GUILDERLAND — The 31^st season of the summer concert series will kick off at the Guilderland Performing Arts Center tonight.

The weekly concerts in Tawasentha Park are free and open to the public. Dennis Moore, the president of parks and recreation, said the center has been prepped and is ready to go for the season. A new addition this year is a small dance floor in front of the stage.

“It looks like we’ve got a great series lined up for the year,” Moore said. Tonight’s concert features the Guilderland Town Band, conducted by Kathleen Ehlinger, and is a “young people’s concert.” Moore said all of the songs will be highly recognizable, and there will be a visit from a character called “Tubby the Tuba.”

“It’s just a family-oriented event. Even the seating is fun; you bring your own blanket or chairs and get to sit on the big grassy hill,” said Moore. A concession stand will be open for snacks during the show.

The GPAC board of directors put out a call for sponsorship this year, and Moore said the response from local businesses has been “fantastic.” Except for the town band, performers are paid, and the board needed to raise money to offset those costs.

Sponsors this year include First Niagra; Price Chopper; the Stewart’s Foundation; WM. M. Larned & Son; Barton and Loguidice, P.C.; the Guilderland Democrats; Burns Management; Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants; and the Carl Walters Family.

According to Moore, the cost to co-sponsor one concert is $500, and it is roughly $1,000 for a single sponsorship. The board has also collected small donations from individuals.

“These are all very community-spirited donations,” said Moore. “We’ve been putting this on for a long time now, and we’re looking forward to a very good year.”

The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, rain or shine. In the event of bad weather, the performances may be moved to Guilderland High School. For more information call 456-3150.

The schedule for this year’s summer series is:

— June 24: Guilderland Town Band, conducted by Kathy Ehlinger;

— July 1: New York Players, contemporary and classic rock and pop;

—  July 7 through July 11, Wednesday through Sunday: Seussical, Family Players;

— July 15: The Joey Thomas Big Band;

— July 29: Overture, classic southern rock;

— Aug. 5: Guilderland Town Band, conducted by Kathy Ehlinger;

— Aug. 12: Electric City Chorus, Men’s Barbershop Group;

— Aug. 19: The Back 40 Bands, contemporary country; and,

— Aug. 26: Hair of the Dog, high-spirited Celtic music.