April 28, 2023: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED, HONORED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Ascendancy” presented with a magic scepter and chosen as Runner-Up in an Astrology Writing Contest by Wingless Dreamer Press. The poem, from The Year of When cycle, appears in the book The Misty Cauldron.

April 2, 2023: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Before the Fat Stigma,” the fortieth work from The Year of When cycle to receive publication, appears in Releasing the Mandala, from Nine Cloud Journal.

March 13, 2023: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Concerns of the Corpse,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in the book Growth in Grief, from Wingless Dreamer Press.

February 11, 2023: THREE MK POEMS IN BRITISH ANTHOLOGY

MK’s poems “The Fine Line,” “The Naughtiest Dirtiest,” and “The Frog in the Water” appear in SMEOP “Hot,” from London’s Black Sunflowers Press.

February 6, 2023: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Growth,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in the current issue of Washington University’s Gateway Review.

January 18, 2023: MK MEMOIR PICKED FOR “BEST SPORTS BOOKS OF ALL TIME” LIST

“The Smart Money,” MK’s memoir of sports-betting with America’s largest and most successful gambling syndicate, has been named one of the “Best Sports Books of All Time” by Gaming Today.

August 30, 2022: THE YEAR OF WHEN WEBSITE LAUNCHES

An explanatory Website for MK’s 365-poems, 365-artworks multimedia project, The Year of When, launches. The installation is now available to museums and other cultural institutions worldwide.

August 8, 2022: MK COLLECTION SHORT-LISTED FOR INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING PRIZE

MK’s 2020 365-poem cycle, The Year of When, is short-listed for England’s Black Spring Press award.

July 6, 2022: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Accident Spot,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in Vol. 2, Issue 5 of the University of North Florida’s Talon Review.

June 10, 2022: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN CANADIAN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Abundance,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in the latest issue of decomp journal, published by the University of British Columbia.

June 8, 2022: MK COLLECTION LONG-LISTED FOR INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING PRIZE

MK’s 2020 365-poem cycle, The Year of When, is long-listed for the Black Springs Press award.

May 19, 2022: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Great Souls” appears in the 2022 edition of Solano College’s Suisun River Review.

March 23, 2022: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INAUGURAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Yom Kippur,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in the first volume of Trouble Maker Fire Starter, a bi-annual chapbook specializing in LBGTQ and feminist topics.

December 23, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “The Frog in the Water Set to Boil,” from The Year of When cycle, appears in the Cambridge-based Constellations, Vol. 11: “Redirections.”

November 22, 2021: THREE MK POEMS ANTHOLOGIZED IN AMERICAN ANTHOLOGY

MK’s poems “Proud Mama,” “Ego Death,” and “Precious Boy,” all from The Year of When, appear in Adult Children, the latest anthology from Wising Up Press.

November 10, 2021: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN BRITISH ANTHOLOGY

MK’s poem “Slammed,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in SMEOP: Urban, an anthology of “the most intriguing voices in contemporary poetry,” published by London’s Black Sunflowers Press.

November 2, 2021: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “A Hot Dress” is anthologized in the inaugural edition of Spectra Poets, edited in America, produced in Germany, and filled with poetry from around the world.

August 19, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Precious Boy,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in the current edition of Great Lakes Review.

August 9, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Second Helping,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in the current issue of Philadelphia’s Toho Journal.

August 8, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN SPORTLITERATE

MK’s poem “Innocence,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in the current issue of SportLiterate.

June 23, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Beating a Boy,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in the current issue of The Thing Itself, from Our Lady of the Lake University’s creative writing and social justice program.

June 21, 2021: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN “BEST OF 2020” ANTHOLOGY

MK’s poem “Eureka!,” from The Year of When, is selected by the editors of The Bookends Review for their annual “best of” anthology.

June 9, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “My Canine Siren, Calling Me Back,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in Issue 37 of The Pointed Circle, a student-produced journal published by Portland Community College.

May 21, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN CANADIAN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “A Humble Request,” excerpted from The Year of When, appears in the May issue of decomp journal, a social-justice themed publication from the University of British Columbia.

April 19, 2021: BOOK WEBSITE LAUNCHED WITH MK DOG LIST

Shepherd.com, a Website curated by authors, launches with hundreds of Top-5 lists, including MK’s choices for “best books about inspiring dogs.”

April 6, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN SPECTRA POETS

MK’s poem “A Hot Dress,” from The Year of When, appears as the featured poem on the Spectra site, in advance of the August print edition.

January 25, 2021: FOUR MK POEMS PUBLISHED IN SPIRITUAL JOURNAL

Four Year of When poems, “Litmus Test,” “Earth Dweller 2.0,” “Breathe with Me,” and “Introduction to Meditation,” appear in the quarterly magazine Beatific.

January 21, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN AMERICA, THE JESUIT REVIEW

MK’s poem “Your Presence Is Requested” appears in the February print issue of America, the Jesuit magazine. The poem is the first entry of 365 in MK’s 2020 project The Year of When.

January 9, 2021: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Battle of the Bands” appears in the current issue of Toho Journal, from Philadelphia. The poem is excerpted from MK’s collection The Year of When.

December 23, 2020: MK POETRY COLLECTION SHORTLISTED

MK’s collection-in-progress, The Year of When, 365 poems beginning with the same word, has been shortlisted for the Black Springs Press (England) “Best of the Bottom Drawer Global Writing Contest,” one of 20 worldwide finalists for the publishing prize.

December 17, 2020: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Inside Out” appears in the current issue of The Dillydoun Review, from Huntsville, Alabama. The poem is excerpted from MK’s collection-in-progress The Year of When.

December 7, 2020: MK POETRY COLLECTION LONGLISTED

MK’s collection-in-progress, The Year of When, 365 poems beginning with the same word, has been longlisted for the Black Springs Press (England) “Best of the Bottom Drawer Global Writing Contest.” Of the 35 longlisted manuscripts, 20 will be chosen as finalists for the publishing prize.

November 24, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST ANTHOLOGIZED

Chapter Four, “The Porch Watcher,” from MK’s memoir The Unexpected Guest, is excerpted in the Wising Up Press anthology Goodness, featuring forty-three writers exploring the concept.

November 11, 2020: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN MILITARY JOURNAL

To commemorate Veteran’s Day, MK’s poem “Flyover,” a selection from The Year of When, is published in As You Were: Military Experience & the Arts.

August 26, 2020: MK POEM SHORTLISTED FOR FOLEY PRIZE

MK’s poem “Your Presence” is shortlisted for the annual Foley Prize, given by America: the Jesuit Review. The poem will be published in an upcoming issue.

August 14, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST ON “THE DAVE NEMO SHOW”

MK talks live with book reviewer Jimmy Mac on Sirius Radio about kindness, homelessness, and long-haul trucking.

July 12, 2020: POKER, PRESIDENT GREAT, AND MK IN POLITICO

A conversation between MK and our current President leads off a fascinating feature article in Politico magazine.

July 6, 2020: MK ON TOP-5 MEMOIRIST LIST

A new video highlighting “5 Authors Turning Their Experiences Into Meaningful Literature” includes MK.

May 28, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST ON “WHAT NOW?“

MK and Mrs. K, Charmaine Clamor, appear together on Daniel Overberger’s podcast “What Now?,” discussing homelessness, compassion, gut health, the power of love, and a certain new book.

May 26, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST  ON “TAKE TWO”

MK chats with host A. Martinez about homelessness, love, and kindness on Southern California Public Radio’s public affairs program “Take Two.”

May 19, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST ON TALK RADIO EUROPE

MK chats with Spain’s leading English-language talk radio program about homelessness, compassion and The Unexpected Guest.

May 5, 2020: LIVE READING TO LAUNCH THE UNEXPECTED GUEST

To celebrate the publication of MK’s 13th book, a memoir of befriending and housing a homeless man, the author reads Chapter One from “The Unexpected Guest” on his front porch.

May 1, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST INTERVIEW ON NPR

MK’s memoir of befriending and housing a homeless man featured on NPR affiliate WGVU, Michigan.

April 25, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST RADIO FEATURE

MK appears on the Kansas Public Radio program “Lewis at Large” to discuss his new book, homelessness in Los Angeles, and the real meaning of family. The interview will re-air the weekend of May 30.

April 13, 2020: MK POETRY SELECTED FOR “LOCKDOWN” ANTHOLOGY

MK’s pandemic-inspired poems appear in the international anthology “Poems from the Lockdown,” published by London’s Willowdown Books.

April 2, 20202: YEAR 14 EXCERPTED IN GREAT BRITAIN

The first chapter of MK’s comic novel Year 14 appears live on “The Coil,” published by England’s Alternating Current Press.

March 30, 2020: MK POEM PUBLISHED BY SAN DIEGO STATE

MK’s poem “Old Business Cards” appears in the 2020 edition of the pacificReview, the annual literary journal of San Diego State University.

February 7, 2020: FIRST REVIEW OF THE UNEXPECTED GUEST

The Kirkus Review is first to review MK’s new book, calling it “honest and entertaining.”

February 5, 2020: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST COVER REVEALED

Diversion books announces a May 5 publication date and reveals the cover of The Unexpected Guest, MK’s new book.

