Newman-Damsky Duo Playing Free Concert in Tewksbury Oct. 19

Courtesy Photo: Howie Newman and Jackie Damsky bring their lively acoustic act to the Tewksbury Public Library on Monday, Oct. 19.

Howie Newman and Jackie Damsky have teamed up to form a lively acoustic duo that plays funny original songs (suitable for all ages), as well as well-known covers, spanning everything from the Beatles to Steely Dan to the Dropkick Murphys. Their varied repertoire features excellent musicianship, tight harmonies and … lots of fun.

They will be performing a free concert at the Tewksbury Public Library’s Monday night music series on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. The library is located at 300 Chandler St. in Tewksbury.

Seating is limited and registration is strongly recommended. To register, please call the library at 978-640-4490, ext. 205, or visit the library’s online calendar of events at www.tewksburypl.org.

Newman (guitar, harmonica, vocals) is the songwriter and his engaging manner, which includes G-rated comedy and audience participation, has charmed audiences all over New England. Song topics include Smartphones, the weather, 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 some of his many baseball songs, including “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 combo,” 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 music, visit www.howienewman.com/howieandjackie.