Jazz Lovers Tour of Harlem and Jazz at the Mansion Concert Before the Walk!

RSVPs open up Sunday August 3rd at 8:00pm. Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com after you have RSVPd to request a spot.

The tour and music are free with optional cash donations warmly welcomed by the musicians during the performance and your tour guide and the end by cash, Venmo or Zelle. Be sure to come at least an hour before the tour starts at 4:30pm if you wish to enjoy the music, which starts at 2pm. Come as early as you wish!

To bring: Water to drink, sun protection, snacks. There are usually some vacant chairs (see photo) or sit on the surrounding lawn if you like.

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a Harlem Walking Tour of Sugar Hill and the Heart of Harlem!
Jazz at the Mansion is an annual tradition on the grounds of Manhattan's oldest house, hosted by 88-year old local resident Marjorie Elliot and her family members. The house was built in 1765 and served as General George Washington's headquarters during the fall of 1776! Come early to enjoy wonderful live jazz outdoors.

Restrooms - are open inside the Morris Jumel Mansion.
Please be fit enough to walk about 4.5 miles at a moderate pace at times.
We will have a restroom break during the tour. No repeats please if you have taken this tour before. You can of course attend the music - also held Saturday, August 23rd from 2-6pm.

SCHEDULE:

Music outdoors in front of the mansion starts at 2:00pm

4:30PM: We'll begin our walk near the entrance gates to the park adjacent to the side of the mansion.

OVERVIEW:
This unique tour is geared for jazz lovers and those interested in the fascinating rich and complex history of Harlem and who are not especially familiar with the area. Departing from the historic Morris Jumel Mansion, we'll stroll through parts of Sugar Hill, Hamilton Heights, the St. Nicholas Historic District and end, depending on time, either on 125th Street by the Apollo Theater or down near West 116th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue both locations convenient to #2, 3, A, C, D subways, and bus routes going crosstown or to the East and West Sides.

The tour will cover Harlem’s rich history, past, present and future and Harlem’s impact not just on NYC but the world. We'll talk about the evolution of jazz, (and the jazz age), styles of dance, and how be-bebop started in Harlem in the 1940s. We will see where Billie Holiday was discovered, where Duke Ellington lived and where Mary Lou Williams mentored future jazz stars.

Along the way we'll listen to portions of jazz songs. We'll visit the original "Swing Street," along with Strivers Row which was home to many important figures of the Harlem Renaissance. We'll also talk about speakeasies during the 1920s and the rent parties during the 1930s. Lots of beautiful late 19th century architecture as well!

Optional gathering after the tour for a meal at a local establishment.

Cheers from Hank
hankorenstein@gmail.com
646-596-3005