Follow in Billie Holiday’s footsteps, from her first residence in New York City to the site of her first performances
Hear about the locations of some of the most famous jazz clubs in history including the place where Ella Fitzgerald made her name
Visit the site of Duke Ellington’s first New York gig
Stroll through the famous Strivers Row micro-neighborhood and see buildings where important and influential jazz musicians such as Fletcher Henderson, Eubie Blake and W.C. Handy lived and gathered in the 1920s
Peer into the modest parlor room that birthed the first Black record label
Visit 133rd Street — the original “Swing Street ” — and see locations of the colorfully-named clubs that made it the top jazz destination in the city during prohibition, including the Tillie’s, Pod & Jerry’s, the nearby Hot-Cha and Uptown Clubs and more
On this tour led by Mark Satlof, a 25-year-resident of Central Harlem/Strivers Row, guests will get rare insight into the locale of one of the most creative periods ever in the arts — the Jazz Age in Central Harlem. This era took place alongside the flowering of visual arts, poetry and prose known as the Harlem Renaissance.
Stick around afterwards and get tips on where to grab lunch!
All historical images via Library of Congress
Mark Satlof is a fourth generation New Yorker, a 25-year resident of Strivers Row in Central Harlem, and a jazz aficionado. He is a licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide and a regular guide for Untapped New York’s Insiders. He received a BA in History from Columbia University. In addition to sharing his knowledge of NYC as a tour guide, as a board member of the landmarks advocacy organization Save Harlem Now! he is an advocate for preserving Harlem’s architectural gems and historic sites. With 30+ years in music and entertainment PR and currently a President at the top music PR firm, Shore Fire Media, Mark has worked with dozens of major stars including some who first made their mark in Harlem.
100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
The group meets on the north west corner of 139th and Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Boulevard). See this location on Google Maps here.
By Subway: 2/3 to 135th or the 3 to 145th Street and a roughly 5 minute walk
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2 hours long.
Where does it end?
This tour ends on 133rd between Lenox and 7th Avenues.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly outdoors.
