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Upcoming Shows
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.
Wed, Dec 03A new 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. Special thanks to Karen Hohman Almeida for her generous support of this performance!
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.
Wed, Dec 10Unpredictable magic erupts every time these musicians converge for a musical evening of discovery. These three GRAMMY-nominated artist's individual credits include David Bowie, Donny McCaslin, Brad Mehldau, Steely Dan, James Taylor and Toto.- Thu, Dec 11Unpredictable magic erupts every time these musicians converge for a musical evening of discovery. These three GRAMMY-nominated artist's individual credits include David Bowie, Donny McCaslin, Brad Mehldau, Steely Dan, James Taylor and Toto.
Fri, Dec 12Equally passionate about swing and Brazilian music, Yotam is one of NYC's most highly-respected guitarists with credits that include John Patitucci, Ivan Lins, Karrin Allyson, Monty Alexander, Carlos Aguirre and James Moody, to name just a few.- Sat, Dec 13Equally passionate about swing and Brazilian music, Yotam is one of NYC's most highly-respected guitarists with credits that include John Patitucci, Ivan Lins, Karrin Allyson, Monty Alexander, Carlos Aguirre and James Moody, to name just a few.
Tue, Dec 16Trombonist Ryan Porter, founding member of the West Coast Get Down and longtime collaborator of Kamasi Washington, leads this week's Happenings! Band plays a set at 7:30pm followed by jam session from 9:30-11pm. Jam session players use coupon code SAM1JAM for discounted 2nd set.
Thu, Dec 18Jazz harpist Carol Robbins looks forward to an evening performing her compositions and jazz compositions and standards with longtime friends and colleagues Billy Childs and Bob Sheppard and an exciting rhythm section consisting of Christian Euman on drums and Dan Chmielinski on bass.
Sat, Dec 20With a career spanning collaborations with legends like Tony Williams, Michael Brecker, and Bob Dylan, Steinway Artist Alan Pasqua brings decades of artistry, innovation, and soul to every note.
Fri, Dec 26In his new musical project, Daniel aims to evoke and draw from the depths of the Yūgen concept. A Japanese aesthetic concept, Yūgen refers to a beauty that suggests rather than shows, that invites you to feel rather than define.- Sat, Dec 27In his new musical project, Daniel aims to evoke and draw from the depths of the Yūgen concept. A Japanese aesthetic concept, Yūgen refers to a beauty that suggests rather than shows, that invites you to feel rather than define.
Wed, Jan 07Havana-born Jimmy Branly is a first-call powerhouse drummer, performing and recording with legends ranging from Chucho Valdez to Lyle Mays. For this show, Branly's trio is joined by saxophonist.flutist Justo Almario, whose soulful, agile sound has long been a defining voice in Latin jazz.
Wed, Jan 14Will Brahm’s music evokes the captivating melodic sense of guitarists like Jeff Beck with the lush harmonic backdrops of bands like Pat Metheny Group. His newest album “Distance to Empty” showcases his unique sonic world building abilities.
Tue, Jan 20GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist/composer Melissa Aldana performs music from her newest Blue Note release, Echoes of the Inner Prophet-- an introspective yet collaborative exploration of self-discovery, intuition, and artistic evolution.
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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