A free one-day music festival in Ellsworth, Maine, 3 October 2026. Hosted by Zaal, run by ZAO Festivals. Filmed by correspondent Maceo.
A full day of music on the Franklin Street Parklet in downtown Ellsworth, free and open to anyone who walked by, during the Art of Ellsworth weekend. ZAOstock is the first ZAO Festivals event in Maine. Behind it is The ZAO, an independent community of musicians and digital creators (100+ members) who have met every week since July 2024.
The lineup, the program and the brand kit are on the festival’s own site, zaostock.com. Below are the Shorts we have put up from the day so far, each playing here and on YouTube.
Performing live since 14. Their singer, Ryan W. Miller: “I’ve been performing music live since I was 14.” On YouTube
Do what you love. Ryan W. Miller, a full-time musician: “Once you take that initiative of quit that and do what you love, that’s when stuff happens.” On YouTube
Made it to my 62nd year. Between pieces, with the guitar down: “I’m very blessed to have just made it to my 62nd year.” On YouTube
Around the stage.
Never thought this was possible. Zaal closes ZAOstock from the stage: “Three years ago, I would have never thought something like this was possible.” On YouTube
There the day I was born. A friend Zaal grew up with, on why he came: “He was there the day I was born.” On YouTube
Questions for myself. A retired chef, asked our One Question: “I don’t have questions for people. I have a lot of questions for myself.” On YouTube
Who is this dude? Correspondent Maceo, on the first time he heard of Zaal: “Who is this dude?” On YouTube
History is an asset. The day before the festival, correspondent Maceo with Zaal and DCoop (@dcoopofficial): “I feel like history is an asset.” On YouTube
After the music.
First time ever in my life. At the afterparty that night, after 25 minutes of live beats: “That was the first time ever in my life.” Beats by @ovenbakedbeats (also @5theyephoto). On YouTube
8 supporters at $178 a month pay for this work, on the way to $1,000 a month. 34 of 150 street interviews are in for One Question, which closes Wed 4 November.
