Category Archives: FanSpotlight

Erika Lao

Location: Yokohama City, Japan

Santana Fan Since: I have been a fan of Santana since 1973 when they had a first show in Japan.

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I think most speaks to my soul. I was exposed to it very early in my life.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When:Recent 2 concerts held in Tokyo this past March were really exciting.
I was one of the lucky 9 fans who had an opportunity to say hello to Carlos at the backstage, which is an unforgettable memory. I am stoked to see his next show at House of Blues this June.

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Jose B Cruz

Location: New York City, NY, USA

Santana Fan Since: 1969.

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I think most speaks to my soul. I was exposed to it very early in my life.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: I love the music because it’s unique. It’s always evolving but always has the unique sound that Only Santana produces. No other band sounds like Santana. I have seen Santana in New York, Miami and in San Francisco. At least 100 times and I am looking forward to seeing him alot more.

Random Santana-related Fact: I share the same birth date as Carlos, July 20th. But I was born 10 years after he was.

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Kristina Weick

Location: Pensacola, FL, USA

Santana Fan Since: I joined the Santana International Fan Club – Lifetime Member I can’t remember exactly when I joined, likely 1990, when living in San Francisco..I purchased VI VA Santana VHS Tape and almost wore it out. Carlos narrates and I am so moved by the concert in Moscow, it brings me to tears of joy. I love to listen to Carlos tell his story …oh and the music. I moved to Pensacola, Fl in 1993 and in 1995 sent a check for $15.00 to renew my membership. The Fan Club sent me my check back with a letter stating I was a lifetime member already. Now, who, what, or when, do people do that? I still have the check and the letter. I also have saved all newsletters. I love to read about the Milagro Foundation, etc, etc.

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I think most speaks to my soul. I was exposed to it very early in my life.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: The 1st time I saw the band live was October, 1969. Fillmore San Francisco, CA. I hitch-hiked regularly from Berkely for Tuesday Buck Night and saved for my $3.50 ticket on Wednesday the night Santana debuted the Lion album. Mike Bloomfield and Friends, Taj Mahal opened. That was a wonderful experience.

1984 Ceaser’s Lake Tahoe, CA. The lead singer from War sang with Santana.

1990 (not sure of the date) Greek Theater Berkeley, CA

1991 May 1st the Warfield San Francisco, CA

1992 August 28th Concord Pavilion Concord CA

1995 June 4th House of Blues New Orleans, LA

1997 April 27th Bayfront Auditorium Pensacola, FL
There I assisted as a ‘runner’ the Band the afternoon before the show.
I was the only person in the auditorium while the band rehearsed.
I have always wanted to meet Carlos, and that did not happen. When
I locate the picture of Chester and me I’ll send it along.

2003 February 19th UNO Lakefront Arena New Orleans, LA

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Declan Heaton

Location: Wigan, UK

Santana Fan Since: 2012

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I love Santana’s music because, it’s different to any artist I’ve ever heard before. It has a positive and happy feel to it. As im only 16 years old , I have only recently discovered Santana’s music last year, from listening to it with my grandad, who’s been a Santana fan for years! I think his music is just outstanding. Just how all of those musicians can work together and play songs accurately and efficiently, it amazes me! I saw Santana for the first time with my grandad when he played at the Manchester Arena on the 18th July 2013. I must say it was a fantastic and incredible experience! I will definitely be seeing him again when he’s next over here. Until then, I can’t wait!

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: I’ve seen Santana once live as mentioned above, at the Manchester Arena on the 18th July 2013.

Random Santana-related Fact:His signature guitar retails at $7,096.

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Al Chavarria

Location: San Diego, CA

Santana Fan Since: 1969

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I love the Energy that Santana’s music has always made me feel. His hits are many and especially his jazz/blues songs that pepper all of this albums. There are some incredible instrumentals like “Song of the Wind” and “Flor de Luna”. The beauty of his guitar and the percussion of the band! He should be on everyone’s bucket list to see live at least once!

