By Michael Tisserand
( featured in Bowler’s Journal: November 1992, pgs. 100-102)


    New Orleans, Louisiana may be known as the birthplace of jazz. But the new sound in that town is called "Rock ‘N’ Bowl."
    There are more than 100 clubs featuring live music here in the Big Easy, but only one place to find Rock ’N’ Bowl: the World famous Mid City Bowling Lanes. While other centers might stage occasional "rock ‘n bowl" type promotions, Mid City Lanes’ owner has acquired exclusive rights to the Rock ‘N’ Bowl name, and the place is defined by the concept. Literally, locals and tourists alike go to this 18 lane center to dance until two or three in the morning, where the air is filled with sounds of crashing drums, honking saxophones, rolling bowling balls and falling pins. Given this atmosphere, it doesn’t take long for a bowler to start doing the Twist on the approach. By midnight or so, the jitterbuggers start to command the pits. When a familiar couple waltzes on the bar, regulars smile knowingly. It’s owner John Blancher and his wife, Deborah. It’s the signal to the fact that Rock ‘N’ Bowl, Blancher’s way is in full swing for another night.

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