Musicians rocked it at masterful Gully Oven concert

Eight-year-old Alan Vaughn of Farmington watches the concert while atop the knee of his dad, Jeff Vaughn. (Lebanon Voice photos).

WEST LEBANON - Ole Bull would've been proud.

The unique acoustics of the natural amphitheater at Gully Oven resonated in sublime fashion on Monday as a group of musicians treated more than 100 guests to a concert for the ages.

The concert was part of the celebration of Lebanon's 250^th birthday party bash organized by Lebanon Historical Society Chair Nancy Wyman, who said she was thrilled with the turnout at the former Indian hiding place and burial ground.

The concert was led by maestro Milt Jackson, who performed at the dedication of the Gully Oven Park a couple of years ago.

Jackson, an accomplished musician and teacher, brought several of his music students to accompany him, making for a concert that conjured images of famed 19^th-century Norwegian virtuoso violinist Ole Bull, who often fiddled in Gully Oven during his time spent in Lebanon when he owned a home on Shapleigh Road.

Milt Jackson leads musicians during a concert in Gully Oven Park in West Lebanon on Monday afternoon.

Jackson, along with 15 young and talented musicians on the violin, cello and keyboard, played patriotic and old-time favorite music as scores of onlookers ringed the rock summit surrounding the natural amphitheater that is the cavernous Gully Oven.

Many brought lawn chairs and perched precariously about the cliffs listening and tapping their toes as their children and grandchildren roamed the nearby woods.

Lebanon Selectman Paul Nadeau, who watched from the top of the steps down to the Oven, agreed it was a great day for Lebanon.

The final day of Lebanon's four-day festival concludes today with a picnic at Skydive New England from Noon-3 p.m.

Folks are invited to bring a picnic lunch or enjoy a meal at the venue's restaurant The Ripcord Café. There will be games for kids and adults and a free ice cream social.