new york jazz tours

The 8 Absolute Best Jazz Cruises in New York

Smooth jazz cruises in new york.

Are you looking for a Jazz Cruise in New York? Then you’ve come to the right place! In New York you have a wide choice: it ranges from jazz sailing cruises in the evening, dinner cruises or brunch cruises with live jazz to smooth jazz sessions with drinks at sunset.

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• The Best Dinner Cruises in New York
• The 16 Best Cruises in New York
• The 20 Best Jazz Clubs in New York

I’ve done several of the boat tours myself, because for me, there’s hardly a better combination of sailing, jazz and New York City. Maybe you feel the same way I do: whenever I hear jazz, I feel like I’m in New York City – just wonderful!

My tip: Especially the Jazz Cruises at Christmas are very popular and the tickets are booked up quickly. Therefore, you should decide quickly if there are still available tickets.

Amazing Cruises with Live Jazz in NYC

And now have fun with the TOP Jazz Cruises in New York!

Jazz Cruises in New York City

Classic harbor line: holiday jazz cruise aboard classic motor yacht.

This Holiday Jazz Cruise aboard a 1920’s style luxury yacht is one of my absolute favorite tours in New York. The ship has a wonderful charm and cannot be compared to the big sightseeing ships. Holiday Jazz Cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.

Classic Harbor Line: Manhattan Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

Why not spending time on a Christmas Holiday Cruise during Christmas in New York? Both locals and NYC visitors love the amazing Christmas Cruises New York City has to offer.

My favorite holiday cruise is the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. The Jazz Band on board is fun and so talented which makes the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise even more entertaining. Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, and admire the city through the glassed-in observatory on the 1920s style yacht.

Classic Harbor Line: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

From one of our absolute favorite boat tours in New York there is also a Jazz Cruise. You are on board a luxury yacht in the style of the 1920s, which has a wonderful charm and is not to be compared with the big sightseeing ships. The jazz cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.

And the best part? The first drink is included in the price of the Jazz Cruise!

• NYC Evening Jazz Cruise

Bateaux: Dinner Cruise

Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing jazz music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world’s great cities, and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef.

• NYC Sunset Jazz Cruise with Live-Jazz

New York Harbor Evening Sail with Live Jazz

You will sail with the beautiful tall ship “Clipper City” from Battery Park southwards into the harbor of New York and can admire the illuminated One World Trade Center and the skyline from close range. The atmosphere on the tall ship is really very special: you are surrounded by locals, the hustle and bustle of the city is far away and you are immediately deeply relaxed.

• NYC Evening Jazz Sail

Manhattan By Sail - Sunset, Wine, and Jazz Sail

Spend a relaxed evening with live jazz music on the sailing ship. Of course you can enjoy fantastic views of the New York skyline. A great activity for the evening!

• NYC Sunset Jazz Sail with Live-Jazz

Bateaux New York Luxury Brunch Cruise

The boat tours with Bateaux New York are super-popular, especially the Dinner Cruise (which is also one of our favorites). In addition, there’s a Brunch Cruise that takes you from the Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty in two hours. Along the way, you’ll see many of New York’s famous landmarks; I always find the skyline impressive and beautiful. And because the Bateaux New York is made of a lot of glass, the view from everywhere is really good.

If you are looking for an elegant and luxurious brunch cruise, there is no way around the Bateaux Brunch Cruise: you can expect a brunch menu with a huge selection, there is live music, service on board and all non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price.

• NYC Brunch Jazz Sail with Live-Jazz

Classic Harbor Line: Manhattan Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols (Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise)

Make yourself comfortable on the old yacht from the 1920s and get into the Christmas mood during the Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise. This boat tour at Christmas time is one of my absolute favorites. It starts from Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers) on a beautifully decorated yacht. On the way through New York Harbor and the Hudson River, breathtaking views of the New York skyline, the One World Trade Center, Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Statue of Liberty are guaranteed.

