M.I.A. Goes 'Hard' This July

M.I.A. has plans to go hard this summer by headlining two single-day festivals in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. The gigs -- HARD LA (July 17) and HARD NYC (July 24) -- will also feature Rye Rye and Sleigh Bells, from M.I.A.'s own N.E.E.T. crew, along with a day's worth of other artists, who will perform on two stages.

In addition to being M.I.A.'s first 2010 appearances, the festivals will be, shall we say, "neat" for their actual locations as well as their commitment to a fan-friendly experience. HARD LA will invade the Los Angeles Historic Park on July 17, while HARD NYC will take over the South Island Field at Governors Island on July 24. Tickets start at just $45 -- including ferry fees for Governors Island.

The complete lineup, ticketing information and other necessary details can all be found at the official website. But we can tell you right now that, this time, M.I.A. will not be opening for Tenacious D.