Tomfest 2008

It is imperative that you read both the 'about us' and 'booking guidelines' sections on this page in their entirety before submitting your booking application! thanks.

Tom Fest is a faith-based music festival. What does that mean? We are Christian owned and operated and we are missional in our goals and objectives for Tom Fest. By the word Christian we mean that we believe in and do our best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are not a judgmental, religious, right-wing, ‘stuck in a bubble’ organization. We are real people that live real lives in a real world with real problems. We are not white picket fence, white as snow, perfect or blameless. We go through the same things everyone else does.

However, we do believe in relational, missional thinking and action. We do not want those that attend our festival to walk away empty. While typical Christian festivals don’t appeal to us because they cater to a sheltered world, secular festivals also don’t appeal to us because people leave just as empty as they came. Tom Festival is a home for the disenfranchised, the pushed away, and the ‘made homeless’. Tom Festival is a place for Christians AND non-Christians alike to encounter God and grow in their relationship with Him through music, family, fellowship, worship and the word.

Because of this, we only allow bands to play who are like minded and of Christian faith.

Booking Guidelines

each band is required to pay a registration fee of $30.00 (non-refundable). many festivals cover their administration fees and underwrite their costs by charging bands merch fees and percentages - we don't. We charge a one-time registration, and let the bands keep 100% of what they make at the fest.

after filling out and submitting the application, you will be prompted to pay the $30.00 reg fee via paypal (visa, mastercard, discover, amex). Once the fee is paid, your application will be sent and we will be in contact with you shortly.

Upon approval, each band will be required to purchase and sell 4 tickets. We feel this is necessary because so many bands think that it is ok to simply come to the festival, play, and be on their way. they have no motivation to pitch in and make the festival better (i.e. making flyers, getting their friends to come, myspacing, etc.). This way, we are all motivated as a family to make the festival great.

You will purchase 4 tickets at $25.00 each. Tickets at the gate are $45.00, so you can sell yours for a profit, break even, or give them away. It's up to you. We only ask that you do not charge more than the gate price ($45.00).

all bands who are applying must be available to play on any day of the festival at any time. we will do our best to accomadate your band's tour schedule.

Upon approval, all bands must be prepared to send us a press kit (cd, bio, etc.) and a pastoral recommendation.

please read the following!!! telling us you 'didn't know' at the gate won't help. sorry to be harsh, but it happens way too much!

on arrival at the fest, you must check in at the main gate to recieve your wristbands and programs. you will recieve 1 (one) free pass per band member, free camping, and 1 (one) free parking pass.

we allow no guests. this includes managers, merchandise helpers, stage techs, roadies, sound guys, girlfriends, boyfriends, fiances, parents etc. - please don't ask. (by the way, no pets) there are way too many bands playing to allow every band member a guest.

wives, husbands, and children 10 and younger of band members are free as always. anyone coming to the fest 'just to see your set' will be required to purchase a day pass at the gate - no exceptions.

tom festival is a drug, alcohol, firework, and weapons free event. any abuse of this policy will be dealt with swiftly.

You are NOT allowed to sell any merchandise except for that of your band and your band alone. Selling merchandise from your label, sponsors, friends’ bands, etc will not be tolerated. If caught, you will not be allowed to sell any merchandise for the rest of the festival. Why? Because we have vendors that pay to have a booth and it is unfair to them. If you would like a booth to sell merchandise other than your band merchandise, please click on the sponsors tab and follow the instructions there.

You ARE allowed to make flyers for your set at Tom Fest. In fact we recommend it. Handing out flyers is the most effective way to get the word out about your band and your set-time. please DO NOT tape, staple or nail any flyers in or on any buildings. Posting of flyers is NOT allowed. It damages the buildings and creates a big mess for volunteers to clean up once the festival is over.

if you agree to all of these conditions, please fill out the application on this page and pay your band's registration fee via paypal when prompted.

we will contact you to let you know whether or not your band is approved.

if we contact you with an approval, you must be ready to purchase your band's 4 (four) tickets ($25 each) via paypal, send us a pastoral recommendation, and a press kit to finalize your booking. Upon receipt of these items, your band will be booked into a timeslot and we will notify you.

Thank you so much for your interest in playing TOMFEST 2008!

Our roster is completely full and our booking is now closed for bands. HOWEVER, we will begin booking for tomfest 2009 this september. So, check back in a couple months, and don't miss your chance to play tomfest 2009!