Here are things I know about Carlos Santana that maybe you'll find interesting.

1. We have friends in Mill Valley who live in Santana's old house. I visited once and, despite our pals' attention to cleanliness, I kept looking in corners and behind bookcases hoping to find, I dunno, a guitar pick or scraps of handwritten lyrics to "Oye Como Va." They thought I was a nut.

2. Speaking of "Oye Como Va," it's true that I signed up to take Spanish partly because of that song. I grew up loving those early Santana albums, but I couldn't tell what they were saying. Something about dudes named "Bob" and "Sal." Sing it with me! "Oye Como Bob / Belief-o / Bueno powlo Sal / tonight!"

3. I interviewed drummer/vocalist Buddy Miles once — one of the oddest conversations I've ever had with anyone, period — and he talked about the albums and tours he did with Santana. Miles was exultant in his praise of Santana as a musician but churlishly described him personally as a "schmo" who wouldn't allow Miles to move from a taped-X onstage.

4. "Hold On" is one of my favorite songs of the '80s — and that includes the video. Well played, Carlos!

Santana brings his excellent band Wednesday to the Mohegan Sun Arena. In addition to early hits, expect free-ranging cover explorations careening from John Coltrane to "Tequila" and, of course, the collaborative smash with Rob Thomas, "Smooth."

— Rick Koster

Santana, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mohegan Sun Arena; $39.50, $59.50; 1-888-664-3426.