A LITTLE BIt of Background ...

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 (Ralph Mercado Presents), managed & booked artists (Ralph Mercado Management), and built a record label (RMM Records & Video Corp.), publishing company (Caribbean Waves & Crossing Borders), a video and film production arm (RMM Filmworks), and a catalog of award-winning international hits that transformed music culture. 

Ralph Mercado managed, booked, recorded and presented renowned artists such as:

• Tito Puente aka "El Rey Del Timbal" 
• Celia Cruz aka "La Reina De La Salsa"
• Eddie Palmieri
• Ray Barretto
• La India aka "La Princesa De La Salsa"
• Marc Anthony
• ... AND SO MANY MORE!!!

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 also uncovers 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. 

Damaris L Mercado is a creator, producer, educator, the mother of two budding men, and daughter of the late music empresario Ralph Mercado.

Encouraged by her father to learn how to make her own projects happen, she started working alongside him at the age of 16 behind the scenes. 

Being exposed to live event productions at such an early age ignited the passion for further exploration and developing her career as a producer, director and project manager.

Damaris wore different hats under the RMM empire, a musical umbrella, serving in roles such as production assistant, video producer, photographer, art director, production manager, and director of production for Ralph Mercado Presents and RMM Records & Video Corp.

Inspired by her past, present and future endeavors, coupled with today’s roles of coach, consultant, educator, artist, archivist, and dedicated lifelong learner … Damaris launched Mercado Project with a mission in support of Latin music by documenting some His- & Her-stories, curating experiences to elevate cultural understanding, and empower people through activities within community-based learning .

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