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New York City has a rich music history, not the least of which was the arrival of jazz music onto the scene in the early 1900’s.

To this day, Harlem and Greenwich Village still have the most vibrant jazz scenes anywhere, and what better way to immerse yourself in the culture of scatting, bebopping and improvisation than on a fantastic Jazz tour of New York City?

With Big Apple Jazz Tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore several of the top Jazz destinations in the city, meet musicians and learn about the significance of this innovative music style all in one memorable evening!

About Big Apple Jazz Tours

These NYC tours are ideal for music lovers or jazz aficionados, and are also perfect for anyone looking to discover the Big Apple’s legendary nightlife scene. With an expert guide who knows his way around the most happening clubs as well as those that remain hidden gems, you’ll not only be well-versed in jazz trivia by the time the night is through, but you’ll have had a fun time as well.

Funny, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about jazz music, Gordon Polatnick doesn’t make this feel like you’re getting a history lesson. Instead, it’s more like you’re spending a night out on the town, and one of your friends in the group just happens to know all there is to know about the New York jazz scene. Big Apple Jazz tours are also beloved by their customers, and the testimonies on Trip Advisor prove that.

In fact, they received so many consistently great 5-star reviews that they’ve been rewarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!

Which Big Apple Jazz Tour?

  • Harlem Juke Joint Tour: The most popular of the Big Apple Jazz Tours, this NYC walking tour will include stops at two to three different locations in Harlem with the best lineup for the night, such as the legendary Birthplace of Bebop, a speakeasy from the prohibition days, or a 1960’s vintage dive bar! Get ready to listen to vocalists in the tradition of icons like Billie Holliday and instrumentalists like Dizzie Gillespie, and if you’re a jazz musician or singer you may have a chance to join in!
  • Great Day in Harlem Jazz Tour: This Harlem tour gives you a chance to rest your feet by traveling by luxury van instead of walking, but will be just as intimate and fascinating an experience as the Juke Joint Tour. Check out a jam session by Harlem locals and soak up some history by checking original sites of the Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom, Duke Ellington’s home and other fabled spots, then round out the day by chowing down on a delicious soul food meal!
  • Greenwich Village Jazz Crawl: Greenwich Village is another NYC neighborhood that has a stellar music scene unrivaled on the Planet Earth. This tour includes at least three clubs and sets of live jazz in the heart of this underground and historic scene.
  • Private Tour: Customize your own NYC music adventure! Call Gordon to make your New York Jazz dreams come true.

What To Know

How Long: Many of the tours last around 4 hours.

Who Can Come: The tours are best suited for ages 18 and up, but the Big Apple Jazz tours can be customized to work with every traveler. If you have guests under 18 that want to come along, just give them a call and let them know your situation - they can probably find a way to include everyone they can! Big Apple Jazz tours offers a Student Group Jazz Tour for young musicians as well. Fellow musicians and vocalists are encouraged to try these tours - you might even get a chance to join the band!

How Much: Prices for the tours start around $99, which includes 4 hours of fun and stops at great jazz clubs with live music, great vibes and tons of history and charm. Many of the jazz joints have a menu with delicious food and drinks, but these are not included in the price of the tour, so bring some cash to buy a cocktail, snack and of course to tip the fantastic musicians and your tour guides.

How to Reserve: Buy your tickets on zerveEmail Gordon: gordon@bigapplejazz.comGive him a call at 718-606-8442