Contributed
The duo of Howie Newman and Jackie Damsky is known as Knock on Wood.
This Friday, the Watertown Police and Recreation departments host the first Family Movie Night of the year, but before hand, enjoy a free concert by a high-energy, acoustic, folk-rock duo.
Knock on Wood provided the following information:
It’s not your typical guitar-fiddle folk act.
Knock on Wood, a high-energy acoustic folk-rock duo featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman, is anything but a typical folk combo. The duo plays well-known rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). Their varied repertoire includes everything from Steely Dan to the Everly Brothers to the Beatles.
No matter what they play, it features excellent musicianship, pleasing vocal harmonies and … lots of fun.
They will be kicking off Family Movie Night on Friday, July 20, with a free one-hour concert from 6:45-7:45 p.m. behind the Watertown Police Station, 552 Main St. The evening is organized and sponsored by the Watertown Recreation Department.
Newman (guitar, harmonica, vocals) is the songwriter and his engaging manner, which includes G-rated comedy, has charmed audiences all over New England. Song topics include Smartphones, baseball, not-so-graceful aging and his wife’s inability to parallel park.
A former sportswriter, 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.
Damsky (fiddle, backup vocals) has developed a unique improvisational style over a wide range of genres including jazz, folk, blues, acoustic rock and popular music. She weaves a harmonic tapestry, adding depth, color, richness – and a little magic. She has backed a number of notable performers, includingRod MacDonald, Catie Curtis, Michelle Shocked, Don White and Christine Lavin.
“We’re not the traditional guitar-and-fiddle duo,” says Newman. “We like to keep things up-tempo, do a lot of rock covers and get the audience involved. The idea is to play some great music and have fun.”
For more information about Knock on Wood, including videos and music samples, visitwww.howienewman.com/knockonwood.
Movie Night
The Town of Watertown announced that the Family Movie Night will be held on Friday, July 20 and again on Friday, August 10, from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The festivities will be held outside in the park at 552 Main St., behind the police station: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Games, Face Painting, Popcorn, Pizza and Refreshments, 8:00 p.m. The Movie will begin!
Watertown Elementary students, bring your friends and family for a night of fun and excitement! Please park in the front lot of the police station!