Photos: Sam First to Host Clay Jenkins, Seamus Blake in September 2026 Lineup

September at Sam First will feature a lineup of Los Angeles area and national musicians, along with 'It Takes A Village,' Sam First's annual benefit honoring LA's jazz icons Darlene Chan and Herbie Hancock. Limited tickets remain for the benefit event via the Sam First website.

Trumpeter Clay Jenkins has logged time with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Buddy Rich, and Count Basie, and he's been a charter member of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for years. He is currently on faculty at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, but on September 4 & 5, he's behind the horn at Sam First for two consecutive nights. He'll be backed by Larry Koonse, Katisse Buckingham, Jonathan Richards & Joe LaBarbera.

LA-based pianist Adam Hersh returns to Sam First on September 11, this time in a trio with Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and Gary Novak on drums. Novak's resume alone is a draw, with credits alongside Chick Corea, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour. Expect Hersh's originals alongside the kind of interplay that comes from serious sidemen who know how to listen. Adam is well known in LA by his musical partnership with bassist Mauricio Morales, who he has appeared with at Sam First many times.

Brandon Coleman brings his quartet to Sam First on September 17, fresh off years as a key part of Kamasi Washington's band. Nicknamed 'Professor Boogie' for good reason, Coleman blends deep jazz sensibility with electronic texture and funk grooves, drawing on a résumé that includes Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and Herbie Hancock's own sonic lineage. Expect a set that leans as much on soul and groove as it does on straight-ahead chops. This show is part of a new series called 'Third Thursdays,' co-presented with KCRW 89.9.

Tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake is a Thelonious Monk Competition winner who's spent recent years in Roger Waters' touring band. He brings EH! to Sam First on Friday, September 18. The project is a full-tilt tribute to Eddie Harris, leaning into the same electrified, groove-heavy soul-jazz that made Harris a crossover force. Expect Blake's tenor and EWI running through funky, echo-laced arrangements built for a room that likes to move. He has recorded with Wycliffe Gordon, David Kikoski, Eric Reed & many more over his illustrious 30 year recording career.

South African pianist Bokani Dyer brings his trio to Sam First, who has been touring the world of late including venerable venues such as Ronnie Scott's, SFJAZZ, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. His playing draws on South African jazz tradition while pulling in electronic, R&B, and pan-African influences, a mix that's earned him a SAMA award and a reputation as one of his country's leading voices. This is a rare West Coast appearance for the South Africa-based pianist.

September Schedule

Tuesday, September 1 – 'Tuesday Happenings': Hosted by Gerald Clayton. '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.

Wednesday, September 2 – Michael Wolff Quartet with Danny Janklow, Edwin Livingston & Clayton Cameron. Pianist, composer, and bandleader Michael Wolff has built a celebrated career spanning jazz, television, and film. A longtime collaborator with legendary artists and former musical director of The Arsenio Hall Show, he brings virtuosity, resilience, and masterful storytelling to the stage.

Thursday, September 3 – Aubrey Situmorang with Tristan Cappel, Keelan Walters, Adam Hersh & Jordan Proffer. Aubrey Situmorang is an Indonesian bass player known for her work with renowned musicians across genres, including the Grammy winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, double-platinum artist Bipolar Sunshine, and indie band Jay Som.

Friday, September 4 & Saturday, September 5 – Clay Jenkins Quintet with Larry Koonse, Katisse Buckingham, Jonathan Richards & Joe LaBarbera. This group of musicians are longtime friends and colleagues. They appear regularly as this group, presenting original music as well as fresh renditions of other jazz compositions.

Tuesday, September 8 – 'Tuesday Happenings': Hosted by Gerald Clayton. '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.

Wednesday, September 9 – Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet. Ari and Cecil Alexander bring their acclaimed collaboration to the stage, blending inventive originals with fresh interpretations of jazz standards. Featuring expressive vocals, masterful guitar work, and dynamic improvisation, the quartet delivers a vibrant and engaging modern jazz experience.

Thursday, September 10 – Brian Swartz Quintet with Keith Fiddmont, Steve Cotter, Chris Colangelo & Kendall Kay. Trumpeter and composer Brian Swartz leads his quintet in an evening of original music and reimagined jazz standards. Joined by an all-star ensemble, Swartz blends lyrical artistry, deep swing, and dynamic improvisation for a soulful performance.

