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Big Apple Jazz Tour

200 Central Park South, Suite 16J, New York City, NY 10019
718 606-8442
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Ranked #46 of 403 activities in New York City
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Type: Tours
Owner description: Big Apple Jazz Tours offer weekly juke joint crawls through Greenwich Village or Harlem's nightlife. We visit 2 or 3 live jazz spots each night of the... more » Owner description: Big Apple Jazz Tours offer weekly juke joint crawls through Greenwich Village or Harlem's nightlife. We visit 2 or 3 live jazz spots each night of the week. All live music and transportation costs are included in the tour price, but food and drinks are extra. Our jazz tours take place in Manhattan for the most part, but private tours to Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx can be arranged. Our goal is to offer the most intimate, small group tours available to Harlem and Greenwich Village neighborhood nightclubs and juke joints. We also provide insight into the Big Apple jazz scene as it has evolved over the past hundred years. Consider hiring Gordon Polatnick to take you on a private tour throughout the city by luxury limousine - starting late and ending early to catch the scene at it's most exciting, or during the day to experience the city's many intriguing neighborhoods with an insider. Other public tours include sets at New York's most exclusive jazz clubs to hear the living legends of jazz any night of the week. « less
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59 reviews from our community

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

We took this tour as a part of our school trip and we all had a very fun experience with Gordon. He spoke well and he was very interesting and he had tons to talk about and we all learned a lot from the tour. I recommend 100%

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Toronto, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2013

This tour was absolutely one of the most unique ways that you can learn about jazz in Harlem. It's relaxed, informative, fun and certainly memorable. My tour was a little tailored, which I appreciated, and wished it lasted longer. I was very lucky to be in a small group, to ask a ton of questions and to participate in great... More

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BigAppleGordon, Owner at Big Apple Jazz Tour, responded to this review
4 June 2013

Thanks so much. We did only scratch the surface. And the good news is that although Harlem has lost clubs in the past few years, the dozen or so clubs that are still going strong are going to be joined by at least 3 new high profile clubs in the near future. I look forward to showing you those clubs... More

Melbourne, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

I'm not certain what makes this tour so memorable - whether it's Gordon's relaxed, friendly and knowledgable manner as a tour leader or whether it's because the experience takes you to places you would not contemplate negotiating yourself. Whatever, it's a professionally organised tour that enables you to experience Harlem's jazz and culture first hand. Gordon has access to the... More

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New York, New York, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

My mother and aunt were in town visiting from Illinois and I wanted to treat them to a new, fun experience. This was that and so much more! We wandered the streets of Harlem with Gordon pointing out cool landmarks and telling great stories along the way. Each venue was so unique and we were welcomed with open arms. Gordon... More

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BigAppleGordon, Owner at Big Apple Jazz Tour, responded to this review
19 May 2013

It was great meeting you, S., your mother P., and your aunt, HP! You 3 and E. brought a lot spirit to the touring and made an impression on the scene that in turn makes me and my groups more welcome. I hope to see you all again next Mother's Day or sooner! Peace. More

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2013

Gordon met us at the hotel with his very nicely appointede bus to take us on a jazz tour of Harlem. Our 14 guests had a fabulous time as Gordon customized the tour to include our love of "Dive Bars". We saw great music up close and personal - everyone knew Gordon and stopped and chatted with our group. We... More

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See 8 more reviews by Jimmi13 for New York City
BigAppleGordon, Owner at Big Apple Jazz Tour, responded to this review
22 February 2013

I wish there was a TripAdvisor for me to rate groups of people I come in contact with. Jim and Jean and their entire crew should be courted by other venues and attractions because they bring so much energy and let the good times roll spirit to a place you could imagine them turning a bodega into party central. Everybody... More

Atlanta
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2013

Had a great night with Gordon as he took me and four others around to very special jazz clubs around Sheridan Square in the West Village. Great way to hear about the history of jazz in NYC and to see some incredible acts. Gordon really knows his stuff about the immediate neighborhood and the jazz scene. For a Monday night,... More

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LaGrange, Georgia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 December 2012

As a true jazz aficionado, I had the time of my life with Gordon in Harlem. We were up close & personal with some red hot, cooking musicians. Meeting some of them was icing on the cake. I especially liked going to both traditional & improv clubs. Gordon shared great history on Harlem/jazz to provide more depth. Thanks Gordon for... More

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BigAppleGordon, Owner at Big Apple Jazz Tour, responded to this review
21 December 2012

Thanks, Lisa, for the wonderful write-up. There's a lot of great nights, but that was a really great night! I'm glad you were there to enjoy it with us. See you next time. Peace, Gordon More

Dublin, Ireland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 December 2012

Travelling by Subway to Harlem was something I would not have considered certainly not 10 years ago, however Gordon is a great host ( I won't call him a guide he exudes enthusiasm for his City, and his love of jazz and gives individually attention to all his guests.) He showed us Harlem as we walked to our first venue.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 November 2012

I went withthe Big Apple Jazz tour and loved it. Our guide brought us to places unknown for some great jazz sets.We visited The schrine, londel and Paris blue. Great musicians. The best was the first, the schrine.where the band included 7 musicians. Nice. The tour has reserved seating near the stage. What is most interesting is that you visit... More

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See 2 more reviews by OnSeCalme for New York City
Cardiff
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 November 2012

A great cultural experience that gets under the skin and away from the usual tourist haunts. It presented the party with a real taste of grass roots music, providing a feel for the environment and the people who generate the real music. The tour was enhanced by Gordon's knowledge and his ability as a raconteur, giving a further historical and... More

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