MPR at the State Fair: Minnesota music trivia and The Family Stone

It’s a music extravaganza on MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

On Friday, MPR News host Kerri Miller hosted a special live program of music and music trivia at Dan Patch Stage in front of the Grandstand.

Kerri talked with members of The Family Stone, who are performing Friday and Saturday at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at the State Fair. In 1966, saxophonist Jerry Martini and Sly Stone co-founded Sly and the Family Stone, one of the first major interracial and mixed gender bands in the country.

The California band reflected the counterculture of the 1960s and laid a foundation for the street funk, soul and disco music of the 1970s. Martini and a new lineup are continuing the legacy with classics, like “Dance to the Music” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”

Guests:

• Sean McPherson is the music director and afternoon host of Jazz88-KBEM and a former host on 89.3 The Current. He’s also co-owner of Trivia Mafia and bassist for Heiruspecs.

• Sarah Alfano is a bass player and backup vocalist for the Minneapolis band Hot Freaks.

• Jerry Martini is a saxophonist and co-founder of the Sly and the Family Stone.

• Phunne Stone is Sly Stone’s daughter and vocalist for The Family Stone.

• Russell “Swang” Stewart is lead singer for The Family Stone.