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Upcoming Shows
Fri, Oct 30Celebrate the release of Covell, featuring Joe La Barbera and Mark Turner. Born from an unrehearsed performance and recorded just one week later, the album captures the trio’s natural chemistry, spontaneity, and adventurous interplay in its purest form.
Sat, Oct 31Oliver Nelson’s The Blues and the Abstract Truth is a jazz classic, and pianist/arranger Bill Cunliffe’s The Blues and the Abstract Truth, Take 2 offers a thoughtful 21st-century reinterpretation.
Tue, Nov 03"Tuesday Happenings" is a weekly series curated by 7x GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm.
Wed, Nov 04Vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa presents music from Diavola, weaving original compositions with inspired interpretations of timeless songs. With warmth, subtlety, and a distinctive contemporary voice, Cavassa transforms each piece through deeply personal storytelling and expressive artistry.
Thu, Nov 05Award-winning bassist and composer Emiliano Lasansky presents a concert of exciting original compositions rooted in the small group jazz tradition.
Fri, Nov 06Pianist Helen Sung’s debut big band album “Oracles” celebrates the jazz legends who mentored her at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now the Herbie Hancock Institute). Sung now distills this music for her Oracles Quartet West Coast debut.
Sat, Nov 07Rachel Eckroth Trio offers a contemporary take on the piano, bass, drums format, shaped by strong compositions and responsive group improvisation. “This Is One Of Those Moments”, the group’s first EP released in October 2025 is a precursor to a full-length album to be released in 2027.
Tue, Nov 10Leading off Drum Week at Sam First is drummer Kevin Kanner! Kanner has spent his career performing and recording with the likes of Gerald Clayton, John Pizzarelli, Eric Reed, Bill Hollman & The Clayton Brothers to name a few. The band performs one set at 7:30 followed by a jam session from 9-11 PM.
Wed, Nov 11Quintessência is a celebration of the Brazilian samba-jazz that shaped Barreiro as a drummer and musician. The project brings together music from the recordings that taught her how to play Brazilian music, performed with a group of musicians she deeply admires.
Thu, Nov 12The VDE Jazz Orchestra will play a program of the music of Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk featuring Adam Hersh.
Fri, Nov 13Drummer Jaz Sawyer leads his quartet in a powerful tribute to Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, and Billy Higgins. Celebrating three of his greatest influences, Sawyer honors their distinctive styles and lasting legacies through an evening of dynamic, deeply rooted jazz.
Sat, Nov 14Jonathan Pinson’s Boom Clap Expansion is the latest evolution of drummer, composer and bandleader Jonathan Pinson’s visionary ensemble.Blending modern jazz, groove and fearless improvisation, the group delivers an immersive performance shaped by musical storytelling.
Sun, Nov 15Grammy™ nominees Kate McGarry and long time partner Keith Ganz make a rare LA appearance with an all star band. Known for their sparkling reinventions of both jazz and iconic singer songwriter repertoire. Downbeat gave their last album 4 stars calling it “Radical and lustrous”
Tue, Nov 17Sasha Berliner's critically acclaimed albums, have established her as a bold voice in modern jazz, known for blending genres, political themes and experimental textures. House band performs one set at 7:30 PM followed by a jam session at 9:30 PM.
Wed, Nov 18College 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.
Thu, Nov 19Having recently completed the recording of her debut Album We Channel From the Source Executively produced by South African Pianist & Composer Nduduzo Makhathini; Kerani, accompanied by her quintet, invites the listeners to unite in sound, as she channels from the source.
Fri, Nov 20Ben Williams is renowned for his soulful bass lines, innovative compositions, and his work with Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington & Dianne Reeves. Joins Williams and his exciting new trio for a live recording for Sam First Records!- Sat, Nov 21Ben Williams is renowned for his soulful bass lines, innovative compositions, and his work with Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington & Dianne Reeves. Joins Williams and his exciting new trio for a live recording for Sam First Records!
BIG NEWS: Sam First is now open to ages 14+!
Doors open at 6:00 PM and music starts around 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM
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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