Written by Tom Hellauer
Photos from Gem & Jam Festival
The Desert Hearts crew, Michael Menert, Tipper and other blockbuster names are taking over the Pima County Fairgrounds just south of Tuscon, AZ for the 13th annual Gem & Jam from January 31st to February 2nd, 2020. After a one year hiatus, the festival has returned in fashion, drawing in top-level talent to the 640 acre desert campground for this year’s gathering.
Also joining the action is super group TH3, featuring Michael Travis, Kyle Hollingsworth and Jason Hann of the String Cheese Incident with Matt Hill of the Floozies. Travis and Hann are also playing in a Grateful Dead tribute alongside Eric Krasno, Mihali, Todd Stoops and Reed Mathis.
The wide array of artists slated leaves no doubt that Gem & Jam will live up to the music fusion that it has become known for. Big Gigantic, The Floozies, Manic Focus, Frameworks and more give depth to an already impressive EDM and bass music lineup. While Billy Strings, Twiddle, the Kitchen Dwellers and others help round out the jam, bluegrass side of things. The resulting blend brings the Pima County Fairgrounds to life over the course of the weekend. Organizers, as in years past, are placing an emphasis on lighting and sound production to solidify the experience.
This year will also see more art installations, live painting, artist galleries and more than in previous years, adding to the atmosphere. As the festival’s name suggests, gems and precious minerals will be prevalent with different vendors and in art around Pima County Fairgrounds. Just 20 miles south of Tuscon, the remote desert area is far enough away from any communities to keep the music going around the clock, although no official schedule has been released yet. On the campgrounds will be a cantina (complete with a happy hour), free hot showers, flushing restrooms, water stations, shuttles to Tuscon and other amenities.
Festival goers should expect nice temperatures during the day but be prepared for cool, desert nights (especially if camping). For those not wanting to commute every day, camping is a solid option, with Gem & Jam even selling camping essentials passes, coming with complete tents, bedding and more. Parking passes are 20$ for car campers as well. RV parking is also an option. Organizers recommend carpooling to help the festival’s sustainability goals. For music lovers looking to break out of their winter slump and relive some of this most recent summer festival season’s glory, Gem & Jam will be the place for you.
Check out the full 2020 lineup below:
Learn more and purchase your tickets to Gem & Jam HERE.
The post Gem & Jam Returns to the Arizona Desert for 2020 With a Mega Jam Band Lineup appeared first on Festival Squad.
