Gem and Jam Festival is back

The three-day event runs Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Pima County Fairgrounds, once again aligning with the city’s annual gem shows that bring global artists, collectors and visitors from around the world.

This year’s festival features more than 80 artists across multiple stages, with headliners including CloZee, G Jones b2b EPROM, Troyboi and Tycho.

Celebrating its 17th year, Gem and Jam has built its identity around the intersection of live music and visual art. Alongside electronic music and jam performances, the festival features large-scale installations, live painting, gallery-style exhibits and interactive workshops.

Organizers said they paused the 2025 festival because they couldn’t get the lineup they wanted. 

The extra year allowed organizers to realign creatively and return with the spirit longtime fans have come to expect, said Josh Pollack, who has worked with Gem and Jam since 2013 and oversees talent buying and operations. "It’s about continuing to focus on the art, the music and the sense of connection that’s defined the festival for years.”

One of the biggest changes this year is a new collaboration with Relentless Beats, a major Arizona-based event company known for large-scale festivals across the Southwest, including Phoenix’s Goldrush Music Festival in September, Tucson’s DUSK Music Festival in November and Decadence Arizona, held in Phoenix in late December.

Pollack said the partnership brings expanded technical support, marketing resources and local staffing.

“They’ve been really supportive of the Gem and Jam vision,” he said. “They’re not trying to turn it into something else. They’re here to help us recreate the magic that people already love, while making things smoother behind the scenes.”

He added that working with a local production team also allows the festival to rely more on Arizona-based crews rather than flying in staff from out of state.

The festival's creative blend draws attendees who say it feels more like an experience than a traditional concert series.

David Francis from Phoenix said its immersive reputation is what convinced him to buy tickets to attend this year.

“I’ve heard for years that Gem and Jam is way more than just a music festival,” Francis said. “People always talk about the art and the atmosphere, not just the lineup. I’m excited for the music, but I’m really curious to see how everything connects.”

The festival offers local performers an opportunity to reach audiences far beyond typical club settings.

Tucson DJ Michael Bruyn, who performs by the stage name Half Dead, said the festival marks his major stage debut. Bruyn has been performing in Tucson for nine years.

“This is the first festival I’ve ever played,” Bruyn said. “That’s a memory that’s going to stay with me forever.”

Bruyn said festival crowds allow artists more freedom to showcase their sound and creativity. “When you play a festival, your options expand infinitely,” he said.

Walters The Don, a Tucson tech and bass house DJ, says being booked for Gem and Jam carries similar meaning for him. “As an upcoming artist, it’s really validating,” he said. “Seeing your name on a poster next to DJs you admire is inspiring.”

Walters said festival sets are more intentional than club shows, giving him space to experiment with music selection and flow. “I’m most excited to share my music with people who genuinely love it,” he said.

Pollack describes it this way: "These kinds of gatherings are about escape, creativity and connection. It’s a place to dance, see amazing art and just enjoy being together.”