Artist description Michael is recording artist and performing songwriter. He produced his first CD, "Just What Would I Do Without You" in 1995. "I love songwriting. It's wonderful to make music. It's uplifting; it unconditionally waits for your attention and keeps you attached to beauty." Michael has performed in Canada and the US.

Music Style Acoustic,Contempory, Singer/Songwriter, Humor

Musical Influences Pop, soul, rock, Folk, contempory, Country, 80's, 90's

Artist History Michael McConkey was born November 5, 1947 in Washington D.C. Until 4 years old he lived at 14th & Otis Place NW in Washington when his family moved to Adelphi MD. His earliest recollection of performing came when Elvis’s “Hound Dog” was #1 in the US. Gyrating on his front porch with the HiFi booming through the opened door, playing air guitar with his favorite baseball bat, Mike would perform to the neighborhood.. Mikes mom has a great singing voice, she sang radio in Salisbury, MD and was second to none in swing dancing. Mike’s dad & mom never missed a day without singing as the kids grew up. His love for “soul” music lead him back to D.C. where at 15 he and his brother won the Thursday Night “Talent Show” at the Carnival Club on Georgia Avenue & Upshur. They became frequent guest there performing regularly along with the “Soul Sisters”, “Pookie Hudson”, “The Knight Brothers” (Billy Stewart’s back up vocal group). Meeting Eddie Floyd (“Knock on Wood”), Billy Stewart (“Summertime”) and Charlie Taylor of the Washington Redskins. Mike and Kenny’s warm welcome to the inner city realm was embracing. Billy Stewart’s manager helped the brothers meet Freddie Perrine (Peaches & Herb’s producer) and songwriters in the Washington area. At 18 Michael with his brother and Guy Merideth (Donna Fargo) recorded their 11 piece band the Mystic Knights at Rodell Recording in Washington D.C. One song written by Freddie Perrine and the other three tunes Michael’s compositions. That year Michael & Kenny signed a “generic” record contract with Shelby Singelton (“Choctaw Ridge”). As ‘tinsel town’ broke their hearts with no action taken that year. Enthusiasm on stage never waned though, Michael danced his shoes off, and the band(s) were always exciting to watch. While going to college at Prince George’s Community College and the University of Maryland, Michael Continued writing and recording. After the “Super Club” era of Wisconsin Avenue restaurants, Kenny & Michael helped to form Easy. A six piece group where all members sang. Doing a variety of Buffalo Springfield, Beatles, and Filmore type rock & roll. Among the members, playing drums and vocals was Pete Ruguso, (Night Hawks). Then something changed. Michael Wanted to write and perform and learn guitar. With all the idealism of the 70’s Michael & five others including Terry Jones took off for Canada. Where fate and destiny dropped them into the “San Francisco” of Southern Ontario. The Black Swan Coffee house in Strafford, Ontario. Eventually Terry Jones & Michael would become part of a group of singer – songwriters performing as the “Perth County Conspiracy Does Not Exist”. The group was very popular with a hit album on Columbia Records Canada. Michael toured with the group as well as playing duo with Terry Jones, a most memorable partnership. The interrelationship of the artists caring and sharing was a terrific environment to evolve the song writing skills of Cedric Smith, Bob Burchill, Richard Keland, Bob Carpenter, Brent Titcomb, Terry and Michael. Marcel Morceau complemented Michael on his movement on the stage as well as Chuck Mitchell (Joni Mitchell’s 1st husband.) He was urged by Gale Garnet “We’ll sing in the Sunshine”) to try out for the musical “Hair”. But all of this needed some grounding. In 75’ Michael hitched to the Meher Baba Center in North Myrtle Beach SC and he’s been “home” ever since. From then till now Michael has a mail order nursery business, three beautiful children and, one great wife and friend. Residing in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Afton, VA. Michael’s first CD was magical for him and he hopes it instills in his listeners- Meher Baba says it best “To penetrate the heart & should of being. To release the fragrance of that light for the guidance and benefit of others. That’s the significance of life.” The CD was recorded at Jeffery Romano’s studio, Bob Read’s studio and David Woodhead’s studio, Toronto Ontario Canada. Jeffery (Nickletown) played and engineered many of the songs. Bob Read (Bruce Hornsby) sat in on a tune, as did Terry Allard. Terry Jones loaned his fine voice to “Love has such Beginnings”. The talented Brady Ernheart arranged three of the songs. Tom Polombi and Byron Burke (#9 Dream) lent their bass and percussion skills. David Woodhead’s magic and creative abilities stand out on “Winged Seeds” and “Love has such Beginnings.” Michael is currently working on his second CD, and practicing in his new studio. He has recently performed at Fridays After Five in Charlottesville VA with his band and still performs solo. Michael has received air play on his 1st CD including WVTF Harrisonburg VA, WNRA Charlottesville, stations in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. His CD is offered at www.EdibleLandscaping.com or you can order it at the Edible Landscaping offices at (434) 361-9134. Some songs available at www.MP3.com All songs are registered with ASCAP.

Group Members Lately Michael has performed solo, infrequently with the Perth County Conspiracy, Terry Jones, or with an area group when a bigger sound is called for.

Instruments Guitar, Piano, Drum, Harmonica

Albums Just What Would I Do Without You?

Press Reviews Michael, Thankx so much for Friday Nite! You were a Delight! Hope to have you play again. Shayna, Afton Coffee House, VA. Thank you so much for your performance at the coffee house. It was a real thrill to watch you and enjoy the songs you played and to appreciate the connection you have between your soul and the music. Love, Vincent Day, Cross Roads Coffee House, VA. BRAVO, Michael! Your tape is wonderful... really "Uptown Soun", Brang yourself and 'yore geetar at Nashvull, man!... Ole boys frum Vurginny dew reel gude, down hear." Oledad, frum Nashvull AKA Don Hill TN. "You knocked their socks off, Guy". Thanks again, I loved your show. Sally Taylor, Rupunzel's Coffee House VA. Michael, Thanks so much for playing your lovely music today. You brought a lot of wonderful energy to our circle. Jennifer Till, Crossroads Waldorf School VA. Mike, Thanks a lot for the Ed Sullivan routine. It adds a special tough to the act - no doubt. Tom Palombi "#9 Dream" Virginia State Fair, Richmond VA.

Additional Info email michael@ediblelandscaping.com or phone 1-434-361-9134

Location Afton, VA - USA

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