If you were anywhere near The Rady Shell in San Diego last weekend and heard a massive wave of reggae bliss, you likely experienced Stick Figure, SOJA, and Little Stranger in action. The Rady Shell, a breathtaking outdoor amphitheater with a backdrop of the San Diego skyline, was the perfect setting for these incredible bands. The open-air venue felt as though the universe hit the “chill” button and dialed up the good vibes. With smooth rhythms and playful tunes, the night was a perfect escape — so laidback that even the seagulls appeared to be dancing along!
First up was Little Stranger, who burst onto the stage like a pair of reggae superheroes ready to save us from our weekday woes.
Their eclectic mashup of reggae, hip hop, and groovy beats had the crowd swaying the whole set. Their chemistry onstage is undeniable, like PB&J… or better yet, tacos and Tuesdays.
The duo knows how to work the crowd. John’s smooth vocals and guitar riffs meshed perfectly with Kevin’s funky beats and witty rhymes. They played fan-favorites, each song was more energetic than the last. But the real highlight? Near the end of their set, John decided to surprise fans: he took a leap of faith, quite literally, into the crowd. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a concert anymore; it was a mosh dance session led by John himself, fully engaging the crowd who were jumping, dancing, and living their best life. Holding down the fort onstage, Kevin kept the beats pumping and the energy levels sky-high. By the time Little Stranger wrapped up, the audience was more than warmed up — they were lit!
Next up was SOJA, who immediately transported everyone into a realm of soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The band’s presence is always commanding, with a vibe as chill as a San Diego sunset. At one point, it felt like everyone was swaying in unison, illuminated by the soft glow of the stage lights. It was a beautiful, communal experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of SOJA‘s music, making us all feel connected and unified.
Just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, the crowd was treated to a delightful surprise.
None other than Cocoa the Tour Dog and her new sibling, Molly, made a charming introductory appearance. Stick Figure (alias of Scott Woodruff) has two adorable dogs greet the crowd nightly, instantly melting hearts and spreading good vibes city-by-city. The San Diego crowd joyfully tossed dog toys as gifts onto the stage, making it a playful playground for the pups. Cocoa, the seasoned pro, and Molly, the enthusiastic rookie, basked in the attention, wagging their tails and playing with their new toys. It was like being welcomed by the cutest mascots ever, setting the tone for a night filled with pure joy, good vibes, and fun.
As the first notes echoed through the crisp night air, it became instantly clear that Stick Figure and his band of brothers were here to offer more than just a concert; they were here to create an experience. The band’s unique blend of laidback vibes and captivating rhythms with songs such as “Choice Is Yours”, “Above The Storm”, “Smokin’ Love”, “Way of Life”, and many more had the crowd jamming and vibing along from the start.
Also, the show was visually stunning! Their lighting and backgrounds were nothing short of mesmerizing. These weren’t just your run-of-the-mill concert graphics; they were intricately crafted by talented digital and 3D artists… dynamic, and perfectly synced to the music.
The night it reached its zenith during the encore.
The stage lit up with incredible pyrotechnics, painting the view with fiery streaks as the band played their final songs, “World On Fire” and “Firestorm”. It created a surprising visual spectacle that drew the crowd in awe. It was a finale that truly set the world on fire.
Overall, Stick Figure has a magical ability to create a fantastic tour and turn strangers into friends, whether through their smooth rhythms or from the collective euphoria their music brings. People danced without a care, sang along with gusto, and exchanged knowing smiles that said, “This is exactly where we belong.” People lingered, reluctant to leave, still basking in the afterglow of an incredible night. Until next time, San Diego will keep the Stick vibes rolling!
Photography by Olivia Valdes
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