Jingo brings sounds of Santana to Aquatorium
By Matt Petras
For the MV Independent
On Saturday, legendary musician Carlos Santana turned 72.
It also happened to be the day Jingo, a New Jersey-based Santana tribute band, played a set at the Monongahela Aquatorium, part of the summer’s “Rockin’ on the Mon” concert series.
Music fans braved hot, humid weather with temperatures soaring past 90 degrees. Bleachers with people snacking on popcorn, burgers and beer overlooked jet skiers passing by on the river. Some parked their boats nearby and listened from on board.
Before the show, Rich Mertrud, founder of the band and its keyboard player, explained that the unique music of Santana inspired him to start a tribute band. Vocalist Nik Rael agrees that Santana’s work is distinct.
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