Some artists perform concerts. Carlos Santana creates an atmosphere.
Friday night’s stop at Hersheypark Stadium on the Oneness Tour was less about spectacle and more about musicianship. Backed by an exceptional band and joined by coheadliners The Doobie Brothers for portions of the evening, Santana reminded the Pennsylvania crowd why his name has remained synonymous with guitar excellence for more than five decades.
From the opening notes of “Soul Sacrifice,” it was evident the night would unfold at its own pace. Santana never rushed through a solo or forced a crowd pleasing moment. Instead, every song was allowed to breathe, with extended instrumental passages giving each member of the band an opportunity to shine. Cindy Blackman Santana’s explosive drumming and Benny Rietveld’s bass work repeatedly earned applause, while the percussion section kept the rhythms driving throughout the nearly two hour performance.
The setlist leaned heavily into the classics that have defined Santana’s career. “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” “Europa,” “Maria Maria,” and “Corazón Espinado” all received huge reactions from the audience, while “Put Your Lights On” added one of the evening’s more emotional moments. When the unmistakable opening of “Smooth” finally arrived during the encore, thousands of fans were already on their feet, singing every word.
What continues to separate Santana from many legacy acts is the band’s commitment to playing live rather than simply recreating studio recordings. Songs evolved organically through improvisation, allowing the musicians to explore new ideas while never losing sight of the melodies fans came to hear. Even after decades on the road, Santana’s guitar remained expressive, tasteful, and instantly recognizable.
Visually, the production stayed understated, allowing colorful lighting and the musicians themselves to remain the focal point instead of elaborate stage effects. It suited the performance perfectly. The music never competed with production because it didn’t need to.
Nearly sixty years into an extraordinary career, Carlos Santana continues to demonstrate that technical brilliance and genuine feeling can still share the same stage. Friday night’s performance was a celebration of timeless songs, world class musicianship, and an artist whose guitar remains one of the most distinctive voices in rock history.
