High temperatures didn’t deter massive crowds from coming to LED’s Hardwell in the Park event on March 23, ready to dance the afternoon away. Thousands of people arrived to the backfield of Petco Park, decked out in flower crowns and “candy beaded” bracelets that are traded to new friends in the name of peace, love, unity and respect.
Hardwell greeted a screaming crowd by giving fans exactly what they wanted. Ravers danced more enthusiastically as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Before long, people were being
hoisted onto each other’s shoulders, making new friends all around and screaming for more.Hardwell did not disappoint. He fed off the excitement of the crowd and kept them going hard. Songs such as “Dare You,” featuring Matthew Koma, and “Countdown” pumped up concertgoers all afternoon until 7 p.m. Luckily for those fans 21 and up who just couldn’t get enough EDM, Hardwell continued to play at an afterparty at Fluxx Nightclub nearby.
It’s easy to see why Hardwell was chosen as the No. 1 DJ in the world by DJ Magazine, beating other huge names such as five-
time winner Armin Van Buuren and the quickly rising Avicii. Hardwell’s infectious energy, clear passion for producing and ear for quality dance floor beats all serve to make him one of
the biggest and best producers right now. The Dutch producer andDJ isn’t letting it get to his head, though. In an interview with The Independent he explained, “My friends help keep me grounded and I can always rely on them to tell me the truth. If a song sounds crap they’ll tell me and that’s the same philosophy I use in my life too.”
If you’re seeking similar EDM events, consider checking out trancer James Dymond at Spin nightclub on April 18. If that doesn’t interest you, try hardstyle diva Lady Faith performing at local venue Somewhere Loud on April 24 or Armin Van Buuren at the Valley View Casino Center on May 10.
Photos by Jamie Ballard, staff writer
