Jazz Classes in New Orleans, LA

Faubourg Tremé was associated in the 19th century with people of free color, Creoles of African descent who were among the upper echelons of Louisiana. Many of the inhabitants of Tremé were descendants of the Santo Domingo (Haitian) refugees who, fleeing the tumult of the Haitian revolution, had settled in Louisiana in 1809. Thanks to the cultural richness and ethnic diversity of this district, jazz was born in Faubourg Tremé at the beginning of the 20th century. The charming trails of the Tremé will transport you into history by allowing you to see for yourself the beauty and dark reality of a Louisiana that no longer exists.

We invite you to spend some time in the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. As you walk the streets of the Vieux Carré, you will learn the stories of Louisiana's Creoles. Louisiana is unique among regions of the United States. The fascinating stories of notable Creoles (West Africans, Native Americans and Europeans) will shed light on the development of the culture that sets us apart from the rest of the American South. Louisiana is part of the southern United States, but culturally it is the northernmost region of the Caribbean. This tour is an exploration of Louisiana Creole, an exploration of the culture that gave birth to jazz and zydeco, gumbo and jambalaya. (This tour also includes a visit to a courtyard of a 19th century house.)

Although New Orleans is heavily associated with Jazz, this tour will show how every form of American popular music is informed by New Orleans. As the outgrageous New Orleans R&B legend Ernie K-Doe said: “I'm not sure, but I'm almost positive, all music came from New Orleans.”

Start your journey at the powerful Whitney Plantation, the only museum in Louisiana dedicated to telling the story of enslaved people through their eyes. Walk the grounds where lives were bound to the brutal system of plantation slavery. Explore preserved cabins, memorials, and hear firsthand narratives through a self-guided audio tour, allowing for personal reflection. After a lunch break in New Orleans, continue with the Soul of New Orleans city tour, where we dive deep into the distinct differences between plantation slavery and urban slavery. Explore how enslaved Africans in New Orleans shaped the city’s architecture, food, music, and culture — laying the foundation for jazz, Mardi Gras Indians, and Creole identity. This journey showcases the resilience, creativity, and resistance that birthed a cultural revolution. Black history that can’t be erased, from the fields of suffering to the streets of New Orleans’ cultural revolution.

Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! Our scenic and lively New Orleans jazz brunch cruise features authentic Creole cuisine and a full bar with handcrafted cocktails available for purchase. Enjoy the soulful sounds of live jazz by the Steamboat Stompers while taking in breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans riverfront. Cruise along the Mississippi River as you enjoy live jazz and, if selected, a delicious buffet brunch. Relax indoors in elegantly appointed seating or step outside onto open-air decks to take in the sights and river breezes. This authentic paddlewheel riverboat experience transports you to the romance and charm of yesteryear. Upgrade your ticket to include the brunch buffet for the full experience!

Welcome aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! Enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Mississippi River. Listen to live New Orleans jazz music followed by Captain's narration as you cruise past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and beautiful city views that bring more than 300 years of New Orleans history to life. Indulge in a Creole-inspired brunch while sipping cocktails or other beverages from one of our full-service onboard bars, including the popular City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, featuring panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available with popcorn, sodas, and other casual favorites. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, this New Orleans Jazz Brunch Cruise is one of the best ways to experience the city’s live music, local cuisine, and scenic river views all in one unforgettable experience.

Our Jazz tour is guided by local musicians, choregraphers, producers, and directors who are apart of the New Orleans Artist community. They are also Natives, Oral Historians, Cultural Ambassadors, and Preservationist. Join us and explore the evolution of music in the city known as "the birthplace of Jazz." Home to Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Sidney Bechet, Louis Prima, and Sharkey Bonano just to name a few. . .You'll be guided through the last remaining sites where Jazz, champagne, and romance reigned supreme. Learn about the people, the history, and the influences which contributed to the development of America's only gift to world culture... Jazz! ​

Prepare to be transported through time as your experienced storyteller paints a detailed picture of what life was like during different eras of French Quarter history. From Yellow Fever and the toll it took on our city, to the famous Jackson Square and the establishment of La Nouvelle Orléans; from the history of enslaved peoples and their impact on religion and culture, to what makes the architecture in our city so incredibly unique; from our historical red light district, to the earliest notes of jazz. This tour will have you laughing and crying as you grapple with all that New Orleans has gone through to get where it is today. History lovers, join us on an adventure through the real, gritty history of New Orleans.

Please arrive by 5:30pm for early boarding. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a ship staff member to take you onboard. Start the night off with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and get front row access to the Dukes of Dixieland before dining. After enjoying the tunes and maybe a little dancing, settle into your reserved table in the dining room for a dinner buffet featuring local favorites. If you are looking for a little more, upgrade your cruise to include an open call brand bar. After dinner, take a tour of the vessel led by the first mate. Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise through New Orleans in style on an exclusive VIP cruise that can’t be booked anywhere else!

Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! PLEASE make sure you choose your vessel carefully at check out. Ready for the ultimate New Orleans night out? Step aboard a classic riverboat for a dinner jazz cruise on the mighty Mississippi River — one of the most iconic things to do in New Orleans! Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Savor a Creole-inspired buffet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and sway to live New Orleans jazz as the skyline sparkles around you. Whether it’s date night, a group outing, or your first trip to the Crescent City, this two-hour cruise brings all the NOLA magic — food, music, and views included. Book together to sit together! Don’t just visit New Orleans — cruise through it in style.

Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a fun 2-hour Dinner Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi River! Enjoy live jazz music and signature cocktails as you cruise past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and stunning city views. Savor a Creole-inspired dinner menu while enjoying beverages from one of the full-service bars onboard, including the City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, offering panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available with popcorn, sodas, and other casual favorites. Perfect for couples, friends, groups, and special occasions, our Dinner Jazz Cruise delivers an unforgettable evening of New Orleans sights, cuisine, and music all in one experience!

The Court of Two Sisters' Buffet Brunch boasts is a sumptuous display of hot and cold dishes. They use only the freshest ingredients so the buffet's selections change according to season and time of day. In the morning, a typical selection of hot dishes includes made-to-order omelets, ham, sausage and bacon, grits and grillades, and Gumbo. The afternoon's sampling includes Creole jambalaya, turtle soup, pork ribs, duck a l'Orange, fried catfish, and shrimp etouffee amongst many others. Additionally, one complimentary glass of house wine, champagne or mimosa is included.

Explore the world’s richest musical city, starting with the legendary Preservation Hall. Visit the site of the Old French Opera House and stroll through the Tango Belt and May Bailey’s before arriving at the Treme section.  Stroll through the Tango Belt to the New Orleans Musicians Tomb in St. Louis Cemetery #1, the use of which was donated by the musical dynasty Barbarin Family for free burial to musicians.  From the cemetery you will check out the remains of Storyville (including Frank Early’s Saloon where “Pretty Baby” was written),  turn-of-the-century red light district whose parlors presented King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and more during the time when jazz was born.  From Storyville,  venture into Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, the only place in North American where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed.

You and your guests are going to love the opportunity to sit back and relax while your carriage driver unfolds 300 years of fun-filled history on your mule-drawn carriage ride. We cover the storied history of New Orleans, discussing everything from our resilient culture to the aging architecture. While our carriage tours cover a ton of history, they aren't boring history lectures. Aside from history, we'll chat about things like food, cocktails, nightclubs, jazz, museums, must-sees, and things to do!

History ✦ Famous Places ✦ Epic Lives ✦ Hilarious Scandal Share a local's love for 300 years of our city's history, and learn the stories of those famous locales you've always read about. Hear about famous French Quarter figures who led epic lives, such as a pirate, a voodoo queen, and Baroness. We bring the private tour experience to every tour we host, by limiting the experience to small groups, and personalizing every tour for you. The early native settlers called the area Bulbancha -- "the land of many tongues" -- and used as a trading post. From there, on to the early French & Spanish colonies, all the way to the jazz age, and the birthplace of modern music! We go beyond just names and dates, and share a connection to our city, and its famous stories, that you'll never forget.

The Marmillion family saved La Plantation Laura in the 1990s to commemorate the site where the West African tales of Compair Rabbit and Compair Bouki (Leuk The Hare in Senegal) were first collected in Louisiana. Between 1808 and 1850, more than 400 slaves of West African origin lived, worked and died on this plantation, home to several families of European origin and adjacent to an Amerindian village. The Historic Riverlands site was founded to celebrate the unique history of St. John the Baptist Parish and the contributions of African Americans to the development of American music and the civil rights movement. This tour honors the richness of the musical heritage of African Americans by exploring the development of the region’s iconic musical genres: jazz, zariko (zydeco), blues, gospel, soul, R,B and rock. Small groups of less than 14 people.

Embark on a journey with 2nd Line Tours to experience New Orleans' vibrant rhythms and rich cultural history. Our unique tour immerses you in the city's cultural tapestry, blending soulful melodies of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, and bounce. Discover the heartbeat of New Orleans, from the spirit of Creole, Afro, and Indigenous communities to the civil rights movement's struggles and triumphs. Explore historic neighborhoods like Treme, the Garden District, and Central City, and visit iconic sites such as Congo Square, where African rhythms still pulse beneath modern New Orleans. Immerse yourself in New Orleans’ legendary music scene, from the birthplace of jazz to the sounds of rap and bounce. Trace the evolution of musical genres that shaped the city’s identity and explore iconic venues like the historic Dew Drop Inn. Join us on a journey of discovery and celebration, uncovering the soul of New Orleans, one beat at a time. Book your adventure with 2nd Line Tours today!

Indulge in a sweet symphony in the heart of New Orleans. Picture strolling through the iconic French Quarter, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden gems and historic landmarks. This tour unfolds against the backdrop of charming architecture, live jazz melodies, and the lively atmosphere that defines the city. More than a gastronomic delight, the tour immerses you in New Orleans' cultural riches. Engage with street musicians, witness vibrant art scenes, and experience the city's lively energy. As you savor each delightful bite, the tour weaves through historic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market. This sweet celebration is more than a tour; it's an exploration of flavors, culture, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Whether you're a local rediscovering your roots or a visitor eager to taste the essence of the city, join us on this culinary journey that promises to be the highlight of your sweet adventures. Book your ticket now!

Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port! This authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, features traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites. Make sure you check out the Steam Engine Room on the bottom deck! Lunch option available Monday - Saturday. Brunch option available Sunday only. The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.

We will explore the original suburbs of the old town… the hip Marigny, the funky Bywater and Bayou St John, the true gateway to New Orleans. We will ride through Tremé, the birthplace of Jazz, and so much more. Marc will cover the entire city, the American sector of uptown, and cities now turned neighborhoods of Lafayette and the Irish Channel. Your guide knows all the right people and has both relationships and insight into this rich culture. If you choose, we often get out and make a few stops while exploring New Orleans!

Treme' (pronounced Tre-May) sits adjacent to the French Quarter and is the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States. Treme' is a vibrant area steeped in music and culture. Come explore this iconic gem and revel in New Orleans Jazz history with its roots in Congo square and Storyville, the birthplace of such Jazz greats as Alphonse Picou and Trombone shorty.