Explore the world’s richest musical city. Starting with Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, historic site of African slave gatherings, it is the only place in North America where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed. Congo Square is the wellspring of all New Orleans music and so many of world-famous songs.
Visit the building which housed Cosimo Matassa’s groundbreaking J&M Studios - the true birthplace of rock’n'roll. See the New Orleans Musicians Tomb. The first burial to take place was for Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots on October 23, 2004. The Musicians Tomb was restored and is administered by Robert Florence of NOLA Historic Tours.
Learn about the Second Line & stroll down Basin Street to the remains of Storyville, fabled red light district whose parlors presented Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton.
Then move through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the French Opera House, ending with the legendary Preservation Hall.
Learn of the West African influence on New Orleans music through the Bamboula.
Learn of many New Orleans music styles from opera to the second line to opera!
Learn of many New Orleans music elements and the origins of the song "Basin Street Blues".
You will make your own way to the meeting points