Revisited: My Last Week in Live Music – Santana, Kelley James, Ozomatli (Video)

7 May

Last week was a whirlwind of a music one for me. It started last Wednesday with the opportunity to see Carlos Santana’s new residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. Not only is Santana a living legend that I encourage everyone to see, his band is truly amazing. The show was about two hours and spanned his whole career of hits. With a brand new sound system in place, HoB was rocking and the perfect venue to capture the iconic guitar work of Santana.

On Friday it was off to a semi-private show with the mighty talented, Kelley James. If you are not familiar with Kelley’s sound/style, you’re sorely missing out. In addition to a bunch of his own songs, he busted out some Sublime and Neil Diamond. Plus he is one of the most gifted freestyle artists which added to the fun and entertaining evening.

For Cinco de Mayo it was time for Ozomatli. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve seen these guys live and the shows are always a blast. This time the venue was Body English inside the Hard Rock Hotel and not only do I love and miss the former nightclub but it served as practically a private concert venue. Intimate and in close quarters with the fiesta faithful, it was one wild dance party that I wish everyone could have experienced. Check the video below of a little Latin cover of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.”