[Leggi questo post in italiano]
When people visit New York City, attending a gospel service in Harlem is often at the top of their list – but what if I told you there’s another experience in Harlem you should absolutely add to your bucket list?! A hidden gem that’s been touching hearts since 1993: Marjorie Eliot’s Sunday Jazz Parlor.
Spending an afternoon in Marjorie’s living room, listening to jazz music for about 3 hours feels inspiring, timeless, and soulful.
A Story That Began in 1993 🎹❤️
In 1993, Marjorie Eliot, a pianist, actress, and true Harlem legend, began hosting free Sunday jazz concerts in her apartment. These intimate performances started as a tribute to her son, Philip, who passed away on a Sunday in 1992 due to kidney failure at just 32 years old. Instead of letting Sundays be filled with grief, Marjorie turned to music as a way to heal.
Her first concert took place at the nearby Morris-Jumel Mansion (the oldest house in Manhattan) to honor his memory, then Marjorie felt compelled to continue the tradition, transforming her own home into a jazz sanctuary.
Despite facing the unimaginable loss of two more sons, Marjorie has continued to open her home every Sunday. she welcomes visitors from all over the world with warmth and resilience, using music as a celebration of life. Her music transforms sadness into something golden, and at the end of each concert, she thanks YOU for being there – for sharing in her story and creating a space of love and connection.
Her story is one of strength, community, and love – reminding us of the power of art to heal and connect.
My Special Connection Started in 2013
The first time I experienced Marjorie Eliot’s legendary Sunday jazz concert was in 2013. I went with a group of friends, and to this day, I still worship that moment in my heart. The music, the intimacy of the space, and the way Marjorie’s spirit filled the room. It was unforgettable.
Fast forward 11 years, and life in NYC had swept me away. (You know how it goes – always something to do, somewhere to be!) But just a few days ago, my friend Kiara mentioned she had plans for a private jazz concert in Harlem. My face lit up: “Wait… are you going to Marjorie’s?!” Kiara’s face lit up, too: “Yes! I went back in 2012, and it was the best experience ever.”
That’s how six of us ended up having the perfect New York Sunday: first riding the Holiday Nostalgia Rides (another NYC gem in itself!), then ending the afternoon listening to jazz in Marjorie’s legendary parlor.
What Makes Marjorie’s Jazz Parlor So Special?
Marjorie Eliot, a petite woman in her late 80s, is a Harlem treasure. For over 30 years, her living room has transformed into a small jazz haven where strangers become friends, and music connects us all.
Every Sunday at 3 PM, her apartment fills with the sound of jazz: rich, warm, and alive. Marjorie’s concerts are a celebration of resilience, life, and community. Her performances are an invitation to slow down, listen, and be present – a rare gift in the busy energy of New York City.
Everything You Need to Know to Experience Marjorie’s Jazz Concert For Yourself 🥹
🕒 When: Sundays, 3 PM sharp (arrive early!). Doors open around 2:30 PM.
📍 Where: 555 Edgecombe Ave, Apt 3F, Harlem (Sugar Hill neighborhood) – Buzz 107
🚇 Nearest Subway: C train to 155th Street or A/B/D trains.
📞 Call: (212) 781-6595 to reserve your spot – seats are limited.
🎟️ Free admission – donations appreciated via Venmo and PayPal @ParlorEntertainmentHarlem and JazzFoundation.org (Tax Deductible), Zelle (Marjorie Eliot), and Cashapp ($RUDEL7)
🎶 Why Go: cozy, heartfelt jazz concert that’s unlike anything else in NYC.
What To Expect 🎷
- An intimate space where you’ll sit just feet away from some of the best jazz musicians in NYC.
- A heartfelt mix of jazz standards, storytelling, and soulful energy.
- Thoughtful touches – snacks (we had fig cookies) and water passed around on a tray.
- A chance to contribute: A donation basket or QR code is shared to help keep this beautiful tradition alive.
Marjorie’s jazz parlor is a time capsule of Harlem’s rich cultural history. A reminder of the beauty of human connection. It will leave you feeling grateful and inspired ❤️
📌 Share this post with a friend who needs to hear this story, and invite them along.
