By: Anand Harsh

For the 9th year in a row, the annual gem and mineral show in Tucson, AZ is getting a whopper of a jam on top of it as Gem & Jam Festival returns to 1102 W Grant on February 6-8, 2015 with a stellar lineup in tow.

Euphonic Conceptions, with the help of Challenger, New Earth MUZIQ, and Infinite, has curated a knockout roster of underground electronic acts to accompany three nights of lectures and art from Alex and Allyson Grey.

Topping the list are Emancipator Ensemble and Papadosio, who bring the full electronic live stage show to the festival. This will also serve as the debut of the Michal Menert Trio (whatever that is), which puts Menert on MPC and synth, Marcelo Moxy on bass and Moog, and AC Lao behind the kit. Phutureprimitive and Random Rab are also amongst the list of headliners headed to Tucson in early next year.

Thriftworks, whose Fade EP dropped today, will be returning to Gem & Jam, as will drum & bass star LTJ Bukem, tantric dub hop shaman Kaminanda, and party-starting Pumpkin, who also is back on the bill. In typical G&J fashion, a big non-electronic act is generally added to the lineup, and The New Mastersounds fill that spot next year.

Other highlights on the initial lineup include Andreilien, SaQi, ill-esha, SunSquabi, Russ Liquid, Giraffage, Krooked Drivers, Late Night Radio, and a special Flying Skulls vs Mochipet set. Many more names will be added to the bill in the coming weeks and months.

Geology nerds from all over the country hit Tucson each spring for the biggest rock show on the planet. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, the three-day event gets some pretty stiff competition in the music department when it comes to wow factor.

Visit gemandjamfestival.com for more information, and to grab your tickets ahead of the curve!