Special to the Journal
Howie Newman and Joe Kessler, also known as Knock on Wood, are anything but a typical folk combo, performing well-known rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). Their varied repertoire includes everything from Tom Petty to the Eagles to the Rolling Stones. They may also add a few children’s songs.
No matter what they play, it features excellent musicianship, pleasing vocal harmonies and … lots of fun.
Knock on Wood ( howienewman.com/knockonwood) will be playing a free outdoor concert at the Revere American Legion, 249 Broadway, on Sunday, July 23, 6-8 p.m.
Newman (guitar, harmonica, vocals) is the songwriter and his engaging manner has charmed audiences all over New England. Song topics include modern technology, not-so-graceful aging and his wife’s inability to parallel park.
A former sportswriter for the Boston Globe, Patriot Ledger, Lynn Item and other newspapers, he will also be performing one or two of his many baseball songs, which include “It’s the End of the Curse and We Know It,†an R.E.M. parody.
Kessler, who plays fiddle and mandolin, has an energetic improvisational style that includes folk, rock, jazz and bluegrass. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada as well as eight other countries, performing with Morphine, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the Boogaloo Swamis and many others.
“We’re not the traditional guitar-and-fiddle duo,†says Newman. “Joe and I like to keep things up-tempo, do some rock covers and get the audience involved. The idea is to play some great music and have fun.â€
For more information about Knock on Wood, including videos and music samples, visit www.howienewman.com/knockonwood.
