Local NJ/NY artist Mark D. Conklin spent the majority of his career performing covers and writing songs for various artists, but has finally recorded his first all original album. Performing all over the tri-state and Nashville, Conklin encompasses blues, country and rock. He has plenty of seriously depressing songs, but he also has a humorous side creating ditties like “Lip Sync Or Swim” pulling authority from Ashlee Simpson and Milli Vanilli. Conklin will play Watchung Arts Center in Watchung, New Jersey, on March 27 for his CD release party. markdconklin.com.