HARDER BALL-DOOR TICKETS ONLY NOW
The Chocolate Factory70 Scott Ave Brooklyn, NY 11237 · Map
This night happened — Sat 28 Feb
Press play
Who was billed6 artists
In the order the promoter listed them.
Set times were not published.
Most of these pairings were meeting for the first time that night.
the pairs that have met
12 of the 15 pairings on this bill were first meetings.
- Mark Holcomb and Riccardo Tavarez — 3 shared bills before that night, first on Sat 20 Sep 2025.
- Sterling Juan Diaz and Riccardo Tavarez — 1 shared bill before that night, first on Sat 28 Feb 2026.
- Tommy Hart and Sterling Juan Diaz — 1 shared bill before that night, first on Sat 11 May 2024.
Who they are
“Bill's pivotal move to Chicago in 1988 marked a turning point in the evolution of his DJ and production journey.”
their own biography
the whole biography
Bill's pivotal move to Chicago in 1988 marked a turning point in the evolution of his DJ and production journey. Originally hailing from Miami, he had already immersed himself in various facets of the music industry, ranging from his stint at the Flamingo Record Pool, overseen by Bill Kelly of WMC Fame, to his role as a guitarist for Synth/Goth band "Life In Sodom." His passion for both House and Industrial music served as the catalyst for his relocation to the Windy City, and in terms of timing, it couldn't have been more fortuitous. Bill swiftly embedded himself in the nightlife scene, securing residencies at renowned venues such as Shelter Nightclub, Crobar, and SmartBar. He emerged as a prominent figure in Chicago's second wave of House and Techno producers, and his influence extends far and wide, inspiring DJs like Black Madonna, Kink, Axel Boman, and Matrixxman. Bill's sonic palette is diverse, ranging from contemporary Detroit Techno and Chicago Acid to the hidden gems of House and Italo Disco tracks. Presently, you can catch him gracing the decks at esteemed establishments all around the US & overseas. In the sphere of music production, his journey embarked with a remix of Kay Ladrae's "Lack Of Love," a collaborative effort that included Vince Lawrence and Karr Crash (Sundowners). This marked the initiation of a highly productive sequence of releases, encompassing a full-length album on Trax Records. Notably, he has engaged in collaborative endeavors with IDF, 4 On The Floor, and collaborated with esteemed Chicago vocalist Darryl Pandy and Shay Jones (renowned for her association with Ministry). His creative output has been channeled through various aliases, including Sundowners, Billy Nightmare, & Savage Hymn, His remix catalog is equally notable, featuring reinterpretations of tracks like Hannah Holland's "Come Correct," Kiddy Smile's "Teardrops In The Box," and presently, Natalie Smash's "The Show" and ELO's "La Pampara." Additionally, he has had his own works reimagined by acclaimed artists such as Ricardo Villalobos and Eats Everything. Excitingly, there's a forthcoming full-length LP on the horizon, accompanied by a slew of forthcoming singles and collaborative projects.Their RA profile lists Defected Records, Classic, International DeeJay Gigolo Records, Trax Records and 6 more.Recently at Signal, Earthly Delights · often with Gianna Guerino, Morgan Wiley, NESKIN, none of them here that night
“Shaped by his formative years in New York, Tommy's sets are a vehicle for connection—each track a carefully selected tool for transformation, placed with intention and control.”
their own biography
the whole biography
Shaped by his formative years in New York, Tommy's sets are a vehicle for connection—each track a carefully selected tool for transformation, placed with intention and control. Drawing from the lineage of house and techno, his sets reflect a close study of its past and a clear vision forward. Rhythms build patiently, tension accumulates, and energy undulates across the dancefloor. Selections move through driving deep cuts, hypnotic grooves, and soaring vocals, allowing space for the room to expand, settle, and respond. Now based in Mexico City, Hart holds residencies at Yuyu Cine Club and LGBTQ+ institution [sic] club, two anchors in the city’s ever-evolving underground landscape. He continues to tour extensively, bringing his physical and emotionally driven approach to dancefloors worldwide.Recently at BASEMENT, SILO, Gabriela · often with ketia, flirty800, Dj Warning, none of them here that night
“Sterling Juan Diaz has an instinctive feel for groove.”
