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

You can choose the date already on the booking website

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)

In50by50

Sep 2018

A nice two hour stroll through the French Quarter and nearby. Lots of history of the people, the city and the music. Don't wait to ask questions, your guide won't take his first breath until about an hour in.

chuckmack8

Jun 2018

I had no idea how much music New Orleans has created for the world! I thought it was just jazz until I took this very enlightening tour.

samwilliams7777

Apr 2018

I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting New Orleans who wants to learn about music and not just jazz but all kinds. This tour made our jazz fest experience a lot better than it would have been.