Re-discover Harlem, NYC!

Harlem Haunts Pay Tribute to its Jazz Roots.

Kathy Leonardo

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Published in

Thrive Global

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4 min read

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Apr 3, 2017

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Music has long been a big part of the culture of New York. Growing up in this city, I spent many a night in Harlem hanging out in clubs such as Bill’s Place, Showman’s Jazz Club, and of course the very popular Apollo Theater. Back in the day, the neighborhood was very different. Today, the signs of gentrification are everywhere, but thank goodness Harlem has managed to keep some of its retro soulful dives alive.

Paris Blues is a classic dive bar located in West Harlem. It’s a throw-back blues venue featuring local jazz and blues. I stopped in to see the Les Goodson Soul Jazz Band. The bar was relatively quiet when I first arrived at 9:45pm, but it soon filled up…standing room only. I met owner Samuel (Sam) Hargress, Jr., who informed me that he just turned eighty. He had always been a lover…