Harlem Jazz Festival
The sonic rebirth of Harlem’s musical legacy comes to Grant’s Tomb in a showstopping festival event. Nina Simone belts out empowering lyrics on “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” while a spirited crowd of black Americans gathers in support.
Summer of Soul, directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, flawlessly blends never-before-seen footage with new commentary.
The Harlem Jazz Series
The cool vibrations of jazz music soothe and invigorate at the same time, creating an enveloping experience for all the senses. This concert series, curated by Craig Harris, a trombonist who has been playing in Harlem since 1976, is sure to enchant you.
The soulful immortal melodies of Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne live on in the talents of Harlem’s best musicians. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear these mellifluous sounds for yourself.
Each Tuesday and Friday, the Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church hosts a spectacular jazz event that showcases today’s most talented musicians while paying tribute to history’s greatest jazz music. This one-of-a-kind experience is sure to take your mind off the day-to-day and leave you feeling refreshed.
The acclaimed pianist Marjorie Eliot invites visitors to her Sugar Hill apartment for free concerts accompanied by talented musicians. The intimate atmosphere of these performances makes the experience more like a gathering of friends than a traditional show. The performers serve snacks and chat with guests during breaks between songs. The concerts are also a great way to discover some of the neighborhood’s local talent.
Harlem Late Night Jazz
The cool vibrations of jazz are a soothing balm for the soul, and this festival offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in this music. Take a Tuesday afternoon or Friday evening concert, and experience the uplifting effects of strings and horns, rhythms, and vocals.
The festival offers a number of workshops and performances as well. One such performance is the REMIX, an interactive performance that teaches students about the elements of percussive dance. Another workshop focuses on poetry, movement, and music to address injustice in today’s world. In this workshop, youth poets and a percussionist explore how to use their own unique voices to inspire change.
The festival also features a special tribute to John Coltrane and Miles Davis. A number of local organizations are coming together to celebrate these iconic musicians, including Harlem Grown, State Senator Cordell Cleare, The Mellon Foundation, Jazzmobile, NY Arts, Marcus Garvey Park Alliance, and New Amsterdam Musical Association.
Harlem Jazz Tours
Ari takes you back-wayyyy back, to the early 20th century, when Big Bands, Swing Music and Traditional Jazz reigned supreme. Besides paying tribute to the past, the bands featured are top-notch and include National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Reggie Workman along with other Grammy award winners. Ms Marie offers savory soul food as well; the meal bargain is $12 for a meat and two sides.
Whether you want to dance, or just hang back and let the groove wash over you, it’s all up to you on this 3.5 hour evening tour. Enjoy world-class concerts at a selection of Harlem’s hottest clubs, all of which have been hand-picked by your jazz guide. Your guide customizes the itinerary for each night based on the performers, so no two tours are alike.
Discover the legacy of Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. Your guide will discuss their contributions to the cultural heritage of Harlem and its influence on America’s jazz and Lindy hop dance culture. The Great Migration and the illustrious Harlem Renaissance period will be discussed as well as the current revival of this iconic music in Harlem. You’ll also experience some of the most iconic places on this fascinating musical and cultural journey.