• Louis Armstrong Park - Begin your journey through the world’s most musically rich city at Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, a historic site where African slaves gathered. It was the sole location in North America where authentic West African religious rituals and musical traditions were performed. Congo Square is regarded as the source of all New Orleans music and, by extension, much of the world’s popular music. It also hosted the first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970.

From Armstrong Park, admire the building that once housed Cosimo Matassa’s pioneering J&M Studios, which crafted the “New Orleans Sound” with local talents like Professor Longhair, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Guitar Slim, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Ernie K-Doe, Allen Toussaint, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, and visitors such as Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis. J&M Studios is the true birthplace of rock ’n roll.

• Basin St. Station - Visit Basin Street Station and take a walk down Basin Street to see the remnants of Storyville, including Frank Early’s “My Place” Saloon where “Pretty Baby” was composed. This legendary turn-of-the-century red-light district featured performances by King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and many more during jazz’s early days.
• May Baily’s Place - Continue through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the site of the Old French Opera House.
• Preservation Hall - Conclude at the iconic Preservation Hall, a venue that embodies the past, present, and future of New Orleans music.

Discover the roots of New Orleans Bounce Music and enjoy the world’s finest street musicians who continue to keep the tradition alive today.

• Congo Square - Congo Square was the only place in North America where authentic West African religious rituals occurred. If American popular music has its roots in New Orleans, it specifically originates from Congo Square.

• Expert tour guide

• What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, and rain/sun protection
• Gratuities

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.