WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McCRACKEN | On Friday, August 15, Slightly Stoopid turned Great Park Irvine into a sun-soaked celebration of music, community, and good vibes. Supported by Iration and Little Stranger, the evening felt more like a laid-back festival than a traditional concert. With the scent of ganja in the air and a crowd ready to dance, the night was a perfect blend of reggae, alternative, and hip-hop, showcasing the unique sounds of each band while creating a collective experience that left everyone smiling. From the playful energy of Little Stranger to the smooth grooves of Iration and the genre-defying jams of Slightly Stoopid, this was a night to remember for fans of feel-good music.
The evening began with Little Stranger, an alternative/hip-hop duo originally from Philadelphia, PA, now based in Charleston, SC. Known for their playful lyrics and infectious energy, the duo wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Their set included fan favorites like “Simply Business,” “Coffee and a Joint,” and “Sunburn.” The audience was fully engaged, dancing and singing along to the duo’s creative and upbeat tracks.
A standout moment came during “Coffee and a Joint,” when the air filled with smoke, perfectly complementing the song’s laid-back vibe. The duo’s chemistry and charisma were undeniable, and their ability to connect with the audience set the tone for the rest of the night. They were even joined by Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid for a collaborative performance of “Way of the Ghost,” which was a highlight of their set. Little Stranger’s unique blend of alternative and hip-hop, combined with their playful stage presence, made them the perfect opening act for the evening.
Next up was Iration, the Santa Barbara-based band known for their smooth fusion of reggae and alternative rock. Their laid-back sound was the perfect follow-up to Little Stranger’s high-energy set, and the crowd swayed along to hits like “Automatic,” “Summer Nights,” “Turn Around,” and “Reelin.”
Iration also treated fans to a special performance of their new song, “Say Goodnight,” which features Little Stranger. The collaboration highlighted the camaraderie between the bands and added a fresh element to their set. With their signature grooves and feel-good vibes, Iration created a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere that had the audience fully immersed in the music.
By the time Slightly Stoopid took the stage, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. The San Diego-based band delivered a 90-minute set that was a masterful collage of reggae, rock, and funk, keeping the audience dancing and singing along from start to finish.
The setlist was packed with fan favorites, including “2AM,” “No Cocaine,” “Officer,” “Prophet,” and “Collie Man.” Each song showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and create a sound that is uniquely their own. A standout moment came during “Closer to the Sun,” when Daniel “DeLa” Delacruz delivered an incredible saxophone solo that brought the crowd to a frenzy.
Another memorable highlight was their performance of “The Upside Down,” a track that features B-Real and Chali 2na. While the guest artists weren’t present, DJ Z-Trip stepped in to cut their vocals into the track, allowing Slightly Stoopid to perform the rest of the song live. The combination of live instrumentation and DJ artistry created a dynamic and unforgettable moment.
The night ended on a high note with a collaborative cover of Snoop Dogg’s “Young, Wild and Free.” Members of Little Stranger and Iration joined Slightly Stoopid on stage, creating a celebratory finale that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening. The crowd sang along at the top of their lungs, and the sense of unity and joy was palpable.
IRATION
LITTLE STRANGER