• NYC Holiday Jazz Cruise

The 11 Absolute Best Dinner Cruises in NYC Right Now (2023)

The 16 Absolute Best Cruises in New York

The 22 Best Jazz Clubs in NYC | The Complete Guide 2023

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Celebrate the Holidays with Jazz at Lincoln Center

There’s no shortage of festive music to hear at the House of Swing during the month of December!

Blue Engine Announces

Sean mason’s “the southern suite”.

A “jazz genius who is revolutionizing the genre” (NPR), pianist Sean Mason’s debut album is out now on Blue Engine. Listen on all major platforms.

Roy Hargrove’s “The Love Suite: In Mahogany”

Available on all major streaming platforms now.

JAN 11, 2024

Jazz congress.

Bringing together artists, media, and industry leaders in the global jazz community.

Big Band Holidays

Rose theater.

The Unity Festival

Ertegun atrium, max roach centennial: the jlco with wynton marsalis, view calendar.

World-Class Jazz Under the Manhattan Skyline Live Every Night 7:30PM & 9:30PM

Dizzy’s club thanksgiving, with herlin riley, herlin riley quintet, manhattan school of music jazz: harmony of heritage, view dizzy's.

Big Band Holidays Tour

Jazz at lincoln center orchestra with wynton marsalis.

The JLCO’s Big Band Holidays tour begins November 27, featuring vocalist Ashley Pezzotti. Learn more about the band and find out where you can see them live this season.

Join us for a weekend of non-stop music and vibrant entertainment. Groove to the beats of 15 diverse acts, including JALC favorites and global jazz talents. The House of Swing comes alive as we expand and uplift the JALC community. Don’t miss this must-see event with emerging acts and cherished legends.

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Membership starts at just $100 for the year. Join today and enjoy exclusive benefits like discounted tickets for mainstage concerts and Dizzy’s Club, access to events, and so much more.

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Big Apple Jazz Tours

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Review Highlights

“ Gordon 's knowledge of jazz and Harlem is incredible and the places he introduced us to were so legit!!! ” in 10 reviews

“ In between places, we toured part of Harlem and fell in love with the heart and soul of the neighborhood. ” in 9 reviews

“ Even though we live in NYC, we didn't know all the places we visited and history until Amanda filled us in. ” in 5 reviews

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About the Business

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Celebrating 25 spectacular years of Harlem Jazz Tours. Big Apple Jazz Tours is a guide service specializing in the music scenes of New York City. We are the recognized leader in introducing visitors, businesses, and student groups to the world capital of jazz. From Harlem's history and her hidden jazz haunts to the world's legendary jazz clubs in Greenwich Village and Midtown Manhattan -- We Will Show You Where It's At. Since we are a well rounded step-on guide service with Friendly and Knowledgeable guides covering all subjects and in all languages, we encourage you to call us with any tour related questions. We will set up a phone appointment to discuss your needs and produce a unique itinerary, then match you with the perfect guide to suit your schedule, budget and style. Public Harlem Jazz Tours are available daily. For information and ticket availability please visit our website. "This tour, hosted by New York jazz expert Gordon Polatnick, is the real deal for jazz buffs." ~ Brian Silverman, Frommer's NYC …

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Gordon is an absolutely wonderful host!! He is incredibly kind, insightful, and passionate about all things jazz. We hosted an event with him and it couldn't have gone any better. We got to explore two different underground jazz shows and learn about the incredible history of Greenwich Village. Gordon is the go-to for all things NYC jazz, he's been in the scene for over 20 years and counting and knows everything there is to know. Highly recommend taking a tour with him if you want to open your eyes and ears to the beautiful world of jazz!!

What an amazing time we had on the Harlem Juke Joint Tour with Amanda Humes!!! If you want to experience authentic music by some of the world's most talented musicians, then this tour is for you :-) Amanda is vibrant, fun, interactive, and works hard to make the experience enjoyable for each member of the group. The clubs were great, the food was wonderful, and we were able to meet and speak with many of the club owners and musicians. One of the best evenings we have had in a long time. Highly recommended!!