Friday, September 11 – Adam Hersh Trio with Karl McComas-Reichl & Gary Novak. The Adam Hersh Trio brings a fresh voice to jazz fusion, inspired by innovators Chick Corea, Billy Childs, and Wayne Shorter. Joined by bassist Karl McComas-Reichl and drummer Gary Novak, Hersh presents original music blending modern jazz, fusion, and dynamic improvisation.

Saturday, September 12 – Vardan Ovsepian Trio with Darek Oles & Jimmy Branly. Vardan Ovsepian Trio will step into the light, breathing new and luminous life into the timeless ghosts of the standard book, summoning the spirit of yesterday through the electric lens of today.

Tuesday, September 15 – 'Tuesday Happenings': Hosted by Gerald Clayton. '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.

Wednesday, September 16 – Veotis: Feelings to Run From with Kevin Person, Simon Aks, Sheldon Alexander & Noah Mogor. Veotis brings an energy like no other, hailing from the Bay Area veotis is known for his boisterous voice as well as fun and interesting originals and arrangements guaranteeing a night of excitement and love.

Thursday, September 17 – KCRW Presents: 'Third Thursdays' with Brandon Coleman Quartet with Eric Sittner, Horace Bray & Efa Etorom. Brandon Coleman brings together a four-piece group for an evening of original music, reimagined compositions and open-ended exploration, moving through soul, jazz, electronics and cinematic sound. This show is part of a new series called 'Third Thursdays,' co-presented with KCRW 89.9.

Friday, September 18 – Seamus Blake and EH! (the music of Eddie Harris) with Scott Kinsey, Travis Carlton & Anthony Fung. Saxophonist Seamus Blake celebrates the music of Eddie Harris with EH!, reimagining classics and hidden gems through a modern lens. Blending inventive arrangements with Harris' pioneering electric saxophone legacy, the project honors one of jazz's most innovative voices.

Saturday, September 19 – It Takes A Village: Sam First's Annual Benefit Honoring LA Jazz Icons Darlene Chan and Herbie Hancock. The benefit celebrates NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock, whose contributions have transformed modern music; and Darlene Chan, jazz impresario, whose leadership has helped shape LA's jazz landscape as longtime producer of the Playboy Jazz Festival and many others.

Tuesday, September 22 – 'Tuesday Happenings': Hosted by Devin Daniels. Devin Daniels, one of the most unique and exciting voices from LA's thriving creative music scene, leads that night's 'Happenings.' House band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30-11pm.

Wednesday, September 23 – Bokani Dyer Trio with Timothy Norton & Malachi Whitson. Award winning pianist and composer Bokani Dyer leads his trio in an electrifying blend of modern Afro-jazz, post bop, and groove. Joined by bassist Timothy Norton and drummer Malachi Whitson, the group delivers fearless improvisation, deep rhythmic interplay, and captivating musical intensity.

Thursday, September 24 – Alexandra Ridout Quartet with Yvonne Rogers, Simón Willson & David Sirkis. Award winning trumpeter Alexandra Ridout leads her New York based quartet in an evening of original music blending lyrical melodies, intricate interplay, and contemporary jazz. Joined by some of NYC's brightest young musicians, Ridout brings a distinctive voice and internationally acclaimed artist.

Wednesday, September 30 – Victor Baker Quartet with Julian Esparza & Mark Ferber. World renowned guitarist/composer (and guitar maker) Victor Baker presents music from his 2025 disc 'As The Crow Flies' and his latest 2026 release 'Sketchbook.'

About Sam First Records

Sam First Records documents concerts at Sam First, home since 2017 to a vibrant Los Angeles Jazz and creative music scene. The recordings capture the natural acoustics, placing the listeners 'in the room' where they feel the moment of creativity. Releases include recordings by Anthony Wilson Nonet, Larry Goldings, Devin Daniels, Jeff Babko, Tim Lefebvre & Mark Guiliana, Rachel Eckroth, Joe La Barbera, Josh Nelson featuring Walter Smith III & Gaby Moreno, and Justin Kauflin. For more information: www.samfirstrecords.com

Sam First is a unique venue (and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) dedicated to supporting and expanding jazz as a musical form and tradition. Its mission is to provide a vibrant center for regional, national, and international practitioners of jazz and to foster the growth and engagement of the jazz community in Los Angeles. As a space designed without an elevated stage, the venue removes the boundary between performers and audiences to promote in-person collaboration, the formation of new relationships, and the creation of original music that takes risks and pushes boundaries. For more information on Sam First, please visit: www.samfirstbar.com

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