Reclaim your space and transform your garage into a place that works for your life.
The modern garage is more than storage. With custom cabinets, smart storage, and seamless flooring, PremierGarage transforms garages into organized, functional extensions of the home—designed for everyday living.
Discover what your garage can become.
Spring in Maine is a welcome transition. We shake off the frost, the ground softens, and there's an air of anticipation for the warmer season. It’s the time of year when we don't just spring clean our home, but we get our financial house in order as well.
Often when we hear the word “investment,” our minds go straight to money matters. We think about what things cost. But over time I’ve realized there is a distinct difference between a cost and an investment.
A cost is finite; it’s money gone. But an investment is a seed planted. I truly believe that if something makes you healthier, happier, or more financially fit, it isn't a cost—it’s an investment that pays you back tenfold in the quality of your life.
For our annual Investment issue, we're exploring what it looks like to invest intentionally in ourselves and our community. We sat down with Amelia Dow at Portland Trust Company, who shares with us how women are navigating the complexities of wealth management. Her advice is a reminder that financial fitness isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the freedom and security it provides.
We also looked at how we fuel our daily lives amid a never-ending list of to-dos. Investing in pre-made healthy meals might seem like a luxury until you realize that your health is your most valuable currency. Topset Meals is proving that "eating well" is a strategic investment in your longevity and energy.
And finally, we look at how we're investing socially and culturally in our city with the All Roads Music Festival, a two-day showcase featuring local and national talent that will be expanding to Portland in May.
As you flip through our pages, we encourage you to look at the "portfolio" of your own life. Are you spending, or are you investing? Whether it's your home, your health, or your community, we hope this month kicks off a season that pays you back in all the ways that matter most.
EMILY HARRADON, PUBLISHER @PORTLAND.CITYLIFESTYLE
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson
rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Maritza Hyland | maritza.hyland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lauren Lear
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs
PRESALE:
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 5:00-7:00PM $25 AT THE DOOR SALE:
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 9:00AM - 2:00PM
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 9:00AM - 12:00PM FREE ADMISSION
Since 1989, we've helped thousands look and feel their best, now it's your turn Treat yourself to radiant skin with our most-loved aesthetic treatments and glow-boosting skincare
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Dermaplaning
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Virtue RF
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Chemical Peels
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: A pup and his owner at The Barkery’s grand opening in South Portland. 2: Executive Director Gretchen Johnson speaks at the Center for Grieving Children’s annual LOVE Gala. 3: Julianna Deschenes, Jordan Nugent, Maddy Jarvis, and Anastasia Emerson celebrate Galentine’s with PCG at Maine Aesthetic Med. 4: Lost & Found, Maine’s largest vintage pop-up market, featuring more than 100 vendors. 5: Seven-member ensemble Forêt Endormie performs at Mechanics’ Hall. 6: C. Skin Co. celebrates one year in Scarborough with a ribbon cutting. 7: Guests networking at Portland Greendrinks’ February event at Local 188.
If pain, stiffness, or inflammation are slowing you down, there’s now a better way to heal. SoftWave Therapy uses breakthrough technology to activate your body’s own stem cells and natural repair process—helping you recover faster, move easier, and avoid surgery.
needles. No downtime. A fraction of the cost of other stem cell treatments.
SoftWave may help you:
• Reduce chronic pain
• Restore mobility and flexibility
• Calm inflammation
• Accelerate true tissue regeneration
Don’t settle for temporary relief. Discover what’s possible when your body starts healing itself.
Astraea Spa at The Longfellow is expanding its wellness offerings this season. New additions include a results-driven Signature O2 Facial featuring advanced oxygen technology, a lineup of 30-minute targeted treatment rituals for focused restoration, and customizable massage and facial enhancements designed to deepen relaxation. The spa is also introducing Luzern’s Swiss Alpine Organics skincare line, offering clean, seaweed- and nut-free options for sensitive guests.
