Rock and Bowl Question

[balmer_hophead]

Does Rock and Bowl sell out during Jazzfest? Would it make sense to buy tickets soon if there's a particular show I want to see (like everyone of them)?

I've never been so I'm not sure how many people the place holds.

Thanks,
Mike

[Cleophus]

I've never bought tix in advance for a Rock & Bowl show, and have gotten in to see all the shows I wanted there, but they CAN sell out.

I'd guess the place holds about 400 people? (My estimating powers are weak -- anyone else have a better idea?)

[funkkjunkie]

I'm gonna say more like 300, now that they can't use the downstairs.

[saturn]

If you go early enough, there usually isn't any problem getting in. But I have seen late-comers lined up waiting for people to leave before they are allowed in.

[ScoopJohnD]

I've never bought tix in advance for a Rock & Bowl show, and have gotten in to see all the shows I wanted there, but they CAN sell out.

I'd guess the place holds about 400 people? (My estimating powers are weak -- anyone else have a better idea?)

Wouldn't know about the capacity, but I can say I have never been shut out, (not that I've been a gazillion times). I DO know that I've had to wait a bit outside on some the more crowded shows until people left before I could get in. I would imagine if you had advance tickets that possibility would be avoided.

[ScoopJohnD]

Great minds think alike Saturn ! : )

[swag]

No different than any other club. If you're positively certain that's where you want to be, get advance tix. But new shows get announced all the time, people change their minds, or just get too tired, and then the tix go to waste.

[funkkjunkie]

I have wasted a few tickets in nola but live and learn. And there are sooo many cool clubs in new orleans. of course, where else can you bowl AND dance in the lanes to a live band. You MUST get a lane at least one night, hoppie.

[balmer_hophead]

Thanks for the replies. I honestly wouldn't know which night to pick if I had to pick one anyway.

Do people bowl while the bands play? And are lanes just first come first serve?

[funkkjunkie]

I think you reserve a lane when you arrive and they let you know when it's your turn. I've only had the privelege of sharing someone else's lane, not reserving myself. And yes, the music plays while you bowl.
As far as which nights to go, when the jazzfest grids( see jazzfestgrids.com) fill up with all the night shows, your mind is going to be totally boggled. But there's nothing this group likes better than to share their love for a particular band, type of music or show during jazzfest. :) Me, I would go on an anders night and would always choose another show over sonny. Don't tell bluesgirl. ;)

[ozzie]

Never heard of anything quite like this joint... can't wait!

[NeenAtlanta]

Thanks for the replies. I honestly wouldn't know which night to pick if I had to pick one anyway.

Do people bowl while the bands play? And are lanes just first come first serve?

Almost every year I go to the R&B one night and get a lane. I'm always surprised at how easy it is. Just sign up when you arrive, and they call you when a lane is ready for you. I've always gotten one, but then I'm usually there right about the time the music starts.

I love getting the lane if for no other reason that it gives you space for all your buddies to meet up and dance (and bowl if they want).

[Amyloves...]

You'll love it Ozzie! And I love reading this thread. When you've gone there a bunch of times, you tend to forget how completely odd it is. This is making me appreciate it all over again.

[NOLA]

YYR, Amy, I was just thinking the same thing! And I swore I wouldn't take anything in New Orleans for granted anymore after K.

[johnstp]

I've been going to R&B during Jazzfest for years and I've never had a problem getting into any of their shows.

[dank_bass]

Its important to remember just how many venues are going all at the same time, typically crowds get thinned out pretty good. Some venues have a higher propensity to be crowded more so than others (ie; R&B, Tipitinas), but I have been to some shows at places like DBA, Blue Nile, where me and 20 other people were treated to incredible music

[Amy Winette]

I have wasted a few tickets in nola but live and learn. And there are sooo many cool clubs in new orleans. of course, where else can you bowl AND dance in the lanes to a live band. You MUST get a lane at least one night, hoppie.

I don't think they're really *wasted* -- you're still supporting the venue and the musicians. I prefer to call it donating, and we do some of it every year ;)

[glinda]

LOVE RocknBowl. We always get there early, usually on Thursday nite when most of my krewe arrives, and get a lane for zydeco nite! Bowling is fun but the best part is sliding aorund on the lanes in your bowling shoes, dancin.

[Zbonnie]

Me, too, gotta be there for Zydeco Night(s) - Thursday's big blow-out, and usually on Wed. too. (One year I think I had to be there 3 nights out of 5, lol. Funkjunkie took care of me when I was there with my kid for Rebirth.) I've never been shut out without a ticket, but I'm almost always there by 9:00 or 9:30. Unlike many places in NOLA, the shows there usually start close to on time.

[funkkjunkie]

Wait, what I meant to say was I was wasted so never got around to using the tickets.

[steeleye]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...the RnB is one of the coolest places on earth. If you haven't been there yet, I would buy the advance tickets and make it a point to go. There are a ton of great clubs in NO, but RnB is so unique that it must be experienced at least once.

[Amy Winette]

Wait, what I meant to say was I was wasted so never got around to using the tickets.

Hahaha, ME TOO! :)

[mymecca]

is my favorite way to begin the JF marathon...generally the place is a hoot and they always have great shows...

RnB has the best flowthrough in NOLA...even when totally packed the bowling lane gets you up front, to the restroom and bar without issue...this is key...there are so many great shows during JF, but some are so incredibly packed to the point of affecting enjoyment...unfortunately

when the downstairs was operational, it had the best bang for the buck too...truthfully, i had become convinced to just go to RnB every night...couldn't go wrong...must go once...pick any night that floats your boat...if the ponderosa stomp is there again, giddy yup...

[funkkjunkie]

mymecca, the stomp is at HOB.

[Amy Winette]

is my favorite way to begin the JF marathon...generally the place is a hoot and they always have great shows...

RnB has the best flowthrough in NOLA...even when totally packed the bowling lane gets you up front, to the restroom and bar without issue...this is key...there are so many great shows during JF, but some are so incredibly packed to the point of affecting enjoyment...unfortunately

when the downstairs was operational, it had the best bang for the buck too...truthfully, i had become convinced to just go to RnB every night...couldn't go wrong...must go once...pick any night that floats your boat...if the ponderosa stomp is there again, giddy yup...

El, can we share a lane with you this first Thursday? I believe that is our NOLA arrival plan! We're not in til after 10pm, but hotel, then straight to RNB :)

[festivalgirl]

We usually get there around 8:30 and have never had to wait to get in. It's perfect timing for a bowl of gumbo before it gets rockin'!

[mymecca]

woohoo!!! can't wait...yep, vic, i heard dat...just a brain fart...combined with livin' in the past ;0)

[Corona]

you read my mind Amy! I was thinking...hmmm....that could be fun to take Sam, Trish and Amanda to, specially if we can bowl that Thursday before fest starts. GMTA :)

[Corona]

so I kicked over to the RnB website to see the calendar for Mardi Gras and for Fest and that familiar tingle started in my stomach....seeing the bands listed and wondering who they're up against at different clubs for those nights, and which ones I will choose and how much I want to see the bands listed on the site but need to see what else is on elsewhere.....I could feel it....FOMS anxiety tingles....oh boy, it must be fest season :) :) :)

[Amy Winette]

It sure is!

It'll be great to roll over to the RnB when we arrived first Thursday and find all you threadheads already there (I think it'll be perfect for the girls too). Front Row Ellen will undoubtedly be First Lane Ellen and holding the space down for threadheads :)