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Sam First is a unique venue (and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) dedicated to supporting and expanding jazz as a musical form and tradition. Our mission is to provide a vibrant center for regional, national, and international practitioners of jazz and to foster the growth and engagement of the jazz community in Los Angeles. As a space designed without an elevated stage, we remove the boundary between performers and audiences to promote in-person collaboration, the formation of new relationships, and the creation of original music that takes risks and pushes boundaries.

A LIVE JAZZ EXPERIENCE

Sam First is proud to feature today's best modern and straight-ahead jazz artists five nights a week in a listening room so unique and intimate it'll feel like you're on stage with the band. The combination of the amazing room acoustics and one of LA's most loved Yamaha C7x grand pianos makes for an irresistible listening experience. All shows are currently in-person and nearly all are live streamed so you can watch from anywhere!

Aperol spritz
Two customers sitting at the bar
Seating at Sam First Bar
Hummus plate and a drink

ALL SENSES ENGAGED

Our carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, local beers and wines, and bar snacks are the perfect pairings for a night of jazz. 

A NIGHT OF FIRST CLASS STYLE

From the industrial interior structures and original photography to the vintage mid-century modern furniture, Sam First provides a space that inspires its musicians and patrons alike.

UPCOMING SHOWS

  • Eric Scott Reed Trio with Mike Gurrola & Marcello Carelli
    Eric Scott Reed Trio with Mike Gurrola & Marcello Carelli
    Jun 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Eric Scott Reed’s Los Angeles trio, featuring Mike Gurrola and Marcello Carelli, crafts a powerful, swing driven sound. Their deep musical connection and intuitive interplay fuel performances rich in precision, energy, and expressive nuance.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Sasha Berliner with Liya Grigoryan, Max Gerl & Anthony Fung
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Sasha Berliner with Liya Grigoryan, Max Gerl & Anthony Fung
    Jun 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sasha Berliner's critically acclaimed albums, have established her as a bold voice in modern jazz, known for blending genres, political themes and experimental textures. House band performs one set at 7:30 PM followed by a jam session at 9:30 PM.
  • Michael Ragonese Trio with Luca Alemanno & Anthony Fung
    Michael Ragonese Trio with Luca Alemanno & Anthony Fung
    Jun 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Blending contemporary composition with a deep connection to the jazz tradition, Michael Ragonese's music combines strong melodic writing, high energy, and a highly interactive approach to improvisation, drawing inspiration from modern jazz, classical influences, and Ragonese’s Italian upbringing.
  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Emiliano Lasansky Quintet
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Emiliano Lasansky Quintet
    Jun 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Emiliano Lasansky is a Los Angeles-based bassist, composer, and bandleader known for his virtuosic, forward thinking approach. A Herbie Hancock Institute graduate and ASCAP award winner, he leads an evening of original music and jazz standards pushing the music in new directions.
  • KCRW Presents: "Juneteenth & Jazz" with Gengis Don, Alonzo Demetrius, Joseph Miller, Joshua Bryant, & David McKinzie
    KCRW Presents: "Juneteenth & Jazz" with Gengis Don, Alonzo Demetrius, Joseph Miller, Joshua Bryant, & David McKinzie
    Jun 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Gengis Don leads a powerful celebration of Black American music on Juneteenth, honoring its legacy and evolution. Blending hip-hop and jazz, the Brooklyn born artist delivers a groove driven, forward thinking sound rooted in tradition, community, and cultural expression.
  • Emilio Solla & Antonio Lizana Duo
    Emilio Solla & Antonio Lizana Duo
    Jun 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Latin GRAMMY winner, pianist Emilio Solla joins flamenco-jazz vocalist and saxophonist Antonio Lizana for El Siempre Mar-- a project blending Argentine folk, Spanish flamenco, and jazz through their original music and reimagined classics.
  • Taylor Eigsti
    Taylor Eigsti
    Sun, Jun 21
