Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Opens at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana marked his official residency at the House of Blues Las Vegas on Friday, May 4. .

The House of Blues’ new resident headliner was joined by House of Blues co-founder Dan Aykroyd, House of Blues CEO Ron Bension, President and COO of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Chuck Bowling, co-founder of the original Woodstock Michael Lang and Casa Noble Tequila CEO Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo as he participated in the Earth-based ceremony common to House of Blues openings.

Traditionally, under every stage at each House of Blues location, a metal box filled with Delta Mississippi mud is welded to the stage to ensure that every artist that performs on that stage has the roots and the spirit of the South planted beneath their feet. In welcoming Santana to the House of Blues family, this ceremony included earth from the Delta combined with earth delivered from Woodstock as well as some from Santana’s home town in Mexico, symbolizing Santana's roots being planted at House of Blues Las Vegas.

A VIP reception preceded the Friday night performance, complete with stilt walkers in Santana-themed style.

Photo:  Denise Truscello