Richard Lopez | Courtesy photo
San Antonio, Texas – The Tejano music community will come together for a special benefit plate sale and concert in support of Richard (Rashaan) Lopez at The Social Spot in San Antonio on Sunday, September 29. This event aims to raise funds for Lopez, a beloved musician who has been battling colorectal cancer since his diagnosis on September 23, 2023.
Richard Lopez has been a prominent figure in the Tejano music industry for 30 years. Throughout his illustrious career, he has played with renowned artists such as Patsy Torres, Ricardo Castillion Y La Diferenzia, Elida Y Avante, Chente Barrera, Ram Herrera, David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, and Jay Perez. Lopez has also recorded numerous projects and is currently performing with La Dezz and Place for Life Church.
Lopez’s journey took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Since then, he has undergone eight rounds of chemotherapy and 28 radiation treatments with chemotherapy. Despite the hardships, Lopez remains determined to help others facing similar battles. He shares a close bond with fellow musician Rick Vega, who is also fighting the same disease. “Through this journey, my job is to help others going through similar situations,” Lopez said. “Me and Rick Vega have always been friends, and it’s unfortunate that this sickness has brought us even closer.”
Lopez has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 23 years, and together they have three children: Ezekiel, Elijah, and Lauren. Initially hesitant to hold a fundraiser, the Lopez family eventually decided to move forward due to mounting medical expenses. “I am overwhelmed with the love and support that friends and family have shown through this journey,” Lopez expressed. “We first just wanted to do plate sales, but obviously because I’ve been in the industry, guys like Richie Balderama encouraged us to just go for it.”
The benefit event will feature an impressive lineup of musical performances starting at 2 p.m. Music fans can enjoy the sounds of Enchanted Vision, Leon Sanchez, Finding Friday, Conjunto Orgullo, Ricardo Castillion Y La Diferenzia, Los Desperadoz, and Jay Perez. The event, which is free for everyone, will be MC’d by Chris “Tejano Man” Tristan from Hot Tejano in Austin, Texas. Attendees can feast on a plate consisting of two pork sandwiches with rice, beans, potato salad, bread, and jalapeno for $12, along with sausage wraps for $4, and can drinks or bottled water for $1.
Courtesy photo
“This entire journey has been overwhelming, and I am thankful for another day of life,” Lopez said. “As we get closer to the event, the more excited I get to see a bunch of friends and family I haven’t seen in years.”
Lopez and Vega share more than just a love for music; they also share the same surgery date, October 7. “Yes, the same day, two bass players, two guys that love our Spurs, and two guys fighting for our lives,” Lopez added. “It really sucks this has to happen to bring the industry together.”
Join the Tejano community on September 29 at The Social Spot (930 Broadway) to support Richard Lopez and celebrate his incredible contributions to Tejano music. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have given us so much joy through their music.
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