November 4, 2019: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Creation Story” appears in the 2019 edition of The Finger, published by Finger Lakes College,

October 23, 2019: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INDIA

MK’s poem “Ode on the First Day of School” appears in To the Newspaper, a Poet’s Choice anthology published in Mumbai, India.

October 1, 2019: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED

MK’s poem “Seven Lost Friends” appears in the 2019 edition of Caesura, the annual anthology of the Poetry Center of San Jose.

September 23, 2019: MK ESSAY PUBLISHED BY SPORTLITERATE

MK’s essay on the commercialization of baseball, “At Dodger Stadium,” is a featured essay at SportLiterate.

May 29, 2019: “THE UNEXPECTED GUEST” ACQUIRED BY DIVERSION BOOKS

MK’s memoir of befriending and housing a homeless man nicknamed Fisher King Mike, has been acquired by the New York City-based publisher Diversion Books. Mark Weinstein, who edited MK’s acclaimed golf-in-Scotland book “In Search of Burningbush,” is the editor. “The Unexpected Guest” will be released as a hardcover in April, 2020.

May 19, 2019: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED

MK’s poem “Reaper” appears in the 2019 edition of Havik, published by Las Positas College.

March 28, 2019: DRIVEWAY MURAL COMPLETED

After three months of daily work, the Vista Street farmstead driveway mural, consisting of dozens of individual paintings, has been completed by MK and his beautiful collaborators.

March 25, 2019: MK POEMS FEATURED IN ADIRONDACK POEM VILLAGE

Several original MK Punky poems are featured in Saranac Lake’s “Poem Village,” which places poetry in the windows and doors of downtown shops and businesses.

December 15, 2018: MK POEM INCLUDED IN ANNIVERSARY ANTHOLOGY

MK’s poem “The Fine Line Between Transcendence and Impropriety” selected for the 50th Anniversary anthology of Cliterature Journal, dedicated to female sexuality.

November 29, 2018: THREE MK POEMS PUBLISHED IN PEACE ANTHOLOGY

A trio of MK poems appears in “The Larger Geometry,” a book of poetry authored by 35 poets from 5 countries and 3 continents compiled by the San Antonio PeaceCenter.

November 19, 2018: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED BY SAN JOSE POETRY CENTER

The MK Punky poem “Forgiven” appears in the 2018 edition of Caesura, the annual print anthology of the Poetry Center of San Jose.

November 5, 2018: LOS ANGELES OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT

Competing in his first United States Chess Federation chess tournament, MK places 8th in the u1450 division, scoring 3 out of 5.

October 3, 2018: FIVE MK POEMS ANTHOLOGIZED IN ANIMAL COLLECTION

Five MK Punky poems appear in “Civilized Beasts, III,” an anthology benefiting the Wildlife Conservation Society published by Texas-based Weasel Press.

October 1, 2018: YEAR 14 ELECTRONIC EDITION PUBLISHED

Barrelhouse Books releases the electronic edition of MK’s prize-winning novel “Year 14,” available for reading enjoyment on all devices.

August 30, 2018: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN “STAND” MAGAZINE

MK’s prize-winning poem “Kiss Cam,” from The Dodger Stadium Suite, appears in the current issue of the woke men’s magazine, “Stand.”

July 10, 2018: TWO MK POEMS ANTHOLOGIZED BY DREXEL U

MK’s poems “Private Library” and “The New Word of God” have been anthologized in Anthology 4, the annual publication of Drexel University’s Writers Room.

June 21, 2018: “REPORT FROM THE STREET” IN THE MONOLOGUE BANK

Ten excerpts from MK’s “Report from the Street: Voices of the Homeless” have been licensed by the Monologue Bank, which offers original monologues to actors — and soliloquy aficionados — for download. The first installments, from the monologue “Take Care of Each Other,” are now live on the site.

April 27, 2018: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN ELLIPSIS

MK’s poem “One of the Myriad Reasons This Author Feels Abundantly Blessed” appears in the current issue of Ellipsis Journal, published by Westminster University.

April 22, 2018: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN STONEBOAT

MK’s poem “To the Man Who Robbed Me at Gunpoint”appears in the current issue of the Wisconsin-based Stoneboat Literary Journal.

April 12, 2018: REPORT FROM THE STREET PUBLISHED

MK’s suite of poetic monologues about homelessness inaugurates the Shockwire series of social justice chapbooks published by Philadelphia’s The Head & The Hand.

March 1, 2018: SPRING POETRY NEWS

Poetry by MK Punky will appear this Spring in Tulane Review, Stoneboat, Ellipsis, and several anthologies and books, including “Report from the Street: Voices of the Homeless,” inaugurating the Shockwire series of social justice theme books.

February 10, 2018: MK SHORT STORY PUBLISHED IN CANADIAN LITERARY MAGAZINE

MK’s story “The Fable of the Regular Person” closes Volume 2 of the Canadian literary magazine Pattern Recognition.

January 29, 2018: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN SPORT LITERATE

MK’s poem “Kiss Cam” appears in the current issue of SportLiterate, the “New Yorker” for people who like sports.

January 23, 2018: YEAR 14 REVIEWED IN ATTICUS REVIEW

Critic M.K. Rainey consider’s MK’s novel Year 14 in an insightful review titled “Assume the Safety Position.”

January 17, 2018: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Taker” appears in the current issue of Slippery Elm Literary Journal, published by Findlay University.

January 16, 2018: YEAR 14 FEATURED ON LITERARY PODCAST

MK’s novel Year 14 is thoroughly discussed, reviewed and re-imagined on “Lit-Tapes,” a ‘mixtape for readers.’ Segment begins at 10-minute mark and continues for almost an hour.

December 22, 2017: YEAR 14 FEATURED IN “RESEARCH NOTES”

MK describes the process through which the novel Year 14 was created in the popular “Research Notes” column at the lit Website NecessaryFiction.com.

December 19, 2017: YEAR 14 PICKED FOR 2017 “BEST BOOKS”

MK’s humorous novel Year 14 is a “recommended reading” selection at the literary Website NecessaryFiction.com.

December 6, 2017: YEAR 14 FEATURED ON “IF MY BOOK”

The literary site Monkeybicycle.net spotlights MK’s new novel Year 14 in their popular “If My Book” column.

November 29, 2017: MK MEMOIR DEVELOPED INTO TV DRAMEDY

MK’s 2006 memoir of working with America’s biggest sports betting syndicate, The Smart Money, is being developed into a half-hour dramedy by OBB Pictures and 3ARTS Entertainment.

November 21, 2017: PUSHCART PRIZE NOMINATION

MK’s poem “Fine Fellows” is nominated for The Pushcart Prize by the editors of Exposition Review, where it originally appeared. Winners are published in a widely distributed anthology.

November 15, 2017: BARRELHOUSE BOOKS PUBLISHES “YEAR 14”

MK’s novel Year 14 is published by Barrelhouse Books, a Mid-Atlantic literary nonprofit. The manuscript was selected from more than 400 entries responding to an open call. Year 14 is MK’s 12th published book and Barrelhouse’s first novel.

October 30, 2017: TWO MK POEMS ANTHOLOGIZED IN ISRAEL

The MK Punky poems “Matrimony” and “My Entire Life Has Been a Rehearsal” are anthologized in Voices Israel, 2017, which publishes the best Israeli poems of the year beside international winners.

October 20, 2017: MK BOOK BLURBED IN ANARCHIST MAGAZINE

MK’s collection of essays How the Revolution Started is mentioned in the “Anarcho-Shorts” section of the venerable Fifth Estate magazine, questioning authority since 1965

October 9, 2017: MK FEATURED IN BELGIAN MAGAZINE

A photo essay about MK’s home in Hollywood appears in AngelsWord, a Belgian publication about interesting people and places in Los Angeles.

October 2, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Salmon” appears in the Fall issue of Naugatuck River Review, a literary journal dedicated to narrative poetry.

September 20, 2017: MK SHORT STORY PUBLISHED

“My Official and Authentic Report,” an excerpt from MK’s novel The Termite Squad, appears in the debut issue of Pattern Recognition literary journal.

September 18, 2017: FIVE MK HAIKU PUBLISHED 

Five MK Punky haiku in the lighthearted “senryu” style appear in Eastern Structures, Vol. 2, a magazine dedicated to Asian poetic forms.

September 7, 2017: PUBLICATION DATES ANNOUNCED FOR MK BOOKS

Barrelhouse has scheduled MK’s novel Year 14 for November publication. The Head & The Hand has scheduled MK’s collection of poetic monologues Report from the Street: Voices of the Homeless for November publication.

August 8, 2017: MK DIRECTS SHORT FILM

MK directs a short comedy film, “Ryan Is Aspiring,” starring Ryan Fox.

August 1, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN COMSTOCK REVIEW

MK’s poem “Clouds Cannot Repeat” appears in the Spring/Summer issue of the Comstock Review, publishing fine poetry since 1986.

July 10, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN WOMEN’S LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “The Homeless Metaphor,” the opening piece of Report from the Street: Voices of the Homeless, appears in the “Home” issue of Minerva Rising, a literary journal edited and written by and for women. It’s the second time in 12 years that M.R. has published work by a male.

