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A Live Jazz Experience
Los Angeles
October 3, 2026
Josh Nelson Trio with Karl McComas-Reichl & Dan Schnelle - 2nd set Live Radio Broadcast on KJAZZ 88.1 FM!
Josh Nelson maintains an extremely active schedule as a pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist, performing with some of the most respected artists. His trio will explore new and older original music, film music, and classic standards. 2nd set will be broadcast live on KJAZZ 88.1 FM!
October 7, 2026
Adam Levy's Spry Trio with Edwin Livingston & Christian Euman
Guitarist and composer Adam Levy brings his lyrical, understated style to Sam First with bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Christian Euman. Featuring original music and inspired interplay, the trio blends warmth, virtuosity, and expressive improvisation.
October 8, 2026
Shunzo Ohno Group with Brandon Fields, Jeff Littleton, Alan Eicher & Akira Yamada
Multiple GRAMMY winning trumpeter Shunzo Ohno returns to the West Coast, bringing his acclaimed blend of jazz tradition and innovation. A collaborator with legendary artists, Ohno’s music reflects resilience, artistry, and a lifelong commitment to inspiring audiences through the power of jazz.
October 9, 2026
"Feed The Fire" Presents: Maria Grande Quartet with Shakoor Hakeem, Miguel Russell & Gervis Myles
Grand’s new ensemble explores rhythm, collective improvisation, and the continuum of Black music. Drawing from her New York roots, the project moves between raw intensity and spacious reflection, creating a powerful musical experience grounded in sound, ritual, and connection.
October 15, 2026
KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Max Light Quartet with Julian Shore, Walter Stinson & Steven Crammer
Brooklyn-based guitarist Max Light presents music from his upcoming album, Unlearning. Acclaimed for his inventive improvisation and adventurous compositions, Light brings a distinctive approach to modern jazz, navigating complex rhythms with creativity, and curiosity.
October 23, 2026
Joel Frahm Trio: Lumination Tour with Dan Loomis & Ernesto Cervini
Renowned tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm brings his internationally acclaimed trio to Sam First. Joined by bassist Dan Loomis and drummer Ernesto Cervini, the group delivers expressive, swinging jazz that blends virtuosity, warmth, and adventurous improvisation.
November 4, 2026
Gabrielle Cavassa
Vocalist 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.
December 1, 2026
Janis Siegel album release "The Art Of Vocalese" with John diMartino & Darek Oles
GRAMMY-winning vocalist and original Manhattan Transfer member Janis Siegel celebrates The Art of Vocalese, her 16th solo album and first major project following the group’s farewell. Joined by pianist and arranger John Di Martino, Siegel honors the rich tradition of vocalese.
December 11, 2026
"Chick's Tunes: The Music of Chick Corea" with Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Luca Alemanno & Marcello Carelli
"Chick ’s Tunes" is a heartfelt tribute to Chick Corea, emphasizing swing and the blues. Featuring tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, Eric Scott Reed’s quartet revisits Corea’s compositions with reverence and passion, honoring his legacy while highlighting a new generation’s voices.
December 12, 2026
"Chick's Tunes: The Music of Chick Corea" with Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Luca Alemanno & Marcello Carelli
"Chick ’s Tunes" is a heartfelt tribute to Chick Corea, emphasizing swing and the blues. Featuring tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, Eric Scott Reed’s quartet revisits Corea’s compositions with reverence and passion, honoring his legacy while highlighting a new generation’s voices.
LA'S WESTSIDE VENUE FOR TODAY’S LEADING MODERN AND STRAIGHT-AHEAD JAZZ FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK WITH AMAZING ACOUSTICS, TASTY BITES, CRAFT COCKTAILS AND EXCELLENT SERVICE.
October 3, 2026
Josh Nelson Trio with Karl McComas-Reichl & Dan Schnelle - 2nd set Live Radio Broadcast on KJAZZ 88.1 FM!
Josh Nelson maintains an extremely active schedule as a pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist, performing with some of the most respected artists. His trio will explore new and older original music, film music, and classic standards. 2nd set will be broadcast live on KJAZZ 88.1 FM!
