The past performers include Beau Jocque, Boozoo Chavis, Geno Delafose, Chris Ardoin, Snooks Eaglin, Wild Magnolias, and Anders Osborne.

In 1941 the bowling alley opened on the upstairs floor of a small commercial mall building in Mid-City New Orleans under the name of "Mid City Lanes."

John Blancher, the current owner, purchased it in 1988 and a year later turned it into a live music venue, while keeping the bowling alley active.

[1] Following the change, the place became known as the Rock 'n' Bowl, however, the original name "Mid City Lanes" has also been in use, and was still often found under that name alphabetically in music listings.

As of May, 2008, the ground floor has been gutted, and a brand new facade has been constructed, with one anchor tenant at the Tulane Avenue corner; The neon sign was in place, but the other artwork had been painted over and not reapplied.