In the 1950s, America fell in love with mambo rhythms, and the best place to hear this electrifying music was at the Palladium Ballroom in New York City. Sold-out crowds came to see the now-legendary musical battles that took place between the giants of the genre: Machito, Tito Puente, pictured above, and Tito Rodriguez, otherwise known as The Big 3. This musical era is recreated by the Big 3 Palladium Orchestra, led by sons of the maestros and comprised of many musicians from the original bands. They perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at Hill Auditorium. Sponsored by the University Musical Society and Pfizer, 764-2538, or go to www.ums.org. (Photo by Roger Celestin/Corbis Sygma)