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: Wow I have seen Santana in concert live over 30 times. Every year in San Diego since 1977, once in Vegas and two nights back to back at the Greek Theatre in LA. I just saw him this year Irvine Amphitheater…I’ve seen him at Fox Theatre, Old Coors Amphitheater, San Diego Sports Arena with Bob Dylan, Qualcomm Stadium opened for Rolling Stones in the rain….But the very best concert, the creme de la creme was at the Tijuana Bull Ring in Playas. That was a magical and spiritual evening. It was awesome when he played “She’s not there” in the bull ring at dusk with the lights and whole place dancing and singing…”Well no one told me about her, well they all new, please don’t bother trying to find her and she’s not there!!! Guitar SOLO….Badass! Too many memories all Great! Always a great show! I’ll go every year and wherever he’s playing!

Random Santana-related Fact: My mom was born in Autlan, Jalisco Mexico….Carlos Santana’s birthplace, so I think somehow we are related! Hey Primo!

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Edwin Sergio Tellez

Location: Los Angeles, California

Santana Fan Since: Since I was 11 years old. (I’m 30 now)

Why You Love Santana’s Music: When I first heard Carlos, I stopped what I was doing and paid close attention to those notes he was hitting. It blew my mind like Hendrix did. To this day, I always use Carlos & Jimi as a reference points to writing. His music is universal, fresh, pure, and exciting with no expiration date. My wife (Mixy) & kids (Ziggy and Julian) also love his music now. His music is that attractive.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: I have seen Santana every time he has visited Los Angeles since 1993. I can recall the Shrine Auditorium, Nokia Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, and a few private events.

Random Santana-related Fact: My son Ziggy had the pleasure of joining Carlos on stage at the Hollywood Bowl. I also had the opportunity of participating in a Q&A session with Carlos in 2007. On top of that, my wife and I have got to hang out with Karl a few times, twice with Raul. They are such cool cats. My kids loved them as well.

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Ronny Lapine

Location: Burbank, CA

Santana Fan Since: 1967

Why You Love Santana’s Music: I love his music because of its marriage of the spiritual and sensual. Also the level of musicianship is top shelf always.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: 4. They are Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, The Rain club at Palms (2002), HOB Mandalay Bay 5/9/12

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Tjeerd Rosbach

Location: Budapest, Hungary & Gersau, Switzerland

Santana Fan Since: 1976

Why You Love Santana’s Music: It’s inspiring and healing.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: 100. Europe – USA & Japan

Random Santana-related Fact: I Have a company called Santana Holding Ltd.

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Anna Cano

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Santana Fan Since: 1979

Why You Love Santana’s Music: The music touches my essence and gives me peace.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: At least 10 times in AZ, twice in Las Vegas, NV, The Hammerstein ballroom in NY, Century City, CA (Fan Club private concert)

Random Santana-related Fact: I named my 1981 Black 280ZX which I bought used in 1999, and I still own, care for, and drive to this day! I plan on owning it until I can no longer breath on this earth! Just like I plan on being a fan of Carlos! As long as I live and breath on this earth! Love, hope, compassion, and sharing.

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Lynnie Snierson

Name: Lynnie Snierson

Location: Salem, New Hampshire

Santana Fan Since: The early days; 1969 and Woodstock!

Why You Love Santana’s Music: It is a magical mix of sensuality and spirituality that affects me on a soul level. Whether experiencing a live show, listening in the car (my six-CD player is always racked with Santana), on my iPod, or anywhere else, the music lifts me higher and reminds me of Carlos’ message: choose love over fear and live your life with beauty, elegance, excellence and grace.

How Many Times You’ve Seen Carlos Live and Where/When: 22 times and every show has been fantastic. At age 17, I was lucky enough to be in the audience when Carlos and the band opened for Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Hollywood Bowl in September 1969! I have seen Santana perform live in every one of the band’s six decades. 1960s: California, 1970s: Florida, 1980s: Boston, 1990s: Mansfield, MA, 2000s: Boston, Mansfield and Tacoma, WA, and 2010s: again back in Mansfield. I’m 60 now and excitedly looking forward to the concert in New Hampshire in July (2012).

Random Santana-related Fact: Carlos wrote “Bella” as a love song for his daughter Stella.

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