Active Chiropractic in Saco offers SoftWave Regenerative Therapy, a highly effective and non-invasive treatment that uses therapeutic shockwaves to decrease inflammation, boost circulation, break up scar tissue, and support the body’s natural healing processes. The therapy is designed to relieve pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, shoulder and knee pain, muscle tension, sprains, and strains without medications or surgery. Learn more at activechiropractor.com.
Designed to build healthy habits in a fun, achievable way, the Let’s Go! Move More Challenge helps families prioritize movement together by encouraging kids to be physically active for at least one hour a day for 20 or more days. Complete the challenge and earn a free ticket to a 2026 Portland Sea Dogs game at Delta Dental Park with opportunities for a pre-game parade and firstpitch drawing.
Chérie is a new French-inspired neighborhood bistro opening at 249 Congress Street this spring. Led by chefs Melody Medina and Quinn Williams, the menu will feature seasonal dishes like steak frites, roast chicken, house-made pâtés, fresh breads, and pastries, alongside a thoughtful wine and cocktail program. The cozy new spot aims to become a go-to gathering place for relaxed dinners and lingering evenings in the West End.
Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is introducing IV Vitamin Therapy to bring a new level of wellness to the Portland community. IV drips deliver vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and offering immediate availability with 100% absorption and minimal waste. This efficient, targeted approach supports energy, hydration, recovery, and overall vitality, making it a powerful complement to both aesthetic treatments and everyday wellness.
Scan to read more
Dirigo Reads is a statewide, volunteer-run organization that believes every child deserves the opportunity for a successful future. Their mission is to provide a new book to first graders in Maine public schools every month of the school year. To date, Dirigo Reads has served students in more than 100 schools across Maine’s 16 counties, providing more than 3,500 kids—roughly one-third of all Maine first graders—with new books.
Portland Trust Company is a Maine non-depository trust company focused exclusively on wealth management and fiduciary services. We work with individuals and families, nonprofits, and local governments. We do everything the giant financial services organizations do while providing local and accessible attention to your specific needs.
It’s more than just a name. Portland Trust Company is the only financial institution in the state with “Portland” as its namesake. We love our hometown as much as you do! This is more than a place of business for us; this is our home and our way of life. It’s our promise to treat you as more than a client, but as a friend and neighbor.
Our customer experience is “real,” like walking next door to borrow some sugar or eggs. We’ve created a home for our clients and their assets—managing their money, their lives, and their futures—with peace of mind knowing that we are a fully regulated financial institution. Together, we embrace our Maine way of life.
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
coworkHERS coworkhers.com
Cloudport Coworking cloudportme.com
SoPoCo.Works sopoco.works
The Wave www.waveportland.com
Think Tank Coworking www.thinktankcoworking.com
Kristeen Smith / Acadia Lending Group mainemortgage.com/team-member/kristeen-smith | 207.653.6267
Marc Crocker / Bangor Savings Bank www.bangor.com/personal-banking/borrowing/mortgages/find-a-mortgagelender/marc-crocker/ | 207.632.4337
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Cynthia Veroneau / New American Funding www.newamericanfunding.com/mortgage-loans/cynthiaveroneau | 207.712.3598
Bruce Roullard / Embrace Home Loans www.embracehomeloans.com/location/maine/portland/bruce-roullard | 207.671.1679
Scott Sarapas / Androscoggin Bank www.androscogginbank.com/mortgage/mortgage-team/ | 207.518.6308
A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.
• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.
• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).
• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!
• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!
• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)
• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.
They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.
EGGPLANT:
Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.
Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)
Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.
Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.
To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.
These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.
With more wealth than ever within reach, women are reshaping the future of financial leadership
In what Portland Trust Company’s Amelia Dow calls a “crazy point of history,” women are poised to control more wealth than ever before. “It depends what study you look at,” she says, “but it’s in the trillions of dollars.” Economists have dubbed it the Great Wealth Transfer: over the next two decades, baby boomers are expected to pass down tens of trillions in assets—and a significant portion of that money will land in women’s hands, whether through inheritance, longevity, or their own rising earnings.
