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Upcoming Shows
Thu, Nov 13Alex Hahn is an exciting Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and 6-Time Downbeat Magazine Award Winner who has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, John Beasley and Michael Bublé.
Fri, Nov 14With UNISON Milne returns to his first love, exploring the intimacy of the piano trio. The synchronistic relationship Milne enjoys with his bandmates represents the complimentary threads within the fabric of Milne’s piano trio philosophy -- the intersection of texture and groove.
Sat, Nov 15Drummer Clayton Cameron, known for his mastery of brush technique and rhythmic innovation, joins forces with Grammy-winning composer and arranger, bassist John Clayton, and multi-Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer, Billy Childs, whose artistry bridges jazz, classical, and beyond.
Tue, Nov 18Six 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. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.
Wed, Nov 19Michael Wolff’s playing can be heard on recordings alongside legends like Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson, Tony Williams, and Christian McBride. A masterful performer, he has led and played with top symphony orchestras worldwide, released 14 albums, and scored award-winning film and television projects.
Thu, Nov 20Aubrey Situmorang is an Indonesian bass player known for her work with renowned musicians across genres, including the Grammy winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, double-platinum artist Bipolar Sunshine, and singer/producer SASAMI.
Fri, Nov 21Anchored by Gilmore’s fluid yet forceful rhythm the ensemble weaves through ambient textures, post‑bop grooves, neo‑soul and electronic sound design, crafting a soundscape that feels both timeless and forward-looking.- Sat, Nov 22Anchored by Gilmore’s fluid yet forceful rhythm the ensemble weaves through ambient textures, post‑bop grooves, neo‑soul and electronic sound design, crafting a soundscape that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
Tue, Nov 25"Tuesday Happenings" is a weekly series curated by 6x GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.
Wed, Nov 26Pianist-composer Kerry Politzer celebrates the release of her ninth album, "Alternate Route" with two sets of original compositions. She'll be joined by two of LA's finest instrumentalists, Alden Hellmuth and Darek Oles as well as noted multi-instrumentalist George Colligan on drums.
Thu, Nov 27Sam First is closed Thursday, November 27 and re-opens on Friday, November 28. Happy Thanksgiving!
Josh Nelson And His Talented Friends with Gaby Moreno, Anthony Wilson, Luca Alemanno & Jay BelleroseFri, Nov 28A native of Southern California, Josh Nelson maintains an active and creative schedule as a jazz pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist. Tonight he is leading a special ensemble of friends, and exploring original material from each band member.- Josh Nelson And His Talented Friends with Gaby Moreno, Anthony Wilson, Luca Alemanno & Jay BelleroseSat, Nov 29A native of Southern California, Josh Nelson maintains an active and creative schedule as a jazz pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist. Tonight he is leading a special ensemble of friends, and exploring original material from each band member.
- Tue, Dec 02Six 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. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.
Thu, Dec 04The year 2024 marked the 60th birthday of the beloved drummer, composer, and bandleader Matt Wilson. It also celebrates the 15th anniversary of one of Matt’s acclaimed ensembles, the Christmas Tree-O, featuring multi-reed legend Jeff Lederer and revered bassist Paul Sikivie.
Fri, Dec 05Introduced in The New York Times in 1994 as "one of the thirty artists poised to shape the trajectory of American culture in the following three decades," pianist Jacky Terrasson has lived up to this acclaim by becoming the most widely heard French jazz musician on digital platforms.- Sat, Dec 06Introduced in The New York Times in 1994 as "one of the thirty artists poised to shape the trajectory of American culture in the following three decades," pianist Jacky Terrasson has lived up to this acclaim by becoming the most widely heard French jazz musician on digital platforms.
Tue, Dec 09The NYC-based Larry Fuller Trio is known for its super-swinging, emotive style, and program versatility. At Sam First, expect to hear anything from Oscar Peterson to Stevie Wonder, Wes Montgomery to Ray Brown, George Gershwin to Joni Mitchell - and much more.
Doors open at 6:00 PM and music starts around 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM. All shows at Sam First are 21+.
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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