Marquette’s iconic Kaufman Auditorium will host a special fundraiser concert on Friday, October 23, featuring local Celtic folk trio The Knockabouts. Speaking on behalf of the group, band members Dan Truckey and Dr. Barb Rhyneer expressed their excitement for headlining the celebrated venue, which holds a special place in the community’s cultural fabric. Having performed at Kaufman in various orchestral and theater productions over the years, the musicians view having the stage to themselves for an entire evening as both a distinct honor and a unique responsibility. Transitioning from noisy pub gigs and outdoor fairgrounds to a formal hall gives the trio a dedicated listening environment, encouraging them to craft a meticulously programmed setlist while giving back to a historic venue that relies on benefit shows to fund crucial equipment upgrades and daily operations.
Audience members can look forward to a rich mix of lively traditional jigs and reels, poignant ballads, Americana, and original compositions. The trio thrives on a highly collaborative arranging process where each member contributes to song creation and takes turns singing lead, allowing their distinct vocal textures to blend into natural, effortless harmonies. Their repertoire highlights the original track "New Instrument," which showcases Truckey’s work on the Irish bouzouki alongside Rhyneer’s intricate fiddling and Tim DeMarte’s driving bodhrán. The group's recent album, Cold Spring Harbor, features several of these original pieces and traditional arrangements, and listeners can stream it online or purchase it directly through the band's website.
Check out a live performance by The Knockabouts at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette:
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Rhyneer and Truckey about the band and the upcoming benefit:
The upcoming performance will feature their trademark emotional range, featuring high-energy dance tunes, quiet ballads, and even a few seasonally themed selections for Halloween. Known for their organic stage presence, the musicians rely on flexible setlists and spontaneous, lighthearted banter rather than a rigid, scripted routine, allowing them to react to the audience's energy in real time. Backed by DeMarte’s versatile rhythm work across the cajon and bodhrán, the trio aims to deliver an engaging concert that highlights both musical precision and loose, folk-style camaraderie. Tickets for the 7:30 PM show on October 23 are available through the NMU Ticketing website and at the door.
Visit The Knockabouts' website for more information.