This was the second jazz tour we have done with Big Apple. Both nights were delightful and memorable. Because of impeding weather Amanda had to scramble, but put together a great night of jazz. This time in the Village. The night was made especially memorable because Amanda joined the band to sing one of my favorite Billy Holiday songs. I highly recommend Big Apple Jazz Tours if your a into jazz and history, while you are visiting NYC.

Jan 31, 2023

Thanks for your lovely review, and your shout out to Amanda, Joseph. She loves you guys and on behalf of her and myself, we really appreciate your support of Big Apple Jazz, and look forward to seeing you again. Be well. Peace, Gordon

As my wife and I have been to NYC numerous times, we were looking for something different and unique. This definitely fulfilled and exceeded that requirement! Amanda was awesome! Tons of energy and knowledge, and she brought us to some places that were truly special. I can't recommend this tour enough!!!!!

Thanks Christopher for the wonderful review of Amanda's jazz tour. It took me a second to respond, but please understand that we read every review and value the time and effort you put into sharing your positive feedback with us all. We hope to see you again. Peace, Gordon

Amanda met us in Manhattan and guided our way up to Harlem on the subway. We visited three terrific jazz joints, everything set up for us to enjoy a set of good music along with great food and drink. Amanda is not only a tour guide, she's part of the entertainment. At times, she got up on stage and sang. We also made brief stops at the Harriet Tubman Memorial and the famous Apollo Theatre. Even though we live in NYC, we didn't know all the places we visited and history until Amanda filled us in. Our tour group included people from across the country including a high school senior who appreciated music. The tour is great for anyone who enjoys jazz, wants some history or just a fun night on the town.

I took my husband on the Harlem Jazz Tour as a surprise birthday present and we had a fabulous time! Gordon was incredibly knowledgable about the history of jazz in NYC. We went to two clubs the first of which being on the fancier side and the second being a more relaxed setting where boisterous laughter filled the air. The 5 hours goes by very fast and you are really only able to see 2-3 sets so if you're looking for club hopping (3+ in the night) you'd be better off doing your own thing, but if you're in the mood to learn, relax and take your time then this is the perfect tour. Thanks, Gordon!

In planning a much-anticipated trip to NYC, I was hoping that I picked the right Harlem jazz tour when I picked Big Apple Jazz Tours. They went beyond my expectations. Gordon was the tour leader and is a very cool guy. He is part of the jazz scene and not only seems to know everyone but he also knows the best jazz venues to check out on any particular evening. He tailors the tour to your interests, which I really appreciated. We were able to check out three different jazz venues on a rainy winter Sunday night in Harlem. The music ranged from big band sound (10 or more horns!) in one club to a straight-ahead jazz trio (guitar, keyboard, drums) in a funky, fun little club. Gordon introduced us to some of the musicians which was way cool. I was able to talk to them about their music and their lives. We heard so many stories about the history of jazz as we walked and taxied through the neighborhood. We stopped by Minton's where many of the greats played, the tiny building where Billy Holiday played in the early days, and finished off the tour with a stop at the Apollo where so many other greats performed. This tour is not just for jazz lovers. I recommend it if you are at all interested in American culture and history. If you are looking for a unique experience while in NYC, get in touch with these folks!

