More answers about Carlos Santana and The Joint

Leila Navidi

Carlos Santana performs live during the first night of new show “Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits” at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

Las Vegas Sun

Monday, June 1, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Supernatural Santana

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Does Santana play the same set every night during “Supernatural Santana – A Trip Through the Hits”?

No, the sets will change every night. Santana obviously has plenty of hits to mix up his sets and keep fans happy and the band fresh.

Does Carlos Santana even acknowledge that he’s playing in Las Vegas?

“This is a real joy,” Santana told the crowd during Thursday’s show, invoking the names of Vegas performers past – “Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and a guy named Frank” – to explain why he was honored to be playing here.

Does the Hard Rock have a special display of Santana memorabilia?

Santana occupies a special place among all the guitars, photos and other rock items that line the walls. There’s a large display case filled with Santana collectibles, including two guitars, a Woodstock poster, a rainbow caftan, a snakeskin suit and videos of the old and new bands.

Of course, the gift shop and T-shirt stand are selling Santana memorabilia.

What’s it like inside the Joint?

Back by the bar, there’s another wall of guitars and road cases, including a sonic blue Fender Mustang from Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and a Kay jumbo acoustic signed by Johnny Cash.

The venue has many configurations, depending on the performers. For the “Supernatural Santana” shows, the floor is covered with padded folding chairs. There also are higher priced seats in the balcony.

Can you dance?

There is no official dance floor, but the audience spent more than half the show on its feet. I saw one young couple finally convince the women in front of them to sit down so they could see. Moments later, singer Andy Vargas shouted, “Everybody stand up.”

Advice: Bring dancing shoes and resign yourself to watching the big video screens if you want to sit and the people in front of you want to dance.

Is it hot inside?

Like most Las Vegas venues, the Joint is well air-conditioned. In fact, it was downright chilly before the place filled up and everybody started dancing.

Where will Santana perform during the break in his Las Vegas residency?

“Supernatural” goes international. The band tours Europe in July with shows — mostly festivals — Romania, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Germany and England.

When does the band return to Vegas?

Wait, Santana isn’t gone yet. The band performs for two more weeks during this part of the residency and returns Aug. 26.

Where can I find more information on Santana?

The band’s official Web site can be found at www.santana.com