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Upcoming Shows

  • Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Larry Koonse and David Roitstein
    Fri, Apr 17
    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)
    Sat, Apr 18
    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
    Tue, Apr 21
    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
    Wed, Apr 22
    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
    Thu, Apr 23
    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
    Fri, Apr 24
    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
    Sat, Apr 25
    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
    Tue, Apr 28
    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
    Wed, Apr 29
    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
    Thu, Apr 30
    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
    Fri, May 01
    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
    Tue, May 05
    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
    Wed, May 06
    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
    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”
    Fri, May 08
    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.
  • Josh Nelson and Friends Present: Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out”
    Josh Nelson and Friends Present: Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out”
    Sat, May 09
    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.
  • Caroline Davis: "Portals" with Julian Shore, Chris Tordini & Tim Angulo
    Caroline Davis: "Portals" with Julian Shore, Chris Tordini & Tim Angulo
    Tue, May 12
    Caroline Davis’ Portals is an immersive sound and haptic experience, drawing upon the idea of mourning and ancestral communications as textural entities. The music has been mindfully written to offer connections to Caroline’s ancestors who have transitioned and elements they would like to explore.
  • Lori Bell Trio with Josh Nelson & Luca Alemanno
    Lori Bell Trio with Josh Nelson & Luca Alemanno
    Thu, May 14
    Acclaimed flutist Lori Bell joins Josh Nelson and Luca Alemanno for an intimate, spontaneous jazz collaboration emphasizing interplay and listening. Bell, a three-time Global Music Award winner, is internationally recognized for expressive performances and critically praised albums.

Doors open at 6:00 PM and music starts around 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM. All shows at Sam First are 21+.​ 

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Sam First is committed to creating an immersive listening experience. Out of respect the artists and fellow guests, we kindly ask that guests refrain from talking during the performance. We appreciate your understanding and support!

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