Show Recap: Slightly Stoopid Lights Up Irvine with Iration & Little Stranger
Slightly Stoopid getting the crowd pumped up.
I had such a great time at Slightly Stoopid’s Big Time show in Irvine on Friday night. Their concerts are always a celebration of love, community, and music — and seeing them live truly makes you feel that connection.
The night kicked off with Little Stranger, and I was especially excited to catch them live for the first time. Their genre-blending sound — a mix of hip hop, pop, alt-rock, and reggae — paired with their cool stage presence made for an unforgettable set. A highlight was when Kyle McDonald from Slightly Stoopid joined them on stage, giving the crowd an early surprise. Their horn section added a vibrant, dynamic layer to the performance, and the audience was vibing hard when they dropped “Sunburn.”
Little Stranger showcasing their unique sound.
Iration bringing island vibes to the crowd.
Iration followed, and as always, they delivered a stellar set. I have to admit — it’s been way too long since I last saw them live. Their deep catalog makes every show feel like a greatest hits experience. The crowd was all in for fan favorites like “Falling,” “Summer Nights,” “Time Bomb,” and “Daytrippin.”
Micah Pueschel continues to shine as a frontman, and Micah Brown brings so much depth and finesse on guitar. Together, they’re a powerhouse. The horn section was absolutely on fire, and Adam Taylor laid down his signature smooth basslines that hold the whole vibe together.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Slightly Stoopid took the stage, and the energy in the amphitheater instantly leveled up.
The chemistry between Kyle and Miles Doughty is something special — their musical synergy, especially when switching between bass and guitar, is nothing short of magic.
Slightly Stoopid with an incredible set.
Slightly Stoopid jamming on guitar.
With a rich, decades-deep catalog to pull from, they delivered a nonstop set of crowd-pleasers. From “2am” and “Sweet Honey” to “The Prophet,” every song hit with power and heart. I especially loved when they tapped into their punk and ska roots with some old-school jams from their early San Diego days.
Backed by a massive band, tight horn section, and a mesmerizing light show, the entire performance was a full-on sensory experience. Honestly, they need to play The Sphere next — their sound and vibe are built for a venue like that.
