Harlem Jazz Tour
Joined 2025
Join me to immerse yourself in Harlem's intimate LIVE JAZZ scene. This is an expertly guided walking tour that is open to all ages.
On the Harlem Jazz Tour we discover historical sites like the Apollo Theater and Minton's Playhouse; experience Harlem street life, and beautiful architecture as we move from one LIVE JAZZ club to the next. Two hidden jazz joints are included along with the historical sightseeing and entertaining commentary. Food and drinks are available but are not included.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Apollo Theater
- This is the legendary and world-famous Harlem theater on 125th Street that hosted all the great entertainers of the 20th Century and was the place where a 17-year old Ella Fitzgerald was discovered on Amateur Night in back in 1934. A tradition that lives on till today.
Patrick's Place
Patrick's Place is an intimate neighborhood club with great Jamaican cuisine and fantastic jazz deep in Harlem's northern district. We'll catch a swinging set of live jazz here and enjoy the wonderful local atmosphere of an authentic Harlem jazz joint. Bands often have vocalists who do their best to maintain the tradition made famous by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. that started here back in the Prohibition Era.
Guests will be required to spend a minimum of $20 each on delicious food and creative tropical drinks. The cocktails are strong and sweet, you've been warned! The most popular food dish is called Jerk Chicken and Patrick's is famous for making this dish better than anyone.
Vegetarian, fish and meat dishes, and non-alcoholic alternatives are all available.
We will typically stay for at least one set and sometimes two sets of music. If you are a musician or singer, you will be invited to join the band if you wish, so let me know.
Lucille's
Lucille's is one of the best kept secrets in Harlem. This charming cafe has beautiful decor and spacious seating creating a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the neighborhood jazz scene.
We will settle in here for the remainder of the tour, meeting the local musicians and fans who will shape the sound of jazz in NYC and the world for decades to come. And if you are a jazz player or singer you will be invited to join the jam if you'd like to stay on after the conclusion of the tour at 10PM.
On the nights when Lucille's does not present live music we will visit alternative Harlem clubs with equal charm and spirit.
Ending Point
Lucille's
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
*Guide fee
*Music fees or "in tour" transportation.
*Food and drinks (minimum of $20 each in Patrick's Place, and purchasing a drink or appetizer in Lucille's (or alternative second venue)
Tour Important Information
*There is a Harlem tradition of passing the "love bucket" among the audience for extra cash tips for the band. You may wish to contribute or decline. Your guide will pay the cover charge on his check and contribute to the "love bucket" for the group. Also, whenever the group needs to take a taxi to the next club that cost is included in your tour price as well.
*We are going to small establishments that welcome and accommodate our groups with the understanding that we will contribute to the survival of the Harlem jazz scene by ordering from the bar or kitchen.
*Credit cards are accepted in all venues with the exception of Sunday nights when we may end up at a club that only accepts cash. So be prepared on Sundays with $20-$40 per person in cash to order food and drinks.
On Sundays we begin at 248 West 132nd Street at 5:45PM instead of the Apollo. Patrick's Place is closed so we go to a private club with a Hammond B3 organ soul jazz jam serving amazing soul food and reasonable prices and the cheapest drinks in the city.
On Monday we begin at 300 West 116th Street at 6:30, downstairs at a secret club to hear Phil Young's House of Blues Band (Patrick's Place is also closed on Mondays). Silvana serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
Some Friday nights we will start at 6:30 at 3570 Broadway to enjoy a special band presented by the Queen of Harlem's jazz scene, Berta Alloway, that we think you'll really enjoy. Stay tuned for updates before the tour.
Important message from the supplier
With advance booking of over 2 weeks, I can usually be free anytime.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Gordon P.
Hi I'm Gordon, a third generation New Yorker.
I've always felt most at home in jazz joints. That's where my people are - the players and the fans; they've inspired me my whole working life:
- I've owned a popular jazz club in Harlem
- Managed top musicians
- Had my jazz photos and articles in major publications
- Been awarded a Proclamation from New York State
For over 25 years, I've been designing and leading immersive jazz crawls through NY's underground scene as the owner of Big Apple Jazz Tours.
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# 1 in Nightlife in New York City.
$600/ per group
