Our music tour of New Orleans begins just outside the French Quarter at the historic and beautiful Louis Armstrong Park in the Tremé area. Within the park, we will talk about the historical origins of jazz and discuss one of the jazz greats, Armstrong himself. Starting underneath the park’s famed lighted arched entrance, we’ll explore the area originally known as Congo Square – one of the first locations in the city where enslaved people and free people of colour were allowed to gather and socialise. You’ll hear about jazz’s origins, resulting from a rich mix of cultures in a single city, which combined West African and Caribbean sounds with European musical influences – giving us this uniquely American artform.
From here, we will head into the Vieux Carre, or the French Quarter, and you’ll hear about the origins and culture of jazz while making your way through the oldest area in NOLA, all while seeing some notable historic sites. Your guide will have chosen a special route for you that evening- to ensure the best music is heard. Along one possible route, we’ll share the history of Bourbon Street and the residential and commercial places where blues and jazz collaborators came to make incredible music.
We may pass by Preservation Hall, a venue that brought people of all backgrounds together, even in times of segregation. We may even catch a busker performing at the historic French Market! Or your guide may chose to head to the famous Frenchmen Street, the largest concentration of live music venues in the city. Whatever path is taken, you’ll find yourself at a great Jazz/Music Spot, and your guide will take you inside to listen and enjoy the local scene. Either way, by being with a local, you’ll learn all about the area, how to make the most of your time here, and the music culture and how it operates in the Clubs and venues. And to top it off, you will receive a cocktail on us at one of the stops and you’re very welcome to purchase additional drinks as and when you want them.
In New Orleans, there’s always the opportunity for an element of surprise. We’ll be on the lookout for impromptu street performances, which always make the night special. If (well, let’s be honest, when!), at the end of the tour you're still craving more, your guide will point out other great recommendations for the rest of your evening!