Jan 21, 2019

Thanks, Jon, for taking the time to write a nice review. I'm thrilled you enjoyed yourself - it was really great getting to know you. The Harlem jazz scene is best on the planet - so with or without me, I encourage everyone to check it out. You don't have to be an expert to find these off the beaten path clubs and make a memorable night of it. Peace, Gordon

My husband's band students recently took a week-long trip to NYC and our first experience was a tour of Harlem lead by Gordon of Big Apple Jazz. What a delightful experience for the group! The students and chaperones all had a great time and learned so much about Harlem, jazz, history and NYC in general. Our tour began with Gordon personally meeting our group at our hotel in the Times Square area to escort us via subway up to Harlem. The students immediately took a shine to Gordon who has a very natural rapport with teens. Being our first day in NYC, we were more than a little unsure of how to navigate the subway, but Gordon did a wonderful job of getting us up to Harlem. We then took a fabulous walking tour where we saw many things including the Apollo Theater, the Tree of Hope, and the Jumel mansion. Part of our tour took us to the home of Marjorie Eliot who gave us a private performance in her apartment (if you're not sure who she is, google her. Such a sweet lady!) For lunch, we ate at a wonderful soul food buffet restaurant that we all loved as well. After our tour of Harlem, Gordon took us back down to Central Park where we saw John Lennon's former apartment, Strawberry Fields, and more. Gordon was very knowledgeable and answered all the questions the students had. At the end of a long and fun day, Gordon saw us "home" to our hotel. I cannot say enough good things about Big Apple Jazz Tours. Very professional, very informative, very enjoyable, and very reasonably priced. The students and chaperones all had a wonderful time and it was the perfect way to begin our exploration of NYC. I highly recommend this company for groups visiting the area! You will not be dissapointed!

Mar 22, 2012

Private and Public tours for individuals, couples, or small groups are available daily to Harlem. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting our website.

Just returned from New York and two nights of Harlem Jazz with Gordon on Thursday and Amanda on Friday. Words can't describe the quality of this experience. Besides being knowledgeable and well connected with the jazz community in Harlem, they were gracious, entertaining, and attentive. The vocal showcase at the Gin Fizz was nothing short of remarkable. Amanda then took us on a tour of great jazz sites. She is a larger than life personality who made us feel like celebrities as we explored the Harlem Jazz scene. I will definitely refer them to my friends traveling for a similar experience and will absolutely go back to them on my next trip to New York.

So great to read how much you enjoyed your time in Harlem with us, Redge. And thanks so much for taking the time to write such a joyous review of your Experiences, and referring your friends to Big Apple Jazz Tours for their own Harlem jazz adventure. We hope to see you again soon. Peace, Gordon

My husband and I plus two friends booked the Harlem jazz tour this July. We have been on vacation in New York many times and wanted to try something different. I have to say this tour will be my favorite memory of the trip and perhaps our favorite of all our New York visits. Gordon was an extremely knowledgable host and both gracious and fun. We visited three amazing intimate neighborhood jazz venues and were warmly received by both the patrons and the artists. We chose to dine at two of the places and drink at all experiencing excellent food and ambience. We listened to a set of music at each and were blown away by the very accomplished musicians and singers of all ages. Each venue was small enough to feel like you were part of the show and each place had a super cool vibe. In between places, we toured part of Harlem and fell in love with the heart and soul of the neighborhood. We have done many wonderful food and neighborhood tours that we thoroughly enjoyed and this one was by far the best. It is perfect for jazz lovers and also those who know nothing about jazz. We did not want to end the night and can't wait for an encore. This experience will meet and surpass those with even the highest expectations. It is a rare opportunity to be up close and personal with both the masters and up and coming artists. So grateful to have had this experience!

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The best jazz clubs in NYC

We round up the best jazz clubs NYC has to offer including old standbys and cutting-edge jazz favorites.

Everyone knows that jazz in New York is some of the best in the world. In the last few years, along with so many live-music venues around the city, they went through a rough patch. We want to support them, but how do you pick where to go? We’ve rounded up the top jazz clubs NYC has to offer from Greenwich Village, Manhattan to Gowanus, Brooklyn , touching on hallowed landmarks, swanky newcomers, cutting-edge outer-borough spots, no-frills joints, date-idea destinations and more.

RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of jazz in NYC

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Best jazz clubs in NYC

• Hell's Kitchen

The flagship venue for midtown’s jazz resurgence, Birdland takes its place among the neon lights of Times Square seriously. That means it’s a haven for great jazz musicians (Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling) as well as performers like John Pizzarelli and Aaron Neville. The club is also notable for its roster of bands-in-residence. Sundays belong to the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.

• Greenwich Village

The Blue Note prides itself on being "the jazz capital of the world." Bona fide musical titans (Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner) rub against hot young talents (Brooklyn soul act  Phony PPL ), while the close-set tables in the club get patrons rubbing up against each other. The late-night weekend sets and the Sunday brunches are the best bargain bets.

• Midtown West

Iridium lures upscale crowds with a lineup that’s split between household names and those known only to the jazz-savvy. The sight lines and sound system are truly worthy of celebration.

Village Vanguard

• West Village

After more than 80 years, this basement club’s stage—a small but mighty step-up—still hosts the crème de la crème of mainstream jazz talent (Billy Hart, Andrew Cyrille, Vijay Iyer). Plenty of history has been made here: John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Bill Evans have grooved in this hallowed hall. The 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been the Monday-night regular for more than five decades years.

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

• Music venues
• Upper West Side

The iconic Smoke Jazz Club on the Upper West Side at 2751 Broadway by 106th Street has undergone a transformation.  Husband and wife co-owners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson have taken on two adjacent storefronts (a decision that was made pre-pandemic) in order to expand the jazz club, which is now home to an attached lounge as well. The instantly recognizable full-length bar that patrons were used to saddling up to in the original iteration of the venue is now found in the new lounge. The additional space also allows for a larger stage.

For those looking for an authentic jazz club experience—rather than the cheesy dinner-club vibe that prevails at too many other spots around town—Smalls is a must. The cozy basement space feels like a speakeasy, or more specifically, one of those hole-in-the-wall NYC jazz haunts of yore over which fans routinely obsess. Best of all, the booking skews retro, yet not stubbornly so: You'll hear classic hardbop as well as more adventurous, contemporary-flavored approaches.

Bill's Place

• price 2 of 4

Head to Harlem on Friday and Saturday nights to regale in saxophonist Bill Saxton and the Harlem All Stars’ classic jazz. Tickets are $30 and the show is BYOB (whatever type of bottle you want). Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

Housed in the same basement space where Thelonious Monk was the house pianist, Billie Holiday sang, and Frank Sinatra came to watch her, Zinc Bar by Alex Kay and Kristina Kossi looks like a Bogie gin joint, with a stainless-steel bar stocked with vintage decanters and a classic champagne chiller—and it's always a good bet for jazz, Latin rhythms and African sounds.

Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (at Frederick P. Rose Hall)

The jazz arm of Lincoln Center is several blocks away from the main campus, high atop the Time Warner Center. It includes three rooms: The Rose Theater is a traditional midsize space, but the crown jewels are the Allen Room and the smaller Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, with stages framed by huge windows overlooking Columbus Circle. The venues feel like a Hollywood cinematographer’s vision of a Manhattan jazz club. Some of the best players in the business grace the spot, among them Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s famed artistic director.

Descend into The Django and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. The subterranean jazz club, with its vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, was modeled after the boîtes of Paris. The venue consists of two cocktail bars, open dining space and a stage for live performances with the ne plus ultra: a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system.

The Django has become a place to call home for musicians and audiences alike. Providing opportunities for rising stars, seasoned performers, and eager audiences to enjoy a range of jazz music seven nights a week complemented by a hand-crafted cocktail program by award-winning mixologist Natasha David and an elevated dinner menu.

Ibeam Brooklyn

• East Village

It’s easy to walk right past the inconspicuous steel door that leads to Ibeam. The compact practice-pad-cum-venue is run by trombonist Brian Drye and has become a go-to for Brooklyn’s avant-jazzers. Doubling as a members-only rehearsal space, Drye’s tiny, cozy, art-adorned digs keep overheards down to offer a low-cost alternative to the city's more lavish jazz venues and highlight the most progressive minds in the local scene.

