Jazz on Jay brings downtown alive with electric sound

Free music series is back June 5, every Thursday afternoon

SCHENECTADY—The long-standing summer tradition, Jazz on Jay, is back June 5 in downtown Schenectady’s Jay Square. Showcasing a mix of established artists, up-and-coming performers, and beloved regional talent, the series brings downtown alive every Thursday afternoon.

The 2025 season features something for everyone: kicking off with the modern jazz Dylan Canterbury Quintet and finishing with the acoustic fusion of Chuck Lamb Aug. 28. Performances range from familiar standards to creative innovations, and hybrid styles from classical to international and pop-soul.

“Jazz on Jay has enriched Schenectady’s cultural landscape for over 30 years, presenting exceptional jazz concerts on Jay Street, and now in our new home at Jay Square. Our concerts offer a relaxed environment, where all are welcome to pull up a lawn chair or blanket, unwind, and tune in to the multitude of talent provided by the Capital Region and beyond,” said Jazz on Jay Committee Chair Lanaea Bailey.

Often known to stop people in their tracks, the free music series is a welcome sound to the downtown community. Starting in 1994, Jazz on Jay has offered free, live performances and has become an integral part of the Schenectady music scene. Fans are encouraged to bring their chairs and refreshments to Jay Square, across from City Hall. In cases of rain, extreme heat, or low air quality the series will be moved into Robb Alley at Proctors. 

“As we look forward to the 2025 season, I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the legacy that provides a vital space for our community to connect and celebrate the thriving jazz scene,” Bailey added.

• June 5: The Dylan Canterbury Quintet
• June 12: Todd Nelson and Jazz Americana
• June 19: Steve Horowitz Quartet
• June 26: Jeff Siegel Quartet
• July 3: Winelight
• July 10: Jeanine Ouderkirk Quartet
• July 17: Art D’echo Trio
• July 24: Linda Brown Jazz Project
• July 31: Nicholas Dwarika Quartet
• Aug. 7: Heard
• Aug. 14: The Evidence
• Aug. 21: Arch Stanton Quartet
• Aug. 28: Chuck Lamb Trio featuring Ria Curley

Jazz on Jay is sponsored by Electricity Arts and Entertainment District, New York Council on the Arts, Schenectady County, County Legislature Arts & Culture Grant, City of Schenectady, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp., Proctors Collaborative, MVP Healthcare, Price Chopper/ Market 32, The Schenectady Foundation, The Recording Industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and NYS Music.