Blessed Be Man marks 20 years with benefit show for Child Crisis Center

Local post-rock band Blessed Be Man is marking two decades of music with a benefit concert October 17 at Rosewood bar in Downtown El Paso, using the performance to collect donations for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso.

Johnny Lopez, the band's founder and guitarist, started Blessed Be Man as a solo project 20 years ago and has expanded it into a full band. He works as a counselor at an alternative school and said the anniversary show reflects the band's ongoing commitment to the community. "The message has always been one of hope, even the name Blessed Be Man and just to be alive, I've always said it is a blessing," Lopez said, according to KVIA.

Lopez has organized past shows with themes addressing racism and hatred in El Paso's music scene. His work with at-risk youth at the school prompted him to partner with the Child Crisis Center, where he said residents have endured significant trauma. "The children that are at the Crisis Center, I mean, these are children that have gone through a lot of trauma and the things that no children, or really, no adults should go through," he said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring new children's clothing, shoes, toiletries, and toys as donations. Lopez described the dual purpose of the event: helping vulnerable children while performing music. "There's nothing else I'd rather be doing, being a local educator, I know how important it is to help out that community," he said. "So, I get to do two things that I'm very passionate about, helping out children and play music."

The event is free and 21 and older. Doors open at 9 p.m., with music starting at 10 p.m. on October 17.