The band Slightly Stoopid has been around for literally decades. Their creative sound is an energetic fusion of reggae, punk, hip-hop, folk, jazz and whatever else they feel like bringing to the mix. Often compared to the legendary group Sublime, this Southern California-born band has made a name for itself across the globe and will soon be gracing Bend with its horn-thumping, crowd-pleasing presence at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, June 18.
This seven-piece band known for having a killer stage presence, Slightly Stoopid is made up of Kyle McDonald, Miles Doughty, Ryan "Rymo" Moran, Oguer "OG" Ocon, Daniel "Dela" Delacruz, Paul Wolstencroft, and what the others call the "unofficial eighth member," Karl Denson.
"Stoopid-Heads", a term of endearment for those die-hard fans of the group, will confirm that Slightly Stoopid is a band many of us have grown up with. Formed in 1994, the group was first discovered by Sublime's frontman, Bradley Nowell (RIP). Nowell and bandmate Michael "Miguel" Happoldt formed the record label Skunk Records in 1990 and then quickly signed Slightly Stoopid onto their label and released the album "Slightly $toopid" in 1996 while the band members were still in high school. More recently, "Meanwhile...Back At The Lab" is the band's eighth studio recording released in 2015 under the label Stoopid Records.
Admittedly, things have changed over the years for the band members. "We were always a road band, and when we were in our twenties that never changed. Now most of us are married with kids...when you come home from tour and see [them] you're reminded of why you do all of this. It's actually pretty grounding," says drummer of the group, Rymo. Even band members grow up, but although these dudes have also become dads, they still know how to make music that draws a crowd.
Slightly Stoopid is used to touring, "...especially back in the day when we were first getting things started," says Rymo. The group has been to Oregon a few times and is always looking forward to shows in this state, but it's been a while since they've been to our now-greener Oregon. Supporters of marijuana legalization, Slightly Stoopid band members don't mind performing in a state with a proven tolerance record. "We have always enjoyed recreational use of herb as part of our lifestyle...and we enjoy indulging. Why hide it?" asks Rymo.
The Return of the Red Eye Summer Tour 2016 kicks off in Redmond, Wash., on June 15, ending in Detroit, Mich., on Aug. 28. The group will have some help along the way with bands such as SOJA (reggae), Living Legends members Zoin I, The Grouch and Eligh (hip-hop), and Fortunate Youth (reggae) will join later in the tour. This is a collection of long-standing professional musicians that have spent much of their careers in front of crowds big and small. In Bend at the Amphitheater, come June 18, Slightly Stoopid will remind fans and new listeners alike why they're once again hitting the road and entertaining us all.
Slightly Stoopid
SOJA, The Grouch & Eligh & Zoin I
Les Schwab Amphitheater,
344 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr., Bend
Saturday, June 18, 5:30 p.m.
$35
Tickets at www.bendconcerts.com
"Meanwhile...Back In The Lab"
iTunes $9.99
