photo by Eric Harabadian

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

The Santana Project

Sterling Coffeehouse, Sterling Heights, MI

February 20, 2025

The Sterling Coffeehouse at the Sterling Heights Community Center recently hosted an event featuring, arguably, one of the premier Santana tribute bands in the country. The Santana Project is a Detroit-based ensemble that uncannily and dutifully recreates the sound and feel of the original Santana band in all its incarnations.

photo by Eric Harabadian

The Santana Project consists of T.J. McGloughlin (lead vocals), Monte Porenta (keyboards), Bill Hanna and Greg Gdaniec (guitars/backing vocals), Henry “Hank” Tomlinson (bass), Ernesto Villarreal (percussion), Enrique “Kito” Pardo (percussion), and Gino Maisano (drums).

The band accurately captures that infectious spirit of classic rock that is timeless and spans many generations. In addition to the Santana catalog, the octet also delves into related jam-oriented fare like Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” by The Allman Brothers, and The Zombies’ “She’s Not There.” They kicked off the night with one of the early Santana hits, “Everybody’s Everything.” It’s a rousing song, steeped in R&B, and filled out nicely by Porenta’s horn-like keyboard embellishments.

It was an evening featuring two sets that gave the audience more than they could ask for. Songs like “Evil Ways,” “No One to Depend On,” and “Smooth” were real crowd-pleasers. “Europa”( Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)” and “All I Ever Wanted” really showcased both guitarists and ran the gamut from pensive and somewhat jazzy to raucous abandon.

photo by Eric Harabadian

Each member of The Santana Project is a committed and accomplished pro. Porenta creates an orchestral mix within the band via his bank of modified organs and pianos. His ability to add specific textures on a dime to support a guitar tone, in particular, is very tasteful. And now that TSP has two lead and rhythm guitarists on the front line they can cover all the nuances of the Santana studio recordings to a tee. Lead vocalist McGloughlin has a substantial range and really shined on standards like “Black Magic Woman” and latter day gems like “Stand Up.” And, let’s face it, you’ve got to bring it if you’re a member of the percussion and rhythm section. This unit did not disappoint! Pardo manned a number of timbales and congas, along with Villarreal, who handled conga and shakers. These guys provided the platform on which many of the tunes were built. The drums and bass ebbed and flowed within that foundation, and that’s the secret sauce that, along with the twin guitar attack, makes them one of Michigan’s – if not the nation’s – finest tribute bands on the current scene.

photo by Eric Harabadian

For more information on upcoming gigs and events please go to www.facebook.com/thesantanaproject/.