Santana tribute band marks National Hispanic Heritage Month at Milford Theater

Carlos Santana, iconic American guitarist of Mexican descent, has won ten Grammys, three Latin Grammys and was inducted, along with his namesake band, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Santana crosses many musical genres with influences of rock, Latin, European, Indian, and African elements, creating a sound that catapulted him to lasting fame at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 where he debuted instrumental song, “Soul Sacrifice,” and others still being played.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Milford Theater is hosting a pop-up concert featuring Se Acabo, a ten piece Santana tribute band. Led by Patrick Marcinko, III, they have been playing Santana songs for 16 years in Northeast Pennsylvania. They play Santana’s full historic repertoire, aiming for the look, feel and sound of Santana.

”It’s the smooth sounds of Samba Pa Ti, the bite of Soul Sacrifice, the Flair of Oye Como Va, and it’s the power of Jingo. It’s the sound of Santana,” Marcinko says.

The ensemble consists of guitar, the electric Hammond B3 organ with its unique two keyboards, bass, drums, congas, timbales, a trombone, a trumpet, and two vocalists.

The words “Se Acabo” literally mean “It’s over, it’s finished,” but Marcinko says it also has an affirmative meaning of being complete, or finalized, or finished, as a fine painting, sculpture, or other work of art, perhaps as in the final creation.

National Hispanic Heritage Month was created by Congress in the 1960s as a one week celebration, but was expanded to a month – from September 15-October 15 under President Reagan in 1988. This yearly celebration honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. This year, the theme for the celebration is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

Some people ask what the difference is between “Hispanic” and “Latino,” since the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally speaking “Hispanic” refers to the language a person speaks (Spanish) which could be from Spain, or anywhere in Latin America, but the term “Latino/Latina” refers to the geographic area of Latin America. (LatinX refers to a non-binary person from Latin America) So a person from Latin America who speaks Spanish could also be referred to as “Hispanic.” However, someone from Brazil, for example, is Latino, but because they speak Portugese, they are not considered “Hispanic.”

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe proclaimed September 15-Ocrtober 15 Hispanic Heritage Month and said, ‘It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and honor the significant achievements of our Hispanic and Latino American communities. “

He said, “Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the country, the fastest growing minority community in the Commonwealth, and make valuable contributions to the commonwealth in business, industry, government, education, the sciences, arts, and faith...”

According to the 2020 census, there are 62.1 million Hispanics nationally, 97, 813 in PA , 6,250 in Pike County, and 1,467 in Port Jervis.

“Music is the soundtrack of our lives,” said Bill Rosado, Milford Theater owner “So, in celebration of Hispanic heritage month, I wanted to celebrate with the music of one of the world’s most influential musicians, Carlos Santana. His music has reached across many generations. ‘Se Acabo,’ the Santana Tribute Band, will rock the house at the Milford Theater. “

You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; you don’t have to be Hispanic to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.