July 9, 2017: MK’S PRIZE-WINNING ‘DODGER STADIUM SUITE’ PUBLISHED

The co-winner of SportLiterate‘s 2017 Chapbook Contest, MK’s lighthearted account of a day at Dodger Stadium appears in the collection ‘This Loss Behind Us” with poems by Jack Bedell and Paul Hostovsky.

June 8, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s narrative poem “Adoption Story” appears in the current Suisun Valley Review, published by Solano College for the past 36 years.

May 30, 2017: NEW BOOK OF MK ESSAYS RELEASED

Michael Konik’s 11th book, a collection of humorous social justice essays entitled “How the Revolution Started,” now published by Canada’s EggyPress. The book is available in all formats.

May 26, 2017: MK POEMS PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND

The Ham, a Peckham, England journal distributed in bars, public transit stops and other unlikely locales, features two MK Punky poems.

May 25, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN MEDICAL SCHOOL JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Butterfly Thanks” appears in the 2017 edition of The Human Touch, the annual journal of the University of Colorado’s Medical School.

May 9, 2017: TWO MK POEMS PUBLISHED BY GFT PRESS

MK’s poems “Where I’m Coming From” and “What You Didn’t Know” appear in GFT Presents: One in Four, Vol.2.

May 8, 2017: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN “PEACE POEMS” COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Minor Miracles” appears in this bound collection celebrating 60 years of peace action.

May 7, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LOS ANGELES LIT JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Fine Fellows” appears in the 2017 edition of L.A.’s Exposition Review.

May 4, 2017: MK POETRY FEATURED IN PUBLIC ART PROJECT

The town of Waterford, Michigan displays MK Punky’s poetry as “leaves” on civic center trees as part of their “Poetry Leaves” public art project. The exhibition runs through June.

May 2, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND

MK’s rhyming poem “On Watching a Bee Dying in the Garden” appears in Volume 8 of Nous Magazine, based in Manchester. The issue’s theme is play.

April 18, 2017: MK WINS SHOCKWIRE POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST

MK’s “Report from the Street: Voices of the Homeless” wins the Shockwire Chapbook prize from The Head & The Hand Press. The book will be published in September.

April 11, 2017: MK WINS SPORTS POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST

MK’s 9-poem “Dodger Stadium Suite” wins the SportLiterate chapbook contest. The poems will be collected into a volume of sports-themed poems and published in May.

April 2, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN IRELAND

MK’s poem “Silkworm Sutra” appears in Skylight 47, possibly Ireland’s most interesting poetry journal.

April 1, 2017: MK HAIKU PUBLISHED IN ASIAN LITERARY JOURNAL

A suite of MK Punky haiku appears in Eastern Structures, a journal dedicated to Asian poetic forms.

March 30, 2017: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s epic slam poem “Five-Sided Story” appears in Caesaura: Bronze Edition.

March 28, 2017: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN “LOST” COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Lost and Found” appears in Lost: Reflections, from Medusa’s Laugh Press. Authors were given editorial freedom to interpret the word “lost” however they imagined.

March 15, 2017: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN MICRO-BOOK

MK’s three-line poem “Anonymous” appears in Microtext2, from Medusa’s Laugh Press. Comprised of very short pieces, the book fits into the palm of your hand.

February 16, 2017: MK ESSAY ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s micro-essay “Honestly?” appears in True: More or Less, from Truth Serum Press, Australia.

January 25, 2017: MK POETRY HONORED IN TUSCON

The Tuscon Festival of Books announced today that MK Punky’s poetry has been selected as a finalist in their annual Literary Awards.

January 19, 2017: MK PROSE MADE INTO VISUAL ART

Fine artist Tony Adamo combines imagery with MK prose to create “visual jazz.”

January 5, 2017: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN “WORSHIP” COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Minor Miracles” appears in the Stones Before the Ocean: A Worship Poetry Anthology, an international collection of modern and classic poems.

December 16, 2016: MK’S NOVEL YEAR 14 WINS BARRELHOUSE PRIZE

Barrelhouse Books announced today that MK’s magical book Year 14 has been selected as the imprint’s first novel publication and will be in print in Fall, 2017. The manuscript was selected from more than 400 entries.

December 12, 2016: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “Guru” appears in the Fall issue of the Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

December 8, 2016: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN “KINDNESS” COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Take Care of Each Other,” excerpted from Report from the Street, is featured in the Wising Up Press anthology The Kindness of Strangers.

November 3, 2106: MK PROSE POEM PUBLISHED IN FIFTH ESTATE

The 51-year-old anarchist/anti-capitalist magazine Fifth Estate features MK’s prose poem “Bank Guard” in their Winter, 2017 issue.

November 2, 2016: MK POEM WINS NATIONAL BROADSIDE PRIZE

MK’s poem “Salmon” is a winner of the 30 West Publishing’s Broadside Prize. The poem will be hand-printed in a limited edition of 20 signed-and-numbered copies.

October 22, 2016: THE TERMITE SQUAD PUBLISHED BY EGGY PRESS

MK’s 10th book, a novel about America’s secret suicide bomber program called “The Termite Squad,” is now available from Canada’s Eggy Press.

October 13, 2016: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

The 2016 edition of Oasis, an annual anthology dedicated to global writers age 50-and-above, contains MK’s poem “It’s a Beautiful World.”

September 27, 2016: THE TERMITE SQUAD PREVIEWED ON PODCAST

The current edition of “No Extra Words,” a flash-fiction podcast, features an excerpt from MK’s groundbreaking book, “The Termite Squad,” performed by Joan Galt.

September 22, 2016: MK POEM PUBLISHED IN LITERARY JOURNAL

MK’s poem “To a Progressive Friend Frightened of Progress” appears in the “Politics” issue of Cliterature: A Journal of Female Sexuality.

August 24, 2016: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

MK’s poem “Walking a Goat” appears in the Summer issue of Australia’s Pure Slush literary anthology.

August 8, 2016: MK NOVEL LONG-LISTED FOR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY PRIZE

MK’s novel “Year 14” named one of 20 semi-finalists for the Stillhouse Press 2016 Mary Roberts Rinehart prize.

August 4, 2016: MK POEM WINS SPORTS WRITING CONTEST

MK’s baseball poem “The Guy in the Seat Next to You” has been named one of the winners of SportLiterate‘s 2016 Poetry Contest.

July 5. 2016: MK ESSAY PUBLISHED IN LITERARY MAGAZINE

The current issue of the Seattle-based literary magazine Raven Chronicles contains MK’s essay “Harmonizing Every Thread,” about a hummingbird building her nest during an open-air jazz rehearsal. The issue is themed to “celebration.”

June 19, 2016: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED IN AUSTRALIA

Pure Slush, Volume 11, an anthology of poems, stories and essays, has been published in Australia and is available worldwide on all platforms. The book includes MK’s poem “Poet Philosopher.”

May 24, 2016: MK APPEARS IN DOCUMENTARY FILM

The new Las Vegas sports gambling movie “The Best of It” includes an interview with former sports bettor MK.

May 6, 2016: MK ESSAY PUBLISHED IN SPORTS JOURNAL

MK’s humorous essay “Reefer Gladness in the NFL” leads off SportLiterate’s “Friday Five for Fighting” package.

April  28, 2016: MK ESSAY PUBLISHED IN LITERARY MAGAZINE

MK’s essay “So, You Think You’re and Environmentalist” leads Whirlwind Magazine’s “Mother Earth” issue.

April 26, 2016: MK ESSAY COLLECTION HONORED

The Monadnock Essay Collection Prize has awarded MK’s essay collection, A More Exceptionally Perfect America, honorable mention in their international writing contest. MK is one of eight winners from around the world.

April 24, 2016: MK POEM ANTHOLOGIZED BY STRATFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Stratford-Upon-Avon Literary Festival has selected MK’s poem “For All Time” as one of the commended entries in their 2016 International Creative Writing Competition. The poem appears in a book with other Festival prize winners.

April 13, 2016: KONIK ESSAY PUBLISHED IN MEDICAL JOURNAL

Mr. Konik’s essay on homelessness and mental illness, “Let Us All Be Well,” appears in the Spring Issue of Hektoen International, a journal of the medical humanities.

April 2, 2016: MK PUNKY PUBLISHES NEW POEM

Issue #7 of In-Flight Literary Journal includes the poem “Advice to Self,” composed by MK Punky.

November 29, 2015: “REPORT FROM THE STREET: VOICES OF THE HOMELESS” DEBUTS

An eight part suite of monologues called “Report From the Street: Voices of the Homeless” debuts on MichaelKonik.com. The pieces will be performed live in 2016.

November 27, 2015: “WE DON’T PLAY THE GAME” REISSUED ON VINYL

Milwaukee-based Beer City Records re-releases on gold vinyl the legendary 1982 EP “We Don’t Play the Game,” by Midwestern hardcore punk band The Clitboys, fronted by Mr. K. The disc is available only in record stores or through the label.

October 10, 2015: THE BETTER ANGELS ONE DAY POP-UP FESTIVAL

In honor of Filipino-American History Month, the all-volunteer Better Angels Festival pops up in Historic Filipinotown for a day and night of fellowship, capped with a performance of “MK Punky’s Better Angels.”

