Tom Goss: Bear Friends Forever Tour

Stopping at Clark Cabaret April 13

By Cesar A Reyes

Tom Goss is coming to town and you will not want to miss this intimate show at the Clark Cabaret in the Diversionary Theatre. Not only will you get to listen to a very talented singer-songwriter but you will also get to hear some of his personal anecdotes. We may hear stories about his childhood in Illinois, nearly becoming a priest, and then discovering his attraction to bears. Bears are definitely a theme in Tom’s life and the namesake for his tour. With a fun, colorful, and silly vibe, we are looking forward to hearing more about this tour. We had the chance to chat with Tom and this is our conversation:

How would you describe yourself in one short paragraph.

I feel like this would be best written as a personal ad, here goes. GWM. Kind, compact, blue eyed, and gregarious. Loves music, laughter, snacks, soccer, and adventure. Must be open to joy in all forms. In search of cuddly bear, the sweeter the better. 

How old were you when you discover your joy for music?

I became obsessed with Dave Matthews Band when I was 17. Their music spoke to me and healed me in ways that I never knew possible. I asked for a guitar for my high school graduation, and spent the next couple years learning every Dave Matthews Band song ever written. 

How old were you when you discover your joy for bears?

Joy of bears!!! I love that phrasing. After college I went to Catholic seminary as I was training to becoming a priest. While in seminary, I fell in love with my classmate. I had never felt physical attraction before that moment. Honestly, I thought I was asexual (that is why the idea of celibacy did not bother me much).

The thing that was different was he was 44 years old, chubby, and a statistician. It had never previously occurred to me to look at this type of person for physical attraction. We became close friends and fell in love. It was beautiful and sweet and oh so tragic. Neither of us understood how to express what was happening. It came out in physical bursts that we were unable to control. We were naive and repressed but, for me, it was a magical revelation.  

I finally understood my sexuality. I was feeling things I had never felt before. It was a true gift.

You kick off a west coast tour last month. How does it feel to be out playing live?

I love it so much! Playing live is my favorite because I get to interact with people. So much of being an independent musician is sitting alone in a room, trying to create something out of nothing. Live shows are where you see that hard work impacting lives.  

You will be in San Diego on April 13. Would you please talk about what the audience can expect from the presentation?

My shows are centered around connection. The audience can expect to hear my music (performed by me with guitar and voice), wrapped in stories that draw them in. It is a show full of laughter, earnestness, and authenticity. 

Your Instagram and social media are full of silliness. Sometimes musicians try to be what they think audience will want (sexy, serious…). When did you decide to give yourself permission to just be silly and have fun?

I have always been silly, and being silly makes me happy. It makes other people happy as well. It is cliche to say, but joy is contagious. I have discovered that to be one of my superpowers, creating and spreading joy. It is my favorite thing in the world. 

What is one of your guilty pleasures you enjoy in your free time (tv, food, hobby)?

I love soccer. My team won our Wednesday league finals a couple days ago and I am super happy about that. 

I also love snacks. One of my favorite things to do is to put a whole log of cookies into a cast iron pan, add some extra ingredients, and share a giant cookie sundae with friends. I call it a “cookie party!” 

Sadly, those two things are in direct opposition to each other. I do like being contrary so… maybe we just discovered a third thing?

How can folks connect with you, and aside from touring what else is in the works?

All my socials are @tomgossmisic or hop on over to www.tomgossmusic.com.

The WORD is HEALING.

Music heals and connects in ways that I cannot begin to explain. I am so grateful to be a small part of it.