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Santana Returns to Ruoff in Noblesville, Indiana: Review and Photos

By Clarissa Darling on June 25, 2024

The Ruoff Music Center was electrified last night as the legendary Santana took the stage, delivering a performance that was both a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and a showcase of their ever-evolving sound. The evening was a journey through Santana’s extensive catalog, with a setlist that spanned the band’s entire career, leaving the audience in awe of the group’s musical prowess.

Fiile Photo: Santana and his band perform in Noblesville, Indiana, June 23, 2024. (Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot,/ Soundstage Photography.com)

The band’s lineup for this tour is a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, each bringing their unique flavor to the ensemble. Carlos Santana, the heart and soul of the band, led with his iconic guitar work, while Cindy Blackman Santana, his wife, commanded the drums with a presence that’s both powerful and inspiring. On bass, Benny Rietveld provided the groove that is the backbone of Santana’s sound, and on keyboards, David K. Matthews added layers of rich, melodic textures. The percussion section, featuring Karl Perazzo and Paoli Mejías, infused the music with a vibrant energy that is a hallmark of Santana’s style. Vocal duties were shared by the dynamic duo of Andy Vargas and Ray Greene, (who also plays a mean trombone) whose voices soared and intertwined with the music.

The night was not without its poignant moments. Carlos Santana, at times seated during the performance, addressed the audience with a candid revelation about his battle with sciatica, a condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve. He assured the crowd that his seated position was not out of disrespect but a necessity to manage his condition. In a moment of vulnerability and humor, he recounted his past judgment of Eric Clapton performing while seated, which he called a “WTF moment”, only to now find himself in a similar situation, understanding the physical demands such conditions impose on a performer.

The setlist was a marathon of hits and fan favorites, opening with the intense “Soul Sacrifice” and moving through a sonic landscape that included “Jingo,” “Evil Ways,” and the smooth “Oye Como Va.” The audience was treated to a special moment when Cindy Blackman Santana took center stage for an explosive drum solo that showcased her incredible talent and left the crowd mesmerized.

The band’s versatility was on full display as they navigated through the setlist. The bass solo during “Everybody’s Everything” was a standout, demonstrating the technical skill and musicality that Rietveld brings to the table. The cover of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” was a gritty, soulful rendition that paid homage to the classic rock era.

As the night progressed, the band delved into their later hits, with “Game of Love” and “Maria Maria” highlighting their ability to blend rock with Latin influences seamlessly. The set concluded with the Grammy-winning “Smooth,” a song that remains as fresh and vibrant as when it first captivated audiences.

Despite the challenges faced by its frontman, the band delivered a show that will be remembered for its passion, energy, and the sheer joy it brought to those in attendance.