What is TOM Convention?

TOM Convention is the first-ever fan convention exclusively dedicated to Christian alternative rock and hard music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Join us for panel discussions, Q&A, autographs, photos, merch area, live music performances and your favorite artists from your favorite bands in an intimate setting.

When is TOM Convention 2025?

TOM Convention 2025 takes place on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM both days, with a 5pm dinner break each day.

Where is TOM Convention held?

TOM Convention is held at the Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County, Promenade Ballroom, located at 3131 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Discounted hotel rooms are available when you mention TOMCON during booking.

Who's performing at TOM Convention?

Live music performances feature Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu), Allan Aguirre (Scaterd Few), Kerosene Halo (Michael Roe & Derri Daugherty), MorZan (Jyro Xhan), and Us Kids All-Stars (Kevin Lee, Bill Walden, Kenny Riley, Mike Stand, Gym Nicholson, John McNamara, Chris Brigandi, Steve Pannier).

How much are TOM Convention tickets?

Every ticket is a VIP pass. General VIP Pass is $157 and Founder's VIP Pass is $257. Group pricing available for groups of 9 or more.

What can I expect at TOM Convention?

TOM Convention features 12 panel discussions (6 per day) with 53 legendary artists and 6 moderators, 4 live music performances, Q&A sessions, autograph signings, photo opportunities, merchandise hall, and intimate conversations with your favorite Christian alternative rock artists. Come hear the onstage and behind-the-scenes stories of those who brought us the soundtrack to our lives.

What record labels are represented?

Historic Christian alternative rock labels include Tooth & Nail Records, Velvet Blue Music, Floodgate Records, Northern Records, Glasshouse Records, Militia Group, and Blonde Vinyl - labels that collectively released hundreds of albums defining Christian alternative rock from the 1980s through 2000s.

MIKEE BRIDGES PRESENTS

TOM Convention 2025

Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa, CA

🎸 Historic First: Alternative Rock and Hard Music Fan Convention

TOM Convention is the first-ever fan convention exclusively dedicated to music from the most definitive era of the Christian alt rock and hard music scene: the 80s, 90s, and 2000s - representing over 3 decades of groundbreaking music that shaped our generation.

🎤 What you are going to experience:

• 2 full days of programming
• 12 Panel discussions with 54 legendary artists + 6 awesome moderators from our community
• Interactive audience Q&A sessions
• Autograph & photo opportunities

• Behind-the-scenes industry stories
• 4 unforgettable live music performances
• Exclusive band merchandise

"Come hang out with and hear the onstage and behind-the-scenes stories of those who brought us the soundtrack to our lives."

Some say "never meet your heroes", but we like to live dangerously.

Stay Updated

Get the latest TOM Convention news, updates, and announcements.

Event Details

Dates: Friday & Saturday, October 24-25, 2025
Venue: Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa, Promenade Ballroom
Hours: 11am - 11pm (with a 5pm dinner break)
Panels: Twelve 75-minute discussion & interview panels (6 per day), with 15 minute breaks between each panel. Be ready for intrigue, laughter, tears, and nostalgia galore 🥲

Stay at the hotel: A number of us will be hanging out at the restaurant on Thursday night, so consider booking at least 3 nights (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) to ensure you don't miss any of the action.
Book your room early: The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa has discounted hotel rooms available! Just mention TOMCON when booking.

Venue

📍 Location

Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County

Promenade Ballroom

3131 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone: (714) 557-3000

🏨 Hotel Booking

Discounted hotel rooms are available when you mention TOMCON during booking.

Consider booking at least 3 nights (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) to ensure you don't miss any of the action.

🏊‍♂️ Heated Outdoor Pool

The largest outdoor pool in Costa Mesa, open year-round with comfortable loungers and shaded seating options. Perfect for recreation and relaxation between panels.

Enjoy cocktails and handcrafted sandwiches, burgers, or salads delivered right to your poolside oasis from Fireside Tavern.

🍽️ Fireside Tavern Bar & Grill

Our on-site restaurant featuring delicious meals and poolside delivery service. Join us Thursday night for the pre-event hangout!

Perfect for grabbing a bite between panels or enjoying a meal with fellow TOMCON attendees.

VIP Passes / Tickets

Every ticket is a VIP Meet & Greet Pass.

Get your tickets now!
If you have a group of 9 or more, please contact us for group pricing.

Thank you from our all-volunteer staff for making this labor-of-love event possible.

Guest Panel Hosts

Tap on a host's photo to flip their card and ask them a question.

Live Music Performances

Tap on a performer's photo to flip their card to ask them a question or request a song.
(No guarantees, as some of the set lists are already set in stone!)

Record Labels Represented

🏷️ Historic Christian Alternative Rock Labels represented at TOM Convention by those people that either headed them up or worked for these labels:

Tooth & Nail Records - Founded 1993, breakthrough label for Christian punk/alternative
Velvet Blue Music - Boutique label for experimental Christian rock
Floodgate Records - 1990s alternative rock powerhouse
Northern Records - Home to indie Christian alternative acts
Five Minute Walk - Alternative indie rock, ska punk and variety label that supported charities

Frontline Records - Hard rock, metal and alternative rock label
Glasshouse Records - Specialized in Christian college rock
Militia Group - Alternative and indie rock collective
Blonde Vinyl - Underground Christian alternative releases
Organtic Records - Eclectic selection of alternative Christian rock

These labels collectively released hundreds of albums that defined Christian alternative rock from the 1980s through 2000s. Not all labels represented at the convention are listed here, and many more labels had a huge impact in shaping the Christian alternative rock scene over the years that we were not able to secure for this event. If you are a label owner or artist that would like to be represented at TOM Convention, please contact us.

Featured Guest Panelists

Click or tap on a panelist's photo to flip their card and ask them a question to be answered in the panel discussion at the event.

TomCon Staff

Some History: About Christian Alternative Rock

🎸 What is Christian Alternative Rock?

Christian alternative rock emerged in the 1980s as a movement combining the raw energy and creativity of alternative rock with Christian themes and values. Unlike mainstream contemporary Christian music, these artists embraced the experimental sounds, guitar-driven arrangements, and honest lyricism that defined the alternative rock, punk, metal, thrash and indie genres.

Key characteristics:Introspective lyrics, and spiritual themes delivered through an indie/alternative aesthetic rather than polished pop production.

📍 Why Orange County, California?

Orange County became the unofficial epicenter of Christian alternative rock in the 1990s, with Costa Mesa specifically hosting numerous legendary venues and recording studios. Many seminal Christian alternative bands either formed in or frequently performed in Orange County.

TomCon Location: Costa Mesa, CA - the heart of where Christian alternative rock history was made, making it the perfect location for this historic first convention.

🤝 Who Should Attend?

Fans of 80s, 90s, and 2000s Christian alternative rock, metal, punk, thrash, and indie
Music historians and collectors
Anyone who grew up with Tooth & Nail Records, Blonde Vinyl, Velvet Blue, Northern Records, or any of the other labels represented at the convention
Musicians inspired by Christian alternative music
People seeking authentic artist interactions
Those who want to catch up with old friends that attended TOM Festival
People who want to make new friends with other fans and artists
Families and people of all ages - this is a family-friendly event welcoming everyone

"All of us folks that will be attending this event run the spectrum of culture, religion and politics. We welcome all, however, this event is specifically focused on the stories, connections and history of our little musical corner."

- Mikee