© Jerimiah B. Brown

Global Village

A multicultural moment at Senor Lopez

by Kathleen Diehl

posted 2/23/2010

The day after Christmas, diners at Senor Lopez, the Mexican restaurant on West Stadium, were treated to an impromptu concert. A private party had gathered at one end of the dining room. Most of the guests appeared to be from India, some of the women wearing beautiful saris. A sound system was readied--and soon the song "Thriller" blasted through the speakers.

A Michael Jackson impersonator exploded onto the floor. Lip-synching flawlessly, he pivoted and moon-walked through three numbers, precisely replicating the moves from Jackson's music videos--complete with changing jackets, a wolf mask, and the iconic sequined glove. The rapt partygoers applauded enthusiastically. Then two of the sari-clad women rose and performed a captivating traditional dance.

Subsequent attempts to learn more about the multicultural moment were unsuccessful--even owner Rafael Lopez said he hadn't known about the celebration. Still, Senor Lopez was pleased to hear he had hosted such a splendid event.   

[Originally published in February, 2010.]