Walk into a world of crystals, art installations, healing spaces and music that makes your body vibrate. All surrounded by the picturesque Tucson mountains under the larger-than-life desert sky. This is the Gem & Jam Festival.

With people from all over attending the 2023 festival, thousands of people coming together to enjoy all that Gem & Jam has to offer.

Thousands of people from all over travelled to the Pima County Fairgrounds to attend the 2023 live music festival.

While the main focus of Gem & Jam is live music, there are also a variety of other activities. Get lost in the art galleries, or even watch art being created live.

People can be found dancing at one of the four stages, attending a workshop, getting a tarot reading, shopping for their next piece of jewelry or enjoying food from one of the many vendors. 

The sense of community fills the air, with lots of smiling faces and connections around every corner. It is not uncommon to see people hugging strangers as if they were old friends. 

The Giving Pendant, a vendor, is all about non-permanence. One can purchase a unique pendant, set an intention for it and, when the time feels right, give it to a new person. Each pendant has a unique code, so you can see how far the pendant has traveled from person to person. 

“It’s not all about sales, it’s about creating a community around Tucson and everywhere,” Coral Amayi said, an employee of The Giving Pendant.

Many vendors, like The Giving Pendent, had cozy couches in corners for guests to curl up, sit and have a chat if they would like. These comforting spaces were everywhere, allowing the festival to have areas to unwind. 

An artist from New Mexico, Robert Henry the 3rd (B), asks passersby what color he should use on his artwork installation. 

“The best part about Gem & Jam is obviously the people and making connections,” Henry said. 

Rose Ganache, a singer-songwriter duo made up of MeShell Wolf and James Coburn from Denver, CO. performed at Gem & Jam for the first time this year. 

They would describe themselves as “electric, acoustic, and rock and roll … we have no box,” said Coburn. 

Along with the other artists and guests they are, “excited to make new friends, see live music and relax,” Wolf said.

Gem & Jam features music with a wide variety of genres, drawing in fans of varying backgrounds. Despite the vast differences in artists that attend, the festival is still considered to be unknown by many. 

“It’s crazy how so many people don’t know about it, it feels like a little secret,” said Rowan Snider, a second-time attendee.

If you’re interested in exploring new music, supporting local artists and meeting people from all over, the Gem & Jam Festival might be for you. Check the festival’s website for info on what lies ahead at gemandjamfestival.com.

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