The cheap beer, the crash of pins, the dorky shoes. A reason to cuss and brag, a game for friendly competition and the preferred sport of The Dude from The Big Lebowski.  Aah, sweet bowling, one of America’s favorite pastimes. And Hell’s Kitchen is bringing us reason to love it even more.



That’s right, the staff at Hell’s Kitchen has given this old game a new name and the first annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Bowling contest is on its way.



The brain behind the idea is Hell’s Kitchen booker, Flash. With a HK team recently back from taking gold at BYO Record’s Punk Rock Bowling Tournament in Vegas, Flash felt the Northwest needed its own rock and bowl competition.



“We knew it would be a lot of fun to throw our own tourney,” he said.



Pacific Lanes will host the first part of the event — the contest. A handicap will be established based on what the teams bowl for the first three games and added to the score, so it will be fair for all levels of bowlers. The top eight teams after the qualifying round will go into bracket finals, explains Flash. The top three teams get paid. First place team will get a trophy and bragging rights.



One great thing about this contest is that it is for all stages of bowlers.



“I’m a terrible bowler,” confesses prospective participant Felicia Connel. “But even I feel comfortable doing it.”



Naturally, Hell’s Kitchen will be hosting the second part of the event — the after party. Legendary punk rockers DOA will be tearing it up with the help of Neutral Boy (who are rumored to be bowling) and others.



Tournament participants get in free to the show and there is still room to sign up.



“Come on down and have fun no matter how good or bad you bowl,” says Flash. “We’re just looking to have a really good time and start a new Tacoma tradition in the meantime.”



For more information or to register a team, contact Flash at flash@hellskitchenonline.com.



[Pacific Lanes Bowling Center, Saturday, May 23, 1-5 p.m., 7015 S. “D” St., Tacoma, 253.474.0594]



[Hell’s Kitchen, DOA, Neutral Boy, The Insurgence, Red White and Die, Saturday, May 23, 9 p.m., $10-$12, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]