A massive rave held by our friends at HARD FEST highlights this weekend’s concert selection. Tickets are becoming increasingly harder to come by, however, but THE POP FIX has your back; check out a band of hip-hop auteurs on Thursday or good old-fashioned blues rock later this weekend.

De La Soul – Key Club 03/12/09

DOORS OPEN @ 8:30PM

Best known for their guest raps on Gorillaz’s huge hit “Feel Good Inc.,” New York alternative-rappers De La Soul have been on the cutting edge of hip-hop technique since 1987 (!), before Souljah Boy was even a glint in his mother’s eye. The trio will be releasing their first proper album of jazz-inflected beats and oddball lyrics, You’re Welcome, sometime this year.

Key Club

9039 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Phone: 310-274-5800

Tickets available at ticketmaster.com and the Key Club box office.

HARD 13 feat. Boys Noize, Diplo, more – Shrine Expo Center 03/13/09

DOORS OPEN @ 8:00PM

Last year’s hugely successful HARD Haunted Mansion on Halloween night proved that techno/dance was a rising trend not to be ignored. HARD returns again this Friday, just in time for spring break and more drug-fueled, bass-worshipping electronica madness at the Shrine. Although tickets have been sold out for at least a week, those still looking for their DJ fix can check out craigslist for ticket options. Ecstasy not included.

Shrine Expo Center

665 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Phone: 213-748-5116

SOLD OUT!!!

Dan Auerbach – El Rey Theatre 03/14/09

DOORS OPEN @ 8:00PM

Auerbach has been making righteously fiery blues-rock for years as half of the Black Keys, but his recent solo turn with the excellent Keep It Hid has received rave reviews from Paste and NOW magazines. Look for his show at the El Rey to feature some sick slide guitar action and more than a few drunken patrons.

El Rey Theatre

5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 323-936-6400

Tickets available at ticketmaster.com and the El Rey box office.