For Dow, who works closely with trust clients, the shift is already visible. “Historically, with baby boomers and a little bit of Generation X… women in the household weren’t expected to know about money,” she explains. “Women also weren’t typically out earning their own money.” What some interpret as a lingering misconception about women and investing, she sees instead as a societal evolution. “I’m not so sure it’s a misconception as much as it really is societal. Historically, the role for women with money has evolved and changed.”
In her practice, these changes often show up in deeply personal ways. Many clients are widowed baby boomers navigating financial decision-making on their own for the first time. “This is the first time that they’re having access or involved in financial decisions,” she says. But it’s not just older women stepping into new roles. Younger women are earning more, attaining higher levels of education, and moving into leadership positions. “Education has become more accessible to women. Jobs and leadership positions are more accessible to women. They’re getting paid more. We’re still not where we need to be in terms of equality… but that is helping.”
Dow has observed notable differences in how women approach investing—differences that can be strengths. “Women are typically more patient with investing,” she says.
“Many of them are more analytical. They ask a lot more questions about why we’re doing what we’re doing.” While she’s careful not to overgeneralize, Dow finds that curiosity and long-term thinking often serve women well. And in younger generations, the information gap is narrowing. “Our youngest investors ask so many questions—and we love that. It’s because information is available in a way never before.”
She often compares financial relationships to other professional partnerships. Some clients are comfortable trusting an expert’s guidance; others want to research, Google, and arrive armed with questions. “It’s really not that different from the other professionals that you work with,” Dow says. The key is finding your comfort zone and a trusted partner.
Another area where women are shaping the investment landscape is values-based investing. “Women do tend to be far more interested” in aligning portfolios with personal beliefs, she notes. From avoiding tobacco to supporting gender equity or sustainable energy, investors increasingly want their money to reflect their priorities. Years ago, such funds were niche and often
“WE’RE IN THIS CRAZY POINT OF HISTORY WHERE MORE MONEY IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO WOMEN THAN EVER BEFORE—IT’S IN THE TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”
underperformed. Today, they’re mainstream and more sophisticated. Rather than excluding industries and ending up with an unbalanced portfolio,” Dow now takes an inclusionary approach: “If a client comes to me and says, ‘I want a gender-neutral portfolio,’ then I go out and look for what I can add in.”
As unprecedented wealth moves into women’s hands, the stakes—and the opportunities—are enormous. Many inheritors, she notes, “have never ever had money before.” The moment calls for curiosity, confidence, and community.
Her wish for the next generation? It’s simple. “Start early,” she says. “Open a Roth IRA as soon as you can.” And above all: “Ask the questions and find trusted partners to help you in the same way that you would find a trusted attorney, a trusted doctor, a trusted accountant.” Because in this new era of investing, women aren’t just participants— they’re poised to lead.
On any given Monday, while much of Portland is still asleep, Noah Tranten is already deep into his day. By 4 a.m., he’s in the kitchen, cooking vegetables and setting the pace for a day that will stretch late into the night. By the time he finishes plating meals, locking up, and heading home, it’s often after 9 p.m. The next day brings deliveries. Then menu planning. Then sourcing. Then prep. Then cooking hundreds of pounds of meat. And then, he does it all again.
“It sounds freaking crazy when you say it out loud,” he admits. “But I’ve been doing it for a long time now.”
Topset Meals, Tranten’s heat-and-eat meal service company, approaches its 10-year mark this year. It’s a milestone built without advertising budgets or outside investment, but through consistency, word of mouth, and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way. Of course, Tranten isn’t doing it entirely alone. Over the years, he’s built a small, loyal team—including his partner Amanda—that plates, preps, delivers, and helps keep the operation moving each week.
Ten years ago, there was no polished pitch deck or mapped-out growth strategy. There was simply frustration Tranten couldn’t shake. He graduated from the University of New England with a degree in exercise science, imagining a future in strength coaching at the highest level. “What they don’t tell you,” he says, “is that you either go to PA school or get your doctorate or you try to figure something else out.” Without the resources to pursue more schooling, he started training clients and quickly noticed a disconnect. People were working hard in the gym, but their nutrition told a different story. “I’d have them do food diaries and I’d think, you guys are grown adults,” he says, laughing. “You’re having frozen breakfast sandwiches and protein bars all day.”
