she said.
Before the performance, Chavez rated her fandom a 6 out of 10. But afterward?
“Today he stole my heart. Ten out of ten.”
Attending the festival solo was a conscious choice. Chavez wanted to experience BottleRock on her own terms — no waiting for friends, no compromise on plans. “BottleRock is my thing. Life is too short, and I’m having so much fun already.”
Her favorite song from Caloncho’s set was Somos Instantes (“We Are Moments”), which she said resonated deeply.
“It connects with me on so many levels. I’ve been realizing life is short, and we take it for granted. That song really says that. I’m going through that in life.”
Monica Garibay, a Calistoga resident and Family Liaison for the Calistoga Joint Unified School District, also attended solo — not for the first time. Though she arrived late to Caloncho’s set, she didn’t let it ruin her evening.
“I didn’t want to miss work, so I rushed over,” she said.
Garibay, who frequently goes to festivals alone (including La Onda), said it’s a choice born of circumstance and freedom.
“My husband works in the wine industry and is often busy, but he’ll say, ‘I’ll take care of the dogs — you go and enjoy life.’”
She was most excited for Chilean-Mexican singer Mon Laferte’s upcoming performance.
For Garibay, one of the best parts of BottleRock is how even solo attendees can find connection.
“You make friends with anyone when the music is right,” she said. “A few years ago, I just showed up, and everyone started dancing — it became a shared experience.”
In the end, BottleRock isn’t a lonely experience for those who go it alone. The music, the community, and the shared joy of the festival create a space where everyone belongs — together in rhythm, even as strangers.
