October Tree is the stage name for the solo acoustic project of former rocker Jay Wildner. As a teenager, Jay received his first electric guitar as a gift. Almost immediately - and to the amazement of his classmates and teachers - he could play along with most songs on mainstream radio. After a fun run with the Madison, WI - area rock band The Exchange from 1983 - 1988, Jay turned down an offer from a Chicago band playing to thousands in favor of a "real" job helping with the family business.  In late 2020, Jay appeared publicly at the urging of a friend. Since then, the guitarist/vocalist has performed at several dozen venues across his home state of WI including Leinie Lodge, the Garage-Wausau, O'so Brewing, Knuth Brewing, District 1 Brewing, River Jams, Hinder Brewing, and dozens more from Chilton to Chippewa Falls.

October Tree has not gone unnoticed. Jay has received invitations to join and/or sit-in with several popular bands, been asked to tour CA for a well-known streaming platform, been approached to sign with a Nashville label, and been asked to do a live on-air show for a Twin Cities radio station. 

October Tree plays an eclectic list of multi-genre covers (rock, pop, country, hard rock, Americana, alternative, occasional blues/jazz) and autobiographical original songs that connect with the audience through soaring, emotionally expressive vocals and sassy strings presented in a remarkably rhythmic style with the utmost authenticity of just six strings and one voice. Jay strives to be true to the art of solo acoustic musicianship; generally eschewing harmonizer pedals, loopers and backing tracks.  Jay will simultaneously blend vocals and creative lead and bass lines interspersed throughout complex rhythms to connect with audiences on both musical and emotional levels. Many listeners describe October Tree's sound as something like a solo  MatchBox Twenty. You are just as likely to hear Foo Fighters as you are Ed Sheeran, Pearl Jam, or Prince. Goo Goo Dolls covers are a fan favorite. 

Jay's take: "It's not about me as a musician. For me, I just love songs. The power of the medium is where it takes the listener, what it's delivering in terms of message and emotion and connection...if I can do right by the song and get down to its raw essence, I am doing what I set out to do. I don't want anything to dilute this purpose."

"Jay brings a mix of everything I love about music. He has a way of taking a song and making it his own, which sets him apart from doing just any cover song." - J. E., Wausau-based classic rock disc jockey.

"You do things that no one else dares to try solo!" - Minneapolis-based performing guitarist/vocalist.

"You have perfect pitch!" - Milwaukee/Racine area vocal instructor.

"You can play here anytime!" - WI brewery owner

"You have a voice that just makes you want to listen more." -  WI Rapids fan.

Please check out October Tree's website and tour dates. Please subscribe to be a member of "The Leaf Pile" for news on any new shows, releases, tours, etc.!

But for now, October Tree will continue crafting and delivering songs for the sake of the song and the purity of the art form.