A Westside benefit honors Ruth Price and Billy Childs, pillars of L.A. jazz history

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In discussing Los Angeles’ musical past, one might immediately think of rock, surf music, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter scenes, as well as heavy metal. However, it’s essential not to overlook the city’s vibrant jazz heritage, which is beautifully represented by Sam First, a cherished Westside jazz venue.

On Saturday, Sam First is set to celebrate at the “It Takes a Village” charity event held at Village Studios in Santa Monica. The occasion will commemorate Ruth Price, the founder of Sam First who currently serves as its president and artistic director at The Jazz Bakery. Additionally, L.A.-born, Grammy-winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs will also be honored at this event.

6 p.m. marks the start of the event, where you’ll find renowned jazz artists like Gerald Clayton, Daniel Rotem, Sasha Berliner, Adam Hersh, and numerous others performing across four distinct areas – rooms and studios – all through the evening.

Honoring Billy Childs alongside me tonight means the world to me personally. If only I could still perform (and oh, how I wish I could!), I’d be gracing the stage at Sam First. It’s disappointing that I didn’t get a chance to share a song with him instead of simply introducing him. Moreover, the joint support of two incredible nonprofits – The Jazz Bakery and Sam First – demonstrates the fantastic outcomes of good taste and teamwork.

The child echoes Sam First’s sentiments, expressing deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon them by the Los Angeles jazz community. He finds it deeply moving to be acknowledged in such a way and appreciates the sense of community affirmation as an artist. He wants to extend his heartfelt thanks to Sam First for this recognition and also wants to acknowledge Ruth Price for her role in this process.

To David Robaire, who has been a constant presence at the venue throughout its eight-year span and currently holds the position of executive director for the 501(c)(3) organization and is responsible for booking the venue, it seemed fitting to recognize Price and Childs as they have had a significant impact on L.A.’s jazz scene.

He comments on how L.A. Jazz owes much to Price and the Jazz Bakery, stating, “Our work here is an unquestionable continuation of all she’s accomplished.

As for Childs, Robaire has countless memories of being inspired and influenced by him.

Last week, we were fortunate enough to have Billy Childs and his quartet perform for two unforgettable nights before heading into the studio to record the Grammy-winning album. The talented musicians who graced our stage were Scott Colley on bass, Brian Blade on drums, and Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet.

These nights were nothing short of extraordinary and will be etched in my memory forever. For me, it held a special significance as I used to watch Billy Childs perform at the Jazz Bakery years ago. It was a truly emotional experience for many reasons.

In Robaire’s perspective, shared experiences at The Jazz Bakery during his formative years, particularly with that specific group featuring Brian Blade and Scott Colley, served as a bond between him and both Price and Childs. These sessions were deeply impactful, as he got to witness them perform intricate music in L.A., record it for repeated listens, and eventually develop personal connections with Billy by joining his band and studying under him during the Monk Institute program. Over time, relationships with Ruth also evolved, leading them both to honor Billy and Ruth together, a union that makes perfect sense given their shared history in jazz music.

What truly matters for everyone concerned is not personal recognition, but rather their shared passion for the music and the musicians they admire, which they are committed to serving.

Childs emphasizes the significance of Sam First supporting such events, given Los Angeles’ thriving and expanding jazz community, which comprises both local talents and those who have moved from other cities. The city boasts both seasoned professionals and emerging musicians, ranging from students to newcomers in their music careers. In an era where art, science, and journalism are frequently under threat, Childs believes it is crucial for established institutions like Sam First to champion artists. By hosting such events, he suggests, they are fulfilling this role.

Robaire points out that in both jazz and classical music realms, there have always been supportive individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of musicians. These individuals provided spaces for practice when musicians lacked a place to perform or accommodations when they had nowhere to stay. Many musicians may not have achieved the careers they currently enjoy if it weren’t for someone who passionately believed in their work and paved the way for them.

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2025-09-12 22:31