This past Sunday, June 24th, Counting Crows and Santana transported a packed house back to the heyday of 90s rock. Despite neither of the artists having release new music in several years, Ruoff’s pavilion and lawn were full of loyal, lifelong fans.
We Just Look a Lot Better in the Blue Light
The show kicked off with the brooding “Round Here,” setting the tone for an evening of introspective lyrics and rich, layered instrumentation. Front man Adam Duritz’s distinctive vocals did not fully hit the mark; the raw emotion that has become the band’s hallmark was present, but his forays into higher registers were few and far between.
Highlights included a jammy version of “Mr. Jones” that had the crowd singing along, and a particularly poignant rendition of “A Long December” that showcased the band’s musical chemistry. The setlist struck a balance between crowd-pleasers like “Big Yellow Taxi” and a cover of Taylor Swift’s “The 1” and lesser-known tracks that delighted long-time fans.
Between songs, Duritz engaged the audience, jabbing at himself and his choice of jeans and a jacket onstage despite the summer heat in a grasp at maintaining his cool musician persona. The band’s musicianship was solid throughout, and I particularly enjoyed the songs that featured accordion and mandolin
For those who came seeking a nostalgia trip, Counting Crows delivered.
You Better Leave Your Lights On
Carlos Santana and his band delivered an engaging and fast-paced set that showcased why they remain one of rock’s most enduring acts. The legendary guitarist, now in his 70s, proved he hasn’t lost a step, leading his ensemble through a genre-defying musical journey from the security of his chair set up center stage.
The show opened with the familiar strains of “Soul Sacrifice” (best known from his iconic set he performed at Woodstock), immediately establishing the evening’s blend of rock, Latin, and jazz influences. Santana’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing, his trademark sustains and fluid phrasing on full display throughout the night.
The setlist spanned Santana’s entire career, from classics like “Black Magic Woman” and “OyeComo Va” to more recent hits like “Smooth.” Each song became a launching pad for extended jams, allowing the band to flex its considerable musical muscle. The percussion section, spearheaded by Santana’s wife Cindy Blackman Santana, and featuring timbalero Karl Perazzoand conguero Paoli Mejías, was particularly impressive, driving the Latin rhythms that are central to Santana’s sound.
A highlight of the evening was a scorching rendition of “Maria Maria,” which had the entire audience on its feet dancing along with the iconic music video.
Backing vocalists Andy Vargas and Ray Greene brought additional energy to the performance, especially during crowd-pleasers like “Corazón Espinado.” The interplay between Santana and his fellow musicians was a joy to watch, demonstrating the tight chemistry developed over years of touring.
While die-hard fans might have wished for more deep cuts, the hit-heavy setlist kept both the most devoted and casual audience members engaged throughout. The show concluded with an extended drum solo by Cindy Blackman, followed by a rousing version of “Smooth,” sending the audience home on a high note.
Santana’s performance was a testament to the enduring power of his music and his ability to blend technical virtuosity with raw emotion. It was a night of musical celebration that I was absolutely honored to be a part of.
The Good
• Despite not being physically able to rock out as hard as he once did in his youth, Santana’s performance was full of passion and energy.
• Both sets were full of nostalgic tracks that even casual fans were able to enjoy
The Not-As-Good
• Adam Duritz’s vocal range seemed much more limited compared to the range he has proven to have in recordings