New York Harlem Jazz Crawl

4.5 / 5

21 Reviews

New York Harlem Jazz Crawl

4.5

21 Reviews

From US$ 121 per person

Discover the fascinating world of jazz on an unforgettable tour through Harlem. Learn about the area's music history, visit several venues to get a feel of what's happening in the local scene, if you're up for it, and get up and join the band!

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
COVID-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing
Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 5 hours
Starting time 6:00 PM
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • We will hear at least 2, but more often 3 sets of live music covering a range of styles and atmosphere.
  • Learn about the Harlem jazz scene on a small and intimate group so you can get a better feel of the atmosphere
  • Indulge in delicious 'soul food' at the first venue you visit (optional)
  • Explore the fascinating history of Harlem as you walk through its historic streets and visit its unique venues
  • A great opportunity to learn about New York's music history with a knowledgeable guide who's been in the business for 16 years
  • Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity for musicians or singers from the group to join the bands and perform
Full description
Delve into the Harlem Jazz world on an unforgettable tour through one of New York's most fascinating neighborhoods. Meet in a conveniently located Harlem cafe near the subway line. Enjoy sightseeing in Harlem's historic jazz district, and learn the history of the area as you move from one club to the next. Visit two or three neighborhood joints to indulge in great music so you can understand the variety of styles, attitudes, and atmospheres that exist in Harlem today. Want to have dinner or sample local cuisine? No problem, dinner or appetizers can be arranged at the first club you visit. Drinks are available for purchase at each venue. The best has been saved for last: if you're a musician or singer, you can actually perform at the clubs you visit! There's nothing more exciting for the group than to have a talented member of the audience get up on stage and jam with the band!
Includes
  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible guide service
  • Transportation costs
  • Cover charges to all clubs
  • The chance to perform (if circumstances permit)
  • Food and Drinks
COVID-19 precautions

Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place
  • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
  • Customers are required to bring and wear masks
  • Customers will get a mandatory temperature check

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

Please meet at 6:00 PM at Silvana, 300 West 116th Street. They have a downstairs music space with a lounge area to the back (away from the stage) - that's where the tour group will gather to meet each other. Come early if you want to get there before the music starts and chat a little. The best way to get to Silvana: the closest and best subway is the B and C trains which stop near Silvana at 116th Street and Frederick Douglass (8th Ave).

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothes

Know before you go

  • Formal dress is not required. Dress for comfort as we'll be out in all kinds of weather as well as in hot or cold clubs.
  • There will be some walking, up to 10 city blocks at a time, on this tour.
  • Photography is encouraged, but only of the musicians not the other patrons and neighbors. Of course, friendships arise on this tour and photographs among friends are always fine.
  • Please note that this tour can be fitted to suit your particular interests, so please let your guide know what you like and hope to learn about the Harlem scene.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 21 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6 / 5
  • Value for money
    4.4 / 5
  • Safety
    5 / 5
  • Service
    4.8 / 5
Sort by

Our guide Amanda was just terrific - full of energy and life and knowledge of her neighborhood. We hit several jazz clubs and had plenty of time to enjoy drinks and food, never felt rushed. I also felt lucky to have a such great group for the tour! Make sure you wear appropriate attire and comfortable foot wear, there is some walking involved, and prepare yourself to learn a great deal about the history of Harlem, the history jazz and bebop, and the enormous contributions of African-Americans to the culture.

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December 16, 2019

F
Reviewed by Frederick – United States

Helpful?

A jazzy, soulful tour away from the tourist crowds !! Simple Great

The four of us went to this tour and met six other jazz enthusiasts. Our guide was Gordon. An absolute connoisseur of the scene that has been in business for 18 years. He took us to three different hotspots. First we went to a cellar bar that opened at the time of the First World War. You could really feel the story there. And the live band played sensationally. Then we went to a soul bar. Absolute chicken skin mood and extremely good food. At the end we visited a third bar. Here too a mega jazz band played. A bar visitor sang along with the band on one song and a saxo player - who came by - spontaneously played on another. Gordon was the perfect guide. Everyone knew him and he knew a lot about the history of jazz in Harlem. He told little anecdotes and was able to answer all questions. We felt safe and in good hands with him. In the end he accompanied us back on the subway. Just GREAT !!

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May 10, 2015

P
Reviewed by Pascale – Switzerland

Helpful?

Fantastic Harlem jazz tour on Oscar night Sunday

I wanted to go to Harlem to the jazz clubs but I wasn't about to go not knowing where to to go and how to get there. We were a group of 2 Chinese mothers with a teenager and a young classical musician from China. We needed a tour guide like Gordon, who was very friendly and knowledgeable and took us to three different clubs as an introduction to jazz. We went to The Shrine, The Legion and Paris Blues which were all hole-in-the-wall joints. Had soul food at the Legion which was very good. Must have the rum cake! Paris Blues was most fun. Would go back again.

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February 28, 2013

A
Reviewed by Anonymous – United States

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Organized by
Big Apple Jazz Tours

Product ID: 27481