Memory Lanes | Happenings

The Twin Cities' Newest Blast from the Past!

MEMORY LANES Punk Rock Mondays

2520 26th Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-721-6211;
www.memorylanesmpls.com

Cost: $3.95 per game, $2.95 shoe rental, $9.95 all you can bowl, including shoes.

Hours: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Punk Rock Mondays, age 18 plus);
10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Walk into Memory Lanes around 9:30 on a Monday night and you'll see something you may consider odd: Punk rockers, garbed in spikes, studs and leather, trading their combat boots for bowling shoes. Every Monday, Memory Lanes, formerly Stardust Lanes, hosts an 18-and-older night of bowling and bands, geared toward punk rockers. Local punk bands are invited to play on the "Let's Bowl" stage, set up across several lanes. While the house music between sets leans toward the Ramones, the Misfits and local punk heroes Dillinger Four, among others, the live music is an eclectic mix of original material and covers.

On a recent evening, female-fronted rock band XOXO Judy got the music rolling with a sound reminiscent of the X-Ray Spex and Ramones. Their music was punctuated by the occasional crash of pins and jubilant shouts of a bowler scoring a strike. Nearby, bowlers and rockers lined up for typical bowling alley food; the 21-and-over crowd appreciated the $2 Jameson shots and $1.75 16-ounce cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Musicians say they're grateful for the opportunity to get exposure and have fun.

"It's more than a show. It's like an event," said Mariah VanDeWiele, lead singer of punk rock band Death in Small Doses. Death guitarist Mike Liess sums up the feeling of the evening. "This show's about three of my favorite things," he said, "bowling, drinking and playing music."

MATTHEW MIRANDA - STAR TRIBUNE