About UsOur group is based on the love of Carlos Santana's music and the legendary spirit he expresses throughout every note he plays. We have learned his material and applied our decades of professional experience, our talents and hearts to replicate the sound we all recognize and love. Young and old, rich and poor, here and there - Carlos' music is loved by ALL demographics. Santana has stirred the spirit of people across the world. It is our mission and honor to be able to evoke a recognition of that sentiment in every listener's heart.
We expect that as our new band "hits the scene" in the St. Louis metro area, that our following will rapidly grow across many demographics. Who doesn't love Santana? We welcome you to contact us and be one of the first venues to host the coming out of this local phenomena - or - be one of the first to HEAR this great group and start the new talk of the town that is sure to spread like wild-fire!!
Members:
Stan Stapleton; (otherwise knows as Stan-tana); This guitar player is the most passionate, energetic, talented player you have seen in a long, long time. If you close your eyes, you WILL hear Santana when Stan plays. He carries much more than the notes themselves - his notes have the SOUND, the FEEL, and the SPIRIT that you will recognize and that will move you.
Craig Thornton; This is one of St. Louis' most well known and loved bass players. Craig has played in the city (and other places in the world)consistently for over 30 years with numerous groups. Like Stan, Craig has a sound in every note he plays that carries a fullness, a warmth, a consistency and energy that will make this music move right into your heart and will make your feet want to move. This is a bass player that will delight you audibly and viscerally.
Carolyn Ittner; This drummer has played for over 30 years, 20 of them being mostly in the St. Louis blues scene where her authenticity and feel gave her the reputation as St. Louis' "Shuffle Queen". She brings energy, faithfulness and passion to the foundation of this exciting Santana project. Her years of experience and talent are instantly detected during any given moment - in the fierce or the tender - of Stantana's rich repertoire.
Terry Ontis; Terry has a devotion and respect for the music of Santana that you can especially hear every time he breaks into one of those unforgetable timeless solos that he NAILS. He makes those signature keyboard lines spread smiles across a room - you gotta check this guy out. He is true to the sounds and passion of Santana music.
Chuck Henson; Chuck has always had a love for music; being brought up on diverse mix of R&B and Rock N Roll with exposure to guitar and piano. His first musical group participation happened while in college. He joined the Jazz Rock band as a percussionist and the attachment stayed with him playing in a number of local bands doing everything from Contemporary Gospel to performing R&B & Rock. He says that music is the one thing that always seems to inspire good things; like a best friend; some call it Passion
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Mike Hughes; Mike was one of the founding members of Stantana but due to the nature of his day (and night) job, we are only fortunate enough to have him with us on occasion now. Mike Hughes has a passion for this project that is reflected in every strike of his beautiful congas, timbales, bongos and other percussion. Mike brings a stable positive energy that drives like a vein through the body of Stantana's sound. You'll feel that energizing Santana percussive thread throughout every Stantana tune. His solid vocals also lay out those tunes we all know and love so much.
Harry; When we need someone to fill in on keys - we are thrilled to have Harry with us. His exquisite musical taste, instinct and feel is always a special treat. Harry can take a groove and lead it on its musical adventure down always fresh and unique roads of delight.
