Gem and Jam is coming back to Tuscon! The 11th annual Gem and Jam Music Festival will have a location change this year to better accommodate the growing attendance. On February 3rd – 5th the Pima County fairgrounds, 1130 South Houghton Rd. 85747, will be your Gem and Jam home.
The Growth
Gem and Jam has come a long way over the past 11 years, starting as a small gathering to becoming a camp-out music festival. Last year was their first year to include camping. They announced this addition only weeks before last year’s festivities took place. This year, they are stepping up their campground experience with onsite RV camping, boutique camping, and walking camping. If camping isn’t your style, Tuscon has an abundance of local hotels. The location change from The Slaughter House to the Pima County Fairgrounds will presumably allow for more stages and is guaranteed to give the attendees more room to play.
The Music
Year after year Gem and Jam provides us with eargasmic music. This year the lineup is incredible; it was officially announced on November 1st and it is gold!! Gramatik , The Floozies , Lotus , Eoto , G Jones , Opiuo , Thriftworks , and The Russ Liquid Test and many more will be joining this year’s lineup! The String Cheese Incident will be taking over Gem and Jam with their side project The Trancident. These amazing artists will be filling the festival grounds with groovy vibes, so expect lots of dancing!
The Art
Gem and Jam does not only focus on pleasing your ears, it also thrives on filling your surroundings with art. From beautiful interactive art illustrations throughout the festival grounds to live painters, Gem and Jam provides an experience for all your senses. Over the years they have had local- to well-known artists join the grounds to paint live throughout the weekend. Big names like Alex and Allyson Grey in 2015 and Chris Dyer and Aaron Brooks in 2016 live-painted on stage throughout the three days. The artists were so kind and took the time to sign prints and take pictures with the attendees. The live-painting applications for 2017 are still rolling; if you are or know a painter, direct them to apply here.
The Gems.
Make It Your Home
Whether you are coming for the gems or vibing to the music, you will want to make Gem and Jam your new home.
For special ambassador rates, contact me here or via email at kenzieinthecut@gmail.com
