"Lightning in a Bottle: A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes" is more than a photobook — it is 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 music, the misfits, the staff, the artists, and the rare magic that lived inside the Lanes’ walls. His camera became an extension of him, allowing him to preserve a community and a creative universe that 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.
The spirit of The Lanes comes to life the weekend of December 19-20th! Gallery openings, gatherings, and the triumphant return of the legendary Guilty Pleasures Dance Party (IYKYK) will mark the release of this 400-page photographic love letter, hosted by Mt Crushmore Records, Parlor Gallery, and Mike McLaughlin.
GALLERY OPENING
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
The weekend begins with the official exhibition opening at Parlor Gallery, featuring work selected by McLaughlin from Lightning in a Bottle. These photographs distill the essence of the Lanes: the sweat, the grit, the beauty, the unfiltered joy, and the singular community that made the space unforgettable. The exhibition honors the Lanes as both muse and main character — a beacon for artists, punks, musicians, and dreamers. Select prints from the book will be available for purchase.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
Book Signing & Artist Talk
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Meet the artist, purchase signed copies of the book and prints from the book. A rare gathering and chance to reconnect with fellow Lanes regulars, staff, musicians, and friends.
Parlor Gallery 717 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Artist Talk at The Showroom Cinema
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Lightning in a Bottle comes to life on the big screen at the Showroom Cinema. Photographer and curator Mike McLaughlin in discussion with writer Alex Biese. A moderated discussion exploring three decades of documentation, the making of the book, Asbury Lanes’ cultural legacy, and the stories behind the images that shaped an era.
Showroom Cinema 707 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Evening Celebration
7:00 PM - Late!
Saturday night brings the joyful, triumphant return of Guilty Pleasures Dance Party, alongside two photography and music features:
• Asbury Lanes Flyer Show — A visual history of the Lanes’ legendary flyers, posters, and ephemera.
• Tales From the Pit Photo Show — A gritty, kinetic look at the energy of “the pit” through McLaughlin’s lens.
• Guilty Pleasures Dance Party — With DJ Values, Pete Pedersen & Jack the Ripper!
The Art Spot 1100 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
About the Artist
Mike McLaughlin is a documentary and fine-art photographer whose immersive storytelling has shaped Asbury Park’s cultural memory for decades. His work spans music, documentary, portraiture, and night photography, with a focus on belonging, community, and lived experience. His long-term dedication to Asbury Lanes remains one of the most significant photographic archives of Asbury Park’s creative history.
Also check out other Arts events in Asbury Park, Entertainment events in Asbury Park, Music events in Asbury Park.