July 3, 2015: THE BETTER ANGELS FESTIVAL OPENS IN LOS ANGELES

An all-volunteer healing arts festival, built for anyone who wishes to connect with the better angels of our nature, opens tonight. The Festival was co-founded by Mr. Konik.

May 1, 2015: “BURNIN’ ONE WITH MK PUNKY” DEBUTS

A new video series featuring the magical ramblings of an astonishingly articulate stoner debuts, starring MK as his performance alter ego, MK Punky. New video every Friday.

November 30, 2014: “REVOLUTIONARY WORDS” DEBUTS

MK Punky hosts the debut of “Revolutionary Words,” a social justice open mic for poets and prophets at Elderberries Social Justice Café.

November 24, 2014: “WE DON’T PLAY THE GAME” REISSUED

On Record Store Day, 2015 (November 27), Milwaukee-based Beer City Records will reissue on 7″ vinyl the classic Midwest hardcore punk album “We Don’t Play the Game,” by the Milwaukee-based trio The Clitboys, featuring Mr. K on bass and screaming.

October 5, 2014: NEW KONIK BOOK PUBLISHED

Michael Konik’s ninth book, a novel about charlatans and thieves entitled “Making It,” launches today. The book will appear serially on MK.com, a new chapter each Sunday. The entire manuscript may be downloaded on a pay-what-you-wish basis.

May 12, 2014: MK PUNKY IN THE HIZZY

Mr. Konik debuts his performance alter ego at the epicenter of the Hollywood alt-comedy scene.

September 26, 2013: “TREND FOLLOWING” PODCAST

Konik chats with host Michael Covel about the parallels between sports betting and equity trading.

February 1, 2013: NFL SPIN ZONE INTERVIEW

Konik sputters on about Super Bowl betting, making absurd predictions.

December 28, 2012: RADIO INTERVIEW ARCHIVED

Mr. Konik’s interview on “Gambling With and Edge” is now archived online by KLAV radio Las Vegas.

December 10, 2012: INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW ABOUT NEW BOOK

Michael Konik shares how his new novel, Becoming Bobby, came to be. An intelligent interview by VegasLit managing editor Arnold Snyder.

November 12, 2012: WRITE-A-HOLIC PUBLISHES KONIK STORY

“Secrets of a Winner,” a chapter-long excerpt from Michael Konik’s new novel Becoming Bobby, is now available online.

November 10, 2012: NEW PUBLICATION DATE FOR KONIK BOOK

Vegas Lit, the publishers of Mr. Konik’s newest book,Becoming Bobby, announced that because of ecstatic advance notices the book’s release has been moved up to December 7, 2012, with an official launch party in Las Vegas.

October 5, 2012: KONIK POEM AT IRoM

The International Review of Music has published Michael Konik’s poem “Desafinado,” based on the Antonio Carlos Jobim song.

October 4, 2012: KONIK IN ELLING LINER NOTES

The new Kurt Elling album, “1619 Broadway: The Brill Building Project,” includes a thank you from Mr. Elling to Mr. Konik.

August 16, 2012: PUBLICATION DATE ANNOUNCED FOR NEW KONIK BOOK

Vegas Lit, the new fiction imprint of Huntington Press, announced today that Michael Konik’s novel “Becoming Bobby” will be published on January 15, 2013. A dark satire of the Vegas high-roller fantasy, Bobby is Konik’s first novel.

July 26, 2012: KONIK LAUNCHES LIBRARY

Using recycled and scrap materials, Mr. Konik has built a new Vista Street Library for his Hollywood neighbors. The roughly hewn repository, about the size of a guitar amplifier, serves as a centralized site to share books and music.

March 10, 2012: KONIK SONG FEATURED AT GETTY MUSEUM SHOW

At the March 17-18 performances of “Agos: From the Philippine Islands to America’s Shores” at the Getty Museum’s Williams Auditorium, a Michael Konik composition will close the show. Konik’s song “Flow: A Simple Drink of Water,” with music by Bo Razon, will be performed by the entire cast of 30, including featured vocalist Charmaine Clamor. Both performances are sold out.

February 17, 2012: MK DELIVERS FINAL NOVEL DRAFT

Michael Konik has completed and delivered the final draft of his comic novel “Becoming Bobby,” which will launch the new publishing imprint Vegas Lit. A darkly hilarious story about what happens when an unremarkable man becomes overwhelmed by fantasies of being a Vegas high roller, “Bobby” is Konik’s long-awaited first novel. A 2012 publication date will be announced soon.

September 18, 2011: MICHAELKONIK.com (2.0) LAUNCHES

The revamped MichaelKonik.com launched today. The site, designed and built by IESMMS, features the popular “Thought of the Day” essay, as well as new Visual Art galleries and a state-of-the-art Store stocked with autographed MK books and personal services.

September 15, 2011: KONIK RADIO INTERVIEW POSTED ONLINE

The sports betting site “Betting Line Moves” has posted a recent interview with Mr. Konik, who shares his insights on sports gambling outlined in his book “The Smart Money.”

August 17, 2011: KONIK ESSAY FEATURED AT IRoM

Mr. Konik’s current Thought of the Week, part two of his examination of how jazz is unwittingly killing itself, is featured at the International Review of Music, which has unveiled a new site category: Konik’s Commentary.

July 26, 2011: INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MUSIC REPRINTS KONIK THOUGHT

The International Review of Music (IROM), curated by the longtime L.A Times jazz critic Don Heckman, has reprinted Mr. Konik’s current Thought, about jazz radio, as a guest commentary. Heckman called the essay, “a thoughtful, useful commentary that’s much needed.”

July 22, 2011: “LOST” KONIK JOURNALISM FOUND ONLINE

Decades-old journalism from the beginning of Michael Konik’s writing career are now available online. The libertarian magazine Reason has posted Konik’s 1991 report on Panama post-Noriega, with more to follow.

April 22:, 2011 MUSIC VIDEO OF KONIK SONG PREMIERES

To celebrate Earth Day, the latest music video from Filipina vocal star Charmaine Clamor debuts on MYX Music Channel worldwide. The song, a water-advocacy anthem entitled “Flow,” was co-written by Mr. Konik.

March 31, 2011: MIT SPORTS ANALYTICS PANEL WEBCAST

The MIT Sloan Sports Conference on Sports Analytics is now available for free vieiwing online. Mr. Konik participated in a panel on Sports Gambling.

March 17, 2011: KONIK IN “PLAYERS vs. TRADERS CHALLENGE”

At the invitation of a beta-Website, Mr. Konik is participating in a “players versus traders” challenge. The contest: Given an imaginary bankroll and real world prices, who can earn a larger return on investment in a fixed period of time, gamblers or stock traders? The contest runs through April 4th, the conclusion of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament.

February 23, 2011: KONIK TURNS UP IN ALBUM LINER NOTES

The latest masterpiece from vocalist Kurt Elling, “The Gate,” includes a thanks to Mr. Konik in the liner notes. The Concord Records release is available worldwide.

February 17, 2011: NEW PUBLISHING IMPRINT ACQUIRES KONIK NOVEL

Vegas Lit, a new fiction imprint of Las Vegas-based publisher Huntington Press, has acquired Michael Konik’s debut novel, “Becoming Bobby.” The book, which simultaneously celebrates and eviscerates the high roller in us all, is scheduled for release in late-2011.

December 10, 2010: KONIK SONG NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

A new single from Jazzipino queen Charmaine Clamor is now available for free download through her Website. The song, “Feelin’ Stevie,” an homage to a most wonderful musician, was composed by Mr. Konik.

November 30, 2010: REEFER GLADNESS AVAILABLE ON KINDLE

Michael Konik’s latest book is now available on Amazon’s popular e-reader, Kindle, for only $6.38.

November 27, 2010: CELEBSTONER REVIEW OF REEFER

In a home page review of Konik’s new book, “Reefer Gladness,” Celebstoner declares, “this late-blossoming stoner has a potent voice that demands to be heard.”

November 23, 2010: MORE KIND WORDS FOR REEFER GLADNESS

The Midwest Book Review calls Konik’s latest book “thoughtful and persuasive” and “not to be missed.” And Nug magazine finds the book “smart, funny, and honest.”

November 22, 2010: REEFER GLADNESS NOW ON NOOK

Konik’s latest book is now available on the Barnes & Noble e-reader, Nook.

November 16, 2010: SOMETHING GOOD EARNS RAVES

The 4th US album of Filipino-American jazz star Charmaine Clamor has entered the top-25 of the World Music radio charts and earned a series of rave reviews. Mr. Konik produced the album for his FreeHam Records label.

October 7, 2010: HUFFINGTON POST CITES KONIK ON SPORTS BETTING

In a column entitled “Don’t Be a Square,” writer Chris Maloney mines Mr. Konik’s sports-betting memoir, The Smart Money, for tips on football wagering.

October 4, 2010: LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE SELECTS “REEFER” FOR HOT LIST

The October Literary Hot List in Los Angeles includes Mr. Konik’s “Reefer Gladness.” Writer Wendy Witherspoon call the book “an original work that’s part fiction, part social commentary.”

October 2, 2010: KONIK NPR INTERVIEW ARCHIVED

Mr. Konik’s interview on “Nevada Today” with KNPR’s Luis Hernandez has been archived and is available for online listening.

