Carlos Santana found himself in a bit of a pickle, which he fondly referred to as “The Broccoli Conundrum,” when he first considered taking on a Las Vegas residency. The legendary rock icon, known for hits like “Soul Sacrifice,” shared in a recent chat from his Las Vegas headquarters, “When you say you don’t like something, all of a sudden it’s going to be coming out of your ears, right? If I say to God, ‘I hate broccoli,’ all of a sudden, it’s going to be coming out of my ears.”
Despite his initial reservations, Santana eventually embraced the idea and went on to headline numerous shows at the Hard Rock Hotel (now Virgin Hotel) and House of Blues. At 77 years old, Santana continues to rock out with his gold-flaked PRS guitar, although he faced setbacks like dehydration and a broken pinkie earlier this year. However, Santana remains resilient and passionate about his music, supported by his latest album, “Sentient,” featuring collaborations with music icons like Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, and Smokey Robinson.
Santana’s performances in Las Vegas not only showcase his classic hits like “Oy Cómo Va” and “Black Magic Woman” but also highlight his band’s musical versatility and energy. The band, led by Santana’s spouse, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, keeps each show fresh and engaging, avoiding the monotony Santana feared years ago. Santana’s spiritual connection to his music shines through in his performances, creating a harmonious and interactive experience for his audience in Las Vegas.
In the world of social media, country star Kenny Chesney and his band recently posed in front of a Las Vegas landmark, teasing upcoming performances at Sphere. Additionally, a surprise guest is set to join a legendary show this weekend, promising an exciting event for fans to look forward to. While some showtime changes may occur, one thing is for sure – Las Vegas is always buzzing with entertainment and surprises.
For a cool hangout, music enthusiasts can catch saxophonist Charles McNeal showcasing his talent at various venues around Las Vegas. Whether performing with Jonathan Karrant or David Perrico and the Raiders House Band, McNeal’s musical prowess is not to be missed. From jazz society events to cabaret performances, Las Vegas offers a diverse range of musical experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Overall, Santana’s journey from reluctance to embrace a Las Vegas residency to becoming a staple in the city’s music scene is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft. With a mix of classic hits and new collaborations, Santana continues to captivate audiences with his high energy performances and spiritual musical journey. Las Vegas, often dubbed as a “Disneyland for grown-ups,” provides the perfect backdrop for Santana’s soulful and harmonious shows, creating a sense of unity and joy among concert-goers.
