The Hut hosted the 4th Annual Gem & Jam show in Tucson on Feb 8th & 9th. Tucson hosts the world largest gem and mineral show every year for several weeks (late Jan thru mid Feb).
There was a pre party show Thursday night to kick off the Jam. The kick off music was good. Loki was on deck when I arrived. He had a VJ show of mirror psychedelic images adding to his drum and bass music line up. My favorite of the evening was a trio of musicians called Baraka. They really hit the mushroom jazz sounds and sounded tight. The evening ended with James Christopher with Manny Vibes spinning more drum and bass to close the party.
The second and third day of the event featured 2 stages, one outside & one inside. The outside light show and sounds were background eye candy. Performing artists were additional highlights. There were gem booths available for browsing and purchasing those sparkly attractive rocks most of us enjoy. I indulged in a couple of interesting crystal formations. Oh yeah-back to the music. The line up Friday night included Planet Jam, Goddess Alchemy Project, Random Rab and Pnuma Trio on the outside stage. I was impressed with Goddess Alchemy Projects use of the violin weaving in and out of her music selections. Inside the club were Terra Clipse, J Tonal, Eliott Lipp, Danny Corn, DJ Vadin, AB-Rude and Yarah Bravo. The use of liquid light projection was fun to watch as were the many painters demonstrating their talents throughout the show. The packed drum circle culture both inside and out were definitely jumping and undulating to the big bass beats.
Saturday night kept the packed venue dancing. Outside kicked off with Knowledge, Rena Jones, BLVD W/ Souleye (the hit of the night in my opinion), and Glitch Mob. BLVD and Souleye actually met during the 3rd Gem & Jam and is a great sound (rap) with performing artist creating on stage to the vibrations. The paintings were fantastic, look up Eagles work if you get to San Francisco. Inside the competition was stiff with Bender on deck first, followed by Pnuma (live PA), Vibe Squad, Majitope, and Bassnectar giving a respectable close to the event.
