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Argentinian Canadian musician Onna Lou debuts new music with a seven-piece band at the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.
Old Market Square will heat up with the sounds of Latin pop, tango, flamenco and folk this Friday, June 20 at 4:30 p.m. as Argentinian Canadian artist Onna Lou takes the stage as part of the 2025 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. With a new seven-piece band featuring a full string quintet and percussionist Julian Vidal, the performance promises an emotive, high-energy celebration of Latin music.
A seasoned performer, Onna Lou is known for her heartfelt songwriting, stunning voice, and musical versatility. “This is going to be a truly enjoyable and memorable show—a great reason to get outside and take in some fantastic live music.
A voice rooted in depth and healing
Onna Lou shared the inspiration behind her upcoming third studio album, Quiero verte volar (“I want to see you fly”), set for release this November.
“The song that gives name to this album, I wrote it before the second album, like over 10 years ago,” she said. “But it sort of had been in a drawer there. I think I needed to go through some stuff in my life before I could sing this song the way it needed to be sung.”
The album explores deeply personal themes of struggle, growth and emotional freedom. “It’s about being yourself, embracing who you are, giving what you have to give freely and enjoying life—just occupying your place in the world.”
A powerhouse ensemble
The ensemble joining Onna Lou on stage will feature a lush string quintet and percussionist Julian Vidal. The string players include violinists Rachel Kristenson and Elation Pauls, violist John Sellick, cellist Patricia Vanuci, and Daniel Perry bassist . Together, they’ll bring rich textures and emotional depth to Onna Lou’s music, with Julian Vidal—her longtime collaborator—providing dynamic rhythm and energy on drums.
“I was like, what a treat to be here, to play with these people,” said Onna Lou. “This city is so full of people with tremendous talent and human quality—great human beings and great artists.”
Longtime collaborator Julian Vidal joins as percussionist, co-producer and arranger. “He’s so, so talented,” she said. “He’s a composer and sound engineer… He’s played cello, guitar, piano… I hope I can always work with him.”
Music that transcends language
Though most of her lyrics are in Spanish, Onna Lou says Canadian audiences continue to embrace her work. “To me, I’m always worried about my music being in Spanish and with the Canadian audience,” she admitted. “And after year after year, I just get confirmation that it’s OK, that people like it, and the art gets through no matter the language difference.”
This sentiment was reaffirmed during a recent tour through British Columbia, where she performed in intimate venues across the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island. “It was such a rewarding experience,” she said. “It turned out beautifully.”
A bold new sound for a bold new era
Friday’s show will mark the live premiere of a brand-new song based on an Argentinian Aboriginal legend—never before played publicly.
“It’s mostly from the new album,” said Onna Lou of the setlist. “But some of the songs I’ve been playing for the last two years… and there’s going to be at least one that I’ve never played publicly.”
Performing with the full string quintet also brings new emotional dimensions to her music. “It just… now I feel empty and alone when I’m playing the guitar,” she laughed. “Because the level of emotion and what evokes to have all these instruments harmonizing—it’s the beauty of the instruments… and the tremendous spirit that comes from all the people who have learned these instruments, which takes decades to master.”
Weather or not…
Outdoor shows come with their challenges, especially when delicate string instruments are involved. “If there’s any rain, we can’t play because these people can’t get their instruments wet at all,” she said. “But hopefully it will sound good.”
Two years ago, Onna Lou premiered a format featuring two cellos at the same venue. This time, she’s hoping for clear skies and good vibes. “I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.”
Looking ahead, looking around
Ten years after taking a leap and moving to Winnipeg, Onna Lou says she continues to feel thankful. “I’m constantly meeting new people and being inspired and feeling so blessed and lucky and thanking my 10-years-ago person—me—that decided to give this a shot and come to Canada and to Winnipeg.”
As she looks forward to Friday’s show, it’s the shared energy of live performance that excites her most. “It’s easier for me, as opposed to when I play a show by myself. Having all this energy and all these instruments and all these humans on stage with me… it creates a great experience for everyone.”
Catch Onna Lou and her band live Friday, June 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Cube Stage in Old Market Square. For more info, visit jazzwinnipeg.com.