their own biography
the whole biography
Sterling Juan Diaz has an instinctive feel for groove. Born in New York City & raised between there & the Dominican Republic, he was captivated by the percussive rhythms of hip-hop & latin music from a young age, fostering a diverse musical passion. Once he taught himself to DJ, his eclectic taste & skill quickly gained attention in New York City's queer nightlife, becoming a staple at parties like Nowadays Nonstop, Papi Juice, & BASEMENT’s resident party FIST. Diaz's insatiable appetite for music, discerning taste, & impressive mixing skills have solidified his reputation for delivering electrifying, sets consistently. His innovative, captivating style has earned him spots at festivals such as Honcho Campout, DWELLER, & Wire Festival, & has taken him to parties across the nation, including Atlanta’s Back Room & Washington D.C.’s Flower Factory. Internationally, Diaz has performed at The MECA Art Fair in the Dominican Republic, as well as at Buttons & Sysiphos in Berlin, Germany. In July 2023, Diaz was chosen as an opening DJ for Beyoncé’s New York City show during her record-breaking Renaissance World Tour, joining a distinguished roster of DJs celebrating the album’s tribute to Black queer & trans history. From his curatorial work as a resident DJ of Playground Radio & their annual Block Party to his recurring club night SIMPULSO at Bossa Nova Civic Club, Diaz has established himself as an unmissable voice in Brooklyn's new generation of young selectors. His sets range from chest-rumbling bass wubs to euphoric house keys, showcasing the rich heritage of the underground while exploring the depths of sound through the rhythmic threads of his Dominican roots. Sterling Juan Diaz has not only crafted a unique musical identity but also stands as a beacon of collaboration & community building.Recently at BASEMENT, Paragon, Bossa Nova Civic Club · often with Makadsi, ALEXIS DE LA ROSA, Sekucci, none of them here that night
“A familiar face across Brooklyn and Manhattan’s queer club circuit, Mark has brought his sharp, feel-good energy to parties The Carry Nation and HARDER along with appearances at Good Room, ANIMAL, Paragon, H0L0 and more.”
their own biography
the whole biography
A familiar face across Brooklyn and Manhattan’s queer club circuit, Mark has brought his sharp, feel-good energy to parties The Carry Nation and HARDER along with appearances at Good Room, ANIMAL, Paragon, H0L0 and more. Raised in West Virginia and forged in New York’s nightlife underground, Mark’s sound sits at the intersection of pop, disco, and house infused with the kind of emotional immediacy and playful nostalgia that keep dancers locked in from start to finish. He’s known for bridging eras and moods with an effortless hand, pairing a ‘90s remix with a fresh club edit or a deep house groove with a hands-up anthem. Mark’s journey began in the early 2000s, promoting at iconic West Side clubs before finding his true home behind the decks. Over the years, he’s become a go-to DJ for both underground ragers and high-profile brand events, trusted for his ability to read a room, move a crowd, and build a vibe that feels both stylish and spontaneous. Whether he’s closing out a late-night warehouse set or soundtracking a downtown launch party, Mark brings a distinctly New York approach: bold, magnetic, and rooted in connection. His mission is simple: make people move, keep them feeling good, and remind them why this city still dances like nowhere else on earth.Recently at BASEMENT, Fine & Raw Chocolate Factory, Good Room · often with Eric Umble, Prince Rose, Kilopatrah Jones, none of them here that night
Recently at Body by Brooklyn, Good Room · often with Greg Scarnici, Eric Umble, Ryan Farr, none of them here that night
Recently at Happyfun Hideaway · often with MORENXXX, KYRUH, Sevyn 0000, none of them here that night
names these artists often play with — not that night
- Eric Umble4 with Mark Holcomb and 4 with Riccardo Tavarez
- Josh Steers7 with Sterling Juan Diaz and 1 with Mark Holcomb
- Kilopatrah Jones6 with Sterling Juan Diaz and 2 with Mark Holcomb
- MORENXXX7 with Sterling Juan Diaz and 1 with FEG
- Manny Ward2 with Riccardo Tavarez and 1 with Mark Holcomb
- Sekucci14 with Sterling Juan Diaz
- ALEXIS DE LA ROSA11 with Sterling Juan Diaz
- Makadsi9 with Sterling Juan Diaz
169 said they were going — about like a usual Saturday at The Chocolate Factory.
how this compares
- Median final count, Saturdays at The Chocolate Factory188
- Middle half finished between65 and 470
- Past Saturdays at this venue counted65
The room
The Chocolate Factory — 150 events and 569 distinct artists since Aug 2023.
Most-tagged here: House (7), Techno (6), Bass (3) and Funk / Soul (3). genre tags on this room’s listings
Who put it on
HARDER — 44 events and 74 artists since Oct 2023.