Sam First Jazz Club in Los Angeles Announces October Schedule for 2025
October 2025 at Sam First
The Fall months are a welcome respite to the summer heat as autumn typically means a plethora of new releases, an active touring season and the Grammy frenzy that courses through the recording industry. The Sam First family and team are grateful for your support in making the recent benefit celebrated at Village Studios a sold out success.
Thursday October 2 and Friday, October 3 – Taylor Eigsti Group with Alan Hampton & Jonathan Pinson (October 2) and Mark Guiliana (October 3). The two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning NYC-based pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti will push this remarkably imposing trio to new heights yet subtly and invention will also be in play. In addition to appearing on over 80 albums as a wide-ranging sideman with the likes of Snarky Puppy, Chris Botti, Terence Blanchard, esperanza spalding, among countless others, Eigsti has prodigiously recorded nine solo albums.
Saturday, October 4 – Irving Flores Quintet with Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, Norbert Stachel, Luca Alemanno and Daniel Feldman –
The Vera Cruz native and current resident of San Diego, Irving Flores will celebrate his latest work, Armando Mi Conga, a masterfully composed album of originals that resulted in a powerful, vibrant and soulful addition to the global jazz landscape. The engaging pianist will be in company with the firebrand Cuban drummer “El Negro” making an exceedingly rare LA appearance. Note that “El Negro” recently recorded and toured in Europe with John Beasley as part of “El Trio.”
Friday, October 10 – Bill Charlap trio with David Wong and Carl Allen. A new look trio from the maestro of Broadway and beyond, Charlap is working with another exceptional rhythmic A Team to carry on the classic American songbook, reimagined in a manner distinctly all his own. Phil Woods and Tony Bennett were early collaborators that propelled Charlap over the ages and his remarkable recording of late with Dee Dee Bridgewater has added a new dimension to his ultra personal sound. October 10 is Thelonious Monk’s birthday and for those in the know, Charlap always pays homage to Sphere’s iconoclasm.
Sunday, October 26 – Brandee Younger Trio with Rashaan Carter & Kewku Sumbry. The baton has been passed from Dorthy Ashby, Alice Coltrane and it’s now Younger’s time. Her praise and honor for these two musical fore bearers are instilled within her and the music that emanates from Younger will surely captivate. She’s shared stages with a bevy of greats, Reggie Workman, Ravi Coltrane, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Charlie Allen, Pharoah Sanders and countless others. How apt is it that she is now an impulse! recording artist.
Tuesday, October 28 – Kris Davis Trio “Run the Gauntlet with Robert Hurst & Jonathan Blake. “Run the Gauntlet” emerges as the latest album from the Canadian born, New York based Kris Davis, accompanied by the extraordinary talents of bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake. Seamlessly melding composition with improvisation, this album stands as a testament to Davis’ singular voice within the jazz landscape. Davis has released 24 recordings as a leader or co-leader and collaborated with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, John Zorn, Craig Taborn, Tyshawn Sorey, esperanza spalding among other jazz taste makers.
(See complete list of upcoming shows, additional information & purchase tickets by clicking here)
Wednesday, October 1
Sam Reid & Friends with Ethan Chilton, Matt Richards, Ennis Harris, Enzo Iannello, Yafeu Tyhimba & Don Brown
Sam Reid is a pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger from Houston, TX. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at USC Thornton in Jazz Studies. While completing his Masters, he was awarded a Teacher Assistantship under Jason Goldman and Alan Pasqua.
Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3
Taylor Eigsti Group with Alan Hampton & Jonathan Pinson (October 2) with Alan Hampton & Mark Guiliana (October 3)
Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning NYC-based pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti has released 9 albums as a bandleader, in addition to appearing on over 80 albums as a sideman. Recently, Eigsti was the winner of Downbeat Magazine’s 72nd Annual Critic’s Poll for Rising Star “Pianist of the Year” for 2024.
Saturday, October 4
Irving Flores Quintet with Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, Norbert Stachel, Luca Alemanno & Daniel Feldman
Irving Flores, hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, is set to captivate audiences with the release concert of his latest album, “Armando Mi Conga”. The concert promises an unforgettable night filled with dynamic performances, featuring the renowned Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez on drums.
Sunday, October 5
Gabrielle Cavassa Quartet with Max Bronstein, Dan Chmielinski & Kyle Poole
Recognized by her distinctive voice and intimate expression, Gabrielle Cavassa is among the few new artists recently signed to Blue Note Records. Cavassa leads a quartet ahead of her debut Blue Note record, set to release in Spring 2026.
Tuesday, October 7
“Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Devin Daniels with Jermaine Paul & Justin Brown
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.
Wednesday, October 8
Student Night at Sam First / CalArts & Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
A new program aimed at giving young musicians valuable performance experience, a chance to network with future colleagues on other campuses, and exposure to the wider Sam First family of artists and audiences. Special thanks to Karen Hohman Almieda for her generous support of this performance.
