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Keep an ear out in downtown Pleasanton this Friday night for the smooth sounds of Santana, courtesy of a cover band fronted by hometown singer and percussionist Carlos Elizalde.
In their live shows, Carnaval aims to do more than simply celebrate the music of Carlos Santana and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that bears his name.
“Carnaval is not just a collective of seasoned musicians who’ve perfected their crafts over the decades; it is an immersive achievement of artistry that revives the legendary Latin rock sound that has resonated through generations,” Elizalde told me in an email interview last week.
The core of the band has been playing together for more than 25 years, rebranding in 2020 to a tribute show, “Carnaval: Echoing the Spirit and Legacy of Santana”.
In addition to Elizalde on lead vocals and hand percussion, Carnaval features Bernie Bersamina on keys and vocals, Ray Uribes on bass and vocals, Jerry Navarro on guitar and backup vocals, Vernon Eakin on drums, Tam Sugayan on congas and backup vocals and Victor Nolasco on timbales and backup vocals.
They do between 40 to 50 shows per year in California and Nevada, according to Elizalde. Carnaval was in Winters last weekend and has concerts coming up in Oroville, Redwood City and Newman during the next month or so.
But the performance this Friday is set at a venue special to Elizalde.
“We enjoy performing at the Firehouse Arts Center because it’s a beautiful and intimate setting with an amazing crew, sound and lighting production, and the local fan, friend and family base is amazing and so supportive,” Elizalde said.
“This is home to me. After touring around to other cities and states, it’s always nice to come home and celebrate the great music of Santana with the familiar people that gave me my first chance,” he added.
Elizalde, who has built a 30-year career with alcohol distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, first relocated to the Tri-Valley in 1983. From Danville he moved to San Ramon and then finally settled in Pleasanton in 2002.
“We love living here in Pleasanton,” he told me. “Downtown has great restaurants and awesome events. And we love going to Meadowlark Dairy downtown and Concerts in the Park, how safe and beautiful it is here and the amazing community.”
His prior original bands played in Pleasanton and elsewhere – La Ventana in the 2000s and then Rúckatan Latin Tribe, which formed here in 2010.
As the calendar flipped to a new decade six years ago, Elizalde and his bandmates created Carnaval, named for a song on Santana’s 1977 album “Festival”.
“‘Carnaval’ is an uptempo instrumental and vocal track,” he told me. “It reminds you of a Brazil vibe with incredible festivities, a very upbeat song that we found perfect to honor Santana and bring joy to the masses!”
It’s a bit of a deep cut to me, someone who knows a cursory sampling of Carlos Santana’s earlier work (such as “Oye Como Va”, “Black Magic Woman” and “She’s Not There”) but became more familiar with his “Supernatural” revival when I was growing up. “Carnaval” seems ideal for what Elizalde and crew seek to convey with each show.
“Carnaval pays homage to the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, who first captured the hearts of music lovers in the iconic Mission District of San Francisco – a neighborhood known for its rich tapestry of artistic expression and cultural diversity, where Santana himself first made his mark on the music scene,” Elizalde said, echoing his band’s website.
“Attendees can expect to hear beloved hits that blend rock, blues, and Latin influences, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will have everyone dancing,” he added.
Julian Mireles, recreation leader for the city of Pleasanton, said he’s excited to welcome Carnaval back to the venue he manages.
“If folks like the tunes, musicianship, and energy of Santana, Carnaval the Band won’t disappoint. We’re looking forward to seeing our returning fans and new patrons this Friday at the Firehouse Arts Center,” he told me.
Some tickets remain available for the concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 16).
The Firehouse is kicking into high gear with its fall schedule of concerts and stage performances.
Creatures of Impulse, the Tri-Valley’s award-winning teen improv troupe, presents its “Face-Off” shows Oct. 22-24. East Bay Musical Society’s autumn concert “Golden Age of Broadway” follows Oct. 29.
Pleasanton Youth Theater Company is producing “School of Rock: Young Actors Edition” from Nov. 6-15, and then its one-night-only “Singer’s Choice Cabaret” on Nov. 20.
Then it’s Chorus Eclectic on Nov. 21, a Karen Carpenter holiday tribute Nov. 22, Grammy winner Mads Tolling’s “Cool Yule” Christmas concert Dec. 11, The Golden Follies’ holiday revue Dec. 12, an ABBA tribute Dec. 18 and a Phil Collins and Genesis cover act Dec. 19 to close out the year. Learn more at firehousearts.org.
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the associate publisher and editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What A Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
