The Music of Carlos Santana

Santana’s Sizzling Sounds Live in Ancaster

Get ready for a musical experience that will make you move! On Saturday, October 11, 2025, The Music of Carlos Santana will transform Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre into a hotbed of Latin rock energy. We’re bringing you the ultimate Santana tribute – complete with the fiery guitar solos, pulsating Latin percussion, and soulful melodies that have made Carlos Santana a legend. If you love songs that get your hips swaying and guitar solos that send shivers down your spine, this is the night for you.

About Carlos Santana: Carlos Santana burst onto the world stage with a groundbreaking performance at Woodstock in 1969, mesmerizing the crowd with the instrumental “Soul Sacrifice” and heralding a new fusion of rock and Latin music. In the early 1970s, Santana’s band delivered chart-topping hits that blended electric guitar with Afro-Cuban rhythms, bringing Latin rock into the mainstream. Classics like “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman,” (paired with the jam “Gypsy Queen”) and “Oye Como Va” became radio staples, known for their intoxicating grooves and searing guitar lines. Carlos Santana’s fluid, singing guitar tone is instantly recognizable – he can make the instrument cry with emotion or dance with joy. After a string of successful albums in the ’70s and ’80s, Santana experienced a massive career revival in 1999 with the album Supernatural. That project produced “Smooth,” the infectious collaboration with Rob Thomas that spent 12 weeks at #1 and became one of the biggest hits of all time, and “Maria Maria,” another #1 hit that year. Supernatural won 8 Grammy Awards (including Album of the Year), introducing Santana’s music to a new generation. Across his career, Carlos Santana has won 10 Grammys, sold over 100 million records, and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But beyond accolades, the true testament to Santana’s legacy is how his music makes people feel: uplifted, energized, and connected – whether it’s at a massive stadium or in your living room, his songs spark a special kind of joy.

The Tribute – Abraxas, The Santana Experience: To recreate Santana’s electrifying sound, you need world-class talent – and that’s exactly what Abraxas: The Santana Tribute brings. Fronted by Mexican-born guitarist Javier “Jay” Vazquez, who has been nicknamed the “Canadian Carlos Santana” by the Toronto Sun, Abraxas is an 8-piece powerhouse dedicated to delivering the most authentic Santana experience possible. Jay Vazquez channels Carlos’s guitar mastery with jaw-dropping precision – close your eyes during “Europa” or “Samba Pa Ti” and you’ll swear Santana himself is serenading you with those sustain-rich, crying guitar notes. Equally impressive is the rhythm section: Abraxas features a three-man percussion lineup (drum kit, congas, timbales) creating the complex, driving beats that make Santana’s music so exhilarating. Add to that a vibrant horn section (sax, trumpet, trombone) that punches in those soulful brass accents, and keyboards that layer in the bluesy organ fills, and you’ve got the full Santana sound coming alive on stage.

This band doesn’t hold back – their performances have the intensity of a Santana concert in his prime. From the opening note, Abraxas lights a fire. Expect to be drawn in as they ignite classics like “Oye Como Va.” When that song’s famous organ intro begins and the percussion kicks in, it’s an invitation for the audience to start dancing. The guitarist will unleash the smooth, bending notes of “Black Magic Woman,” leading into an exhilarating instrumental jam. And just when you’ve caught your breath, the band might launch into the irresistible groove of “Smooth.” You’ll feel the bassline and percussive rhythm rumbling right through you – don’t be surprised if you start singing “Give me your heart, make it real” along with everyone else (it’s impossible not to!).

What You’ll Hear: The setlist for the evening is a tour of Santana’s biggest hits and fan favorites across the decades:

• “Oye Como Va” – The Tito Puente tune Santana made famous; its catchy Spanish chorus and danceable beat will have the whole house moving.
• “Black Magic Woman” – Mysterious and sensual, featuring that extended guitar solo that flows into the fiery “Gypsy Queen” jam – a showcase of the band’s virtuosity.
• “Smooth” – The late-’90s smash hit that blends rock and Latin pop seamlessly; expect an audience sing-along and serious groove.
• “Evil Ways” – An early Santana hit with a killer organ riff and conga-driven rhythm – it builds into an infectious jam session.
• “Maria Maria” – Feel the sultry vibe of this blend of Latin melody and R&B flavor; the band will bring out its full warmth and sway.
• “Soul Sacrifice” – The instrumental that stunned at Woodstock; get ready for a percussion showcase and blistering guitar work that will leave you speechless.
• “Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile)” – A beautiful instrumental that highlights Santana’s melodic guitar playing – a moment of pure musical emotion in the set.

And that’s just a taste; the band often sprinkles in a few deeper cuts or fan requests too. Each song is played with passion and authenticity, doing justice to Santana’s legacy. Every member of Abraxas is a virtuoso in their own right, and they all get moments to shine – much like Santana’s real band where each musician adds their flavor to the mix.

A Night of Dancing and Joy: This concert is going to be one big celebration. Santana’s music naturally dissolves the barrier between performer and audience – it’s all about sharing the joy of rhythm. Don’t be shy about dancing; in fact, we encourage you to move! There will be plenty of others who simply can’t stay in their seats once the band hits that groove. Our soft-seat theatre will come alive with clapping hands, perhaps some impromptu salsa steps in the aisle, and certainly a lot of happy faces. It’s a real community party – even if you come not knowing your neighbor, a few minutes into “Oye Como Va” you might exchange smiles or dance moves like old friends.

For those who love guitar, this show is a masterclass in technique and feeling. For those who love Latin rhythms, it’s a feast of percussion. And for those who just love great, timeless songs – you’ll be humming these tunes long after the final encore. The mix of ages at Santana tribute shows is always wonderful to see: you might have folks who remember spinning Santana vinyl in 1970, grooving right alongside younger fans who first heard “Smooth” in 1999. All are welcome, and all will find something to adore.

Don’t Miss Out (¡Este Especial!): Given the broad appeal of Santana’s hits (rock fans, Latin music lovers, everyone in between), we anticipate strong interest. Secure your seats soon so you don’t miss the chance to be part of this exhilarating evening.

To purchase, click buy now or drop by the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre box office. Rally your friends – this concert is even more fun with a group to dance and celebrate with. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just spicing up your week, an evening with Santana’s music will leave you uplifted and energized.

Get ready to feel the beat, embrace the melody, and surrender to the music. The Music of Carlos Santana on October 11 will be an unforgettable finale to our tribute series – a night of prestige (world-class musicians on stage), heritage (celebrating 50+ years of Santana’s influence), and community (hundreds of us sharing in the groove together). Come add your energy to the mix – vamos a bailar (let’s dance) and make it a night to remember!

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