This event has been CANCELLED! See official website for information.

Originally acknowledged for her fierce fashion sense and quirky stage presence (pre-Gaga, mind you. …Just sayin’.) M.I.A. now juggles a career as a Rockstar, dotting Mother, and political influencer; constantly bringing her ideas for positive global change to the forefront. Included within Time Magazine’s 2009 list of “World’s Most Influential People,” M.I.A. returns to the stage to do what she does best, Rock out! …While conveniently popping the cherry of the first HARD FEST LA. How inappropriate was that sentence? I liked it. M.I.A.’s 2010 national stage debut will be this Saturday, July 17^th at the Los Angeles State Historic Park located in Downtown LA. The event is from 4pm-12am and tickets range between $50-$70 available online and at certain retail outlets (Complete list of dates and ticket outlets at HARDFEST.com). If you’re not close to The City of Angeles or are still using that whole “recession” thing as an excuse, A.) This is why you’re still a virgin. B.) You’re in luck as HARD FEST is streaming select artists from the LA and NYC event exclusively at redbullmusicacademyradio.com.

Additional artists performing include N*E*R*D, Die Antwoord, Rye Rye, Switch, Joker, Sleigh Bells, Theophilus London, 12^th Planet, Borgore, Destructo, Nguzunguzu, and Ninjasonik. Red Bull Music Academy Alumni to dominate the stage includes Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Jason Bentley, and Skream and Benga.
Fortunately for LA’s HARD FEST audience, they will get a taste of M.I.A.’s highly anticipated new album, /\/\ /\ Y /\ (Yes… Her album name includes characters. Never ceases to be a bad ass!), which is to be released Tuesday, July 13^th, just days before the show; giving you ample time to memorize those lyrics! Little known fact, portions of /\/\ /\ Y /\ were recorded at Red Bull Studios in Santa Monica, CA. How chic!

Additional fun fact- HARD FEST Security asks that you not bring weapons, dolls, or glass to the event. …My pocket shank and My Little Pony doll shed tears when they found out that they were to be excluded from the festivities. What was NOT on that list? Paper Planes! See what I did there?

See you this Saturday at HARD FEST!

Words by Kinsey Schofield