Folk Duo To Kick Off Wilmington Concerts on the Common on July 6

WILMINGTON, MA — With acoustic guitar and fiddle in hand, they look like an Appalachian folk music duo. Looks can be deceiving, however.

Howie Newman and Jackie Damsky are anything but a typical folk combo. They play well-known rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages).  Their varied repertoire includes everything from Dimon and the Belmonts to the Beatles to Steely Dan.

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

They will be performing at Wilmington’s outdoor summer music series, Concerts on the Common, on Wednesday, July 6, from 6:30pm to 8pm.  Admission is free.  For additional information, call 978-658-4270. The rain date is July 7.

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 for the Lowell Sun and other newspapers, 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, 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, including Rod MacDonald, Catie Curtis, Michelle Shocked, Don White and Christine Lavin.

“We’re not the traditional guitar-and-fiddle duo,” says Newman. “Jackie and I 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 Newman and Damsky, including samples of their visit, visit http://www.howienewman.com/howieandjackie.

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