top of page
Sam First logo

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

  • Mauricio Morales Quartet with Edmar Colón, Adam Hersh & Nate Friedman
    Mauricio Morales Quartet with Edmar Colón, Adam Hersh & Nate Friedman
    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.
  • Jaz Sawyer Quartet: Music of Coltrane with Teodross Avery, Javier Santiago & Luca Alemanno
    Jaz Sawyer Quartet: Music of Coltrane with Teodross Avery, Javier Santiago & Luca Alemanno
    Jun 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Drummer Jaz Sawyer leads an all-star quartet celebrating 100 years of John Coltrane. Honoring the jazz icon’s enduring legacy, the group brings his spirit of innovation, artistry, and improvisation to life through a dynamic musical tribute.
  • 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. Music by Devin Daniels' quartet and an LAUSD student ensemble. Drinks and light bites provided.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Kevin Kanner
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Kevin Kanner
    Jun 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Drummer Kevin Kanner has spent his career performing and recording with the likes of Gerald Clayton, John Pizzarelli, Eric Reed, Bill Hollman, The Clayton Brothers to name a few. Band performs one set at 7:30 followed by a jam session from 9:00-11:00pm.
  • 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.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Ben Williams
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Ben Williams
    Jul 07, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    The prolific bassist Ben Williams leads this week's Happenings! Band plays a set at 7:30pm followed by jam session from 9:30-11pm.
  • Ethan Chilton's "Dream Machine" with Isaiah Harwood, Dario Bizio & Gavin Harris
    Ethan Chilton's "Dream Machine" with Isaiah Harwood, Dario Bizio & Gavin Harris
    Jul 08, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Trumpeter/composer Ethan Chilton presents original quartet music shaped by counterpoint, blues, and a lyrical trumpet sound. A Kennedy Center Jazz Ahead participant, Chilton has an active career as performer, composer, and educator. *Wednesday Hump Day reduced pricing.
  • Emma Dayhuff Sextet with LoloKamill, Devin Daniels, Andrew Renfroe, Luca Mendoza & Jonathan Pinson
    Emma Dayhuff Sextet with LoloKamill, Devin Daniels, Andrew Renfroe, Luca Mendoza & Jonathan Pinson
    Jul 09, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Bassist and composer Emma Dayhuff presents music from Mountains, inspired by her Montana roots. A Herbie Hancock Institute alum and sought after collaborator, she crafts immersive soundscapes that blend lyrical storytelling with adventurous jazz exploration.
  • Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre with Katisse Buckingham, Andy Senesi, Christian Moraga & Rene Camacho
    Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre with Katisse Buckingham, Andy Senesi, Christian Moraga & Rene Camacho
    Jul 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    4X Grammy Award Winner Oscar Hernández has long been considered one of the most gifted and prominent pianist/ arrangers on the contemporary Latin, Latin-jazz and salsa music scene. He has achieved legendary status for his prolific career spanning now over 40 years.
  • Euman/Renfroe/Carroll Trio Feat. Devin Daniels
    Euman/Renfroe/Carroll Trio Feat. Devin Daniels
    Jul 11, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Christian Euman, Andrew Renfroe and Aidan Carroll have performed individually with Carmen Lundy, Lisa Fischer, Billy Childs, Keyon Harrold, Jacob Collier, Herbie Hancock to name just a few. For this show, the trio joins forces with Devin Daniels, one of today's premiere voices on the alto saxophone.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    Jul 14, 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.
  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Miles Lennox Quartet with Nic Gelin, Nolan Nwachukwu & Josh Green
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Miles Lennox Quartet with Nic Gelin, Nolan Nwachukwu & Josh Green
    Jul 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Pianist Miles Lennox brings his quartet back to Sam First, presenting new original music with an exciting and soulful group! Expect to hear a night of beautiful melodies, bold and creative improvisation, swing, and groove!
  • Martin Nevin with Anthony Wilson & Christian Euman
    Martin Nevin with Anthony Wilson & Christian Euman
    Jul 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    NYC-based bassist and composer Martin Nevin brings his deeply expressive music to Sam First. Praised for its emotional depth and originality, his work spans jazz, song, and experimental forms. He is joined by guitarist Anthony Wilson and drummer Christian Euman.

SUBSCRIBE

Get weekly updates about live music at Sam First.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING OUR MAILING LIST.

bottom of page