Santana & The Doobie Brothers - Oneness Tour 2026 at Don Haskins Center: A Night in El Paso, Texas

The air in El Paso was electric, humming with the kind of energy that makes you forget your shoes are still on. Santana & The Doobie Brothers took the Don Haskins Center stage on a sweltering August night, and the crowd—packed like a Fiesta de la Virgen crowd—roared with anticipation. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural collision, a celebration of Latin rhythms and rock roots that made you feel like you’d been transported to a crossroads of time. As the lights dimmed and the first notes of “Smooth” echoed through the arena, I knew this was going to be one of those nights that stick with you long after the final chord.

Flamenco Fire and Rock Reverence

Santana’s set was a masterclass in how to make a guitar scream. Carlos Santana, now a silver-haired legend, still commanded the stage with the same swagger that made him a icon in the ’70s. His fingers danced across the strings like they were conducting a symphony, and the crowd was spellbound by the way his music fused Latin grooves with rock grit. The moment he launched into “Maria, Maria,” the crowd erupted into a sea of hands in the air, a collective heartbeat syncing with the rhythm. It was impossible not to feel the warmth of his music—a reminder that even in a city as dry as El Paso, the soul of Latin music can make you sweat.

But the real magic happened when The Doobie Brothers took the stage. Their sound was a throwback, yet it felt fresh in the way only classic rock can. When they kicked off with “Black Water,” the crowd roared like they were at a stadium concert, even though we were in a college arena. The harmonies were tight, the vocals seasoned with decades of experience, and the energy was infectious. One fan, catching the moment, said, “[PULLQUOTE]It’s like time travel—those guys sound like they’re still in the ’70s, but the crowd here feels like it’s 2026.”

A Night That Bridged Generations

The true standout of the night came when the two acts joined forces for a medley of “Evil Ways” and “Long Train Run.” Santana’s guitar wove seamlessly into the Doobie Brothers’ rockabilly swagger, creating a sound that felt both nostalgic and alive. The crowd was a mosaic of ages—granny in a sequin dress, teens with neon hair, and Gen Zers in hoodies—all dancing to the same beat. It was a moment that encapsulated the Oneness Tour’s mission: to unite through music. As the final notes faded, a fan shouted, “[PULLQUOTE]This isn’t just a concert—it’s a family reunion. We’re all here because we love the same songs.”

The encore was a reminder that even legends know how to keep the party going. Santana closed with “Oye Como Va,” and the crowd became a human drumline, stomping in unison. It was a moment that made me proud to be a Latina Texan, to witness a night where music transcended language, age, and borders.

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