The Theater at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino erupted with Latin rhythms and searing guitar work on April 16th as Carlos Santana delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s remained relevant for six decades.
Supporting his latest album “Sentient,” the 77-year-old guitar legend took command of the stage with the ease of someone who’s been doing this his entire life — because he has. Ranked #15 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,”
Santana continues to prove why he belongs in that rarified air. He is truly a guitar master who makes the instrument talk, sing, scream, and cry.
For those who have never seen him perform in person, he is truly a must see.
The night kicked off with the Grammy-winning “Maria Maria,” immediately establishing the groove that would carry through the entire show. The stage setup was impressive, featuring an expansive array of percussion instruments manned by four incredibly skilled musicians creating the backbone of Santana’s signature sound.
A highlight came during “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,” where Santana’s unmistakable tone filled the theater. His playing remains as expressive as ever, with notes that seem to speak directly to the soul. The crowd responded accordingly, with many on their feet and dancing throughout the arena. The dancing did not stop until the last beats of the night.
Between songs, Santana took moments to connect with the audience on a personal level. He shared stories about a recent injury that had him worried about his future playing guitar. “I was afraid it was over,” he told the crowd, “but you can’t let things stop you.” This kind of resilience has defined his career, from his breakout performance at Woodstock to his continued relevance in modern music.
The live setting perfectly showcased the chemistry between Santana and his band, particularly his wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, whose skills behind the drum kit were nothing short of spectacular. Her extended solo during “Soul Sacrifice” near the end of the show had the crowd roaring with appreciation.
Santana didn’t just focus on his classics. He spoke at length about “Sentient,” explaining the album’s genesis and his excitement about collaborating with some of music’s biggest names.
His enthusiasm for these new songs was evident as he played them with the same passion as his time-tested hits. He described the meaning behind being sentient as the point in life when you stop being a “pendejo” and start living a genuine life with real purpose.
The production values matched the musical excellence. Choreographed lights and lasers added visual excitement to songs like “Oye Como Va” (an epic moment) and “The Game of Love,” creating an immersive experience that enhanced the music without overwhelming it.
The Yaamava Theater itself deserves special mention as a world-class venue. Recently renovated and rivaling anything you’d find on the Las Vegas Strip, the theater offers perfect sightlines from every seat in the house. Throughout the night, Santana’s distinctive guitar tone filled the space with crystal-clear precision thanks to the venue’s remarkable acoustics.
Even during the most percussion-heavy moments of “Batuka” and “Foo Foo,” every instrument remained perfectly balanced in the mix. The theater’s thoughtful design creates an intimate feeling despite its size, allowing even those seated furthest from the stage to feel connected to the performance.
One of the night’s most powerful moments came during “Evil Ways,” which showcased the band’s incredible tightness. Every musician on stage had moments to shine, proving that Santana surrounds himself with only the best.
As the night progressed through favorites like “Samba Pa Ti” and “No One to Depend On,” Santana occasionally paused to share philosophical thoughts about being a good human and living your best life. These moments felt genuine rather than preachy, coming from a man who clearly believes in music’s power to unite and heal.
The encore began with the spiritual “Woodstock Chant” before launching into “Soul Sacrifice” (featuring that incredible drum solo) and concluding, predictably but satisfyingly, with the crowd-pleasing “Smooth.” Having seen Santana a few times now I keep hoping for a surprise appearance from Rob Thomas. Maybe someday.
By the time the final notes rang out, Santana had delivered exactly what the packed house came for: a night of exceptional musicianship, spiritual connection, and songs that have stood the test of time. In an age of manufactured pop stars, there’s something reassuring about watching a true master still practicing his craft with such obvious joy and conviction after five decades.
The show proved that Carlos Santana remains more than just a legacy act. He’s still pushing boundaries, still finding new ways to express himself through his instrument and still bringing audiences together through the universal language of music.