October 7, 2026
Adam Levy's Spry Trio with Edwin Livingston & Christian Euman
Guitarist and composer Adam Levy brings his lyrical, understated style to Sam First with bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Christian Euman. Featuring original music and inspired interplay, the trio blends warmth, virtuosity, and expressive improvisation.
October 8, 2026
Shunzo Ohno Group with Brandon Fields, Jeff Littleton, Alan Eicher & Akira Yamada
Multiple GRAMMY winning trumpeter Shunzo Ohno returns to the West Coast, bringing his acclaimed blend of jazz tradition and innovation. A collaborator with legendary artists, Ohno’s music reflects resilience, artistry, and a lifelong commitment to inspiring audiences through the power of jazz.
October 9, 2026
"Feed The Fire" Presents: Maria Grande Quartet with Shakoor Hakeem, Miguel Russell & Gervis Myles
Grand’s new ensemble explores rhythm, collective improvisation, and the continuum of Black music. Drawing from her New York roots, the project moves between raw intensity and spacious reflection, creating a powerful musical experience grounded in sound, ritual, and connection.
October 15, 2026
KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Max Light Quartet with Julian Shore, Walter Stinson & Steven Crammer
Brooklyn-based guitarist Max Light presents music from his upcoming album, Unlearning. Acclaimed for his inventive improvisation and adventurous compositions, Light brings a distinctive approach to modern jazz, navigating complex rhythms with creativity, and curiosity.
October 23, 2026
Joel Frahm Trio: Lumination Tour with Dan Loomis & Ernesto Cervini
Renowned tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm brings his internationally acclaimed trio to Sam First. Joined by bassist Dan Loomis and drummer Ernesto Cervini, the group delivers expressive, swinging jazz that blends virtuosity, warmth, and adventurous improvisation.
November 4, 2026
Gabrielle Cavassa
Vocalist 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.
December 1, 2026
Janis Siegel album release "The Art Of Vocalese" with John diMartino & Darek Oles
GRAMMY-winning vocalist and original Manhattan Transfer member Janis Siegel celebrates The Art of Vocalese, her 16th solo album and first major project following the group’s farewell. Joined by pianist and arranger John Di Martino, Siegel honors the rich tradition of vocalese.
December 11, 2026
"Chick's Tunes: The Music of Chick Corea" with Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Luca Alemanno & Marcello Carelli
"Chick’s Tunes" is a heartfelt tribute to Chick Corea, emphasizing swing and the blues. Featuring tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, Eric Scott Reed’s quartet revisits Corea’s compositions with reverence and passion, honoring his legacy while highlighting a new generation’s voices.
December 12, 2026
"Chick's Tunes: The Music of Chick Corea" with Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Luca Alemanno & Marcello Carelli
"Chick’s Tunes" is a heartfelt tribute to Chick Corea, emphasizing swing and the blues. Featuring tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, Eric Scott Reed’s quartet revisits Corea’s compositions with reverence and passion, honoring his legacy while highlighting a new generation’s voices.
Upcoming Shows
Membership OfferSat, Oct 03Sam FirstJosh Nelson maintains an extremely active schedule as a pianist, composer, teacher, and recording artist, performing with some of the most respected artists. His trio will explore new and older original music, film music, and classic standards. 2nd set will be broadcast live on KJAZZ 88.1 FM!
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ABOUT US
Sam First is a unique venue (and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) dedicated to supporting and expanding jazz as a musical form and tradition. Our mission is to provide a vibrant center for regional, national, and international practitioners of jazz and to foster the growth and engagement of the jazz community in Los Angeles. As a space designed without an elevated stage, we remove the boundary between performers and audiences to promote in-person collaboration, the formation of new relationships, and the creation of original music that takes risks and pushes boundaries.
All Senses Engaged
Our carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, local beers and wines, and bar snacks are the perfect pairings for a night of jazz.
From the industrial interior structures and original photography to the vintage mid-century modern furniture, Sam First provides a space that inspires its musicians and patrons alike.
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Feel Free to Contact Us!
Ticketing – tickets@samfirstbar.com
Bar – pedro@samfirstbar.com
General Questions – hello@samfirstbar.com