Slightly Stoopid delivered an unforgettable performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Oct. 6, in a night of captivating, genre-bending music that left the crowd in a state of awe.
Formed in 1995 by childhood friends Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, Slightly Stoopid has evolved from a high school garage band to a seven-piece musical powerhouse. Discovered by Sublime’s Bradley Nowell, the band has since become a leading force in the colorful fusion of reggae and punk.
The night kicked off with opening acts from bands Fortunate Youth and Tribal Seeds, both of whom uplifted the crowd’s energy with their high spirits and feel-good tunes. A sense of relaxation and ease fell on the crowd as the musicians danced along the stage, radiating joy that resonated throughout the stadium.
As Slightly Stoopid took the stage, an electrifying thrill shot through the crowd. From the first note of “Top of the World,” fans were swept into the band’s hypnotic rhythms and seamless transitions between genres.
Slightly Stoopid champions a genre-bending approach to music. With drummer Ryan “Rymo” Moran, percussionist Oguer “OG” Ocon, Paul Wolstencroft on the keys, Andy Geib on trombone and Daniel “DeLa” Delacruz on saxophone, the musical brotherhood has a sonic versatility. Their unique sound kept the audience at the edge of their seats, never knowing what to expect but knowing it would hit just right.
The night’s performance featured special guest appearances with rapper Chali 2na, reggae singer Don Carlos and bassist Tye Zamora, each adding their unique flavor to the set. The audience couldn’t contain their excitement as Don Carlos graced the stage. Performing his hit “Young Girl,” Carlos danced around the stage, compelling the crowd to groove. These moments brought extra layers of excitement and variety, making for a fresh and unpredictable show.
With clouds of smoke rolling over the crowd and the hypnotic visuals lighting up the stage, the audience was in for quite the trip. Bright laser beams and vibrant stage lighting reflected across the venue, casting rainbow hues over the audience, further enhancing the surreal dreamlike atmosphere. The combination of mesmerizing visuals and Slightly Stoopid’s performance left everyone in awe.
Throughout the set, the band encouraged the crowd to sing along, making it feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience. A sense of community was cultivated in the Bowl as everyone sang and danced along with the band. In a rare display of true engagement, concertgoers stayed off their phones, fully immersed in the performance. In an era where concerts are often experienced through the lens of a phone, Slightly Stoopid fans, or Stoopidheads, were fully present. Rather than take videos of the concert, the crowd fully embraced the moment and danced along to the tunes, which made for a great, refreshing experience.
The diverse setlist showcased the band’s versatility, weaving between reggae grooves, punk energy and hip-hop soul, leaving the audience completely entranced. From beloved classics like “Closer to the Sun” to the band’s latest release “Got Me On The Run,” Slightly Stoopid struck a balance between nostalgia and fresh, innovative sound. While their newer work leans more into reggae with their 2018 hit album “Everyday Life, Everyday People,” Slightly Stoopid still maintained the raw, garage-band energy with a punk edge that their devoted fans love.
The night closed with an electrifying encore that kept the crowd buzzing, unwilling to break free from the musical spell. Slightly Stoopid’s ability to captivate and energize the audience while staying true to their DIY roots proved why they remain a force in the alternative music scene.
From their humble garage band beginnings to headlining the Santa Barbara Bowl, Slightly Stoopid continues to immerse fans in a blissful daze, delivering performances that leave a lasting impression long after the final note.