Santana performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on June 13, 2026.
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre is clearly a special place for Santana. On June 13, not only did the band kick-off their highly anticipated The Oneness Tour with The Doobie Brothers (after performing a pair of Santana-only shows at Red Rocks) – with whom they shared a stage with at this Chicago-area venue back in 2019 – but Carlos Santana and his wife, the incomparable drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, also celebrated the anniversary of their marriage proposal which took place at the amphitheater in 2010.
“This is memorable for Carlos and I and for everybody who lives here [because] this is the place that Carlos proposed to me 16 years ago.” said Cindy, holding what appeared to be a very delicious cake. “I want to give this to Carlos because he is my heart. I love him and I’m so glad he proposed. I’d say ‘yes’ every time.”
After the entire crowd rose and cheered their beautiful story, Carlos took the mic to speak about the love he feels for Cindy.
“There’s something about two souls coming together. You begin to make real spiritual traction, you know, because when two souls have the same frequency, the sameness of intensity and purpose, you can help the world become a lot more harmonious,” he said adding his gratitude that “God heard my prayers.”
He ended with, “We both wish you peace of mind, joy in your heart, and great health.”
This sentiment really served as a mission statement for the entire show which was a wholly joyful experience. Santana opened the headlining set with some of the group’s most popular music inspiring the crowd to dance along with the irresistible rhythms and impossibly good guitars. “Soul Sacrifice” started the setlist off with a bang before “Jin-go-lo-ba,” “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen,” and “Oye cómo va” had everyone grooving.
Santana performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on June 13, 2026.
“Maria Maria,” sung by Andy Vargas with backing vocals by Ray Greene, was among the poppiest performances of the night, giving fans a chance to sing along as Carlos dazzled with one slick, polished riff after another. “Foo Foo” was a percussive masterpiece driven to surprising sonic places by Carlos’s exceptional talents on the guitar. Just when it seemed the musicianship couldn’t get any more exceptional, “Everybody’s Everything” set the stage for some dazzling slide guitar action from Carlos before Cindy and bassist Benny Rietveld delivered jaw-dropping solos during an especially impressive instrumental interlude.
A cover of The Zombies’s “She’s Not There,” “Samba Pa Ti,” and “Put Your Lights On” were other highlights of the setlist.
Doobie Brothers perform at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on June 13, 2026.
Earlier in the night, The Doobie Brothers – Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee, and Michael McDonald – delighted fans with their own set full of face-melting solos and unforgettable hits. “Black Water” and “China Grove” highlighted the groups pitch perfect harmonies while Simmons and saxophonist Marc Russo wowed with a pair of brilliant moments in the spotlight during “Long Train Runnin’.” The McDonald-led “Minute by Minute” also stood out as a fan favorite of The Doobie’s set.
With The Oneness Tour, Santana and The Doobie Brothers are reaffirming the power that music has to bring people together. Check out photos from the tour kick-off in Tinley Park below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Santana.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
