Something for the Kids

Nowadays, so many bands are beyond a single genre definition that it's hard to figure out what they are. It probably has something to do with that creativity gene they were born with. So while these artists are out there making whatever sound they feel, we the audience members might enjoy it a whole lot but have trouble trying to describe the sound to others.

Even though their sounds differ from one another, in the wider commercial market, Slightly Stoopid and G. Love and Special Sauce would be put on the same shelf. They'd sit somewhere between meditation and Memphis blues, right there under the label "mellow," where these groups find each other celebrating life in their own kicked-back sort of way.

Slightly Stoopid is the local favorite, having been discovered and signed by none other than Sublime's Bradley Nowell. And if you've never heard Slightly Stoopid play live, then you've been missing the joys of the two-hour jams they're known for. And who could miss out on G. Love & Special Sauce—the group who were the first to feature Jack Johnson? Having started on the streets of Philly and Boston, G. Love is all about live performances. And what's better than a nice summer evening with some lemonade, funnel cake and laid-back music? Not much.

Slightly Stoopid, G Love & Special Sauce, and special guest Ozomatli at the Pacific Amphitheatre, Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, (949)740-2000; www.ocfair.com/ocf . Sat., 7 p.m. $29.50 (includes fair admission).