Kaleidoscope Park was highly anticipated to debut in Frisco

The Dallas music community is coming together to support a key figure on the scene: Mark Ridlen — musician, DJ and pop culture savant — will host a benefit to raise funds for his medical bills.

Called Mr. Rid's Birthday VIRGO-GO Cancer Benefit Party, the event will take place on Saturday, August 31, with a powerful lineup that showcases the profound impact that Ridley has had on the Dallas music scene for nearly five decades.

From his appearance in the Battle of the Bands scene in Ron Howard's directorial debut in 1978,
Cotton candyto his bands Quad Pi, Lithium X-mas, and a plethora of side projects with many DFW musicians, to his full-time job as a professional DJ, he's been a consistent staple of the local creative scene.

Ridlen has surfed almost every musical wave, from the epochal Dallas dance music scene of the early 80s, to punk rock to his role as one of Dallas' top DJs – the guy you call when you want your event to be cool and fun.

What many outside of his circle don't know is that Ridlen has been quietly battling kidney and lung cancer for the past three years. Over the summer, he had his second kidney removed, which means he is on dialysis several times a week.

If that sounds bad, it also comes with a ray of hope.

“Doctors think the remaining kidney was the primary cancer-causing element,” says Ridlen. “So it's gone. So right now, you know, I'm pretty much cancer-free, although it's too early for that. Tell me how long it's going to take. So I'm hoping that if I can stay cancer-free for two years, I might get a donor for a kidney or two, because the dialysis thing is kind of a pain, but it's keeping me alive.”

Cancer hasn't slowed Ridley down. In May, he threw a party at the Kessler celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Starck Club, the legendary dance music club founded by Philippe Starck that had a huge impact on Dallas and of which Ridlen was a part.

Post Starck Club, Ridlen migrated to Expo Park, the underground neighborhood across from Fair Park where art and music ruled. His stints at XPO Lounge, Double Wide and other neighborhood spots made him a staple in the community.

At the same time, he was also a member of Lithium Xmas, a psychedelic art-rock band he formed with acclaimed musicians Chris Merlick and Greg Synodis.

“I've always loved Expo Park,” Ridlen says. “I've never been a big Deep Ellum person. I just thought Expo Park was much more attractive — easier to park and get around, with galleries and (artists) living there. Throughout the 90s and 2000s, in all those places right across from Fair Park, I had a hand in performing as a DJ or musician of some sort.”

The circle of musicians and friends who have gathered to attend Mr. Rid's VIRGO-GO birthday cancer benefit party is a sweet indication of the high regard in which Ridlen is held.

Hosted by Colleen Gilson, Double Wide owner Kim Finch and Kathi Kibbel, the night will feature rare performances from acts such as Nervebreakers Tribute, The Moondials, John Falvo, Long Black Car, Buck Wylde and Sonic Assembly Power Hour, as well as DJs Gabe Mendoza, Sista Whitenoise, Mark A. Smith, Tiger Bee, Wild In The Streets and Wanz Dover.

There will be live and silent auctions plus cocktails from a specialty menu. Proceeds will benefit Ridlen. Zero-proof cocktails from Beyond The Bar will also be available for purchase.

“I want people to know that I'm not being slowed down by cancer,” Ridlen says. “I am ready to continue working. I pretty much have a clean bill of health right now, and hopefully that won't change.”

___________________________________

Mr. Rid VIRGO-GO Birthday Cancer Benefit Party takes place on Saturday, August 31 at Double Wide at 3510 Commerce St. Doors are at 8:00 p.m., and show time is at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at discontinued. To donate to Ridlen's medical expenses, click here.