Always one of the first chances to see the tattoos come out from under the winter clothing in Minneapolis, the lineup for the Memory Lanes Block Party was announced today with another national-level act for a headliner and the usual eclectic Memorial Day weekend mix. Masked surf-rock maestros Los Straitjackets will return to town to headline on Sunday, May 27, when they will be nicely complemented by a Hypstrz reunion and an eclectic roots posse that includes L'Assassins, Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band, Steve Kaul & the Brass Kings and Malamanya.

Other performers throughout the weekend will include the Hood Internet, Gramma's Boyfriend, Sleeping in the Aviary, Dream Crusher and Fort Wilson Riot (all on Saturday, May 26), plus such punk/hardcore bands as Needles, Varix, Manipulation, Rock Steady Breakfast and In Defence (the Friday acts). As always, the party will be free, ALL-AGES and held in the parking lot outside the Minneapolis bowling alley, at 2520 26th Av. S.

Can't help but wonder if anyone might throw together a block party before the Memory Lanes bash this year, what with the unusually warm spring. No, really: Anyone???