In this episode of The Rumors Are True, host Jeremy Alan Gould welcomes Mikee Bridges — musician, promoter, and creator of TomFest — to talk about his latest project, TomCon: The Other Music Convention. Mikee shares the inspiration behind this brand-new event happening October 24–25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, and how it aims to bring fans and artists together in a whole new way.

Listeners will hear Mikee reflect on his journey through bands like how decades of experience in the Christian alternative and punk scenes have shaped his vision for TomCon. Unlike a traditional music festival, TomCon is designed as a fan convention — complete with panels, Q&A sessions, artist meet-and-greets, photo ops, and live performances — celebrating the stories and community behind the music.

Throughout the conversation, Mikee talks about the heart behind the event, what attendees can expect from the two-day lineup of over 50 artists and 12 panel discussions, and why Costa Mesa is the perfect home for this gathering of fans, musicians, and scene veterans. Whether you were part of the underground music movement of the ’90s or are discovering it for the first time, this episode dives deep into what makes TomCon a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

For full details, artist announcements, and tickets, visit tomconvention.com.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser

Music By Brian Jerin R.I.P.