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
- Apr 23, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMOne of today's most influential drummers, Justin Brown's credits range from Ambrose Akinmusire and Gerald Clayton to Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Band performs a set at 7:30 followed by a jam session from 9:30-11. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.
- Apr 24, 2024, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PMJavier Santiago is one of the promising pianists in the international music scene having played with musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Terrace Martin, Louis Cole and Theo Croker. Santiago’s debut album, Phoenix (2018) on Ropeadope Records was named “#1 Jazz Album of the Year” by Vinyl Me, Please.
- 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.