Gregg Rolie

LAS VEGAS, March 21, 2016: On stage together for the first time since 1973, the Original Santana Band featuring: Carlos Santana (guitar, vocals), Gregg Rolie (keyboards, lead vocals), Neal Schon (guitar, vocals), Michael Carabello (percussion), and Michael Shrieve (drums), will reunite tonight on March 21 in Las Vegas at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for a very special live performance that will be filmed for television and DVD release. SANTANA IV Records has partnered with Front and Center Entertainment for AXS, APT (American Public Television), and Eagle Rock Entertainment for DVD and worldwide release, it was announced today by Michael Vrionis, COO, Cristalino, Santana’s Management Company. The show will feature an incredible lineup which will highlight the amazing guitar interplay of Carlos Santana and Journey’s Neal Schon, mixed with Gregg Rolie’s (Ringo Starr) distinctive soulful voice and Hammond B3, complimented by the percussive ferocity of Michael Shrieve(Spellbinder) and Michael Carabello. The special is being produced by Don Maggi, President/ Executive Producer Front and Center Entertainment LLC. Front and Center. Front and Center was conceived to provide the artist with a consistent platform through which to share their music. “Through our live music series, our Interview Series “Speakeasy” and our “CMA Songwriter Series” the artist is allowed to experience and perform, not just another concert or interview, but to have a highly intimate exchange with his/her fans that showcases their true passion and artistry,” Don Maggi said. “I have been a Santana fan ever since I can remember. The thought that I would one day be a part of the band’s reunion, after so many years, is truly unimaginable and quite the honor for us. We’ve produced six seasons worth of Front and Center shows, but this could be one of the most historically significant musical productions that we’ve done – we’re looking forward to capturing and combining the feel of the early days with the band’s new “Santana IV” sound.” SANTANA IV and Front and Center Entertainment are partnering on this project with Eagle Rock, AXS, and APT to release this one of a kind Santana performance. The show will be Directed by Brad Fuss who has been Directing concerts for over twenty years and has most recently filmed the sixth season of Front and Center featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Jackson, George Ezra, among others. "The release of the highly anticipated album, Santana IV is due out in April of this year,” says Michael Vrionis, President of Santana IV, LLC and co-Executive Producer of the television special. “This historic release marks the reunion of the original Santana Band members Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Michael Carabello & Michael Shrieve. The first single, Anywhere You Want to Go, has topped the Classic Rock charts since its release. This 2016 version of the original Santana Band will bring you great memories and is sure to make you dance at the same time. We hope you enjoy the ride. " With the same heralded lineup that exploded onto the scene at Woodstock, with Neal Schon added soon afterward, Santana IV radiates the same unparalleled energy and superlative musicianship that made Santana a pioneering force in world music and a household name across the globe. In April of 2016, they will release their first studio album together since 1971’s Santana III. Appropriately named Santana IV, the album picks up where they left off with 16 all-new tracks written and produced by the band, explosive guitar work, incredible percussion, and a collection of songs that easily stands side-by-side with the group’s treasured early work. Joining the core Santana IV band in the studio are current Santana members Karl Perazzo (percussion) and Benny Rietveld (bass), with the legendary vocalist Ronald Isley guesting on two cuts on the CD and on tonight’s show. SANTANA IV Records would like to thank Las Vegas’ Alissa Kelly, Maryanne Bilham Knight, Robert Knight, Show Creators Studios, Natalie Davison, The Foundation Room and Steve Hart, Lola Rose, Gary Harmon for their individual and collective contributions to the production. And, thanks to Paul Davis, Ron Bension and the entire staff and crew at House of Blues and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. And, additional special thanks to Daniel Kinghorn, David Yan and Dan D'Agostino for Casa Noble Tequila and Constellation Brands, Inc.