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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

  • “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.
  • Sam Hirsh Quartet with Nicole McCabe, Luca Alemanno & John Davis
    Sam Hirsh Quartet with Nicole McCabe, Luca Alemanno & John Davis
    Apr 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Pianist and composer Sam Hirsh has been an active member of the Los Angeles jazz community for over a decade and is gaining recognition for his soulful, energetic sound. Sam aims to carry on the tradition of this art form and simultaneously create his own voice in the music.
  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Aaron Shaw/Devin Daniels Quintet
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Aaron Shaw/Devin Daniels Quintet
    Apr 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Saxophonists Aaron Shaw and Devin Daniels deliver music from a group that encapsulates the sound, shape, and soul of Black American music in Los Angeles. Growing up enjoying the intersections of hip-hop and jazz, these young musicians seek to push boundaries of jazz to new heights.
  • Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Apr 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Described by Downbeat Magazine as "“deeply considered, thought-provoking jazz terrain", this duo of longtime friends/collaborators Larry Koonse and David Roitstein is a beautiful example of what happens when two musicians converse musically on the highest possible level.
  • Janek Gwizdala Trio with Peter Erskine & Nir Felder (Live Recording)
    Janek Gwizdala Trio with Peter Erskine & Nir Felder (Live Recording)
    Apr 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, and bandleader Janek Gwizdala launches the first in a three-part live recording series at Sam First Jazz Club with a powerhouse trio featuring legendary drummer Peter Erskine and visionary guitarist Nir Felder.
  • Gerald Clayton Trio with Joe Sanders & Justin Brown
    Gerald Clayton Trio with Joe Sanders & Justin Brown
    Apr 21, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Over the past two decades, pianist, composer, and seven-time Grammy nominee Gerald Clayton has built a career defined by versatility and depth. Clayton reunites his trio with Joe Sanders and Justin Brown for two unforgettable nights of musical interplay.
  • Gerald Clayton Trio with Joe Sanders & Justin Brown
    Gerald Clayton Trio with Joe Sanders & Justin Brown
    Apr 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Over the past two decades, pianist, composer, and seven-time Grammy nominee Gerald Clayton has built a career defined by versatility and depth. Clayton reunites his trio with Joe Sanders and Justin Brown for two unforgettable nights of musical interplay.
  • Luther S. Allison Trio with Emiliano Lasansky & Myles Martin LIVE RADIO BROADCAST ON KJAZZ 88.1
    Luther S. Allison Trio with Emiliano Lasansky & Myles Martin LIVE RADIO BROADCAST ON KJAZZ 88.1
    Apr 23, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Hailed by The New York Times for “reamplifying the tradition of jazz piano,” pianist and drummer Luther S. Allison is a leading voice in jazz today, blending blues, gospel, bebop, and soul. *Set times for this show are 7 PM and 9 PM as the 1st set will be broadcast live on KJAZZ 88.1 FM.
  • Becca Stevens Trio with Chris Tordini & Jordan Perlson
    Becca Stevens Trio with Chris Tordini & Jordan Perlson
    Apr 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Becca Stevens is known for her emotionally resonant, genre-defying music. Drawing from roots in Appalachian folk, her background in jazz, and a love of experimental indie, her songs are as technically daring as they are deeply human.
  • Becca Stevens Trio with Chris Tordini & Jordan Perlson
    Becca Stevens Trio with Chris Tordini & Jordan Perlson
    Apr 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    GRAMMY-nominated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Becca Stevens is known for her emotionally resonant, genre-defying music. Drawing from roots in Appalachian folk, her background in jazz, and a love of experimental indie, her songs are as technically daring as they are deeply human.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    Apr 28, 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: CalArts dir. Anthony Wilson & USC Thornton Honors Combo dir. Jon Hatamiya
    College Night at Sam First: CalArts dir. Anthony Wilson & USC Thornton Honors Combo dir. Jon Hatamiya
    Apr 29, 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.
  • Dafnis Prieto Sí o Sí Quartet with Peter Apfelbaum, Martin Bejerano & Raúl Reyes
    Dafnis Prieto Sí o Sí Quartet with Peter Apfelbaum, Martin Bejerano & Raúl Reyes
    Apr 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    25 years after his arrival in New York, the GRAMMY-winning and Latin GRAMMY-nominated drummer, composer, and MacArthur Fellow Dafnis Prieto strikes once again with his 10th album, 3 Sides of the Coin. This album marks the studio return of Prieto’s acclaimed Sí o Sí (“Yes or Yes”) Quartet.
  • Melissa Morgan Quartet with Sam Hirsh, Dan Chmielinski, & Christian Euman
    Melissa Morgan Quartet with Sam Hirsh, Dan Chmielinski, & Christian Euman
    May 01, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Brought up in the clubs of New York City, vocalist Melissa Morgan is rooted deeply in the tradition of jazz while always keeping one foot planted firmly in the blues. Join Morgan and this stand out band for an extremely memorable night of swinging music!
  • "Revis Presents Mingus" feat. Eric Revis, Teodross Avery, Dan Rosenboom, Joshua White & Clarence Penn
    "Revis Presents Mingus" feat. Eric Revis, Teodross Avery, Dan Rosenboom, Joshua White & Clarence Penn
    May 05, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    GRAMMY Award winning bassist Eric Revis is a commanding and versatile performer who has collaborated with Branford Marsalis, Betty Carter, Jason Moran, Kris Davis and so many more. Here, Revis leads a powerful ensemble through the deeply conversational music of jazz legend Charles Mingus.
  • Michael Orenstein Quartet
    Michael Orenstein Quartet
    May 06, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Pianist Michael Orenstein returns to Sam First with a dynamic new project. Joined by longtime collaborators, he presents original works and reimagined jazz standards, showcasing his acclaimed blend of modernity, tradition, creativity, and virtuosity.
  • Alan Ferber Nonet
    Alan Ferber Nonet
    Thu, May 07
    May 07, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Trombonist/bandleader Alan Ferber returns to Sam First to present music from his album "Up High, Down Low" which blends jazz tradition with forward thinking composition with Ferber's unique storytelling. The iteration of his nonet features Daniel Rotem, Anthony Wilson, Bill Cunliffe and Mark Ferber!
  • Josh Nelson and Friends Present: Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out”
    Josh Nelson and Friends Present: Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out”
    May 08, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    A landmark album, “Time Out” from 1959 explored a whole new world of rhythmic experimentation. The ensemble will perform the entire record and also include some other original material from the band members.

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