A sense of anticipation hung in the air Saturday night at House of Blues Anaheim as Family Stone, the Sly Stone-endorsed ensemble featuring his sister Vet and niece Lisa, as well as original trumpet player Cynthia Robinson and Grammy winner Skyler Jett, took the stage at a few minutes after 10:30. Would Sly, a notoriously reclusive rock legend, show up as rumored? 
Since an ill-fated comeback attempt in 1987, the man who bridged funk, rock, soul and a social conscience into the soundtrack of an era, has made very few public appearances, including the 1993 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and last year's Grammy tribute. An hour into the set, following a stellar 'Everybody Is a Star,' Vet asked the half-full venue, "Can everybody say, 'Welcome back?'" And with that, the question was answered.
Attired in a long black coat, black pants, a red scarf and shades, and still sporting the platinum Mohawk seen on the Grammys, Sly came out and introduced one of his daughters to play keyboards. Following a brief classical piece, Sly took the keyboards himself to back up another daughter as she delivered a few rhymes. Then it was time for the man to take over, sending the crowd into a dancing frenzy as he led a 'Thank You (Fallentime Be Mice Elf Again)' that was as celebratory for the occasion as the music.
Following a "We want Sly" chant that only ended with the promise he would return later, the Family Stone continued on, taking an extended 'Thank You' in a series of different directions. Sly did return to the stage briefly for to lead the refrain on 'I Want to Take You Higher.'
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