It was another perfect music under the stars in Southern California, and it day got even better as Slight Stoopid rolled into town to play Petco Park.
Bottom line, the San Diego locals, Ocean Beach to be precise delivered a stellar homecoming show that left fans hypnotized and feeling like they were on top of the world.
Slightly Stoopid have become synonymous with summers here in San Diego, yet somehow they have eluded me for the 18 years I have lived here. So many times I was told to go see them and many have explained how amazing they are live, and somehow it just never worked out… until now. On September 11th, they rocked out Gallagher Square at Petco Park with the support of the legendary Don Carlos and Dub Vision, and Thievery Corporation.
Don Carlos started off the evening in pure chill vibe thanks to his melodic, captivating vocals and hypnotizing beats.
DON CARLOS at PETCO PARK | PHOTO by FATIMA KELLEY
With a career spanning over 40 years, the iconic co-founder of Black Uhuru is naturally at home on stage. He was able to lift the crowd right up into a summer dance party that didn’t let up until the end of his set, and actually, lasted the entire night.
Some of my favorite tunes were “Hog and Goat” off the “Day to Day Living” album and “Harvest Time” which he performed with Kailash.
Thievery Corporation was up next and they never disappoint. They are phenomenal live because they are so eclectic in their musical style and are capable of moving you along this multifaceted musical journey that is able to evoke many different emotions, leaving you completely captivated from beginning to end.
THIEVERY CORPORATION at PETCO PARK | PHOTO by FATIMA KELLEY
Eric Hilton and Rob Garza are the masterminds of Thievery Corporation. They create captivating musical dreamscapes that masterfully fuse hip hop, acid jazz, dub, bossa nova and reggae. Their touring musicians and vocalists add so much energy, turning them into a true powerhouse live act.
Their world influences are so rich and varied, they reminded me of a contemporary version of Mano Negra and took me back to Europe for a bit. It is hard to pinpoint a specific part of the show as highlight, although I do have to say every time they played the sitar, I was in heaven.
I don’t think my words can do Thievery Corporation any justice; they are one of those very rare bands you need to experience to fully understand their grandeur, knowing each time you see them live they will still surprise, you surpassing all your expectations. They have a natural charisma that pulls the crowd in with every single song.
When their set ended, I have to say I was left wondering about Slightly Stoopid. Since I had never seen them live, I wasn’t sure anyone could really top the Thievery Corporation performance I had just witnessed. Oh man, was I wrong!
The energy had been pretty high the entire day, but from the moment they stepped on stage, the crowd went nuts and Slightly Stoopid’s response was a perfectly delivered set so dynamic throughout. The chemistry between all the musicians on stage was so evident, creating the perfect atmosphere for the homecoming of the decade.
SLIGHTLY STOOPID at PETCO PARK | PHOTO by FATIMA KELLEY
They opened their set with “Top of the World” off their seventh studio album by the same name. They kept the party moving with “Officer,” which the crowd absolutely loved.
I think the audience sang out loud to each song, and I think the dancing never really stopped. They have some pretty amazing fans!
SLIGHTLY STOOPID at PETCO PARK | PHOTO by FATIMA KELLEY
Their energy kept up and never quit! The more the band gave on stage, the more they were gifted right back! I definitely see why I was told so many times to go see them live; the recordings do not give them proper credit!
Other highlights were the performance of “Ganja Farmer” with Marlon Asher, who is simply captivating to watch, and “Hands High” performed with Chali 2na.
Another amazing moment was when Don Carlos joined them on stage to perform “Never Gonna Give Up” and “Just a Passing Glance.” Watching them on stage together raised the performance to complete legendary status for me.
To make the night even more special, Tye Zamora of Alien Ant Farm joined the party and they covered 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P.” I mean it just doesn’t get better than that!
It was a spectacular night for music in San Diego and I definitely was left wanting more. I can’t wait to catch them again the next time they play!