October 1, 2010: LAS VEGAS SUN PROFILES KONIK, “REEFER”

In a front page column by Scott Dickensheets, a daily newspaper of Las Vegas used Mr. Konik’s appearances in town to sign his new book as an opportunity to discuss ideas and attitudes toward marijuana.

September 27, 2010: INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER SELECTS “REEFER”

The leading news and information publication for the independent publishing industry has selected Mr. Konik’s “Reefer Gladness” as one of their highlighted titles for the month of October.

September 18, 2010: NEW SINGLE DEBUTS ON KKJZ 88.1FM

On the 9/18 Tommy Hawkins Jazz Hawk show, from 9AM-12Noon on Saturday, KKJZ FM 88.1, Los Angeles’s jazz & blues station, debuts “Breakfast with Bubba” from the new Charmaine Clamor album Something Good. The song, dedicated to KKJZ’s morning DJ Bubba Jackson, features guest vocals from Mon David, Mark Winkler, Zaxariades, Linda Hopkins, and Mr. Konik, who wrote the song’s lyrics.

September 3: CULTURE MAGAZINE RAVES FOR “REEFER”

The cannabis lifestyle magazine Culture published a stellar review of Mr. Konik’s upcoming book — out October 4 — “Reefer Gladness.” Reviewer Nate Jackson writes, “A mix of compelling character sketches, rambling rants and artful character dialogue, the book offers a complex perspective on how the tranquilizing power of herb can temporarily erase the banalities of the everyday grind. KonikÆs short, punchy prose tackles common misconceptions of marijuana (the kind he once had before his first hit) with the likeable tone of cynicism and common sense reasoning. Through it all, his analysis consistently provides evidence that some of the worldÆs most successful people can also be functional cannabis users.”

August 22: NEW KONIK SONG READY FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

Jazzipino star Charmaine Clamor and FreeHamRecords are giving away a track from her upcoming album “Something Good.” The song, “Let’s Take a Trip,” has music by Mon David and lyrics by Mr. Konik. Click on the link for a free, unprotected MP3 copy.

August 17: “REEFER GLADNESS” SIGNING EVENTS ANNOUNCED

In celebration of the national release of Mr. Konik’s seventh book, “Reefer Gladness: Stories, Essays, and Riffs on Marijuana,” the author will be making a series of public appearances to read and sign. Dates have been announced for Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with more to be added soon. Check CALENDAR for details.

July 24: ENCOURAGING ADVANCE “REEFER GLADNESS” REVIEWS

Advance notices for Michael Konik’s new book, “Reefer Gladness: Stories, Essays and Riffs on Marijuana,” have been encouraging. Steve Bloom, former editor of High Times writes at CelebStoner: “Michael Konik offers a fresh take on the marijuana scene. His ‘first time’ chapter set in Amsterdam is classic. This late-blossoming stoner has a potent voice that demands to be heard.” And the editors of BakedLife declare in a front page review: “[Reefer Gladness] is something new and something stoners who love reading are going to latch on to. The book is a refreshing blend of marijuana, real life, and well worded observation.”

May 21: MIXING CONCLUDES ON “SOMETHING GOOD”

“Something Good,” the 4th US release of Filipina jazzipino sensation Charmaine Clamor is finished. Mr. Konik is the album’s producer and contributed six original songs to the project.

April 20: NEW KONIK BOOK ANNOUNCED

On October 4, 2010, Huntington Press will publish Michael Konik’s seventh book, Reefer Gladness: Stories, Essays, and Riffs on Marijuana. The book is a hybrid of fiction and non-fiction, alternately serious and humorous, provocative and imaginative. HP previously published the hardcover editions of some of Konik’s best-known books, including The Man with the $100,000 Breasts.

March 22: POST-PRODUCTION BEGINS ON “SOMETHING GOOD”

Final vocal tracking, editing, and mixing has begun on Charmaine Clamor’s 4th U.S. release on FreeHam Records, “Something Good.” Mr. Konik is the album’s producer.

January 14: LA WEEKLY PICK OF THE WEEK

This Saturday’s sold-out jazz jam at Cafe Metropol was selected by LA WEEKLY jazz critic Brick Wahl as a pick of the week. The resurrected Tasty Band is lead by vocalist Michael Konik, who the WEEKLY describes as a “neo-classic crooner.”

December 29: KONIK KONZERT KAPPED

Cafe Metropol, the downtown LA jazz spot, announced today that the January 16th “Michael Konik & Friends” jazz celebration is sold out. The venue is presently accepting a limited number of Waitlist reservations.

December 17: TWO KONIK ALBUMS IN JAZZ TIMES 2009 TOP 10

Critic Christopher Loudon, the chief vocal jazz writer at Jazz Times, has selected two Michael Konik-produced albums to his 2009 Top 10 list. Mon David’s “Coming True” and Mark Winkler’s “Till I Get It Right” were both released on Konik’s label, FreeHam Records, the only company to earn two spots in Loudon’s Top 10.

November 27: JAZZ TIMES RAVES FOR “COMING TRUE”

The December issue of America’s leading jazz publication features a stellar review of the album “Coming True,” by vocalist Mon David. Critic Christopher Loudon writes, “Every once in a rare while a singer arrives clear out of the blue and knocks you out. Such a revelation is Mon David.” Mr. Konik is the album’s producer.

September 18: “JAZZIPINO” LAUNCHES IN MANILA

Viva Records, the legendary Filipino pop label, has launched their latest release, “JAZZIPINO,” by Filipino-American vocal sensation Charmaine Clamor. The album is enjoying extensive promotion on TV, radio, and in the press. Mr. Konik is the record’s producer.

September 11: NEW BOOK COMPLETED

Mr. Konik has completed the first draft of his new book, a novel tentatively entitled “Year 14.” The manuscript will be offered to publishers later this month.

August 28: FESTIVAL DIRECTORSHIP IN NEW YORK

The Board of Directors of JazzPhil-USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Filipino Jazz, has retained Mr. Konik as the Festival Director for their inaugural New York Filipino American Jazz Festival. Konik, who has extensive experience working with Filipino musicians on his recording label, FreeHam Records, will be responsible for selecting and organizing the musical talent. The Festival is on December 11-12, in Manhattan’s Triad Theater.

May 14: MON DAVID PRODUCTION WRAPS

The newest artist on the FreeHam Records label, Mon David, from the Philippines, has completed work on “Coming True,” his first American release, scheduled for this Fall. Mr. Konik is the album’s producer and executive producer.

April 6: KONIK PRODUCED ALBUM ON THE CHARTS

Singer-songwriter Mark Winkler’s new FreeHam Records album “Till I Get It Right” debuts at #49 on the JazzWeek national jazz radio chart. Mr. Konik is the record’s Executive Producer.

April 2: JAZZPHIL-USA TABS KONIK FOR FESTIVAL DIRECTORSHIP

Jazzphil-USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Filipino-American jazz music, has appointed Mr. Konik as the Festival Director for their 5th Annual Fil-Am JazzFest. He will be responsible for coordinating the world-class jazz artists performing at the two day Festival, set for the first week of December, in Los Angeles.

March 2: KONIK SIGNS WITH SIMON & SCHUSTER SPEAKERS BUREAU

The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau, an agency representing S&S authors, announced today that Mr. Konik has joined their elite roster of presenters. The bureau is booking Konik to lecture trade and business groups on lessons from the world of professional gambling.

February 4: NEW WINKLER ALBUM

The new FreeHam Records CD “Till I Get It Right” from acclaimed lyricist-crooner Mark Winkler is available now online and will debut on American radio March 16th. Michael Konik is Executive Producer.

December 1: KONIK STORY IN “CHICKEN SOUP”

Michael Konik’s story about the golfers Bob and David Duval, “Like Father, Like Son,” has been chosen for inclusion in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Wisdom of Dads. Orginally published in “Chicken Soup for the Golfer’s Soul,” the story was deemed one of the “101 Best” of the 15-year-old series and will be published by Simon & Schuster in time for Christmas.

November 12: BBC’S “THE WORLD” FEATURES “MY HARANA”

The November 12th edition of BBC’s newsmagazine program, “The World,” syndicated throughout America by Public Radio International, profiles celebrated Filipino-American vocalist Charmaine Clamor and introduces listeners to her new Filipino-language world music recording, “My Harana: A Filipino Serenade.” The album was produced by Mr. Konik.

October 30: “THE SMART MONEY” IN PAPERBACK

Simon & Schuster announced that Michael Konik’s memoir of high-stakes sports betting, “The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies Out of Millions,” will be released in paperback in Spring of 2009. In hardcover, “The Smart Money” has been Amazon’s top selling sports-gambling book for the past two years.

October 1: NORTH AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS CITE KONIK SPEECH

The nation’s leading horse-racing publications, including “Thoroughbred Times” and “Bloodhorse” quoted provocative excerpts from Michael Konik’s address to the Thoroughbred Racing Association’s annual Simulcast Conference, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

September 21: CRESCENDO DISBANDS

The vocal harmony quintet CRESCENDO has disbanded after nine years. Michael Konik sang the tenor part for the last five years. The group has one self-titled CD on Devon Records featuring Mr. Konik.

