Sam First July 2025 Performances

July 2025 at Sam First

Sam First, the Southland’s hippest jazz club is poised to embrace the Summer with a lineup that’s sure to keep you cool all month. This July, we’ll see an array of local artists, Sam First regulars, and renowned nationally touring acts.

Wednesday, July 2 – Bassist, composer, and LA resident Mauricio Morales brings his eloquent approach to fusion to Sam First along with some of LA’s top young musicians. Mauricio has established himself as a staple in the LA scene through his unique approach to composition and the bass.

Saturday, July 5 – Keyboardist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles take the Sam First stage to showcase their innate chemistry in a duo setting, a treat not to be missed. Pasqua, a Steinway Piano artist whose resumé includes Tony Williams and Allan Holdsworth, will truly blow your mind. Together with Darek Oles, the rhythm section duo has established rapport through their work with Peter Erskine, George Garzone, and many others.

Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12 – Pianist and composer Adam Hersh demonstrates his instrumental mastery and showcases his musical dexterity through the direction of three different trios over the course of his two night run at Sam First this July. Rounding out his trios are Jermaine Paul & Myles Martin, Max Gerl & Gary Novak, Mauricio Morales & Benjamin Ring.

Thursday, July 24 – NY-based Saxophonist and NEC graduate Kazmede George demonstrates his thoughtful convergence of modern jazz with traditional black music styles. With the powerful 2021 debut of I Insist under his belt, Kazmede plans to release his sophomore record in 2026.

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Tuesday, July 1

“Tuesday Happenings” : Hosted by Devin Daniels, Julien Knowles, Dario Bizio & Benjamin Ring

Devin Daniels, one of the most unique and exciting voices from LA’s thriving creative music scene, leads tonight’s “Happenings”. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.

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Thursday, July 3

Max Gerl Quartet with Alden Hellmuth, John Escreet & Gary Novak

Max Gerl returns to Sam First with a multigenerational quartet, that will be debuting all new Gerl compositions.

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Friday, July 4

Closed for July 4th Holiday

Sam First is closed in observance of Independence Day and will re-open Saturday, July 5.

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Sunday, July 6

“Sam First at Tomat” : Presents Mike Ragonese and Andrew Renfroe Duo

Tomat is a Californian farm-to-table restaurant located in Westchester that celebrates seasonal, local, and sustainable produce. Join Sam First Sunday evenings on Tomat’s rooftop for cocktails, wine, small bites and live jazz with an unparalleled view of jets landing at LAX. ALL AGES WELCOME

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Wednesday, July 9

John Tegmeyer Quartet with Vardan Ovsepian, Jake Leckie & Tina Raymond

An unparalleled clarinetist, John Tegmeyer is equally at ease playing virtuosic concertos in concert halls as he is pushing the boundaries of improvisatory jazz in intimate venues.

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Thursday, July 10

Kelly Green Quartet with Elijah J. Thomas, Luca Soul Rosenfeld & Evan Hyde

Based in New York City, the Kelly Green Quartet is a tight-knit ensemble featuring Kelly Green as a pianist and vocalist, alongside dedicated rhythm section, drummer Evan Hyde and bassist Luca Soul Rosenfeld, and flautist and composer Elijah J. Thomas (flute, alto flute, and piccolo).

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Tuesday, July 15

“Tuesday Happenings” : Hosted by Kyle Poole

Sam First welcomes back Kyle Poole, the incredibly swinging drummer who can be heard driving the bands led by Cecile McLorin Salvant, Emmet Cohen and Wynton Marsalis. Band performs one set at 7:30 followed by a jam session from 9:00-11:00pm. – Jam session participants use code SAM1JAM.

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Thursday, July 17

Javier Santiago Trio

Javier Santiago is a Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose dynamic voice bridges jazz, hip-hop, and beat culture. A graduate of prestigious programs like the Herbie Hancock Institute and The New School, Santiago has performed with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Terrace Martin, and Alex Isley.

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Friday, July 18

Otmaro Ruiz & Catina DeLuna: Lado B 2 – CD Release

Surrounded by the top jazz recording artists in Los Angeles, Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz present, for the first time, the music of their new album on the official day of its release. Repertoire ranges from classic compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Ary Barroso, Dorival Caymmi, and more.

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Tuesday, July 22

“Tuesday Happenings” : Host TBA

“Tuesday Happenings” is a weekly series curated by 6x GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton. House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm. Jam session participants use coupon code SAM1JAM for a discounted 2nd set.

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Thursday, July 24

Kazemde George Trio with Ernesto Mazar

Brooklyn-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern jazz, blends traditional jazz with influences from within the African diaspora such as Rumba, Bossa Nova and Hip Hop. His work represents a thoughtful convergence of tradition and innovation, connecting musical threads of Africa.

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Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26

Steve Lehman Trio with Logan Kane & Damion Reid feat. Joel Ross

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Wednesday, July 30

Matt Politano Trio with Blake White & Mark Ferber

Ask any jazz musician about pianist Matt Politano and all would jump to acknowledge his sheer mastery of his instrument and of jazz. One of the busiest and hardest working musicians in LA, Politano brings a mix of originals and standards. This is a very high-level and fun trio!

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For more information on Sam First, please visit:

www.samfirstbar.com | Instagram | Facebook

6171 W Century Blvd #180, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For media inquiries, please contact:

DL Media · (610) 420-8470

Don Lucoff · don@dlmediamusic.com

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