Slightly Stoopid’s Slightly Dirty 2024 Tour at Jacobs Pavilion

By: Amanda Smith

Slightly Stoopid’s Slightly Dirty 2024 tour, featuring Elovators, Common Kings, and Dirty Heads made a much-anticipated stop at Jacobs Pavilion, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. As someone who had only attended this venue once before, I was completely taken aback by how nostalgic the venue and the energy of the crowd was. From the breeze off the banks of the Cuyahoga River to the picturesque view of the Cleveland skyline so close it felt as though you could touch it, combined with the electric sounds of rock, reggae and roaring fans echoing through downtown Cleveland, the experience was not just a concert—it felt like a celebration.

As I walked solo towards the stage to catch the first act, Elovators, I was completely captivated by the magic of the venue that I almost didn’t notice that I was surrounded by so many familiar faces until I heard a scream and stumbled into my good friend and 107.3 AltCLE’s very own Carrie Danger! I was completely surprised by the kind of night a Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads concert was turning out to be. Everywhere I turned, I bumped into someone I knew, making the night even more special.

Elovators started the evening with their smooth and soulful reggae vibes, setting a captivating tone. The crowd erupted after every song, and I thought to myself how amazing the energetic crowd was. I had yet to be truly surprised by how hyped these fans were.

Next up was Common Kings, and they brought an explosive energy that pierced through every person in the crowd. Hands were constantly in the air, and the fans couldn’t get enough of the catchy riffs and the powerful vocalist that demanded your attention and engagement.

Third on the lineup was Dirty Heads. The crowd was already fired up, roaring before the band even took the stage. As I stood in the front row of the pit with my camera, I could feel the earth shake when Dirty Heads appeared. During “Medusa,” the crowd screamed and roared so loudly that vocalist Jared Watson had to stop to acknowledge them. The fans roared for so long that I was able to whip my camera back out to capture all of the chaos. I’ll never forget the young man standing directly behind me who asked, “Did you catch that on camera?” also acknowledging the power and energy that we witnessed from the crowd in that moment.

At one point during Dirty Heads’ performance, a huge freighter, almost as large as Jacobs Pavilion’s massive stage, sailed down the Cuyahoga River, just a stone’s throw from where I was watching the show. The crewmen were on the deck enjoying the performance when the freighter let out a thunderous horn blast. The crowd went absolutely bananas! Fans jumped out of their seats screaming and motioning for more, further adding to the unforgettable atmosphere of the night. Dirty Heads boasted a phenomenal stage presence and delivered an exceptional performance, clearly enjoying every second as much as their fans were.

Slightly Stoopid finally took the stage, and they possessed a laid-back and confident energy. It was obvious they were ready to blow the roof off the place if Jacobs Pavilion had one. With their subfusion of rock and reggae music that encompassed hypnotizing vocal melodies and sick rock riffs, they delivered a performance that was unforgettable! Fans were packed tightly from the front of the stage to the bleachers, and Slightly Stoopid had every one of them in the palm of their hand. Their set was a journey through their diverse discography, each song a testament to their musical prowess and ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The screens were decorated with nostalgic visualizers that told a story throughout the entire performance, leaving me in awe and completely engaged, wondering what I would see next on the giant screens. Lights and lasers lit up the venue and the sky, and people gathered in the grass on the other side of the Cuyahoga River laid out on blankets also enjoying the show.

Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald controlled the stage and gracefully swapped their guitars back and forth during their set, and the crowd absolutely loved it, further showcasing their talent and chemistry as a band. During every song, the entire pavilion sang along. Everywhere I looked, people were smiling, dancing together in unity and cheering for more like the night was never going to end.

Slightly Stoopid’s Slightly Dirty 2024 tour stop at Jacobs Pavilion was my first-ever reggae concert and a night I will never forget. The combination of the iconic venue, the stunning Cleveland skyline, and the boundless energy of the performers and fans made it an epic experience.

Slightly Stoopid, along with Elovators, Common Kings, and Dirty Heads delivered performances that were not just concerts but communal celebrations of music and life. It was one of the absolute best concert experiences I have ever had and I can’t wait to do it again.