CONTINUED >
Food had always been central to Tranten’s life. His family owned what was once the largest independent grocery store in New England. His father worked there for 45 years while his mother ran food operations at the University of Maine Farmington for decades. After school, Tranten and his siblings were dropped off at the store and allowed to choose whatever they wanted for dinner as long as they cooked it themselves. “I was eating like royalty,” he says. “But I was cooking everything.”
In college, he brought a rice cooker and an electric griddle into his dorm room (technically against the rules).
He would hang the griddle partly out the window so he could cook chicken or burgers without setting off the smoke alarm. On weekends, he packed his dorm with friends and cooked breakfast for everyone. Feeding people felt natural. It also felt meaningful.
So when personal training started to feel limiting, Tranten pivoted. He began cooking meals for a few clients to bridge the gap between workouts and results. They loved it. Word spread. He made more. In the early days, he’d pack up unlabeled Tupperwares and head to barber shops and gyms, handing out meals like edible business cards. “I’d tell them, ‘I think I’m going to start a meal service. Let me know what you think.’”
from a friend who owned a taxi company. It was scrappy and barely compliant. It worked—that is, until his landlord discovered the operation.
The next move was into a shared kitchen at Woodfords Club with a friend running a food truck, where Tranten learned how little he actually knew about cooking at scale. “I didn’t know how to cook in volume,” he says. “I’d just watch how stations were set up, how food was stored. I was always in the way.” He learned by observation, absorbing rhythm and process from more experienced chefs.
Then that space shut down after a fire department visit revealed the kitchen lacked a proper hood system. Suddenly, he had nowhere to cook. So he went outside.
“I love being able to be a part of so many people’s lives that I haven’t even met yet.”
— Noah Tranten
For nearly three years, Tranten grilled and cooked under pop-up tents through Maine winters. “It could be pouring rain. We could be having a nor’easter. Easy-ups collapsing on top of me,” he says. He strung up Christmas lights so he could see at night. He kept going because stopping was not an option. “I’m an incredibly stubborn individual,” he says. “Once I find something that I really like, I just really love it.”
Topset’s first “commercial kitchen” was actually the dining room of Tranten’s Park Ave apartment. He gutted it, bought folding tables from Sam’s Club, hauled Craigslist refrigerators up the stairs, and got to work. Deliveries were handled with help
That stubbornness has defined Topset’s growth. The company has never spent money on advertising. Every new customer has come through word of mouth. “My dad always said pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered,” Tranten says. “You can be the hog who’s always wanting more and more and more, and it won’t work out. Or you can grow slowly and organically.”
He chose slow. Not because he lacks ambition, but because he refuses to sacrifice quality. The weekly menu changes constantly. Garnishes are chopped just before plating so they stay fresh. Proteins are handled carefully. Sauces are made from scratch. Tranten personally writes the menus, calculates the macros, and types up the descriptions, often finishing late at night. “I’m absurdly Type A,” he admits. “I want everything from A to Z to be presented to the absolute best of my ability.”
That level of involvement comes at a cost. Sundays are meat days, with six to eight hundred pounds of protein cooked for the week. Tuesdays stretch late into the night as he writes the next menu. Wednesdays and Saturdays have recently been devoted to building out Topset’s new permanent space, much of it done by hand because hiring everything out was not financially possible. It is, by any measure, an enormous investment of time and energy.
But for Tranten, the work is less about productivity and more about purpose. “I love being able to be a part of so many people’s lives that I haven’t even met yet,” he says. Food, he believes, is deeply personal. It builds connection in ways few other things can.
Tranten is candid about why people struggle to nourish themselves consistently. “We’re so motivated and scared of not working enough,” he says. “We say we don’t have the time.” Then he smiles. “Everyone has the time.”
He understands the barriers. Cooking takes effort. Cleaning takes effort. Fast food is convenient and satisfying in the moment. But he believes many people underestimate how dramatically better they could feel with consistent nourishment.
