By: Anand Harsh

We've worked closely with Serenity Gathering over the past couple of years, and in starting our own event, The Untz Festival, a few hundred miles north and a couple months later, our two weekends have become sister events, in a way. Serenity breaks ground in a brand new spot: Joshua Tree Retreat Center in Joshua Tree, CA from March 17-20. Still only a couple hours away from San Diego, the SoCal sun will bless an even bigger lineup than last year.

Making his Serenity debut is Simon Posford, performing a Shpongle DJ Set. He'll be joined by non-electronic newcomers Nahko & Medicine for the People and Del the Funky Homosapien. More Phase 2 newbies include Random Rab, Mr. Bill, Govinda, Pumpkin, and Filibusta. Fans will also be treated to the very first Iterate set, the drum & bass alter ego of Phase 1 act Andreilien.

These Phase 2 additions join Emancipator, ill.Gates, Phutureprimitive, Big Wild, and a special Desert Dwellers Live Experience performance, all of whom were announced in the initial round. Serenity has expanded its sound, considerably, bringing in acts from around the music industry (not just underground electronic acts from the west coats, though there are a number of those, to be sure).

On January 31st, the Los Angeles area Serenity pre-party descends upon Venice, CA at the Love Shack for a special set by Treavor Moontribe, who will be spinning a solo Desert Dwellers set. He'll be joined by Nominus, Dela Moontribe, Cameron St. Denis, Morpheus, and Elephant in the Room.

There are 3-day GA tickets on-sale now, as well as a special Thursday pre-party pass. You can upgrade to premium camping, and also snag an RV pass at serenitygathering.com.