DESPITE HEAT, CONJUNTO FANS CROWD MELISSA'S MERCADITO

By Juan Montoya

Scores of conjunto fans and Market Square denizens bore 90-plus degree heat Saturday at Market Square to listen to a handful of groups rock the joint in the historic district.

Spectators gathered in groups below the shade of palm trees and live oaks surrounding the fountain and under the tiled overhang of the old bus terminal. The bands played atop an aluminum stage that looked as hot as they probably felt.

"I think that in future summer shows they might make it a little later," said Ernesto Elizondo, a down

town business owner and Market Square enthusiast. "It's just too hot to be

out there in the middle of the street."

Nonetheless, the people did come and a few even braved a quick dance on the asphalt dance floor. Melissa Castro, a main mover of Market Square Mercadito events and her skeleton crew managed the acts and moved their equipment to set up and take down their instruments. Between acts, a few spectators wandered into neighboring cantinas to quaff a couple of cold ones before the next act took the stage.

"Thank God a few of these places are open," said a frazzled spectator. "A cold one at about this time hits the spot. It feels like 100 degrees out on the street."

The last strains of music faded just as the sun set behind the old facade of the old Whitman Pawn Shop n the west side of Market Square. An "amazing" light show is scheduled for next weekend sponsored by Elizondo and a few other local downtown promoters.