Giving back through life-changing experiences.

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™
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Giving back through life-changing experiences.

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC ™
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Welcome ... EXPLORE ... stay connected ... JOIN US FOR AN EVENT ...

CLICK HERE FOR PUBLIC EVENTS

FROM THE MID-1950's THROUGH THE MID-2000'S, RALPH MERCADO WAS AT THE CENTER OF LATIN MUSIC.

Watch Lincoln Center RM Tribute Video

RALPH MERCADO, A legendary CULTURE WORKER

A visionary and innovator, Ralph Mercado opened many doors taking the popular New York music known as "salsa" all over the world. He staged global Latin music events and built a record label, publishing company, a video and film production arm, and a catalog of award-winning international hits that transformed music culture. 


The Mercado Project pays homage to Ralph Mercado's vision, work, and legacy as a family man and culture icon. By illuminating my father Ralph's history, the Mercado Project will also uncover the power of collecting and sharing our familial narratives, celebrating cultural diversity, and curating exhibits and spaces that offer bridges from the past to the present, and catapult to the future. 


Watch Interview segment on "Tiempo" (ABC TV)

Learn More About LEVERAGING CULTURE WORK

The Mercado Project was created with the intention to:

  • document and raise awareness about the history of a pioneering culture worker, Ralph Mercado
  • highlight cultural literacies from Afro-Latinx experiences
  • inspire students, teachers, parents, and adults of all backgrounds to explore their own family history and the legacy of greatness they possess


Find out more about our Signature Programs and how to bring MERCADO PROJECT to Your Location ...

Click here

THE EXHIBIT: A TIDBIT OF HIS-STORY

There's so much to know about the evolution of Latin music. The following is a just a little slice of a timeline. Mercado Project: The Man Behind The Music ™ is a journey through a significant 50 year span: touching upon the politics, the social life, the culture and the economics of it all.


It transcends the historic time period of the Salsa Explosion, from one of it's heaviest promotors, the legendary Ralph Mercado, through the eyes of his daughter Damaris L Mercado.   


Beyond the music, MERCADO PROJECT: The Man Behind The Music ™ highlights the passion, grit and perseverance of a visionary and pioneer, and the many examples of entrepreneurship of a man who took active steps towards “Making IT Happen”.


This video is a snippet of an exhibit held at Museum Village in the Mid-Huson Valley region of New York.  It is a walk through reflection of the day & community.  

Watch EXHIBIT Video

The Man Behind The Music

The Man Behind The Music

The Man Behind The Music

Since a young age, Ralph Mercado had been in love with Latin music.  Being first-generation to United States soil, he was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY,  where he started throwing dance parties in the mid-1950's as a teenager.  


His parents were of Puerto Rican and Domincan descent, and he was the youngest of 6 children. He took great p

Since a young age, Ralph Mercado had been in love with Latin music.  Being first-generation to United States soil, he was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY,  where he started throwing dance parties in the mid-1950's as a teenager.  


His parents were of Puerto Rican and Domincan descent, and he was the youngest of 6 children. He took great pride in being able to provide for his family since his father died suddenly when Ralph was only 16 years old.  


Ralph Mercado had a dream that he pursued to ensure he didn't live a life of poverty. He enriched his mind and focused on achieving his goals. While working in the garment district he made connections and grew his crew steadily, promoting and producing small shows and dances, making his mark as a promoter of the music known worldwide today. 

The Body Of Work

The Man Behind The Music

The Man Behind The Music

From the mid-1950's through the mid-2000's, Ralph Mercado was able to promote, present, book, manage, and executive produce numerous Latin music events, artists, recordings and bring the music to all corners of the world. 


Working with some of the greatest musicians, singers and talent he helped to further rise their fame and fortunes. No

From the mid-1950's through the mid-2000's, Ralph Mercado was able to promote, present, book, manage, and executive produce numerous Latin music events, artists, recordings and bring the music to all corners of the world. 


Working with some of the greatest musicians, singers and talent he helped to further rise their fame and fortunes. Notable artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Marc Anthony, La India, and many more were exposed to ever growing audiences and record sales. 


He produced Latin music concerts at elite venues such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Beacon Theatre and Radio City Music Hall.

