MENU    
Welcome to Not-Real-Media an online publication based in Boise, ID. 

Slightly Stoopid Road Trips Their Way to Outlaw Field.

Slightly Stoopid, The Elevators, DENM
Outlaw Field, Boise, ID
July 30, 2026      The drive to Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Gardens was uneventful and rather casual. I was on edge and had been for most of the day, not feeling my usual excitement for a show, but I was looking forward to sunshine, green grass, and a great reggae show nestled up to foothills and the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The Road Trippin’ Summer Tour had made its stop in Boise, ID. It’s become somewhat of a regular tradition that Slightly Stoopid swings by for a show. This time they had The Elevators and DENM along for the trip.

     With the crowd pouring in and a friend on the way, my angst was beginning to dwindle as DENM from Santa Barbara, CA took the stage. Having just played the Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach, CA as a 4-piece, they came out as a 3-piece band with Omik on drums, DENM on lead vocals/guitar, and Joe Farey on sax and keys. This band had a nice slow groove to their music, very mellow and relaxed. They say they’re an American Bedroom Pop, Reggae band. In this set, I got more of a Reggae-adjacent, alternative soft rock sound. They had an uneventful 30-minute set that was enjoyable, although the reverb seemed overly sensitive, making the actual crowd cheering sound like Audience Sweetening through the speakers. This would also appear in the next set.
      The Elevators out of Boston, MA took the stage next. This band is a favorite of mine; I got a chance to cover them and see them for the first time early this year at the Knitting Factory here in Boise. Keeping true to their promise to be back, I was excited to see them on the bill. Celebrating the recent release of their album “Shark Belly Motel,” this 5-piece led by Jackson Wetherbee was a crowd favorite. Getting to see them under the setting summer sun hit differently than seeing them indoors. The fans were cheering and loving every moment of their set. The sound echoed off the rim rock and the territorial prison walls; even the spirits were high. I still couldn't help but notice the reverb was still really sensitive. The crowd, when you weren't in the thick of it, still sounded like a bad recording as they came through the speakers on the stage; when the Slightly Stoopid crew took over, that went away. 

     As I was walking around the 2 Yard, I watched the fans dancing in the last light of the day, lounged on chairs or blankets just soaking in the sound and the moment. Made me realize we are moving into the latter days of summer, and not before too long we will be waiting for the outdoor concert season to begin again here in Boise. Snapping from my contemplative state, Slightly Stoopid was now on stage. 
      Slightly Stoopid from San Diego, CA, often brings their Reggae Rock sound to Boise. You have to be fluid and accepting; it's the nature of things. Above all else, enjoy yourself. During this set, I found that hard to do, and it was by no means because of the show. My heart felt heavy, and I couldn't figure out why. I would find out much later after their show that my aunt had passed away in hospice sometime near the encore, and if you believe in that kind of psychic energy, then I feel you understand.

     Anyways, Slightly Stoopid isn’t about the sad vibes. The music speaks to love, positive vibes, and an Endless Summer (also an album by The Elevators), which is what the show brought. It also brought an amazing laser show, which I did not expect. I absolutely love lasers. They make me feel like a kid sitting in the school gymnasium watching a laser show in the name of science. Since this was an outdoor show,   we had to wait until it was dark enough to see the effects. Which painted the treetops, the crenellation of the prison wall, and the warden's office. The image of clouds drifting over the crowd could be seen as the beams reflected through the haze above them. This was my highlight of the night. Seeing a sea of raised arms silhouetted in the stage light, the band summoning palpable energy that can only be felt in this moment. Slightly Stoopid had a great set. They brought out Jackson Wetherbee from The Elevators and Chali 2na to perform some songs with them too.

     As the night closed, the crowd started to trickle its way out to beat the traffic on the single road in and out of the venue. The smiles on so many faces were brought about by the energy delivered to us on this summer road trip. It was a delight to see, even though an unknown force was weighing heavily on me. As I walked with my friend to my car under the street lamp's glow and the haze of a waning buck moon, I could not help but think about how the show and the performance were great, but my energy never matched. I hope when they come back through, I will get a second chance to find that vibe and be on everyone else's level.



Photography and review ©Justin Webb
DENM
The Elovators
Slightly Stoopid

INFORMATION:
Contact Us
About Us
Collaborate FOLLOW US:
 
All images, reviews, and visual/intelectual property are copyright of respective photographer and/or writer and is licensed for use by Not-Real-Media. You must have express written concent from the respective owners for all uses outside of Not-Real-Media.com