This free concert series isn’t new, but publishing info here about this Thursday rain-or-shine event, that’s new.

First, here’s the season schedule:

June 13: Cliff Brucker & New Circle

June 20: Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes

June 27: Matty Stecks & the 518

July 11: MC*2 with special guests: Andrew Hearn, drums; Linda Ellen Brown, bass

July 18: Brian Patneaude Quintet

July 25: Awan Rashad Quartet

Aug. 1: Joe Sorrentino

Aug. 8: Terry Gordon Quintet

Aug. 15: Joe Finn Trio

Aug. 22: Bossamba

Aug. 29: Joe Barna

And, now, here’s the first bio, with photo, for the first show in the series. See the bottom of this story for general info about this free fun series.

Killdeer Trio, Photo supplied

To guitarist Wyatt Ambrose, bassist Evan Jagels and drummer Sebastian Green, a killdeer’s two-note call sounds like home: Ambrose grew up in Oneonta, Jagels in Cooperstown and Green in Milford. So they chose the bird’s name for the trio they formed in 2022 to make high-flying original music.

“We all feel lucky to have families that encouraged us to play music at a young age,” says Ambrose who studied music at SUNY Oneonta then finished his B.M. in Jazz Studies at SUNY Purchase. Jagels earned his MM in Jazz Performance at Queens College while Green studied privately.

Teachers included Vic Juris, Ron Carter, Buster Williams, Jon Faddis and Richie Morales. They took inspiration from jazz-masters the Bad Plus, Bill Frisell, Ornette Coleman and Dave Holland; also rock and pop artists Big Thief, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Cattle Drums and Stuff.

All three played in rock bands before working with jazz artists including Ray Vega, Stacy Dillard, Eric Finland, and Palehound. They also play in other projects: the Wyatt Ambrose Trio, Duo Extempore and Leafing. Jagels and Ambrose also perform solo. 

Together, they blend musical influences into original tunes which “always take on a new identity when interpreted by the trio,” Ambrose explains.

“Leaving lots of room for improvisation is a major priority,” says Ambrose. “After we play the melody, it’s up to us to compose something completely from scratch in the moment.” They consider themselves improvisors first, then jazz musicians.

Their self-named debut album appeared a year ago; another is in the works.

KIlldeer Trio also plays Friday, June 21 at Mojo’s Caffe (Troy), and later in the Downstairs (Ithaca). NY Roots (Oneonta), the Other Side (Utica) and the Al Galladoro Memorial Stage (Oneonta).

Jazz on Jay free concerts are noon to 1:30 p.m. at Jay Square, the new park space opposite Schenectady City Hall. The rain site is Robb Alley at Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady. Seating is provided indoors at Robb Alley, but patrons are invited to bring their own seating and refreshments to Jay Square.

Jazz on Jay is presented by the ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District and sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts, a Schenectady County Legislature Arts & Culture Grant, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, The Schenectady Foundation, Price Chopper/Market 32, MVP Health Care, Schenectady County, Schenectady City Hall, and Proctors Collaborative.