September 15: KONIK INKED TO PRODUCE VOCAL JAZZ CDS

Michael Konik will produce the new CDs of two of Los Angeles’s finest male vocalists, singer-songwriter Mark Winkler and Filipino jazz star Mon David. Recording and production will be completed by year’s end, with releases set for 2009 on the FreeHam Records label.

August 25: KONIK ASSUMES MANAGEMENT DUTIES

Effective September 1, 2008, Michael Konik assumes the North American management of FreeHam Records artist Charmaine Clamor, the USA’s leading Filipina jazz and world vocalist. Mr. Konik will be responsible for coordinating her radio, television, and stage appearances, and will oversee public relations and recordings.

July 1: KONIK JOINS PAINTING GROUP

The Mount Washington Plein Air Painters, a group of a dozen Los Angeles-area artists with an interest in painting outdoors in nature, has welcomed Mr. Konik as the newest member of the organization. Although the MWPAP exhibits regularly, including an upcoming show at the Southwest Museum, Mr. Konik will remain an adjunct member, who, like several others in the group, does not show his work.

May 15: DELAWARE VOTES TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING; KONIK QUOTED

In a story by the Delaware News Journal, Mr. Konik is quoted extensively on the benefits of legalizing sports betting. His book, “The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies Out of Millions,” is also cited.

April 27: KONIK TO PRODUCE WORLD MUSIC ARTIST

Acclaimed Filipino-American vocalist Charmaine Clamor, the first such artist to make the top-5 on both the jazz and world radio charts, will have Mr. Konik in the booth when she records her next CD. The album, tentatively entitled “Harana: Filipino Serenade,” is a world music recording featuring indigenous languages, melodies, and instruments of the Philippines. Konik produced her previous two CDs, including the critically lauded “Flippin’ Out.” Clamor’s latest is scheduled for a May recording and a late-2008 release.

April 2: GQ FEATURES KONIK ADVICE ON SPORTS BETTING

In a 10-page feature story entitled “The Expert-Tested-Can’t-Lose GQ Guide to Betting on Sports,” the March issue of GQ Magazine distills advice from several gambling commentators, including Mr. Konik.

March 8: WALL STREET JOURNAL TABS KONIK BOOK FOR TOP-FIVE GAMBLING LIST

In an article entitled “Five Best,” Sports Illustrated’s Richard Hoffer says five books about gambling hit the jackpot. Mr. Konik’s The Man With the $100,000 Breasts is included.

February 19: KONIK TO BROADCAST “AUSSIE MILLIONS”

The FoxSports Network announced today that Michael Konik has been selected as the expert analyst for the 2008 Aussie Millions, a six-episode series filmed in Melbourne covering the Southern Hemisphere’s richest poker tournament. Konik will be teamed with his veteran play-by-play partner Barry Tompkins. The weekly series is scheduled to begin airing in March.

February 9: KONIK CITED IN KANSAS CITY STAR

A series of articles in today’s Kansas City Star about the pros and cons of legalizing sports gambling cites Michael Konik’s book The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies out ouf Millions. Konik is quoted on, among other topics, the hypocrisy of sports leagues that decry gambling while simultaneously using gambling interest to grow their franchise.

January 31: TASTY TUESDAYS CLOSES

The longest-running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party, hosted by Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, has closed after three years at Catalina Bar & Grill Jazz Club. The club will be booking different acts on Tuesday nights.

December 24: “THE SMART MONEY” IS 2007 #1 SPORTS GAMBLING BEST-SELLER ON AMAZON

The world’s leading online bookseller, Amazon.com, announced today that Michael Konik’s memoir of high-stakes sports-betting, “The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies out of Millions,” was the the #1 best-selling sports-gambling book of 2007. “The Smart Money” (Simon & Schuster), still in hardcover, was also tops in 2006.

November 23: LA TIMES TABS “TASTY TUESDAYS” AS “DON’T MISS” EVENT

The Los Angeles Times Guide, the weekly arbiter of Southland cultural events, selected the November 27th closing night of “Tasty Tuesdays” at Catalina Bar & Grill jazz club, as one of the week’s “Don’t Miss” performances. The show features Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, with special guest Cheryl Barnes.

November 19: KONIK PRODUCED ALBUM GOES TO TOP-5 ON TWO CHARTS

The latest release from Michael Konik’s FreeHam Records, Flippin’ Out, by Filipino-American vocalist Charmaine Clamor, is #2 on the JazzWeek World Music charts and #4 on the Traditional Jazz charts. Konik produced the album, which is heard on more than 200 radio stations in North America.

November 5: GO! MAGAZINE QUERIES KONIK

The November issue of Go!, the in-flight publication of AirTrans, features an interview with Mr. Konik about “smart” sports betting.

November 1: TASTY TUESDAYS EARNS AUDIENCE AWARD

The longest running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party at Catalina Bar & Grill Jazz Club, hosted by Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, was honored this week as the “Roar of the Crowd” winner by members of GoldStar Events. According to GoldStar, which sells tickets to thousands of concerts and shows around America, Tasty Tuesdays was their highest audience-rated event in Los Angeles.

October 28: “THE SMART MONEY” NAMED TO TOP-TEN GAMBLING BOOK LIST

Michael Konik’s memoir of high-stakes sports betting, “The Smart Money” (2006; Simon & Schuster), was selected as one of the Top 10 Gambling Books of all time by the Casino City Times. The editors describe “The Smart Money” as “a non-fiction gem that reads like a fiction novel by entertaining the reader with captivating characters and compelling storylines.” Another book on the Top 10 list, a compilation, “The Greatest Gambling Stories Ever Told: Thirty-One Unforgettable Tales of Risk and Reward,” contains a story by Konik about poker.

October 25: KONIK SHOW CITED IN LA TIMES “GUIDE”

The new “Guide” section in the Los Angeles Times today selected Michael Konik’s Tasty Tuesdays October 30th show at Catalina Bar & Grill, with special guest Janice Harrington, as their daily jazz Pick of the Week. “Calendar’s Calendar” highlights the city’s top cultural events.

October 23: “TASTY TUESDAYS” SELECTED AS LA TIMES PICK OF THE DAY

The longest-running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, Michael Konik’s Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party, at Catalina Bar & Grill, was cited as the jazz music event “not to miss” in today’s Calendar section.

September 14: KONIK & COHORTS FEATURED IN LA WEEKLY

LA WEEKLY, Los Angeles’s leading free publication, featured Michael Konik & His Tasty Band in its weekly “jazz picks” column. Writer Brick Wahl selected ukulele master Abe Lagrimas’s appearance at Tasty Tuesdays as one of his “Brick’s Picks” events of the week.

July 31: “THE SMART MONEY” PUBLISHED IN GREAT BRITAIN

Michael Konik’s latest book, “The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies Out of Millions,” was published today in Great Britain by High Stakes Publishing. The paperback edition retails for L12.99.

July 16: KONIK TO BE COVER BOY

The leading jazz music publication of Los Angeles, LA JAZZ SCENE, announced today that Michael Konik, leader of Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, would be the subject of the August issue cover story. Konik will share the cover with his FreeHam Records colleague Charmaine Clamor, whose new album, “Flippin’ Out,” he produced. The paper will be on newstands and in LA-area jazz clubs from July 27-August 31.

June 1: LA JAZZ SCENE REVIEWS “TASTY TUESDAYS”

The June issue of Los Angeles’s leading jazz periodical, LA Jazz Scene, reviews Michael Konik & His Tasty Band in concert at Catalina Bar & Grill jazz club. Critic Myrna Daniels writes, “Konik’s vocal was romantic and affecting. The audience was thrilled with all the musicians and applauded with gusto. What a remarkable evening it was!” Daniels reports, “Tasty Tuesdays are a showcase for some of the best performers in LA.”

May 23: CATALINA BAR & GRILL RENEWS TASTY TUESDAYS

Hollywood’s premiere jazz music venue announced today that the longest running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party, hosted by Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, will continue at the club in the Fall. The series of shows will run from September 11 through November 27. A full roster of Guest Stars will be announced soon.

May 1: KONIK SELECTED FOR SKY MAGAZINE COMMEMORATION

The May, 2007, issue of SKY Magazine, the in-flight publication of Delta Air Lines, features excerpts from the most stirring travel writing of the past 10 years. An excerpt from Michael Konik’s “Cow Pasture Open” (1997), leads off the piece. The entire story, about a once-a-year golf tournament held in a Montana grazing field, appears in Konik’s book, “Nice Shot, Mr. Nicklaus.”

April 19: LOS ANGELES TIMES REVIEWS TASTY TUESDAYS

Music critic Don Heckman, writing in the Los Angeles TIMES Calendar section, reviewed the April 17th edition of Tasty Tuesdays, featuring Michael Konik and guest star Mark Winkler. Said Heckman, “Konik delivered impressive vocal gymnastics, a lighthearted sense of humor, and a brisk sense of swing.” Click on the hyperlink for the entire text.

April 6: KONIK TO BROADCAST “AUSSIE MILLIONS”

Premiering April 7th and running for 8 consecutive weeks, the “Aussie Millions” poker tournament in Melbourne, Australia will be broadcast on FSN. Analyst Michael Konik joins his longtime partner Barry Tompkins in the booth. The conclusion of the series will mark their 100th episode of televised poker together.