CONTINUED >
“Once you get a taste of what it feels like to feel good, that’s a turning point,” he says. “You only have one body. You deserve to treat it a certain way.” Watching his father navigate stage two Parkinson’s has sharpened that perspective. “It’s a blessing that we have a body capable of a lot more than we use it for,” he says. “At some point, you don’t want to look back and say, I wish I took better care of myself.”
As someone currently navigating life as a postpartum mom, I can attest to that firsthand. On days when cooking feels like an Olympic sport and sleep is in short supply, having Topset meals in the fridge has meant eating something genuinely delicious instead of whatever’s quickest. The convenience is real, and so is the quality.
With Topset celebrating its 10-year milestone and preparing to move into a fully built-out space of its own, Tranten’s definition of success hasn’t changed much. It isn’t about how many meals are sold. It isn’t about scaling to multiple cities. It’s about the emails, the quiet thank-yous, the customers who say the food helped them through a chaotic stretch of life.
“The level of support,” he says softly. “That’s what means the most.”
Ten years in, the mornings are still early. The days are still long. The standards are still high. But the energy remains the same as it was in that dining room kitchen: Cook good food. Do it consistently. Take care of people. Trust that the investment—in time, in energy, in health—will compound.
“It’s super hard,” Tranten says. “But it’s rewarding beyond any type of measurement.”
How a homegrown music festival became a platform for Maine talent to grow
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
| PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALL ROADS MUSIC FESTIVAL
In 2015, when Josh Gass and his co-founder Meg Shorette launched what would become the All Roads Music Festival, there wasn’t a master plan for an 11-year run, an expansion into Portland, or a brand recognized across Maine’s music community. There was simply an opportunity and a belief that local music deserved a bigger stage.
“Meg and I started the festival in 2015,” Gass recalls. At the time, the pair had been working on another Bangor-area event that was winding down when a group in Belfast approached them. The community had grown attached to a spring festival called Free Range, and when it ended, there was a void. “They asked us if we’d be interested in bringing something to replace that festival,” he says. All Roads was born that May in Belfast, modeled loosely on the footprint of its predecessor but reimagined with a sharper focus. “We sort of turned it into a festival that really highlighted local music and really made it about featuring some of the best artists working in the state at any given time,” Gass says. The first year featured roughly 15 acts in an intimate, exploratory experience that required a leap of faith. “People didn’t really know what to expect,” he says. The tone was set quickly that this would be a festival built around artists, not just headliners. Over the next decade, it grew to more than 30 performers across multiple venues and days in Belfast, with this year marking a significant expansion into Portland.
While the footprint has grown, the mission hasn’t drifted far from its roots. If anything, it has been clarified. For Gass, investing in a music scene isn’t primarily about money, it’s about creating space. He remembers the first year vividly, especially a makeshift artist lounge next to Belfast’s Colonial Theatre. “Artists are coming in and hanging out, and every time there’s a new artist arriving, everybody in the lounge is so excited to see them,” he says.
What they stumbled upon was something intangible but powerful: connection. “So many of these musicians know each other,” he explains. “But what they don’t have is shared time to be in the same space at the same time—not only just sharing a bill, but literally having an opportunity to hang out and watch each other perform.” That shared time became one of the festival’s greatest returns on investment. Artists began to see All Roads not just as a gig, but as a gathering. “It ended up becoming one of the most driving forces behind the success of the festival,” Gass says. And when artists are energized, audiences benefit. “Because the artists are having such a great time… their performances are great,” he says. “The audiences win too.”
The curation of the festival is constant and deliberate. Throughout the year, the team pays attention to who is performing, who is touring, and who is quietly building momentum. Artists can reach out directly, but Gass offers simple advice: “The best thing that you can be doing right now is just performing and doing your thing, because we are actively looking for that.” Importantly, filling a 500-capacity room isn’t the metric. “We are just looking for artists that turn our heads that are out there doing work and showing themselves off,” he says.
CONTINUED >
“Seeing that excitement on an audience member or artist’s face… it makes me feel like we’re doing something I can feel proud of.”
