MOLINE, ILLINOIS (August 14, 2019) — Mercado on Fifth will host its biggest concert and dance party of the season Friday, August 16, at the neighboring TaxSlayer Center in Moline. Doors will open at 8PM for the third annual fundraising event and will feature performances by DJ Guerrero followed by headliner Grupo Montez de Durango at 9:30PM.
Montez de Durango will be the first Latin band to headline at the Quad Cities' largest arena in 17 years other than Julio Iglesias in 1994.
"This is something we have been wanting to do for a long time," said Scott Mullen, Executive Director of the TaxSlayer Center. "It is a great opportunity to test how Latin shows would draw in our market."
The two-time Latin Grammy-nominated Montez de Durango has more than 1.3 million followers on Facebook and 146-plus million views on YouTube. Since its formation in 1996, the band has released 25 albums, including seven N° 1 and 19 top 10 hits on the Billboard charts.
Tickets may be purchased for $10 until 11:59PM Thursday, August 15, at www.facebook.com/mercadoonfifth. Tickets may also be purchased at the TaxSlayer Center Box Office $10 in advance and $15 the Day of the Show.
Weather permitting, a pre-show party will be held from 5-9PM Friday at Mercado, featuring food, drinks, retail vendors, activities for children, and musical entertainment. This event also celebrates the 81st birthday of Mercado's founder, Bob Ontiveros. Tickets will not be required to get into the Mercado grounds on 5th Avenue between 11th and 12th streets, Moline.
Mercado organizers approached their neighbors at the TaxSlayer Center after Friday's forecast called for a chance of rain and thunderstorms. The new partnership and plan provides many benefits, including an opportunity to attract more Quad Citizens and visitors to Mercado and Montez de Durango, said Maria Ontiveros, director of the nonprofit organization.
"It really offers the best of both worlds," she said. "There will be more than enough room for people to dance at the show, and those who didn't want to go to the show can still enjoy the great food and fun atmosphere at Mercado."
In its fourth season, Mercado will run every Friday night through September 27. The weekly multicultural event aims to attract more people to the Floreciente neighborhood and increase community involvement and pride by offering economic opportunities to small and minority-owned businesses.