March 20: KONIK TO PRODUCE NEW CHARMAINE CLAMOR JAZZ DISC

Michael Konik will be in the recording studio during March and April, producing America’s leading jazz vocalist of Filipino descent, Charmaine Clamor, who is releasing her second album for FreeHam Records. The disc, tentatively entitled “Flippin’ Out,” will celebrate Clamor’s Filipino roots, synthesizing her native language and rythmns with American jazz and blues. Renowned American musicians such as Christain Jacob, Trey Henry and Ray Brinker (Tierney Sutton Band) will join with Filipino talents such as Abe Lagrimas (Hawaiian ukelele master) and Julius Tolentino (Sharp Nine Records alto sax virtuouso). The CD is slated for an August release.

March 1: ELLA IN EUROPE TO BE PUBLISHED IN KOREA

Seoul-based publisher Media 2.0 has acquired the rights to Michael Konik’s travel memoir “Ella in Europe: An American Dog’s International Adventures.” The book, upon which last year’s Animal Planet television program “Ella & Me” was based, will be translated into Korean. A release date is pending.

February 3: “THE SMART MONEY” TO BE PUBLISHED IN GREAT BRITAIN

High Stakes Publishing, Great Britain’s leading publishing house for books about risk and reward, has acquired the British rights to Michael Konik’s “The Smart Money.” The book will be published in England in May, 2007.

January 8: MICHAEL KONIK & HIS TASTY BAND TO RETURN TO CATALINA’S

The longest-running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday night jazz party at Catalina Bar & Grill, will resume in March, the club announced. The series will cover twelve consecutive weeks, through May. FreeHam Records artists Michael Konik & His Tasty Band will host the concerts, which feature a different guest star every week. Jazz and blues luminaries like Linda Hopkins, Barbara Morrison, and Charmaine Clamor are scheduled to co-star.

December 11: KONIK TO PLAY ON NBC’S “POKER AFTER DARK”

Michael Konik has accepted an invitation to play on NBC’s late-night poker series, “Poker After Dark,” which will air from 2-3AM, Monday-Saturday. The show premieres in January, 2007. Each of the six players contributes $20,000 to a winner-take-all pot of $120,000. The week of episodes featuring Konik will include other well-known TV poker commentators: Howard Lederer, Phil Gordon, Gabe Kaplan, Mike Sexton, and Chad Brown.

December 4: MIKEY AND ELLA TO BE FETED BY ANIMAL ADVOCACY GROUP

PetPlace.org, the Southern California animal advocacy organization has selected Michael Konik and his dog Ella to receive their 2006 “Heroes to Animals” award, in honor of their work in hospitals and nursing homes performing animal therapy. The group cites Konik’s writing on the subject in his book “Ella in Europe.” Michael and Ella will get their award at a gala luncheon in Long Beach, California.

November 21: MEDIA TRIFECTA FOR “THE SMART MONEY”

Simon & Schuster announced today that Michael Konik’s new memoir of high-stakes sports betting has generated interest from every sector of the media. On November 28, the book will be featured on the Jim Rome radio show, heard in more than 200 markets nationwide. On December 3, the book will be reviewed in the New York TIMES. And on the week of December 4, “The Smart Money” will be featured on the popular syndicated television show “EXTRA.”

November 7: S&S ANNOUNCES RADIO TOUR DATES FOR “THE SMART MONEY”

Simon & Schuster announced today a partial schedule of radio appearances by Michael Koik, author of “The Smart Money,” a memoir of high-stakes sports betting. The tour commences on Friday, November 10, with a visit to CBS Radio’s “Adam Carolla Show” and continues throughout the week of publication. Check the CALENDAR section for complete listings.

October 16: SIMON & SCHUSTER ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION DATE OF KONIK BOOK

Michael Konik’s new book, “The Smart Money: How the World’s Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies out of Millions,” will be published on November 14th. Simon & Schuster, which won the North American publishing rights in a heated eight-house auction, will also release an audio version of the book, narrated by the author, on that date. A first-person memoir, “The Smart Money” is Konik’s first gambling book in four years. It is available for pre-order from booksellers everywhere.

September 23: AIR DATES FOR “ELLA & ME” ANNOUNCED; ANIMAL PLANET TO HONOR SANDRINE PECHER

The Animal Planet Network announced today that “Ella & Me,” a 30-minute situation comedy based on Michael Konik’s best-selling book “Ella in Europe,” will premiere nationwide on October 23 (Monday) at 2PM EST/PST, with back-to-back episodes. The show stars Ella Konik as herself and Michael Konik as her sidekick. Animal Planet executive David Doyle and Painless Productions chief Jim Casey also announced today that the broadcast will carry a special memorial dedication to Sandrine Pecher, one of the book’s main characters, who died on September 19th.

September 12: KONIK & THE TASTY BAND RETURN TO CATALINA’S

The longest running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party at Catalina Bar & Grill, begins its Fall season tonight. Michael Konik & His Tasty Band celebrate their 4th 12-week run at Los Angeles’s premier jazz venue. They are joined by special guest star Linda Hopkins, the living legend of the blues.

September 12: LA TIMES PEGS TASTY TUESDAYS AS BEST BET

The Los Angeles Times Calendar section selected Michael Konik & His Tasty Band with guest star Linda Hopkins as its top jazz event of the day. “Calendar’s Calendar” deemed the concert an event “not to miss.”

August 21: KKGO 1260 AM BECOMES OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR OF TASTY TUESDAYS

KKGO, 1260 AM, has signed on to be the official media sponsor of the longest-running weekly jazz event in Hollywood, the Tasty Tuesday Night Jazz Party, hosted by Michael Konik & His Tasty Band. In support of the concerts, KKGO, which plays “the standards” of the Great American Songbook, will provide weekly on-air ticket giveaways, promotional spots, and interviews. Listen to KKGO, 1260 AM, for your chance to win!

July 31: KONIK ELIMINATED FROM WSOP

Michael Konik has been eliminated from the world’s richest poker tournament on the first day of play, at the sixth level, after approximately 12 hours of play.

July 7: KONIK PRODUCES “LINDA HOPKINS LIVE”

Producer Michael Konik and Tony award-winner Linda “the Kid” Hopkins have completed work on her historic live album. The disc features ten tracks of the 81-year-old living legend of the blues recorded before a live audience at Hollywood’s Catalina Bar & Grill jazz club. Plans are afoot to release the album on Linda’s 82nd birthday, in December of 2006.

June 9: LA JAZZ SCENE RAVES FOR KONIK ALBUM

The June issue of LA JAZZ SCENE contains a rave review for “There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” the FreeHam Records release by Michael Konik & His Tasty Band. Writer Harvey Barkan praises the vocals as “reminsicent of a time past,” sung with “emotion, intensity, and excellent articulation that makes every word of the lyrics clear as a bell.” Barkan judges the record “outstanding.”

June 1: ELLA IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

The June issue of “Selecciones,” Reader’s Digest Central and South American Edition, features an excerpt from Michael Konik’s latest book, “Ella in Europe.” The story, entitled “Ella Querida,” focuses on Ella the dog’s work as a therapy animal in Los Angeles-area nursing homes.

May 21: KONIK IN THE POKER DOME

Michael Konik has been hired as lead analyst on FoxSportsNet’s historic new 43-week poker series, “The Poker Dome Challenge”. Filmed live in Las Vegas in a soundproof one-way mirror dome that allows spectators to see inside, the program is set to air on Sunday nights, from May 28, 2006-March 17, 2007. Konik’s contract calls for him to broadcast at least half the episodes, with an option for additional shows.

May 5: NEW POKER SERIES DEBUTS

FoxSports Network has signed Michael Konik to provide expert commentary on a new 10-week series, “The Aussie Millions.” Shot in Melbourne, Australia, the tournament is the richest poker event conducted down under. Konik will be teamed with veteran play-by-play announcer Barry Tomkins.

March 27: NEW POKER SHOW ON FOXSPORTS

FSN has signed Michael Konik to provide expert commentary on a new, six-episode series of “Speed Poker.” The competition, in which the action is concentrated because of a “shot clock,” takes place in Australia. The series debuts in April. Konik’s longtime partner on “Poker Superstars,” Chris Rose, provides the play-by-play.

March 22: ELLA IN EUROPE AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK

The Los Angeles TIMES bestseller “Ella in Europe: An American Dog’s International Adventures,” is now available in a low-priced paperback edition. Bantam/Dell’s trade paperback division, Delta, published the book, which is available in bookstores everywhere and online.

February 20: IN SEARCH OF BURNINGBUSH AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK

Michael Konik’s true tale of golf, friendship, and the meaning of Irons, is now available in paperback from McGraw-Hill publishing. The book, set in Scotland, recounts the journey of two friends in search of the fictional Burningbush golf course made famous in “Golf in the Kingdom.”

January 30: ELLA IN GREAT BRITAIN

The February issue of “Reader’s Digest,” British Edition, features an excerpt from Michael Konik’s book “Ella in Europe.” The story, “The Dog that Heals,” recounts Ella the dog’s therapy work in hospitals and nursing homes.

