Here are the top jazz recommendations, listed chronologically, for summer as chosen by Gazette jazz writer Tim Coakley:

- Jazz on Jay, the free noontime series in Schenectady — presents some of the very best Capital Region musicians, including guitarist Jack Fragomeni, saxophonists Keith Pray and Brian Patneaude, pianist Nat Phipps and perennial favorites Sonny & Perley. Starts May 29.

- Kingston Jazz Festival in Rondout — With an especially strong lineup, including the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Frank Wess and Cyrus Chestnut, this looks like one event not to miss this summer. June 27 to 29.

- The Freihofer Jazz Festival at The Saratoga Performing Arts Center — seems to be cutting corners a bit, with some of the same acts performing on both the main and gazebo stages, but the reunited Return to Forever with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola & Lenny White, plus a Saxophone Summit will be worth a listen. June 28-29.

- The Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs — has its usual stellar lineup, both in its faculty sextet and guest performers, inclding Terrence Blanchard and Arturo O’Farrill. July 4 to 11.

- The Belleayre Ski Area in Highmount — Some top-notch talent, including Ken Peplowski and a truly all-star lineup with David Fathead Newman, Curtis Fuller and Cedar Walton. Aug. 9, 15 and 16.