Lightning In A Bottle: A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes is a 400-page visual archive/photo book celebrating the musicians, artists, staff, Punks, misfits, dancers, and community members who collectively helped define Asbury Lanes (better and more commonly known as The Lanes) The Lanes was a vintage bowling alley turned D.I.Y. music venue located in the heart of Asbury Park before its re-development in 2015.
The book boasts forewords penned by pivotal figures “Juicy” Jenn Hampton and Alex Biese, as well as an afterword by Christina “Tini” White. It reflects the shared mythology of a place wherein art, music, chaos, and heart co-existed in perfect harmony.
Lightning In A Bottle: A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes is more than just a mere photo book—it's a testament to one of Asbury Park’s most iconic eras. For over a decade, photographer Mike McLaughlin served as the unofficial “keeper of the Asbury Lanes’ memories,” instinctively documenting the raucous comings and goings that lived inside The Lanes’ walls.
Mike's camera became an extension of him, allowing him to preserve a community and a creative universe that, unfortunately, no longer exists. Through more than 100,000 images captured over 11 years, McLaughlin offers a visual archive of a beloved cultural landmark—a collective fever dream shared by those who called The Lanes home.
Thankfully, the spirit of The Lanes comes to life over this weekend (December 19-20th)! Gallery openings, gatherings, and the triumphant return of the legendary Guilty Pleasures Dance Party will mark the release of this 400-page photographic love letter, hosted by Mt. Crushmore Records (the label imprint co-founded by Jared Heart of Mercy Union and The Scandals,) Parlor Gallery, and Mike McLaughlin.
Asbury Lanes once hosted bills showcasing Big D & The Kids Table, The Bouncing Souls, D.O.A., The Germs, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Mick Jones (The Clash,) Murphy's Law, Negative Approach. OFF!, and Screaming Females.
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Copies of Lightning In A Bottle: A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes will be available at the events above this weekend, and are available today via wide release on Mt. Crushmore Records.
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