Over the years, that approach has allowed artists to grow within the festival itself, starting on smaller stages and graduating to headlining slots. Gass points to the rock band Rigometrics, which moved from an opening-party set to headlining within a few years.
“We are so happy to be a part of supporting them as they are on their journey,” he says. That kind of longitudinal support reflects a deeper investment philosophy to create platforms that evolve alongside the artists who use them.
The decision to expand into Portland was a natural next step. While Belfast has served as a travel-in showcase, Portland is undeniably the heart of Maine’s music scene. “It’s where the vast majority of the artists that we deal with are based,” Gass notes. Still, growth comes with careful guardrails. The Portland edition may include larger national acts, but the internal mandate to keep local representation strong remains clear. “It was extremely important to us that we gave opportunities for some of these local artists to be on main stages next to nationally touring artists,” Gass says..
Risk, of course, is inherent in any festival.
“Festivals are always a risk because you don’t fully know what you’re going to end up with on the other end of it,” Gass says. “You’re telling everybody to come to this big party basically like, trust us, it’s going to be a great time.”
The initial financial investment was small, but the personal leap was significant. “It was a big risk for us to say, ‘Hey, let’s try this out and see what happens,’” he says.
What happened was a community responding. Maine’s longstanding “buy local” ethos extends naturally into the arts, and All Roads tapped into that. Gass recalls a moment from the first year that crystallized the festival’s spirit: a woman in her late seventies or eighties lining up to see a hiphop set. She tapped his festival badge and told him it would be her first rap performance ever. “Only in the right kind of community can you find that,” he says. That willingness to try something new, to trust the curators, and to support neighbors is perhaps Maine’s greatest cultural asset.
Beyond the festival itself, Gass points to organizations like the Maine Music Alliance, which advocates for independent venues and artists, particularly in the wake of pandemic-era challenges. He also highlights emerging initiatives such as LEAF, a One Longfellow Square-supported program offering workshops and professional development for young artists. Support, he emphasizes, must be ongoing and organized. “We need to continue to look at different ways for artists and venues to come together and connect,” he says.
When asked what feels like the most meaningful return on his own investment over the past decade, Gass doesn’t cite ticket numbers or growth metrics. Instead, he describes fans who mark the festival on their calendars
every year, who travel to attend, who recount favorite performances from years past. “Seeing that excitement on either an audience member or artist's face… it makes me feel like, okay, we’re doing something that I can feel proud of at the end of the day,” he says.
In an issue devoted to investment, All Roads offers a reminder that not every return fits neatly on a balance sheet. Sometimes the yield is cultural—a stronger creative network, a risk taken on a new sound, a shared weekend that reminds a community who it is. What began as a small spring experiment in Belfast has grown into something more enduring: a festival that doesn’t just showcase Maine’s music scene, but actively invests in keeping it alive.
All Roads Music Festival expands in 2026 with two distinct Maine experiences. The inaugural Portland edition takes place May 15–16, bringing nationally touring headliners and a strong lineup of local artists to multiple venues across the Arts District. The beloved Belfast festival shifts to a fall showcase, happening October 16–17, and will continue its tradition of spotlighting predominantly Mainebased musicians in an intimate, travel-in weekend format. Both festivals maintain All Roads’ artist-forward approach, placing emerging local acts alongside established performers and encouraging discovery across genres. Lineups, ticket details, and artist submissions can be found at allroadsmusicfest.com. Save the Date: All Roads 2026
G H
Enjoy this simple, flavorful food for the soul. ‘Po modoro’ means tomato in Italian, and that’s what this dish is - a fresh tomato sauce with basil, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced
• 1 lb fresh tomatoes, halved or chopped (I use garden cherry tomatoes if in season or Roma tomatoes are a good choice)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 basil sprigs, divided
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated, divided
• 1 Tbsp butter
1. Heat medium-size Dutch Oven or large skillet over medium heat then add extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot, add chopped onion then saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add fresh garlic and saute until golden but not brown, another 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of sugar then simmer on medium-low for 20-25 minutes. Stir and press the tomatoes against the bottom and sides of the pan to make saucier. If sauce begins to pop too much, turn down even further. (If sauce starts to thicken too much add pasta water as needed.)
