Oswego, NY (April 26, 2017) – Oswego Harborfest is pleased to announce its headlining act for Thursday, July 27. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, R & B Pioneer Award Winners, and original founding members of Sly and The Family Stone- Jerry Martini and Greg Errico- together, part of the first inter-racial, inter-gender mainstream band in Rock & Roll history bring the chart-topping hits of Sly and the Family Stone to the NRG Lakeview Stage in a concert sponsored by Cayuga Community College and C&S Companies.
The two music legends are joined by the powerful voices of Phunne Stone (the daughter of Sly Stone and the late Cynthia Robinson) and Alex Davis on vocals. They bring a message of peace, love, and social consciousness through musical harmony with some of the funkiest players of all time, including Nate Wingfield on guitar, Jimmy McKinney on keys, and Musical Director Blaise Sison on bass, all adding just the right ingredients for the raw Family Stone sound.
The Family Stone present an explosive set of their psychedelic funk classics of the 60’s and 70’s, the raw and unfiltered sound of which has been the building blocks of many, if not most, modern artists’ toolkits. Sampled and covered by major artists around the world, the cultural significance of their contribution to music is immeasurable. Shaping the music of artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Run DMC, John Mayer, John Legend, Madonna, 2Pac, Public Enemy, Missy Elliott, Outkast, the Beach Boys, Steven Tyler, and too many other top 40 artists to mention, the group has become venerable giants in the music industry.
The group will perform some of their most legendary anthems like “I Want to Take You Higher”, “Dance to The Music”, “Everyday People”, “Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again”, “Sing a Simple Song”, and many other tunes from their vast catalog, including their 1969 album Stand!. Stand! was declared a National Treasure in 2015, and was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The Family Stone keeps the legacy true to its original sound and raw funk groove through a musical experience that has brought them in front of millions at gatherings both large and small including Woodstock, Coachella, Glastonbury, and Tokyo Jazz- spreading the roots of funk that is a truly revolutionary experience.
The Family Stone will remind Harborfest-goers that “You Can Make it If You Try” at 9pm on Thursday, July 27 on the NRG Lakeview Stage in Breitbeck Park. The legendary band celebrates their 50th anniversary this year.
Harborfest also celebrates an anniversary this year, with 2017 marking the 30th edition of the beloved summer music festival.
