Giving back through life-changing experiences.
Giving back through life-changing experiences.
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.
The Mercado Project was created with the intention to:
Click Here to REQUEST the 2023 PROGRAM FLYER & QR codes.
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.
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.
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.
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
PUBLIC EVENTS ** Calendar for 2023 will be posted mid-Summer
Bronx Brewery, NYC
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...
Bronx Brewery, NYC
Times Square Marriott Marquis, NYC
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...
Times Square Marriott Marquis, NYC
LOVE PARK, Philadelphia PA
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...
LOVE PARK, Philadelphia PA
GRIT WORKS, Newburgh, NY
These EXHIBIT & TALK days are part of NEWBURGH OPEN STUDIOS annual weekend in the Hudson Valley region. Over 100 artists and collectors will...
GRIT WORKS, Newburgh, NY
VIRTUAL
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...
VIRTUAL
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.
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™
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