The Village Pops Concert Series, a popular summer tradition in Farmingdale, makes its way back to the Village Green for its 18th season next week.

The free concerts, which are provided by a 60-member community band, will begin on July 5 and will be held every Wednesday night through Aug. 16.

"We're looking forward to lots of new music, some of the classic old ones that the audience loves, some sing-alongs," said Band Director Brad DeMilo, who also heads Farmingdale High School's Marching Band, as he announced the series Tuesday. "And we have classical music, and music from Broadway, and popular music, and songs that people have loved, for a long, long time."

Genres to be featured range from Big Band, classic music of the great masters - such as Beethoven, Brahms and Bach, Broadway show medleys, plus the music of other popular artists, such as Sinatra. One evening will be devoted to a children's concert, which will offer more modern tunes.

The Village Pops Concert Series has come to be more than just a warm-weather musical treat for local folks. For older residents who remember a time when Farmingdale was slower paced, and way of life throughout Long Island was more rural and community-centered, it offers a nostalgic evening gathered outdoors with neighbors. "The audience is very, very warm and receptive. At the end of the concerts, so many of them come up to the band shell and talk to me or talk to the musicians," noted DeMilo. "It's really small-town America."

Turnout for the concerts has remained strong over the past several years, and DeMilo senses steady enthusiasm and support for them - both from community members and the Farmingdale Village administration. One example of this lies in the Village Board of Trustees' plans to begin constructing a gazebo on the green in the fall. The gazebo would serve as a band shell for the Village Pops.

"Besides how beautiful it would look, it would offer the musicians some amenities, to make the concerts easier for them, like lights...and a good sound system, and a stage, where there's room enough to spread out."

In addition to boosting residents' morale, the Village Pops concert series is the product of much community cooperation. Local history buffs author and read articles about Farmingdale's heritage, through a "Minute of History" program coordinated by Village Historian William Johnston. And, local businesses and community groups sponsor giveways, such as ice-cream for the children.

The series also features student and adult soloists, guest conductors hand-picked from the audience, and face-painting during the children's concert.

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and usually last about an hour-and-a-half. Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. In the case of rain, the concerts will be held in the auditorium of Howitt Middle School.