Written by Mara M. Mannella
Despite yesterday’s bombshell announcement that Gary Richards is leaving HARD Events parent Live Nation for perhaps freer pastures, HARD Summer inches close enough to smell it. Mainly the lush green grass on prominent display on Gary’s Snapchat all week long. Here are some can’t miss sights and sounds for your weekend in the rolling hills of Glen Helen Amphitheater.
SKEPTA – Purple Stage – Saturday 8:55PM – 9:40PM
Bringing that one-of-a-kind UK grime sound straight to SoCal, Skepta is already a well-known artist across the pond with crossover hits like Shutdown and Konnichiwa. He introduced himself to a few thousand more rabid fans at Coachella in 2016 and his set on Saturday will no doubt be another exercise in lyrical genius. Being that a fellow grime-master, JME, appears on Sunday’s lineup, a surprise duo performance wouldn’t be out of the question.
GINA TURNER – Pink Stage – Saturday 3PM – 4PM
Get your mid afternoon techno and house fix with this feisty New Yorker. Close your eyes at one of Gina Turner’s sets and you’re transported to a dark and glorious warehouse party. The sun will still be blasting during her set time but those afterhours vibes are going to be in full effect. Laidback Luke is one lucky man to come home to this savvy selector.
VINCENT – HARD Stage – Sunday 1:30PM – 2:25PM
It’s gonna be tough. You’re gonna have to set an alarm after a long night of partying. But call that Uber early and make it inside in time for Vincent’s set at the main stage. With music fit for space travel, you’ll soon forget your aching muscles and be transported to the outer limits of the universe. Vincent’s incredible remixes landed him on the map but his original work is just as mesmerizing, a nasty mix of bass, trap and melody.
CHRISTIAN MARTIN – Corona Electric Beach Stage – Sunday 3:25PM – 4:40PM
If you kept up with HARD’s mixtapes leading up to their 10 Year celebration, you’d know Christian Martin’s mix was one of the standouts. Grab a chilly Corona (with lime of course), jump in the pool and get ready for an ear-pleasing mix of fast paced bass-y beats and slow building synths. A beach, Christian Martin and a cold beer in hand? Your move, heaven.