Lichen's Weekend Musicfest at Tom's Nature Stage celebrating 45 years
Sep 2
2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
"The Woods need music" is a quote I've recently heard that encompasses the vision and also explains the sequence of events in the implementation of combining music with nature and great friends. The vision began through the collaboration of John and Tom B., and then the encouragement to John to come and create/play whatever music whenever he wanted. Here are a few links to John's beginning process playing through the equipment solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTNPi5ueeiQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l6BiwhoDaM . Last year in 2025 was the first annual Musicfest over multiple days which ended on Sunday just short of Lichen, called because of rain Sunday afternoon. The Bluegrass Jam was able to happen before the rain.
The quote I mentioned above are wise words from the landowner himself, Tom B., to whom I must give high praise for all the work he puts into grooming and landscaping this amazing and beautiful property. Some music is performed live during the day, but at night recorded music is sent out through the trees and campfires/bonfire to cement the fun of the day and feel the magical touch of being mesmerized by a fire, simulating a kind-of Ewok village and fading into relaxing with friends. Those that stayed over got to experience this.
JZ & Friends Acoustic Dead with new lights!
So during the day at the Musicfest musicians play live and Friday night, the 21st, The John Zevos Sextet and John Zevos and Friends Acoustic Dead performed. People came and went as they pleased throughout the weekend, camped or RV'd overnights, it was a very relaxed and enjoyable experience. There are also open jam sessions after the specific bands play.
The John Zevos Sextet John Zevos and Friends/Acoustic Dead
the Sextet video of Bossa Bandolim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tikU9JSrVmE
On Saturday the 22nd, Lichen performed exclusively to celebrate 45 years of dedication to playing music together. The songlist was a tribute to the 1973 Watkins Glen Concert and here are the 3 sets.
recording of The Shape I'm In from Lichen Live at Penuche's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGNC8nTBio0&list=RDUGNC8nTBio0&start_radio=1
Wayne sitting in Mark sitting in
There were a few special guests that joined in: Wayne Hughes, Ben Rudnick (don't have a photo of him from this show yet) and Mark Desmarais. As well as another special guest who has played with Lichen in the past but not this day, Tom Windhausen, Charlie's brother (Eileen is in picture with him but not a surprise guest). Wayne is also in the John Zevos Sextet and John Zevos and Friends/Acoustic Dead bands.
Eileen, Tom W. and Skieks Tom W. playing dulcimer At the Circuit Club, Nashua, NH early 80's
To wake up memories and get a more complete picture of the 45 years, I hastily made this collage. Here is a gallery of photos with some close-ups and descriptions:
Lichen 45 year anniversary collage O'D's waitresses extraordinaire! Many friends parties Lichen Tree with actual tree inspiration at Boston Harbor Many tickets for Jack & Jills etc. mix of events Alyssia's fundraiser at Angelo's Lichen and Bo Diddley Dear friends who have passed away
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