Berklee Presents Mambo Mania: Eguie Castrillo and the Berklee All-Stars Big Band’s Tribute to Eddie Palmieri

Eguie Castrillo and the Berklee All-Stars will present Mambo Mania: A Tribute to Eddie Palmieri, on Wednesday, April 1, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. The performance features Grammy Award–winning Puerto Rican trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, and bandleader Humberto Ramirez BM ’84, who will conduct a stellar big band composed of hand-selected students, joined by faculty and staff musicians including Tanya Darby, Jason Camelio, and Angel Subero.

The program will celebrate Palmieri’s iconic catalog, with performances of “Vámonos Pa’l Monte,” “Pa’ Huele,” “Ritmo Alegre,” “Adoracion,” “Puerto Rico,” and other beloved classics. Ramirez has also contributed three original compositions, including the debut of a piece dedicated to Palmieri.

Eddie Palmieri was a Grammy-winning pianist, composer, bandleader, and one of the most influential figures in Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. Palmieri rose to prominence with his groundbreaking 1961 ensemble La Perfecta, whose bold arrangements helped reshape the sound of salsa and Latin jazz. Over a six-decade career, he released nearly 40 albums that fused jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, funk and soul, earning eight Grammys, including the first-ever Grammy for Best Latin Recording in 1976 for The Sun of Latin Music.

The concert marks a special reunion for Castrillo and Ramirez, childhood friends whose decades-long musical connection brings added depth to the tribute.

“After 42 years since my graduation from Berklee, it is a dream come true to go back to my alma mater to perform with a new generation of talented musicians,” said Ramirez. “To share the stage with my childhood friend, professor Eguie Castrillo, and at the same time to pay tribute to Latin music legend and mentor Eddie Palmieri, brings me so much joy and pride.”

A leading voice in Latin jazz and contemporary tropical music, Ramirez has recorded more than three dozen albums and has shared the stage with Latin music luminaries including Willie Rosario, Marc Anthony, and Rubén Blades. His distinguished international career includes performances at the White House for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. As a producer, highlighted by a Grammy-winning collaboration with Olga Tañón, and through decades of performing, recording, and mentorship, Ramirez reflects both deep roots in Latin jazz and an enduring commitment to its future.

“It is a dream come true to welcome my dear friend Humberto Ramirez back to Berklee to share the stage with our amazing student artists,” said Castrillo. “We are excited to present the third iteration of this annual concert series that gives our students the chance to play with accomplished musicians like Humberto, as well as the opportunity to engage with the incredible catalogue of Latin music legends like Eddie Palmieri.”

Admission is $15 in advance and $20/$25 day of show, with discounted admission for Berklee students. Tickets are available online and at the Berklee Box Office.