Ridgway and his band (The Stan Ridgway Trio) will be performing key songs and music from his entire career in an intimate acoustic format with Pietra Wexstun (keys, melodica, vocals) and Rick King (guitar, bass, and vocals). New songs will be played as well from his soon-to-be-released solo CD. A celebration in song, story and spoken word.

Stan Ridgway Tour Page, Ridgway MySpace

When: Fri, 04.24 (9pm)
Where: Cactus Café, 24^th and Guadalupe
Cover: n/a

It was an intense and immaculate performance hosted yet again, by Stubb’s Barbeque on Saturday, 04.04. The scene was set for what turned out to be an unforgettable, sold-out night of reggaes-rocks best; Rebelution and headliner Slightly Stoopid. Fans started lining up at the door well before the opening performance by Rebelution was set to take place. By 6 pm, shirts were selling out; the stage was crowded with anxious fans waiting to get a glimpse of their music heroes. Rebelution finally took stage around 8 pm and did more than just rile up the crowd; they prepared them for what was to be a reggae best performance. Rebelution, like Slightly Stoopid, is based out of California where most reggae music is born. Personally, I don’t think there could have been a better choice in an opening performance. What a perfect compliment to Slightly Stoopid’s mix in music elements from reggae-dub to ska and hip-hop. Rebelution performed most songs from their album Courage to Grow and succeeded in getting much praise from the audience.

The band left the stage and it was time to wait in agony. With a full house and fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder, one was not about to lose their spot to miss the highlight of the night. When I heard a loud roar from the audience, I knew the time had come. Finally the moment I’ve been waiting for had come to be. My months of impatiently waiting and staring at the taunting tickets on my fridge had come to and end. Slightly Stoopid took the stage and was set to light up the night (no pun intended) and take control of one’s actions with a mesmerizing performance. Like Jimmy Hendrix making love to his guitar, the band played with such a passion, it made even the heartless crumble. They didn’t stick to their most recent album, Slightly Not Stoned Enough to Eat Yet Stoopid, like most bands do when performing. They provided a diverse selection in their music from their self titled album, Slightly Stoopid, to their most requested and personal favorite; Closer to the Sun. Songs went from their earlier sounds of punk to mellow, acoustic melodies heard in songs like “Collie Man”. It was indeed a night imprinted in the minds of all. – Edwin Pacheco

Oh, did I mention I had the honor of interviewing the all-mighty Slightly Stoopid? It was such a pleasure to shake hands and take a seat with my idols. There was little time before the band was schedule to prepare for the show, but it was enough to ask questions and calm the nerves of a star-struck soul. Here’s what they had to say:

austin m+e:: Whenever I introduce your music to someone I get asked how you chose the name Slightly Stoopid. I personally think it’s a clever way to get your name noticed. What’s the story behind the name?

Slightly Stoopid: Honestly, the band name wasn’t thought up overnight. I guess you can say the fans created the name for us when we first formed our band. It was slightly this, stupid that, those words found a way to represent who we are.

austin m+e: Most fans know the reason behind Stoopid Records but can you tell the every day person why it is that you turned down major record labels and created your own?

Slightly Stoopid: We didn’t want to be a band that’s controlled by the media and told what music we can and can’t play. It’s all about the passion in playing music and doing what you love. This way we can make our own changes, we can have the different sounds that we do in our albums.

austin m+e: You have a couple of songs recorded with G. Love, how did the relationship you have with him come to be?

Slightly Stoopid: G. Love is a great guy. I would say the relationship started about three years ago when we were on tour with him and his band. He was a great guy from the moment we shook his hand. He has such passion for music and had such an influence in the way we write our music.

austin m+e: How would you describe your music?

Slightly Stoopid: We play so many different sounds that it’s impossible to place us in one genre. I wouldn’t sit here and lay out every sound we have either. It’s always different and can be only described as social elements.

austin m+e: One last question and I’ll let you guys get ready for the night ahead. Your sound has changed from your first album. Is there a certain sound you’re looking to reach and is it found in your newest album?

Slightly Stoopid: Our sound is always changing; there isn’t a certain sound we want. It just depends on what we want to play. There isn’t just one particular sound in our newest album; it’s a mix of past and present sounds.

Do512.com is giving away five pairs of tickets to enjoy Austin’s very own Built by Snow this Thursday, 04.09.

The line-up includes Red x Red m, The Bubbles, and Whitman.

Also, be sure to RSVP at Do512.com; if you’re not a ticket winner you can get hooked up with $5 admission.

Some Austin favorites will be tearing up the Mohawk next week. Be sure to check them out.

 Ringo Deathstarr

Stereo Is A Lie

The Tunnels

Listen to “Get it Right” by Stereo Is A Lie

When: Fri, 04.09

Where: Mohawk, 912 Red River