The Jazz Gallery

This beloved haunt, one of the city's premier incubators for progressive-jazz talent, has relocated from its former Soho digs to a gallery-like space near the Flatiron Building.

Nublu Classic

First-timers at this remote Alphabet City outpost will have to ask the smokers outside if they’ve come to the right place: Only a blue light marks the spot. Inside, the crowd settles in for the offbeat jazz and avant-garde acts like owner Ilhan Ersahin’s Wax Poetic. Excellent live Brazilian music and dancing are the draws on Wednesday nights.  A sister venue, Nublu 151, also hosts live music just a few blocks away.

ShapeShifter Lab

Jazz bassist Matthew Garrison's slick Gowanus performance space hosts nightly performances of live experimental music. During the day, the joint provides state-of-the-art rehearsal, recording and exhibition space to the neighborhood's artists.

The Stone at The New School Glass Box Theatre

Since 2005, the prolific composer and improviser John Zorn has operated his nonprofit venue, The Stone, with one-of-a-kind curated lineups and a no-beverages-or-merch policy out of an East Village storefront. That space shuttered in March 2018, but the music keeps going at its new home: the New School’s Glass Box Theatre. Expect the same adventurous music organized by world-class curators (Sonic Youth rocker Thurston Moore and jazz-guitar wiz Bill Frisell are among the names penciled in for residencies).

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NYC Jazz Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Most Popular Tour!

Harlem Juke Joint Tour

A Small Group Tour in Harlem with a Jazz Insider

Quick Details

• Clock Tour Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Live Jazz in 2 clubs
• All cover charges included in tour price
• Harlem Jazz History Walking Tour
• Famous Harlem Sightseeing
• Meet the Musicians/Join the Jam!
• Opportunity to have dinner and drinks at clubs
• Map Marker Meeting Location: A Cafe in Harlem - more details sent with confirmation

Most Popular NYC Jazz Tour for 25 Years

This Harlem jazz tour is not a “cookie-cutter” tour. That’s not you, and that’s not us. This deep immersion tour escorts you through a minimum of two hidden jazz haunts for hours of swinging live music.

Perfectly integrated into the natural flow of the evening, we pause to see and hear about Harlem’s historic past and dynamic current scene. Learn about the Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom, Minton’s Playhouse, Swing Street, The Tree of Hope, and the Apollo Theater.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the scene: If you’re a player or singer, let us know so we can help you join the jam . If you like to move, then get up and dance! If you just want to chill, hang back, and let the music take you away, that’s great too. The choice is yours on this lively Harlem jazz tour. If you’re feeling gregarious, your guide can introduce you to all the cats. (Mature teenagers are welcome on this tour).

Music charges at clubs & transportation included!

We tailor your itinerary based on each night’s jazz schedule so you hear only the most talented performers in Harlem’s most exciting clubs! Just like jazz, no two tours are alike.

We choose nightly from among thrilling Harlem jazz clubs as:

• The renowned “Birthplace of Bebop”
• Members’ only clubs that dates back to the early 1900’s
• A cozy Jamaican restaurant with the best jerk chicken and jazz
• A Speakeasy with roots going back to Prohibition and the discovery of Billie Holiday by John Hammond
• And new Harlem spots on their way to becoming legendary – all with their own special charms

Harlem’s legends & young lions!

It’s an amazing scene – Every night, we hear  vocalists in the Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington tradition, serious soloists in the Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie tradition , and great stories of jazz history in the warmest, most inviting neighborhood in NYC!

Over 25 years of experience – we got you!

There is no tour company like Big Apple Jazz with more intimate knowledge of and passion for New York’s jazz and blues scenes. We customize our itineraries to take advantage of last-minute information and hit all the must-see events. No other company is this flexible and passionate about showing you the best time possible. Even native New Yorkers rely on us for our insights!

