Jazz Classes in New Orleans, LA

The French brought the opera to New Orleans in the early 1800’s. This sophisticated music flourished here long before New York or any other city in North America. The free people of color introduced the harmony and spirituality of Sunday church music and the bordellos of Storyville led to music greats Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong and King Oliver. This evolved into the only true American music that was born in the gentlemen parlors of Treme and was called JAZZ.

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.”

Whitney Plantation + Soul of New Orleans Combo Tour 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.

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.)

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.

On this Sunday brunch cruise, travel along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music and savoring a lovely buffet brunch, if option selected. Otherwise, sit inside in one of our elegantly appointed decks or sit outside on one of our outdoor decks and enjoy the sites and breezes of the Mississippi River. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat will whisk you away to the romance and ambiance of yesteryear. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Upgrade your ticket to include the brunch buffet.

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.

It's the wild, hilarious history of New Orleans, pulling no punches! Share a local's love for 300 years of our city's history -- secrets, scandals, and all -- and learn the stories of those famous locales you've always read about. Hear about the Chitimacha tribe that inhabited the area, insane life in 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, to bring you the strange characters who made New Orleans, and their stories, in a way you'll never forget. Take a piece of New Orleans history home with you!

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!

This is the only tour that focuses on the heart of New Orleans - Jackson Square! There are so many stories to tell in this one iconic block. At first a gathering place for Native Americans, then a tiny French outpost, the Square holds the collective memories of all the people who have made this diverse city what it is today. Choctaw, French, African, Spanish, American, Italian, Vietnamese, Caribbean, and more have contributed to the Creole culture that makes this place unlike any other. We are passionate about this city and we love telling our stories. Today, the Square is a community gathering place as well as the best place to see and buy great art, eat great food, and hear authentic jazz played by multi-generation musicians. This tour covers a very small area and the Square has lots of benches, so it is particularly suited to anyone with limited mobility (or simply on a hot day!). Since it is only 45 minutes, you can squeeze it in among the rest of your New Orleans itinerary.

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! The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland jazz band and a narration provided by our captain while cruising the Mighty Mississippi River. There are two seating times for dinner, so please make sure to check availability of both if one is not available. The 1st dinner seating is from 6-7:15pm and the 2nd is from 7:45-9pm. Groups must be booked as one reservation in order to be seated together for dinner. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Upgrade your ticket to include the dinner buffet.

Enjoy a fully narrated city tour of historic New Orleans, where you will visit the world famous French Quarter, Jackson Square, Audubon Park and even uncover the mysteries surrounding Voodoo. Then take to the waters for a cruise on the Mississippi River with the iconic Steamboat NATCHEZ. Enjoy an authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi. Come and discover New Orleans today!