December 23: KONIK TO LAUNCH NEW POKER SHOW ON FSN

FSN announced today that Michael Konik has been hired to deliver expert commentary on a new 10-week television series called “Monte Carlo Millions.” The poker program, filmed in Monaco, begins airing on January 7, 2006. Konik will be teamed with play-by-play man Barry Tompkins.

December 13: MICHAEL KONIK & HIS TASTY BAND TO RETURN TO CATALINA BAR & GRILL

Catalina Bar & Grill, the premier jazz club in Hollywood, announced today that Michael Konik & His Tasty Band had been signed again to host the club’s Tuesday Night Jazz Party, the longest-running weekly jazz event in Los Angeles. Konik and his all-star band — Andy Howe, Ken Wild, Ken Park, and Kim Richmond — will appear for 13 consecutive weeks of “Tasty Tuesdays” in 2006, beginning in March.

November 11: FREEHAM RECORDS WEBSITE LAUNCHED

In anticipation of two new releases, FreeHam Records, the independent recording company founded by Michael Konik in 2003, launched its official Web site today. FreeHamRecords.com highlights the artists and the music created under the FreeHam imprint, keeping fans and listeners abreast of exciting developments in the world of soulful vocal jazz. The site was designed and developed by CoreWeb Technology

October 26: RELEASE DATES ANNOUNCED FOR TWO FREEHAM RECORDS ARTISTS

FreeHam Records, an independent music label headed by Michael Konik, announced today the release dates for two new artists. Sultry vocalist Charmaine Clamor’s “Searching for the Soul” will debut on November 29th. Guitarist-singer-composer Zaxariades’ album, “Mr. Z,” will launch on December 7th. Both recordings will be available at CDBaby.com and all Borders Books and Music stores.

September 29: KONIK RECIEVES INVITATION FROM ULTIMATE BLACKJACK TOUR

The Ultimate Blackjack Tour (UBT), headed by 1994 World Series of Poker world champion Russ Hamilton, has invited Michael Konik, two-time participant in the World Series of Blackjack, to be among 63 contestants in a series of televised blackjack tournaments. The initial shows will be taped during October in Las Vegas and Hollywood, with future dates planned for other locations. The tournaments, which pit 7 of the game’s bets players against each other in a double-elimination format, offer a $100,000 first prize.

September 1: FILMING TO BEGIN ON “ELLA & ME”

After several months of pre-production, shooting is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 6th, on “Ella & Me,” a new weekly television show for Animal Planet network. Based on Michael Konik’s best-selling memoir, “Ella in Europe,” the half-hour comedy stars Ella Konik as herself and Michael Konik as her second banana. Painless TV of Culver City is producing, with director Jim Casey at the helm. No air date has been formally announced.

August 30: MK OUT OF WORLD POKER TOUR EVENT

Michael Konik finished 268th (out of 839 players) in the World Poker Tour’s “Legends of Poker” tournament, earning $0 for his efforts.

August 29: MK ADVANCES IN WORLD POKER TOUR EVENT

From a starting field of 839 players, 333 players survived the first day of competition at the World Poker Tour’s “Legends of Poker” tournament at the Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, California. With 18,975 in chips, Konik begins Day Two below the field average of 25,110. Each contestant started with 10,000 in chips and paid $5,150 to enter. First place pays $1.2 million. Play resumes today at 4:15PM.

August 22: FREEHAM RECORDS SIGNS TWO NEW ARTISTS

FreeHam records, an independent recording label owned by Michael Konik dedicated to jazz, blues, and torch singing, has signed two new artists. Both singers are regular guest stars at Konik’s Tuesday Night Jazz Party at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, and both singers bring an exciting freshness to the art of music.

CHARMAINE CLAMOR (www.CharmaineClamor.com), a Filipina-American reknowned for her sultry alto voice and gorgeous visage, releases her debut CD on FreeHam Records on November 29th in Hollywood. A West Coast tour and dates in Asia will follow.

ZAXARIADES, or “Mr. Z,” is a renowned master of vocalese, bebop, bossa nova, and world music. A colleague of the legendary Jon Hendricks, Zaxariades’s recent appearances at Catalina have left listeners exhilirated and awestruck. His new FreeHam Records CD will be released on December 12th in Hollywood.

Of the new FreeHam Records artists, Michael Konik said, “I’m thrilled and honored to be collaborating with musical artists like Charmaine and Z. They’re two of my favorite singers and, more important, two of my favorite people. We’re delighted to welcome them to the FreeHam family, and we hope many listeners will enjoy their music as much as I do.”

July 12: TV RIGHTS SOLD TO “ELLA IN EUROPE”

Michael Konik’s latest book, about traveling through Europe with his American mutt, has been purchased by a television network for development into a primetime series. No other details are available at this time.

June 24: MK MAKES AN ACE

Konik made a hole-in-one today, his first ever. While playing at the Victoria Club in Riversida, CA, Konik aced the 185-yard 13th hole with a 5-iron. Much hysteria ensued, and Konik managed to bogey or double-bogey three of the next five holes.

June 9: MICHAEL KONIK & HIS TASTY BAND RETURN TO CATALINA BAR & GRILL

Catalina Bar & Grill, the west coast’s premiere jazz nightclub, announced today that they had signed Michael Konik & His Tasty Band to again host their popular Tuesday Night Jazz Party. Known as “Tasty Tuesdays,” the series of concerts features Konik’s Tasty Band and a different special guest artist each week. The current contract calls for Konik and his group to perform 11 times between September 20 and December 13. See CALENDAR for full details.

June 7: MICHAEL KONIK RESIGNS FROM DELTA SKY

After ten years as West Coast editor and golf columnist of Delta Air Lines SKY magazine, Michael Konik announced his resignation today.

Citing the demands of his television shows and live appearances with the Tasty Band, Konik announced he will stop writing his monthly “Tee Time” column, leaving open the possibility of contributing one or two stories a year on an “emeritus” basis.

“This position has introduced me to countless people, places, and experiences that I’ll always treasure,” Konik said. “The column has been one of the great joys in my life, and I’m grateful to the editorial leadership of SKY — Duncan Christy and Mickey McLean — for giving me the opportunity to explore in print my passion for (and amusement with) the great game of golf.”

May 27: KONIK TO PLAY POKER ON LIVE BRITISH TV

Michael Konik has accepted an invitation to be one of 6 players competing in the premiere episode of “Poker Den,” a weekly live TV broadcast from London. Three pros and three online qualifiers will compete for a winner-take-all prize of $100,000. The show will be broadcast the night of June 17th, on Challenge TV in the UK.

May 20: KONIK TO HOST “HOW TO PLAY WINNING POKER”

FoxSports has signed commentator Michael Konik to host a weekly series called “How to Play Winning Poker.” Using highlight clips from episodes of FoxSports’ popular poker shows “Poker Superstars,” “Championship at the Plaza” and “American Poker Championship,” Konik and play-by-play partner Barry Tompkins will show how expert poker players make their winning decisions. Air dates and times to be announced.

May 17: FIRST ANNUAL FILIPINO JAZZFEST IS SOLD OUT

The Tuesday Night Jazz Party at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood enjoyed its first sold out show. Michael Konik & His Tasty Band hosted nine of the greatest Filipino and Filipino-American jazz artists as part of the “Tasty Tuesdays” series of concerts, and the response was overwhelming, with dozens turned away at the door. Management at Catalina Bar & Grill jokingly suggested that the Second Annual Festival be held immediately.

May 3: ELLA IN “READER’S DIGEST”

“Reader’s Digest” Magazine announced that an excerpt from Michael Konik’s book, “Ella in Europe: An American Dog’s International Adventures,” will appear in the July issue. The excerpt, which describes Ella’s work as a therapy dog, will be on sale from June 26-July 25th in the United States edition of the magazine.

May 2: “IN SEARCH OF BURNINGBUSH” AUDIO EDITION

McGraw-Hill announced that Michael Konik’s beloved memoir of golf and friendship, “In Search of Burningbush,” would be released as a 4-CD vloume. Read by actor Ian McFarlane, the audio edition will be available on May 25th.

April 6: ELLA & THE TASTY BAND LIVE!

Borders Books and Music Westwood announced today that they would host a special “pawtographing” event featuring Ella Konik, followed by a performance of Michael Konik & His Tasty Band, whose CD is now being carried in all Borders stores. The free event, which will be filmed for an upcoming TV show, is on April 14th, at 7:30PM. Check CALENDAR for more details. See you there.

March 1: NEW SEASON OF “POKER SUPERSTARS” on FoxSports

FoxSports has renewed their popular primetime series, “Poker Superstars,” for an unprecedented 36 episodes. Featuring 24 of the world’s top players, the program, which premieres on Sunday nights and repeats throughout the week, culminates in a heads-up championship that awards the winner $400,000. Chris Rose does play-by-play and Michael Konik returns as expert commentator.

February 20: “Ella in Europe” DEBUTS ON LOS ANGELES TIMES BEST-SELLER LIST

Michael Konik’s book about traveling through Europe with his dog, “Ella in Europe: An American Dog’s International Adventure” debuted today on the L.A. Times Non-Fiction Hardcover Best-seller list. The book, published by Delacorte Press, a division of Random House, entered the list at #15, and peaked at #10.