Santana brings pure magic to Red Rocks with Counting Crows
The word “iconic” gets thrown around a lot these days, but there’s really no other way to describe an evening with the great Carlos Santana at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Santana delivered an immaculate performance as expected from one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time.
The evening kicked off with Counting Crows, whose energetic setlist included classics like “Mr. Jones” and “Accidentally in Love.” Their charismatic frontman, Adam Duritz, immediately connected with the audience, and set the perfect tone for the night. As the sun set, Santana took the stage, and the atmosphere transformed into something magical.
Carlos Santana’s legendary guitar work was on full display, blending rock, Latin, and blues in a way that only he can. The band played hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” with Santana’s intricate solos electrifying the venue. Other notable songs included “Samba Pa Ti,” “Maria Maria,” and a dope cover of Mos Def’s “Umi Says.” An insane closing solo from Santana’s long time drummer Cindy Blackman was the icing on the cake.
The concert was a surreal spectacle of unrivaled musicianship, and a celebration of timeless records, with Red Rocks’ natural acoustics enhancing every guitar lick. Santana closed the night with an encore of “Smooth,” leaving the audience in awe of his enduring talent. Check out the photo recap courtesy of acclaimed photographer Armando Geneyro below. Viva Santana!
