The change in weather may have you wanting to spend all your time in parks, not clubs, but you'll want to save up some of your energy for some notable out-of-towners this weekend.
Friday, Shift hosts the return of Hatcha at Contour. Last time Hatcha was in town it was with Benga, the Afro warrior, but this time the dubstep pioneer will get the spotlight all to himself. Before dubstep even had a proper name, Hatcha was already in the thick of things by virtue of his job at the infamous Big Apple Records, and he helped Skream and Benga on their way to fame along with putting out his own records on Planet Mu and Tempa. As with all these jocks from across the pond, expect to hear favorites along with new tracks that are still months from proper release.
The fun continues Saturday as House Night brings in Detroit's Rick Wade as their first major headliner. Wade, while not quite a household name outside of deep house circles, has been DJing since the mid-'80s, starting his own label, the well-respected Harmonie Park, in 1994. The label is the primary outlet for his own productions, combining funk, soul, and even Chicago house with a warm Detroit aesthetic. Wade has got a reputation for lo-fi funk among "those who know," so here's your chance to join those ranks.
Closing out the weekend in spectacular fashion, Nectar realizes your desire to be outside, and is throwing a barbecue social for cheap on Sunday afternoon. Five bucks get you food, access to the bar, and there's word they're going to be creating a makeshift beach somewhere out there. Sounds ridiculous, but why knock a good party? The music will be provided by Philly's Pink Skull, who are freshening up mid-'90s era big beat (in a good way) on their debut full-length, Zeppelin 3, and South Rakkas Crew, the Orlando-based electro-dancehall production group that's putting out material on Diplo's Mad Decent label. Between the two, there's plenty of party potential, and you won't even have to be stuck in a dark club to enjoy it.
In case you weren't already aware, Decibel has already announced its first list of performers for this year's festival, to be held at various locations around Seattle from September 25 to 28. There's plenty to be excited about, including Carl Craig, Deadmau5, Dixon, Audion, Tujiko Noriko, Santiago & Bushido, Barbara Morgenstern, Tycho, and tons more. Time for you to buy your pass (or start saving up to do so)—this year is looking incredibly promising. 
Hatcha plays Fri July 25, Shift at Contour, 10 pm–2 am, $8 before midnight, 21+.
Rick Wade plays Sat July 26, House Night at the Emigrant (5260 University Way NE), 10 pm–2 am, $12, 21+.
Pink Skull play Sun July 27, Nectar, 2–10 pm, $5, 21+. With South Rakkas Crew.
For more information on the Decibel Festival, visit www.dbfestival.com.
