People going to the Carlos Santana show at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford on Wednesday, July 18, will get a sampling spanning the awardwinning musician's career.

“We play things from yesterday, today and tomorrow,” Santana said of the iconic group that shares his last name. “We play things people remember.”

The legendary guitarist has been at it since the 1960s. With a lengthy catalog of music that spans the decades, he likes to draw from a broad repertoire in performances. And sometimes when he's on stage he'll even create music as it comes to him, stuff that hasn't been released to the public.

The 64-year-old has done it all. He has jammed with some legendary musicians, played the historic Woodstock festival and won 10 Grammy Awards. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Santana two years later swept the 42nd Grammy Awards, winning a host of statues for the “Supernatural” release.

Known for bluesy guitar rifs set against the band's Latin and jazz fusion, Santana has proved adept at chart-topping collaborations with pop and rock vocalists. Hits have included “Smooth” with vocalist Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, “Put Your Lights On” with Everlast, “The Game of Love” with Michele Branch and “Maria Maria” with The Product G&B.

Though he could rest on his laurels, Santana instead feels the need to get out there and perform.

“I was born with the need to connect to people's hearts,” Santana said.

It's about “igniting the individual,” he said, something that fuels him to keep touring at an age when he easily could be enjoying retirement. “There's something really beautiful about that,” Santana said.

Santana in 2005 worked with Granite State native Steven Tyler on the song “Just Feel Better” for his album “All that I am.” The two only worked together for a few hours to make the song, but Santana said he did learn a few things from the Aerosmith front man, who has been featured as a judge on “American Idol.”

“Give it all you've got,” Santana said of Tyler's attitude when in the studio.

The upcoming Meadowbrook show is part of Greenerpalooza V, a showcase of New Hampshire companies leading the way in energy efficiency, Meadowbrook officials said. There will be an “eco-village” at the show, at which dozens of green businesses will advertise their products, services and inventions.

There also will be a second stage, featuring the Luke Mulholland Band. That show starts at 6:30 p.m. and Santana goes on the main stage at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets to the Shape Shifter Tour range in price from $29.50 to $84.50 and can be purchased online at meadowbrook.net or through the box office at 293-4700.