This review was also featured on Sharp Balloon.

As I walked into the glorious Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, with its sprawling ceiling painted with swirling blue and twinkling stars, Mariachi El Bronx was just filling up the stage. There were eight members playing a variety of instruments including horns, violins, guitars, percussion, and they donned fullout embroidered mariachi ensembles to boot. The band itself is actually punk outfit The Bronx, who have been together for over a decade, producing hardcore punk and rock albums. Ex-Guns n’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke produced the band’s debut album, and from there they have continued the adventure while choosing to stray away from mainstream labels. In 2009 the band started dabbling in mariachi and embracing their Latin heritage. Hence – Mariachi El Bronx.

After a bit of time to recover from the rowdy fiesta, the Stoopid boys took the stage in full force. Their enthusiasm was instantly reflected back by the boisterous audience. Oh, those Cali boys sure know how to catch the ear of pretty much anyone with a taste for good music. From the dudes in flat bills, to the sexy girls in little dresses, to the Rastafarians with dreads, the ballroom floor was alive and well with smiles, good vibes, and an incredible amount of secondhand smoke. The smoke hung so wonderfully thick in the air it made it difficult to photograph, but as I stood at the front of the stage, sandwiched between a band that is so talented and a crowd that was absolutely consuming each note they exuberantly threw down, it was a pocket of indescribable energy.

Since they got their start nearly 20 years ago with the input of Sublime’s Bradley Nowell and their label Skunk Records, the group has charmed many. At the end of the day, people who like Slightly Stoopid like Slightly Stoopid. But, this dynamic group of musicians has different styles that are each masterfully executed. The vibe can go from real irie reggae, to sexy, soulful rhapsodies, to heavy, moshpit-inducing punk rock. They know their audience, and this is why I’ve seen them crush at very diverse venues and locales.

It was this past Saturday, they decided to get a bit rowdy. The Chicago crowd ate it up and went hard, though barely keeping up with the boys who seem to have an endless amount of energy night after night as they tour the country – and the world. This week, they’re taking over Brazil with a number of tour dates, before shooting back to the states for a ferocious spring/summer tour. Catch them at fests like Summer Camp, Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes, The X Games in Austin, or if they stop at a venue in your town.

There was a nice blend of new tracks and old favorites dropped on Saturday, the band’s first time playing the Aragon. Some highlights were “Dancing Mood,” “Anywhere I Go,” “Don’t Stop,” “Running With A Gun,” “Officer,” and a bluesy rendition of “Just Thinking,” featuring the talented hip hop duo The Grouch and Eligh.

As someone who has enjoyed Slightly Stoopid’s tunes since I was young, I was pleased to have yet another kickass evening under the stars with them and the funloving audience they attract. Cheers!