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• Chevron down What's not included:

Food and beverages are not included in the Harlem jazz tour price, but there are opportunities to eat and drink during this tour when we hang out in the jazz joints. You may wish to bring some extra dollars to tip musicians, guide, and servers.

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Harlem Jazz Series

Live jazz open to everyone!

World-class jazz musicians

Afternoon & evening concerts

Are you ready to enjoy some of the best live jazz music in NYC?

No more waiting for the sun to go down and no more hefty prices for the joy of good music! Hear the best live jazz music in Harlem, day or night, for less than the cost of your breakfast.

This event is FREE with Go City and The New York Pass!

Live jazz concert by some of the most seasoned and up-and-coming musicians on the jazz scene today

Craig Harris, curator of the Harlem Jazz Series, aims to inspire, educate, and entertain

No other tour company has live jazz concerts twice like us!

Experience the immortal sounds and rhythms of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and many more!

Concertgoers will experience total immersion in the cool, soothing vibrations of jazz

Click the tabs to find out more

Event details, the specifics, price (usd).

All tickets are $20 per person

Daytime – Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Nighttime – Fridays: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Meeting point

Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church

16 Mount Morris Park West, New York, NY 10027

Availability

Tuesday afternoon & Friday evening, from April to December

Exceptions: December 24 – 25, December 31 – January 1

Maximum 250

An amazing, world-class live jazz concert

Not included

Transportation and meal

What to bring

Open mind and heart, a love for jazz, camera, and a smile on your face

Good to know

What you'll experience.

Jazz: it’s the heart of Harlem.   Thousands of visitors flock to Harlem clubs every year, seeking the soulful music that represents the very heart of Harlem. And now you can hear the best live jazz music in Harlem – and pretty much anywhere else – day or night, for less than the cost of your breakfast.

Our Harlem Jazz Series

Welcome to Harlem focuses on a single groove: bringing live jazz music in Harlem to the masses. We invite you to kick back to a nice mix of seasoned and up-and-coming jazz musicians who bring their A-game to every performance.

Daytime – Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – $20

Nighttime – Fridays: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – $20

Ringing through the city – jazz for all

No more waiting for the sun to go down and no more hefty prices for the joy of good music! Experience the immortal sounds and rhythms of the greatest jazz champions in the world, musicians such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. Their music rings throughout the city as great jazz players pay them tribute day in and day out.

Every Tuesday afternoon and Friday evening , Harlem plays host to some of today’s most talented jazz musicians and history’s greatest jazz music in musical tributes of epic proportions. Concertgoers will experience total immersion in the cool vibrations of jazz  and find themselves simultaneously soothed and invigorated by the irresistible interaction of strings and horns, rhythms, and vocals. This is an event that is both mentally and spiritually uplifting.

Who is the curator, Craig Harris?

Craig Harris is a trombonist, composer, conceptualist, educator, and curator of the Harlem Jazz Series. Mr. Harris brings 40 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence to improvisational music. Mr. Harris brings the breadth of this experience to the Harlem Jazz Series and presents the full spectrum of this great American art form. He aims to provide music that will inspire, educate, and entertain.

Check out what our guests are saying

Franco santiago m | 2022.

Amazing show! I do not know much about Jazz but I had a really great time at Harlem Jazz Series. It was a 2-hour show.

FlipFlop138 | August 2019

We spent two hours listening to a great set. The Church was bright and airy and the quality of music fabulous. Great vibe and something a little different from the norm in NYC. Read more

Alexandra L | June 2019

Such a great find! We’re just here for the Music, it’s a perfect break during the day and was a unique opportunity for our 3 years old to discover Jazz music. Takes place in a unique Harlem church and nearby great restaurants, subway stop. « There’s more to Harlem than just fried chicken and Gospel. Don’t get boxed in! » Craig Harris. Make sure you check this Harlem hidden gem. Read more

Peter Z | June 2019

The music is very sophisticated, tasteful and original. Most importantly, the atmosphere was very friendly and all the musicians are incredibly articulate and eager to engage with the audience. I chatted with Eddie, Jerome the drum player, Kenny the bassist, and they were all happy to educate me on the history of the pieces played, the theoretical knowledge behind their playing and much more. Highly recommended! Read more

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Harlem jammin jazz tour, harlem safe house jazz parlor, harlem afternoon jazz tour.

