Guided tour

New York: Harlem Jazz Crawl Tour

4.6 / 5

27 reviews

Activity provider: Big Apple Jazz Tours
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    Guided tour

    New York: Harlem Jazz Crawl Tour

    Activity provider: Big Apple Jazz Tours

    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 at least two venues to get a feel of what's happening in the local scene. If you're a singer or soloist, 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
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 5 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Small group
    Limited to 10 participants

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Hear at least 2 sets of live music covering a range of styles and atmospheres
    • Learn about the Harlem jazz scene during an intimate group tour
    • Indulge in authentic soul food at the first venue you visit (optional)
    • Explore the history of Harlem as you walk through its historic streets
    • Get to know New York's music history with the help of a guide
    Full description

    Delve into the Harlem Jazz world on an unforgettable tour through one of New York's most fascinating neighborhoods. Go sightseeing in Harlem's historic jazz district, and learn the history of the area as you move from one club to the next. Meet in a conveniently located Harlem location near the subway line. Visit two neighborhood joints to indulge in great music so you can understand a variety of styles 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 one of 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

    You 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
    • You are required to bring and wear a mask
    • You will receive a mandatory temperature check

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    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

    4.6 /5

    based on 27 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      5/5
    • Value for money
      4.4/5
    • Safety
      5/5

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    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
    Frederick – United States Verified booking

    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
    Pascale – Switzerland Verified booking

    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

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – United States Verified booking

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    Product ID: 27481