Eric Shepherd, OTTO Marketing Director, with OTTO staff at Resurgam
May 10, 2026
From the Arts District to Center Stage: OTTO’s Role in Resurgam’s Rise
When Resurgam kicks off in Portland this summer, one of the biggest forces behind the festival is its Headline Sponsor, OTTO. This marks the fourth consecutive year that OTTO has taken the top sponsorship role. It turns out that as well as crafting some of the city’s finest pizza, music is deeply woven into this organization’s psyche.
“From the very beginning, music has been part of the energy at OTTO,” explains co-founder Mike Keon. He and Anthony Allen opened their first shop in Portland’s Arts District in 2009. Just down the road from the State Theater, it became the go-to spot for music fans, local bands, and the world’s most iconic touring acts.
“We’ve had musicians on staff, fed local and touring bands, and hosted shows,” Mike continues. “It’s always been something we’ve stayed close to. The music in our restaurants isn’t random; it’s something we care a lot about and put real thought into.”
Anthony Allen and Mike Keon
Over the years, OTTO has become a strong supporter of Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAMM), the organizers of Resurgam. “We really believe in what they do. They give young people access to music and help them develop as performers. That kind of work has a real impact on a community.”
The partnership has extended well beyond the Resurgam festival weekend. OTTO donates $1 from every seasonal special pizza sold throughout the year—with proceeds supporting music education organizations in states where OTTO has a footprint: MAMM in Maine, Boston Music Project in Massachusetts, and Portsmouth Arts & Music Center in New Hampshire.
When it comes to Resurgam, Eric encourages audiences to head out for a truly unique weekend of Maine’s creative culture:
“You’ll see everything from young MAMM bands playing great covers and original songs, to artists who’ve grown beyond Maine and are playing at a bigger level,” he says. “There are multiple stages, local food trucks, craft beer, a maker’s market—it really brings a lot of different parts of the creative community together in one place.”
“It’s truly—and unapologetically—a Maine festival,” he concludes. “The artists, the food, the beer, it’s all coming from here. That’s pretty rare and it gives the whole thing a different feel than your typical festival. It doesn’t feel overbuilt or commercial—it still feels connected to the local music community, which is what makes it work.”