Carlos Santana, the iconic guitarist and music legend, graced the stage at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX, for a night that will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to witness his awe-inspiring performance. In this concert review, we will delve into the electrifying atmosphere, the soulful rhythms, and the timeless talent that Santana brought to the stage, captivating the audience and reaffirming his status as a true musical genius.

On a warm, rainy night in Dallas, there were concerns weather might affect the success of this show. However, thousands came out for this show that was three years in the making. After several reschedules starting because of the pandemic, legendary guitarist Carlos Santana was finally back in town. Looking across the crowd, I saw fans of all generations gathered together for a night of rock and roll.

Austin-based Arc Angels kicked off the night with a bang

The night began at dusk with Arc Angels, consisting of Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton on guitar and vocals, Eric Holden on bass, and Chris Layton on drums. These Texas boys offered a deep, rich blues sound that fits in with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and ZZ Top. They set the mood for an energetic night filled with good music and good times.

A Surreal Setting: Dos Equis Pavilion Comes Alive

As the sun set over Dos Equis Pavilion, anticipation filled the air. The venue, known for its remarkable acoustics and picturesque setting, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of pure musical magic. The stage, adorned with vibrant lights and state-of-the-art sound equipment, stood ready to showcase the brilliance of Carlos Santana’s guitar mastery.

Carlos Santana and his band hit the stage yet for an epic set featuring loads of favorites and some special guests.

His band consists Andy Vargas and Ray Greene on vocals, Tommy Anthony on guitar and vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David K Mathews on keyboards, Karl Perazzo and Paoli Mejías on percussion, and Cindy Blackman Santana on drums. Their performance was flawless, and they operate as a well oiled machine.

The air filled with the sounds of drums as the show started along with videos of tribesmen in dance. Then, the majestic sounds of the guitar resonated as the man himself, looking fantastic for a man of 75, came out and began to pla. Chewing his gum as he has for as long as I can remember, he played through the songs that have traveled the ages with him and made it look as easy as ever.

A Journey Through Time: Santana’s Timeless Hits

From the moment Carlos Santana stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Opening with his classic hit “Black Magic Woman,” Santana instantly transported the audience on a journey through time, revisiting the iconic songs that have defined his illustrious career. Each note reverberated through the pavilion, blending seamlessly with the cheers and applause of an audience enthralled by the sheer brilliance unfolding before their eyes.

From his original songs like The Game of Love, Corazon Espinado, and Smooth to well-loved covers like Evil Ways, Oye Como Va, Ain’t No Sunshine, and Venus, it was evident Mr. Santana and his friends rocked the night away and had fun doing it. The crowd was packed, with many vibing to the sounds of his guitar, enjoying that magical moment in the crowd of a concert.

Australian guitar magnate Orianthi joined the stage to rock with Santana and friends for a few songs

Best known as the lead guitarist on Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” tour, Orianthi is a bit of a legend herself. She joined Santana for a few songs, and the sounds were so rich and harmonious, it was a wonderful experience to have for sure. She’s a beautiful genius with a guitar, and I encourage any guitar enthusiast to look into her music and catch her live if you get a chance.

Soulful Rhythms and Mesmerizing Solos

Santana’s music is more than just notes and chords; it is an embodiment of pure emotion. With his signature blend of rock, blues, and Latin influences, Santana and his band effortlessly created a tapestry of soulful rhythms that resonated deep within the hearts of the listeners. The crowd swayed to the infectious beats, their spirits uplifted by the undeniable energy emanating from the stage.

But it was Santana’s mesmerizing guitar solos that truly stole the show. With every stroke of the strings, he demonstrated his unparalleled skill and passion, captivating the audience with his virtuosity. Each solo was a masterclass in musical expression, showcasing Santana’s ability to effortlessly blend technical proficiency with raw emotion.

Collaborations and Musical Chemistry

Throughout the night, Santana invited a lineup of talented musicians to share the stage with him, further enriching the musical experience. These collaborations showcased the incredible chemistry between Santana and his fellow artists, creating moments of pure musical synergy that left the audience in awe. Whether it was a soulful duet or an electrifying jam session, each collaboration added a new layer of depth and excitement to the performance.

A Transcendent Experience: Santana’s Spiritual Connection

Carlos Santana is known not only for his musical talent but also for his spiritual approach to music. Throughout the concert, he shared messages of love, unity, and the power of music to transcend boundaries. His words resonated with the audience, creating a sense of togetherness and reminding everyone of the transformative power of music.

As the final notes of “Smooth” filled the air, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, their hearts full, and their spirits uplifted. Carlos Santana had once again proven why he is a true legend, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to be a part of this unforgettable night.

I want to close out the review in his own words: “Celebrate your life and your divinity.”

Set List:

• Soul Sacrifice
• Jin-go-lo-ba (Babatunde Olatunji cover)
• Evil Ways (Willie Bobo cover)
• Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
• Oye cómo va (Tito Puente cover)
• Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile)
• Everybody’s Everything
• Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers cover)
• Venus (Shocking Blue cover)
• The Game of Love
• Hope You’re Feeling Better (with Orianthi)
• Put Your Lights On (with Orianthi)
• Corazón espinado (with Orianthi)
• Maria Maria (with Orianthi)
• Foo Foo
• Are You Ready (The Chambers Brothers cover) (with extended drum solo)
• Roadhouse Blues (The Doors cover)
• Smooth

FAQs

Q1: Where did Carlos Santana perform in Dallas, TX?

Carlos Santana performed at the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX, a venue known for its remarkable acoustics and picturesque setting.

Q2: What type of music did Santana play during the concert?

Santana played a blend of rock, blues, and Latin-influenced music, showcasing his signature style and timeless hits.

Q3: Did Santana collaborate with other musicians during the concert?

Yes, Santana invited talented musicians to collaborate with him on stage, creating moments of musical synergy and adding depth to the performance.