Chula Vista got ‘Slightly Dirty’ this summer

The North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista was the perfect setting for a night that celebrated the best of Southern California’s reggae-rock scene on August 24th. The “Slightly Dirty” tour, featuring co-headliners Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads, brought together a stellar lineup that included The Elovaters and Common Kings as support. This particular show carried extra significance, as it was a hometown performance for Slightly Stoopid, whose roots in nearby Ocean Beach made it feel like a family reunion with a crowd full of familiar faces.

The energy in the amphitheater was almost tangible even before the headliners took the stage. The Elovaters set the tone, the Boston-based reggae band brought a refreshing vibe to the audience, but the real surprise came when Scott Woodruff (aka Stick Figure) and TJ O’Neill joined them on stage to perform their hit single, “Gardenia.” The crowd erupted, marking the first of many special guest appearances that would punctuate the evening.

Common Kings followed with their signature blend of reggae, rock, and soul, turning the energy up even higher. During Dirty Heads’ performance of “Heavy Water,” Common Kings joined them on stage, extending the crowd’s excitement across performances.

The seamless blending of the bands’ styles showcased the camaraderie among the artists, adding to the collaborative spirit of the night.

When Dirty Heads took the stage, frontmrn Jared Watson and Dustin “Duddy B” Bushnell delivered a high-octane set. Their blend of reggae, hip-hop, and rock was perfectly matched by mesmerizing background visuals that transformed the amphitheater into a sensory playground. In a highlight moment, Jackson Wetherbee from The Elovaters returned to the stage to perform with Dirty Heads, drawing cheers from the crowd for yet another epic team-up.

Finally, Slightly Stoopid, hometown heroes of the night, took over. From the first note, they delivered their signature mix of reggae, punk, and rock, connecting deeply with the audience. The night was a continuous wave of surprise guest appearances: Chali 2na from Jurassic 5 brought his legendary flow to the stage, while reggae icon Don Carlos, affectionately known as “Uncle Don,” added his timeless voice to the mix. The atmosphere felt almost like a giant jam session among friends, with Woodruff and O’Neill returning to the stage during Slightly Stoopid’s set.

What made this show even more special was its deeper purpose. As part of their ongoing summer tour, the band made sure to give back to the community by donating $1 from every ticket sold to the Maui Food Bank, contributing to relief efforts after the recent wildfires in Hawaii.

In the end, the night was a perfect blend of music, community, and collaboration—a testament to the enduring power of reggae-rock and its ability to bring people together for a good cause. The “Slightly Dirty” tour continues to raise the bar for live music experiences, making each show more than just a concert, but a celebration of unity, good vibes, and philanthropy.

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