By Photojournalist, Dan Fernandez
On June 27, 2025, Slightly Stoopid brought their enamoring approach to Clearwater, Florida’s Baycare Sound showcasing their diverse stylings that resulted in an unforgettable evening. With an eclectic lineup that included the alternative hip-hop duo Little Stranger and the reggae/pop group Iration, the night brimmed with promise as a vibrant exploration of soundscapes that did not disappoint.
First to set the tone for the evening was Little Stranger, a duo consisting of Kevin and John Shields, who are surprisingly unrelated. Known for their unique indie hip-hop approach, the pair displayed a mix of clever lyrics with a playful aura that has earned them the description of a hip hop Simon and Garfunkel. Their set was quirky yet engaging, setting the perfect tone for the night with tracks that had the audience moving and laughing in equal measure.
Second to take the stage was Iration, hailing from Santa Barbara, California. Formed in 2004, this reggae/pop band with roots in Hawaii, brought a refreshing blend of reggae, dub, pop, and rock to the evening’s offerings. Their infectious grooves and smooth harmonies resonated into the night sky as fans swayed in unison, embracing the summer heat. Iration’s set served as a solid bridge between the lighthearted energy of Little Stranger and the dynamic performance that Slightly Stoopid was about to drop right on everyone’s head.
As the main course was about to be served fans erupted, eagerly welcoming Slightly Stoopid to the stage. Fronted by two of the bands three founding members Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald, alongside an impressive lineup of talented musicians including Ryan “Rymo” Moran, Oguer “OG” Ocan, Daniel “Dela” Delacruz, Paul Wolstencroft and Andy Geib, the band launched into their set with a force that would make Luke Skywalker blush.
Slightly Stoopid’s self-described sound as a fusion of folk, rock, reggae, and blues with elements of hip-hop, funk, metal, and punk are basically the musical equivalence of a 5-star potluck. Since their inception in 1995, the band has released 13 albums, including four live records. Their storied career includes a rare honor: being discovered by the late Bradley Nowell of Sublime, who signed them to his Skunk Records label while they were still in high school. As the story goes, Nowell was recovering in a rehab program ran by Doughty’s nurse mother when he was woken up one morning to the young guns practicing in the garage, Bradley then invited them to play at Foot Hill Tavern in Long Beach, signing them soon after. In a sad twist of fate Nowell passed just months before the band’s freshman album.
The camaraderie on stage was evident displaying the band’s deep appreciation for their art and each other. Co-front men Doughty and McDonald frequently swapped instruments and vocals depending on the song currently being played. To me, this ease of transition and instrumental versatility was not only impressive but also served as a reminder that these guys love to share the spotlight with one another. Over the years the band has also formed a tight cohesion with their fans, as Kyle McDonald aptly put it, “Without (the fans), we’d just be playing at the bar…They make it worth our while, when we go out and people are having that good of a time, the energy goes back and forth. Just a good time. We rely on each other’s energy” That connection with the audience was beyond tangible, creating an entrancing atmosphere that made those in attendance not want to miss a single moment of the performance.
The setlist itself for the night spanned over seven albums, including crowd favorites, newer jams and deeper cuts alike, exhibiting the band’s decades long discography. Hit tunes like “Bandelero,” “I Couldn’t Get High” “Officer,”, “This Joint” and the captivating “Closer to the Sun” had fans hanging on every word, while a surprise cover of Sublime’s “Slow Ride” turned the nostalgic roars of respect for a legend up to full blast.
A huge bright spot in the band’s set was the inclusion of LA-based painter and rapper Chali 2na, who added an extra layer to the show with his powerful presence during several tracks. Instead of parting ways with the stage and coming back for an encore, the band chose to just play through. I’ve started to notice this seemingly new trend and it is one that I can totally get behind. With all the games and charades this little dance easily takes away the length of an extra song, and being a true music lover, I’ll take all that you can throw at me. The pinnacle of the evening arrived during the final song of the night when all three bands, along with Chali 2na, joined forces for a memorable sing-along rendition of Slightly Stoopid’s former touring partner Snoop Dogg’s “Young, Wild and Free.” Before the groups reached mid song the sold-out crowd could had fully joined in. This unifying experience left concertgoers feeling deeply connected with those on stage, which is exactly what a Slightly Stoopid show aims to achieve.
Slightly Stoopid’s performance at Baycare Sound proved that, as a band, you do not have to pigeonhole yourself into one genre. Instead collecting influences, utilizing improvisation and showing a willingness to be open to different sounds is what allows them to transcend boundaries. With their contagious energy and genre-blending sound, it’s clear that Slightly Stoopid remains a powerhouse in and beyond the reggae scene, as well as a must-see for any live music lovers. With that said, each act contributed well to the night’s collective rhythm, solidified community, and ability to reach out and forge new, unforgettable memories. My recommendation? Go catch the next show that you can and see for yourself why guys are not going away any time soon.
