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New Orleans Music Tour

4.5 (30)
New Orleans, US
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New Orleans Music Tour

4.5 (30)
New Orleans, US
Share
Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of the Big Easy with the New Orleans Music Tour. Discover how every form of American popular music is influenced by the rich musical heritage of this incredible city. Starting at Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, the historic site of African slave gatherings and the birthplace of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, you'll explore the roots of jazz, R&B, and rock 'n roll. Visit the famous J&M Studios, where the "New Orleans Sound" was created, and see the Musicians Tomb at St. Louis Cemetery #1, a final resting place for talented musicians. Walk down Basin Street, the former red light district that hosted jazz legends, and end your journey at the iconic Preservation Hall, where you'll witness the past, present, and future of New Orleans music. Don't miss your chance to experience the raw energy and soulful melodies of this legendary city.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the world’s richest musical city
  • Experience the birthplace of rock 'n roll
  • Visit the historic St. Louis Cemetery #1
  • Discover the fabled red light district of Storyville
  • Immerse in the past, present, and future of New Orleans music at Preservation Hall
  • Tour Guide

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the vibrant and soulful music scene of New Orleans with the captivating New Orleans Music Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of the city as you explore its famous landmarks and hidden gems. From jazz to R&B, this tour will take you on a journey through the different genres that have shaped American popular music. As the legendary Ernie K-Doe once said, "I'm not sure, but I'm almost positive, all music came from New Orleans." Get ready to discover the city's musical roots and see why New Orleans truly deserves its title as the birthplace of music.

What to expect?

During this 120-minute tour, you can expect to dive deep into the heart and soul of New Orleans music. Your adventure begins at the iconic Rampart Treehouse, where you'll meet your knowledgeable tour guide. From there, you'll embark on a musical odyssey through the city, visiting historic sites and hearing fascinating stories that have shaped the music scene over the years. Explore Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, the birthplace of worldwide popular song and the cultural hub where African slave gatherings gave rise to the unique sounds of New Orleans. Get an up-close look at the J&M Studios, the birthplace of rock 'n roll, and uncover the influence it had on American music. You'll also visit the New Orleans Musicians Tomb and Basin Street, where turn-of-the-century red light district Storyville once thrived. The tour concludes with a visit to Preservation Hall, a legendary venue representing the past, present, and future of New Orleans music.

Who is this for?

Music enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find this tour to be a dream come true. Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a lover of R&B, or simply curious about the origins of American popular music, the New Orleans Music Tour offers something for everyone. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the authentic and unconventional side of New Orleans. Don't be afraid to join in the fun even if you're not a music expert - this tour is designed to be inclusive, welcoming all curious souls who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the birthplace of music and let the soulful rhythms of New Orleans captivate your senses. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant history and cultural significance behind the world-renowned musical heritage of New Orleans. Led by passionate and knowledgeable guides, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role this city played in shaping American music. From the African slave gatherings at Congo Square to the birth of rock 'n roll, every step of this tour will leave you with a profound appreciation for the diverse and rich musical landscape of New Orleans. Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting sounds and lively atmosphere that reverberate through the streets of this iconic city.

Good to know

For the best experience, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. The tour duration is approximately 120 minutes, so be prepared for a leisurely stroll through the captivating streets of New Orleans. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors and unique moments along the way. The tour starts at the Rampart Treehouse and ends at the legendary Preservation Hall, where people will be lining up for the 5 PM show. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and musical history of New Orleans, and let the rhythm of the city guide your journey.

Reviews

Customers who have taken the New Orleans Music Tour have raved about the immersive experience and the passionate guides who bring the city's musical heritage to life. Many have praised the tour for its depth of knowledge, showcasing the hidden gems and lesser-known stories that make this tour truly special. Travelers have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to explore the birthplace of jazz and appreciate the city's immense musical contributions. Overall, reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with customers describing the tour as a truly memorable and captivating experience that shouldn't be missed.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Louis Armstrong Park

Explore the world’s richest musical city, starting with Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, historic site of African slave gatherings, the only place in North American where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed.  Congo Square is considered the wellspring of all New Orleans music and, consequently, so much of worldwide popular song. It is also the site of the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970. From Armstrong Park, view the building which housed Cosimo Matassa’s groundbreaking J&M Studios which created the “New Orleans Sound” with such New Orleanians as Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Guitar Slim, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Ernie K-Doe, Allen Toussaint, Clarence “Frogman” Henry & visitors including Little Richard, Ray Charles, & Jerry Lee Lewis.   J & M Studios is the true birthplace of rock ’n roll.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

From outside St. Louis Cemetery #1, see the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, the use of which was donated by the musical dynasty Barbarin Family for free burial to musicians. The first burial to take place was for Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots on October 23, 2004.  The Musicians Tomb was restored and is administered by Robert Florence of Historic New Orleans Tours.

