IT CAN be a little hard to fathom how a weekly party has continued to succeed for more than three years on a Monday night—in Aiea, no less.

But that's what's happening at ”;The Playground,”; a weekly cosmic-bowling night that brings a mixture of neighborhood hurlers and night-life industry workers to Aiea Bowl. Originally called “;Moonlight Mondays,”; the party switched gears last fall after taking quite a hit from the failing economy.

“;When we first started, it was very industry-driven,”; said operations manager Cy “;Urusai”; Shimabukuro on Monday. “;Then it started to slow down.”;

Faced with the prospect of turning the night back into plain old open bowling, Shimabukuro proposed a revamping of the party that cut prices and introduced $1, $2 and $3 drink specials. He also started handing out coupons for free games and partnered with local websites like QMania.com and HNLNow.com to promote the party online.

“;Now there are groups that come here every Monday,”; Shimabukuro said. “;With the free game coupon, you can bowl two games for $8—with a shoe rental.”;

Also on board for “;The Playground”; is Level H Promotions, who used to promote on Sundays at the bowling alley. Every third Monday of the month, they co-host the industry night and help get Clubland's movers and shakers to show up at the party.

And this week, show up they did—the Vertical Junkies' Russ Inouye, Kanoe Sandefur, Blaine Tomita and Mikey Nagasawa were there, as was BAMP Project's Aubry Boutin and Monica Ivey, Hot 93.9's Flash Hansen, Fitted Hawaii's Sebastian “;Bobby Filipino”; Valdes and V Lounge's Kenoe Angeles and Alejandro Briceno.

Also on hand Monday to take part in the Hawaii launch of Bacardi Torched Cherry Rum: Ryan “;Hawaiian Ryan”; Matsumoto, Rick Rock, Joey Gottesman, Judah “;Da Lion of Judah”; Oschner, Daniel Gray, Taylor Tadani and DJ Technique ...

CONCERT NEWS: BAMP Project has announced two new concerts in recent weeks. First, Owl City will perform at Pipeline Cafe on Aug. 28; to purchase tickets, visit http://www.hsblinks.com/2f1. On Monday, they announced the Hawaii debut of New Orleans' MUTEMATH at Pipeline on Aug. 5. Tickets, priced at $26 and $55, went on sale today at http://www.groovetickets.com ... Hip-hop fans should also be well served over the next few weeks, with concerts by E-40 at Oceans808 on May 28, followed by Twista and Gloc 9 at Pipeline on June 4 and 5, respectively, and up-and-coming artists Million Dollar Mano and Donnis at NextDoor on June 5. Details for all four shows are available at each venue's respective website ... And while Pipeline's management failed to return a request for confirmation by deadline this week, it's a good bet that party rockers LMFAO will return to Honolulu for a July 9 concert at the Kakaako nightclub. More details about that show when I get them from the club and/or a promoter ...

WEEKEND PICKS: California reggae band Groundation returns to Honolulu to headline a concert tonight at Pipeline. Doors open at 8 p.m., with an opening set by Ooklah the Moc. Tickets are $25 and $40; call 589-1999 ... Chic Soiree expands into two different venues this week at Ward Centre for its “;Fire & Ice Mega Soiree”; at Ka Restaurant and Paparazzi Nightclub. Heat things up at Ka with its red theme, while Paparazzi will stay cool with a blue-and-white theme and DJ Vegas Mike spinning hits from the '80s. And if you can make it, an official after-party will rage until 4 a.m. at Pearl Ultralounge; cover is free with “;Fire & Ice”; admission stamp ... Tomorrow marks the supposed final edition ever of ”;Monkey Bar”; at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Promoters Architechs Hawaii, Tantriq Entertainment and Vertical Junkies resurrected the successful weekly in March to throw a handful of one-time parties to mark spring break and the end of school. Doors open at 10 p.m., with complimentary Grey Goose and Patron until 11 p.m. ...

”;In the Mix”; drops Fridays in HILife. Contact Jason Genegabus by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or phone at 529-4766.