Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Martini was the one who officially suggested Sly And The Family Stone get started in the first place, so it’s only fitting the saxophone master continues leading the groundbreaking band today.

Though Sly Stone is more or less retired from the road, his and late trumpeter Cynthia Robinson’s multi-instrumentalist/vocalist daughter, Phunne Stone, is helping carry on the “Family Affair,” plus Swang Stewart is a phenomenal stand-in for the otherwise irreplaceable icon.

Alongside a multi-cultural band of nothing but ace musicians, The Family Stone filled the historic and always star-filled Genesee Theatre in Waukegan with more than 90 minutes of psychedelic soul and funk rock dating back to the Woodstock generation, but still sounded positively futuristic six decades later.

In fact, the legendary likes of Michael Jackson, Prince and legions of pop or hip-hop acts were influenced by the always adventurous troupe, who continued to surprise and astound from the start of a lengthy, generally instrumental opening that lead the joyful way towards “You Can Make It If You Try.”

The uplifting and unifying message continued throughout the endless groove of “Everyday People,” while the sunny stomp of “Dance To The Music” had the audience of various ages doing exactly as the classic commanded.

Though this particular performance was indoors, The Family Stone nonetheless managed to make it feel like a steamy chance to have “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” “Sing A Simple Song” made for a mega karaoke moment and “Stand!” shot everyone back to their feet as they echoed the socially conscious message.

Extended solos and collective jams sewed together the spontaneous set, which reached a climax with the euphoric “I Want To Take You Higher,” including all the contagious call and response segments on steroids.

Yet Martini and company couldn’t leave without saying “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” which is also the name of Sly’s brand new book, as they ensured The Family Stone’s legacy was indeed forever carved in the concrete.

For additional information on The Family Stone, visit TheFamilyStoneBand.com and GeneseeTheatre.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Josh Gates (May 30); Pete Davidson (Jun. 15); Cinderella’s Tom Keifer (Aug. 1); Roberto Tapia (Aug. 2); “Bluey’s Big Play” (Aug. 21-22); Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Show (Sept. 6); Gavin DeGraw (Sept. 13); Cary Elwes & “The Princess Bride” (Sept. 28); Mania: “The ABBA Tribute (Oct. 10); Serial Killers (Oct. 12); The Piano Guys (Nov. 7) and State Ballet Theatre Of Ukraine: “Sleeping Beauty” (Nov. 15). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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