KNOCK ON WOOD

Knock on Wood is a high-energy acoustic folk-rock duo, featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman on guitar, lead vocals and harmonica.

Howie is joined by Joe Kessler, Dave Talmage or Josh Berlin, three of the top fiddlers in the area. They also sing backup vocals. Joe and Dave play the mandolin.

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The duo performs Classic Rock covers (list below) and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). It's a very lively show with great musicianship, nice vocal harmonies and a little humor here and there.

When appropriate, they play a few children's songs and music for senior citizens.

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About Howie Newman
www.howienewman.com

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One of the most engaging performers on the local music circuit, Howie combines music, comedy and audience participation to provide a truly unique entertainment experience.

His amusing compositions are up-tempo and catchy, and he keeps things lively with funny between-songs banter and short comedy bits.

Howie has opened for Tom Paxton, Vance Gilbert, Brewer & Shipley, Pure Prairie League, Bill Staines, Lui Collins, Don White, Modern Man and many others.

He has released seven CDs, receiving national airplay on National Public Radio and the Midnight Special as well as dozens of other North American outlets. His music has also been aired in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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About Joe Kessler

Joe Kessler, who plays fiddle and mandolin, has an energetic improvisational style that includes folk, rock, jazz and bluegrass. He is also an outstanding backup vocalist.

Joe has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada as well as eight other countries. He has performed with Morphine, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the Boogaloo Swamis and many others.

Joe has played in bands that headlined at the Montreal Jazz Festival and Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Locally, he has appeared at the Paradise Rock Club and the New England Americana Festival.

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About Dave Talmage

Dave Talmage is a talented and versatile performer who plays fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and a host of other instruments.  He is also a fine lead and backup vocalist.

Well-versed in many types of music, Dave lends his unique style to country, folk, rock, Irish, blues and jazz.

He was the long-running host of the Stone Church Bluegrass Jam and Lonesome Lunch, weekly events that were community hot spots and musical gems.

Dave is a past winner of the Tennessee Songwriters Competition and runner-up in New England Banjo Championship.

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About Josh Berlin

Josh Berlin, an outstanding fiddle player and vocalist, has been entertaining audiences in the Boston area for more than 20 years.

With a sound ranging from country and Americana to folk-rock and blues, Josh brings passion, energy and spontaneity to his playing.

A longtime member of the Americana band Loose Change, Josh has also toured with the Matt Michienzie Band.

He currently plays with the Innocents and Buddy V's Black Wing Revue. Josh’s varied performances  include many iconic local venues such The Middle East, as well as clubs in New York City.​​