Gorgeous desert mountains, saguaro cactus, and shimmering gemstones set the scene for Gem and Jam 2024. The crowd brought beaming energy through three days of music, movement, and merriment. What started as an afterparty to the largest gem and mineral show developed into something much more special, refined, and curated. This being its 16th year, the festival has grown into a staple for the jam-tronic community, drawing in 4,500 people from all over the country.
Sustainability And Sound Go Hand In Hand
As an exciting new addition to the festival, Gem and Jam threw their first official pre-party, which took place on Thursday in the campgrounds, hosted by the Puerto Disco Society collective. Those who arrived early and eager were rewarded, and their jamboree catalyzed an excitement for the festivities to come. It’s easy to feel celebratory when you know your money and time are going to good use. Gem and Jam provides a musical and eco-friendly experience through sustainability practices and tree-planting initiatives.
This year marks Gem and Jam’s third partnership with environmental festival organization Green Disco to improve the festival’s environmental footprint. Through Eco-Bands – a 100% hemp, optional ticket add-on – the partnership successfully removed over 300,000 lbs of CO2e from the atmosphere (tracked via Pachama). It doesn’t stop there, either. Also, this year, Greed Disco supported the Million Trees Project and the local organization Tucson Clean & Beautiful. There were enough eco bands sold to plant over 150 trees! Through these actions, Gem and Jam has shown their love for the land is as strong as their love for music and community.
Gem and Jam, solo edition.
Not only was this my first Gem and Jam, but this was also my first solo festival. After attending their sister festival, Cascade Equinox, I wanted to return to this amazing community and see what Gem and Jam was about. I was a bit nervous going in. There’s a first time for everything. Ultimately, I came out the other side with more confidence and a new outlook on festival life!
Gem and Jam was the perfect place to go solo. The Pima County Fairgrounds themselves are easy to navigate. You aren’t walking what feels like miles from one stage to the next. Water was readily available, bathrooms were easy to access, and staff and security were friendly and there to help if need be. I would always see something new as I wandered around, looking at the artists and vendors stationed between stages. The vendors sold everything from precious stones, one-of-a-kind clothing, flow toys, customizable stuffed animals, hair braiding, and much more.
And the people! Everybody I met was incredibly kind and welcoming. Whether I was walking from stage to stage or flowing in the crowd, to sitting and hanging out on the grass, the people brought positive energy and seemed genuinely happy to be there with each other and the music. The Friday rain washed away my anxieties as I danced happily with complete strangers to some of my favorite music. The rest of the weekend offered many moments of happiness and reflection. I realized that solo festivals aren’t lonely if you keep an open mind and heart, and it was easy to keep myself safe and happy in a place like this!
Before you go, check out these amazing photos from the G+J media team! <3
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