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The legacy of Sly Stone is still grooving with a 90-minute blistering set of favorites. Original Sly & The Family Stone members, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson and Vet Stone (Sly’s sister and front woman of the Sly-produced group Little Sister) have put together a serious band that is throwing a party for audiences from coast-to-coast. All hail the Phunk Phamily Affair!
Lisa Stone (daughter of founding member Rose Stone) delivers powerfully captivating vocals to complement Grammy recipient Skyler Jett. Jett has helped such artists as Whitney Houston, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion with vocal harmonization and is a ‘Star’ in his own right. Keyboardist David Jackson was musical director for gospel group Mary Mary.
Keeping the family vibe going the rhythm section, made up of brothers Tony and Pete Yates, brings a rich, deep tradition in funk. Pete Yates on bass and former Debarge drummer Eric Moore keep the groove while Tony, a former MCA Records recording artist, brings tasteful guitar work to compliment his brother’s big sound.
Phunk Phamily Affair has been eliciting rave reviews. The band’s first foray back onto the live music scene was Easter weekend when they rocked the house at the historic Broadway Studios in San Francisco. In fact, the first night was such a success the promoter had the band perform two shows the following day.
On April 23rd they headlined the Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York for an adoring audience of 10,000 who couldn’t get enough of the old favorites, even in the driving rain. Their most recent triumph however, was on May 31st at the 7th Annual Stone Soul Picnic on a bill that included Cameo, The Isley Brothers, Rick James and Teena Marie before a standing-room-only crowd at Cal State Hayward.
Audiences have been overwhelmed with the memories and emotions the greatest hits show brings to the surface. It has been common to see dancers at a Phunk Phamily Affair show with contrasting images of huge smiles and tears running down their cheeks. Today, the positive message found in all of Sly’s work settles over listeners with a renewed power.
The Phunk Phamily Affair is rolling with pristine harmonies, funky bottom, fat horns and a tight rhythm that produces the legendary sounds of Sly and the Family Stone. Watch out, because they are coming soon to a venue near you!
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