Framingham musician Victor Mendoza will lead a free outdoor concert Thursday by Berklee students and faculty in Boston.
Looking back, Framingham resident Victor Mendoza describes himself as somewhat of a “crazy kid.’’ While his friends were watching television and listening to rock music, he was mastering percussion instruments and playing in jazz bands. Now a vibraphone and jazz professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of aspiring musicians.
On Thursday, Mendoza will lead a free outdoor concert performed by Berklee faculty, students, and guests from 7 to 9 p.m. at O’Day Park in Boston’s South End. The concert is the last event in the fifth annual Tito Puente Latin Music Series.
Born in Mexico, Mendoza is a well-respected composer and Latin jazz artist who has recorded and performed with artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio “El Negro’’ Hernández, and Antonio Sánchez. At this week’s concert, he will perform a newly developed dance music repertoire.
“A lot of people only think of Latin music as fiery, but we’ll be mixing it up while paying tribute to Tito,’’ Mendoza said. “If there are any couples out there, they’ll want to come along and dance.’’
The series is presented by Berklee College of Music, ParkARTS, and Villa Victoria Center for the Arts. For more information about the concert, call 617-927-1717 or go to berklee.edu/ events/summer.
CINDY CANTRELL 
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