Keeping The Legacy Alive

The Man Behind The Music

Keeping The Legacy Alive

As his daughter, I'm very fortunate to be a part of Ralph Mercado's legacy and feel it is my duty to share some of His-story along my journey in this lifetime. Having worked by his side for a few years running production and manufacturing for the RMM record label and working on concerts and music videos for several of the artists, I have 

As his daughter, I'm very fortunate to be a part of Ralph Mercado's legacy and feel it is my duty to share some of His-story along my journey in this lifetime. Having worked by his side for a few years running production and manufacturing for the RMM record label and working on concerts and music videos for several of the artists, I have a few stories to tell.


In these early stages, this Virtual Exhibit & Speaker Series are small but the significance is BIG.  MERCADO PROJECT: The Man Behind The Music ™ provides some behind-the-scenes insight, while connecting with culture, engaging in dialogue, and learning a few things.  We'll listen to some great music and hopefully dancing as much as possible.   I truly hope we are able to work together soon!


All the Best!

Damaris L Mercado

"Caring Community Conversations" High School Talk (video)

LATIN MUSIC MONTH & HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2022

PUBLIC EVENTS

August 7, 2022

"EL CONDADO DE LA SALSA" Beer Release Party

12pm

-

9pm ET

Bronx Brewery, NYC

Event Details

August 7, 2022

"EL CONDADO DE LA SALSA" Beer Release Party

We invite you to listen to live bands play beautiful Salsa music in the Yard of the Bronx Brewery as we Celebrate the launching of the Y SER...

Event Details

12pm

-

9pm ET

Bronx Brewery, NYC

SEPTEMBER 3, 2022

POP UP EXHIBIT: A COLLAB WITH MERCADO PROJECT & INTERNATIONAL SALSA MUSEUM

12pm

-

6pm ET

Times Square Marriott Marquis, NYC

Event Details

SEPTEMBER 3, 2022

POP UP EXHIBIT: A COLLAB WITH MERCADO PROJECT & INTERNATIONAL SALSA MUSEUM

Join us at the NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL SALSA CONGRESS for it's 20th year celebration. MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC will have a f...

Event Details

12pm

-

6pm ET

Times Square Marriott Marquis, NYC

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

SIEMPRE SALSA PHILLY @ LOVE PARK

6pm

-

9pm ET

LOVE PARK, Philadelphia PA

Event Details

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

SIEMPRE SALSA PHILLY @ LOVE PARK

Live music and dancing in the heart of Philadelphia in Honor of LATN MUSIC MONTH & the late music promotor RALPH MERCADO's far reaching infl...

Event Details

6pm

-

9pm ET

LOVE PARK, Philadelphia PA

SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2022

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC - EXHIBIT & TALK

12pm

-

7pm ET

GRIT WORKS, Newburgh, NY

Event Details

SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2022

MERCADO PROJECT: THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC - EXHIBIT & TALK

These EXHIBIT & TALK days are part of NEWBURGH OPEN STUDIOS annual weekend in the Hudson Valley region. Over 100 artists and collectors will...

Event Details

12pm

-

7pm ET

GRIT WORKS, Newburgh, NY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

*CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY of RALPH MERCADO ... THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC*

7pm

-

8pm ET

VIRTUAL

Event Details

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

*CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY of RALPH MERCADO ... THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC*

UPDATE: This VIRTUAL EVENT Honoring RM's Birthday has become private.


***PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOR RALPH MERCADO TODAY WITH A GLASS OF CH...

Event Details

7pm

-

8pm ET

VIRTUAL

More Events

ABOUT THE FOUNDER + CURATOR

Damaris L Mercado is a creator, producer, educator, mother of two budding men, and a daughter of the late music empresario Ralph Mercado. As a coach, consultant, teacher, archivist, and dedicated lifelong learner, Damaris launched this project to support her mission to document history, elevate culture, and empower people through community-based learning.


Click here to find out more about Her-Story and the work she does.

Interview en español - GX Network (video)

Please Support Us

Your contribution* will enable us to support our virtual programming efforts, bring community together and continue developing operations. 

We are very grateful for any amount you are able to give.


Click below for more info on how funding will support  MERCADO PROJECT: The Man Behind The Music™


*Donor Levels & T-Shirt


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