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On Demand Tour IX - And All That Jazz Bike Tour Our most musical tour!
Our tour begins with a pedal across Central Park and a visit to Strawberry Fields and the Dakota Apartments. John Lennon (the Dakota's most famous tenant) was surely not a jazz musician; nonetheless, his tragic death was a great loss to the musical world. Heading toward the Hudson River, we pass the century old, exuberantly designed, Ansonia Hotel. Built with soundproof partitions, it attracted many distinguished musicians, singers, and conductors. Indeed, Babe Ruth learned to play the sax when he lived here! We then pedal along the Hudson River Greenway, with wonderful views of the Hudson River.
Leaving this cycling paradise, we enter the Morningside Heights neighborhood, where we pedal across the magnificent campus of Columbia University. There is little doubt why it is one of the top ten Ivy League universities in the country! Being up in the "Heights" gives us a unique opportunity to look down over central Harlem, even to spot the legendary Apollo Theater, before heading down there ourselves. On this unique musical tour we will stop for live jazz and lunch at Harlem's only jazz day club. (www.bigapplejazz.com) Created by two enthusiasts who are eager to chat with you, it is dedicated to preserving the jazz heritage while encouraging new musicians to develop their own musical style. In a cozy setting, with an attractive gift shop too, you are certain to have a memorable, only in the Big Apple experience! Withing a few blocks of this Jazz club there are several major historical jazz sights, including the "Tree of Hope" (a spiritual beacon for jazz musicians--the stump is now rubbed for good luck on stage before all shows in the Apollo), the Rennasaince Ballroom, which was home to the first black professional basketball team, and historic "strivers row."
After our live jazz lunch, we explore the neighborhood for signs of its glory days when New Yorkers went "uptown" for the best in entertainment. As we pass by the controversial statute to "the Duke," we enter Spanish Harlem, known locally as "el barrio" where the musical idiom of salsa, plena, and bomba fill the air, as we make our way to a visit at a local music shop. As we head back, we enter wonderful Carl Schurz Park where Gracie Mansion is located. This 200 year old mansion has been the official residence of the mayor since 1942. Mayor Rudy Guiliani and his wife went to court over his wife's refusal to have her husband's mistress spend the night there! The current mayor, Michael Bloomberg, does not reside there - he prefers real luxury in his own private townhouse on the upper east side! Our journey back is along the East River Greenway, with marvelous views, removes any doubt that Manhattan is not only an island but a musical one at that! |
