November 11, 2026 | By Noah Fishman
Zenbarn co-founders Marlena Tucker-Fishman, spouse Noah Fishman and his brother, Ari Fishman. Courtesy photo
Ten years ago, I along with my brother Ari and my spouse Marlena, set out to transform an old dairy barn next to where Ari and I grew up into a gathering place for music, food, art and community.
A decade later, that little barn has become something far bigger than we ever imagined.
Since opening in 2016, Zenbarn has grown into one of Vermont’s beloved independent music venues and community gathering spaces, hosting thousands of concerts, weddings, celebrations, and events that have brought people together from across Vermont and beyond.
This weekend, Nov. 14-15, Zenbarn invites the community to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special lineup of live music, dancing, wellness, and a whole lot of gratitude.
Ten years, countless memories
We’ve been through it all. Hundreds of weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays and celebrations. We’ve watched people meet here, fall in love, and get married here. We’ve welcomed some of our musical heroes to our stage and watched small local bands grow into nationally touring acts. We’ve had our hearts broken, and we’ve had our hearts burst with joy.
Over the past decade, Zenbarn has welcomed artists from around the world while remaining deeply rooted in Vermont’s local music scene. It has become a place where friendships are formed, generations connect, and community comes alive.
We've served many meals, shaken a lot of hands, and given a lot of hugs. We made it through the pandemic, navigating more challenges than we can count, and came out the other side with an even deeper appreciation for this place and the people who make it special.
Along the way, the Zenbarn story has expanded beyond music, as we’ve branched out with hemp and cannabis businesses through Zenbarn Farms, carrying forward our commitments to community, sustainability and social responsibility.
But through all the changes, the mission has remained remarkably consistent. One of the greatest lessons has been understanding the power of a third space — somewhere outside of home and work where people can come together, connect, express themselves, and feel like they belong. That’s what Zenbarn has always been about. Music is the heartbeat, but community is the soul.
Nurturing Vermont's independent music scene
Zenbarn’s 10-year milestone comes at a particularly challenging moment for Vermont’s independent music community. The recent closures of beloved Burlington institutions like Nectar’s and Radio Bean underscore just how difficult it can be to sustain independent cultural spaces — and how much communities stand to lose when they disappear.
Seeing places like Nectar’s and Radio Bean close has been heartbreaking. These weren’t just bars or music venues — they were cultural institutions that helped shape Vermont’s creative identity. They gave artists a place to grow, brought people from all walks of life together, and created countless memories. We know firsthand how hard it is to keep a place like this going, and we have tremendous respect for everyone who has dedicated their lives to making these spaces possible.
For Zenbarn, reaching 10 years is both an accomplishment and a renewed commitment to the future because independent venues are more than businesses. They’re part of the social fabric of our communities. We’ve had our share of challenges, but we believe more strongly than ever in the importance of keeping these spaces alive.
It was especially rewarding for Zenbarn to get recognized as Best Small Live Music Venue in the 2024 and 2025 Seven Daysies contests, a testament from the broader community that Zenbarn serves as a vibrant hub of Vermont’s independent music and cultural scene.
We’re committed to finding creative ways to make Zenbarn sustainable and thriving for the next generation of musicians, artists, and community members.
That solidarity is woven into the anniversary festivities ahead, including a special appearance by DJ Taka in a nod to Zenbarn’s friends at Radio Bean and the creative community they helped foster.
We want Saturday’s celebration to be about the people who've made Zenbarn what it is — the musicians, the artists, our staff, our friends, and the thousands of people who have walked through these doors. This is our chance to say thank you, celebrate what we've built together, and get excited about what comes next.
Saturday Zenniversary
Saturday night will be a celebration of music, movement, wellness, art, and connection, featuring some of Zenbarn’s favorite local artists and friends. The lineup includes a special performance from Matt Hagen's Classy Boss, featuring guest musicians, along with DJ Taka, bridging dance music in tribute to the spirit of Vermont's independent music scene. Zenbarn's wellness studio will be offering experiences led by Kat DeAngelis, including sound healing and opportunities to relax, recharge and connect throughout the evening.
Expect dancing, art, community, creativity, and a few surprises along the way. To make the celebration particularly accessible, Saturday tickets start at just $10, with early-bird pricing and additional ticket tiers increasing as each allotment sells out. Capacity is limited, and advance tickets are strongly encouraged.
Sunday: The Suitcase Junket with Caitlin Canty
Sunday’s event is the long-awaited Zenbarn debut of The Suitcase Junket, joined by special guest Caitlin Canty.
Known for his wildly inventive one-man-band performances, unconventional instruments, and captivating songwriting, The Suitcase Junket — the musical project of Matt Lorenz — has been on Zenbarn’s wish list for years. His performance will highlight the release of his new album, “To Go On.”
If you’re unfamiliar, know that Lorenz is a true original — the kind of musician who reminds you why live music is so magical. Having him here to close out our anniversary weekend feels just right.
To the next 10 years
While the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable decade, the Zenbarn team also sees it as the beginning. Ten years ago, we never could have imagined all the stories that would unfold inside this old barn — the friendships, the celebrations, the music, the challenges, and the incredible people we’ve met along the way.
More than anything, this weekend is about gratitude. We’re still here because our community has supported us for 10 years. Zenbarn belongs to this community, and we’re committed to keeping it alive and thriving for the next 10.
Weekend details
Doors open at 7 for Saturday’s celebration; music at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $10 with early-purchase pricing.
On Sunday, doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. with The Suitcase Junket’s record release of “To Go On” with special guest Caitlin Canty.
Zenbarn is located at 179 Guptil Road in Waterbury. Tickets and Information online at zenbarnvt.com.
Noah Fishman of Waterbury is a co-founder and co-owner of Zenbarn.