ZEST: ZACC Fest, a new take on a classic fundraiser for one of Missoula’s beloved non-profits, took place Downtown on Saturday, Mar. 29. Zootown Arts Community Center’s fundraiser featured live auctions, performances from local and well known musicians, comedy, dancing, and more.
The event possessed an intimate, open-house-like atmosphere, and attendees were free to roam throughout the ZACC’s downtown location. This differed from the ZACC’s old fundraiser, the “Mini Show,” which utilized the classic, and some would say tired, fundraiser format of a sit down dinner and auction.
In past years, the Mini Show was held all over Missoula: in a basement on the Northside, at the Wilma, Ten Spoon Winery, and, last year, at the fairgrounds. “To keep it fresh this year, we created ZEST and brought the Mini Show home to Front Street,” said Matt Simms, the ZACC’s Education Manager.
This year’s format felt much livelier, more energetic, and was truly a reflection of the spirit of the Missoula arts community.
“It felt like a giant party with too much going on, in the best way possible,” said Simms. “Something was happening in every room; we were all excited to host, and friends and supporters of the ZACC gave their time and talents to everything from music to comedy to tattoos to haircuts and live art-making.”
Indeed, the ZACC’s two floors were filled with activities ranging from fifteen minute haircuts to a tattoo parlor set up in an upstairs office to live art being created in real time by local artists. Periodically, various performances would be announced, which happened either on the ZACC’s official stage in ‘the Show Room’ or on an unofficial stage in the playground area.
A number of dancers took to the stage and floor, notably internationally known Quentin Robinson (AKA SpecialFX), with his unique style and jerky yet smooth movements. Ballet Beyond Borders, a local organization, also performed.
The highlight of the night may have been Deaf Charlie, Missoula legends Jeff Ament and John Wick’s band.
“Deaf Charlie! I had no idea they were so good,” said MC Jenni, a Missoula native in attendance. Deaf Charlie’s performance was followed by late night dancing. “The DJ was amazing. I haven’t partied like that in a long time,” said Jenni.
Overall, the event was a major success. All proceeds went to supporting the wonderful work the ZACC does for the Missoula community, and said community showed up in full support.
“From high school kids to former employees, we had more volunteers than we had jobs for and the ZACC issued over 250 tickets,” said Simms. “It was exciting to see so many people having so much fun wherever you looked. I can hardly wait to do it all again next year.”
