São Paulo born and New York based guitarist/composer, Vinicius Gomes explores the dialogue between modern jazz and Brazilian music, which is heard in his eclectic collaborations with the likes of John Cowherd, Seamus Blake, Magos Herrera, Edu Ribeiro & Guillermo Klein.

Born and raised in Seattle, WA, GRAMMY Award® winning jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek reigns as one of the most creative voices of her generation, and one “who may well turn out to be the next important jazz singer” (Los Angeles Times).

Lead by multi-percussionist Christian Moraga, the Moraga South American Collective presents a variety of South American folkloric rhythms orchestrated and mixed with Jazz and North American song forms.

Legendary 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.

Trombonist and composer Jon Hatamiya has firmly established himself as LA's go-to creative and improvising musician on the trombone. Hatamiya brings his latest sextet project, premiered at Sam First in March 2024, back with some new music in anticipation of his second album as a leader.

Eric Scott Reed presents Samba Nostálgico, a quartet blending Afro-Latin rhythms with jazz standards and original compositions. The ensemble reimagines classic tunes as Sambas, Bossas and more with dynamic arrangements, creating a soulful tribute to the intersection of African and Latin traditions.

Join Christina and her exceptional band for an evening of heart-first original music that has been described by All About Jazz as “Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter music as played by an improvising group.”

Equally 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.

Led by saxophonist Tom Luer, the quintet celebrates 15 years of making brilliant music together. With a focus on carefully crafted originals and the reworking of popular music into modern jazz, Luer often includes the occasional standard as well.