SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM TAKING MONTH TO WAIT FOR COOLER WEATHER

Talk about downtown. Talk about fun.

Music lovers have only one more Saturday to enjoy "Munchin' and Rockin'" in downtown Cape Girardeau.

The eight-week run of Music in the Park will end Saturday, when the Desert Wind band appears at the First Presbyterian Church Rose Garden along Broadway.

The concert series is sponsored Old Town Cape as a way to encourage people to visit the downtown and Main Street area for entertainment shopping, walking and socializing.

Fred Shivelbine, a member of the Old Town Cape Board, has coordinated the music extravaganza which has featured area musicians performing rock 'n' roll, jazz, blues, country and gospel sounds each Saturday over the past two months.

"We're hoping to continue the music series later this summer," said Shivelbine. "But we're taking the month of July off. "A lot of people are taking vacations, and the heat and humidity have been bad."

Shivelbine said committee members have already talked with three groups for the August schedule but the promotions committee will review the weekly program before continuing it.

Although the morning concerts have not attracted large groups, it is started to build, said Shivelbine. "It's been a good experience, and we're looking forward to continuing it in August."

The music program kicked off in early May, with a special "Walkin' and Rockin' in Old Town Cape" program. Boosting membership in the Old Town Cape RiverWalkers Club.

Since then, concerts have showcased area musicians, representing a variety of musical styles.

Saturday's group was Classy Chassy Country, featuring Leroy and Becki, an entertainment duo from Oran, Mo.

This week's performance will feature Desert Wind, which plays a variety of '60s rock and contemporary music.

Old Town Cape, a Missouri Main Street Community, is dedicated to promoting the historic, cultural, socioeconomic significance of the city's downtown area.

WANT TO GO?

*WHAT: Desert Wind concert

*WHEN: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 30

*WHERE: First Presbyterian Church lawn

*COST: Free

*INFORMATION: Desert Wind plays a variety of '60s rock and contemporary music.