    Jun 21, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Join us for a rare solo piano concert by two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning composer and pianist Taylor Eigsti. This special concert celebrating Father’s Day will feature originals from the past few albums, standards, arrangements of classics, and some brand new music.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    Jun 23, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Devin Daniels, one of the most unique and exciting voices from LA’s thriving creative music scene, leads tonight's "Happenings". House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm.
  • Mauricio Morales Quartet with Devin Daniels, Adam Hersh & Myles Martin
    Mauricio Morales Quartet with Devin Daniels, Adam Hersh & Myles Martin
    Jun 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Mauricio Morales is a Mexican-born bassist, composer, and arranger blending acoustic and electric bass in a distinctive fusion style. Based in Los Angeles, he performs original music with top emerging musicians, showcasing a virtuosic, forward thinking voice.
  • Grant Levin Trio with Luca Alemanno & Jaz Sawyer
    Grant Levin Trio with Luca Alemanno & Jaz Sawyer
    Jun 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Classic/Modern trio will be performing and reinventing both obscure standard repertoire and gems from the contemporary tunebook.
  • Yotam Silberstein Trio with John Clayton & Roy McCurdy
    Yotam Silberstein Trio with John Clayton & Roy McCurdy
    Jun 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Guitarist Yotam Silberstein is joined by legends, John Clayton and Roy McCurdy for an evening of original music and reimagined standards. Blending lyrical jazz, global influences, and dynamic interplay, the trio delivers a performance rooted in virtuosity, spontaneity, and timeless swing.
  • Yotam Silberstein Trio with John Clayton & Roy McCurdy
    Yotam Silberstein Trio with John Clayton & Roy McCurdy
    Jun 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Guitarist Yotam Silberstein joins bassist John Clayton and drummer Roy McCurdy for an evening of original music and reimagined standards. Blending lyrical jazz, global influences, and dynamic interplay, the trio delivers a performance rooted in virtuosity, spontaneity, and timeless swing.
  • Sam First Fundraiser at sister dreamer sculpture park
    Sam First Fundraiser at sister dreamer sculpture park
    Jun 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    David Kordansky Gallery and Lauren Halsey invite you to a fundraising event for Sam First at sister dreamer, lauren halsey’s architectural ode to tha surge n splurge of south central los angeles. Enjoy music by Devin Daniels' quartet and a surprise student ensemble. Drinks and light bites provided.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Host TBA
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Host TBA
    Jun 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    "Tuesday Happenings" is a weekly series curated by 6x GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.
  • Mark Valdes and Joey Curreri's Tabula Rasa with Devin Daniels, Jonathan Paik & Dario Bizio
    Mark Valdes and Joey Curreri's Tabula Rasa with Devin Daniels, Jonathan Paik & Dario Bizio
    Jul 01, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Tabula Rasa draws on the idea of a blank slate, creating music through pure connection and spontaneity. Rooted in deep collaboration, their distinct voices merge into a dynamic sound shaped by years of friendship and a shared drive to push creative boundaries.
  • Logan Kane Kickflip Quartet with Roni Kaspi, Jon Hatamiya & Luca Mendoza
    Logan Kane Kickflip Quartet with Roni Kaspi, Jon Hatamiya & Luca Mendoza
    Jul 02, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    If you hang around the Los Angeles music scene, it’s likely you’ve heard of bassist and composer Logan Kane. Fueled by the excitement of the current Los Angeles renaissance, Logan Kane introduces an enigmatic and innovative compositional voice to the international jazz community.
  • Kathleen Grace & Larry Koonse “The Art of the Duo”
    Kathleen Grace & Larry Koonse “The Art of the Duo”
    Jul 03, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Kathleen Grace, known for her expansive and deeply personal approach to jazz and song, joins the acclaimed guitarist Larry Koonse for an intimate evening of duo music, improvisation, and longtime musical connection.
  • Daniel Rotem Quintet with Jeff Parker, Joshua White, Darek Oles & Mark Ferber
    Daniel Rotem Quintet with Jeff Parker, Joshua White, Darek Oles & Mark Ferber
    Jul 04, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Saxophonist, composer, and educator Daniel Rotem is known for his expressive, collaborative artistry. A Herbie Hancock Institute alumnus, he has performed with leading artists worldwide and continues to create inventive work as a bandleader, composer, and producer.

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