Bruno Mars is striking it big on the charts with his debut single “Just the Way You Are,” but on Wednesday night in New York City, the only thing he was focused on was striking down bowling pins. At an exclusive media meet and greet at Lucky Strike, the fedora-wearing hitmaker greeted guests with a warm smile and a hug. In a dimly-lit corner with dated pop tunes blasting from the speakers, Bruno made lighthearted chit-chat before hitting the lanes.

Coming off the high of his No. 1 record, the friendly singer-songwriter spoke to staging-rapup.kinsta.cloud about linking up with Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley for “Liquor Store Blues,” a track off his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. “If you ever get a chance to go to Oahu, where I’m from, turn on the radio and all you’re going to hear is Bob Marley, Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, and Stephen Marley. They’re like royalty down there,” Mars explains. “We made the phone call and he came through and blessed me.”

After wolfing down mini-burgers and drinks, everyone made their way to the four bowling lanes reserved for the occasion. Bruno didn’t take the sport lightly, from his push-away stance to his delivery. With the moxie of a champion and the poise of a true pro, Bruno proved that his talents are not limited to music, stealing the game in strikes.

The Hawaiian heartthrob’s full-length debut arrives Tuesday featuring his hit single plus the follow-up “Grenade.” Catch him living out his dream when he performs on the October 9th episode of “SNL.”

–Tanya Remekie