This tour will highlight the political and cultural influences brought into 20th Century Paris through the introduction of jazz music and culture. The jazz movement highlighted the difference between how the French and Americans appreciated the art, with Parisians demonstrating an increasingly accepting outlook of black culture and its role in pioneering jazz. The buildings and topics featured on this tour highlight prominent places and issues in Paris from post-WWI to the mid-1970s, as jazz was emerging and race relations were evolving. The majority of our points of interest are located in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the fifth and sixth arrondissements. This neighbourhood was the center for intellectual and bohemian lifestyles, as well as an active hub for literature, dining and socializing. Our tour begins with Le Caveau de Huchette, a historic club that discriminated against black artists. Les Trois Maillets and its performers subsequently attributed the idea of jazz success to a biologically determined quality amongst black performers. Next, Le Club Saint-Germain was a classic Parisian jazz club which headlined artists such as Miles Davis and was frequented by existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Camus. Le Chat Qui Pêche was an important landmark for black American jazz musicians to establish their career. Fleeing racial persecution at home, many black artists moved to Europe where they were welcomed and made to feel appreciated. La Villa was a more prestigious club which accommodated just over 100 guests consisting of Europe's rich and elite. It was here that Paris' most exclusive gathered to socialize and purchase $21 drinks. Finally, the Bobino Theatre was the site of Josephine Baker's last performance. Baker was an influential advocate for racial inclusion and cultural acceptance. The sites our tour explores convey how influential the emerging jazz genre was on the acceptance of black culture and musical expression in the city of Paris during the 20^th century.

On this tour, we will visit the following sites:

Les Trois Mailletz

Caveau de la Huchette

Le Chat Qui Peche

La Villa

Club St. Germain

Bobino Theatre

The goals of this tour focus on understanding jazz in Paris as more than a musical movement, but a cultural one as well. This tour will provide an understanding of African-American influence on jazz culture as well as acknowledge the greater involvement and acceptance in the African-American by the French. Additionally, this tour will highlight the long-standing power that music had in providing relief from wartime struggles through the spreading of underground clubs and establishments.