About
Our Story
We started in 1997 as 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 hidden jazz haunts to the nation’s greatest clubs in the Village and Midtown Manhattan – We will not only show you where it’s at, we will introduce you to all the cats!
“This tour, hosted by New York jazz expert Gordon Polatnick, is the real deal for jazz buffs.”
~ Brian Silverman Frommer’s NYC 2014 & NYC For Dummies.
Big Apple Jazz Tours welcomes individual jazz fans as well as corporate and school groups wishing to get off-the-beaten-path and down into the alley ways and basements where live jazz still thrives in hidden nightclubs from Harlem to Greenwich Village. Our tours always include thrilling musicians and fascinating sightseeing.
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 interests, schedule, budget and style.
Meet Your Guides
- Gordon Polatnick
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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 into his life’s work. For more than 20 years, Gordon has enhanced a life-time of tour guiding with a life-time romance with jazz. Every night he chooses a variety of the best hidden performances and maps out a route that illustrates the story of jazz in the most exciting and personalized way. His passion for authenticity is contagious.
- Amanda Humes
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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, Jazz Diva, and licensed tour guide who will show you the best of the best in her own backyard. You’ll feel the beat of the street, and take in the sights and sounds that make Harlem sizzle with excitement. Amanda knows everyone and no one could ever forget Amanda. Her intimate Harlem tours are legendary.
