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…