Thursday, October 9
Christopher McBride & The Whole Proof: The Hang, The Hustle, The Path’ LA Album Release Party
Saxophonist Christopher McBride is thrilled to bring The Whole Proof to Sam First to celebrate the release of his third album ‘The Hang, The Hustle, The Path’! Featuring an incredible band of musicians, this is one performance you will not want to miss!
Friday, October 10
Bill Charlap Trio with David Wong & Carl Allen
Grammy award winning pianist Bill Charlap has performed with many of the leading artists of our time, from Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett to Phil Woods and Ron Carter. Since 1997, his trio has been recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz.
Saturday, October 11
Peter Erskine Trio with Alan Pasqua & Darek Oles
With several decades of friendship and music behind them, Erskine, Pasqua and Oles have created an elegantly unique trio sound that is unmistakably their own. “While brilliant upper-echelon musicians in their own right, the magic that ensues in this trio is remarkable.” -Jim Worsley (AAJ)
Tuesday, October 14
“Tuesday Happenings”: Hosted by Gerald Clayton with Jermaine Paul, Jonathan Pinson & Sasha Masakowski
“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.
Wednesday, October 15
Miles Lennox Trio with Jermaine Paul & Harvel Nakundi
Pianist Miles Lennox brings his trio back to Sam First, presenting new original music with an exciting and cookin’ rhythm section! Expect to hear beautiful melodies, bold and creative improvisation, tight grooves, and swing!
Thursday, October 16
The Stubbs & Hahn Power Hour with Matthew Stubbs, Alex Hahn, John Escreet, Logan Kane & Jon Ziegler
Clarinetist Matthew Stubbs and saxophonist Alex Hahn co-lead a night of music, backed by some of LA’s most sought-after musicians.
Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18
Miki Yamanaka Trio with Pablo Menares & Jimmy Macbride, with surprise special guest
Miki Yamanaka will play a mix of her original compositions and the American songbook classics with a twist! They will have a special guest each night to make this two-night run more exciting.
Tuesday, October 21
“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.
Wednesday, October 22
Brian Charette Organ Trio with Matt Rohde & Andy Sanesi
Charette and Rohde were childhood friends from Meriden, CT. After connecting years later in Los Angeles, they are playing their first gig together. Joined by Andy Sanesi, the backbone of Charette’s LA groups, they will play funky breakbeats with burning solos on Charette’s interesting compositions.
Thursday, October 23
Roni Eytan & Vardan Ovsepian “Spiderweb Project” with Andrew Renfroe, Joshua Davis & Jonathan Pinson
“Spiderweb Project” emphasizes the choices and actions we make, sending vibrations through the wider web, affecting others and shaping our own reality. What you weave today becomes the foundation for your life tomorrow.
Friday, October 24
Gengis Don & The Empire
Gengis Don is a dynamic force in today’s music scene, known for his innovative approach as a drummer, producer, songwriter, and engineer. A Brooklyn native, Gengis Don’s sound is a reflection of his deep roots in Hip Hop combined with his extensive study of jazz and improvisational music.
Saturday, October 25
Sasha Berliner Group
Sasha Berliner is a genre-defying composer and one of the premiere vibraphonists of her generation with credits that include Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Nicholas Payton.
Sunday, October 26
Brandee Younger Trio with Rashaan Carter & Kewku Sumbry
Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp’s role in modern music. Over the past 15 years, she has worked to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists. Ever-expanding as an artist, she has worked with icons including Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Pharoah Sanders, and Christian McBride.
Tuesday, October 28
Kris Davis Trio “Run the Gauntlet” with Robert Hurst & Johnathan Blake
“Run the Gauntlet” emerges as the latest album from Kris Davis, accompanied by the extraordinary talents of bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake. Seamlessly melding composition with improvisation, this album stands as a testament to Davis’ singular voice within the jazz landscape.
Wednesday, October 29
Simon Moullier Quartet with Gerald Clayton, Luca Alemanno & Benjamin Ring
Simon Moullier is an award-winning vibraphonist, composer, and producer recognized in contemporary jazz. Mentored by icons like Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock, he’s worked with artists such as Gerald Clayton, the SF Jazz Collective and Terri-Lyne Carrington.
Thursday, Oct 30
Melissa Morgan “Some of My Best Friends are the Blues” with Gerald Clayton, Sam Hirsh, Graham Dechter & Alex Frank
Brought up in the clubs of New York City, vocalist Melissa Morgan is rooted deeply in the tradition of jazz while always keeping one foot planted firmly in the blues.
Friday, October 31
George Colligan Trio with Eric Revis & Tina Raymond
George Colligan is a formally New York City-based and award-winning jazz, pianist and composer who will present an evening of music with Eric Revis on bass and Tina Raymond on drums.
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