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Cindy Blackman Santana Trio to perform benefit concert at Eastern on Oct. 23

by Michael Rouleau

Willimantic, CT (10/20/2026) — Acclaimed drummer Cindy Blackman Santana will bring her trio to Eastern Connecticut State University on Oct. 23 for a benefit concert supporting efforts to address food insecurity in the region.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall of Eastern's Fine Arts Instructional Center. Tickets are $50 in advance (purchase online, see below) and $60 at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Shawn's Cupboard, Eastern's campus food pantry, and Covenant Soup Kitchen, which serves individuals and families in the greater Willimantic community.

Blackman Santana is an internationally acclaimed drummer whose career spans jazz and rock. Known for her dynamic style and creative versatility, she has performed and recorded with an array of prominent musicians, including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, and Buckethead.

She played drums for Lenny Kravitz, touring internationally and contributing to the artist's hit albums. More recently, she has become the regular touring drummer for Santana. As a bandleader, she also performs with her own group, Another Lifetime, continuing to explore the creative intersections of jazz, rock, and improvisation.

"This young lady is international music royalty," said David Foster, executive producer of the concert and co-owner of the former Shaboo Inn. "Don't miss this wonderful concert. It's a great way to spend Shaboo's 55th birthday and raise much-needed funds to help alleviate food insecurity."

The concert is presented with support from Shaboo Productions and the Lester E. Foster and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation. David and his wife, Marilyn Foster, received honorary degrees from Eastern at the University's May 2026 commencement and continue their longstanding support of the University and its surrounding community through philanthropic initiatives.

The Oct. 23 concert offers audiences an opportunity to experience world-class live music while supporting local organizations working to combat food insecurity.

  • When: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
  • Tickets: $50 in advance; $60 at the door
  • Purchase tickets: https://easternct.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=114

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 15 public liberal arts universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-27 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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Cindy Blackman Santana on drums

Concert at Eastern

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