Tours with Ari Silverstein of NYC Jazz Tour. Come along and have an UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL experience at some of hidden gems, MEET THE MUSICIANS, and get a chance to become new found friends and purchase their music. Ari also offers personalized tours of NYC on a number of topics other than jazz so be sure to ask.
Starting at the Apollo Theater get into some people watching down the infamous 125th St. Check a soul and R & B session featuring a variety of the best musicians and vocalists around. Check out one of the most infamous Harlem drinking and eating spots while listening to live organ soul jazz. Next stop is an underground members-only club in a Harlem Brownstone, where you have an opportunity to experience a real “in the know” venue with old-school Harlemites. Be on the inside with a jam session led by a legendary jazz saxophonist who has played with Digable Planets, Sade, Anita Baker, Stanley Turrentine, & Jack McDuff.
Almost as legendary as the music is the great down-home cooking from Ms. Marie, serving a variety of savory soul food such as smothered pork chops, oxtail, baked chicken, along with vegetarian fare featuring the likes of collard greens, cabbage, green beans, rice and beans. Ms. Marie’s is a real meal bargain at about $12 for a meat and two sides. Come along with me to one of Harlem’s hottest night spots, known for bringing Harlem’s second renaissance, featuring live organ jazz and R&B. You’ll be sure to be singing along to some of your favorite “old school” tunes. Food is available here as well as craft cocktails (but they run on the expensive side). All venues have a one drink/item purchase minimum not included in the tour. Non-alcoholic beverages are available. Tipping is encouraged as thats how the artists primarily make their living so please bring a few extra dollars to tip the musicians. You will have an opportunity to buy cd’s directly from the musicians at most venues we go to, they are typically $15-20 each so plan accordingly. Variations of the Harlem tour may be given on other days. Please reach out to us for details.
Ari takes you back–wayyyyyyy back– to the early 20th century when Big Bands, Swing Music, and Traditional Jazz reined supreme. This is the night to step out if you like to dance; swing dance, jitterbug, or waltz that is! Visit at least two venues where old jazz is always fresh. Vintage clothes encouraged but certainly not required. We will visit with the most authentic big band in the land (playing the original arrangements and instruments played by the big band greats. This band has been featured in countless movies such as “The Aviator” and television shows such as “Boardwalk Empire.” Members are multiple grammy award winners. It was the most important jazz street in the On 46th Street hear one of the world’s best big bands, with top rate vocalists. You’ll have a nice spacious dance floor to dance in front of band as they play all of golden big band hits. You may also enjoy dinner at this location at your expense. A short stroll away we arrive at one of the most famous Art Deco hotels in the city and admire its lobby. From there we will go to a posh bar in the hotel redone in period decor with hand crafted cocktails reflecting the era. Sip on classic libations such as The Toruga, Blood and Sand, Negroni’s and Sazerac’s. On Monday’s we can check out one of the most infamous “speakeasys” in the City. You need a password to enter but we have you covered there. As the lookout opens the door be transported back in time to the “flapper era” and drink delicious cocktails out of tea cups in case the joint gets raided. Enjoy music from the band and a dance floor (This venue only operates on Mondays.
On Tuesday’s if you’re game for a late night hang, we can head down to the East Village for a late night traditional jazz hang; truly a great and packed end to a wonderful evening of music (Tuesday only).
Tipping is encouraged as that’s how the artists primarily make their living so please bring a few extra dollars to tip the musicians. You will have an opportunity to buy cd’s directly from the musicians at most venues we go to, they are typically $15-20 a piece (cash only) so please plan accordingly.
Visit the West Village’s hottest and most historic spots. The possibilities are endless, including but not limited to: a prohibition-era speak easy dive bar, a bar that was the start of gay liberation movement, a piano bar where Barbara Streisand and countless others got their start, a sing along piano bar where historic figure Thomas Payne once lived, a hidden underground jazz club named after one of the most notorious jazz figures known as a infamous marijuana dealer, an underground pool hall and jazz venue (this your can be offered 7 nights a week by request and staffing availability please contact us for more details.
Are you a professional singer or professional musician? Bring your axe or sit in on piano, bass, drums or vocals after the featured artist set potentially.
Tipping is encouraged as that’s how the artists primarily make their living so please bring a few extra dollars to tip the musicians. You will have an opportunity to buy cd’s directly from the musicians at most venues we go to, they are typically $15-20 a piece (cash only) so please plan accordingly.