Basin St. Station

You will visit Basin Street Station and stroll down Basin Street where you’ll see the remains of Storyville (including Frank Early’s “My Place” Saloon where “Pretty Baby” was written), fabled turn-of-the-century red light district whose parlors presented the likes of King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and many more during the early days of jazz.

May Baily's Place

Then stroll through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the site of the Old French Opera House ending with the legendary Preservation Hall, a place which represents the past, present, and future of New Orleans music.

Preservation Hall

Then stroll through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the site of the Old French Opera House ending with the legendary Preservation Hall, a place which represents the past, present, and future of New Orleans music. Learn the origins of New Orleans Bounce Music and check out the world’s greatest street musicians who are carrying the flame to this very day.

Reviews

(30)

4.5 (30)

Michele K

Our Music of New Orleans tour was canceled at the last minute. But they offered us a tour of Treme/ Voo Doo a half hour earlier. We were able to get there in time. There was only 4 total people on the tour, so our tour guide David did a great job adapting his tour to also include a lot about Music as well. He was very knowledgeable and funny. He used an IPad to show videos and music to amplify his stories and "prove" his stories were true. For example, we looked at things provided by the Library of Congress.

PacificLoon

David Higgins is an absolute character, an enthusiastic story teller, and educator. I thought I knew quite a bit about jazz, but the way he put all the pieces together had all of us thinking and talking about the tour for days. We could have listened to him all day! His father was a jazz drummer who had played with many big name jazz artists, and although he didn't talk about himself much, it seemed like he is a musician also. The amount of research he put into his tour was very evident, and he even had videos and photos to show us along the way. If you like jazz and want to learn about how it started you must do David's tour! IT'S A GUMBO!! :)

Michelle_L

We love walking tours and take them wherever we travel, but sadly this was the worst walking tour we have ever experienced. Although Anna, our guide was quite personable this was a total waste of time and money. If you want a musical heritage tour of New Orleans this is NOT a good choice. We wandered around Armstrong Park for an endless hour looking at sculptures of musical icons while our guide looked for samples of the music on her phone. Total waste of time as we could hear very little. When we finally left the park we entered a rather decrepit laundromat that used to be a jazz recording studio. Our guide talked to us while we side stepped folks moving their dirty clothes around us. The whole experience was sad and demoralizing. As for other musical venues there was nothing and in fact we had to look at the historic Presevation Jazz Hall from across the street. We all actually thought it was an abandoned building. We were told we could visit famed Frenchman’s Street on our own but to be careful as it could be dangerous. The final stop at Jackson Square, which was a National Park site was all closed up and no longer in business as the site had been moved to another location. This was news to our “guide.” I am sorry to say the tour operators should rethink this itinerary and those wishing to learn about New Orleans’ rich music history should look elsewhere.

Teresa_C

Knowledgeable tour guide, very passionate about music/music origins. That’s all I have to say, done here.

Charlie_B

Wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgeable, personable, and informative. He was excellent! Would highly recommend

kathryn_b

Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging .. but the tour did not visit preservation hall or the cemetery that were listed in the description of the tour

James_G

The tour was very informative and enjoyable. David was very knowledgeable and it was easy to see how much he enjoyed sharing music history of New Orleans as well as other history of the city. He brought a tablet and shared pics and recordings related to what he discussed during the tour. He encouraged any question and was able to answer all we could think of. Learned a lot during the tour. Highly recommended!!!

Smadar_L

Margie was an exceptional guide. We learned so much. I strongly recommend you take the tour. With Margie

Charles H

Had a really good time on this tour. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic funny and informative. We would recommend this tour

Jay_H

Very informative tour. Learned a lot about the history of music in New orleans. The guide was very nice. He answered all of our questions.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-08 22:32
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