KNOCK ON WOOD

Acoustic folk-rock duo

"They are highly accomplished musicians with a sound that is dynamic and delightful. As people, they are warm and genuine."                                   

                      Marilynn Rea Beyer

                                Former on-air host, WUMB-FM

Howie and Steve Latanision

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 or Steve Latanision, two of the top fiddlers in the area. They also play mandolin and sing backup vocals.

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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 six CDs, receiving national airplay on National Public Radio and the Midnight Special as well as dozens of other North American outlets.

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About Joe Kessler

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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.

About Steve Latanision

The versatile Steve Latanision will also be joining Howie
for Knock on Wood shows.

Steve has been playing bluegrass, Irish, Americana, folk,
jazz, and country music in the New England area for
the past 25 years, and has appeared on more than 200
albums.

A Berklee graduate, he plays fiddle, mandolin, pedal
and lap steel, banjo, dobro and guitar, and sings
backup vocals.

Steve has performed with many local musicians and
bands, including The Squeezebox Stompers, Matt
Borrello, Ashley Jordon and Lonesome Jukebox.

“What a delightful show! Their engaging performance had our feet tapping and our youngsters dancing. From covers of early rock ‘n roll favorites to humorous and touching original works, they had something for everyone.”

Peter Imse

Chair, Bow (N.H.) Rotary Concert Committee

“They are very talented and entertaining. And they really engage the audience, which makes the event even more fun.”

Cristi Collari

Outreach Director

Open Sky Community Services, Whitinsville

For the most up-to-date scheduling information, visit the calendar page.

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KNOCK ON WOOD VIDEOS

To see where we performed in 2019, click HERE.

Howie and Joe Kessler

CONCERT VIDEOS

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SAMPLE SONGS

Tracks from Howie's latest CD, When You're Happy, featuring Joe Kessler

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That Old Car

Low Tech

We play a wide array of songs and styles. Here's a sample of some cover songs:

Barenaked Ladies

If I Had $1 Million

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Beatles

When I'm 64

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Bob Seger

Old Time Rock 'n' Roll

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Buffalo Springfield

For What It's Worth​

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Dion
Runaround Sue

Dire Straits

Sultans of Swing

Walk of Life

Dropkick Murphys

Shipping up to Boston

Eagles

Heartache Tonight

Hotel California

The Long Run

Elvis Presley

Don't Be Cruel

Eric Clapton

Lay Down Sally

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Everly Brothers

Wake Up Little Susie

Fats Waller

It's a Sin to Tell a Lie

Frank Sinatra

New York, New York

Grateful Dead

Friend of the Devil

Guess Who

No Time

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Hank Williams

Jambalaya

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Huey Lewis & the News

If This Is It

Johnny Cash

I Walk the Line

Ring of Fire

Kinks
Sunny Afternoon

Lola

Little River Band

Cool Change

Mary Chapin Carpenter

He Thinks He'll Keep Her

How Do

The Bug

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Pure Prairie League

Amie

R.E.M.

Man on the Moon

Rolling Stones

Jumpin' Jack Flash

Sympathy for the Devil

Steely Dan

My Old School

Stray Cats

Rock This Town

Tom Petty

Runnin' Down a Dream

I Won't Back Down

Yer So Bad

The Who

Won't Get Fooled Again

PLUS ... Original tunes, children's songs, music for senior citizens and more (as appropriate).