Knock on Wood to Bring Beatles, Baseball Songs, and More to Free Outdoor Concert in Whitman
WHITMAN, MA — Music fans in Massachusetts are in for a treat as the energetic acoustic duo Knock on Wood brings their upbeat blend of classic rock covers, original songs, and baseball-themed tunes to a free outdoor concert at Whitman Town Park on Wednesday, August 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Rock Classics, Baseball Parodies, and Fiddle Solos
The duo, composed of Howie Newman and Joe Kessler, is known for their genre-crossing performances that blend rock, folk, jazz, and bluegrass. Their setlists include crowd-pleasing hits from The Beatles, Tom Petty, and The Eagles, along with a few of Newman’s own original compositions.
Newman, a former sportswriter for the Boston Globe and Patriot Ledger, often includes a few of his baseball parody songs during performances — including the crowd favorite “It’s the End of the Curse and We Know It,” a humorous nod to R.E.M.
“We’re not the traditional guitar-and-fiddle duo,” Newman said. “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.”
Backstage Talent With International Credentials
Kessler brings an improvisational edge with his fiddle and mandolin work, having toured with legendary artists like Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Morphine, and Boogaloo Swamis. His style infuses traditional melodies with a jam-band sensibility, making each performance unique.
Whether it’s a Beatles singalong or an unexpected bluegrass solo, Knock on Wood’s concerts are built around audience engagement and spontaneity.
Rain or Shine — Music Will Go On
In case of rain, the concert will be moved indoors to Whitman Town Hall at 54 South Ave. The program is sponsored in part by the Whitman Cultural Council, with support from the Mass Cultural Council — helping ensure that free, high-quality live music continues to thrive in local communities.
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