Market Stage by Michael McConkey

They became frequent guest there performing regularly along with the "Soul Sisters", "Pookie Hudson", "The Knight Brothers" . The McConkey brothers will always recall the warm welcome to the inner city realm describing it as embracing them. 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 recorded their 11-piece band the Mystic Knights, recorded one song written by Freddie Perrine, and 4 other songs by Michael.

That year Michael & Kenny signed a record contract with Shelby Singelton. McConkey's enthusiasm on stage never waned as 'tinsel town' dashed the hopes of a bright future in the recording business.

While attending Prince George's Community College and the University of Maryland, McConkey continued writing and recording and the brothers helped form a six-piece band, known as Easy. The band sang a variety of songs from Buffalo Springfield, the Beatles, and Fillmore-type rock and roll. Among the members, playing drums and vocals was Pete Ruguso, of the Night Hawks.

Then something changed. McConkey wanted to write and perform and learn guitar. McConkey and five others took off for Canada. It was fate that led them into the "San Francisco" of Southern Ontario. Eventually McConkey, along with Terry Jones 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. For McConkey, this was a memorable partnership.

McConkey is also an accomplished hoofer. World famous mime, Marcel Morceau and Chuck Mitchel (singer Joni Mitchell's first husband) complemented Michael on his movement on the stage. He was urged to try out for the musical "Hair". But McConkey felt he was groundless, and like others, needed to find his real purpose.

Since then, McConkey got married, had three children, formed a mail order nursery business and moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains near Afton Virginia.

McConkey has recorded two CD's and is currently working on his third and practicing in his studio. He has recently performed at Fridays After Five in Charlottesville with his band and still performs solo. Michael has received airplay on his first CD, including WVTF Harrisonburg, WNRN (91.9) Charlottesville, and 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.

All songs are registered with ASCAP.

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