FREE CONCERT: Knock on Wood rocks out at Parlin Library on March 4

Howie Newman and Josh Berlin, also known as Knock on Wood, are anything but a typical folk combo, performing funny, original songs (suitable for all ages) as well as well-known rock covers. Their varied repertoire includes everything from Tom Petty to Buffalo Springfield to the Stray Cats. No matter what they play, it features excellent musicianship, pleasing vocal harmonies and…lots of fun. Knock on Wood will be playing a free concert at Parlin Memorial Library, which is located at 410 Broadway in Everett, on Wednesday, March 4, from 7-8 p.m.

Newman (guitar, harmonica, vocals) is the songwriter and his engaging manner, which includes G-rated comedy and lots of audience participation, has charmed audiences all over New England. Song topics include baseball, his wife’s inability to parallel park, and not-so-graceful-aging. There are also heartwarming songs about his first grandchild and surviving the pandemic. A former sportswriter for The Boston Globe, Patriot Ledger, Lowell Sun and other newspapers, he will also be performing one of his many baseball songs, which include “Why Did You Go, Johnny Damon?”

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, he brings passion, energy and spontaneity to his playing.

“We’re not the traditional guitar-and-fiddle duo,” says Newman. “Josh 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.”

This program is being funded by the Everett Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information about Knock on Wood, including videos and music samples, visit howienewman.com/knockonwood.