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta and season generously with salt.
4. When sauce is almost ready, add fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces, plus butter, remaining salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Add more salt to taste if needed.
5. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente then transfer it to the sauce pot with tongs to finish cooking directly in the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to cook pasta all the way and to keep it saucy.
6. Toss pasta and sauce with 1/2 Parmesan cheese. Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.
One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drive-thru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.
An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.
2025-26 SEASON MERRILL AUDITORIUM
APRIL 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
ECKART PREU MUSIC DIRECTOR CHORALART
Bach Mass in B minor
Considered to be the summation of all the composer’s works—if not his greatest— Bach’s Mass in B minor is nothing short of a masterpiece. Full of lush harmonies and intricate orchestra lines, it magnificently weaves together orchestra and vocalists to create a sublimely transcendent work.
APRIL 1ST-26TH
Our Town
Portland Stage
A Pulitzer Prize-winning classic about small town life, Our Town premiered in 1938, went on to Broadway productions and revivals, and is commonly assigned in English classes across America. Set in the fictional village of Grover’s Corners, the play follows the everyday moments of two families as they grow up, fall in love, and confront life’s fleeting beauty.
APRIL 3RD
Bayside Bowl | 8:00 PM
Get ready to groove to the laid-back, rootsy sounds of Rose Alley—New England’s premier Jerry Garcia Band tribute—at this all-ages live show. Expect extended jams, rich harmonies, and the soulful spirit of Garcia’s music brought to life by Maine scene veterans in a high-energy yet relaxed setting.
APRIL 11TH
Annual Book Arts Bazaar
USM McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success | 10:00 AM
This unique gathering showcases the talents of regional book artists, papermakers, bookbinders, printmakers, educators, and writers, all coming together to share their passion for contemporary book arts. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of handmade books, artisan paper products, and unique prints, making it the perfect place to find thoughtful gifts and engage in meaningful conversations.
KELLER WILLIAMS MAINE LUXURY AGENT
Yasmine Habash works with presence, process and performance for a customized personal experience. Each client brings a unique goal. Whether a first time home buyer, an investor building for future generations, or someone looking to create wealth in their community today, Yasmine brings a worldly understanding to real estate investment in Maine. All is possible.
Yasmine is Arab-American, was born in the Middle East, and also has Maine family roots dating to the 1800’s. Having lived in various parts of the world, she knows what starting fresh looks like, and the importance of returning to a home where family and community have sustained.
Reach out for coffee and conversation!
yasminehabash@kw.com
207-200-8828
V @Yasmine.In.Maine
CONTINUED
APRIL 19TH
MANILOW: The Last Portland Concert
Cross Insurance Arena | 7:00 PM
Music icon Barry Manilow takes the stage for his final Portland concert, bringing decades of chart-topping hits and unmistakable showmanship with him. From “Mandy” to “Copacabana,” expect a night of nostalgia, powerhouse vocals, and sing-along moments as the legendary performer bids farewell to local fans in unforgettable style.
APRIL 19TH
"There’s Always an Angle (&)" Mobile Photography Workshop
Maine Jewish Museum | 2:00 PM
In this hands-on mobile photography workshop, local artist Hedva Rokach guides you to see beyond the plate, exploring light, perspective, and storytelling with just your smartphone. Using simple food setups and mindful observation, you’ll learn how everyday moments become compelling visual narratives. No prior experience necessary.
APRIL 25TH
7th Annual Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl
Fore Play Sports Pub | 3:00 PM
Grab your taco tokens and crawl map, then hop between spots to enjoy signature tacos, discounted margaritas, tequila shots, ice-cold beers, live DJ beats, and good vibes all afternoon long. Whether you go VIP for extra tacos, early entry, and swag or keep it classic, this is a tasty way to explore Portland’s drink and food scene with friends.
