Sam First, Los Angeles’ nonprofit 501(c)(3) jazz club, announces its new Big Acts in a Small Space series—an ambitious initiative that brings six internationally acclaimed touring artists, along with their full touring bands, into the club’s 50-seat room. Across the series, 23 musicians will travel to LA to perform four sets over two nights each, offering audiences the rare chance to hear major artists up close in one of the city’s most intimate listening environments.
The series is funded by a “Music in Action” grant from the Live Music Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and empowering small venues across the United States so that live music remains accessible and sustainable.
Executive & Artistic Director David Robaire explains the program’s purpose: “Sam First is a small venue near the LAX airport. We’ve built a strong, passionate, and loyal following, and we’re excited to continue to grow our reach and visibility with audiences. This series is designed to help us do that while also supporting musicians through a unique opportunity to engage with LA audiences. The musicians want to play here, we’d love to have them, and local audiences deserve the opportunity to see them live in such an intimate setting.”
Robaire adds that many of these artists haven’t played Los Angeles in years due to the scarcity of venues with the right size, acoustics, and atmosphere. “Sam First remains one of the few remaining clubs in LA supporting the local and international jazz scene on a nightly basis. As a small venue, we simply cannot afford to book these wonderful traveling musicians without additional funding. This is why we’re deeply grateful to the Live Music Society for their generous support.”
As a nonprofit, Sam First is committed to expanding jazz as both a tradition and an evolving art form. Designed without an elevated stage, the room dissolves the typical boundary between performers and audiences, encouraging collaboration, connection, and new musical creation rooted in risk and exploration.
Big Acts in a Small Space – Series Schedule
November 21–22, 2025 — Marcus Gilmore Sextet with Morgan Guerin, David Virelles, Emmanuel Michael, Tim Watson & Rashaan Carter
January 20–21, 2026 — Melissa Aldana Quartet with Glenn Zaleski, Pablo Menares & Kush Abadey
January 30–31, 2026 — Aaron Parks Trio with Ben Street & Billy Hart
February 6–7, 2026 — Trio Grande with Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson & Nate Wood
April 24–25, 2026 — Becca Stevens Trio with Chris Tordini & Jordan Perlson
May 29–30, 2026 — TBA
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