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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

  • Joel Ross: Good Vibes with Tyler Bullock, Kanoa Mendenhall, Jeremy Dutton, Devin Daniels & Maria Grand
    Joel Ross: Good Vibes with Tyler Bullock, Kanoa Mendenhall, Jeremy Dutton, Devin Daniels & Maria Grand
    Feb 04, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Joel Ross is one of the most distinctive vibraphonists of his generation, known for music that blends rhythmic sophistication, lyrical clarity. and deep collective interplay.
  • Kevin van den Elzen & Joe La Barbera: Double Drums Tribute to Shelly Manne
    Kevin van den Elzen & Joe La Barbera: Double Drums Tribute to Shelly Manne
    Feb 05, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Joe LaBarbera and Kevin van den Elzen will pay homage to the legendary Shelly Manne, one of the most creative jazz drummers of his generation. LaBarbera and Van den Elzen will play pieces from Shelly’s quintet with some of the best young musicians in the LA jazz scene.
  • Trio Grande with Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson & Nate Wood
    Trio Grande with Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson & Nate Wood
    Feb 06, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    While each member is rated among the most individual and influential practitioners of their own instrument, Trio Grande is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of possibility while finding new ways to explore the vocabulary of modern instrumental music and reconfigure the trio format.
  • Trio Grande with Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson & Nate Wood
    Trio Grande with Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson & Nate Wood
    Feb 07, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    While each member is rated among the most individual and influential practitioners of their own instrument, Trio Grande is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of possibility while finding new ways to explore the vocabulary of modern instrumental music and reconfigure the trio format.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Gerald Clayton
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Gerald Clayton
    Feb 10, 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.
  • Rodolfo Zuniga+Surfaces with Jeff Ellwood, Robert Rodriguez & Max Gerl
    Rodolfo Zuniga+Surfaces with Jeff Ellwood, Robert Rodriguez & Max Gerl
    Feb 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Drummer, and composer Rodolfo Zuniga is a native of San Jose, Costa Rica, now a resident of Los Angeles, and Director of Jazz at CSU Fullerton. This performance will feature all original music by Rodolfo that will be recorded for a forthcoming release.
  • Joshua White & SixOfOne with Devin Daniels, Jeff Parker, Eric Revis & Tyler Kreutel
    Joshua White & SixOfOne with Devin Daniels, Jeff Parker, Eric Revis & Tyler Kreutel
    Feb 12, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    SixOfOne is the forward-thinking ensemble led by pianist and composer Joshua White, featuring Devin Daniels on alto saxophone, Jeff Parker on guitar, Eric Revis on bass, and Tyler Kreutel on drums. The group emphasizes deep interaction, rhythmic drive, and expressive freedom.
  • Anthony Fung & the New World Quartet with Andrew Renfroe, Michael Ragonese & Luca Alemanno
    Anthony Fung & the New World Quartet with Andrew Renfroe, Michael Ragonese & Luca Alemanno
    Feb 13, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Drummer, composer, and recording artist Anthony Fung presents music from his latest album "New World" featuring Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Michael Ragonese on piano & Luca Alemanno on bass. Fung is renowned for collaborations with Terrace Martin, Alicia Olatuja, and Cyrille Aimée.
  • Ben Williams: "Love Songs" with Andrew Renfroe, Alexis Lombre & John Davis
    Ben Williams: "Love Songs" with Andrew Renfroe, Alexis Lombre & John Davis
    Feb 14, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Ben Williams is a standout force in jazz, known for his collaborations with Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper and Dianne Reeves. Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Sam First way with soulful music, a champagne toast, delectable andSons chocolates and a special Valentine's keepsake.
  • Ben Williams: "Love Songs" with Andrew Renfroe, Alexis Lombre & John Davis
    Ben Williams: "Love Songs" with Andrew Renfroe, Alexis Lombre & John Davis
    Feb 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Ben Williams is a standout force in jazz, known for his collaborations with Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper and Dianne Reeves. Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Sam First way with soulful music, a champagne toast, delectable andSons chocolates and a special Valentine's keepsake.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Gerald Clayton
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Gerald Clayton
    Feb 17, 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.
  • Jerome Sabbagh Quartet featuring Mark Turner with Jermaine Paul & Jonathan Pinson
    Jerome Sabbagh Quartet featuring Mark Turner with Jermaine Paul & Jonathan Pinson
    Feb 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    A prolific forward-thinking composer reflective of the New York scene, saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh is driven by an unwavering attachment to melody. For one night at Sam First, he is inviting saxophonist Mark Turner to explore playing to explore playing standards with a top notch LA rhythm section.
  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Sasha Berliner
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Sasha Berliner
    Feb 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sasha Berliner is a genre-defying composer and one of the premiere vibraphonists of her generation with credits that include Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Nicholas Payton.
  • Sasha Berliner Group
    Sasha Berliner Group
    Feb 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sasha Berliner is a genre-defying composer and one of the premiere vibraphonists of her generation with credits that include Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Nicholas Payton.
  • Nicole McCabe ‘Color Theory’ Album Release Show with Julien Knowles, Luca Mendoza, Logan Kane & Myles Martin
    Nicole McCabe ‘Color Theory’ Album Release Show with Julien Knowles, Luca Mendoza, Logan Kane & Myles Martin
    Feb 21, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    With this new release, McCabe adds another vivid chapter to her rapidly expanding body of work, offering music that is both grounded and exploratory—an honest celebration of artistry, mastery and above all, endless color in sound. There will be limited edition vinyl available for purchase.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Kyle Poole
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Kyle Poole
    Feb 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sam First welcomes back Kyle Poole, the incredibly swinging drummer who can be heard driving the bands led by Cecile McLorin Salvant, Emmet Cohen and Wynton Marsalis. Band performs one set at 7:30 followed by a jam session from 9:00-11:00pm. - Jam session participants use code SAM1JAM.
  • Kelly Green Quartet with Elijah J Thomas, Luca Soul Rosenfeld & Evan Hyde
    Kelly Green Quartet with Elijah J Thomas, Luca Soul Rosenfeld & Evan Hyde
    Feb 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    A pianist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Green leads her quartet through intricate, lyric-driven ballads, high-energy swing, and heroic instrumental compositions. Her sets weave original works with reimagined classics — bridging eras with a distinctive touch.
  • Edward Simon Trio with Reuben Rogers & Adam Cruz
    Edward Simon Trio with Reuben Rogers & Adam Cruz
    Mar 04, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Edward Simon brings a stellar trio with acclaimed bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Adam Cruz. They will be playing music from his new album, Venezuela: Latin American Songbook Vol. 2, which continues the artist’s deep engagement with Latin American repertoire through jazz-informed interpretation.

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