Sam First is a jazz club and cocktail bar, a few minutes walk from the LAX terminals. Featuring serious drinks, local beers and fine wines, spectacular first class lounge-of-your-dreams styling, and world-class modern and straight-ahead jazz.
A LIVE JAZZ EXPERIENCE
Sam First is proud to feature today's best modern and straight-ahead jazz artists five nights a week in a listening room so unique and intimate it'll feel like you're on stage with the band. The combination of the amazing room acoustics and one of LA's most loved Yamaha C7x grand pianos makes for an irresistible listening experience. All shows are currently in-person and nearly all are live streamed so you can watch from anywhere!
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.
A NIGHT OF FIRST CLASS STYLE
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.
UPCOMING SHOWS
- May 09, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMThe PSA Trio (Pritesh Walia, Sharik Hasan, Avery Logan) seamlessly blends the classic organ trio sound with modern electronic elements, rock, and straight ahead swing. Join this electrifying group as they join forces with saxophonist Bob Reynolds from instrumental supergroup Snarky Puppy.
- May 10, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMThe newest album by keyboardist/composer Adam Hersh, "Tornado Watch" features nine original compositions and one reimagining of a jazz standard, all of which is infused with Hersh's adventurous spirit and contemporary sensibilities. Don't miss this special album release weekend!
- May 11, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMThe newest album by keyboardist/composer Adam Hersh, "Tornado Watch" features nine original compositions and one reimagining of a jazz standard, all of which is infused with Hersh's adventurous spirit and contemporary sensibilities. Don't miss this special album release weekend!
- May 15, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMChristina Galisatus and friends celebrate the music of two musicians who refuse to be put into a box. The 1st set features music from Joni Mitchell's iconic record “Court and Spark”, and the 2nd set showcases songs from “Mama Rosa”, the album from brilliant jazz drummer Brian Blade.
- May 16, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMPraised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock as having “immense talent” and lauded for his “daring and courageous approach to improvisation … on the cutting edge of innovation”, Joshua has distinguished himself as a formidable leader of distinct voice among his peers.
- May 17, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMActive since 1994, The LAJQ is made up of four musicians who share a similar vision of acoustic jazz in the new millennium. Influenced by the sound, style and sensibilities of the classic jazz of the 50's and 60's, LAJQ provides a fresh perspective in the context of the contemporary jazz ensemble.
- May 18, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMActive since 1994, The LAJQ is made up of four musicians who share a similar vision of acoustic jazz in the new millennium. Influenced by the sound, style and sensibilities of the classic jazz of the 50's and 60's, LAJQ provides a fresh perspective in the context of the contemporary jazz ensemble.
- May 23, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMBig, bad beauty from Boise, Idaho, Emily Braden has the innate ability to win the heart of any audience with her powerhouse vocals and striking stage presence. Winner of NYC’s prestigious "Best of the Best" Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, her signature sound is an effortless blend of jazz and soul.
- May 29, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMBilly Mohler is an exploratory jazz bassist who has amassed wide-ranging credits as a GRAMMY-nominated writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and session player. His sophomore release "Anatomy", is a sonically inventive effort that highlights the players’ loose, raw, and indeterminate chemistry.
- May 30, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PMRaised between Buenos-Aires and Tel-Aviv, and based out of Brooklyn since 2011, Or Bareket is one of the most prominent bassists of his generation, with an eclectic yet meticulously cohesive. Set times for this show are 7 PM and 9 PM as the first set will be broadcast live on KJAZZ 88.1 FM.
- May 31, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMLegendary drummer, USC Professor and Rochester Music Hall of Fame Inductee Roy McCurdy has worked with just about all the major jazz personalities, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, Betty Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Sarah Vaughan and Benny Golson.
- Jun 01, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMLegendary drummer, USC Professor and Rochester Music Hall of Fame Inductee Roy McCurdy has worked with just about all the major jazz personalities, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, Betty Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Sarah Vaughan and Benny Golson.