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Jazz Concerts in New York (NYC) in 2023

Find tickets to all live music, concerts, tour dates and festivals in and around New York (NYC).

Currently there are 108 upcoming events.

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108 upcoming concerts

• Thursday 23 November 2023

John Scofield and John Scofield Trio

Blue Note Jazz Club , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Friday 24 November 2023

Frank Catalano

Cafe Wha? , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Saturday 25 November 2023

The Budos Band Roge

The Hall, Elsewhere , Brooklyn, NY, US

Jenny Scheinman, Allison Miller, Todd Sickafoose, Ben Goldberg (NY), Jason Palmer, and Carmen Staaf

Roulette , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Sunday 26 November 2023
• Monday 27 November 2023

Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks

Birdland Theater , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Tuesday 28 November 2023

Leslie Odom, Jr.

National Sawdust , Brooklyn, NY, US

• Wednesday 29 November 2023

Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala

The Vogel, Count Basie Center for the Arts , Red Bank, NJ, US

Leon Thomas

Baby's All Right - Brooklyn , Brooklyn, NY, US

• Friday 01 December 2023

Theatre at Westbury , Westbury, NY, US

Pete's Candy Store , Brooklyn, NY, US

Naturally 7

City Winery New York , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Saturday 02 December 2023

The Bad Plus

The Sultan Room , Brooklyn, NY, US

Roomful of Blues

Iridium , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Sunday 03 December 2023
• Monday 04 December 2023
• Tuesday 05 December 2023

Straight No Chaser

Beacon Theatre , New York (NYC), NY, US

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Christian McBride and The Ray Brown Trio

The Village Vanguard , New York (NYC), NY, US

The Joey Alexander Trio and Theo Croker

Birdland , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Tuesday 05 December 2023 – Tuesday 05 December 2023

The Root 100 2023 Jon Batiste and Roy Wood, Jr

Apollo's Historic Theater , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Wednesday 06 December 2023

David Benoit

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Sean Jones

Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Thursday 07 December 2023
• Friday 08 December 2023

Howard Levy

• Saturday 09 December 2023
• Sunday 10 December 2023

Squirrel Nut Zippers

The Loft at City Winery NYC , New York (NYC), NY, US

Kavita Shah

Mezzrow , Manhattan, NY, US

• Sunday 10 December 2023 – Sunday 10 December 2023

• Catalytic Sound Festival 2023 Ikue Mori, Zeena Parkins, Nate Wooley, Ned Rothenberg, Tom Rainey, Sylvie Courvoisier, Fred Lonberg-Holm, and Lotte Anker

Public Records , New York (NYC), NY, US

• Monday 11 December 2023

Chris Botti

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Harlem Heritage Tourism & Cultural Center 104 Malcolm X Boulevard New York, N.Y. 10026 Call (212) 280-7888

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Gallery Our Tours Above: Main Image © Charles Roussel | Quote: Tessa Souter

Welcome to the “Jazz Capital” of the world NYC! New York has been the center of the jazz movement since the popularity of swing in the 1920’s. So many different styles of jazz are performed here in many different neighborhoods. Ari knows them all and is a “cat on the scene” as the jazzers would say. So come along and have an UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL experience at some of hidden gems and get to MEET THE MUSICIANS for a chance to become new found friends and purchase their music. Ari also offers personalized tours of NYC on a number of topics other than jazz so be sure to ask. Check out the Walking Tours Here  

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Contact Ari Silverstein of NYC Jazz Tour Today so you can experience NYC in all of its Jazz glory.

Ari And Friends

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