"Trade the gun for the drum."- Carlos Santana

Tuesday May 27th at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA I got to experience a performance that was once in a lifetime. I was a few hundred feet away from one of the world's greatest guitar players and I was there with my grandmother and mother who also appreciate great music.

Carlos Santana. He was born in Mexico in 1947 and learned to play his guitar at the age of 8. When he was in middle school he and his family moved to California and he continued to play different instruments but continued his passion for the guitar.

Santana got his start on the stage by playing some gigs at local bars and restaurants. Santana soon formed the Santana Blues Band and they got immediate recognition. Their big break was at Woodstock in 1969 which led them to signing a contract with Columbia records.

45 years later he is still one of the world's biggest guitar heroes. His has collaborated with memorable artists over the years such as Rob Thomas, Gloria Estefan, Steven Tyler, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton and many more.

(Carlos Santana- Consol Energy Center 5/27/14)

While listening to their set you feel as if you're on the beach somewhere exotic. Santana's music seriously takes you away. With a mixture of jazz, blues, rock, African rhythms and Latin American sounds all you're missing is a tropical drink in your hand and sand under your feet.

"I want my music to make you feel juicy, sexy and good," Santana told the crowd.

Not only does the crowd dance along and enjoy his music but every person on the stage playing along with him is smiling and having the time of their lives.

Santana may be the face of the band but each member played an important role and he was sure to spotlight each of them. He has singers, dancers, bongo and drummers, trombones and saxophones, trumpets and tambourines all keeping the beat of his music.

"I'm having a flashback," Santana said in his Latino accent. "I was here in Pittsburgh in 1970 with Janis Joplin. It's been a beautiful ride with beautiful memories and I'm glad to share them with you."

He shred his guitar on classics like "Black Magic Woman" and "Maria Maria" and had the entire crowd up and dancing.

The crowd was as diverse as the members of the band on the stage. Different ages and races and backgrounds all here to appreciate good music.

"We come from a different generation, Rod Stewart and I," Santana said. "There's no lip syncing. We don't do that shit, man. We don't know virtual, we know FOR REAL!"

I really love when I see an artist and they pass on their good will and messages about peace and love to the crowd because that is what this is about. Music is about bonding, loving and appreciating what we have around us. There is nothing more peaceful than seeing your favorite music live. No matter what genre. Music gets people through the toughest times of their life and most people can relate to their lyrics or the messages the artist sends.

"I need you all to end two things: Fear and anger. You and I need to be reminded that we have the capacity to transcend and untwist a crooked mind. Stop being twisted and hurting other people."

Santana went on to say to the crowd before his encore,

"If you remember one thing from Santana, remember that it is your choice to make every day the best day of your life."

I can vouch for a few people in the crowd and say that last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life because I got to experience his music live.

Santana closed the show with the familiar song "Smooth" that Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20 collaborated with him in the 90's.

His new album, "Corazon" is out now.

Next up- Rod Stewart.