Howie Newman and Abe Dewing, also known as Knock on Wood, are anything but a typical folk combo, performing well-known rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). Their varied repertoire includes everything from the Beatles to Elvis Presley to the Stray Cats.

No matter what they play, it features excellent musicianship, pleasing vocal harmonies and … lots of fun.

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 Smartphones, not-so-graceful aging and his wife’s inability to parallel park.

A former sportswriter for the Boston Globe, Patriot Ledger and other newspapers, he will also be performing one of his many baseball songs.

Dewing, who plays fiddle and mandolin, is a versatile performer with a wealth of diverse musical experiences. His style is a combination of folk, pop, bluegrass, jazz and classical. He has performed at Gillette Stadium and LeLacheur Park (Lowell Spinners) was well as Symphony Hall and Lincoln Center.

 This program is supported in part by a grant from the Walpole Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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

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