A&E

Carlos Santana collaborates with Habitat for Humanity—and returns to the Las Vegas stage

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Santana at a Henderson home facilitated by Habitat for Humanity
Patrick Gray / Kabikphotogroup.com

When Reuben Nieves became a homeowner with the help of Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, he didn’t just get a place of his own. He also received a one-of-a-kind handmade bench—a sittable sculpture, really—thanks to Carlos Santana and the legendary rocker’s home venue, House of Blues.

Reuben Nieves, Henderson Mayor Debra March and Carlos Santana sitting on the “PEACE” bench.

Reuben Nieves, Henderson Mayor Debra March and Carlos Santana sitting on the “PEACE” bench.

The “PEACE” bench is the first in a series of three created by Vegas Murals’ artist Justin Lepper and wood/metal artist Kerm Sablan. The two additional benches are themed around “LOVE” and “MUSIC,” and will be placed in future Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods in hopes of fostering a sense of community between residents.

On a sunny day in November, Santana and representatives from Habitat officially presented the bench to Nieves in a heartfelt unveiling.

“I love it,” the 76-year-old Naval Air Force veteran said of his new abode. “I had an apartment before, but this is just a different feeling—it’s mine. It will probably be my last home. I’m grateful for everything I got.”

Santana and Nieves conversed in Spanish, and both were all smiles. “He’s a good man,” Nieves says. “He loves people. He loves relationships.”

As for Santana, the 10-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was clearly excited to deliver some offstage joy. “I feel really grateful and honored, because I get to participate in giving birth to more hope and more courage, to invite people to embrace unity, harmony and, more than anything, to embrace your totality with totality,” Santana said. “We really are all one. We can do so much more on this planet, while we are visiting, to make it heaven on earth.”

Angela Phillips, COO for Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, said she was thrilled to see things progress. “It’s so exciting to finally be placing the first bench, in Phase 1 of our community,” Phillips says. “Having this bench placed in our neighborhood can help bring the homeowners together …and continue those connections that they build through the home building process.”

The “PEACE” bench

The “PEACE” bench

Now that Phase 1 is complete, attention shifts to Phase 2 of Habitat’s Pittman community, which will feature 14-single family homes. After the bench unveiling, Santana and Henderson Mayor Debra March walked over to the nearby construction site, where they wrote encouraging messages on the wooden trusses of the future homes. Santana’s read, “Change your mind, change your destiny.”

“The City of Henderson is proud to host these homes in our community, knowing that we’re helping raise up residents in our community, giving them the opportunity for homeownership,” March said.

Return to the stage

Late last year, an “unscheduled heart procedure” forced the cancellation of Santana’s planned December performances at House of Blues, according to a press statement, but the musician is back and ready to rock in the new year. The 74-year-old has Vegas shows scheduled from January through May.

“We utilize [House of Blues] like a laboratory,” Santana said. “We create an alchemy converting misery into joy.”

In March and April, Santana will pause his residency while embarking on a 15-date North American tour titled Blessings and Miracles.

On returning to the stage, Santana said, “I feel very, very wonderful to see people’s eyes and to really feel how thirsty they are for impeccable, integrity sounds.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, visit lasvegashabitat.org.

Santana: Greatest Hits Live January 28-30; February 2, 4-6; May 18, 20-22, 25, 27-29; 7 p.m.; $100-$180. House of Blues, ticketmaster.com.

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