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

  • 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. Erin Bentlage
    Euman/Renfroe/Carroll Trio Feat. Erin Bentlage
    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 Erin Bentlage, one of today's most unique vocalist/songwriters.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels with Julien Knowles, Paul Cornish, Logan Kane & Jonathan Pinson
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels with Julien Knowles, Paul Cornish, Logan Kane & Jonathan Pinson
    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.
  • Jason Hayashi Group with Steve Lehman, Luca Mendoza, Ryan Embola & Jonathan Pinson
    Jason Hayashi Group with Steve Lehman, Luca Mendoza, Ryan Embola & Jonathan Pinson
    Jul 15, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    A bay area native, LA based saxophonist and composer Jason Hayashi presents an exhilarating program of harmonically expansive, rhythmically propulsive music.
  • KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Miles Lennox Quartet with Nic Gelin, Nolan Nwachukwu & John Davis
    KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Miles Lennox Quartet with Nic Gelin, Nolan Nwachukwu & John Davis
    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!
  • Larry Goldings trio with David Piltch & Joe La Barbera
    Larry Goldings trio with David Piltch & Joe La Barbera
    Jul 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Larry Goldings, widely regarded as one of today's most iconic voices on both the piano and Hammond B-3 organ, is recognized for his long-standing collaborations with the likes of James Taylor, Maceo Parker, Madeleine Peyroux, John Scofield, Steve Gadd, Peter Bernstein & Bill Stewart.
  • Benedict, Kane & Penn Trio
    Benedict, Kane & Penn Trio
    Jul 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Vocalist Lorin Benedict makes his Sam First bandleading debut alongside bassist Logan Kane and drummer Clarence Penn. Reimagining jazz standards in a chord-less, scat-driven setting, the trio creates an intimate, adventurous performance fueled by spontaneity and inventive interplay.
  • Martin Nevin with Joshua White & Christian Euman
    Martin Nevin with Joshua White & 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.
  • Tim Rachbach Group ft. Mark Turner with Adam Ratner, Adam Hersh & Graeham Guerin
    Tim Rachbach Group ft. Mark Turner with Adam Ratner, Adam Hersh & Graeham Guerin
    Jul 23, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    After two years living and studying in Amsterdam, guitarist and composer Tim Rachbach returns with new original music inspired by his European experiences. Joined by rising Los Angeles artists and acclaimed saxophonist Mark Turner, he presents an exciting new ensemble.
  • Jane Monheit Duo with Max Haymer
    Jane Monheit Duo with Max Haymer
    Jul 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit joins pianist Max Haymer for an intimate evening of Great American Songbook classics and contemporary favorites, blending elegant interpretations, virtuosic interplay, and the chemistry of a longtime musical partnership.
  • Jane Monheit Duo with Max Haymer
    Jane Monheit Duo with Max Haymer
    Jul 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit joins pianist Max Haymer for an intimate evening of Great American Songbook classics and contemporary favorites, blending elegant interpretations, virtuosic interplay, and the chemistry of a longtime musical partnership.
  • “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    “Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels
    Jul 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.
  • Adi Meyerson & Dark Matter with Nicole McCabe, Julien Knowles & Anthony Fung
    Adi Meyerson & Dark Matter with Nicole McCabe, Julien Knowles & Anthony Fung
    Jul 29, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Dark Matter explores the balance between composition and improvisation, weaving tension, release, silence, and sound into an evocative musical journey. Blending lyricism with abstraction, the project invites listeners into a space of reflection and discovery.
  • "Quinerly Plays the Connoisseur Series" with Ashley Chanel, Reuben Allen & Johnathan Richards
    "Quinerly Plays the Connoisseur Series" with Ashley Chanel, Reuben Allen & Johnathan Richards
    Jul 30, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Noted as a "conscientious jazz drummer with a nimble and approachable style" (Nate Chinen, New York Times), drummer Reggie Quinerly presents a dynamic program of soulful original material as well as compositions from jazz pioneers James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake & Harold Battiste Jr.
  • Peter Erskine Dr. Um Band with John Beasley, Bob Sheppard & Janek Gwizdala
    Peter Erskine Dr. Um Band with John Beasley, Bob Sheppard & Janek Gwizdala
    Jul 31, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    The original Dr. Um Band reunites to celebrate Peter Erskine’s GRAMMY nominated album Dr. Um. Nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, the acclaimed recording marked Erskine’s return to a groove driven fusion sound and remains a standout achievement in his celebrated career.
  • Peter Erskine Dr. Um Band with John Beasley, Bob Sheppard & Janek Gwizdala
    Peter Erskine Dr. Um Band with John Beasley, Bob Sheppard & Janek Gwizdala
    Aug 01, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    The original Dr. Um Band reunites to celebrate Peter Erskine’s GRAMMY nominated album Dr. Um. Nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, the acclaimed recording marked Erskine’s return to a groove driven fusion sound and remains a standout achievement in his celebrated career.
  • Brazilian Jazz Summit with Ian Coury, Marcel Camargo, Michael Ragonese & Marcelo Bucater
    Brazilian Jazz Summit with Ian Coury, Marcel Camargo, Michael Ragonese & Marcelo Bucater
    Aug 05, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Led by award-winning 10-string mandolin virtuoso Ian Coury, Brazilian Jazz Summit blends Brazilian traditions with the spirit of jazz. Featuring original music, vibrant rhythms, and dynamic improvisation, the quartet delivers an energetic and deeply engaging musical experience.

SUBSCRIBE

Get weekly updates about live music at Sam First.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING OUR MAILING LIST.

bottom of page