New Orleans Jazz History Tour

Few cities rival New Orleans’ nightlife thanks to its thrilling music scene. From authentic dixieland to big brass and every other jazz style in between, live music options are endless in the city that gave birth to the coolest genre in music. Hear about the origins and culture of jazz before making your way to the 19th century neighborhood that boasts the best music and bars in town. We’ll visit a few of our favorite local clubs, enjoy a beer and discover the talents of some of the city’s best local musicians. There’s nothing quite like a night out in ‘The Big Easy.’

Meeting Point

701 N Rampart St

701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

Louis Armstrong Park (Entrance to the park, under archway), 701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116

What's included:

• Tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
• Visit Louis Armstrong Park and discover historical origins of jazz
• Enjoy some Live Music with a beverage (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
• Friendly Local English-speaking music lover and a guide

Not included:

• Additional drinks, food
• Tips/gratuities for your guide and the musicians

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Louis Armstrong Park

901 N Rampart St, , New Orleans, 70116-3086, Louisiana

Our music tour of New Orleans begins just outside the French Quarter at the historic and beautiful Louis Armstrong Park in the Tremé neighborhood. Within the park, we will talk about the historical origins of jazz and discuss one of the jazz greats, Armstrong himself.

35 minutes

The Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts

801 N Rampart St, , New Orleans, 70116-3084, Louisiana

We will pass by the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts located in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was named after gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who was born in New Orleans.

Pass by without stopping

French Quarter

French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USA

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 neighborhood 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.

10 minutes

Bourbon Street

, , New Orleans, 70130, Louisiana

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 even catch a busker performing at the historic French Market!

30 minutes

Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, 70119, Louisiana

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.

30 minutes

French Quarter

New Orleans, Louisiana

Either way, by being with a local, you’ll learn all about the neighborhood, 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 drink on us at one of the stops and you’re very welcome to purchase additional beverages as and when you want them.

30 minutes

Preservation Hall

726 St. Peter Street, , New Orleans, 70116-3182, Louisiana

Passing by the historic music venue Preservation Hall in the French Quarter working to protect, preserve and perpetuate the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz.

Pass by without stopping

Congo Square

701 N Rampart St, Entrance at the Corner of N. Rampart and Saint Peter Streets, New Orleans, 70116-3085, Louisiana

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 color were allowed to gather and socialize. 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.

15 minutes