Alex Davis of The Family Stone and Sophia Ramos of Big Brother and the Holding Company keep the torch lit for Woodstock Weekend at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. (Veda Jo Jenkins / sflimages.com)

Photos: Woodstock Weekend | Visit this photographer’s website

“We all have families. That includes each and every one of you. That means everyone in the house tonight is part of our family” — The Family Stone

“If you don’t stand for something/You’ll fall for everything.” — The Family Stone

It was “Hot Fun in the Summertime” at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek as Woodstock weekend celebrated the 41-year anniversary of the landmark concert with a show featuring The Family Stone and Big Brother and the Holding Company.

There wasn’t a big show of hands in the crowd for people who had actually been at Woodstock 41 years ago but the crowd still knew all the music from The Family Stone. “These were songs I grew up with,” said Cathy Carroll. “I just want to thank them for making me so happy (then and now). It brings back such great memories.”

Memories were in the making as the Family Stone made the crowd feel part of the show asking people to get up and dance, clap your hands, sing-along. People were up next to the stage dancing, flirting with the musicians, shaking hands and celebrating with the band. The venue was so casual and intimate you felt like you were part of the “family”.

The band’s set list included:
R U Ready
Sing a Simple Song
You Can Make It
Everyday People
Dance to the Music
Family Affair
Hot Fun
Thank You
Stand
If You Want Me To Stay
M’Lady/ Music Luvr
Take You Higher

I couldn’t get much higher than the natural buzz I got from this seven-piece band. Their energy was phenomenal especially since three of the band members really had been at Woodstock. Hall of Fame inductees Cynthia Robertson, Jerry Martini, and Greg Errico combined with the rest of the band brought together a magnitude of talent. Robertson said it best: “Birds of a feather, flock together”.

Opening for the Family Stone was Janis Joplin’s original band, Big Brother holding Company. Sophia Ramos sang the set from Woodstock close to perfect. Between her voice and new guitarist Ben Nieves, who jammed out, they complimented original members Sam Andrew, Peter Albin and Dave Getz.