When Worlds Collide: Zeds Dead, IMANU & MKLA Launch 2026 with ‘Runaway’
January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026
When Worlds Collide: Zeds Dead, IMANU & MKLA Launch 2026 with 'Runaway'
It’s that time of the year when Tucson turns into a whimsical little universe where crystals, art kids, bass heads, and desert sunsets all come together as one. That’s the magic of Gem & Jam Music Festival.
In less than two weeks, the Pima County Fairgrounds will transform into an electronic sensory playground. You can wander from gem vendors to live paintings, and even catch some of the biggest names in dance music, all in the same hour.
Originally conceived more than a decade ago as a vibrant after-party to the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Gem & Jam has now evolved into a full-blown three-day camping festival that’s as much about the immersive vibe as the music itself. Art installations, workshops, live painting, daytime experiences, late-night sets, sprawling camping options, and a marketplace full of handcrafted gems and curios (what more could you ask for?). After taking a brief hiatus in 2025, the festival returns this February 6–8, powered by a fresh partnership with Relentless Beats and an expansive, genre-defying lineup. With more than 80 artists across three days, Gem & Jam’s 17th edition promises a little something special for everyone. From earth-shaking bass to soaring drum & bass and dreamy melodic journeys beneath the desert sky, Gem & Jam 2026 promises it all. Here are five sets you absolutely can’t miss:
CloZee — Sonic Voyager Extraordinaire (Friday)
French producer CloZee has become synonymous with genre-blending bass that shifts effortlessly between organic textures, world rhythms, and mind-bending sound design. Her live sets are less “DJ performance” and more sonic world-building. More than perfect for the expansive desert stages at Gem & Jam. You can expect lush soundscapes, hypnotic grooves, and a flow that’s both deep and dance-ready. Her presence as one of the weekend’s top draws underscores the festival’s electronic core this year.
The Widdler — Heavy yet Mystical Bass (Friday)
If you’re ready to dive into a deep, hypnotic world of pulsing bass with a hint of mysticism, The Widdler’s set is one you won’t want to miss. Known for gritty low-end textures and tribal-infused rhythms, his music carries a raw, primal energy that feels perfectly at home under the open desert sky. Expect a journey of ground-rumbling drops seamlessly woven with psychedelic, mind-bending soundscapes. A set that can transport the crowd from ecstatic dance to introspective trance without missing a beat.
Cool Customer — Deep, Funky, and Groovy (Saturday)
Cool Customer brings something a bit different: sets rooted in deep funk, house, and disco-inspired rhythms with a nod toward underground club culture. With grooves that are not just danceable but infectiously joyful, this set will bring the kind of soulful warmth that creates instant connection within a crowd. Whether it’s midday heat or sunset cooldown, Cool Customer is always a sonic palate cleanser and festival favorite.
Ivy Lab [DNB Set] — Precision Drum & Bass from the U.K. Elite (Saturday)
For fans of precision-engineered drum & bass, Ivy Lab’s DNB set is a highlight you’d be remiss to skip! Especially since they just announced their farewell tour and will be parting ways after years of shaping the scene. Known for their crisp breaks, futuristic sound design, and an energy that tightropes between cerebral and unrelenting, Ivy Lab will bring the best of U.K. bass culture to the desert at Gem & Jam next weekend. With this likely being one of the last chances to catch them live, their performance promises to be both technically brilliant and electrifying.
Boombassador (Boombox & The Polish Ambassadors) — A Collaboration Worth the Hype (Sunday)
One of the most talked-about and rare sets on the 2026 lineup is Boombassador — the collaborative project featuring BoomBox and The Polish Ambassador, performing together outside of Colorado for the first time. This set embodies the adventurous spirit of Gem & Jam: funk, glitch, psychedelic electronic, and live-infused performance energy all rolled into one. It’s a fusion of styles that mirrors the festival itself. A little eclectic, unconfined, and absolutely unforgettable.
Bonus Mentions:
G Jones b2b EPROM (Saturday): For the “bass heads” looking for something deeper and more technical, this Saturday night B2B set from two of the most respected names in experimental bass is a massive highlight. Expect high-energy, heavy-hitting sound design and mind-bending visuals.
Tycho (Sunday): Closing out the festival, Tycho’s melodic, downtempo, and ambient-driven soundscape is the ideal soundtrack to a beautiful desert evening. A melodic experience that feels tailored for the “creative” vibe of the weekend.
Devault (Saturday): A master of blending nostalgic new-wave textures with modern club energy (que “Feels Like Us”). DEVAULT has carved out a unique space in the electronic scene defined by moody, cinematic soundscapes and high-energy house and bass rhythms.
LIMINOID [Yheti x lespecial] (Sunday): A truly unique and experimental collaboration between bass producer Yheti and progressive live trio lespecial. This performance is billed as the “first show West of the Mississippi” for the new project (think jam-meets-metal).
J. Worra (Saturday): Expect house grooves with a signature bass edge that keeps the dance floor moving.
Flamingosis (Friday): For a funk-fueled and groovy set.
Desert Dwellers (Friday): For that essential, serene, downtempo desert vibe, this set is an absolute staple.
Saxsquatch (Saturday): Expect a wild fusion of live saxophone and electronic beats that will keep the energy soaring from start to finish. Saxsquatch brings a unique live element that’s part jazz, part bass, and all festival-ready chaos that you won’t want to miss. And yes, it’s an actual Sasquatch.
No matter which sets you catch, Gem & Jam 2026 promises a weekend full of energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments. This return marks more than just another weekend of music; it’s the resurgence of a community-centered festival that’s weathered industry ups and downs and come back with a renewed vision. From mind-bending bass to chill, vibey grooves and genre-defying live performances, there’s something for every kind of festival-goer. By staying rooted in visual art, exploration, and grassroots energy, while also pushing a forward-thinking, genre-spanning lineup, Gem & Jam continues to stand out in today’s festival landscape. And with on-site camping, the experience goes beyond the stages, turning the weekend into a fully immersive desert escape where the music, art, and community don’t stop when the final set of the night ends. So grab your crew and get ready to dive into the magic that makes Gem & Jam one-of-a-kind. You can check out the full lineup and grab your festival passes here.
