Michael Ragonese "Stracci" Album Release Show with Luca Alemanno & Mark Ferber

Michael Ragonese (piano), Mark Ferber (drums), Luca Alemanno (bass), special guest TBA

"Michael Ragonese is a highly accomplished pianist based in Los Angeles, with over 25 years of experience playing the piano. With a foundation in classical piano, Michael earned his degree in jazz piano at California State University Northridge. During that time, he had the opportunity to win first place in the Reno and Monterey Jazz Festivals, and earned the recognition as an extraordinary soloist that would set the stage for his forthcoming career.

Michael has since become a sought-after musician, touring, performing, and recording with some of the most notable names in the music industry, such as Barbara Streisand, Dave Koz, Charnett Moffett, Walter Smith III, Mark Turner, Bennie Maupin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Rick Braun, Aubrey Logan, Grace Kelly, Bob Sheppard, and more.

Beyond his own performance and composition, Michael has made a significant impact on the Los Angeles jazz community both as an educator and a session leader. His school Rags School of Music, founded in 2021, has become a prominent training ground for some of the brightest young musicians in Los Angeles. The Rags Session weekly jam session at The York in Highland Park has quickly become a staple of the jazz community. Featuring the exceptional talents of Luca Alemanno and Mark Ferber alongside Michael in the house band, these sessions are a must-attend event for music enthusiasts. The sessions are consistently packed with an audience eager to listen to the music or get on stage themselves. Michael has created an environment where jazz rookies and masters alike can come and have a great time with their peers."

Michael released his debut album as a leader, Day to Day featuring Walter Smith III, in 2019 and has taken his trio on tour to some of the most prestigious jazz clubs in the US.  Join pianist Michael Ragonese and his trio for the release of his second album, “Stracci”. Stracci, meaning "Rags" in Italian, is Michael's take on a self-titled album - paying tribute to his Italian heritage and childhood nickname, and featuring songs that incorporate his roots as a classical pianist. The trio features Mark Ferber and Luca Alemanno.

All shows at Sam First are 21+ (no one under the age of 21 will be permitted)

Show Times: 7:30pm & 9:00pm, and a separate ticket is required for each show.

Notice of Recording: Sam First live streams and records all concerts. By entering Sam First, you understand that your image and/or voice might be included in those recordings. Sam First reserves the right to use any photography, video or audio recording taken at this event, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.