New Orleans Music Tour

Experience the Heartbeat of New Orleans Music in Just 2 Hours

The New Orleans Music Tour offers an engaging journey through the city’s storied musical landscape for $25 per person, lasting approximately 2 hours. This tour departs from 740 N Rampart St and ends at the iconic Preservation Hall at 726 St. Peter, where a 5 PM show awaits. With a mobile ticket and a maximum group size of 20 travelers, it provides an intimate setting perfect for music enthusiasts eager to explore beyond jazz clichés.

While the tour offers a deep dive into New Orleans’ musical culture, it also presents some limitations. Notably, some reviews mention that certain stops in the description, like Preservation Hall and the cemetery, are not visited in all tours. The walks through historic districts and the insights from passionate guides make this experience a valuable introduction to New Orleans’ musical soul for most visitors.

Key Points

• Affordable and Short: Just $25 for 2 hours, ideal for a quick yet meaningful cultural experience.
• Rich Stops: Visits include Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, and the Musicians Tomb.
• Historic and Cultural Focus: Explains how slavery, African traditions, and local legends shaped New Orleans music.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, often sharing personal musical insights.
• Music at Every Turn: See street musicians in action and learn the origins of New Orleans Bounce Music.
• Flexible and Accessible: Near public transportation, with service animals allowed, suitable for most travelers.

Starting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at the Rampart Treehouse at 740 N Rampart St at 2:00 pm. It culminates at Preservation Hall, a legendary venue at 726 St. Peter St, where visitors can enjoy an evening jazz performance afterward. The mobile ticket system makes check-in straightforward, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience.

This tour is designed for those who want a focused, cultural walk through New Orleans’ musical history without the need for lengthy or overly commercialized excursions. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate history, culture, and live music but prefer a shorter, more manageable experience.

Exploring Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square

The first stop, Louis Armstrong Park, introduces the cradle of jazz with a visit to Congo Square. This historic site was the gathering place for enslaved Africans who performed West African religious rituals and musical traditions. Recognized as the source of New Orleans music and influential for worldwide popular song, Congo Square also hosted the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970.

From Armstrong Park, the tour offers a view of the building that housed Cosimo Matassa’s J&M Studios, credited with creating the New Orleans Sound. This area sets the foundation for understanding how the city’s musical creativity blossomed from African roots and local innovation.

Visiting the Musicians Tomb at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

The Musicians Tomb at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 stands as a tribute to local talent, funded by the Barbarin Family. It is a free burial site for musicians, with the first intern being Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots in 2004. From outside, visitors admire the restored tomb and learn about how the city honors its musical legends.

The 15-minute stop provides an overview rather than an interior tour, but it resonates as a symbol of musical legacy in New Orleans. The guide shares stories of the musical dynasty and the tradition of music burial practices.

Historic Storyville and Basin Street

Next, visitors walk down Basin Street, exploring the remnants of Storyville, the famed red-light district from the early 20th century. The district’s parlors and clubs hosted jazz legends like King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, and Jelly Roll Morton. The tour passes Frank Early’s My Place Saloon, where “Pretty Baby” was written, connecting visitors directly to jazz history.

This 20-minute segment emphasizes the urban environment where jazz and blues flourished, reflecting the vibrant nightlife that nurtured early musicians and their craft. The guide explains the district’s influence on the evolution of jazz, providing a clear picture of storytelling through music history.

May Baily’s Place and Preservation Hall

From the Tango Belt, the tour proceeds to May Baily’s Place, located at the site of the Old French Opera House. Here, the focus shifts to Preservation Hall, a cornerstone of New Orleans jazz. The venue symbolizes the past, present, and future of the city’s musical traditions.

Though the tour only strolls by Preservation Hall, the legendary venue is known for hosting world-class jazz performances. The guide discusses its importance in maintaining live jazz culture and its role in music preservation. Tour participants can expect to hear about origins of Bounce Music and see street musicians carrying the torch today.

The Role of Street Musicians and Modern NOLA Music

Throughout the tour, the guide highlights street musicians actively performing, showcasing how musical traditions continue to thrive on the city streets. The guide shares insights into how contemporary musicians keep the cultural legacy alive and explains the origin story of Bounce Music, a lively, energetic style born in New Orleans.

This focus on living music helps visitors appreciate that NOLA’s musical history is not just preserved in museums but is an ongoing practice on the streets and in local venues.

The Guide’s Expertise and Presentation Style

The tour’s success heavily relies on the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. Many reviews praise guides like David and Margie for their passion, storytelling ability, and musical backgrounds. They bring the sites to life with personal stories, recordings, and visuals, making the history more engaging and relatable.

Some feedback notes that guides sometimes use videos on tablets, which can slightly disrupt the flow, but overall, the guides’ ability to answer questions and their musical insight stand out as a major strength.

Accessibility and Tour Group Size

This tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with near public transportation access and service animals allowed. The maximum group size of 20 helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those wanting a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities for questions.

Given its walking format, the tour is suitable for most ages and physical abilities, though it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes for the strolls through historic districts.

Cancellation Policy and Booking

The tour offers free cancellation, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility makes it easier to plan despite potential weather concerns or schedule changes. The confirmation is received immediately upon booking, simplifying the process.

Travelers can book this tour up to 22 days in advance, ensuring availability during popular travel periods in New Orleans.

Final Thoughts: Is the New Orleans Music Tour Right for You?

This 2-hour guided walk offers a focused glimpse into the city’s musical past and present, making it ideal for visitors who want an introductory experience without committing to longer tours. Its affordable price point and small-group format provide value for money, especially with guides praised for their expertise and storytelling.

However, some reviews mention that certain stops listed in the description, like Preservation Hall and the cemetery, might not be part of every tour. It’s best suited for those interested in jazz, blues, and street music, and who enjoy learning through stories and live performances.

The tour’s passionate guides and rich cultural content make it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to understand the roots of New Orleans music and see its living traditions in action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include inside visits to Preservation Hall or the cemetery?
No, the stops at Preservation Hall and the cemetery are viewed from outside. The tour focuses on walking through historic sites and learning about their significance.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour’s walking format and accessible location make it suitable for most ages and physical abilities, with most travelers able to participate comfortably.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time, allowing a full refund.

Is the tour good for music enthusiasts?
Absolutely, guides are praised for their music knowledge and storytelling, making this especially engaging for those passionate about music history.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the strolls through historic districts.

Will I see live music?
While the tour highlights street musicians and the significance of live performances, it does not guarantee concerts during the walk.

What is the tour’s duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at Preservation Hall, where an evening jazz show is available afterward.

Is this tour a good value for money?
Yes, given its content, duration, and guide expertise, the price of $25 offers solid value, especially considering the insights into music’s cultural roots.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, tours can be booked up to 22 days prior, with immediate confirmation and easy access through mobile tickets.