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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

  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
    Mar 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Veering from in-your-face, jaw dropping chops and passion, to those quiet moments when you hold your breath to take in a soundscape of solitude, the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, peppered with Latin rhythms and soulful outbursts of funk.
  • Otmaro Ruiz Quartet with Kosta Kutay, Edwin Livingston & Jimmy Branly
    Otmaro Ruiz Quartet with Kosta Kutay, Edwin Livingston & Jimmy Branly
    Mar 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Known for his versatility and virtuosity, multi-GRAMMY-nominated pianist, keyboardist and arranger Otmaro Ruiz has had an extensive career collaborating with John McLaughlin, Dianne Reeves, Randy Brecker, Simon Phillips, Billy Cobham, Gino Vannelli and Arturo Sandoval.
  • Larry Goldings & Melinda Sullivan Present "BIG FOOT" with Special Guest Anthony Wilson
    Larry Goldings & Melinda Sullivan Present "BIG FOOT" with Special Guest Anthony Wilson
    Mar 21, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    An unlikely and extraordinary duo, Larry Goldings and Melinda Sullivan have been creating eclectic music and tap dance that is both inventive and joyful. They will be performing music from their album, BIG FOOT. This performance will feature special guest Anthony Wilson on guitar!
  • Jochen Rueckert Trio with Mark Turner and Karl McComas-Reichl
    Jochen Rueckert Trio with Mark Turner and Karl McComas-Reichl
    Mar 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    German-born New-York-City-expatriated jazz drummer of note Jochen Rueckert stops over to reunite with his long-time band mate, supreme tenor saxophonist, reluctant ECM artist, and sought-after fashion model Mark Turner for a night of consensual musical exploration with bassist Karl McCormas-Reichl.
  • Tristan Cappel Quartet with Adam Hersh, Max Gerl & Myles Martin
    Tristan Cappel Quartet with Adam Hersh, Max Gerl & Myles Martin
    Mar 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Tristan Cappel is a saxophonist, flutist, and composer who is quickly becoming a staple of the LA jazz scene. Join him and his stellar band for a night of contemporary jazz!
  • Ralph Alessi Quartet with Adam Benjamin, Richard Giddens & Mark Ferber
    Ralph Alessi Quartet with Adam Benjamin, Richard Giddens & Mark Ferber
    Mar 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Trumpeter/composer and ECM recording artist Ralph Alessi forms a new band for a West Coast tour. His music balances the traditions of jazz with expansive areas of experimentation, inviting exploration into the unknown.
  • Allison, Cardenas & Nash
    Allison, Cardenas & Nash
    Mar 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Against the backdrop of over 25 years of creative collaboration Ben, Steve, and Ted weave musical conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise. The group is modeled after reedist/composer Jimmy Giuffre’s drummerless trios of the 1950s and 60s.
  • Allison, Cardenas & Nash
    Allison, Cardenas & Nash
    Mar 28, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Against the backdrop of over 25 years of creative collaboration Ben, Steve, and Ted weave musical conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise. The group is modeled after reedist/composer Jimmy Giuffre’s drummerless trios of the 1950s and 60s.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    Mar 31, 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.
  • College Night at Sam First: USC Ensemble dir. Clarence Penn & UCLA Cluck Ensemble dir. Clayton Cameron
    College Night at Sam First: USC Ensemble dir. Clarence Penn & UCLA Cluck Ensemble dir. Clayton Cameron
    Apr 01, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    College Night is a program aimed at giving young musicians valuable performance experience, a chance to network with future colleagues on other campuses, and exposure to the wider Sam First family of artists and audiences.
  • Rachel Eckroth Trio with Emma Dayhuff & Tina Raymond feat Nicole McCabe
    Rachel Eckroth Trio with Emma Dayhuff & Tina Raymond feat Nicole McCabe
    Apr 02, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    The Rachel Eckroth Trio is presenting new music in anticipation of an upcoming full length album. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is the featured guest.
  • Bergonzi/Levy Quintet with Jerry Bergonzi, Brian Levy, Mikan Zlatkovich, Luca Alemanno & Joe La Barbera
    Bergonzi/Levy Quintet with Jerry Bergonzi, Brian Levy, Mikan Zlatkovich, Luca Alemanno & Joe La Barbera
    Apr 03, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Don't miss this opportunity to hear saxophone legend Jerry Bergonzi—one of the all-time great titans of the tenors—perform with saxophonist Brian Levy, pianist Mikan Zlatkovich, bassist Luca Alemanno, and legendary drummer Joe La Barbera.
  • Adam Hersh Trio with Max Gerl & Gary Novak
    Adam Hersh Trio with Max Gerl & Gary Novak
    Apr 04, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    The Adam Hersh Trio presents original jazz fusion. Influenced by some of the most innovative minds in the genre-- Chick Corea, Billy Childs, & Wayne Shorter-- the group uplifts new creative voices Adam Hersh and Max Gerl, accompanied by Corea and Holdsworth bandmate, Gary Novak on drums.
  • Kazemde George Trio with Logan Kane & Anthony Fung
    Kazemde George Trio with Logan Kane & Anthony Fung
    Apr 09, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Brooklyn-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern jazz, blends traditional jazz with influences from within the African diaspora such as Rumba, Bossa Nova, and Hip Hop.
  • Aubrey Situmorang with Tristan Cappel, Keelan Walters, Adam Hersh & Jordan Proffer
    Aubrey Situmorang with Tristan Cappel, Keelan Walters, Adam Hersh & Jordan Proffer
    Apr 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Aubrey Situmorang is an Indonesian bass player known for her work with renowned musicians across genres, including the Grammy winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, double-platinum artist Bipolar Sunshine, and singer/producer SASAMI.
  • Aubrey Situmorang with Tristan Cappel, Keelan Walters, Adam Hersh & Jordan Proffer
    Aubrey Situmorang with Tristan Cappel, Keelan Walters, Adam Hersh & Jordan Proffer
    Apr 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Aubrey Situmorang is an Indonesian bass player known for her work with renowned musicians across genres, including the Grammy winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, double-platinum artist Bipolar Sunshine, and singer/producer SASAMI.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble
    Apr 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Six extraordinary young musicians from around the world were selected for the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA Class of 2026. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm.
  • Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Apr 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Guitarist Larry Koonse and pianist David Roitstein have performed as a duo for over thirty years, including regular appearances at Sam First. Their album “Conversations” is a wonderful document of the long collaboration.

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