Big Apple Jazz

 

Loving Tribute to the Harlem Underground Jazz Scene

 
 
 
 
 

Loving Tribute to the Harlem Underground Jazz Scene

We wanted to share this video of photos and clips from our time on the Harlem jazz scene.  It covers the underground clubs and magnificent players we’ve been enjoying during our over 20 years in business.

Some close friends: Gary Samuels, Alex Layne, Linda Carr, Samuel Hargress Jr.,  were lost at the start of the pandemic.  We miss them so much and will never forget their hearts and many talents and contributions.

Our tour company was able to introduce folks from around the world to these great people and we’ve heard from many of you and are grateful for your memories and condolences.

The soundtrack was pulled from a live concert of Benny Rubin Jr.’s band at Patrick’s Place during one of our tours.  Benny has a new Grammy nominated record that came out during the pandemic which is available here: http://bennysaxable.com/#music

Some of the clubs covered in this video are still closed but will need your love when they reopen to make up for time lost.  When we get to tour indoors again, we’ll be visiting these clubs so stay tuned.  Venues include: Showman’s, The American Legion Post #398, Bill’s Place, Minton’s, Shrine, Silvana, Tsion Cafe, Parlor Entertainment, Cotton Club, Room 623, Ginny’s Supper Club, Patrick’s Place, JazzMobile, 449 LA SCAT, Lenox Saphire and Gin Fizz.

Please support.

Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Harlem Juke Joint Tour

Your Harlem jazz tour guide customizes the best itinerary for each given night, based on the most talented players in Harlem’s most exciting jazz clubs.

185 Reviews

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$99
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Harlem Juke Joint Tour

Your Harlem jazz tour guide customizes the best itinerary for each given night, based on the most talented players in Harlem’s most exciting jazz clubs.

185 Reviews

from
$149
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Legends of Jazz Tour

This is our premium tour! It features jazz’s international superstars, and also rising stars who deserve wider recognition.

185 Reviews

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$149
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Legends of Jazz Tour

This is our premium tour! It features jazz’s international superstars, and also rising stars who deserve wider recognition.

185 Reviews

from
$149
Greenwich Village Jazz Crawl
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Greenwich Village Jazz Crawl

Intimate Greenwich Village Jazz Tour to discover and explore two hidden jazz haunts and the sites where Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Bob Dylan made history.

185 Reviews

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$130
Greenwich Village Jazz Crawl
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Greenwich Village Jazz Crawl

Intimate Greenwich Village Jazz Tour to discover and explore two hidden jazz haunts and the sites where Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Bob Dylan made history.

185 Reviews

from
$130
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Private Tour

We’ll design your private jazz tour based on your tastes and our extensive knowledge of musicians, clubs and speakeasies throughout the city.  We know what is happening nightly on and off-the-beaten-path.

185 Reviews

from
$500
Tour Time
6:30 pm
Group size
At least 1

Private Tour

We’ll design your private jazz tour based on your tastes and our extensive knowledge of musicians, clubs and speakeasies throughout the city.  We know what is happening nightly on and off-the-beaten-path.

185 Reviews

from
$500
About

Gordon Polatnick

Gordon is the founder of Big Apple Jazz Tours. What started as a personal challenge to discover and document all of New York’s hundreds of jazz joints and to establish Harlem’s first jazz day club, has now blossomed…

Gordan Patrick Full Bio

Amanda-gardenia

Amanda Humes

There’s no one in New York City like Amanda! Equal parts sass, smarts, and customer service – Amanda is the Harlem resident, Columbia University graduate, and…

Amanda Humes Full Bio