New Orleans Music Tour

Overview

Explore the world’s richest musical city, starting with the legendary Preservation Hall. Visit the site of the Old French Opera House and stroll through the Tango Belt and May Bailey’s before arriving at the Treme section. Stroll through the Tango Belt to the New Orleans Musicians Tomb in St. Louis Cemetery #1, the use of which was donated by the musical dynasty Barbarin Family for free burial to musicians. From the cemetery you will check out the remains of Storyville (including Frank Early’s Saloon where “Pretty Baby” was written), turn-of-the-century red light district whose parlors presented King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and more during the time when jazz was born. From Storyville, venture into Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, the only place in North American where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed.

City: New Orleans

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

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Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Stroll through the Tango Belt to the New Orleans Musicians Tomb in St. Louis Cemetery #1, the use of which was donated by the musical dynasty Barbarin Family for free burial to musicians. The first burial to take place was of Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots on October 23, 2004.

Storyville District

From the cemetery you will check out 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 time when jazz was born.

Louis Armstrong Park

From Storyville, check out the Basin Street Station and then venture into Louis Armstrong Park, the location of 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

Congo Square is considered the wellspring of all New Orleans music and consequently so much of the world’s most popular song. It is also the site of the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (1970) and the Municipal Auditorium. After leaving Armstrong Park, enter the building which housed the legendary 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 and visitors including Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis. 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.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews (24)

Myrna_C

Feb 2021

Well the whole two hour tour consisted of looking at a few bronze statues in Armstrong Park that had already seen by myself and being dragged through Treme for no apparent reason. A lot of talking and ZERO JAZZ MUSIC. No mention of the famous Jazz greats.

Dan_M

Nov 2020

David was an excellent tour guide, He has an extensive knowledge of music and history of New Orleans. The enthusiasm he brings on the tour with all the nuances about history of music could be unmatched.

Anele321

Dec 2019

We were very lucky to find this tour on Christmas Eve. This company is very different from the usual New Orleans vampire/haunted made up tours. As our guide rightfully said, the real history is so terrible that one does not need to come up with paranormal stuff. Our guide was Dave Tomas, New Orleans musician with the deep knowledge and love of this multi pot of a city. Not only Dave modified his tour per our request to add literally, music and JFK assassination highlights, he also gave us local tips on the best music venues and restaurants in the city. The dinner in Brightsen’s, in the residential area away from the tourist crowds, was the most memorable meal we had in New Orleans! Can’t wait to go back and take other tours with this company!