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Live Nation, L.A. County officials announce changes to upcoming dance music concerts

Fans cheer the Weeknd at Hard Summer.

Fans cheer the Weeknd at Hard Summer.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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After the drug-related deaths of two young women at this year’s HARD Summer music festival at the Pomona Fairplex, festival organizers Live Nation and L.A. County officials announced one concert cancellation and a significant downscaling of another future event.

County Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement that, following a previous motion that could have led to banning dance music events on county property, the county and Live Nation agreed to a litany of changes to upcoming HARD events and will study additional changes to electronic music events on County property.

One concert, Sept. 10’s “HARD Presents...A Night at the Fairplex” has been canceled outright. Live Nation. Another popular concert, HARD Day of the Dead on Oct. 31-Nov.1, will be reduced from 65,000 fans per day to 40,000.

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Other changes to HARD Day of the Dead include a 21-and-over admission policy, reduced hours for the show and additional on-site measures, such as cooling stations, free water and drug use education materials.

HARD Day of the Dead is a major event in the fall music calendar. This year’s headliners include top-tier acts like Skrillex, Deadmau5, Flying Lotus and Hot Chip.

At HARD Summer, which took place Aug. 1 and 2, 18-year-old Tracy Nguyen and 19-year-old Katie Dix each died of suspected drug overdoses believed to be compounded by the hot, crowded concert environment. Dozens of other fans had to be taken to nearby hospitals under similar conditions.

Solis’ office said in its statement that “we continue to study this issue and the propriety of continuing to hold such events on County property. We are considering additional health and safety measures. We are also considering the creation of a specialized task force that will include health and safety representatives from the County’s Departments of Public Health, Health Services, Fire and Sheriff.

“While the Board supports musical events in the County, what is of paramount importance is the health and safety of the youth attending these events.”

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In a brief statement, HARD Events organizers said that “festival organizers and promoters are pleased to have worked quickly with the County Supervisors in order to complete the County’s inquiry and bring about the agreed upon modifications to our operations for HARD Day of the Dead at Fairplex, which will further our fans to have a safe and fun time.”

Follow @AugustBrown for breaking music news.

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